The format here is simple: 2 brackets of similar wines, 3 wines in each bracket, with the competitors in each bracket pitched against each other in a classic wine vs wine brawl. For each bracket I’ve picked several likely competitors to make for a more even fight (though to pitch them against each other blind might have been even fairer) at reasonably comparable prices.

Let the bout begin!

Wine 1

A very green fruited nose that is almost grapefruit, with plenty of slate and green apple. It’s a rather tight lemon slate nose, not revealing much, but so perfectly classic and authentic, contrasting with the power of the Mountadam in the best possible way (green fruit vs more yellow green for the Mountadam if you get my drift). Palate is initially quite soft, but in a natural acid sort of unforced way, finishing long and dry. Complete and appealing with plenty of potential I really love this fashion of genuine ‘green’ Eden Rizza. 17.4/91

Nose is a little less defined and slatey than the Elderton, though not as punchy as the Mountadam, with just a snifter of green pea and honey development. More rounded than the Elderton too, with some gardenia like florals and a bit of sweet fruit on the nose. A bit of honeysuckle too. Lovely lemon slate flavours on the palate which is slightly sweeter than the Elderton, but it seems to work well here. Sugar noticeable through the finish, which is broader than the Elderton and lacks the big flavour intensity of the Mountadam.

Marginally the third place getter in this bracket, but for the dollars this is an excellent commercial wine, showing the sort of balance that is unheard of in any other white wine under $15. 17.3/91

The real winner? Eden Valley Riesling of course, which proved yet again that Riesling, in this classic form, is the best value white wine in the nation.

Bracket 2 (the premier bracket?) to follow tomorrow.