I like the word ‘Vermentino’.  When I say it, I feel I don’t have to put any emphasis on any of the characters.  They seem to speak for themselves.  When the word adorns a bottle of wine, I have a whole new ‘like’ for the word because it means the fermented grape juice inside is Vermentino.  Speak to friends of mine and they will tell you of my enthusiasm for this variety.  If I find one you can just about bet London to a brick I will buy it to try it.  I have the Yelland & Papps team to thank for the introduction to the variety way back when, and I will be forever grateful.

Yes, it’s a little cloudy but nothing to be concerned about.  Take in the aromas and that cloudiness will be a thing of the past.  Aromatically it has citrusy notes, hints of apricot and funk ‘n’ spunk.  Oh yeah!  There’s a freshness on the palate as stone fruit characters come to the fore along with a cashew/almond/hazelnut-iness.  Loved the soft textural feel on the palate with just a hint of spiceyness providing a nice dimension and some acidity chiming in.  This is a balanced beauty.  My memory is not that great but I am comfortable in saying this vintage would have to be up there with one of their best.  But they are always ‘the best’ so, not much more needs to be said really.

Region: Barossa Valley, SA     Price: $45     Source: Sample thanks heaps to Yelland & Papps