Out of Step Lone Star Creek Yarra Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2014

This is one of the more tasty wines in the Out of Step portfolio methinks. A fumè, but more ‘fumè lite’ than the ‘creamed asparagus’ mode seen in other oaked Sauvs.

Sourced from the Lone Star Creek vineyard (which sells fruit to quite a few notable makers), this was barrel fermented with some lees stirring and a short oak maturation. No surprises that it’s reflected on the nose, which is enriched with banana cream and lime, the barrel ferment showing its hand in textural softness. What makes this enjoyable is that the palate balance is very good, the oak and lees backing off to allow more gooseberry and grapefruit acid to remind you of its Savviness.

I didn’t mind this at all. That oak is just a little raw, but the ‘fruit-with-a-side-of-barrel’ style seems quite sorted.

Not bad at all!

Tasted: Feb. 2015, Sample
Best drinking: 2015-2018
Score: 17.7/20, 92/100
Would I buy it? On a list, I’d drink two glasses of this no sweat.
Buy online: Farmhouse Direct