David Sly, Decanter – 98 points Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage and agriculture, grapes for ‘Alea’ are sourced from the Rockwood vineyard in Watervale. Grosset noticed that the flavour in the first grapes produced reminded him of some of the great European Rieslings which were not completely dry - ‘there was something more fleshy, more European than typically Clare Valley.’ Inspired by this, Grosset pursued an off-dry style, a wine that he believes, best reflects the vineyard. ‘Showing perfect balance of flavour and texture, this represents a landmark change for an Australian off-dry Riesling style. A hint of fruit sweetness is carried in a fleshy body that suggests lemon pith and rich lime with a squeeze of sharp mandarin, never allowing any awkward sweetness to jut out. The volume is more muted, with less overt acids and sugary sweetness, showing extraordinary finesse in luscious mid-palate texture.’
