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Meg and Mel explore the fascinating world of ageworthy white wines, examining which varieties cellar best and how to identify bottles worth laying down.

What Meg's drinking: 2023 Marchand & Burch Mount Barrow Pinot Noir $72

Wines tasted:

• 2024 Howard Park Great Southern Riesling $36
• 2014 Howard Park Great Southern Riesling
• 2024 Scarborough The Obsessive Semillon $35
• 2018 Scarborough The Obsessive Simillion
• 2023 The Obsessive Chardonnay $45
• 2019 The Obsessive Chardonnay

Key things to remember:
• Acid is the most important factor for aging white wine successfully
• Look for moderate alcohol (12.5-13.5%), good concentration, and varietal expression
• Riesling, Semillon, and Chardonnay are the three main varieties suitable for long-term aging
• Hunter Valley Semillon transforms dramatically from delicate lemon-citrus to complex honey and toast
• Aged Riesling develops kerosene, marmalade and preserved lemon characteristics
• Chardonnay requires quality oak treatment to age well, peaking around 10-12 years
• Cheaper Riesling and Semillon can still age beautifully, while inexpensive Chardonnay will not
• Buy a dozen bottles and taste one each year to experience the aging journey firsthand

Join us next week as we explore German wine ripeness levels, diving into Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, and more!

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