Skillogalee Riesling 2014
- 96
- $25
Share
I’m still not sure that there wasn’t a misprint somewhere along the line. A mature Clare Riesling from a top producer for this price ($25)? It makes no sense, but too often Rieslings are such great buying because they do not get the love they so richly deserve. And don’t be concerned about putting a case in the cellar, this has many years ahead of it. From vines more than fifty years of age, and a vineyard which is located some 500 metres above sea level. Only free run juice is used. Each block is fermented separately, which allows the team to assess their blending options more easily. A deep lemon yellow in colour, the nose immediately exhibits some complexity. Notes of lemon curd, spices, a hint of crème brûlée with touches of warm toast emerging – love this. So good to see a Riesling with maturity available, especially at this price. With bright acidity and good length, this is really impressive and a great drink now but there is no need to be in any hurry.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
