Alan Varney has a knack for tinkering with a few things and pulling out a gem. Here we go again with this Arinto. Potentially a one-off and part of the experimental Expressions of Interest range, this is an absolute cracker particularly if you dine out on some textural interest.
Tasted alongside the Lino Ramble Dot to Dot Arinto 2024, both samples were sent together to showcase the fact that they came from the same site and were harvested on the same date but were at the mercy of two different winemakers.
Planted in 2018, the vineyard in Blewitt Springs makes the most of its elevated position with cooler nights from the sea breezes coming off the Gulf of St Vincent. Curiously, it is said that these vines use a fraction of the water compared to the Shiraz on the adjacent block. The vines dig their feet into a mix of quartzite, sandstone and siltstone soils.
The fruit in this case was split with 50% wild yeast fermented on skins for 7 days then combined with the remaining fruit that also went through wild yeast fermentation.
Light straw in appearance, scents of lemon myrtle, peach ice tea, yellow flowers, juicy peaches and Bickford's lime cordial skip from the glass. Time on skins has clearly had an impact that has built texture and shape.
A wine with a thrilling flow, it glides about with ease. Slivers of almonds, ginger beer, star anise and fine ginger spices are etched into its fabric and rise up the longer it sits in the glass. Oozing classic autumnal sundowner appeal, I could recline and sip this slow for some time. It's really impressive stuff.
Drink to three years.
94/100
Region: McLaren Vale
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