Wednesday 31 August 2011

Wendouree Cabernet Malbec 2009

When I think of the two top types of wines from Clare, I think of Riesling and Cabernet Malbec blends but when I think of Wendouree I go straight to the Shiraz. Is that warranted? Well from the 2009 vintage there is a resounding answer of NO.

Wendouree Cabernet Malbec 2009

This is even tighter than their Shiraz so for the first two days all you taste is Malbec.  On the third day, peppermint chocolates and blackcurrant join the team.  It is almost confronting how extremely long it stays on your tongue. Layer upon layer of flavour build over the extending period of tasting.  One could say it is tantric in nature. The tannic structure is woven throughout the flavours of scorched earth, red fruits, violets, dried salami and thyme.  The structure reminds me of an Italian Barbaresco so it is built to age. Enjoy now if you dare or leave it alone and you will be rewarded. 


Alcohol: 13.6%
Price: $50

Rated: 95
Drink: A wine to give to your grand kids (2024 - 2049)

Riley of Eden Valley Savagnin 2010

Another one of those wineries that I have never heard of and a variety that I haven't tasted much of from Australia. The total planting of this variety world wide is around 500 hectares so it is relatively small when compared to other varieties.  All the examples that I've tried originate from Jura and taste nothing like this little number.  Saying that I was really impressed with this, possibly the best Aussie example that I've tried.

Riley of Eden Valley Savagnin 2010

A vibrant wine with acidity and flavour brilliantly matched.  The flavours themselves are in the tropical end of the spectrum but manages to stay in the refreshing end with lightness of acidity and richness of flavour counter balanced.  It really needs to be matched with food or friends to really strut its stuff.  The Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills may prove to be a brilliant breeding ground for this lovely variety.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $16

Rated: 87
Drink: now 

 

Tuesday 30 August 2011

Michael Hall Chardonnay 2009

James Halliday wrote this up in the Weekend Australian giving it a huge wrap so considering my tasting note was written two weeks ago I thought I should post it.  While I agree with Halliday that this is a remarkable wine, he says it is the same quality as the 08 version (both 96pts).  I'm of the opinion that the 09 is a little better.  I opened it on a Sunday night and quickly tasted  it to write down some preliminary notes.  Six days later I remembered that it was in the fridge! Whoops! I thought it might be on the way out but it was fresh as a daisy with perfect integration and vibrant juicy acidity.  


Michael Hall Chardonnay 2009

The wine starts out in the grapefruit, white nectarine end of the spectrum with hazelnuts and vanilla bean thrown in.  There is a hint of gunpowder which gives the wine an extra degree of spiciness and interest.  On day one it is so tight and reserved it is almost a sin to drink. No such problem on day six as the message is intertwined throughout this beautiful extremely long wine. Breadth, depth and complexity elegantly pervade every inch of your mouth!  If you open this now I will have to come over and spank you!

Alcohol: 13.8%
Price: $40

Rated: 94
Drink: 2016 - 2025