letuffeau.com
(Link)
Foreign Friends
Beechworth
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“Winemaker Leila Davis, of Foreign Friends, was the subject of our first ever wine-tasting; alongside Bridget Mac (Werkstatt).
When Leila and her sister Crystal contacted me that they had released a new Chenin Blanc with fruit from Darling Estate in the King Valley, I was naturally intrigued. Darling Estate, now largely run by sisters Sophie and Grace, is well known to you, Readers, as growers of all manner of fun and interesting varietals; almost a repository for such in Victoria for many negoce producers.
I feel that Chenin has not been given a fair crack in Australia; I have seen so many anonymous whites, or whites that feel swamped in winemaking. This wine is certainly not that - it practically shouts its varietal. Immensely pleasing winemaking; perhaps one of our 'go-to’ Autumnal whites.
I also foresee high praise coming from the Halliday throng … much as was showered on last vintages wine.
Victoria is host to beating heart of serious female winemakers. Leila Davis’ wines should be on your table and in your glass, if it is not already.”
— David
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~ please note : discounts are automatically applied at the digital check-out! ~
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Foreign Friends 2025 King Valley Chenin Blanc ‘Alice’
(Shelf Price: $49.00)
Offer: $42.00
“There is something so disarmingly pure about this wine, as if the very essence of Chenin Blanc were distilled to a single aromatic line that, like an arrow from the glass, traces straight to the heart of the matter. No bylines here, indeed the distillate notional thinking seems to definite the aromatic profile.
Coiled on first pour, this Chenin Blanc (made with fruit from Darling Estate Vineyard) unwinds in the glass to reveal concentrated and ripe Williams Pear and blossom thereof, white grapefruit, sliced fennel, crushed stones, citrus leaf, tarragon and caraway, stem ginger, and an inkling of meadow flowers. I keep looking for sunlight here but instead there is something of the Autumn light in the Alpine Valleys; clear but cool. The palate is cleanly etched, with a bracing blade of acidity undercutting the generous fruit and mineral profile of the wine. There is plenty of dry extract coupled to fine and ripe fruit yet the wine never oversteps from medium-bodied. The finish is long and fresh, with touches of mineral salt. Slightly tart green pear and skin of same (with lovely phenolics akin), lime zest, white peach; then sage and tarragon. Supporting: fennel fronds and a hint of yellow peach. There is a particularly admirable way the wine coats the palate, especially the tongue. The poise on the
lingering finish is just wonderful. The final flavours, repeating, are those of anise and fresh pear drops. Very fine.
Throw open the doors: if this is not the best Chenin Blanc in Australia ... then what is?”
— David
Order here
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Tue. 11.00 am–6.00 pm
Wed.–Sat. 11.00 am–11.00 pm
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If you would like any of the above, would like to come by for a private appointment, or just have some questions — please let us know.