WINE: Peter Lehmann The Barossa Riesling and Jack & Knox Frostline Riesling, plus Picks of the Bunch.
BOTTLES OF THE WEEK
Peter Lehmann The Barossa Riesling, Barossa Valley 2003. This column has been Lehmann-drenched recently, I know - but it would be crazy to skip this rich, spicy, Riesling with its long, clean, lime finish while it's still on offer at an amazingly low price. To enjoy by itself or with light food. From Superquinn; Martha's Vineyard, Rathfarnham; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Greenacres, Wexford; Ardkeen, Waterford; O'Donovans, Cork; Vineyard, Galway; Gaffneys, Ballina & Castlebar and others, currently on promotion at 7.99.
Jack & Knox Frostline Riesling, Swartland 2003. I was intrigued to discover this South African Riesling from leading winemaker Bruce Jack in Cape Town in March. And even more intrigued to rediscover it in Dublin! From a vineyard 1,000 metres above sea level - cool enough, even in summer, to preserve Riesling's subtle flavours and razor-sharp acidity - it's a wine of mouthwatering intensity and mineral depth. Best with a meal. Try it with a chicken salad or a slice of seafood pie some warm evening soon. From Oddbins, 13.99
PICKS OF THE BUNCH
Mitchelton Blackwood Park Riesling, Victoria 2002/3. With classic petrol and honey aromas and ripe, pineappley fruit, this recent Bottle of the Week is a fat, flavoursome, super-friendly Aussie. From Dunnes Stores, 9.99
Coonawarra Vineyards Riesling 2003. Honey, lime and orange are the keynotes in this easy-going, off-dry version - a good bet for spicy food. From Marks & Spencer, 9.99.
Jacob's Creek Reserve Riesling, South Australia, Orlando Wyndham 2003. Still young and tight but full of promise, this is a serious wine - bracing, bone-dry and long. It needs food. From Martins, Fairview; Lord Mayor's, Swords; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Redmonds, Ranelagh; Vintry, Rathgar; Sky & Ground, Wexford; Harvest, Galway & Oranmore; Bradleys, Cork and many others, about €12.95.
Pewsey Vale Riesling, Eden Valley 2003. One of the Aussie greats in the mid-price bracket, finely tuned, lively and set for a long life. From Cabot & Co, IFSC; Donnybrook Fair, Donnybrook; Teggarts, Rathgar; Kellys, Clontarf; Chester Beatty, Ashford; Grape Escape, Lucan; Macs, Limerick; Thomas Woodberries, Galway and many others, about €14.50.
Framingham Classic Riesling, Marlborough 2001. Tasty off-dry New Zealander, low in alcohol but with plenty of flavour. Another winner with Asian food. From Corkscrew, Chatham St; Molloys; Kellys, Clontarf; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Capranis, Ashford, 14.95-15.95.
Howard Park Riesling, Western Australia 2001. Gloriously rich, characterful wine which seems to dance across the palate leaving a trail of pineapple and citrus. From James Nicholson, www.jnwine.com, 16.95.