2010 Pewsey Vale Vineyard Riesling The Contours Museum Reserve
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Tasting notes
See Pewsey Vale Rieslings young and old for details of the history of this famous Riesling vineyard. Vintages are extremely consistent here, reports Louisa Rose who is responsible for this wine – and actively tries to avoid any TDN character. There are 66 ha (163 acres) of vines but just 1.5 ha (3.7 acres) of Contours, a low-vigour, south-facing block at 440–500 m. Days can be 33 °C while nights are only about 14 °C. The first vintage of Contours was bottled in 1995 and released in 2000, so this only 15th vintage. They release only 500 cases of 12 bottles at five years old and then a ‘tiny amount’ is released at 10 years. But they find consumers are reluctant to pay much of a premium for Contours which retails at around £22 whereas regular Pewsey Vale Riesling is around £16. Screwcap, off and on. TA 6.6 g/l, RS 2.5 g/l, pH 2.9. Lots of toastiness on nose and then real raciness and a firm structure and herbal notes. Lime marmalade. Very vibrant and fresh. Light and elegant. Now this, unlike the Clos Windsbuhl 2010 served alongside, would make a great aperitif! (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2010 The Contours Museum Reserve Riesling shows lovely, evolving lanolin and petrol notes, with beeswax and toast over a core of lemon curd, lemongrass and lime leaves. There is some honey, as well. This is a dry, light and expressive Riesling with tons of layers of flavor, as well as a long finish.