New Releases - June Pt.4

Albarino
Condes De Albarei 2006 $29 (Spain)

Chardonnay
Fermoy Estate "John Anderson" 2007 $14 (Margaret River)

Gewurztraminer
Magpie Estate "The Salvation" 2007 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Noir
Ashton Hills Vineyard "Piccadilly" 2007 $32 (Adelaide Hills)
Cobaw Ridge 2004 $35 (Macedon Ranges)
Stefano Lubiano "Sasso" 2005 $81 (Tasmania)
Ten Minutes by Tractor "10X" 2007 $33 (Mornington Peninsula)

Riesling
Muller Catoir Eiswein 2004 $170 (Germany)
Muller Catoir Rieslaner Auslese 2004 $69 (Germany)
Muller Catoir Spatlese 2006 $69 (Germany)
Muller Catoir Spatlese Trocken 2006 $79 (Germany)

Saperavi
Symphonia 2006 $23 (King Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Pierro Semillon Sauvignon "LTC" 2007 $29 (Margaret River)

Shiraz
Koltz "Wizard" Shiraz 2006 $38 (McLaren Vale)
Stefani Estate 2004 $33 (Heathcote)
Stefani Estate "Vino Rosso" Shiraz Pinot Noir 2006 $18 (Yarra Valley)
The Hedonist 2005 $30 (McLaren Vale)
The Story "Westgate" Shiraz 2006 $40 (Grampians)

Tempranillo
Sam Miranda "Symphonia Las Triadas" 2006 $21 (King Valley)
Sierra Cantabria "Condice" 2004 $20 (Spain)

Other Reds
Freemans Rondinella Corvina 2003 $34 (Hilltops)

Other Whites
Murray Darling Collection Fiano 2007 $19 (Murray River)

Tasting Notes - Jean-Marc Brocard Petit Chablis 2006 (Recommended)

Pretty good but not quite what I expected. Looks a little more developed than I'd expect of a 2006 with a medium gold hue. Richly fruited aromas; soft and broad. Palate shows plenty of ripe fruits, and very slightly pongy undertone. Fruits are again soft and broad, but not dumb. A slight kick of acid in the back palate. Another good example of forcing the question; just how good are the 1er and Grand Cru versions? Because this is no slouch.

Tasting Notes - Dawson's Patch Chardonnay 2004 (Recommended)

Old fashioned style but good fun and provides very good drinking as a 4yr old. Quite youthful in appearance with a pale gold hue. Nose and a palate is all about rich chardonnay fruits, ripe peachy character etc etc. Definately a hint of brett here, or at least some funk, probably wine-maker induced. And perhaps just a touch of oxidisation as well. But all in good measure.

New Releases - June Pt.3

Cabernet & Blends
Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $36 (Coonawarra)
Glaymond "asif" 2005 $33 (Barossa Valley)

Chardonnay
Mahi "Twin Valley" 2007 $28 (Marlborough)

Chenin Blanc
Huet "Moelleux Le Haut Lieu" 2005 $60 (France)
Huet "Sec Le Mont" 2006 $55 (France)

Durif
Taminick Cellars 2006 $19 (Glenrowan)

Merlot
Poverty Hill 2005 $25 (Eden Valley)

Pinot Grigio
Tanjil 2008 $17 (Gippsland)
Tontino Estate 2007 $16 (Adelaide Hills)

Pinot Gris
Herzog 2007 $48 (Marlborough)

Pinot Noir
Ashton Hills "Reserve" 2006 $62 (Adelaide Hills)
Rippon 2006 $65 (Central Otago)
Silverwood "Estate" 2006 $29 (Mornington Peninsula)
Tapanappa "Foggy" Pinot Noir 2007 $47 (Fleurieu Peninsula)

Riesling
Radford Dale 2007 $21 (Eden Valley)

Red Blends
Cullen "Mangan" Malbec Petit Verdot Merlot 2006 $42 (Margaret River)

Sauvignon Blanc
Brindabella Hills 2007 $16 (Canberra)

Shiraz
Archer 2006 $24 (Heathcote)
Colonial Estate "Richard Lander" 2006 $76 (Barossa Valley)
Glaymond "Distinction" 2004 $82 (Barossa Valley)
Radford Dale 2005 $30 (Eden Valley)
Thomas Wines "Kiss" 2006 $47 (Hunter Valley)

Verdejo
Angel Rodriguez "Martinsancho" 2007 $28 (Spain)

New Releases - June

Cabernet & Blends

Ridgeline 2005 $32 (Yarra Valley)

Chardonnay

Maven 2006 $21 (Marlborough)

Schild Estate "Alma Reserve" 2006 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Wedgetail Estate "Par 3" 2005 $14 (Yarra Valley)

Mourvedre

Tosca 2005 $13 (Spain)

Pinot Noir

Barringwood Park "Forest Raven" 2007 $31 (Tasmania)

Manna Gum 2005 $16 (Mornington Peninsula)

Nicholson River "Gippsland" 2005 $16 (Gippsland)

Ridgeline 2005 $32 (Yarra Valley)

Sarsfield Estate 2005 $24 (Gippsland)

Willow Creek "Tulum" 2006 $35 (Mornington Peninsula)

Rose

Charles Melton 2008 $22 (Barossa Valley)

Sangiovese

Domaine Day 2004 $25 (Eden Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc

Gravitas 2007 $27 (Marlborough)

Shiraz

Eastern Peake 2005 $45 (Ballarat)

Hastwell & Lightfoot 2006 $20 (McLaren Vale)

Reilly's Wines "Barking Mad" Shiraz $15 (Clare Valley)

Reilly's Wines "Ryder" Shiraz Cabernet $13 (Clare Valley)

Ridgeline 2004 $32 (Yarra Valley)

Schwarz "Nitschke Block" 2006 $33 (Barossa Valley)

The Story "Grampians" 2006 $21 (Grampians)

Sparkling White

Di Giorgio "Traditional" Pinot Noir 2007 $22 (Coonawarra)

Tempranillo

Cascabel 2007 $21 (Langhorne Creek)

Cloudwine / Slowbeer On-line Beer Store

Alrighty,

I've been mucking around with a properly functioning on-line beer style for a few weeks. The first 'draft' can be found at http://www.slowbeer.com.au/.

I still have to fill out the content (ie pics, tasting notes etc) but the site does function from a transaction point of view. Regular visitors to the store will note that I haven't loaded all the beers onto the site, rather I'm sticking to the gear I know we'll have in-stock pretty much all the time.

Pricing will continue to be amongst the best in the nation and I reckon it's pretty clear we blow the doors off our key competitors in Melbourne and Perth with respect to competitiveness. But, of course, the consumer will ultimately be the judge.

Offerings are either singles or 6 packs but always happy to provide case prices etc. Just shoot me a note in need.

cheers

New Releases - June Pt.2

Cabernet & Blends
Arlewood Cabernet Merlot 2004 $22 (Margaret River)
Munari Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $35 (Heathcote)

Chardonnay
Hoddles Creek 2007 $19 (Yarra Valley)
Staete Landt 2005 $32 (Marlborough)
Yeringberg 2005 $49 (Yarra Valley)

Durif
Massena "Howling Dog" 2006 $38 (Barossa Valley)

Grenache & Blends
Massena "Moonlight Run" GSM 2006 $25 (Barossa Valley)
SC Pannell "Pronto" 2006 $26 (McLaren Vale)
Spinifex "Cigale" GSM 2006 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Noir
Hoddles Creek 2007 $19 (Yarra Valley)
Home Hill "Kelley's Reserve" 2004 $35 (Tasmania)

Riesling
Muller Catoir "Trocken" 2006 $38 (Germany)
Wilson Vineyard "Polish Hill" 2007 $23 (Clare Valley)

Rose
Crittenden "Pinocchio" 2007 $15 (King Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Staete Landt 2007 $25 (Marlborough)

Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Gapsted 'Victoria' Selection 2207 $16 (King Valley)

Shiraz
Black Jack 2006 $37 (Bendigo)
Connor Park 2004 $22 (Bendigo)
Deviation Road 2004 $20 (Adelaide Hills)
Marius "Symposium" Shiraz Mourvedre 2006 $29 (McLaren Vale)
Massena "11th Hour" 2006 $35 (Barossa Valley)
Munari "Lady's Pass" 2005 $45 (Heathcote)
Torbreck "Woodcutters" Shiraz 2007 $21 (Barossa Valley)

Tempranillo
Hastwell & Lightfoot 2005 $20 (McLaren Vale)

New Releases - May

Amarone
Tedeschi "Classico" 2000 $79 (Italy)

Arneis
Ceretto 2005 $40 (Piedmonte, Italy)

Cabernet & Blends
Le Poidevin Cabernet Merlot Shiraz 2006 $16 (Adelaide Hills)

Chardonnay
Charles Sturt "Limited Release" Chardonnay 2007 $20 (Central NSW)
Oakridge "Over The Shoulder" 2007 $20 (Yarra Valley)

Dessert Wines
Alois Kracher "TBA" Traminer 2000 $77 (Austria)

Gewurztraminer
Mystery Creek 2007 $22 (New Zealand)

Langrein
Hofstatter 2005 $35 (Italy)

Montepulciano
Zaccagnin Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC 2005 $26 (Italy)

Pinot Gris
Mystery Creek 2007 $22 (New Zealand)

Port
Tallis "Max's Selection" Fortified Shiraz NV $17 (Central Victoria)

Riesling
Mystery Creek 2007 $16 (New Zealand)

Sangiovese
Galli Estate Sangiovese Shiraz 2006 $18 (Sunbury)

Sauvignon Blanc
Bit 'O Heaven Wines Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $15 (Central NSW)
Steely Dan 2007 $23 (Marlborough)
Le Poidevin 2007 $15 (Adelaide Hills)

Shiraz
Black Estate 2004 $16 (Bendigo)
Buckshot 2006 $28 (Heathcote)
Galli Estate "Block 2" Shiraz 2005 $20 (Heathcote)
Le Poidevin 2004 $16 (Adelaide Hills)
Veronique "Regions" 2006 $21 (Barossa Valley)

Tempranillo
Tosca 2003 $13 (Spain)

Vintage Port
Black Estate "Seven Rows" 375ml 2005 $12 (Bendigo)
Black Estate "Seven Rows" 750ml 2005 $21 (Bendigo)

Tasting Notes - Domaine Epis Cabernet Vertical

1999
I really wanted to like this mature Epis but unfortunately, as recent tastings would indicate, this wine does look its best within 3-4yrs of vintage. Structurally quite ok; soft tannins and fading acid, but the elegant fruits have really run their race. Starting to thin out and lose any primary notes, although lovers of older cabernet might like the fading herbal fruits. Not compelling.


2000 (Recommended)
Getting tired but still a very nice drop. Silky mouthfeel, fading fruits and a softening tannin structure. Much better than the 2001. (65 views)


2001
Tough to read this one. 2001 was supposed to be good for the winery but it doesn't show here. Fruit has largely dropped out although structure is still very classical in anyone's language. There are better options in other vintages.


2004
Nose steps up a gear on the 2005 but ultimately very similar. Soft and delicate cabernet fruits. Not as good as a very good showing in late 2005.


2005
Massively perfumed nose of pretty blueberry and cassis. Leaner palate, softly fruited but clearly the structure to age is apparent.


2006 (Recommended)
Tight but not hard or unyielding (if that makes any sense). Mineral and iron notes speak more of Burgundy than Macedon. Nose shows nice 'milky' cabernet fruits - a nice house character. Will be good in time.

Tasting Notes - N.V. Seppelt Palomino Fino DP116 Amontillado

Although this wine is a non-vintage blend it is fact labelled as a 1998 bottling, thus fair to assume the real age of this wine is somewhat older than 10 years. Colour depicts some age with a darkening gold. Nose is very varietal with a dry piecing tang. Palate not quite as hard as expected although still the drying acid still has plenty of burn to, well, 'burn'. A lick of sweetness comes through as well, perhaps as result of the softening impact from the aging. No rush to drink.

Tasting Notes - Reichsrat Von Buhl Riesling 'Dry' 2005 (Recommended)

Country: Germany
Region: Pfalz

Very well placed in the Australian market at $20. Modest claims as a wine but the price fairly reflects this. Just starting to settle down but probably won't be super long-lived; rather would be a good 5 - 6 year option. Soft and faint lemon fruits on the nose and a touch tangy. Similar flavours but the talcum powder and buzz fom the acid is more pronounced (although hardly intrusive). Finishes quite dry and chalky. As good a entry point to German riesling as you are ever likely to see but it doesn't really deviate from an Australian style in a similar price bracket. (104 views)

New Releases - April Pt.4

Cabernet & Blends
Rusden "Ripper Creek" Cabernet Shiraz 2006 $33 (Barossa Valley)

Dessert Wines
Wilson Vineyard "Leucothea" NV $25 (Clare Valley)

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Pizzini Pinot Grigio 2007 $20 (King Valley)
Winbirra Pinot Gris 2007 $25 (Mornington Peninsula)

Riesling
Te Mania Riesling 2005 $20 (Nelson)

Rhone Red Blends
John Duval "Plexus" GSM 2006 $36 (Barossa Valley)
Spinifex Shiraz Viognier 2006 $52 (Eden Valley)
Spinifex "Indigene" Shiraz Mourvedre 2006 $48 (Barossa Valley)
Spinifex "Esprit" Shiraz Mourvedre Grenach Cinsault 2006 $28 (Barossa Valley)
Spinifex "Taureau" Carigan Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $27 (Barossa Valley)
Spinifex "Papillon" Grenache Cinsault Mourvedre 2007 $23 (Barossa Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Eradus 2007 $23 (Marlborough)
Sabotage 2007 $20 (Mornington Peninsula)

Shiraz
Jamsheed Yarra Valley 2006 $33 (Yarra Valley)
Jamsheed Heathcote 2006 $33 (Yarra Valley)
John Duval "Entity" 2006 $44 (Barossa Valley)
Tim Smith "Reserve" 2005 $59 (Barossa Valley & McLaren Vale)

White Blends
Sabotage "Metis" Dry White 2007 $15 (Mornington Peninsula)

Zinfandel
Wilson Vineyard "Late Picked" NV $28 (Clare Valley)

New Releases - April

Cabernet & Blends
Charles Sturt Cabernet Merlot 2004 $13 (Central NSW)
Glaymond "As if" Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $33

Chardonnay
Charles Sturt 2007 $13 (Central NSW)
Dog Point 2006 $32 (Marlborough)
Tomboy Hill "Rebellion" 2005 $29 (Ballarat)

Grenache & Blends
Maverick Twins GSM 2006 $25 (Barossa Valley)

Gruner Veltliner
Emmerich Knoll "Loibner Federspiel" 2006 $35 (Austria)

Merlot
Printhie 2006 $16 (Orange)

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Carrick Pinot Gris 2007 $30 (Central Otago)

Pinot Noir
Bream Creek 2006 $27 (Tasmania)
Finn 2005 $16 (King Valley & Gippsland)
Tomboy Hill "Smythes Creek" 2006 $46 (Ballarat)

Red Blends
Muddy Water Pinotage 2006 $35 (Waipara)
Schwarz Wine Company "The Dust Kicker" 2006 $21 (Barossa Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Clos Henri 2007 $36 (Marlborough)
Torrent Bay 2007 $20 (Nelson)
Virgin Block 2007 $22 (Margaret River)
Woollaston "Nelson" 2007 $20 (Nelson, NZ)
Woollaston "Tussock" 2007 $19 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Charles Sturt 2005 $13 (Central NSW)
Domain Barossa "Black Tongue" 2005 $19 (Barossa Valley)
Maverick Twins 2006 $25 (Barossa Valley)
Mount Langi Ghiran 2005 $64 (Grampians)
Oliverhill "Jimmy Section" 2006 $27 (McLaren Vale)
Poonawatta 'Monties Block' 2006 $27 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling White
Knight Granite Hills 1999 $38 (Macedon)
Mantons Creek Sparkling Pinots 2001 $25 (Mornington Peninsula)

New Releases - April Pt.3

Cabernet & Blends
Peppermint Grove Cabernet Merlot 2004 $14 (Western Australia)

Chardonnay
Bress Harcourt Valley 2006 $29 (Bendigo)
Craggy Range 'Kidnappers' 2007 $30 (Hawkes Bay)
Mount Horrocks 2006 $24 (Clare Valley)
Wild Dog Winery "Parnassus" 2005 $22 (Gippsland)

Merlot
Leabrook Estate 2005 $29 (Adelaide Hills)

Pinot Noir
Cannibal Creek "Hardiker" 2006 $17 (Gippsland)

Riesling
Dr Loosen "Dr L Dry" $22 (Germany)

Rose
Outlook Hill 2006 $17 (Yarra Valley)

Semillon
Mount Horrocks 2006 $27 (Clare Valley)

Shiraz
Amherst "Daisy Creek" Shiraz Cabernet 2006 $15 (Pyrenees)
Koltz "Pagan" 2006 $49 (McLaren Vale)
Schulz "Marcus Old Vine" 2004 $67 (Barossa Valley)
Syrahmi "Petit Priere" 2006 $38 (Heathcote)
Teusner "Albert" 2005 $43 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling White
Wild Dog Winery Pinot Noir Chardonnay 1999 $23 (Gippsland)

Tempranillo
Hewitson 'Private Cellar' 2006 $65 (McLaren Vale)

Viognier
Peerick 2006 $24 (Pyrenees)

New Releases - April Pt.2

Cabernet & Blends
Grosset "Gaia" 2005 $55 (Clare Valley)
Mills Reef Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $43 (Hawkes Bay)

Chardonnay
Deviation Road 2006 $19 (Adelaide Hills)
Grosset 2006 $50 (Adelaide Hills)
Saint Claire "Premium" 2006 $21 (Marlborough)
Te Whare Ra 2006 $30 (Marlborough)
Woodlands Estate 2007 $20 (Margaret River)

Grenache & Blends
Brini Grenache Shiraz 2004 $14 (McLaren Vale)
Rolf Binder "Christa Rolf" Shiraz Grenache 2005 $20 (Barossa Valley)
Rolf Binder "Heinrich" GSM 2005 $26 (Barossa Valley)

Merlot
Bird in Hand 2006 $25 (Adelaide Hills)

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Deviation Road Pinot Gris 2007 $20 (Adelaide Hills)

Pinot Noir
Domaine A 2005 $67 (Tasmania)
Moranghurk 2004 $16 (Geelong)
Prince Albert 2005 $33 (Geelong)
Stefano Lubiana "Primevera" 2007 $27 (Tasmania)

Riesling
Austins 2006 $19 (Geelong)

Shiraz
Pondalowie Shiraz Viognier 2005 $29 (Bendigo)
Tardieu Laurent "Cornas Coteaux" 2005 $68 (Northern Rhone, France)

Sparkling White
Guerrieri Rizzardi Prosecco NV $28 (Veneto, Italy)

Other Reds
Mac Forbes Blaufrankish 2006 $25 (Austria)

Other Whites
Mac Forbes Gruner Veltliner 2006 $25 (Austria)

Tasting Notes - Castle Rock Riesling 2003 (Recommended)

Good kit this. I haven't had a Castle Rock riesling in years but this 5yr old proves (again) a couple of well known truths - Great Southern is perhaps Australia's most consistent region for premium wine in the $20 to $30 market, and Castle Rock remains in a leadership position for riesling in this region. Showing very well in middle age; quite juicy and fresh early but soon mellows with mild honey and just the faintest hint of kero coming through. Great balance, relatively soft structure for the varity, although a lick of acid persists on the finish. Should go another 3yrs without any problem.

Tasting Notes - Yarra Valley Showcase - Shiraz

Overall
Interestingly I thought there was more emphasis placed on shiraz / syrah than cabernet at this tasting. In my opinion the focus needs to be on both, and maybe less on pinot. Shiraz could be a real growth story here as the Valley strikes a very good middle ground b/w the oft-one dimensional SA hot climate style and the marginal cool climate styles from Macedon / Sunbury. The winemakers present were (are) very bullish on this medium climate style and the opportunities it represents.

Seville Estate 'Old Vine Reserve' 2005
35yr old vines, 19 months oak.
Dark blood red / blackberry in colour. Dancing, energetic nose loaded with mild pepper and spice, very identifiable as a cool climate style. Not unlike pinot noir. Great mouthful; quite simple and sweet early, but then builds with acid, mild funk and spice.

Yering Station 'Reserve' 2005
Mild berries, nervy acid, talcum powder (riesling-like). Not your typical shiraz aromas but works ok. Berry weight seems light, plenty of acid and supporting tannin; good presence but not moorish.

Punt Road 2005 (Recommended)
Coldstream fruit, 22yr old vines, 2tns / acre.
Just a fraction darker that the Seville. Pepper and mild oak toast, some sweetness; a friendly nose. Dirty fruits, a faint lick of brett; long finish driven by spice. Young and lively.

Giant Steps 'Millers Vineyard' 2005
12yr old fruit with 5% viognier.
Very dark red, tending to black. Fruit is a touch dull (over-ripe and dead?), maybe the oak handling is a touch heavy. Palate structure is tight with a fair bit of spicy oak. Clearly will live a while but I question whether the fruit can live through the oak.

DeBortolio 2005 (Recommended)
3% viognier, 100% French oak, 35% new oak.
Aromatic red berries early; simple but it works well. Straightforward palate; red fruits and zingy acid. Kinda simple but very effective.

Delas Cote Rotie 'La Landonne' 2004 (Recommended)
The Rhone ring-in. Lifted perfumed nose; very lively, violets, fluffy, very attractive and probably the best aromas of the 2 days. All this character flows through quite well to the palate although the fruit weight is greater than expected. Pepper kicks in mid-palate with a big funky tang. Some pinot-like character as well.

Yarra Yering 'Underhill' 2005 (Recommended)
Small % of marsanne.
Dark red centre and a fraction lighter at the rim. Dirty, old-fashioned nose; meaty, peppery, euro-like. Shows good complexity. Touches of old wood; really quite good. Front palate is loaded with sweet fruit; quite powerful, soft tannins and acid drives a long finish. Mild brett note. Despite the overt ripeness this is good fun.

Coldstream Hills 2005 (Recommended)
Tiny portion of viognier, 40% new oak.
Low key fruit nose; spice, settled. Has good presence. Big fruit flavours on palate, very bright; simple, very ripe yet not heavy; needs time. I expect this will settle nicely.

Oakridge 2005 (Recommended)
Young vines, 1% viognier, dry grown.
Hard to pick any defining character off the nose; red berries perhaps? Very clean and straightforward. Very well balanced and settled palate with medium strength red fruits. Awesome balance right through the palate. A simple wine that is exceptionally well made.

Greenpoint 2005 (Recommended)
100% de-stemmed, 1.5% viognier
Again a mild nose; plums lurk, subtle yet very good. Sweet early in the palate but quickly builds with funky bretty notes (mild) and a firming structure as tannins kick in.

Tasting Notes - Goose Island Shiraz 2005 (Recommended)

This wine is exceptional value at only $14 it delivers a a dark black red colour, a heady mix of pencil shavings and ripe berry fruit on the nose, great mouth feel with ripe fruit flavour countered by an earthiness, some bitter chocolate and coffee. It travels well across the palate and has a vanilla and cherry finish. It is very McLaren Vale and very delicious!

Tasting Notes - John Gehrig Gamay 2006

There isn't a lot of Gamay grown in Australia. There is some up at Beechworth made by Sorrenberg and Mt Burrumboot make one in Heathcote and I believe Eldridge Estate have one but I haven't tasted it. However it is hardly a mainstream grape variety in this country. John Gehrig wines are made by son Ross Gehrig these days. He has spent time in Beaujolais perfecting his expertise with this grape and it shows in the resultant wine. A bit heavier than your average Pinot Noir but I think Pinot fans would like this. It is more reminiscent of Beaujolais Village than nouveau with a cherry and spice nose and a creamy palate of dark cherry fruit with some prune and apple in the background. Interesting.

Tasting Notes - Fighting Gully Road Cab Merlot 2002

From a wine retailer's point of view you'd go nowhere near this wine at face value. $37 cabernet from 5yr old vines; typical over-priced Beechworth wine right?. Problem is that the region keeps kicking up great wines that show genuine terroir (a rarity in Oz) and this wine is another example. Super balance and construct in the early and mid palate with soft cassis and plum. Elegant in terms of weight but very varietal and smooth. Firming tannins to finish that do get a tad rough but I'm mostly willing to overlook. Drinking very well as a 6 year old (noting that the vines were planted in 1997) but unlikely to get much better.