Awards

Michael Garner’s top 12 Cantina Terlano wines from 1999-2018

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Terlaner Primo Grande Cuvée 2016

99 points

Despite a difficult beginning, the 2016 vintage turned out be an exceptional one. A later than average harvest allowed the fruit longer hang time and the result is wine with an extraordinary range of aroma and flavour. Made with a very high proportion of Pinot Bianco and just 2% Sauvignon. Palpable intensity on the nose: at first green fruit and alpine flowers followed by a wave of richer fruit aromas - pineapple and mango - streaked with notes of chalk and flint. Incredible energy on the palate with emerging secondary flavours (baked apple and cardamom) that twine together with salty and stoney notes for a long, dry and satisfying finish.

Drinking Window 2030 - 2045

Pinot Bianco Rarity 2007

98 points 

A classically-styled vintage with relatively mild temperatures throughout the summer and early autumn. The nose is all lurking power for now with flashes of fruit and flowers: it's the subtle promise of things to come that excite. Flirtatious palate - taut as a tripwire over a deep core of nutty and candied fruit flavours. Lime and mandarin notes on the finish betoken the beautifully precise acidity and the definition it brings. Should last for decades.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2040

Vorberg Pinot Bianco Riserva 1999

98 points

A cooler and quite rainy vintage. Astonishing breadth on the nose but subtle and elusive too. Notes of crème brûlée, coffee and milk chocolate coat the ripe fruit flavours. Such a silky texture and so well-balanced. Elegant and fine with glorious acidity still. Now approaching its peak: shows just how well the wine can develop with enough bottle age.

Drinking Window 2021 - 2028

Terlaner Primo Grande Cuvée 2018

97 points

A challenging vintage which after alternating periods of hot and wet weather, was saved by good conditions for the harvest, the 2018 Primo is all about opulence. The nose is still rather closed with flashes of Williams pear, quince, lime and white flowers.Both texture and body are simply magnificent, mouthfilling and unctuous yet with fine acidity; the wine gently cradles the palate. Immaculate length and focus, the finish is sheer silk and a bouquet of spring flowers.

Drinking Window 2028 - 2035

Terlaner Primo Grande Cuvée 2013

97 points

A cooler vintage like 2013 tends to highlight Primo's extraordinary ageing potential. Almost a varietal Pinot Bianco! The 2013 is beginning to smell very complete with toasty oak notes to the luscious aromas of spice and flowers. Likewise the palate is gloriously enveloping with flavours of lightly charred pineapple and mandarin fresh off the barbecue! So juicy with a lovely lingering palate that finishes with persuasive subtlety.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2040

Nova Domus Terlaner Riserva 2006

97 points

Though also renowned as quite a warm vintage, the 2006 has held up admirably well. In such vintages, the higher altitude vineyards help the wine maintain its freshness and acidity. Full, ripe nose with perceptible Chardonnay-like notes of melon and exotic fruits backed up with hints of chalk and flint. The mouthfilling, velvety texture is balanced by precise acidity with perfumed, candied fruit flavours all over the finish. So luscious yet so well-balanced too.

Drinking Window 2021 - 2030

Terlaner Rarity 2008

97 points

A difficult year with unpredictable weather patterns though an Indian Summer ensured the reduced crop was harvested in good condition. Bottled after 11 years on its lees. A broad ripe and waxy nose with ripe pear to the fore supported by strongly herbal notes of tarragon and oregano, even a hint of mint. Real swagger here! Finely textured with stony, almost savoury fruit flavours emboldened by hints of nutmeg and clove. Quite forward for Rarity and wonderfully persuasive.

Drinking Window 2021 - 2035

Pinot Bianco Rarity 2002

97 points

At the end of 2002's highly unsettled growing season, a storm from the north had everyone fearing the worst but conditions changed dramatically with a sudden blast of hot weather. Klaus Gasser remembers the unprecedented experience: 'It was like an oven door opening, the grapes lost about 10% of their weight over the course of a week.' Broad ripe and spicy yet elusive with pronounced mineral notes, toasty oak and an almost buttery richness. Bold and lively palate: almost savoury fruit flavours with notes of brazil and pine nut plus lime and mandarin zest. Unbelievable texture. A hugely satisfying glass of rich and savoury wine that begs for food.

Drinking Window 2021 - 2030

Vorberg Pinot Bianco Riserva 2013

97 points

It's good to monitor the progress of Vorberg as it approaches mid-maturity. The 2013 has notable breadth of aroma: the yellow and orchard fruit aromas have developed spicy notes amongst the heady summer flowers and ever present stoney character. A lush and laid-back palate shows honeyed and flowery fruit flavours with lovely lingering acidity. Poetic.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2035

Nova Domus Terlaner Riserva 2015

96 points

2015 was a warm, dry vintage in the Alto-Adige and the fruit was harvested early in excellent weather. Oak evident up front followed by a surge of voluptuous fruit aromas - pear, mandarin and quince - with lightly candied tones. Sensuous and fleshy palate of tremendous breadth with highly nuanced flavours. For now the alcohol is evident but should integrate more fully as the wine develops.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2035

Vorberg Pinot Bianco Riserva 2018

96 points

Vorberg has long been the 'gold standard' Pinot Bianco and the 2018 vintage provides us with a forward and accessible example. A very ripe nose: rich and forward with notes of pear and honey, white flowers and a touch of oak. The palate is ripe and juicy with an intriguing sweet/savoury balance of flavours. Dense and almost chewy as yet the green and golden fruit characters carry tones of beeswax and flowers.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2035

Nova Domus Terlaner Riserva 2018

95 points

Like its peers this classic blend of Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon has tremendous ageing potential though the 2018 is already reasonably accessible. The broad, ripe and full nose shows lightly spiced golden fruit aromas. The palate is round, full and juicy with a most impressive combination of richness and freshness; should develop well.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2035