Fiano
75cl * Vegan * 13.5% ABV * Frankland River, Western Australia
Larry Cherubino Laissez Faire Fiano 2022, it exactly what it says on the bottle, a wine produced with minimal intervention from vineyard to bottle. The vineyard applies sustainable practices which maintains healthy soils. The winemaking is transparent and minimalist. The wine spends six months fermenting in old oak, for micro-oxygenation, bringing a roundness and complexity, and concrete eggs, helping to accentuate its lovely fresh fruit flavours.
2022 was hailed as a near perfect vintage in the Frankland River area and this Fiano is showing this beautifully. Aromas of quince, white fig and peach greet you before the soft enveloping tastes of peach and preserved lemon on the palate. There is a bright acidity with makes this Fiano not just delicious but refreshing. Perfect for a summer picnic and will pair very well with light summer salads. However, the acidity and flavours will stand up to cheese too, perhaps a Flower Marie sheep's cheese from East Sussex.
"Substantial and rich with apricot and peach and a touch of syrupy style but without losing a single drop of freshness. Are there any Fianos better than this? Not many, for sure." 17.5/20, Richard Hemmings MW, from jancisrobinson.com (Oct. 2023)
91/100 points, Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate