Xabregas Mount Barker Riesling 2014

 

There’s a broadness in these 2014 Great Southern Rieslings that I’m not enamoured with. A warm year, producing chunky, pineappley wines – or alternatively some lean, early-picked examples.

This sits in the middle. Green straw coloured, this has a tight lemon lime palate that is driven by acidity, a dash of sherbet fruit sweetness over a firm, lemon grapefruit palate. It’s not hard-edged acidity, but it’s a struggle to see much beyond simple structure and a little sugar to finish. The length is great, but the sweet and sour style just doesn’t feel right this vintage.

I think this will look much better with some age. It may well just broaden out and fall over, but that acidity suggests against that. Hold.

Details: 12.7%, Screwcap, $23
Tasted: May 2015 (sample)
Best drinking: 2018-2025?
Score: 16.8/20, 89/100
Would I buy it? Not yet.
Buy online: Xabregas website