Morning Star Pinot Gris 2004 - Recommended

At first glance this wine didn’t really appeal; lacked a bit of obvious fruit and seemingly a bit tired (not totally surprised at 2yrs of age) but this wine did charm over time. Mild nose of chalky floral notes. Palate was subdued early, quite mature, but did remind strongly of the lower end Alasatians we see in Australia that are a vintage or two off the pace, and thus had, to me at least, some appeal. Fruit opened up as the wine warmed up; sweeter musky notes with a liqueur lick in the back. No world beater but the European ‘hum’ of this wine did hook me in.

Sandy Farm Cabernet Merlot 2004 - Recommended

Dark blood red in colour, no fading at the rim. Soft nose, lifted cabernet notes of blackberry and a underlying herbal edge. Attractive and very text book for the style. Ripe fruits run through the palate, more blackberry, but also a sliver of acid keeps the wine a little tighter than the nose suggests. Drinks very well now given the mild tannin presence but should continue to look the goods over the next 2 – 3 years.

Ladbroke Grove Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Unfortunately this wine didn’t show as well as when tasted over Christmas at the cellar door. Garnet red, a little lighter in the glass than expected. Ok nose, a mix of herbs and sweet berry fruits. Nice but lacks conviction. Tightish palate, dark fruits, some oak, drying tannins. Quite serious but not really all together just yet. Drying finish. Ladbroke typically know what they are doing do I’d give this one a chance and rest for another 2 years.

Le Mins Pinot Noir 2004 (QPR Recommended)

This is the labelled version, not the ‘higher profile’ $9 cleanskin. Lightish cherry red in colour with a little fade at the rim. Friendly nose, light cherry, berry notes, some lift with what almost seems like alcohol heat but 13% abv unlikely. Light mouthfeel, some sour tinges around the edges of the palate but falls into the feather weight dry red class right now. Firms up at the finish, bearing a little teeth, and gives the impression it could do with 6 – 9 months in the cellar. At $12 this is well made, if a touch light, pinot.

Ladbroke Compadres Blend Cab Merlot 2002

I’ve had the past 3 vintages (2001 – 2003) and this is the weak link, but not by a huge margin. Lightish garnet red, somewhat underwhelming. Serious nose with inky berries, a touch of sweetness and a faint herbal edge, easy to pick the cab element. Palate doesn’t travel as expected; a touch chewy, sweetish berry fruits, some hardness from what seems to be a little acid sear. Medium strength finish. The vintages either side of the 2002 are a better bet.