White Wine Henschke Julius Riesling 2021. The Henschke family have been wine-makers for over 150 years, since Johann Christian made the gruelling voyage from Brandenburg and planted his first vineyards in Barossa, in 1862. Now the winery is led by fifth-generation wine-makers Stephen and Prue, with help from the next generation of Henschke’s, Johann, Justine and Andreas. As is already evident from such a long-lasting legacy, the Henschke’s take good care of their South Australian home. They harvest from vineyards all over the Barossa region, including Eden Valley, a highly renowned and high-altitude sub-region that serves as the origin for this concentrated Riesling. Pale yellow with reflections of green, this 100% Riesling wine bursts with character. Refreshing aromas of lime, white flowers, and orange peel waft from the glass. It is tart and focused in the mouth, flavours of grapefruit juice and lime zest are balanced by sweet notes of peach. On the long finish, this wine also exhibits a strong minerality and an appealing flintiness. Eden Valley’s vineyards are planted at approximately 500 metres above sea level, perfect for producing age-worthy Rieslings. This wine has years ahead of it, but can also be enjoyed right now. Serve it chilled with some seafood, light green salads, or buttery asparagus.
2021
White Wine Henschke Julius Riesling 2021
White Wine Chateau Leoube Blanc de Leoube 2021. Drink it now. No need to decant. Created around the 14th century, the Château Leoube was bought in 1997 by Lord Anthony Bamford, an English industrialist who decided to completely restore it. Since 2000, Leoube has been managed by Romain Ott, an engineer specializing in oenology and from a winegrowing background. The 560 hectares of Chateau Leoube, 68 of which are dedicated to vines and 23 to the cultivation of olive trees, are located by the sea facing the islands of Hyères in Bormes les Mimosas. The development work of the vineyard and the olive grove has made it possible to cultivate the plots of Domaine Leoube in organic farming. Léoube is the rising estate in the Côtes de Provence appellation and produces some of the best wines of Provence. Blanc de Leoube is a refreshing blend of Semillon and Vermentino. In the glass, it has a pale straw color. The elegant nose offers a complex bouquet of floral, mineral, and white pulp fruit notes. On the palate, the wine is at the same time round and fresh. The sweetness and crunchiness of the fruity notes bring a perfect balance. Serve between 10° C and 12° C as an aperitif or with blue fish, shellfish, white meats, vegetables, and soft cheeses.
2021
White Wine Chateau Saint-Maur L’Excellence Blanc 2021. Built in the 19th century, the historic Chateau Saint-Maur occupies a picture perfect setting just 10km from Saint-Tropez between the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif des Maures mountains. The estate is considered one of the region’s finest, and in 1955 it was one of just 22 Côtes de Provence wineries to be elevated to Cru Classé status. Today the property is owned by Roger Zannier who works alongside his son-in-law Marc Monrose to produce top quality rosé wines as well as a small quantity of red and white wines. This elegant white is made from the local Rolle grape which is often used in the region’s ethereal rosé wines. The grapes are planted on top quality calcareous soils and vinified without barrel ageing to produce a light, crisp white wine which is ideal for sipping on hot summer days, ideally by the pool or a seafood restaurant by the sea. In the glass it has a gorgeous light gold hue with enticing aromas of white peach, ripe apricot, honeysuckle and poached pear. The first sip reveals a bright streak of acidity, luscious stone fruit flavours and a pure, clean finish with hints of Mediterranean herbs.
2021