$20.00
'The Sum' range is starting to border on 'extreme' value. Castelli is well and truly established at the top of the Great Southern producers and the core range, in itself, is well priced. The Sum takes value to a new level.
The aromatics of this wine reflect the blending of the two great Riesling areas: Mt Barker gives rose petals and jasmine overlying crushed limes, whilst Frankland River contributes exciting grapefruit zest with hints of spice. These flavours carry onto the palate with the lime and grapefruit dancing across slatey natural acid to a satisfyingly dry finish. As with most Great Southern Rieslings this wine is very attractive and approachable in its youth, however for those with patience will be rewarded from 6-8 years careful cellaring.
A great addition to our mixed dozen
I don’t have the credentials to be writing a wine review, but since I’ve been asked, I’m happy to offer my opinion, for what it’s worth. Like a lot of others, I got sucked in to the Sauvignon Blanc thing in recent years, but I’m now a bit bored with it, and I’m trying some other options such as Pinot Gris and Riesling. I’ve tried a number of Rieslings….Petaluma, Pikes, (+others) and Annies Lane, and the latter has become a bit of a regular because it can often be bought inexpensively. I wouldn’t attempt to describe the qualities of any of these, except to say that I often notice a slightly ’syrupy’ quality that reminds me a bit of honey. I suspect the experts will know what I mean, and that it’s part of the deal with rieslings, but I’m not really sure I like it. The first thing I noticed with this ’The Sum’ Riesling, is that I’m not picking up that particular quality. I find it lighter and fruitier, and for me it had instant appeal. Having said that, I’ve only used one bottle so far, and I often find my reaction to a wine varies from one occasion to another….so I’m hoping (and expecting) that I’ll react similarly to the next bottle. My wife doesn’t normally get too enthusiastic about many wines, but she banged on and on about how much she liked this one. That alone will be enough to ensure I’ll be going back to Cloudwine for more! Oh….and I do like the winery’s ‘green’ credentials!