Tasting Notes - La Croix Merlot Carigan 2003

Region: Languedoc

La Croix is part of Cave de Foncalieu, a Union of co-operatives established in 1990 in the Languedoc, in the South of France.

Very contempory labelling in the French context; all written in English and makes the varietal make-up clear. I assume this is an export only job. Region is defined as 'Southern France'. Fairly new worldy in appearance and aromas with a deep plum red colour and ripe plummy nose. Actually the aromas are pretty good; quite lifted and have good penetration. Flavours are more subdued as the bright fruits from the nose disappear. Palate is very balanced in a secondary, structural kind of way. No obvious 'fruity' fruit, rather dark berries, a mild pongy note, and some old leather and tar. Seems quite young actually and this wine may have benefited from some decanting. Just not friendly enough to appeal to the sub $20 market. But, to be fair, this is a $13 wine.

Tasting Notes - Mezzanine Trade Tasting (brief)

Very brief notes from a small showing of selected wines from the Mezzanine portfolio......

Moorooduc Estate 'Devil Bend Creek' Chardonnay 2006 (Recommended)
Mornington Penisula. Lighter, elegant style but really quite classy. Good value at $24.

Moorooduc Estate Chardonnay 2005 (Recommended)
Mornington Peninsula. Again a classy wine, but stacks of class here. Seriously dry and good spicy from the oak. Good length and presence. About $30.

Moorooduc Estate 'The Moorooduc' Chardonnay 2005
Mornington Peninsula. Lots of work right through the palate and plenty of oak on the nose. Some sweetness from high powered fruit. Full palate weight. Sourced from 25yr old vines but more than fully priced at $54.

Moorooduc Estate 'Devil Bend Creek' Pinot Noir 2005
Mornington Peninsula. Light, fragrant with a spicy sour finish. A little boring and perhaps dilutive?

Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2006
Central Otago. Classic regional style but quite light in terms of fruit depth. Nice tangy finish but overall lacks intensity. Not in the league of previous vintages.

Tar & Roses Pinot Grigio 2007 (Recommended)
Strathbogie Ranges. Very fresh aromatic style. Class / text book nose and good palate weight. Looks the goods at $21.

Tar & Roses Heathcote Shiraz 2006 (Recommended)
Perfumed nose of fresh plums. Lighter weight, very dry, but done nicely. Might be setting a new benchmark for $20 Heathcote shiraz.

Tar & Roses Tempranillo 2006
Heathcote. Nearly gave this one the tick of approval. Dry structure, some tannin, quite firm. Not enough obvious fruit to provide character.

Tar & Roses Sangiovese 2006 (Recommended)
Heathcote. Really good wine. Dry, raspy fruits, serious. Very good length and very good value at $22.

Tar & Roses Nebbiolo 2006
Heathcote. Picked up Gold at the recent Alternative Varieties show. Forward fruit early was a slight turn-off but the structure ramped up in the second half with furry tannins and tar. Might be worth a look but fully priced at $40.

Tar & Roses Priorate DO 'Miro' 2004 (Recommended)
Wine is bottled on site in Spain. Nose is full of sweet tar, almost bordering on porty. Very friendly, soft mouth; tar, ripe, broad. Big drying tannins to finish.

Tar & Roses Priorate DO 'Miro' 2006 (Recommended)
Same again, mostly, although clearly a fresher style that needs time. Plenty of tannin, and will certainly be long lived.

Katnook Merlot 2005 (Recommended)
Huge, beautifully perfumed nose of plum and rose petals. Lighter palate but shows a lot in a floral friendly style. Really good....best merlot I've had in a while.

New Releases - Late November

Champagne
Jacquesson Cuvee No.732 NV $73 (Champagne)
Jacquesson Grand Cru Avize 1997 $125 (Champagne)

Pinot Noir
Cannibal Creek 2005 $29 (Gippsland)
Curlewis Reserve 2004 $64 (Geelong)
Wantirna Lily 2006 $61 (Yarra Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Crittenden 2007 $19 (Mornington Peninsula)

Sparkling Red
Ulithorne 'Flamma' Sparkling Shiraz 2006 $32 (McLaren Vale)

Other Reds
Majella 'The Musician' Cabernet Shiraz 2006 $20 (Coonawarra)

Other Whites
Lost Valley Cortese 2006 $30 (Strathbogie Ranges)

Specials and Case Discounts - Mid November

Reds
Glaetzer Wallace Shiraz Grenache: $18 per single bottle or $17 per bottle by the case.
Pizzini Nebbiolo 2002: $56 per single bottle or $51 per bottle by the case.

Whites
Jackson Estate Sauvignon Blanc: was $21, now $19

Matthew Jukes and Tyson Stelzer, Taste Food and Wine 2007
"We are privileged to be the first people in the world to receive a sample of Jackson’s 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. What a wine! A very different ball game to Wither Hills, this is the definition of Marlborough SB. You’re tasting the history, the originality, the minerality and flavour of aged vineyards with deep roots. Young winemaker Mike Paterson has been entrusted with capturing this in the glass, and he’s nailed it again in ’06. Jackson has always been one of the finest producers of Sauvignon in New Zealand and this vintage is setting the mood for years to come.

Mike has rejuvenated this brand and John “Stitch” Stichbury (the founder and inspirational leader of this small, but vital team) is beaming from ear to ear these days. He knows that Jackson is justly treasured by its loyal fans, and now that the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are also up to racing speed, this estate is a true force to be reckoned with."

Wine Industry News - Pizzini Takes Top Gong @ Alternative Varieties Show

As reported in the Saturday "Age" newspaper (17/11/07) Pizzini had a very successful Alternative Varieties show with the 2002 Nebbiolo picking up 3 awards, including Best Wine of Show.

This is a well deserved result for Joel, Fred and family. Pizzini are clearly the leading player in Italian varietals in Australia and we at Cloudwine reckon they have been responsible for perhaps the most exciting releases over the past 18 months. Wines like the Il Barone prove the King Valley can make highly structured and long living European styles whilst the Nebbiolo (from 18 year old wines) and Sangiovese (particularly the super-delux reserve versions) are fair-dinkum world class styles that would not be embarrassed on the global stage.

The 2002 Nebbiolo can be purchased at Cloudwine for $56 per bottle or $51 per bottle in dozern purchases.

Tasting Notes - Farnese 'Opis' Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Riserva 2001

Region: Abruzzo
Appelation: Montepulciano D'Abruzzo

To my uneducated palate this montepulciano shares a lot in common, flavour-wise, with traditional sangiovese from Chianti. Robust structure with plenty of graint tannin, and no doubt 30 minutes in the decanter would have helped. Started out a bit one-dimension with the tannin and hard / minerally berry fruits but gradually opened up over time to reveal softening berries and even hints of chocolate. Tannins remained forceful throughout but this did drive a long powerful finish. Looking pretty good as a 6 year old and has 3 or 4 years to go. Not really compelling value at $38 but it won't disappoint.

New Releases - Mid November Pt.2

Chardonnay
Dawson's Patch 2004 $24 (Yarra Valley)

Merlot
Narkoojee Athelstan 2004 $27 (Gippsland)

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Barringwood Park Pinot Gris 2006 $26 (Tasmania)
Logan 'Weemala' Pinot Gris 2007 $18 (Mudgee)

Pinot Noir
Couta 2006 $15 (Mornington Peninsula)
Palliser 'Pencarrow' 2006 $21 (Martinborough)
Sherwood Estate 2007 $25 (Waipara)

Riesling
Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge 2007 $25 (Great Southern)
Frankland Estate Poison Hill 2007 $25 (Great Southern)
Frankland Estate Cooladerra 2007 $25 (Great Southern)

Rose
Bass Phillip 2006 $21 (Gippsland)
Bass Phillip Reserve 2004 $23 (Gippsland)
Teusner 'Salsa' 2007 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Saint Clair Block 3 2007 $29 (Marlborough)

Semillon
Capercaillie 'Creel' 2007 $20 (Hunter Valley)

Shiraz
Adelina 2006 $33 (Clare Valley)
Berrys Bridge 2004 $36 (Pyrenees)
Deisen Winter Sun Shiraz Mataro 2003/04 Blend $43 (Barossa Valley)
Narkoojee Myrtle Point 2005 $21 (Gippsland)

Sparkling Wines
Langanook Shiraz 2006 $26 (Bendigo)

Other Reds
Serafino Tempranillo 2003 $22 (McLaren Vale)

Tasting Notes - Montgomery's Hill Cabernet Franc 2000

Bit of a health check tasting note. One can't reasonably expect Oz cab franc to last for every so I thought it might be interesting to see how a 7 year old from Great Southern was travelling.

Medium blood red in colour, quite robust given the age, and no fade to speak of. Aromas showed some interesting character; aged berries, old oak, some porty smells...well settled and quite good. Not surprisingly the palate didn't really hold up as well. Firm, one dimensional red fruits, some astrigency, and a blocky somewhat hard finish. The bitter, firm finish was evident a couple of years ago but the wine is certainly looking better now, albeit hardly something I recommend you run out and buy.

New Releases - Mid November

Chardonnay
Caledonia Australis Estate 2003 $22 (Gippsland)
Leayton Estate 2005 $22 (Yarra Valley)
Wantirna Estate 2006 $55 (Yarra Valley)

Pinot Grigio / Gris
Crittenden Estate 2007 $26 (Mornington Peninsula)

Pinot Noir
Picardy Pinot Noir 2005 $36 (Pemberton)
Domaine Leroy Bourgogne Rouge AC 1998 $52 (Burgundy)

Sauvignon Blanc
Groom 2007 $24 (Adelaide Hills)
Rockfield Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $15 (Marlborough)
Saint Claire Reserve 2007 $32 (Marlborough)
Saint Claire Pioneer Block 6 2007 $29 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Craiglee 2005 $44 (Sunbury)
Hobreck 2006 $15 (Barossa Valley)
Samuel's Gorge 2005 $35 (McLaren Vale)
Yelland & Papps 2005 $33 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling Red & White
Dominique Portet Brut Rose LD NV $22 (Yarra Valley)
Larmandier Bernier Brut Blanc de Blancs Vertus Premier Cru $68 (Champagne)
Philipponnat Royal Reserve Brut NV $70 (Champagne)

Other Reds
Bass Phillip Gamay 2006 $28 (Gippsland)
Old Mill Estate Touriga Rose 2007 $16 (Langhorne Creek)
Pirramimma Tannat 2004 $26 (McLaren Vale)
Samuel's Gorge Tempranillo 2006 $35 (McLaren Vale)
Tscharke The Master Montepulciano 2006 $35 (Barossa Valley)

New Releases - Early November Pt.2

Chardonnay
Domaine Epis 2006 $46 (Macedon)
Shadowfax 2006 $27 (Geelong)

Warrabilla Reserve 2006 $18 (Rutherglen)

Grenache & Blends
Laughing Jack Old Vine Moppa 2005 $41 (Barossa Valley)

Te Aro GSM 2005 $21 (Barossa Valley)
Te Aro DG Grenache 2004 $21 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Noir
Ashton Hills Reserve 2005 $53 (Adelaide Hills)
Domaine Epis 2006 $59 (Macedon)
Portsea Estate 2005 & 2006 $32 (Mornington Peninsula)
Voice of the Vine 2006 $27 (Mornington Peninsula)

Riesling
Main Divide 2006 $20 (Marlborough)

Rose
Battle of Bosworth 2007 $16 (McLaren Vale)
SC Pannell 2007 $25 (McLaren Vale)

Sauvignon Blanc
Wairau River 2007 $20 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Killibinbin 2004 $22 (Langhorne Creek)
Nicholson River 2004 $38 (Gippsland)
Te Aro Estate 2005 $20 (Barossa Valley)
Trevor Jones Dry Grown 2005 $33 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling Wines
Foggo Road 'Myriah' Sparkling Shiraz NV $30 (McLaren Vale)

Other Reds
Tscharke 'Only Son' Tempranillo 2005 $27 (Barossa Valley)

Tasting Notes - Ross Estate CD Visit

More tardy notes from mid-year..............

Chardonnay 2005 (Recommended)
Low key style; lemon and citrus, low oak impact. Slightly old fashion perhaps yet well made in a tight crisp style.

Lyndoch Cabernet Franc / Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2004
Balanced and settled. Mustry cabernet fruits and hints of blackberry. Very smooth but lacks some obvious fruit punch.

Reserve Shiraz 2004
Very similar palate structure to the 2004 Lyndoch. Very smooth with low tannin and oak impact. Standard varietal fruits. Note sure what to make of it - are the fruits really soft or under-powered?

Tasting Notes - Liebich Cellar Door Visit

Long overdue notes from a Barossa visit in June. Janet and Ron pulled out a bunch of old wines and as per usual showed incredible generosity. Some of the nicest folk in the Valley.....

Riesling 2006 (Value Recommendation)

A cellar door 'special', perhaps one for the tire kickers at $10. Soft old fashion style which has broad appeal. Sourced from estate fruit on the Valley floor.

Tempranillo Rose 2006

$19 at CD. Very pale in colour. Authentic tempranillo nose with some fruity hints. Dry finish.

Pinot Noir 2003

Ambitious perhaps but hard to be (too) critical at $10. Made up of 90% unwooded pinot and 10% oaked merlot. Stinky, porty, obvious volatile acidity to my nose. Finishes raspy and dry.

Tempt 2004 (Tempranillo Merlot Petit Verdot)

$23 at CD. Tempranillo makes up ~70% with the other varieties filling out the remainder in equal portions. Again a slight pongy and porty nose, whilst the palate seemed dull. I tried this wine 2 years ago and it was an absolute cracker, so it may have lost the appeal of its youth. Of course, the bottle may have been open for a couple of days?

Merlot 2003

Big mouthfilling style. Some tannin and heat but to my taste acceptable for the style. Pretty good actually.

Potters Merlot 1998 (Recommended)

Gamey, spicy, tannic fruits. Drying finish. Holding very well.

Lofty Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Recommended)

Tastes like a 5 year old wine in the nicest possible way; cold tea flavours and old tannin, overlayed with super old-fashion herbal notes. Old world structure. Really good.

Lofy Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (Recommended)

Beautifully balanced drink with great herbal touches, old broken down cabernet fruits and a firm tannic finish. Old fashion but really appealing.

Rovalley Cabernet Shiraz 1973

I think Rovally is the label Ron's father used in the 70's (happy to be corrected). Dirty blood red in colour, some fading, but in reality looking a million bucks for a 34 year old. Some herbal notes on the nose. Palate is tied but has character; musty red berries and old green fruits. A great opportunity to drink a seriously old Australian wine.

Leveret Shiraz 2004

Medium fruit strength but backbone is quite tannic and firm. Fruits become better pronounced through the palate and end up showing quite decent penetration.

Darkie Unfiltered Shiraz 1999 (Recommended)

Sweet ripe fruits are a real highlight; spice and bright berries. Again a tannic backbone demonstrates considerable aging potential.

Tasting Notes - Semprevino Nebbiolo 2005 (Recommended)

Another sample bottle, another new label. It's amazing how many new producers are still trying to enter the market. Neb might be finding a natural home in the Adelaide Hills and this is another quite solid example. Clearly 'new world' in style with plenty of ripe red berry fruits across both the nose and palate. Nose also shows a nice earthy licorice note. Palate flavours start out in a simple fashion, and quite ripe, but some nice varietal complexity builds with a very attractive combination of pongy red fruits and a drying, tannic, leathery structure. Has very good length. A fairly serious wine.

Tasting Notes - Current Mahi Releases

The following notes were maded from a cellar door visit (in Blenheim) in mid-October 2007............

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007
New entry level wine for the house that will trade at ~$20. Sourced from 7 growers right through the full span of the Marlborough region. Fresh pineapple and tropical fruits; not dumb, but an ultra friendly style that will work for the mainstream.

Byrne Sauvignon 2006 (Recommended)
Markedly different to the Marlborough. Racey, tight. Smoke and flint on the nose, and plenty of acid right through the palate. Quite serious yet unmistakenly Kiwi.

Twin Valleys Chardonnay 2006 (Recommended)
Beautifully weighted style. Tight and linear on the front and back palate but has a plush, creamy mid-palate that is mega attractive.

Tasting Notes - Herzog Cellar Door Visit

We were in the New Zealand South Island recently for a wedding and managed to devote a few days to the very beautiful Marlborough region. Herzog is a winery we have tasted on a few occasions in the past and have always been very impressed. They aren't particularly cheap in Australia (say $70 for the reds) but the ability of the winery to provide fully ripe merlot, cabernet and sangiovese on a very regular basis is quite amazing. In fact, the sangiovese would rival any produced in this country.

The following notes were made from a cellar door visit in mid October (3 generous samples for $10). As a quick aside the cellar door is ultra classy and we understand has one of the best (if not the best) restaurant wine cellar list in the country:

Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Recommended)

Ripe, broad, powerfully structured. Thick palate, but not over the top. Quite dry and European like with anti-fruit flavours. Very different - best SB I've had in 3 years.

Pinot Noir 2005

Strong and intense black cherries on nose; good presence. Similar flavours to taste, has length, but some burn on the finish. Not really in the mix at $50.

Merlot Cabernet 2001 (Recommended)

Merlot dominant. A burnt kero, VA whiff was off-putting early but this soon disappeared. Palate opened right up to reveal classy aged merlot notes and cassis fruits. Looks very good as a 7yr old.