The Alexandra basin winemakers held their new-release tasting at Labour Day weekend.
It was the first time in several years Clyde had not managed to turn on fine, hot weather, although it looked promisingly sunny and warm as the event started.
By mid-afternoon cold wind and rain sent many scurrying for shelter and winemakers dismantled their stands.
There seems to be greater harmony and charm emerging in the subregion's wines.
Perhaps this is because the vineyards are maturing, winemaking skills are developing and Antony Worch of Alexandra Vintners, who makes many of the wines, gets a feel for the individual vineyards.
As usual, there were promising young wines and a few older ones that were drinking really well.
Many wines, especially pinot noir from the region, need time to develop their potential.
Mostly on show were pinot noir, pinot gris, and rosé, with some rieslings and a few exciting other varieties, such as the aromatic, creamy Feraud's Chardonnay 2012 ($22); Como Villa's fragrant Gewurztraminer 2013 from 22-year-old vines ($25); Hinton Estate's intense, mouth-filling Viognier 2013 ($24); Perseverance's sweet, floral Pinot Cousins 2013 (an ice wine from pinot gris and noir) $35 375ml); Shaky Bridge's Gewurztraminer 2012 oozing roses and ginger ($27) and their nutty, textural Pont Tremblant chardonnay 2011 ($35).
I was struck by the charm and complexity of Two Paddocks The Last Chance Pinot Noir 2010 ($70) which is probably the best pinot from the subregion I've tasted.
Among other wines I noted were: the intense, bright, spicy Judge Rock Pinot Noir 2011 ($35), the lively Hinton Estate Riesling 2013 ($22), their charming, fresh Pinot Gris 2013 ($24), and good value, spicy Hinton Hill Country Pinot Noir 2011 ($24); Grasshopper Rock's fragrant, harmonious Pinot Noir 2011 ($30); the tight but promising Barrington River Block Pinot Noir 2012 ($30); Aravin's silky, intense Pinot Noir 2011 (good value at ($25); the lighter, charming Trailrider Pinot Noir 2011 ($25) and fresh, floral Pinot Gris 2013 ($28) from 8 Ranges.
