Ulithorne ‘Epoch’ McLaren Vale Rosé 2021
- 91
- $27
- Drink by: 2022-2023
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Ulithorne has a long established reputation for quality McLaren Vale wines, even if they have been small quantity production levels and hard to find. Brilliant to see these wines now reaching a wider audience, and with eye-catching packaging. This is a fine Rosé made from 100% Mourvèdre, sourced from a single vineyard in McLaren Vale. The soil is described as ‘loam over limestone’. The team used the cool of night to ensure freshness of fruit when harvesting and the wine received just four hours of skin contact to provide that lovely pale pink colour, reminiscent of the last rays of a gentle sunset. Direct pressing, cold settling and tank fermentation for 18 days, followed by three months lees contact.
A delicate and elegant style (possibly not the first thing one thinks of with the region but here is compelling evidence that all things are possible). The resulting Rosé is ideal for chilling and enjoying over summer by the pool or at a picnic. Lovely flick of acidity carries the wine. There is good focus and decent length. Gentle flavours of strawberry notes and florals linger. Nicely perfumed. A drink now style and a lovely Rosé.
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.
