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.