Henschke's Lenswood vineyard in the Adelaide Hills

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Coolangatta Estate, Savagnin (2012)

Shoalhaven Coast, New South Wales
12.7%, screwcap, $23
www.coolangattaestate.com.au

This grape variety is rapidly gaining attention and this example is no exception. Picked before the rain came, this Savagnin packs a punch. Its two best cards are its texture and acidity. Like a pair of aces, they bring on a smile regardless of how good your 'poker face' might be. The palate combines delicate citrus notes with fleshy peaches amongst a fascinating textural matrix, finishing with zesty acidity - 94.  

Coolangatta Estate is located on the Shoalhaven Coast, just over 2 hours drive south of Sydney. Whilst it is better known for its award winning Semillons, it also produces alternative varieties such as Tempranillo and Tannat. Anyone that lives in Sydney should take a day trip and check out these wines at the cellar door. Or, do yourself a favour and make a weekend of it so that you can tour the range of cafes and restaurants in nearby Berry. Sample sour dough bread baked in a wood fired oven or graze on African influenced cuisine at savannah cafe (the new kid on the block and rising star by all accounts).

Sunday 23 September 2012

Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz (2004)

Barossa Valley, South Australia
14.5%, cork, around $35
www.grantburgewines.com.au

A delightful bouquet of plums and spice. The type of bouquet that makes you go back again and again, to savour it before taking a sip. The palate displayed a spread of concentrated, rich fruit - notes of blackberry and plum speckled with chocolate and cedar. The fruit combined with ripe tannins and supporting acid to form a delicious wine with good length. A full bodied Shiraz. The type of Shiraz that has made the Barossa Valley world famous - 96. 

P.s. I recently tried a sampe of the 2010 vintage - it's a cracker. Grab some while you still can.

Sunday 2 September 2012

O'Leary Walker Shiraz (2008)

Clare Valley/McLaren Vale, South Australia
14.5%, screwcap, around $22
www.olearywalkerwines.com

As I was pouring this wine into the decanter I was struck by its deep impenetrable dark purple colour. But even with this preview, I didn't predict the potency of this wine. The palate was flush with intense vibrant fruit, covering the spectrum of red all the way through to black. The fruit a blend of Clare Valley (70%) and McLaren Vale (30%), combining two regions famous for Shiraz. The two years in French oak had resulted in a sublime oak influence which perfectly supported the fruit. The tannins were ripe and velvety. The high acid matched the power of the other elements. A lovely wine - 95.