The Hunt for Mrs Oliver Fiano Sparkling LD 2016

2016 was the first ever release of this sparkling wine, a collaborative winemaking effort by two talented women in wine –Corinna Wright of Oliver’s Taranga and Deviation Road’s Kate Laurie. An abundant nose with plenty of complexity: a little cheesecloth, lemon pith, lime preserve and oodles of sea spray and a hint of fresh kelp. Inviting is an understatement. The palate shape shifts from ripe yet firm stone fruit to lemon sherbet to sea foam and summer med days. Then to limestone pith, the crunch of minerality and a firmer than firm phenolic structure. Fine mousse like a string of pearls and a bold yet balanced line of acidity holding a firm centre for a vision of sun-kissed holidays to play out. Fantastic persistence, and though there’s abundant fruit concentration on the mid palate and at its core, it’s the seashell savoury finish and toasty borders that linger and ups the delight factor. Full-bodied sparkler and distinctly South Australian. Fiano ages wonderfully, and this is proof it also sparkles like a gem. Limited release.

By Cassandra Charlick