It has begun - the coming of the Albarino. This is the first commercially available Australian release that I have tasted, but expect more to follow. A brief note on the variety is that it hails from an area in Spain called Rias Baixas, pronounced ree-ass buy-shuss, give or take a lisp here and there. The Gemtree is very young, and as such it shows primary notes and still some fermentation esters that detract a little from the actual flavours of the wine. Looking beyond that, and it is important to remember that these primary flavours will integrate quite quickly,  the wine is very delicate, offering tropical notes and citrus on entry, and it has a nice acid/fruit balance.  On the finish there is a blend of mandarin and some mango, adding interest to what is a soft and gentle mouthfeel. This is a very nice glass of wine that I expect to fill out handsomely in the coming months. Expect to pay around $26 for this in retail shops. Bring on the Albarinos I say!

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