Ray Costanzo knows how to Vermentino. He's made it his mission and this new release 2018 doesn't miss a beat.
Made with natural yeast, a portion was barrel fermented in new French oak.
It's such a refined style of the variety. The charming thing is that each vintage is made differently due to the fact Costanzo is governed by his vineyard. Anyone can make coca cola year in year out but working with the elements is one of the defining keys of a classy winemaker. Case in point, a touch of skin damage from hail has seen this made with a different approach to the edgy and super impressive 2017.
Clean fruit arrived in the winery thanks to rigorous work from the pickers. More limey than the usual lemony goodness expected, a dollop of Semillon (5%) was added to broaden the palate. Licks of texture are cradled by refreshing and crisp fruit. There's an evocative persistence which urges a repour, and perhaps I'll oblige again and again. A large pour beckons as summer and sand is calling. Brilliant!
Drink now to three years
95/100
Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $28
Source: Sample
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