2012 Intrepid Albariño, Stanley Estate(NZ)G

Light straw in colour, the nose of this single-vineyard, 2012 Intrepid Albariño noses honey, pear and tropical fruit(apricot), almost durian, compromising a slight mineral(salty), textural acidity.  It is still racy and zesty with citrus,  Kimquat and floral(jasmine) flavours in the mouth, yet is round and soft at the same time. Not at its peak, its long bottle ageing Gives an added dimension of white pepper aromas with a hint of ripe fig and a certain nuttiness. It is an excellent, seafood wine with shell food like scallops, crab as well as shrimps a la style Hong Kong. ABV is 14%, but there is no undue alcoholic warmth.This 2012 Albariño is the first vintage, immediately winning a Gold Medal at the London International Wine Challenge.

Bob Campbell noted in a recent Drink Business report on Albariño variety as one of the most critical varietals of the New Zealand, originally from Galicia (NW Spain) and Northern Portugal (the Vinho Verde region) hence this grape is getting important in New Zealand. Here are the 36 bottles left from the total Of 2,800 bottles produced from 100% Albariño grapes, originally from Spain and Northern Portugal.

Intrepid Wines is an alternate label for Stanley Estates, aimed at the restaurant sector. It has been used in various individual markets. As with "Stanley", the label name reflects lots of adventurous stories, including the experimental plantings of Albarino grape.