Astrolabe Discovery Grovetown Riesling 2008 (Marlborough, NZ)
$23.95, Screwcap, 12.5%
Source: Sample
www.astrolabewines.co.nz

Whilst I love Riesling, I’m not totally convinced by Marlborough Riesling. It can be drinkable enough, sure, but it never quite tastes unique enough to justify excitement. This is definitely a smarter example though, with no shortage of intensity.

That intensity is obvious from the first whiff, with a nose that is heavy with kerosene development and some quite dense orange rind fruit. It’s volatile, quite heady and surprisingly chunky, all things considered, though maybe a little too much for real satisfaction.

The palate too is powerful, with more orange fruit, lemon meringue richness, firm acidity and some really serious length. All in all it packs quite a mouthful of flavour, though I couldn’t help but want for some more refinement (and a smidgen less sugar).

Still plenty to like here. 16.5/88