A limited release from Briar Ridge and showcasing that the Hunter can do ‘alternative’ varieties well. Handpicked, left on skins for 4 hours before being pressed to old oak. Wild ferment. 4 months maturation on lees. Lightly filtered prior to bottling. Winemaker is Alex Beckett.

Briar Ridge, Limited Release, Fiano, Hunter Valley, 2023

Fragrant, as in so fragrant: the tasting glass is half a metre away from me and I can make out the heady aroma: creamy lees influences, the doughy signature of Fiano, dry hay bale, citrus blossom, fresh ginger, flaked almonds and sweeter honey tones. Textural and fleshy, yet quite intense. Carrying some impressive power that belies the ABV, there’s precision and cut in the juicy, dry, saline finish. A bargain.

RRP: $35
Alc: 12%
Rating: 94/100

Wine sample courtesy of Briar Ridge and Dialogue PR