I don't have much experience with Australian Riesling, maybe only a dozen bottles, but this was only a shadow of what I expected. Most of the ones I have had have been made in a very ripe, round almost thick style. Very lush and filled with fruit without being hot. In comparison, this bottling from the Clare Valley was very dry and thin. It was made more in a style resembling a Sauvignon Blanc but with the burst of tropical fruit. It was crisp and tart but not impressive. 84 points.

VM

I agree, VM. This one was a disappointment, especially since Grosset has a pretty good rep. It seemed to be lacking acidity, and therefore "energy".

I purchased a couple 2002 Clare Valley Reislings in Sydney (Petaluma and O'Leary Walker). The 2002 vintage is getting '01 German-type hype down there. Let's hope they taste better than this one.

Cheers,

Otis

The 01 Grossets are very austere in style. They are also a cellaring style that need 7+ years to show their best. Your disappointment would be related to the fact that you did not get what you were expecting perhaps. They are very very good wines...none better in this country really. The 02 Polish is even tighter if possible. Not a drink now. The Watervale is more approachable and floral.

The 02 Rieslings have been magnificent but don't expect too much sweetness. The 02 Petaluma will be closer to this being a later picked style (by comparison). Was the O'Leary the Watervale or the Polish. Both teriffic but the Polish is very very special.

I hate to agree with Gary, especially over matters c-though but he is right. There is nothing wrong with the wine, its the expectation that needs adjustment.

There are two very different and distinct styles of Oz Ry-sling. The first is normally steely dry and need 7-10 years and many of them will last decades.

The second is a lot more fruit forward and floral. As for Grosset's lacking acidity, that sounds "interesting."

Cheers
Ric

Gary/TORB,

Thanks for your notes. I haven't had alot of experience with Aussie Reislings, so this is all part of the education.

I tasted the Grosset immediately after a Cloudy Bay SB. That may help explain my impression of lack of acidity and general flatness. But for sure, it did not stand out in any way.

I haven't tried any '02 Reislings yet. The Petaluma and OLeary (which I think is the Watervale) are on their way from Sydney. On your advice, I'll lay 'em away for a few years and see what happens.

BTW TORB, I used your extensive notes from your website to pick out many of the wines I purchased, like the '98 Saltram No. 1 and the '99 Rockford Basket Pressed shirazes. Belated thanks.

Cheers,

Otis

Otis,
Drink at least a few of each now (especially the Petaluma) and then leave for a minimum of 5 years. The wine will go through a pretty boring stage from 2-5. It will just be a bit broad and petrolly. They need (I think) 6 years plus before coming round again.

PS. That Saltram No 1 is huge - like a black forest gateau. Two good wines there at very different styles for Barossa. The No 1 being modern and oaky and the Rockford being traditional and classy....not that I would know anything about the Barossa eh Ric :-)

Otis,

Gary is right!

quote:

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....not that I would know anything about the Barossa eh Ric :-)

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He doesnt, he only knows cause he reads everyones notes looking for the c-through and light elegant stuff

Glad you found the notes usefull. There is a new batch of them that has just been posted at West Australian Tour Diary but it may take a while to load, its about 40 pages!

Cheers
Ric