Only two opened this week.
Crabtree Watervale Riesling 2001
This particular bottle was far more advanced than Robert Crabtree probably would want; golden colour, full of lime, apples, honey and toast and perhaps offering a modicum of drinking enjoyment today, if it wasn't mildly
corked! NR.
Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling 2002
This bottle boasts a youthful bright straw colour, a bouquet revealing a little awkwardness at first with slightly offputting green pineapple and herbal notes but with an extended breathe, came into its own showing the greatness of this label and the vintage, throwing off this typical "Aussie Riesling" transitional malaise, with penetrating musky aromas and flavours of slate and chalky minerals over a tight core of lime, apple and pithy citrus fruit. The tightness of structure on the palate is braced by perky, crystalline acidity providing freshness and focus on a long, razor-sharp, citrus-infused finish. This is superior Australian Riesling and, without a doubt, destined to be long-lived developing more toast and honeyed characters as it ages effortlessly for another eight to ten years and, quite possibly, some years longer.
93 points. 12.8% A/V. Cork closure.
