From the first swirl of the glass, this brand new blend from First Ridge wines immediately announces its individuality.
A blend of Fiano and Vermentino was fermented for three weeks in a terracotta egg. I suspect this may have been the first experiment with this vessel at First Ridge. The rounded feels, time on skins and phenolics shine.
It opens with scents of lemons, lemon curd and white fleshed stonefruit. A sheet of citrus flowers and elderflower is draped over the top adding a delightful perfume. Mid-palate focused, the grip and green tea like texture from time on skins adds a chewy phenolic detail. A thread of soft spices ripples through with a lashing of cinnamon for good measure. The longer I sat with it, the more infatuated I became as it reminded me of an excellent textural Fiano I tasted late last year. Impressive, considered and superb drinking.
95/100
Region: Mudgee
