In my office I have a desk, computer, phone, bookshelf and coat rack and, because it is an internal office, what I don’t have is a view to speak of. Everyday, at least once, I make a point of deliberately going for a walk to get out of the office and breathe in some fresh air. Within an easy five minute walk of where I work is a place called the University Rose Garden.
It is not a very big garden and not that long ago it was alive with roses at different stages of bloom. Looking down on it from further up the embankment, it is a thing of structure and wild beauty at the same time.
Walking past it at street level the different coloured flowers seem to be individually grouped yet blend seemlessly like a fan shaped rainbow (if you know what I mean) as you cast your eyes over it slowly from one side to the other. When I take the time to sit in the centre paved area, the tranquility is such that it’s like the rose bushes are screening the nearby traffic noise, allowing me to enjoy the space before having to return to the confines of my office.
This truly delightful sparkling wine is similar in that it is also a thing of structure and beauty, easily appreciated by anyone having the pleasure of enjoying it. Thanks to it being 100% Pinot Noir, the colour is a lovely coppery orange covered in a coating of fine bubbles that seem to have their own filling of complex aromas. It’s nicely perfumed (almost like walking through the aforementioned rose garden), strawberries come to the fore, there’s a fresh citrusy zing and a slight sweet biscuity note. This is all very attractive but it doesn’t prepare you for the next step. Tasting it.
Goodness me. The palate! Quite incredible fruit intensity. Think strawberries, raspberries, red cherries and a nice touch of citrusy acidity. It’s beautifully smooth and textural with great width, depth and balance on the finish. It’s really something else and I’ve been lucky enough to have tried many a sparkling wine.
If there was a rosé garden in Australia, this would be the showpiece.
Region: Yarra Valley, Vic Price: $150 Source: Generous Gift.
Words from a Wine Glass 