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For the Kiwis: Stoneleigh Riesling,2001 &2002, which to

Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2003 3:48 pm
by Martin Phillipson
Hi all

Miracle of miracles my local Stalinist monopoly has actually started to stock a wine I might want to buy! They currently have the 2001 & 2002 vintages of Stoneleigh Riesling. I loved it when I lived in NZ and really like its Germanic style. I also like the fact it cellars well. So, Sue, Craig et al. Which vintage to buy? It's about $12 a bottle so both is an option.

Thanks in advance

MP

Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2003 10:30 am
by SueNZ
Looking back at my notes, I thought the 2001 would age well. My two notes for this wine are:

Stoneleigh Marlborough Riesling 2001
(13% alc. by vol. 7.2gL acid, residual sugar unknown but less than 7.0gL as considered 'dry' rather than 'medium' for judging purposes.)
Vibrant lemon and lime aromas and flavours. Juicy and full-flavoured in the mouth. Lots of acid but balanced. Long finish with floral notes. 15Jun2002.
Dryish and a little tart at first but lovely sweet honeyed fruit and a richness that builds up in the mouth. Will age well. 27Aug2002.

I've tasted the 00 vintage more recently. I obviously thought it a very good wine. There are three notes on my website - www.wineoftheweek.com.
Stoneleigh Marlborough Riesling 2000
(13% alc. by vol. 7.8gL acid, 5.0gL rs.)
Honeysuckle and citrus aromas. A yeasty nuttiness at first, then spice, honey and powerful flavours of grapefruit and lemons as the richness develops in the palate. A dry, wonderfully refreshing style with warm honey, the merest hint of beeswax and juicy citrus that lingers well. This is a wine I consider a benchmark for Marlborough riesling. It is a wine that has heritage and the ability to age. 1Oct2001.
Fragrant, floral, pear aromas. lemons, a touch of honey, good acidity, no lime. Quite juicy and refreshing with a touch of musk. Says 'dry' but has fruit sweetness. Full body. Excellent length. Benchmark Marlborough wine. Cuisine Top-10 tasting. 12Jun2002.
Yellow gold in colour, this wine smells lush and ripe. It's dry, spicy, earthy, nutty and limey with hints of stonefruit and a honeyed toastiness developing on the lingering lime-flavoured finish. It's a full rich and powerful Riesling and though it is technically dry, there's a hint of residual sweetness in there that gives it a well deserved nod of approval. 29Jan2003.

Cheers,
Sue