Freycinet Radenti 2000
$50, Cork, 12.5%
Source: Cellar Door
http://www.freycinetvineyard.com.au/

Freycinet Radenti 2000

60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir. 8 years on lees.

Serious stats for an Australian sparkling, and part of the reason why this works.

Surprisingly enough it’s actually quite lean and svelte, even after it’s 8 yrs on lees. On the nose it’s very much driven by yeast development, with a nutty richness overlaying some fine lemon fruit. Palate too is dry and restrained, showing plenty of macadamia nut creaminess and surprisingly little fat – it’s rich and full, no question, but not in a chubby overdeveloped form. Finish is just a bit brittle, which stops this from super high marks, yet refreshment value is still very high.

Overall this is a very solid – and still somewhat youthful – Australian sparkling with plenty of appeal. I’d like to see just a fraction more power, but that is very much a personal preference (for the more weighty style of bubbly). Good wine regardless. 17.6/91