Nick Spencer is a terrific winemaker across many styles. He's been recognised for his skills by far more esteemed wine scribes than The Vindependent.
The Chardonnay and Shiraz Wines released under the Eden Road Label are always good and often exceptional. Respect for single vineyards and cool-climate fruit are key to the Brand's (and Nick's) success. If you're a fan of Chardonnay, buy a six pack of the 2014 Eden Road "Maragle" and you'll understand why Tumbarumba is held in such high esteem - http://thevindependent.com.au/products/2014-eden-road-maragle-chardonnayIt is a wine that will improve in the cellar for well over a decade.
Winemakers often look at Pinot Gris as a variety that is "processed" to make a generous and pleasantly "neutral" white wine. Demand has grown significantly over the past decade, which is hardly surprising as most do not offend. Similarly, many fail to inspire.
Pinot Gris is a pink-skinned grape variety that most winemakers craft into a white wine.
Nick Spencer has embraced the natural colour of the variety by allowing some time for the juice to extract colour from the skins. There are rose wines in the market that are paler than this, though an attractive "blush" is not the only advantage of time on skins.
This is an utterly moreish and completely compelling example, with red-apple skins; strawberries; and nashi pear aromatics blooming into a slippery mid palate. Cool-climate, crunchy acidity tapers into chalky phenolics - also derived from time on grape skins.
Those who love a dry Rose wine will find great joy in this.Fans of Pinot Gris will discover more "Gris-ness" in this.Lovers of wine, with an open mind, will find a new friend in this.
Congratulations, Nick (and Eden Road), for taking the time and allowing the variety to sing. Order through www.thevindependent.com.au
http://thevindependent.com.au/products/2015-the-long-road-pinot-gris
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He's a terrific communicator. His words are measured, as are his scores out of 100. It's why, when Campbell rates wines I tend to seek them out.
I tried the wines of Mitchell Harris when they unleashed their first babies in 2008.
At that time, I'd just opened the Union Bank Wine Store in Orange, NSW. I was looking for wines that celebrated the regions from which they came, and producers who understood and appreciated the importance of quality focused, (V)independent retail stores.