The Doctors Riesling 2007
The Doctors’ Riesling was grown on three distinctly different sites within the Wairau River Valley. Two sites are geologically young soils, predominantly made up of recently deposited Wairau river stone, gravel and silt – therefore free draining and devigorating. Riesling grown there has a delicate citrus (lemon and lime) flavour profile and most interestingly an amazing minerality – almost saltyin character. The third site is in the southern Brancott Valley on geologically older soil of crushed rock mixed with a portion of clay, still very free draining in nature, devigorating and ideal for premium grape growing. The riesling grown there has a much more exotic fruit flavour profile – stone fruit (apricot), citrus (mandarin) and spice (cinnamon). The Brancott site is also cooler allowing longer ripening time and the retention of greater acidity – racy/steely acid profiles. All fruit was machine harvested in the cool of the night, gently processed, cold settled and fermented cool (14°C) prior to blending, finishing and bottling in early August. The Doctors’ is a blend of 80% of the Wairau River gravel sites picked at 18 Brix and 20% Brancott Valley picked riper, and 14 days later, at 22 Brix.
Tasting Notes
Described brilliantly by Helen Morrison my assistant winemaker: "Toffee apples; sweet on the outside but apply and tart in the middle". It is all juicy granny smith apples, lemon sherbet and grapefruit flavours - sweet mid-palate (30g/l residual sugar) balanced with a zingy acidity to give a refreshing finish. It is lower in alcohol (8.5%) making it perfect for lunchtime, especially when you have to return to work. I love its intensity, poise, delicacy and sheer drinkability - a wine with that WOW factor! |
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