Larry Cherubino Apostrophe Stones Throw White 2019
The Apostrophe Stones Throw from Larry Cherubino is a delightful blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and a touch of Sauvignon Blanc. This is a bit of a mad blend when you think about it but the flavours combine beautifully to produce a wine that is spectacular with Asian cuisine.
Named 'Winery of the Year' in James Halliday's 2011 Wine Companion, Larry Cherubino wants his wines to be distinctive and to speak clearly of their variety and vineyard site. He believes in spending time in the vineyard, in paying attention to canopy and water management, and most importantly, picking at the right time with minimal interference in the winery. From delicate whites to big reds his wines have class and finesse. The prodigious Australian producer also makes wine under the Laissez Faire name. These are a range of natural wines, and they are the ultimate expression of natural winemaking made in small batches from hand-harvested grapes.
Vintage
Yields were lower than most years, due to wind and rain during flowering coupled with the lack of Indian summer that usually occurs in this region. However, the fruits that were picked were of excellent quality, resulting in crisp and refreshing wines.
Vineyard
The vineyards are located in the Great Southern region. Characterised by the influence of the Southern Ocean, which provides breezes from the Antarctic, it chills the grapes and makes it an ideal growing climate for varietals that excel at these lower temperatures. From mid-January to February, the evening temperatures averages at19°C, with an average of 310mm rainfall during the growing season. The vineyards sit on gravelly soils and are situated with a northern orientation that optimises the long sunlight hours, promoting the ripening and maturation of the grapes. The vines were planted in 1997, with 1650 vines per hectare.
Winemaking
Grapes were carefully selected from various sites across the Great Southern region. Great attention was paid to harvesting dates along with gentle de-stemming, minimal use of sulphur and using the free-run juice from select parcels of fruit, which ensured the elegance and purity of flavour were maintained.
Tasting Note
Growing up a Stone's Throw away on the same vineyard, it is little wonder that these two are fast friends. Riesling's cool minerality meshes with Gewürztraminer's exotic spice and rose water, in this delicious, refreshing blend.
Serving Suggestion
Serve chilled as an inviting apéritif or delicious with lightly spiced Asian cuisine.
Grape
Riesling 76%, Gewürztraminer 13%, Chardonnay 10%, Sauvignon Blanc 1%
Country
Australia. Region: Western Australia.
Alcohol: 12%
Dry/Sweet value: 2 (1 is dry, 7 is very sweet)
Residual Sugar: 0
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: No/No
Milk/Eggs: Yes/Yes
Organic/Biodynamic No/No
