Michael Hall Roussanne 2012 (Barossa Valley, SA)
13.5%, Screwcap, $33
Source: Sample
www.michaelhallwines.com

This comes from the one of the Schutz vineyards – this one in Marananga – with a little from David Materne in Greenock. Who’d of thought that the western Barossa – which is prime Shiraz country – could produce varietal Roussanne?

Hand picked and whole bunch pressed, this spent 11 months on lees in barrel (just 12% new oak) and looks wonderfully Roussanne-ish. There is red apple, pear and supporting vanilla bean oak, the style mid-weight, the oak and lees giving an almost milky textural creaminess with apple juice acidity to finish.

I like this. I like how lively and yet sufficiently textural it is, ticking all the boxes you want Roussanne to tick. I’d drink it sooner, rather than later, as the balance is perfect now.

Drink: 2013-2015
Score: 17.7/20, 92/100
Would I buy it? I think a cheeky few glasses would be welcome.