I was pleased to receive this sample as I’ve read plenty about Alex Retief, but despite Canberra being one of my favourites local regions I hadn’t yet gotten the chance to try anything from this winery. The Sauvignon blanc fruit was sourced equally from the Revee Estate vineyard in Tumbarumba and from the Ravensworth vineyard in Murrumbateman. The fruit was fermented in French barriques for 10 months on lees and 450 dozen were produced.
Variety: 100% Sauvignon blanc
Region: Tumbarumba and Murrumbateman
Country: Australia
Winemaker: Alex Retief
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 12.5%
RRP: $28
Source: Sample
Winery Website: A.Retief
Tasted from Zalto White Wine stemware.
Tasting Note: Aromas of peach, green apple and passion fruit, with just a hint at grass and sugar snap peas in the background. The oak is not at the fore on the nose, but it shows more influence on the palate giving the wine a smoky edge in addition to more prominent grass and tropical fruit flavour. There is balance through a razor like core of acidity, exactly how I like it to be.
Enjoyable to drink overall, and it delivers interest through the texture and structure. 90/100
This is one of the better Sauvignon blanc based wines I’ve had this year. Others that have particularily stood out in the last year were all from Sancerre and included;
2011 Gérard Boulay La Comtesse Monts Damnés
2010 Alphonse Mellot Edmond
2010 Domaine Etienne et Sébastien Riffault Akméniné
2010 Domaine Pascal Cotat Les Monts Damnés
When to Drink: Now while it is fresh and the acid maintains its edge, though it has the structure to hold over the next 2-3 years. 2013-2016