Tillie J 2025 King Valley Aligote

"A limpid pale straw-green with a glimmer of highlighting. A wine that, even in a solar vintage, really announces its varietal: a classic tension between green walnut and white asparagus, and aromatics that  exotic notes across the mango-spectrum. I cannot stress the pleasure here as one explores Kensington Prides and tart Philippine Greens. There is a backdrop of pistachio nougat, enriched proving dough with light cardamom and saffron scents, and soft yellow fruits. A slight stone and pleasingly bitter pith note emerges with aeration.

The palate is silken and flowing, with gently gripping phenolics emerging towards the finish along with an elegant attack of honed acidity. Further nougat and pistachio flavours, barley lemon sweets; a dusting of toasted bran and fine baking spices. The finish has a smile-inducing uptick of acidity that makes the satin-like texture all the more remarkable. Fine!" — David