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.
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