Tuesday 31 January 2012

Samuel's Gorge Cadenzia 2009

If you see Cadenzia on a label it basically means the wine is Grenache based.  If it also has McLaren Vale on label then you can buy it with confidence that it will have serious flavours and leave you with a definite smile. The grapes in McLaren Vale have been going through veraison over the last couple of weeks so they are taking on some beautiful red/purple colour.

Image from Tables Creek

As you can see the berries are bulging at the seams with juice with some berries changing colour while others are waiting for their moment to shine.

Samuel's Gorge Cadenzia 2009

This wine is dark an inviting as everything explodes out of the glass. Would I want anything more than flavours of smoked red licorice, spice, redskins and dried plums? Hell yes, as this wine keeps on dancing in front of my like an exotic belly dancer.  Under the fruit there is an abundance of chalky tannins which leave my mouth feeling dry yet moist. How can it be dry yet moist? Well, I don't know but it does. Over the 4 days that I tasted this the oak was a little too evident on the palate which held me back from extra points.  That said this wine is great value and ultra interesting to drink.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $35
Rated: 90
Drink: Now - 2019

Romney Park Pinot Noir 2009

I was sitting at my desk last night with this wine in my hand, thinking what is the difference between New World and Old World Pinot Noir. If I take this wine as an example then there is an abundance of fruit evident with little of those earthy dirty flavours but the difference doesn't stop there.  Tannins are an integral aspect for a wine to pair well with a range of food style and that is missing in so many Pinot Noirs that are made in a New World style such as this wine.  Lastly, the alcohol levels are higher for the New World wines than there Old World counterparts. Does that make the New World wines of lesser quality? Well not for the average wine but at the top end, the Old World wines kick the New World wines to the curb.

Romney Park Pinot Noir 2009

Upon opening the wine shows nice moments of sweet Christmas cherries with cranberries and spice being nominated for best supporting role.  The wine in medium bodied and lively as it slips down the back of my throat.  While I really like the gorgeous fruits that are evident, there is a slight alcohol warmth on the back palate which hold me back from scoring it higher.

Alcohol: 13.7%
Price: $40
Rated: 88
Drink: Now - 2015

Monday 30 January 2012

Shaw & Smith Shiraz 2009

On the vine the Shiraz grapes are dark in colour and can even be totally black in some of the warmer areas. This variety has been classified as an optimistic variety which means that it doesn't react well to spikes of heat or lack of water during the growing season.  In warmer climates you can expect to see a full bodied wine with flavours in the jammy or liqueured end of the spectrum,  whereas in cool climates flavours of spice and fresh picked berries with a savoury edge appear.

Shaw & Smith Shiraz 2009

The Shaw & Smith version is predominately from their Woodside vineyard with a little Macclesfield fruit thrown in.  The palate tasted like it has been polished up so it is as smooth as hell with flavours of spice and plums with a little meat action on the mid palate.  There are some nice winter herbs and chocolate adding to the experience with a green twig element that concerns me a little. If I put the meat and green twigs a side then the score would have been huge but I thought that those two components indicated a little over and under ripeness in the wine. Bearing that in mind the wine still offers good value and I would be happy to suck down a bottle on a big occasion.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $40
Rated: 90
Drink: Now - 2019

Sunday 29 January 2012

Kay Brothers Amery Basket Press Grenache 2010

Kays Amery has some of the oldest vines in the Vales but they are from the Shiraz variety.  All of the Grenache come off of their own estate and is fermented in old and large format barrels.  These guys have been producing wines in this style for a long time now and have not wavered in the face of fashion.  Wine fashion has swung back to wines of greater elegance and less oak influence which means Kays is back with vengeance.

Kay Brothers Amery Basket Press Grenache 2010

There is an exotic nature about this medium bodied beauty that I haven't tasted in any wine from the Vales.  This wine is definitely not big or bold but it is controlled and vibrant.  It is a wine to drink with food and friends out the back under a fruit tree with the BBQ cracking.  The tannin structure of the wine is light yet provides a blanket of texture over the whole of my tongue. Do I really care about the flavours? Well, yes as there are notes of sweet prunes and spicy raspberries mixed with caramelised cranberries joyfully dancing on my tongue.  While many of those flavours sound sweet the wine is more neutral, being neither sweet nor overtly savoury. After being assaulted with a feather of flavour the wine finishes with bright acidity leaving my mouth dry and refreshed.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $22
Rated: 87+
Drink: Now - 2018

d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2009

Grenache is one of the most planted varieties in the world yet in Australia it doesn't even rank in the top 4 which is a pity as it is a conservative variety that doesn't need much love to produce a wine of interest and an ability to drink well with food. D'Arenberg has really taken Grenache under their wings, linking their success directly to this variety.  As the vines produce a large canopy and the large juicy grapes can stand warm and windy weather it is justified to say that this variety may fit perfectly with many regions in South Australia.

d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2009

This wines has a lovely lipstick aroma on opening but soon flavours of fresh herbs and red licorice rise from the glass.  I just let this sit in the glass while everything unfolded for 24 hours before I decided to stick it in my mouth as it was that good. Once the brooding and savoury flavours hit my tongue there was a note of sour cranberries and red-fruits joining the party before the tannins took hold.  They are definitely evident but they are light and jovial on my tongue providing interest and a food friendly appeal. 

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $29
Rated: 92
Drink: Now - 2022

Derelict.png

Saturday 28 January 2012

Domaine Tissot Selection 2008

Max Allen loves his wines from Jura as they offer something very unique.  The flavours of the wines from Jura are a mix between Sherry and aged Chardonnay which may make them a bit of a challenge for many people. Stephane Tissot is said to be the top producer from the region as he has some of the best vineyards within the region and he manages those vineyards using bio-dynamically practises. Once the grapes enter the winery, Stephane adheres to natural wine making practises which is another one of Max Allens favourite philosophies for producing interesting wines.

Domaine Tissot Selection 2008

I suggest that you leave this open for a day before you start tasting it as the flavours on the first day are pure Sherry.  Expect to see grilled nuts, lemon peel and sweet potpourri for 24 hours before a bit of Indian curry sets in with a lime wedge thrown in.  All I need now is some jasmine rice and I would have myself a meal. Even though I love the flavours of the wine, it is the texture that sets this part from your normal wine styles. Imagine crushing wax and quartz in a mortar and pestle and then drinking it. To quote Britney Spears 'oh baby baby'.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $60
Rated: 90
Drink: You could drink it now but it will keep for a decade at least.
Importer: Heart & Soil

Zind-Humbrecht Goldert Vendange Tardive 2005

Olivier has converted his vineyards from traditional to bio-dynamic viticulture practises as he believes that the vines are healthier and can cope better with the extreme weather conditions.  Now I haven't tasted much from this producer but the reputation of this winery is rather impressive.

Zind-Humbrecht Goldert Vendange Tardive 2005

When you compare dessert wines from Australia with this they are poles apart. The Australian examples are often sickly sweet with no acidity to balance out those flavours yet with this little number there is a vibrant core of acidity which leaves my mouth dry yet dripping with saliva. The flavours of turkish delight mixed with lemon rind, sugar coated spice and spring flowers coat the interior of my mouth. I just can't get my head around how this wine has a texture of syrup yet it feels light in my mouth. I love the fact that I can't get my head around it as it brings up the interest factor a couple of notches.


Alcohol: ?
Price: ?
Rated: 94
Drink: Whenever you want

Friday 27 January 2012

Rockford Hand Picked Riesling 2009

Rockford Hand Picked Riesling 2009

The wine starts out with a pure line and length of flavour with a waxy type of character this is both cerebral and joyful at the same time. That waxiness makes me stop and think about the food that would pair with this sexy little number. The flavours of the wine tick all the normal boxes but the width of the wine was a little too narrow for big scores. It this wine good? Yes and with the a little extra time in the bottle I'm sure it will fill out so be patient.

Alcohol: ?
Price: $19
Rated: 87
Drink: 2015 - 2020

Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Bianco 6va

I'm coming to the conclusion that Frank Cornelissen's wines are built to drink now but with the ability to change with time in the bottle.  Due to the manner in which he bottles them I would be more inclined to open them now. Furthermore as they are a blend of vintages why would I want to cellar them anyway?

Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Bianco 6va

This wine tastes very different from the 7 version with flavours of black pepper corns and guava mixed with orange rind and hay.  There are still elements of chocolate covered caramel  laced with lemon preserve like you get from number 7 but this wine is a little more open an accessible when compared to its version from the later year.  This wine is more about texture and length than it is flavour and once it enters your mouth the liquid spreads out on your tongue like syrup.  There is a grainy components to the texture which you don't often find in many wines.  Do I like it? Well, yes I like it a lot.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $120
Rated: 94+
Drink: Now
Importer: Addley Clark Fine Wines

Thursday 26 January 2012

Torbreck Viognier 2010

Most of the Torbreck range is red in colour but they do do a couple whites.

Torbreck Viognier 2010

Now if I wanted a dose of apricots then I would put my money here as that is the main stay of the wine.  There are also droplets of flowers and glazed ginger mixed with spice on a thick palate which is still in that trademark silky style which you get with all Dave's wines. There is a touch of warmth on the palate holding me back from giving this big points but it is a very good drop.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $43
Rated: 88
Drink: Now

Ngeringa Syrah 2008

Adelaide Hills crush festival is coming up on Sunday and the team at Ngeringa normally put together a brilliant show. The band that plays at the event is often Australian renowned or just brilliant which makes for a very sophisticated event. The Klein's menu comprises the produce that are grown on their farm which makes the meals both delicious and nutritious at the same time. 

Ngeringa Syrah 2008

Silkiness and vibrant acidity pulse through the centre of this wine with flavours of plums, curry powder and wood smoked beetroot running along side the savouriness.  Whilst the wine is only medium body I really love the ribald style tannins and the savoury aspects and this wine is definitely built for food and shines when paired with ragu.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $50
Rated: 90
Drink: Now - 2019

Ashton Hills Salmon Brut 2009

Stephen George picked the whole of his 2011 vintage with no disease whatsoever. How could this be? Well he says the white from the Adelaide Hills will be one of the best ever as many varieties were ready to pick before the disease set in.  The reds on the other hand were a nightmare. Luckily Stephen was out in the vineyard every day taking the diseased fruit off the vine and transporting them off his property. His next door neighbour wasn't so lucky and wasn't able to get much off of his vineyard.   What is the moral of the story then? Buy your wines from people that are fastidious about their vineyard whether that is from a large or small producing is doesn't matter, just make sure they are out amongst the vines.

Ashton Hills Salmon Brut 2009

I love a good dose of strawberries and cream and that is exactly what you get here but you also experience a beautiful amount of short bread mixed with cherries and sour cranberries.  All these flavours sit on a very long palate length that fills your mouth and never lets go.  The arm of savoury goodness invades your tongue, flanking your taste buds and provide a yummy goodness.  Drink this with pride.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $40
Rated: 91
Drink: Now but will keep

Ashton Hills Salmon Brut 2009 - click to view full size

Vigna Cantina Sangiovese 2009

This wine is produced by Torzi Matthews which is a winemaker that I respect.  He makes some great wines from the cooler areas within the Barossa but this is the first one that I have tasted that comes from an Italian variety. The vines are 15 years old but they are from the Brunello and Piccolo clones which makes this wine's pedigree rather brilliant. This wine is also wild fermented and placed in old French oak barrels.

Vigna Cantina Sangiovese 2009

Upon opening the room fills with a huge porty aroma which puts me in an uneasy mood. On the palate there is masses of sweet ripe cherries and leather before the flavour drop off my tongue.  The things I look for in a Sangiovese include sweet and sour flavours on a savoury palate with an abundance of tannins waiting underneath but I don't get any of those things here.  The wine is already moving into its secondary flavour spectrum with little tannin and a very short finish.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $22
Rated: 79
Drink: Now

Tuesday 24 January 2012

Samuel's Gorge Tempranillo 2010

The home of Tempranillo is definitely in Spain but you do see some popping up in the Vales in South Australia which got me thinking what temperature difference is there during the critical months during vintage.  The average January temperature in McLaren vale is 23.2 degrees Celsius while the average July temperature for Rioja in Spain sits firmly at 22.2 degrees Celsius which suggests that Tempranillo might be a perfect fit for the region. 

Samuel's Gorge Tempranillo 2010

Justin McNamee has been producing this variety for a fare while now and consistently makes one of the best in Australia. The 2010 version is a little dirtier and mustier than normal which moves it into a more elegant and funky style with a hell of a load of interest. There are elements of cherry cola, smoked licorice and lamb korma sitting on a medium bodied frame with soft and silky tannins underneath. These tannins are in perfect proportion to the flavours and they provide an additional succulence to the wine. This is definitely a birthday gift style of wine that would bring a smile to the recipients face. Better still buy yourself a gift.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $35
Rated: 90
Drink: 2014 - 2020 

The Lane Vineyard Unoaked Chardonnay 2009

The Lane Vineyard's fruit used to go into the Stavedog Lane range which won so many trophies and acclaim from the critics that it is understandable that John and Helen Edwards would want to play with the fruit themselves. They set up the cellar door and a restaurant which offers one of the best vineyard views in the Adelaide Hills.

The Lane Vineyard Unoaked Chardonnay 2009

The wine doesn't really offer much on the nose but I do get a hint of white nectarine.  Once on the palate there is the same white nectarine with a touch of nuttiness before a whack of sweetness hits you in the face. While I like the nectarine action the palate falls very short like a diver standing on the edge of the platform before they take the final plunge.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $20
Rated: 81
Drink: Now

 

Sunday 22 January 2012

Chapel Hill Gorge Block Chardonnay 2010

During the late 90s and early 00s I fell of the Chapel Hill bandwagon as I found many of their wines had a little bit of over ripeness inherent within them.  Since tasting a few white and reds from their current offering, I can safely say that there has been a massive turn around. Since taking over as head winemaker, Michael Fragos has done a fantastic job as this wine is firmly the best Chardonnay from the Vales that I have tasted.


Chapel Hill Gorge Block Chardonnay 2010

This is definitely not what I was expecting as the wine shows restraint as the translucent liquid fills my glass. Even though this wine sees a bit of new French oak the colour is more reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc whilst the nose reminds me of a top quality cool climate offering from this variety. On the palate there are flavours of white nectarine, lime cordial mixed with gunpowder and spicy mixed nuts. This is the first Chardonnay from Mclaren Vale that doesn't show massive amounts of ultra ripe flavours covered in oak yet it still tastes inherently like it is from the Vales.  After tasting this I had written in my notes RRP $40 bucks and good value so I was astonished to find out that is actually sells for $25 bucks at cellar door.  I'm glad that my note taking ability is lacking in some areas as it makes this wine a bargain.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $25
Rated: 88+
Drink: Now - 2018

10_gorgechard

Ashton Hills Reserve Pinot Noir 2009

The spiritual home of Pinot Noir is definitely Burgundy, where the monks have been cultivating the cone shape clusters of grape for decades. While the origin of this variety are a little shady, many believe that Pinot Noir is a direct descendent 'vitis sylvestris' which is a common wild grape variety native to the Mediterranean regions. These wild grapes formed the basis for the majority of the different wine varieties from around the world. While the first records of the Pinot Noir grapes being used for wine is around 1345 which due to its association with the church has been used frequently in religious ceremonies. 






Ashton Hills Reserve Pinot Noir 2009


Stephen George makes some of the most age-worthy examples from this variety in Australia and this wine is no different. The flavours are so tightly coiled around the tannin structure and acidity that they don't show well at this stage. Even still the 100% new French oak as been sucked up and spat out suggesting that there is a huge amount of power to be released at a later date in this wine. What excites me most about this wine is when it enters your mouth the tannins meander up my tongue coating every spare taste bud and stay there as if they have set up camp for the night. Love it!


Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $60
Rated: 93+
Drink: 2016 - 2023


Friday 20 January 2012

Seppelts St Peters 2008

The St Peter's Vineyard is located on the Western View road in Great Western. This vineyard was the first vineyard in the area and is now heritage listed as to preserve the cultural significance for the area which many  argue possesses the best quality fruit from the area.

Seppelts St Peters 2008

On the nose this wine is cool, calm and collected with flacks of mulberries, spice and graphite invading my nostrils. Once the wine enters my mouth there is a sense of seriousness that is all encompassing. You really need to sit down and contemplate this medium bodied beast. Can you have a medium bodied beast? The wine is definitely not huge, nothing like your Arnold Schwarzenegger style wine but it still packs a punch in your mouth. Lets call this wine the ninja in your mouth!

The length is spectacular and the mouth feel is brilliant which makes the joy owe so intoxicating.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $70
Rated: 95
Drink: Wait until it turns 10

Wirra Wirra Woodhenge 2010

Robert Wigley built the original Wirra Wirra winery based on his work at Pirrimima which is located not even one kilometre away, suggesting that he was a bit of a visionary for the region.  At that stage there would have been only a few areas under vine including the Kays Amery Vineyard, Chateau Reynella and the Olivers Taranga vineyard which makes these four wineries the backbone of the area. Today the Wirra Wirra cellar door offers a large spacious area where I've seen many a patron playing petanque with a glass of something in their hands. It is a rather nice way to spend an afternoon in the sun, having a bit of fun.

Wirra Wirra Woodhenge 2010

Now I tasted this over a 5 day period and it looked its best from day 3.  I must say that on the first 2 days the sweet oakiness was a little too much but that changed from day 3. This wine combines the normal McLaren Vale flavours of melted licorice and plums but then adds so many more flavours into the mix.  It felt like I was sitting down with a platter of all these tasty bit size snacks as each mouthful brought something different for my taste buds.  This mouthful was blueberries and raspberries covered in chocolate dipping sauce. Underneath the serious flavours lurks some ribald style tannins that take hold of my mouth and never let go. At 30 bucks a bottle this is a bargain.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $30
Rated: 93
Drink: 2018 - 2027

Thursday 19 January 2012

Coteaux du Giennois Blanc les Tuileries 2008

Coteaux du Giennois Blanc les Tuileries 2008

This tastes so different to your normal Chenin Blanc and it should as it is Sauvignon Blanc. There is still a bright core of grapefruit flavoured acidity running through the middle of the wine which is so different to your Australian version of this variety. The other flavours that are wrapped around the acidity include violets, custard apple and a hint of glazed lemon rind which adds an extra degree of richness. Through the mouth, the wine has a degree of creaminess that holds the flavours to your tongue just a little bit longer. The wine is lovingly long on my palate with the whole package being rather seductive. 

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $28
Rated: 88
Drink: Now

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Guy Bossard Muscadet Cuvee Classic 2008

The Muscadet grape is grown in a maritime climate so it receives a nice amount of cool air during the hotter months at vintage time. Generally this variety should be served young and with anything that has been swimming in the sea. Grown near the sea and served with the fish from the sea sounds fantastic.

Guy Bossard Muscadet Cuvee Classic 2008

Now I have never tried a Muscadet before so I was interested to try this when it came across my desk. On the nose you get a huge pong of oxidative notes that muddy the wines message but on the palate there is a bit of lemon rind mixed with melon, peach and spice dusted with icing sugar.  While the flavours are interesting the oxidative note masks the true glory of the wine. I hope this was just a bad bottle and not the norm for this label.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $28
Rated: 86
Drink: Now or over the next few years.

Marc Bredif Vouvray 1993

As with many wine regions in France, wines that possess the regional name, in this case Vouvray, are tightly controlled as to the make up of the contents.  As such this wine is 100% Chenin Blanc and it certainly feels like it.  If you had told me this was a 2 year old wine I would have believed you but this wine already has 19 years under its belt. The wines from this area are made mostly into still wines but you can find some delightful sparkling version. I wonder if the sparkling versions age as well as the still versions.

Marc Bredif Vouvray 1993

The wine starts out with a pungent slice of lemon rind before a fresh posy of French daisies enter the mix.  I just love the gentle flow of intense yet refreshing flavours that attack my mouth.  What is decidedly outrageous is the acidity that slices straight through the flavours of cracked pepper, tropical fruits and quince jelly.  It is as if a knife has been run over my tongue. Everything in this wine is balanced yet there is a hint of sulfur in the mid palate like you would normally find in a German Rizza so I am going to recommend you keep it for a bit longer before opening it.  Say another 20 years.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $45
Rated: 92++
Drink: 2017 - give to your grand kids!

Alpha Box & Dice Apostle 2009

Justin Lane is doing some crazy arse things with McLaren Vale wines. He is taking the norm and blending it with something that is a little more European. Take this little number, for instance, as it has the flavours of your typical McLaren Vale wine with a structure to die for. Is he crazy? Well, no I think that due to his past he has the ability to think from a worldly experience and follow what he thinks is right. He has worked all over the globe setting up vineyards within a sustainable manner with varieties that suit the climate.

 Alpha Box & Dice Apostle 2009

Welcome to the usual suspects: dark licorice, raspberry jam and tar

Not the usual suspects: pomegranate, spice, blackberry compote and a tannin structure that leaves your mouth feeling dry and satisfied.

Length: Very good

Balance: Beautiful.

Alcohol: 14.1%
Price: $30
Rated: 88
Drink: Now - 2016

Ngeringa Chardonnay 2009

The Klein's operate their vineyard and marketing to the beat of their own drum. Some would say they are the precursors to the Natural Wine Movement in South Australia but they don't advertise this fact. Why is this? Well I think that it is because being labelled as being part of the natural wine movement might be linked to a marketing drive and the Klein's don't want to do that. They just make great booze in a manner that they respect. 

Ngeringa Chardonnay 2009

There is an element of richness in this wine yet it is still very light and zesty as it travels up your tongue. What got me going was the inherent drink-ability with a food friendly and subtle elegance about it. It feels like the wine has been worked hard in the winery but you could hardly tell by the even flow of the flavours and the extra texture that is so often lacking in Australian wines. I could say that this is 110% Chardonnay as there is so much packed into the wine but I won't has it sounds tacky. 

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $35 (cheap as chips)
Rated: 92+
Drink: 2015 - 2020

Shaw & Smith Chardonnay 2010

2010 in the Adelaide Hills was a fantastic vintage which will reward people that have a cellar.  I tried this over 5 days and it showed so well. To begin with the wine was delicate yet structured while the wine opened up and built width over that period.

Shaw & Smith Chardonnay 2010

The wine starts out with a little grilled nuts with a spine of grapefruit and white nectarine providing a zippiness.  You will have to wait a while for the flavours of figs rolled in spice to build.  It is like your grandma trying to blow up an air mattress as you should come back the next day to see progress. On day one I was looking for length and balance and that is what I got in spades.  Even on day one the oak was in the background so I can safely say that the power of the fruit is brilliant.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $35
Rated: 93
Drink: 2016 - 2024

Sunday 15 January 2012

Penfolds St Henri 1996

So I was sitting down tasting two different vintages of St Henri's which got me thinking. How did it all begin.....In the Rewards of Patience Penfolds has been making St Henri since 1953 which was the first experimental bottling but they then discuss how the label was first conceived.  It turns out that a bottle of 1896 Auldana Cellars St Henri was found in Tasmania buried deep in a cellar.  Auldana Cellars was located where the Magill estate winery is now located so logically I would expect the fruit for the first St Henri to come from that location which may mean that the 1896 wine have more similarity to the Penfolds Magill Estate fruit profile than the St Henri profile of today.  It wasn't until John Davoren, in 1953, revived the label and the unique maturation methods when he had his wine-making duel with Max Schubert. While Grange may take all the headlines I think St Henri is more for the wine drinkers that possess patience.  The first wine that I tasted is a testament to this idiom.

Penfolds St Henri 1969

Now this is not the first time that I have tasted this so I went in with an open mind. There is no ullage whatsoever which is always a good thing for a wine of this age.  What was surprising was the fact that there was a core of redness at the centre of this wine. Everything is looking good so far. Now for the taste. Flavours of dried clay, wet potting mixed with a smoked hickory and orange rind meander over my tongue in a lively manner which is scaring me. The tannins are still active which adds texture whilst the mid palate has a core of sweetness to an otherwise savoury style Shiraz. Divine!!!! This goes to show that there are only great old bottles of wine and not great wines of age.

Penfolds St Henri 1996

Oh to be young again. What a contrast in the flavours but you could still tell that they came from the same family. Once I opened this the room filled with an earthy cherry lipstick smell that was all consuming. These flavour got me thinking that the wine was ready for action but over the two days that I drank this it just kept on getting fresher and fresher.  While the list of flavours for this wine go on and on it was the structure and mouth watering acidity that really took it up a notch. My mouth is literally dripping with saliva after I take a sip. Luckily I have a towel next to me so I can clean up after myself. Insane complexity and insane palate length make Josh a happy man.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: Not sure
Rated: 95+
Drink: 2016 - 2030

Friday 13 January 2012

Romney Park Chardonnay 2006

Romney Park must be very patient with their wines as this is the current release.  Well I'm glad they are as I feel too many wines are released far too young and in some cases results in an unfinished wine.

Romney Park Chardonnay 2006

This wine reminds me of a supermodel in an ultra tight outfit as it feels very tight an lean but exciting at the same time. I'm thinking something like this below.

Image from werdyo


The palate is very fine with flavours of flint and grilled cashews topped with a slice of grapefruit and peach juice. The wine has a candy floss type texture which is enchanting and surprising. Would I drink this now? Well yes but it hasn't reached its peak so p patience is required to build that pleasurable moment so when  you do open the bottle it will be a party for your mouth.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $34
Rated: 92
Drink: Now - 2016







Best Moments from Bloggers 2011

Since I've been reading articles and looking at pictures written by wine writers in 2011 I thought I would post the three that I've enjoyed the most.

.Wino Sapien - Any picture that Edward uses is just brilliant. Take a look at the creativity that goes into his bottle shots.

Brisbane Book Club - This post along with the comments had me rolling on the floor with laughter.

Australian Wine Journal - Chris Plummer writes very well but it was his wine toons that was most surprising.

Thursday 12 January 2012

Angove Vineyard Select Shiraz 2010

Angove is primarily based in the Riverland but they are starting to select some premium sites for their top tiered wines.  Angove has always offered good drinking wines that deliver well above their price point.  Now does that extend to their higher end wines? Well for 15 bucks can you really call that a higher end wine? Yes you can as this wine offers a regional mix of flavours in a more elegant frame of mind.

Angove Vineyard Select Shiraz 2010

This will be one of those good quality quaffer's that will show better with a bit of age under its belt as the charry oak is a little too much for the fruit at this stage. Underneath the oak there is a bombastic mix of smoked blackberries, cracked pepper all covered in melted licorice and a little tar.  The wine reminds me when I used to work in the construction industry laying roads in South Australia. On really hot days you could smell that tar from the moment you got to work and it stayed with you once you got home.  Well, it had covered my clothes so I guess it is no surprise that it came home with me. There are a nice set of chalky tannins that sit under the flavours of the wine which extends the palate length to good to very good. I like the whole package but with a lot of the 2010s they are going to need a bit of extra time in the cellar to show their true glory.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $15
Rated: 84 +
Drink: 2012 - 2015

Wednesday 11 January 2012

Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Sauvignon Blanc grew up in France in a little district called Gironde.  Now it finds a prestigious home in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, where it can make some expectational wines but with every variety it has migrated all over the globe.  Shaw & Smith were one of the pinoeers for the variety in the Adelaide Hills so it is always interesting to see what they are doing.  When you compare this to the French wines this one sees no oak whatsoever and is a little more fruit forward.  Martin Shaw is trying to capture as much of the vineyard characteristics so he doesn't want to add anything that could interfere with the bright flavours of the Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc.

The Shaw & Smith cellar door is something to behold which could easily fit into an architectural magazine yet the staff are friendly which makes people feel at home and at ease. As the Crush Festival is coming up I would recommend people get up there on the 29th of January to take part in the festivities.



Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2011

As with a lot of wines from 2011, this one is ultra reserved with a little extra complexity.  There are the normal flavours of passion-fruit, gooseberries and guava but it is mixed with lemon grass, capsicum and spice.  As soon as the flavours hit the back of my palate my mouth starts to water.  mmmm acidity! You could easily suck this down now yet it will improve in the bottle. This wine offers something more than your normal Sauvignon Blanc in term of flavour and quality but I would love to see Martin and his team make a reserve Sauvignon with a little oak action and lees stirring to take it up the texture path.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $20 - 25
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2016


Larmandier Bernier Blanc de Blanc Premier Cru NV

This could be classified as natural champagne as it doesn't receive any assistance once they pick the grapes. Wild yeast kick off the ferment and they are left on lees for 3 to 6 months before being blended. Once disgorged this wine only receives 4 g per litre of dosage so it is a rather zippy style of wine.

Larmandier Bernier Blanc de Blanc Premier Cru NV

Once you pop the cork you can smell what you are in for as a vibrant lemon curd and grapefruit note oozes from the bottle. On the palate there is a razor sharp flint or struck quartz component that is both enchanting and exciting but it is the richness through the mid-palate with flavours of glazed melon and ripe pear that gets me going the most. This is a truly exciting wine to taste.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $80
Rated: 94+
Drink: Now - 2015
Importer: Bibendum Wine Co

Le Marchesine Franciacorta Extra Brut DOCG NV

Now I'm not too sure what the blend is for this wine but it tastes like Chardonnay with a mix of something else. You don't expect that an Italian Sparkling would taste more like a Champagne mixed with and Australian Sparkling but this one does. This winery was founded in 1985 in the region of Frenciacorta which is located in the province of Brescia. If you want to picture the area think rolling hills.


Le Marchesine Franciacorta Extra Brut DOCG NV

The flavours of the wine are very nice but it is the dosage that leaves me wondering what the. It dominates and over powers the delicate flavours.  The length of the wine is very good and there is a nice core of acidity but again I am left with the flavour of the dosage on the back palate. I do like the wine but at this price I could buy Champagne or top quality Aussie Sparkling.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $50
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2015
Importer: Mediterraneo Wines

Tuesday 10 January 2012

Nepenthe Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Nepenthe Sauvignon Blanc 2011

This wine ticks the normal Sav Blanc boxes but not much else. Do I get Passion-fruit? Yes. Is there a core of acidity? Yes. What else do I get? Well you get a little snow-pea action but the flavours quickly fall off your tongue. Now you could most probably find this in your local large beverage store for about 15 bucks and at that price it is ok but there are so many on the market just like this one that I am left wondering....what sets this apart.


Alcohol: 13%
Price: $20
Rated: 83
Drink: Now

Monday 9 January 2012

Penfolds St Henri 1999

Penfolds wines are definitely built for the cellar as this one shows.  I often find that young Penfolds don't really do too much for me but give them 10 - 15 years in the cave and a beauty emerges. Why is this? Well I think it may have to do with other wines sacrifice structure for up front voluptuous flavours, while the Penfolds wines are a little more restrained.


Penfolds St Henri 1999

Upon opening the wine shows a little cow hide but soon pulls everything back towards a more youthful personality. All the flavours are in perfect harmony as they unfold in the glass with notes of blackberry compote, warm clay and provincial herbs coming to the fore. Every minute this was open the flavours evolved, keeping me enthused and in rapture of the wine. The tannins are in harmony with the flavours and they add a lovely mocha flavour and svelte texture. I would say 'you really have to taste this to understand what is going on' but this wine needs another few years to show its best.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $45 on release
Rated: Monumental (95+)
Drink: 2014 - 2024