Pirramimma (Australia) Late Harvest Riesling 1998
Pirramimma was a new name for me, but the estate is highly regarded. In his new book, Wines of Australia , James Halliday rates the winery as four stars (consistently producing high quality wines) and says: ‘Pirramimma has vineyard holdings second to none in the McLaren Vale. Wine quality has always been good, marketing less so. Interesting bargains are the result’. This wine suggests that quality i sindeed there, and the marketing must be hitting it’s stride too: this extra tall, elegant bottle would grace your Christmas, or any other dinner-party table beautifully. The wine is a cracker, with lots of luscious tropical fruit on the nose and palate. Notes of quince, sweet vanilla, marzipan and honey. Orange is the overriding fruit flavour – very marmalady – with peach and lime-jelly fruit and good acidity. Good, pure finish. Excellent dessert wine. UK stockist: Majestic 5.99 (50cl)
