WTN: Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling 2005

13.0% A/V Cork sealed $22 Clare valley South Australia

A surprise replacement on the shelf of a local wine shop who’d just sold out of the 2007!

Pristine infantile colour of bright white/green with a whisper of pale straw. Quite reticent bouquet on opening, far greater and more perplexing aromatics on day two, revealing earthy minerals, river pebbles, subtle lime, pear and pomegranate with the merest suggestion of redcurrant. The palate displays an immaculate line, houses an abundance of crunchy citrus fruit, an inviting minerality, simply marvellous acid cut and impeccable carry. For such a terrific Riesling nearing its third birthday to show such understatement in its development, a long drinking window must be forecast. Quality of this wine is beyond reproach. 93+ points. A marvellous sibling to cellar and compare over the next several years to the outstanding 2002.

David, nice note for all us Petaluma fans. I wonder if you could talk about the `03, I have 2 bottles here.

David, nice note for all us Petaluma fans. I wonder if you could talk about the `03, I have 2 bottles here.

Bob,

I have a few of these lurking (in the dungeon) myself!

The following is a tasting note I wrote late 2003; I cannot remember the condition/quality of the last bottle of 2003 I opened, but I know I drank several soon after opening this bottle, probably during the early part (our summer) of 2004. I know the box in which they've been resting and I'll dig one out, in due course, and file a TN for your information.


Thought this pretty darn good at release compared to the 2002 at the same time (the '02 was all bath powder and high acid initially, transforming into something quite special some months later)

So with many reports, here and elsewhere, fundamentally suggesting the '03's "not a patch on the '02", thought I'd crack another to see what it's doing with 6 months in the bottle.

Starbright with the palest of straw/green. Slight reduction on the nose; mostly lime, pear and apple with some classy input from slate/minerals. Relativey fat on the palate with expansive fruit (as per nose), a little sweetness, some nicely judged acid and quite a good minerally finish. Drinks like it needs to be drunk sooner than later. With 13.1% A/V, I will drink most of these before trying another 2002. Relatively straightforward/correct wine without much 'wow' factor. Rated as Highly Recommended, but a downgrade on my initial reactions.