Elefante Blanco 2011
"It’s a textural marvel, deliciously rounded and almost unctuous" Patrick Haddock; Wining Pom
First of all you have to remember the price of this wine, just $13 for an import of character and flavour and a good point of difference to the homogeny of Grigio and Savvy that so many gravitate towards. A blend of Macabeo, Verdejo, Viura and Sauvignon Blanc, it smells of citrus, melon, honeysuckle, green herbs and has hints of dough and mango. It’s a textural marvel, deliciously rounded and almost unctuous, great delivery of citrus and melon with hints of apricot and spice. It’s got length, jaunty, fresh acids to cut through and delivers a wine of infinite interest for the price. I could easily see myself pounding back a couple of chilled glasses of this with some tapas meats or chicken liver terrine. Marvellous value; Patrick Haddock; Wining Pom
Elefante has fast become – I’m told – Australia’s number one selling Spanish wine. This 2011 Blanco is made from a mix of white varieties – macabeo, viura, verdejo and sauvignon blanc among them. It’s for drinking now – rather than for keeping. It’s much like the Marques de Tezona of the same vintage but with an ounce more richness. It’s still briney and tart and racy. I loved the 2010 of this and although I’m the same score, in drinking terms I’d choose this one ahead of it. The extra drink-now richness; the texture; the ease of it. The public is voting with its feet, and is getting it right. Rated : 90 Points; Alcohol : 12%; Price : $12; Closure : Screwcap; Drink : 2012 - 2013; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front