Two simply good drinks

Prager ‘Hinter der Burg’ Gruner Veltliner Federspiel 2007 (Wachau, Austria)
$36, Cork, 12.5%
Source: Retail

Given my obvious love of Riesling it’s probably of little surprise that I very much appreciate the charms of good Austrian Gruner, particularly in this dry, yet textural, Federspiel form.

A typically smart example, this has a quite ripe, yet soft nose (that would probably be even fresher under screwcap) showing white pepper and a hint of dried fruit. On the palate this is again soft and almost chubby in it’s expression, before a delightful twist of Gruner spice and phenolic grip that gives this real appeal and drinkability, before finishing dry and clean.
Tasty stuff indeed and a glorious match with mixed Tempura. 17.5/91

Woodstock Botrytis White 2005 (Mclaren Vale, SA)
$18, Screwcap, 10.5%
Source: Retail

What a delightful surprise this was. Produced from botrytised Semillon and with the fermentation stopped quite early, this Woodstock white was surprisingly fresh, offsetting its deeply toffeed, quince jam richness, with a light, yet suitably intensely flavoured palate. Everything you want in a full Australian sticky and without the heaviness, this went so well with pancakes, fresh banana and caramel sauce that the bottle was empty in no time. Yum. 17.6/91