Coopers Creek Ries L/H Res 09 375Ml

Coopers Creek Reserve Marlborough Late Harvest Riesling 2009 (19.0+/20), at 8.5% alc, with 200 g/l rs, fruit from Dog Point Road. Bright straw-golden colour, this had a voluminous and intense nose of pristine honied, marmalade-like botrytis with subtle lime and floral aromas. Very sweet on palate, this was supremely elegant in proportion, with absolutely no cloying at all. Rich and lush, but refined and cleanly balanced, the pure flavours of noble rot supported by Riesling florals was magical. This had lovely freshness and real length.  RC Apr 10

The Reserve Late Harvest Rieslings from Coopers Creek have been an irregular release as the fruit selection is based only on the most noble infected grapes that show no brown rot or any sign of imperfection. This 2009 wine is the first since 2004! It was made from fruit from a mature Dog Point Road vineyard that was hand picked bunch by bunch. The grapes were heavily botrytised at 36.9 Brix and exceptional. Fermented with a Sauternes yeast selected for its ability to perform in high sugar must, the resultant wine has 8.5% alc and 200 g/l residual sugar. It is a favourite of assistant winemaker Nigel Wright and we can see why. Straw yellow in colour, the bouquet is quite sensational. Honey, marmalade, talc and apricots of pure botrytis fill the nose. On palate, the wine is rich and sweet, yet remarkably ‘light on its feet’. There is richness from the unctuous textures and an unmistakable decadence, but with restraint. The high level of sugar is superbly balanced by the acidity, and the mouthfeel is soft. The wine is sufficiently gentle to serve as an aperitif, but it will work well with lighter desserts. Gold medal at the 2009 International Aromatics Competition and well-deserved.  RC Feb 10

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