Stunning WA Riesling: Xabregas Figtree Riesling 2011

Stunning WA Riesling: Xabregas Figtree Riesling 2011 (Mt Barker, WA)
12.8%, Screwcap, $40
Source: Sample
www.figtree.com.au

Each year the Xabregas Riesling bottles seem to get taller and the wines get better. This 2011 Figtree may well be the best under the label yet. Again I prefer the driest wine too, proving that just off-dry may well prove to be the winning formula for the vineyard.

This is produced from the Figtree vineyard which is dominated by the local pea gravel. As a result the ‘dirt’ is almost non-existent, a thin layer of organic matter over the top of the gravel. The resultant soil thus lends itself to dry, fuller bodied Riesling. pH 3.0. TA 8.6. RS 12g/l

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As ever this has a nose of density, of extract and power, the ripe and powerful fruit hard to contain. The tingling, nervy palate matches that nose with extractive, phenolic lemon/grapefruit fruit with just enough sweetness to carry things off, the length exceptional and the fruit power more than up to the task. That acidity is just a fraction firm but oh so natural and pure and lemony. A Grosses Gewächs in Mount Barker! 18.7/20 95/100