LONGVIEW | Saturnus | Nebbiolo | 2020
nebbiolo
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Today we are going to review a quite remarkable nebbiolo wine from Adelaide Hills, which is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions – Saturnus Nebbiolo 2020 by Longview. This exceptional wine showcases the unique characteristics of the nebbiolo grape – a variety celebrated for its aromatic complexity and aging potential. This wine is crafted exclusively from nebbiolo grapes, meticulously selected from two of the vineyard’s four blocks, and represents a harmonious expression of the variety. In order to gain extra complexity and soften a bit the tannins, the wine undergo a lengthy maceration and is then fermented in 6-7 year old french puncheon barrels. The whole winemaking process emphasizes minimal interference, allowing the terroir’s characteristics to shine through, with no fining or filtering before bottling.
//Terroir
The wine we are reviewing today originates from the picturesque Adelaide Hills, where its cool climate and high altitude of around 400 to 500 meters above sea level create ideal conditions for growing nebbiolo grapes. Known for producing wines with incredible acidity and flavor complexity, these vineyards comprise nearly 30-year-old vines. The terroir of Longview Vineyard plays a pivotal role in the wine’s character. The combination of high altitude, clay-rich soil, and cool nights aids in slower ripening, contributing to vibrant acidity and profound flavor development. Compared to similar wines from Italy, especially those from Barolo and Barbaresco, Saturnus delivers a unique australian twist that highlights its freshness while still retaining the typical nebbiolo nuances.
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That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results below.
//Visual
color: pale-transparent | copper color
clarity: hazy | copper shades at the rim
In the glass, the wine presents a pale-transparent copper color with hazy copper shades around the rim, hinting at its youth while promising depth.
//Olfactory
intensity: rich & herbaceous-savory
fruit character: ripe
The aromatic profile is very rich and herbaceous, showcasing ripe fruit and dried herbs in the foreground. Expect to encounter cranberry, sour cherry, and redcurrant intertwined with earthy notes of brown olive and subtle oak nuances, creating an inviting complexity that evokes the vibrancy of the terroir.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp & tart
On the palate, the wine feels ample and supple, displaying a generous fruit character along with its next layers of dried herbs and savory notes. It is dry, with exuberant acidity, that is complemented by a slight warmth from the alcohol and fine-grained tannins that create a velvety and seedy mouthfeel. The wine concludes with a medium+ finish that leaves a crisp and slightly tart aftertaste, echoing its high quality.
//Verdict
maturity: youthful | developing | drink in 2 or 3 years time
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential
All in all, in its current state, this wine feels vibrant and youthful, indicating good development potential. Although the wine may currently lack the complexity and structure found in more aged counterparts, it presents a nice typicity of the nebbiolo grape variety, hinting at its italian heritage. The wine is anticipated to evolve beautifully with an aging potential of at least 2 or 3 years.
//Pairing
To fully enjoy the harmonious layers of this Nebbiolo, consider pairing it with dishes that complement its herbal and savory characteristics. Grilled lamb with rosemary or a wild mushroom risotto would showcase the wine’s depth while providing an enticing contrast to its exuberance.
//Scoring
LONGVIEW | Saturnus | Nebbiolo | 2020
variety: nebbiolo
country: Australia
region: South Australia | Adelaide Hills
rating: 93.4
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//Fun Facts
Longview Vineyard, operated by brothers Mark and Peter Saturno, transitioned from a dairy farm to a vibrant winery dedicated to the cultivation of italian grape varieties on the stunning rolling hills near the Mount Lofty Ranges. Their vision revolves around respecting the local terroir while capturing the essence of each grape variety, resulting in elegant wines that stand out in the australian wine landscape.
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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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