Bigger Than Your Head, Fredric Koeppel

"Actually, the title of this post is a misnomer. What I offer today, in the first Weekend Wine Notes of 2019, are 10 wines that rate Excellent and two that rate Exceptional, the latter both pinot noirs from different regions of California. Also included in this diverse roster are a Gewurztraminer 2012 from Alsace; a chardonnay from Sonoma Coast; two sauvignon blancs, one from New Zealand, the other from Tuscany; a monumental cabernet/shiraz blend from Australia’s McLaren Vale region as well as an equally monumental 100 percent shiraz from Padthaway; two wines from Costières de Nîmes in the Southern Rhone Valley, one white, one red; a Spätlese Riesling from Rheingau, in Germany; and a stylish merlot from Walla Walla, Washington. As usual in these Weekend Wine Notes, I eschew the technical, historical and geographical data that I dote on for the sake of quick and incisive reviews ripped, as it were, from the pages of my scribblings and designed to pique your interest and whet your palate. Enjoy! In moderation, of course.

Mt. Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc 2017, North Canterbury, New Zealand. NA% alc. Very pale straw-gold color; lime peel and grapefruit, celery seed and leaf, hint of caraway; lavish with roasted lemon, quince and ginger; very dry, with the pent energy of vibrant acidity and crystalline limestone; real presence and personality; altogether fresh, clean and scintillating. Excellent. About $16, representing Great Value."

View the article HERE.

Have a minute to spare? Check out this short video review on our 2016 Mt. Beautiful Riesling featuring Mike Landucci of Wine Weirdos and Allison Levine of Please the Palate.

The Real Reviews, Bob Campbell MW

2017 Mt. Beautiful Riesling

95 Points, Gold Medal – “Top Ranked”

“Very attractive and accessible riesling with appealing floral, citrus, lime zest and subtle chalky mineral flavours. The wine is technically dry, but has just enough sweetness to react with deliciously fruity acidity giving a very pleasing tension.”

Ranked #13/63 Rieslings tasted

In 2018 we had the opportunity to purchase an additional parcel of farmland, connecting our existing farm and vineyard properties in Spotswood. 

This new acquisition is being converted to a Pinot Noir vineyard featuring 300 rows, 30,000 vines and covering six hectares (14.8  acres). 

On average it can take up to three years to produce grapes worthy of harvesting and producing wine with. This estimate is based on a number of factors including how well the vine is tended to, soil types, sunlight, pruning techniques, etc.

 

The photo above shows new posts being placed by machine. 

Photos: Garrick Guy, Vineyard Manager