Coates La Petite Blanc 2016

Description

Duane Coates is one of the quiet achievers of the Australian Wine Scene (Masters in Oenology and an MBA from Adelaide University & soon to become a Master of Wine). His winemaking philosophy is simple: the highest quality fruit from sustainable vineyards (some organic), harvest when properly ripe and a natural winemaking approach (minimal intervention – wild yeasts, unfined, no additions of tannin, enzyme and acid).

Huon Hooke said: “Every wine I’ve tasted of McLaren Vale’s Duane Coates has been excellent…” Highly impressive wines – a style that bridges the gap between fruit driven Australian style and savoury complex wines of old world Europe.” Lisa Perrotti-Brown, from leading international website erobertparker.com said – “..a breath of fresh air in this area where a lot of producers seem to be following the herd down that incredibly ripe and sometimes over-ripe path that has caused not a few producers to come unstuck in heat-wave and drought conditions. These are superbly-crafted, well-priced wines that are wholeheartedly recommended’.

Predominantly Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of semillon and chardonnay was natural yeast fermented with fine solids in new and one year old French oak barrels then aged on lees for seven months.  Light straw in colour, the nose shows restrained tropical fruits accompanied by lemongrass and a hint of brioche. A lithe palate with plenty of citrus zing with guava and delicious toast notes leading into a long, crisp finish.” Typical of Duane Coates quest to overdeliver the Petite range is that in spades! Previous vintage was marketed at $30 so we are in bargain territory here! This pristine wine is delicious ..reminds me of fine Sancerre or white bordeaux.

From the winemaker: “2016 is the results of the tweaking of winemaking style and vineyard locations as we constantly seek to build better balance and complexity into our wines. The fruit is sourced from two vineyard blocks in the Kuitpo region of the Adelaide Hills (which is where the Coates winery based). A cool climate location ensures that the grapes have an elegance of flavour and good natural acidity that we seek to preserve in the finished wine. Whilst this style might traditionally be called a Fume Blanc, the intention was not to have an obvious oak influence on the aroma and flavour profile of the wine. Blended and bottled in November 2015, this will be drinking well for another 5 years.  13% alc

90 points, Toni Paterson MW, 30 Oct 2017, The Real Review “Here is another wine of character and class from Coates. Upon opening, there is a distinct sugared-almond note, though, this comes into balance with decanting. The palate is brimming with lemon and just-ripe pineapple flavours and has excellent tension and intensity. It is a wine of many layers which will reward those who choose to savour it slowly.”

91 points, James Halliday, Jan 2018  “Bright straw-green; a lot of winemaking has gone into an $18 wine, but its magical Meyer lemon fruit sweetness from its sauvignon blanc base can’t be gainsayed.”

*DOZEN BUY*