2011 Grüner Veltliner $40
;)
2011 was a challenging year - with our annual rainfall falling in the 3 months September, October and November 2010. However, with careful management and our Biodynamic farming practices, we were able to keep the Lark Hill Vineyard clean and disease free without chemical inputs.
A cool Summer and mild Autumn resulted in a return to our normal long-term average heat summation, giving delicate flavours, vibrant acidity and a lower final alcohol.
In 2009, Lark Hill pioneered Grüner Veltliner in Australia - producing the first vintage of this exciting white grape from Austria.
Biodynamic farming was started by Rudolf Steiner in Austria, so we are thrilled to give this variety an appropriate home in our chemical-free vineyard.
Grüner Veltliner produces a spicy, aromatic white wine with a mouthfilling texture and long, linear acidity. Rich and vibrant when young, GV has the acid and structure to cellar very well.
Of course - as the oldest Australian example is our 2009 - we are still learning how well this wine will age!
Reviews:
Nick Stock; Good Wine Guide 2012
The third release from Lark Hill of this lesser-known Austrian white is a savoury, fragrant style of crisp, dry white. Aromas are of peach blossom and gentle lime citrus, and there's some sweet minerally notes too. The palates's built on sturdy, crisp structure and carries fresh sweet parsnip flavours, peach and melon too, and a little white peach to close. Their best release yet.
93 points, "Best Emerging White Wine"
James Halliday; 2011 Wine Companion
"At long last, a gruner veltliner to write about. In Austria it is planted in precisely the same regions as riesling, so it was doubly pleasing it should appear in the Canberra District. Is strongly varietal, with a waft of white pepper on the bouquet adding complexity to the fig and ripe pear fruit; best of all is the texture and mouthfeel - (of the 2010)
Bright colour; a very good example of this Austrian variety, with grapefruit and pepper on display, in addition to exotic candied fruit aromas; the palate is intensely lively, with nervy and chalky acidity providing detail and persistence. 94/100"
I was a big fan of the 2010, so happy to see this on form if not in better shape. At its core, there’s an essence of lime drenched in white pepper as well as tinned peach and celery.What is so fabulous though is the deep-rooted minerality, it’s got that wet paving essence down pat and keeps you coming back for another sniff.What I admire is the viscosity that paves the way for the fruit to unfurl through the palate delivering a laser beam of lime, apple and other fruity ephemera. That texture turns into a clearly defined acid structure while the fruit keeps on delivering flavour long after the last sip. I would love to see this wine with food and I’d also love t see it with some age. Stellar job.
Lark Hill is one of a handful of wineries in Australia who fashion a wine from the Austrian grape, gruner veltliner. Judging by the excellent 2010, the biodynamically managed Lark Hill are on to something with this variety in the cool Canberra District. 2011 is described by winemaker Chris Carpenter as a challenging year, with significant rains in Spring and a generous fruit set, a cool Summer and a mild Autumn. The wine however does not disappoint - quite the opposite in fact - the vintage conditions allowing a pure, minerally version of the varietal to be expressed. In short, this wine is very much recommended. In slightly longer form, the 2011 is somewhere between clear and lemon-green in colour, with a clean, elegant aroma with a touch of peaches, attractive minerality and spice. On the palate, there is firm but not too firm acidity, coupled with spices and nice length. Balanced and enjoyable are words that come to mind, and at a low alcohol level too. And frankly it's just nice to be drinking something a bit different that works. 89 points.
Winewise Magazine:
Grüner Veltliner closely resembles Riesling in its delicacy and high acid profile but is characteristically punctuated by spicy aromas and flavours and a minerally (and even slightly phenolic) texture. The Lark Hill example is true to the variety and is the third vintage the Carpenters (with the help of their winemaker son, Chris) have produced. They pioneered Grüner Veltliner in Australia with the 2009 vintage. My notes read: "Lovely spicy/floral aromas, vibrant and lifted. Very delicate palate with very good intensity, nice chalky texture and fresh limey acidity". (Screwcap) Highly Recommended