Bilancia Uvaggio 2021
From the la collina vineyard – eight rows of Rhône white varieties, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. A pale straw gold in the glass, with beautiful aromatics as you’d expect from these varietals. Green pear, cardamom, dried ginger, white pepper, almond nougat, apricot and a burst of bright honeysuckle and white rose petal florals. Tight, clear and focussed into a palate with a nibble of peach skin tannin, a chalky astringency and a fresh saline sea breeze. Savoury elements of green olive, preserved lemon and sorrel add a layer of misty dryness through which the lush fruit flavours step confidently and glow. Towards the back of the palate, the Viognier shines and there’s a textural marmalade viscosity that adds further interest to an already mesmerising wine. 93pts
Bilancia Tiratore Chardonnay 2020
From the la collina vineyard – the first of the Bilancia single vineyard Chardonnays (now joined by Trellinoe and Kaikora). A vibrant, pale golden green in the glass, with aromatics brimming with fig, ginger, nectarine and warm spices. Generous and concentrated, showing ripe stone fruit and tropicals on the palate – pineapple, honeydew and quince balanced with a zest of kumquat and crisp nashi pear. A quartzy minerality, along with subtle use of good oak, forms the spine, alongside a linear energy of acidity. Rich, spiced and focussed, but with a softer, broad and waxy texture. The finish is lingering and drying. 95pts
