Domaine Simha, Rani Riesling, Tasmania

{screwcap, 12.5%} Cloudy appearance, in accordance with the vinification technique. Cloudy-tasting, furry texture. Developing character, with rockmelon and apple flavours, a grape-skin feeling too. There’s a real purity to this that shouts ‘this is riesling!’ Dry, unequivocally. Medium/full weight for riesling, but with softening out acid now. Dry, medium length finish. Interesting and, yes, satisfying wine. Minimal preservatives, so I think best before it’s ten years.

Cloudy bright yellow. Super floral; aromas of talc, white lily, underripe pineapple, nectarine, just really bright, explosive fruit. Super sharp acid. Blow your head off acid. But plenty of texture and flavour underneath. Some phenolics too, sort of a prickly, spicy energy. Maybe some skin contact? Considerable length driven out by that acidity. Really electric and alive feeling. Flavours unfurl as it coarses across the palate. Beautiful. I’ve been really interested to see the potential of Tassie Riesling when it’s …

6 Tasmania wineries Dec-19; 12/27/2018-1/2/2019 (Tasmania) : {screwcap, 11.5%, A$75} Derwent-based fruit in 2017. A bit cloudy too, but a small pour makes it hard to see. Youthful nose, with pineapple, apricot and a yeasty quality to the aromas. The palate is dry, high in acid, light-medium in body, with almost dirty fruit flavours, but dominated by gentle phenolic texture and finishing medium length.