McLaren Vale, South Australia
14.5%, screwcap, biodynamic, around $23
http://www.gemtreevineyards.com.au/
Deeply scented with a delightful nose of red berries, mulberries and some earthy notes. Soft on the entrance. All the promise of the bouquet is realised on the palate. Powerful fruit flows on and on and on. A wine with incredible balance - 95.
Henschke's Lenswood vineyard in the Adelaide Hills
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Two Hands, Angel's Share Shiraz (2007)
McLaren Vale, SA
15.5%, screwcap, non organic, RRP $27
www.twohandswines.com
Deep purple. This wine smelt of blackberries, with a sprinkling of forest floor and roasted coffee. The palate was intense with very powerful fruit flavours, supported by pleasant oak, grippy tannins and a nice acid finish. The power of the fruit in this wine was incredible and it will benefit from further cellaring - 95.
15.5%, screwcap, non organic, RRP $27
www.twohandswines.com
Deep purple. This wine smelt of blackberries, with a sprinkling of forest floor and roasted coffee. The palate was intense with very powerful fruit flavours, supported by pleasant oak, grippy tannins and a nice acid finish. The power of the fruit in this wine was incredible and it will benefit from further cellaring - 95.
Wolf Blass, Gold Label Shiraz (2006)
Barossa Valley, South Australia
15.5%, screwcap, non organic, RRP $25
www.wolfblass.com.au
Deep purple. A bouquet of berries, currants and sweet oak. The bouquet was played out on the palate, which was packed full with juicy fruit with smoky oak in support. I could detect very ripe (some might say over ripe) fruit in the mix (hence the very high alcohol). I thought that the vibrancy and freshness of that fruit was adequate and balanced with the tannins and a nice acid finish. That said, I have had other bottles of this wine that didn't quite pull it off. Judged on this bottle alone - 94, but on average - 92.
15.5%, screwcap, non organic, RRP $25
www.wolfblass.com.au
Deep purple. A bouquet of berries, currants and sweet oak. The bouquet was played out on the palate, which was packed full with juicy fruit with smoky oak in support. I could detect very ripe (some might say over ripe) fruit in the mix (hence the very high alcohol). I thought that the vibrancy and freshness of that fruit was adequate and balanced with the tannins and a nice acid finish. That said, I have had other bottles of this wine that didn't quite pull it off. Judged on this bottle alone - 94, but on average - 92.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Seppelt, Chalambar Shiraz (2005)
Grampians/Bendigo/Pyrenees, VIC
13.5%, screwcap, non organic, RRP $28
http://www.seppelt.com.au/
The smokey bouquet led to a palate of roast tomato. The fruit that was there was rather simple. The tannins were quite pronounced. It finished short. On the second night there were more earthy notes to the bouquet and the tannins had settled. I found this to be a largely underwhelming wine, particularly given its reputation and the time it had been provided with to mature. No bottle variation here, they have all been the same over the years - 87.
13.5%, screwcap, non organic, RRP $28
http://www.seppelt.com.au/
The smokey bouquet led to a palate of roast tomato. The fruit that was there was rather simple. The tannins were quite pronounced. It finished short. On the second night there were more earthy notes to the bouquet and the tannins had settled. I found this to be a largely underwhelming wine, particularly given its reputation and the time it had been provided with to mature. No bottle variation here, they have all been the same over the years - 87.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
HEAD Wines, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Alex Head made his debut on the wine making scene in December 2008, inspired by the wines of Cote-Rotie in the Rhone Valley, France. Alex has focused on Shiraz (and Shiraz Viognier) which he has sourced from single vineyards that are situated in different districts of the Barossa Valley. Those vineyards also have different soil profiles and produce wines with contrasting personalities.
Alex also produces a semillon and most recently added an 'old vine' Grenache to the line up. He has experienced an enviable debut, receiving significant praise from highly respected reviewers, such as James Halliday. Oh, and there are only very small quantities of these wines.
www.headwines.com.au
Head Red Shiraz Viognier (2009) RRP $25, a blend of declassified barrels from 'the Blonde' and 'the Brunette', the bouquet burst forth with vibrant berries, which were also pronounced on the palate - 92.
Grenache (2009) RRP $25, this wine was made using traditional techniques, whole bunches were pressed and fermented in an old oak barrel using natural yeasts, unfined and unfiltered. Light ruby, with a restrained nose, this straight grenache was very approachable. With a palate of red berry fruit it was easy drinking. Some residual sugar? An ideal match for a robust Indian curry - 90
The Blonde Shiraz Viognier (2009) RRP $35, single vineyard wine from the Stonewell district of the Barossa Valley. It had a pretty floral and berry bouquet. Great balance and flavour intensity, with impressive acid on the finish - 94.
The Brunette Syrah (2009) RRP $45, single vineyard wine from the Moppa district of the Barossa Valley. Deep purple, a bouquet of tar and licorice followed through onto the palate. Great balance of fruit, tannin and acid. Light to medium bodied - 93.
Alex also produces a semillon and most recently added an 'old vine' Grenache to the line up. He has experienced an enviable debut, receiving significant praise from highly respected reviewers, such as James Halliday. Oh, and there are only very small quantities of these wines.
www.headwines.com.au
Head Red Shiraz Viognier (2009) RRP $25, a blend of declassified barrels from 'the Blonde' and 'the Brunette', the bouquet burst forth with vibrant berries, which were also pronounced on the palate - 92.
Grenache (2009) RRP $25, this wine was made using traditional techniques, whole bunches were pressed and fermented in an old oak barrel using natural yeasts, unfined and unfiltered. Light ruby, with a restrained nose, this straight grenache was very approachable. With a palate of red berry fruit it was easy drinking. Some residual sugar? An ideal match for a robust Indian curry - 90
The Blonde Shiraz Viognier (2009) RRP $35, single vineyard wine from the Stonewell district of the Barossa Valley. It had a pretty floral and berry bouquet. Great balance and flavour intensity, with impressive acid on the finish - 94.
The Brunette Syrah (2009) RRP $45, single vineyard wine from the Moppa district of the Barossa Valley. Deep purple, a bouquet of tar and licorice followed through onto the palate. Great balance of fruit, tannin and acid. Light to medium bodied - 93.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Hunter Valley, NSW March 2011
I managed to take a detour via the Hunter Valley on a recent holiday. I had a day to visit a few cellar doors, so please excuse the lack of detailed notes:
Mistletoe Wines
http://www.mistletoewines.com.au/
Home Vineyard Semillon (2009) RRP $20, amazing fruit intensity - 95.
Chardonnay (2009) RRP $20, 93.
Reserve Chardonnay (2007) RRP $40, 93.
Barrel Fermented Rose (2009) RRP $20, The oak influence a little overpowering (whereas the 2008 was spot on and wonderful) - 92.
The Rose (2010) RRP $19, 94.
Shiraz (2007) RRP $30, 94.
Pepper Tree
www.peppertreewines.com.au
Chief Winemaker Jim Chatto is doing some amazing things at Pepper Tree with their white wine and red wine. They have an outstanding selection of wines available. Visiting their cellar door is a 'must do' for any trip to the Hunter Valley.
Limited Release Hunter Valley Semillon (2010) RRP $22, clean citrus notes, nice balance - 93.
Winemaker's Reserve Semillon (2007) RRP $30, 92.
Winemaker's Reserve Semillon (2009), nice citrus notes - 93.
Limited Release Hunter Valley Verdelho (2010) 13% alcohol, tropical nose and clean melon palate - 93.
Chardonnay (2009) RRP $25, great balance, melon and peach, oak just right - 93.
Rose (2008) RRP $20, made from shiraz - 93/94.
Winemaker's Reserve Shiraz (2007) RRP $42 - 93/94.
14 Shores Reserve Merlot (2009) Coonawarra RRP $35, 14.5% alcohol, amazing mouthfeel, silky tannins, powerful fruit intensity - 95.
The Pebbles Limited Release Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier (2009) RRP $25 - 95.
Calcare Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (2008) Coonawarra RRP $35 - 94/95.
Elderslee Road Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (2007) Wrattonbully RRP $35 - 94.
The Gravels Reserve Shiraz Viognier (2008) Wrattonbully RRP $35 - 94.
Grand Reserve Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon (2004) RRP $55 - 95.
First Creek
www.firstcreekwines.com.au
Winemaker's Reserve Semillon (2009) RRP $30 - 93.
Chardonnay (2009) RRP $25, great balance, melon, peach and oak just right - 93.
Shiraz (2008) fruit sourced from the Canberra District, RRP$25 - 94.
Mistletoe Wines
http://www.mistletoewines.com.au/
Home Vineyard Semillon (2009) RRP $20, amazing fruit intensity - 95.
Chardonnay (2009) RRP $20, 93.
Reserve Chardonnay (2007) RRP $40, 93.
Barrel Fermented Rose (2009) RRP $20, The oak influence a little overpowering (whereas the 2008 was spot on and wonderful) - 92.
The Rose (2010) RRP $19, 94.
Shiraz (2007) RRP $30, 94.
Pepper Tree
www.peppertreewines.com.au
Chief Winemaker Jim Chatto is doing some amazing things at Pepper Tree with their white wine and red wine. They have an outstanding selection of wines available. Visiting their cellar door is a 'must do' for any trip to the Hunter Valley.
Limited Release Hunter Valley Semillon (2010) RRP $22, clean citrus notes, nice balance - 93.
Winemaker's Reserve Semillon (2007) RRP $30, 92.
Winemaker's Reserve Semillon (2009), nice citrus notes - 93.
Limited Release Hunter Valley Verdelho (2010) 13% alcohol, tropical nose and clean melon palate - 93.
Chardonnay (2009) RRP $25, great balance, melon and peach, oak just right - 93.
Rose (2008) RRP $20, made from shiraz - 93/94.
Winemaker's Reserve Shiraz (2007) RRP $42 - 93/94.
14 Shores Reserve Merlot (2009) Coonawarra RRP $35, 14.5% alcohol, amazing mouthfeel, silky tannins, powerful fruit intensity - 95.
The Pebbles Limited Release Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier (2009) RRP $25 - 95.
Calcare Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (2008) Coonawarra RRP $35 - 94/95.
Elderslee Road Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (2007) Wrattonbully RRP $35 - 94.
The Gravels Reserve Shiraz Viognier (2008) Wrattonbully RRP $35 - 94.
Grand Reserve Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon (2004) RRP $55 - 95.
First Creek
www.firstcreekwines.com.au
Winemaker's Reserve Semillon (2009) RRP $30 - 93.
Chardonnay (2009) RRP $25, great balance, melon, peach and oak just right - 93.
Shiraz (2008) fruit sourced from the Canberra District, RRP$25 - 94.
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Penfolds, BIN 28 Kalimna Shiraz (2004)
South Australia
14.5%, screwcap, non organic, $24
www.penfolds.com
Medium purple-red. With a bouquet of plums and spice, this wine did not disappoint. The complex palate showed delicious blackberry and plum with hints of licorice, with a fleshy texture and smooth tannins. Impressive structure. In the past I had considered this wine a little simple, but it has improved with time. 94
14.5%, screwcap, non organic, $24
www.penfolds.com
Medium purple-red. With a bouquet of plums and spice, this wine did not disappoint. The complex palate showed delicious blackberry and plum with hints of licorice, with a fleshy texture and smooth tannins. Impressive structure. In the past I had considered this wine a little simple, but it has improved with time. 94
Metala, White Label Shiraz Cabernet (2006)
Langhorne Creek, SA
14.5%, screwcap, non organic, $12
http://www.saltramwines.com.au/
Deep purple, the bouquet was of vibrant fruit with spice and white pepper. The palate was filled with impressive fruit intensity, showing vibrant blackberry and plum. This wine showed a superb balance between fruit, oak, acid and tannin. This wine is drinking well now, much better than a year ago. I was most impressed by this 'week day' wine. Great value when you find it on sale (as I did). 93
14.5%, screwcap, non organic, $12
http://www.saltramwines.com.au/
Deep purple, the bouquet was of vibrant fruit with spice and white pepper. The palate was filled with impressive fruit intensity, showing vibrant blackberry and plum. This wine showed a superb balance between fruit, oak, acid and tannin. This wine is drinking well now, much better than a year ago. I was most impressed by this 'week day' wine. Great value when you find it on sale (as I did). 93
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