Tasting Notes: Gartelmann 2004 Ambrosia
The last time I visited the Hunter Valley, I discovered this treasure of a winery in Lovedale. Set in an Australian bush setting, this winery has established vines of over 35 years of age. The significance of the magpie on the label becomes clear if you take the time to get to know Jorg, the friendly owner of Gartelmann. The magpies swoop down and feast on the bugs that are attracted to the vines and therefore the requirement of sprays on the vines is greatly reduced. Gartelmann is also well known for its olives and has also won awards for it’s Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz wines.
I recently decided to re-aquaint myself with this lovely wine and a nice cheese platter. The 2004 Ambrosia (9.5 % vol.) is made from hand picked semillon and chenic blanc grapes that are grown on a high trellis system for maximum ripeness. The sweetness of this wine is not from botrytis, unlike many other dessert wines. The rich golden colour invites you to try this sweet wine and I found it’s palette ranging from apricots to marmalade to toffee.
This is my favourite desert wine by far. Highly recommended. $24 a bottle.
