Simon J Woolf
This is one of a small range of “micro-vinifications” made by Maria Elena Jimenez and Marta Casas (the two winemaker sisters in law). It’s not my favourite in this series. A bit hot and heavy, lacking in acidity and freshness. Very salty and briney, with a hint of soya sauce on the nose. Ripe apricot
Simon J Woolf
Heinrich’s 2018 vintage is the first where his orange wines (the ever-expanding Freyheit line) were fermented and aged entirely in amphorae. They were frankly wonderful before. Now they are extraordinary. Moving to clay rather than large format oak has enhanced the fruit purity, softened the texture and made everything feel more focused and bright. Despite
Simon J Woolf
This is a special cuvée, made to celebrate the winery’s first year of production. Here the skin contact was extended, and the blend is just Vitovska and Malvasia Istriana – again fermented in stone vats. It’s weightier and more harmonious on the palate than the regular “Marmor” blend, with green plum, nice mineral notes and
Simon J Woolf
This “Orange wolf” is very spicy and zesty with an extraordinary nose that reminds me of pine needles, Frankincense or other incense rocks. Packed with exotic kiwi and kumquat fruit notes, beautiful acidity and a zesty finish. This has really come together well since I last tasted it two year ago – back then it
Simon J Woolf
Following the truly outstanding 2016 (this winery’s virgin bottling), this new vintage really holds its own. The 33% percent of the incredibly rare Chitishvala seems to add a real lift, and a certain herbal pungency. There’s also loads of baked apple, papaya and sharon fruit, with a typically earthy, dense and thrilling structure. It’ll be
Simon J Woolf
I am amazed by the consistent quality of everything I’ve tasted from Pepe Mendoza, a winemaker with years of experience who started out working in a very conventionl way (for large wineries) and has now paired his winemaking and viticulture back to the most minimal and natural methodology possible. I was a bit scared of
Simon J Woolf
Peter Radovic’s first bottled vintage. Pure Vitovska, fermented in vats made from Carso limestone (a similar concept to Ben Zidarich’s Kamen I guess). Subtle notes of fresh herbs on the nose, hinting at jasmine/green tea, pear and cream. Nice mid-palate texture. Hint of phenolics, but its very subtle and elegant in terms of texture. Feels
Simon J Woolf
From a young and hyped winemaker who did not yet own any quevris, this is a very accessible Rkatsiteli, fermented with only a few weeks’ skin contact in stainless steel tanks. There’s attractive yellow plum fruit, raisin and a hint of caramel. There are typically grippy tannins that don’t dominate, so the wine as a
Simon J Woolf
Attractively chalky and crisp, with a nice nuttiness and zest. Pear fruit, a bit of lees texture (there was some battonage). A great, easygoing wine that has character and drinkability – nothing profound but does exactly what it needs to do.
Simon J Woolf
Fleshy yellow plums, quite ripe on the nose with a hint of pine. Lovely chunky texture, really substantial tannins that are nonetheless ripe. There’s a burst of lemon juice and honey, but quite a short finish. Overall, this isn’t quite as zesty or charming as the 2016. This “Orange wolf” has a different technical approach