Hither & Yon McLaren Vale Rosato 2016

We’re missing a trick here in Australia by not celebrating Muscat. Fortified Muscat score attention, sure, but otherwise Muscat is not treated with the respect it deserves.

This Hither & Yon explores what can be done. The source material is a heritage clone of Muscat Rouge a Petit Grains from a plot planted in 1988. Previously the juice went into making a sweet moscato, but the decision to make a dry (2.7g/L) style Rosato (of sorts) is a good one. Great packaging too.

Immediately there is Muscat juiciness bursting out with lychee fruit goodness. Love that smell. Given the grapiness, it’s a surprise really that this isn’t sweet. Intrigue. Long, and open palate has very gentle acidity and a light finish. It’s not profound, but it’s not meant to be either. Captures the Muscat fruit perfectly.

This will be a massive hit. Best drinking: 2016-2017. 17.5/20, 91/100. 12.5%, $29. Would I buy it? I’d go a few glasses of this easy.