Petaluma Riesling 2005 (review)

87+ points

Clare Valley, South Australia. 13%

2005 is being reported as a great Riesling vintage in Clare.

My recollection is that Petaluma makes fine, sturdy, masculine riesling; built for the long term but approachable early as dry food wines.

This vintage is powerful, quite hard, with considerable lime cordial (without the sugar) character. Aeration does little to change this. This wine should last a long time, but will it ever have charm ?

Chateau Louviere Blanc 1999 (review)

82 points

Graves, Bordeaux. 12.5%

I have had little experience with white Bordeaux. This is as I would expect dry, savoury, and with considerable oak. Semillon I can believe, but Sauvignon Blanc no. Unfortunately the wine seems pretty dried out and oxidised. Perhaps not a great bottle. Oddly the alcohol seems high.