We read about lots of trophies on this board. This is not one of them.
The title says a lot. I had the senior winemaking and vineyard team here from Pernod Ricard recently, and on departing they left me a few bottles of aged Riesling. All from 2002 which was a great Riesling vintage. The chief winemaker suggested that the regular Jacob’s Creek was a great success. I was very doubtful.
Over the last few weeks I have opened the 2002 Steingarten which was a bit developed for my taste, despite being their most revered Riesling. Likewise the 2002 Jacob’s Creek Reserve. Just a bit too developed.
Then tonight I come home and Christine has opened the 2002 Jacob’s Creek Riesling. She’s a tough judge but she seems to be enjoying it. This from a wine that would have sold for $6 in the day and was made I suspect with 100% expectation that 99.99% of bottles would have been consumed within 24hrs of purchase.
It still has almost green tints. Bright fresh, with fresh Tahitian Lime, bright citrics and zingy acidity. There’s good complexity, with a hint of toast and lime cordial. Absolutely delicious. A triumph. Not sure the fruit source, but it’s too good to be all warm climate fruit. perhaps some Eden and Clare fruit made it into the blend.
Just to make sure I wasn’t off my rocker I opened a 2014 Wittman Riesling Trocken. It was just as good, also sealed under screwcap, showing a similar racy profile.
