I reckon Neagles Rock have been doing some good things with reds in recent years. The cab and the shiraz played quite well at $22 and whilst I haven't had the pleasure, yet, of trying the super delux shirax cab blend from 2004, I'm told it's a cracking wine.
Anyhow, this sang looks petty good, albeit in a fresh, fruit first new worldly kind of way. Darkish blood red in colour; very youthful. Ripe, forceful nose searing with red berries. Vapours are a touch hot but never goes over the top. Sweet(ish) but not stupidly so. Quite similar to taste but the fruit sweetness steps up a notch. Hints of darker, inky drying fruits on the finish Not a wine for lovers of the classical dry, rasping tannins and savoury fruits style but a very valid wamer climat interpretation. Not bad value in the low $20s.
Tuesday 29 May 2007
Sunday 27 May 2007
Tasting Notes - McHenry Hohen 3 Amigos Chardonnay Viognier 2004 (Recommended)
Solo project of ex-long time Cape Mentelle wine maker David Hohnen. Impressive start from the wines we have tried. Big ripe style that is tough to pick from the nose alone. Quite a complex job, big ripe cut pears and some oily apricots from the viognier. Oak helps impart a creamy mouthfeel and firms up the structure considerably. For mine close to a dead ringer for Mt Burrumboot's Marsanne Verdelho from Heathcote. A pretty, very well made wine. Shows class and complexity. drink over 2005 and 2006. ($24.00)
Wine Review - Mount Majura Shiraz 2005
Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 94pts
"I've just finished raving about the 2004 Majura shiraz and, darn it, I think that this 2005 is even better (and is ready to drink earlier). If you like cool climate, frisky, peppery shiraz, then you'd be mad not to pick up a case of this. It is brilliant value. Loaded with black pepper, blueberries, cherries and plum-like flavours, it's deliciously fragrant and long, juicy and fine through the finish. I was blown away when I mated the price to the wine. Drink: 2007-2017. 94 point."
"I've just finished raving about the 2004 Majura shiraz and, darn it, I think that this 2005 is even better (and is ready to drink earlier). If you like cool climate, frisky, peppery shiraz, then you'd be mad not to pick up a case of this. It is brilliant value. Loaded with black pepper, blueberries, cherries and plum-like flavours, it's deliciously fragrant and long, juicy and fine through the finish. I was blown away when I mated the price to the wine. Drink: 2007-2017. 94 point."
Wine Review - McHenry Hohnen Rocky 3 Amigos GSM 2005
Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 89pts
"Right in the groove. Really good for the money. Savoury, solid, chunky red blend with earth and raspberry and lots of dry, chewy, food-friendly tannin - this is a great wine for the dinner table. Balanced, pure, savoury, aniseedy, excellent. Drink: 2006-2009. 89 points."
"Right in the groove. Really good for the money. Savoury, solid, chunky red blend with earth and raspberry and lots of dry, chewy, food-friendly tannin - this is a great wine for the dinner table. Balanced, pure, savoury, aniseedy, excellent. Drink: 2006-2009. 89 points."
Wine Review - McHenry Hohnen Rocky Road Zinfandel 2005
Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 91pts
"If you're up for the big end of town, this is a fabulous drink. It's certainly no shrinking violet. It's bold, thick, soupy and intense, but it's also structured and complex - it reminds me, in its appeal, not a little of Italian Amarone. Hazelnuts, blood plums, tar, dried flowers, Christmas pudding - you get the drift. The finish is dry and firm though, and dollied-up with satisfaction. Grab me a steak and bottle of this, and I'd be one happy camper. Drink: 2007-2011. 91 points."
"If you're up for the big end of town, this is a fabulous drink. It's certainly no shrinking violet. It's bold, thick, soupy and intense, but it's also structured and complex - it reminds me, in its appeal, not a little of Italian Amarone. Hazelnuts, blood plums, tar, dried flowers, Christmas pudding - you get the drift. The finish is dry and firm though, and dollied-up with satisfaction. Grab me a steak and bottle of this, and I'd be one happy camper. Drink: 2007-2011. 91 points."
Wine Review - Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling 2006
Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 92pts
"I rarely review dessert wines because they're generally not to my taste, but when this jumped out of a bunch of about 15 that I opened recently, I had to say something. It's really good. It's very sweet, but layered and complex, and finishes with a sense of bitter, chalky authority. It made all the other wines in the line-up look simple. Lime, teaf leaf, tangerine, citrus rinds and lots of acidity ... along with all that overwhelming sweetness. Drink: 2007-2011. 92 points."
"I rarely review dessert wines because they're generally not to my taste, but when this jumped out of a bunch of about 15 that I opened recently, I had to say something. It's really good. It's very sweet, but layered and complex, and finishes with a sense of bitter, chalky authority. It made all the other wines in the line-up look simple. Lime, teaf leaf, tangerine, citrus rinds and lots of acidity ... along with all that overwhelming sweetness. Drink: 2007-2011. 92 points."
Wine Review - Willow Creek Tulum Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 87pts
"Appropriate sites in the Mornington region are better for cabernet than is generally given credit, as Willow Creek and Dromana occasionally prove. Emphasis on the words "appropriate sites". This wine is ripe and lengthy, blessed with chocolate cake and pencil-like flavour, well balanced and juicy. There's a rash of dusty flavour on the finish and a touch too much prominent acidity - but it is a good wine, and will age well medium term. Drink: 2007-2012. 87 points."
"Appropriate sites in the Mornington region are better for cabernet than is generally given credit, as Willow Creek and Dromana occasionally prove. Emphasis on the words "appropriate sites". This wine is ripe and lengthy, blessed with chocolate cake and pencil-like flavour, well balanced and juicy. There's a rash of dusty flavour on the finish and a touch too much prominent acidity - but it is a good wine, and will age well medium term. Drink: 2007-2012. 87 points."
Wine Review - Woodlands Chloe Reserve Chardonnay 2005
Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 95pts
"Powerful, assertive, Montrachet-styled chardonnay with a smoky, bacony bouquet whose scents of lemon, grapefruit and white peach overlie cheesy, mineral and floral qualities. Sumptuous and smooth, it’s concentrated and complex, delivering a viscous, rich and just slightly awkward expression of grapefruit, lemon and tropical fruit supported by substantial new oak and finishing quite toasty and honeyed. It leaves a lingering impression of intense fruit and refreshing acids. (Margaret River, $44 retail, approx., 18.6/95, drink 2010-2013)."
"Powerful, assertive, Montrachet-styled chardonnay with a smoky, bacony bouquet whose scents of lemon, grapefruit and white peach overlie cheesy, mineral and floral qualities. Sumptuous and smooth, it’s concentrated and complex, delivering a viscous, rich and just slightly awkward expression of grapefruit, lemon and tropical fruit supported by substantial new oak and finishing quite toasty and honeyed. It leaves a lingering impression of intense fruit and refreshing acids. (Margaret River, $44 retail, approx., 18.6/95, drink 2010-2013)."
Wine Review - Woodlands Chloe Reserve Chardonnay 2006
Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 96pts
"Classically tight, focused, intensely flavoured, cleanly and precisely defined, with a presently rather closed expression of citrus and tropical fruit superbly crafted around fine, refreshing mineral acids. Backed by dusty, vanilla and clove-like oak, its lime/grapefruit fragrance reveals mineral undertones. Lean and pristine, its palate has focus and finesse, finishing long and clean, with a hint of lanolin. Keep it! (Margaret River, not yet released, 19.0/96, drink 2011-2014+)."
"Classically tight, focused, intensely flavoured, cleanly and precisely defined, with a presently rather closed expression of citrus and tropical fruit superbly crafted around fine, refreshing mineral acids. Backed by dusty, vanilla and clove-like oak, its lime/grapefruit fragrance reveals mineral undertones. Lean and pristine, its palate has focus and finesse, finishing long and clean, with a hint of lanolin. Keep it! (Margaret River, not yet released, 19.0/96, drink 2011-2014+)."
Wine Review - Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock Shiraz 2005
Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 93pts
"Pleasingly elegant, fine-grained and leaner in style, this rather wild and funky shiraz delivers a smoky, earthy and floral bouquet whose aromas of raspberries, liqueur cherries and dark plums are handsomely backed by polished oak and charcuterie-like influences. Full to medium in weight, it’s fine-grained and bony, with a pleasing depth of red and black berry fruit, chocolate/vanilla oak and drying, powdery tannin finishing long and savoury, with nuances of licorice and fennel. (Heathcote, $80 retail, approx., 18.1/93, drink 2013-2017).'
"Pleasingly elegant, fine-grained and leaner in style, this rather wild and funky shiraz delivers a smoky, earthy and floral bouquet whose aromas of raspberries, liqueur cherries and dark plums are handsomely backed by polished oak and charcuterie-like influences. Full to medium in weight, it’s fine-grained and bony, with a pleasing depth of red and black berry fruit, chocolate/vanilla oak and drying, powdery tannin finishing long and savoury, with nuances of licorice and fennel. (Heathcote, $80 retail, approx., 18.1/93, drink 2013-2017).'
Wine Review - Balnaves Cabernet Merlot 2005
Jeremy Olivere, OnWine - 89pts
"Impressively made, but fractionally cooked and stewed, this slightly dehydrated cabernet blends has a deep, briary and minty perfume of dark plums, cassis and blackberries backed by slightly smoky, grainy new oak and meaty undertones of currants and prunes. Deep and dark-fruited, but lacking great brightness down the palate, it’s robust and powerful, still prune and currant-like fruit is still closed and withdrawn. (Coonawarra, not yet released, 16.7/89, drink 2010-2013+)."
"Impressively made, but fractionally cooked and stewed, this slightly dehydrated cabernet blends has a deep, briary and minty perfume of dark plums, cassis and blackberries backed by slightly smoky, grainy new oak and meaty undertones of currants and prunes. Deep and dark-fruited, but lacking great brightness down the palate, it’s robust and powerful, still prune and currant-like fruit is still closed and withdrawn. (Coonawarra, not yet released, 16.7/89, drink 2010-2013+)."
Tasting Note - Amhurst Chardonnay 2006
Deep, golden colour. pronounced aromas of butter and toasty oak. Initially quite sweet, peachy fruit on the palate which gives way to a slightly savoury 'meaty' finish. Very soft, creamy, texture with noticeable but at first not over bearing oak. However after a few more tastes the oak starts to really get in the way and doesn't seem to be integrated into the wine. It isn't something I would drink, too rich and too much oak. This is an old fashioned style of Chardonnay, that little old ladies might like!
Wine Review - Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 91pts
"This deeply flavoured, dark-fruited and brooding cabernet is scented with blackberries, cassis, Christmas cake and mocha/dark chocolate oak backed by dusty herbal notes and a hint of meatiness, with faint undertones of cedar, cigarboxes and treacle. Plush and smooth, its powerfully ripened flavours of blackberries, plums, cherries and cassis are underpinned by powdery tannins, finishing firm and drying. Just marginally too cooked for a higher rating. (Coonawarra, not yet released, 17.4/91, drink 2013-2017)."
"This deeply flavoured, dark-fruited and brooding cabernet is scented with blackberries, cassis, Christmas cake and mocha/dark chocolate oak backed by dusty herbal notes and a hint of meatiness, with faint undertones of cedar, cigarboxes and treacle. Plush and smooth, its powerfully ripened flavours of blackberries, plums, cherries and cassis are underpinned by powdery tannins, finishing firm and drying. Just marginally too cooked for a higher rating. (Coonawarra, not yet released, 17.4/91, drink 2013-2017)."
Wine Review - Domain Day Garganega 2006
Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 90pts
"From Mount Crawford, 450 metres high in the hills around the Barossa’s south-eastern extremity comes the first Garganega planting outside of Italy and possibly still the only plantings of this grape in Australia. Garganega is the principal variety of Italy’s deliciously dry and textured Soave wine from Verona. This wine has a lightly smoky, earthy and pear-like fragrance with a nutty background. Smooth and sumptuous, its generous, nutty and dusty palate of fresh, juicy pear and apple-like fruit culminates in a long, dry and savoury finish backed by an appealing hint of reductive complexity. (Barossa, $12.50 ex cellar, 17.2/90, drink 2007-2008+)."
"From Mount Crawford, 450 metres high in the hills around the Barossa’s south-eastern extremity comes the first Garganega planting outside of Italy and possibly still the only plantings of this grape in Australia. Garganega is the principal variety of Italy’s deliciously dry and textured Soave wine from Verona. This wine has a lightly smoky, earthy and pear-like fragrance with a nutty background. Smooth and sumptuous, its generous, nutty and dusty palate of fresh, juicy pear and apple-like fruit culminates in a long, dry and savoury finish backed by an appealing hint of reductive complexity. (Barossa, $12.50 ex cellar, 17.2/90, drink 2007-2008+)."
Wine Review - Domain Day One Serious Merlot 2003
Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 87pts
"Jammy, slightly confectionary aromas of dark cherries, blackberries and raspberries overlie leafy, herbal nuances and sweet suggestions of vanilla oak. Forward, plump and juicy, its relatively dimple but generous expression of sweet and faintly currant-like fruit overlies a faint forest floor-like aspect and sweet oak. It finishes slightly flat and raisined, with herbaceous undertones. (Barossa, $20 retail, approx., 16.0/87, drink 2005-2008)."
"Jammy, slightly confectionary aromas of dark cherries, blackberries and raspberries overlie leafy, herbal nuances and sweet suggestions of vanilla oak. Forward, plump and juicy, its relatively dimple but generous expression of sweet and faintly currant-like fruit overlies a faint forest floor-like aspect and sweet oak. It finishes slightly flat and raisined, with herbaceous undertones. (Barossa, $20 retail, approx., 16.0/87, drink 2005-2008)."
Wine Review - Lenton Brae Chardonnay 2005
Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 92pts
"Tightly focused, lean, mineral and refreshing, this contemporary young chardonnay has a delicate and lightly meaty bouquet whose grapefruit, tropical and lime juice aromas are backed by nuances of minerals and sweet, creamy vanilla oak. It’s long and elegant, delivering a succulent and fine-grained expression of spicy grapefruit, white peach and tropical flavour, finishing taut and refreshing. (Margaret River, $39 retail, approx., 17.8/92, drink 2010-2013)."
"Tightly focused, lean, mineral and refreshing, this contemporary young chardonnay has a delicate and lightly meaty bouquet whose grapefruit, tropical and lime juice aromas are backed by nuances of minerals and sweet, creamy vanilla oak. It’s long and elegant, delivering a succulent and fine-grained expression of spicy grapefruit, white peach and tropical flavour, finishing taut and refreshing. (Margaret River, $39 retail, approx., 17.8/92, drink 2010-2013)."
Wine Review - Woodlands Reserve Malbec 2006
Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 93pts
"Elegant and refined, smooth and supple, this rather lean and lightly herbal malbec should build in the bottle. Its estery aromas of fresh cherries, cranberries and sweet vanilla oak precede a brightly lit but fractionally sappy and hollow palate whose flavours of black and red cherries and cherries are tightly knit with dusty vanilla oak. Could develop great shape and character. (Margaret River, not yet released, 18.0/93, drink 2011-2014+)."
"Elegant and refined, smooth and supple, this rather lean and lightly herbal malbec should build in the bottle. Its estery aromas of fresh cherries, cranberries and sweet vanilla oak precede a brightly lit but fractionally sappy and hollow palate whose flavours of black and red cherries and cherries are tightly knit with dusty vanilla oak. Could develop great shape and character. (Margaret River, not yet released, 18.0/93, drink 2011-2014+)."
Wine Review - Craggy Range Te Muna Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005
Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 94pts
"In its own distinct fashion, this is a stunning wine. It carries a blast of white pepper spice, so much so that it smells as much of shiraz as of pinot noir, the palate then tight, fine, powerful and composed, a bolt of rigid authority. Come back in seven or eight years. Flavours of blueberry, cherry,earth, cedar and all that pepper - studded into place with very firm tannin. Here comes new world pinot noir. Drink: 2012-2018. 94 points."
"In its own distinct fashion, this is a stunning wine. It carries a blast of white pepper spice, so much so that it smells as much of shiraz as of pinot noir, the palate then tight, fine, powerful and composed, a bolt of rigid authority. Come back in seven or eight years. Flavours of blueberry, cherry,earth, cedar and all that pepper - studded into place with very firm tannin. Here comes new world pinot noir. Drink: 2012-2018. 94 points."
Wine Review - Yeringberg Chardonnay 2006
Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 95pts
"Beautifully measured and controlled, this elegant young chardonnay exudes finesse and balance. Backed by faint undertones of butter and sweet vanilla oak, it reveals nutty, floral perfume of white peach and pear before a smooth and fluffy but surprisingly sumptuous and substantial palate. Pristine flavours of pear and citrus fruits knit tightly with fresh oak, undertones of cashew, neat punctuated by fresh acidity. (Yarra Valley, not yet released, 18.7/95, drink 2011-2014+)."
"Beautifully measured and controlled, this elegant young chardonnay exudes finesse and balance. Backed by faint undertones of butter and sweet vanilla oak, it reveals nutty, floral perfume of white peach and pear before a smooth and fluffy but surprisingly sumptuous and substantial palate. Pristine flavours of pear and citrus fruits knit tightly with fresh oak, undertones of cashew, neat punctuated by fresh acidity. (Yarra Valley, not yet released, 18.7/95, drink 2011-2014+)."
Cullen Diane Madeline Cabernet 2005
Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 95pts
"This is a boomer. It is the best since 2001. It is strong, pure, muscular, wrapped in big arms of tannin and statuesque in its bright, clean, dark fruit profile. There's a sense of the tall, dark and handsome about this. It presents as a straight, perfumed, controlled burst of plums, blackcurrant, cedar, cigarbox, musk, chocolate and cloves, the merest tip of eucalypt giving it lift and life. This is a 20-year, long-haul wine. Don't touch it for a long time. Blend this year is cabernet sauvignon 75%, merlot 16%, malbec 5%, cabernet franc 3% and petit verdot 1%. Drink: 2018-2027+ 95 points."
"This is a boomer. It is the best since 2001. It is strong, pure, muscular, wrapped in big arms of tannin and statuesque in its bright, clean, dark fruit profile. There's a sense of the tall, dark and handsome about this. It presents as a straight, perfumed, controlled burst of plums, blackcurrant, cedar, cigarbox, musk, chocolate and cloves, the merest tip of eucalypt giving it lift and life. This is a 20-year, long-haul wine. Don't touch it for a long time. Blend this year is cabernet sauvignon 75%, merlot 16%, malbec 5%, cabernet franc 3% and petit verdot 1%. Drink: 2018-2027+ 95 points."
Wine Review - Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Chardonnay 2006
Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 92pts
"A huge step forward for this producer. Scented with acacia and lemongrass, its delicate aromas of white peach and vanilla oak are backed with nuances of cloves, minerals and tree bark. Smooth and supple, its elegant, fine-grained and fluffy palate of peach, pear and apple flavour is carefully integrated with nutty vanilla oak and finished with vibrant lemony acids. (Frankland River, not yet released, 17.8/92, drink 2008-2011+)."
"A huge step forward for this producer. Scented with acacia and lemongrass, its delicate aromas of white peach and vanilla oak are backed with nuances of cloves, minerals and tree bark. Smooth and supple, its elegant, fine-grained and fluffy palate of peach, pear and apple flavour is carefully integrated with nutty vanilla oak and finished with vibrant lemony acids. (Frankland River, not yet released, 17.8/92, drink 2008-2011+)."
Wine Review - Willow Creek WCV Chardonnay 2006
Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 88pts
"Youthful and presently rather angular, this juicy, ripe and refreshing young chardonnay delivers plenty of vibrant varietal flavour. Backed by faintly herbal undertones and fresh vanilla oak, its spicy scents of pineapple and grapefruit precede a brightly lit palate whose lively fruit flavour is wrapped in clean acidity. (Mornington Peninsula, $18 retail, approx., 16.4/88, drink 2008-2011)."
"Youthful and presently rather angular, this juicy, ripe and refreshing young chardonnay delivers plenty of vibrant varietal flavour. Backed by faintly herbal undertones and fresh vanilla oak, its spicy scents of pineapple and grapefruit precede a brightly lit palate whose lively fruit flavour is wrapped in clean acidity. (Mornington Peninsula, $18 retail, approx., 16.4/88, drink 2008-2011)."
Friday 25 May 2007
Specials and Case Discounts - Mid May
Righto,
New case deals for Torbreck.....
Juveniles GSM 2006 $294 ($24.50 per bottle)
Struie Shiraz 2005 $521 ($43.42 per bottle)
Woodcutters Shiraz 2006 $219 ($18.25 per bottle)
New case deals for Torbreck.....
Juveniles GSM 2006 $294 ($24.50 per bottle)
Struie Shiraz 2005 $521 ($43.42 per bottle)
Woodcutters Shiraz 2006 $219 ($18.25 per bottle)
Wednesday 23 May 2007
New Releases - May 25th
Cabernet & Blends
Amherst Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $25 (Pyrenees)
Amherst Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $25 (Pyrenees)
Balnaves The Blend Cabernet Merlot 2004 $20 (Coonawarra)
Dal Zotto Cabernet Merlot 2002 $22 (King Valley)
Chardonnay
Amherst 2006 $17 (Pyrenees)
Chardonnay
Amherst 2006 $17 (Pyrenees)
Pinot Noir
Chard Farm Finla Mor 2005 $46 (Central Otago)
Chard Farm Finla Mor 2005 $46 (Central Otago)
Seresin Momo 2006 $25 (Nelson)
Sangiovese
Ravensworth 2005 $20 (Canberra)
Sauvignon Blanc
Awaroa 2006 $15 (Marlborough)
Staete Landt 2006 $25 (Marlborough)
Shiraz
Serefino 2005 $25 (McLaren Vale)
Other Whites
Happs Preservative Free White 2006 $20 (Margaret River)
Thursday 17 May 2007
New Releases - May 20th
Cabernet & Blends
Coliban Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $20 (Heathcote)
Lake Breeze Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $21 (Langhorne Creek)
Chardonnay
Point Leo Road 2005 $21 (Mornington Peninsula)
Chenin Blanc
Voyager Estate 2006 $18 (Margaret River)
Sauvignon Blanc
Astrolab Awatere 2006 $25 (Marlborough)
Francis Cole 2006 $24 (Marlborough)
Rabbit Ranch 2006 $23 (Marlborough)
Te Whare Ra 2006 $26 (Marlborough)
Shiraz
Chalk Hill Shiraz 2001 $xx (McLaren Vale)
Neagles Rock 2005 $22 (Clare Valley)
Spinifex Shiraz Viognier 2005 $45 (Barossa)
Coliban Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $20 (Heathcote)
Lake Breeze Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $21 (Langhorne Creek)
Chardonnay
Point Leo Road 2005 $21 (Mornington Peninsula)
Chenin Blanc
Voyager Estate 2006 $18 (Margaret River)
Sauvignon Blanc
Astrolab Awatere 2006 $25 (Marlborough)
Francis Cole 2006 $24 (Marlborough)
Rabbit Ranch 2006 $23 (Marlborough)
Te Whare Ra 2006 $26 (Marlborough)
Shiraz
Chalk Hill Shiraz 2001 $xx (McLaren Vale)
Neagles Rock 2005 $22 (Clare Valley)
Spinifex Shiraz Viognier 2005 $45 (Barossa)
Wednesday 16 May 2007
New Releases - May 14th
Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends
Pondalowie Shiraz Cabernet Tempranillo 2005 $20 (Bendigo)
Wedgetail Estate North Face Cabernet Merlot 2004 $32 (Yarra Valley)
Chardonnay
Bluestone Unwooded 2006 $15 (Mornington Peninsula)
Pinot Noir
Bluestone Lane 2005 $20 (Mornington Peninsula)
Mount Mary 2004 $126 (Yarra Valley)
Wedgetail Estate Single Vineyard 2004 $42 (Yarra Valley)
Wedgetail Estate Par 3 2006 $21 (Yarra Valley)
Rose
Bluestone Lane 2006 $15 (Mornington Peninsula)
Willow Creek Pinot Saignee 2006 $19 (Mornington Peninsula)
Riesling
Clonakilla 2006 $24 (Canberra)
Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Clonakilla SSB 2006 $xx (Canberra)
Shiraz
Frankland Estate 2004 $27 (Great Southern)
Neagles Rock 2005 $22 (Clare Valley)
Red Edge 2005 $45 (Heathcote)
Torzi Matthews Schist Rock 2006 $16 (Barossa Valley)
Pondalowie Shiraz Cabernet Tempranillo 2005 $20 (Bendigo)
Wedgetail Estate North Face Cabernet Merlot 2004 $32 (Yarra Valley)
Chardonnay
Bluestone Unwooded 2006 $15 (Mornington Peninsula)
Pinot Noir
Bluestone Lane 2005 $20 (Mornington Peninsula)
Mount Mary 2004 $126 (Yarra Valley)
Wedgetail Estate Single Vineyard 2004 $42 (Yarra Valley)
Wedgetail Estate Par 3 2006 $21 (Yarra Valley)
Rose
Bluestone Lane 2006 $15 (Mornington Peninsula)
Willow Creek Pinot Saignee 2006 $19 (Mornington Peninsula)
Riesling
Clonakilla 2006 $24 (Canberra)
Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Clonakilla SSB 2006 $xx (Canberra)
Shiraz
Frankland Estate 2004 $27 (Great Southern)
Neagles Rock 2005 $22 (Clare Valley)
Red Edge 2005 $45 (Heathcote)
Torzi Matthews Schist Rock 2006 $16 (Barossa Valley)
Sunday 6 May 2007
Tasting Notes - Mid May
Willow Creek Rose 2006
I've been a fan of this wine in the past but the 2006 has, IMHO, slipped a bit. Appropriate bright cherry red in colour; the nose shows definate confectionary tones, a departure from the herbal / dry / euro notes of of the 2004 and 2005. Palate is a bit tough to pick as the sweetness promised via the bouquet hits early but is quite quickly overtaken with a bitely dryness in the mid-palate. Slightly hot alcohol kick to finish.
McAlister Merlot Noir 2001 (Recommended)
A reserve wine in the true sense with only 5 vintages made over the past 20 years (and made in tiny quantities to boot). Good colour with no obvious signs of the 6 years of age. Nice dark blood red. Bouquet shows plenty of class and balance; 'cold' berry fruits, a hint of tobacco, faint green leafy notes, blackberry; quite complex really. Fruit weight in the palate is light but appropriate and well structured. Cool berry fruits show again. Some noticeable acid. Fruit fading a touch.
(Good value the second night as well; more obvious blackberry fruit and a firmer acid structure. In fact gave me more confidence to hang onto my remaining 2 bottles for another 2 years.)
I've been a fan of this wine in the past but the 2006 has, IMHO, slipped a bit. Appropriate bright cherry red in colour; the nose shows definate confectionary tones, a departure from the herbal / dry / euro notes of of the 2004 and 2005. Palate is a bit tough to pick as the sweetness promised via the bouquet hits early but is quite quickly overtaken with a bitely dryness in the mid-palate. Slightly hot alcohol kick to finish.
McAlister Merlot Noir 2001 (Recommended)
A reserve wine in the true sense with only 5 vintages made over the past 20 years (and made in tiny quantities to boot). Good colour with no obvious signs of the 6 years of age. Nice dark blood red. Bouquet shows plenty of class and balance; 'cold' berry fruits, a hint of tobacco, faint green leafy notes, blackberry; quite complex really. Fruit weight in the palate is light but appropriate and well structured. Cool berry fruits show again. Some noticeable acid. Fruit fading a touch.
(Good value the second night as well; more obvious blackberry fruit and a firmer acid structure. In fact gave me more confidence to hang onto my remaining 2 bottles for another 2 years.)
New Releases - May 8th
Cabernet Family
Cullen Cabernet Merlot 2004 $32.00 (Margaret River)
Chardonnay
Millbrook 2006 $32.00 (Perth Hills)
Merlot
Lindenton 2005 $19.00 (Heathcote)
Pinot Noir
Couta 2004 $15.00 (Mornington Peninsula)
Pinot Gris / Grigio
Shadowfax Pinot Gris 2006 $24.00 (Adelaide Hills)
Rhone Varietals & Blends
Churchview Estate Marsanne 2005 $xx (Margaret River)
Schwarz Wine Company Thiele Road Grenache 2005 $29 (Barossa)
Torbreck Juveniles GSM 2006 $26 (Barossa)
Rose
Baillieu Vineyard 2006 $17.00 (Mornington Peninsula)
Sauvignon Blanc
Shadowfax 2006 $20.00 (Adelaide Hills)
Shiraz
Deisen 2004 $34.00 (Barossa)
Deisen Sweetheart 2004 $34.00 (Barossa)
Shadowfax One Eye 2004 $63.00 (Heathcote)
Torbreck The Gask 2005 $63 (Eden Valley)
Torbreck Struie 2005 $47 (Eden Valley)
Cullen Cabernet Merlot 2004 $32.00 (Margaret River)
Chardonnay
Millbrook 2006 $32.00 (Perth Hills)
Merlot
Lindenton 2005 $19.00 (Heathcote)
Pinot Noir
Couta 2004 $15.00 (Mornington Peninsula)
Pinot Gris / Grigio
Shadowfax Pinot Gris 2006 $24.00 (Adelaide Hills)
Rhone Varietals & Blends
Churchview Estate Marsanne 2005 $xx (Margaret River)
Schwarz Wine Company Thiele Road Grenache 2005 $29 (Barossa)
Torbreck Juveniles GSM 2006 $26 (Barossa)
Rose
Baillieu Vineyard 2006 $17.00 (Mornington Peninsula)
Sauvignon Blanc
Shadowfax 2006 $20.00 (Adelaide Hills)
Shiraz
Deisen 2004 $34.00 (Barossa)
Deisen Sweetheart 2004 $34.00 (Barossa)
Shadowfax One Eye 2004 $63.00 (Heathcote)
Torbreck The Gask 2005 $63 (Eden Valley)
Torbreck Struie 2005 $47 (Eden Valley)
Thursday 3 May 2007
Tasting Notes - Early May
Ok,
Random notes on a few wines sampled recently...............
Massena Moonlight Run GSM 2002 (Barossa Valley) (Recommended)
I'm a huge fan of this winery and this wine did not fail to deliver. Dan Standish has a real knack with the ability to build full flavoured aromatic wines with truck loads of balance and elegance and it shows here; soft plums and licorice, a hint of spicy grenache fruits and the faintest oak influence. The wine is just starting to fade in the back palate so perhaps it may be best to drink this 5yr old over the next 6 months.
Wild Rock Underam Syrah 2005 (Hawkes Bay) (Recommended)
Not sure if the fruit source is a hand-me-down job from the top flight Craggy Range shiraz wines but there's enough interest and cool climate definition to keep most punters interested. Slight pongy, meaty, soft spices, and perhaps a touch of cinamon. Doesn't have the obvious pepper of a Knight Granite Hills or a Criaglee but an interesting take on cool climate shiraz. Won't live forever, perhaps drink over 2007 and early 2008.
Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Shiraz 2004 (Great Southern) (Recommended)
This wide ranging region rarely enjoys the profile of others, particularly with respect to shiraz and riesling, but it's unusual to cop a dud. This shiraz really stands out as a super balanced and complete medium temp style. Didn't deliver a truck load of spice on the palate as perhaps expected but instead shows plenty of fruity spice on the nose and savoury, spicy fruit to taste. Looks really good as a 3yr old with a heap of balance and class. Maybe a style for Margaret River to aspire to?
Point Leo Road Chardonnay 2005 (Mornington Peninsula)
Solid fruit driven style. Masses of pineapple and friendly tropical fruits but the structure of the wine leaves a little (but not much) to be desired with a lack of oak and secondary notes. That is, the fruit needs to be firmed up a touch. Notwithstanding, a fun style that will have plenty of fans.
Frankland Estate Rock Gully Riesling 2006 (Great Southern) (Recommended)
These dudes have form with riesling and it shows in this cheapy 2nd label. Maybe a fraction forward and simple it nevertheless shows plenty of assertive citus and lime with a punter friendly sweet edge. Finishes a touch short but will work very well in the $15 - $16 market. In fact, should we decided to stock, it will likely be our best sub $15 riesling.
Random notes on a few wines sampled recently...............
Massena Moonlight Run GSM 2002 (Barossa Valley) (Recommended)
I'm a huge fan of this winery and this wine did not fail to deliver. Dan Standish has a real knack with the ability to build full flavoured aromatic wines with truck loads of balance and elegance and it shows here; soft plums and licorice, a hint of spicy grenache fruits and the faintest oak influence. The wine is just starting to fade in the back palate so perhaps it may be best to drink this 5yr old over the next 6 months.
Wild Rock Underam Syrah 2005 (Hawkes Bay) (Recommended)
Not sure if the fruit source is a hand-me-down job from the top flight Craggy Range shiraz wines but there's enough interest and cool climate definition to keep most punters interested. Slight pongy, meaty, soft spices, and perhaps a touch of cinamon. Doesn't have the obvious pepper of a Knight Granite Hills or a Criaglee but an interesting take on cool climate shiraz. Won't live forever, perhaps drink over 2007 and early 2008.
Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Shiraz 2004 (Great Southern) (Recommended)
This wide ranging region rarely enjoys the profile of others, particularly with respect to shiraz and riesling, but it's unusual to cop a dud. This shiraz really stands out as a super balanced and complete medium temp style. Didn't deliver a truck load of spice on the palate as perhaps expected but instead shows plenty of fruity spice on the nose and savoury, spicy fruit to taste. Looks really good as a 3yr old with a heap of balance and class. Maybe a style for Margaret River to aspire to?
Point Leo Road Chardonnay 2005 (Mornington Peninsula)
Solid fruit driven style. Masses of pineapple and friendly tropical fruits but the structure of the wine leaves a little (but not much) to be desired with a lack of oak and secondary notes. That is, the fruit needs to be firmed up a touch. Notwithstanding, a fun style that will have plenty of fans.
Frankland Estate Rock Gully Riesling 2006 (Great Southern) (Recommended)
These dudes have form with riesling and it shows in this cheapy 2nd label. Maybe a fraction forward and simple it nevertheless shows plenty of assertive citus and lime with a punter friendly sweet edge. Finishes a touch short but will work very well in the $15 - $16 market. In fact, should we decided to stock, it will likely be our best sub $15 riesling.
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