Wednesday 31 July 2013

Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch & Michael 2010 plus more

I used to collect a lot of Wynns but I fell off the wagon when the 2001 release came out. The last few vintages have really got me excited, especially the 2010 vintage.

Coonawarra is a cooler climate with unique terra rossa soils which hlep produce full bodied cabernet that cellar well. Many of the better Shiraz wines come from soils that have a percentage of sand in them.

I tasted through these wine with Sarah Pigeon and she openly talked about the problems of the 2011 vintage, how Wynns were changing what they did in the vineyard and the future direction that they are going in. 

Wynns Coonawarra Estate White Label Shiraz 2012

Light to medium bodied but there is an intensity of flavour that works so well. The elegant flavours of plum, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg flow so well it reminds me of high class booze in the 25 - 30 buck range. The palate is plump and bouncy which all finishes with a zip of acidity. Brilliant and one of the best in a long time!

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: Street price $14.50
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2022


Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael Shiraz 2010

Bloody hell this is a broody wine with plenty of silky texture and voom voom acidity. The palate is engaging with the fruit taking centre stage even though the wine spent 14 month in new and used French oak. There is great intensity of a mainly dark fruited palate spectrum. What seperates this from the white or black label is the length and vibrancy. Buy now but drink in 12 years.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $100
Rated: 94
Drink: 2023 +


Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Normally there are 20 blocks that make their way into the black label but this year only 2 blocks made the cut. This wine is set to go to the trade only as there is only a small amount produced. From the get go this screamed Cabernet in a leafy blackcurranty sort of way. On the palate the same thing came forward but the palate was a bit broad. The palate weight is higher than normal due to the extended hang time that the grape recieved but there is still a nice amount of acidity. The acidity just doesn't pull everything back together so I would recommend a shorter drinking window.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: Street price $25
Rated: 86
Drink: Now - 2019


Wynns Coonawarra Estate Messenger Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

This is a single vineyard wine made from grapes that were grown on the most southerly vineyard that Wynns takes grapes from. It is a pretty little being with lovely mulberry and sage notes that sit on a firmly structures and vibrant palate. The tannins fill the mouth but don't over power the beautiful flavours. The weight of the wine is more medium bodied, especially when you compare it to the black label, with a hint of chocolate powder and dried twigs thrown in. One for the cellar.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $70
Rated: 93
Drink: After 2017+


Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Only 3 vineyards made it into the Riddoch that is biult with muscule in mind. Even though the palate is tight and controlled the rock and roll flavours come through in the form of essence of blackcurrant, sarsaparilla, smoked brambles and spice. The polished palated is full of massive tannins that meld into every aspect of my tongue. All I can say that this is a bold Cabernet with style that is built to be drunk after 15 years.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: Strett price $110
Rated: 95+
Drink: After 2025


Saturday 27 July 2013

Wines that go with a flood

It has been bucketing down in the Adelaide Hills over the last few days and the wind has been amazing. This has meant that the back part of my house has flooded. The house has been around for a while and just can't cope with a massive down pour. What this has meant is I want to sit by the fire and forget that I will have to clean it up when the weather changes. I feel in need for a wine that warms my bones and soothes my head. The wines below fit that mold.

Panorama Vineyard Chardonnay 2010

A lovely rich style of Chardonnay with beautiful acidity on the tail end. This wine has been crafted by the husband and wife team of Michael and Sharon Vishacki from grapes grown in Cradoc. The flavours of lime crystals, king island cream, grapefruits and spice is chiseled through the wine. The flavours are full bodied and comforting in nature which is just perfect.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $35
Rated: 89
Drink: Now or later


Torbreck Woodcutter Shiraz 2012

Masses of yummy ripe and soft characters come form this wine in a intersting and comforting style. The ripeness comes across in the form of blueberry sauce, chocolate marshmellows, blackforest cake and tar. The wine is lovely and creamy in the mouth with nice acidity to finish it off. The palate is definaely in the rich and round end of the spectrum but that works well during this sort of weather.


Alcohol: 15%
Price: $25
Rated: 86
Drink: Now - 2017

Woodcutter's Shiraz

Elderton Estate Shiraz 2010

In the beginning there was toasty oak but it soon fades and melds into the background. Once the wine starts to come out of its shell, it shows lovely traditional Barossa flavours with a creamy mouthfeel a rocking tannins. While it is soft and cuddly in nature the acidity at brimming dry tannins makes this more top end than many of the wines under this label. One for the cellar and will look stunning with 5 to 7 under its skin.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $26
Rated: 88
Drink: In 5 to 10 years


Majella The Malleea 2009

What a brilliant rendition of an old school Australian blend of Cabernet and Shiraz. I love how one of the best Coonawarra makers has used a blend as their flagship. The Cabernet is leading the show with ripe blackcurrant and spice before the Shiraz kicks in in the form of plum, dried herbs and boiled Christmas cake. The transition of flavours is beautiful but thy are a little to tight at the moment for full enjoyment. This is one for a nice roast lamb with Tom Cruise.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $80
Rated: 92
Drink: In 5 years


 Head Wines Head Red Shiraz 2012

Vibrant and fresh with Barossa goodness or richness but without heavy flavours. Yum and easy to go back to. The wine is all about acidity, mouthfeel and intese flavours that transition well with a more restrained edge. It isn't funky or wierd but refined and layered with flavours of dark pastilles, dried earth, blackberries , Turkish spices and coco powder. Really I would care what the flavours are becuase the mouthfeel is beatiful and bright with a chalkiness running under the flavours. If you haven't tried one of Alex Head's wines it is time to get on board.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $21 - $25
Rated: Bargain for the price! 89
Drink: In 6 years






Sunday 14 July 2013

Mayhem & Co. B & W Chardonnay 2012

Mayhem & Co. B & W Chardonnay 2012

All the lovely typical Chardonnay notes but with slightly higher acidity than normal. The entry is soft and cuddly which makes this perfect for a roast chicken. What is most pleasing is the mouth feel and mid-palate bouncy nature. The flavours are sweet but the acidity refreshes up the back palate nicely.

Alcohol: 12.8%
Price: $42
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2018



Domaine Thomas-Labaille l'Authentique 2011

Sancerre is a region within the Loire Valley and is primarily planted with Sauvignon Blanc. There is also a little Pinot Noir planted but I have never had the chance to taste a red from the region. The wine-makers in the area utilize more oak than the producers in Australia which contributes to a more textural experience in the French versions.

Domaine Thomas-Labaille l'Authentique 2011

This is the best Sauvignon Blanc that I have had in a long time as it combines fragrance, medium thick textural on the mid-palate and balanced flavours. The flavours are more in the savoury veggie end of the spectrum with asparagus, crushed oyster shells, citrus, banana skins and lemon blossom. These interesting flavours sit on a long palate that finishes with refreshing acidity.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $34
Rated: 91
Drink: Now - 2017
Importer: Eurocentric Wine



Thursday 11 July 2013

Pizzini Nebbiolo 2009

Due to the fertile soils of the King Valley, the area was originally used for cultivation of hops and tobacco. I would love to see the brewing side of the area come back as I think that would be another interesting journey that the area could take us on.

Pizzini Nebbiolo 2009

Pizzini is the god father of Italian style wines in Victoria and Australia for that matter. These medium bodied style wines are perfect for the food that we eat and it is easy to go back for a second glass. While the flavours are more prominant in this wine than that of the Italian counterparts, the flavours of potpourri, roasted meats, smoked cherries, damp earth and exotic herbs are less Aussie and more European. There is a rustic tannin structure underneath but it takes second fiddle to the beautiful and interesting flavours. This is a beautiful Nebbiolo with Australian style.

Alcohol: 14.1%
Price: $38
Rated: 92 +
Drink: 2017 +



Running with Bulls Tempranillo 2011

Many producers are planting Tempranillo in the warmer area but I think it needs a little cooler night action to retain some nice acidity freshness. The 2011 vintage played well to maintain brightness.

Running with Bulls Tempranillo 2011

Normally this wine is full bodied but this years is more medium bodied. There are lovely cola, dark cherry juice, spice and licorice notes evident with the transition of flavours attracting me the most. The wine is easy to drink and works with work well with any roasted meat. On the other side of the flavour is this fury tannin structure burning with a desire to dry and refresh my mouth. Drink now or later who cares.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $19
Rated: 85
Drink: Now -2017

Bimbadgen Estate Chardonnay 2012

Bimbadgen Estate Chardonnay 2012

So many people have found a new love for chardonnay and it shows that the variety is the number one selling Australian variety in Australia. What wine-makers have done is pull back the oak and that is what is evident in this wine. The palate is a little broad but it works as a quaffer. There is plenty of Australian Chardonnay flavours happening with the initial attack of flavour being the most satisfying.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $20
Rated: 84
Drink: In the short term



Echo Beach Cabernet Merlot 2011

I'm reminded of the song from Martha and the Muffins when I drink this wine. Here are the first few lines.

I know it's out of fashion
And a trifle uncool
But I can't help it
I'm a romantic fool
It's a habit of mine
To watch the sun go down
On Echo beach, I watch the sun go down

From nine till five I have to spend my time at work
The job is very boring, I'm an office clerk
The only thing that helps pass the time away
Is knowing I'll be back at Echo Beach some day



Echo Beach Cabernet Merlot 2011

Typical Margaret River nose in a medium bodied style that has those lovely leafy blackcurrant notes mixed with bay leaves, plum and spice. Lovely and lovely is the two words that come to mind. Great value booze.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $16
Rated: 84
Drink: Now - 2016

12 x 2011 Tyrrell's Echo Beach Cabernet Merlot






Tuesday 9 July 2013

De Bortoli Deen de Bortoli Vat 2 Sauvignon Blanc 2012

De Bortoli Deen de Bortoli Vat 2 Sauvignon Blanc 2012

 

 

 

Alcohol: 11.8%
Price: $8
Rated: 82
Drink: Now 

Fairbank Cabernet 2006 & Syrah 2008

Fairbank wines are built to age well and these current releases are no different. In fact Fairbank is having a museum release of the 2003 wines. While I haven't tried those wines I would suspect that they are drinking well.

Fairbank Syrah 2008

The wine starts out with a dirty barnyard componant and but on the palate the flavours are savoury dusty blackberries and spice. There is a little caramel swirl action on the mid-palate on an otherwise medium bodied wine that is very long in the mouth.

Alcohol: 13.8%
Price: $25
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2020

2008 Fairbank Syrah

Fairbank Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006

Plumpy in the mouth, even though the merlot is only 9 percent of the blend. There are favours  of plum, leafy blackcurrant, spice and wood oven cooked beef. The flavoures are definately savoury with a hint of bitterness on the back end which makes this enchanting and interesting to drink.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $25
Rated: 90
Drink: 2016 +

2006 Fairbank Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot



Vigna Cantina Negro Amaro 2012

Wines from this variety originate in Puglia in Italy and generally are deep and dark in colour and flavour spectrum. The summers in Puglia are hot and punctuated with little rain which makes them perfect for areas such as the Barossa which is where this wine comes from.

Vigna Cantina Negro Amaro 2012

The wine is full on a full bodied and is made in a soft a cuddly style. The flavours are upfront with the traditional sweetness that I normally associate with this region. Traditionally this varity is balanced by acidity and savoury bitterness but this wine doesn't have those things. It would be better if it was blended with something to balance out the rage of flavours.

Alcohol: 13.9%
Price: $22
Rated: 84
Drink: Now

Stefano Lubiana Pinot Gris 2012

Is Pinot Gris a white or a red? If the grapes are allowed to stay on the vine they transition from green to pink or even plum colour. This is the normal process that red grapes go through unlike white grapes which end up yellow or golden. Th researchers suggest that Pinot Gris is a mutant clone of the Pinot Noir variety so I would suggest that the answer is a little more grey in colour. At the moment most producers are striping the wine of colour before bottling to get rid of the colour in the wine but that also removes flavour. All in all Pinot Gris is a confusing variety and one that is easy to understand why so many Australian wine-makers are having a problem crafting high quality wines. Stefano is not one of those makers as I think he has managed to produce a textural wine with traditional Gris flavours.

Stefano Lubiana Pinot Gris 2012

The main positive regarding this wine is the thick creamy texture that it holds. The texture reminds me of thickened cream as I drizzle it on my poached granny smith apples, lemon peel and pear dessert. While those flavours are more of a dessert in style the wine possesses a wedge of acidity which leaves the palate dry on the finish. The wine needs a little bit more time in bottle show its true colours but it is already a piece of artwork bottled.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $28
Rated: 92
Drink: 2013 +



Monday 8 July 2013

d'Arenberg Amazing Sites 2011 Release wines

The amount of press that has been talking down the 2011 release is rather large but the good news is that McLaren Vale isn't as effected as say the Barossa. Was it cool? Yes but the figures are not as simple as that. I attended a tasting held by Chester Osborn yesterday and he had some interesting things to share. For instance the number of days that it rained during february and march was less than that of the 2010 and 2012 vintages. Furthermore, the average temperature during january was about the same as 08, 09 and 2010 vintages but higher than the 2013 vintage. I like what Chester was trying to say but one thing stuck out and that was the mean temperature for march is a critical period as the majority of the flavour is produced during this period. I think that the 2010 and 2012 mean temperatures for march were mild with nice warm days and cool nights. The issue with 2011's weather was the cool days and cool night with rain coming on the 8th and 25th of March. What is interesting is that most of the Shiraz in McLaren Vale was already picked before the second rain hit. This means that even though the disease pressure was higher, almost all of the quality parcels of Shiraz in the region were already fermenting away. From the 2011 wines that I have tried I would say that McLaren Vale produced some beautiful wines but they are more elegant and restrained than normal with plenty of acidity to hold them for many years in the cellar.

d'Arenberg The Fruit Bat Shiraz 2011

The first group of wines showed lovely flavours with tannins sitting well below the surface. This wine was no different with boot polish, dark fruits with crushed earth and mixed spices. The palate feels almost crunchy but it is long in the mouth with a soft creamy mouthfeel. The older French oak is still coming through on the palate but the wine has only just been bottled. This is a nice wine to open up the tasting. The vineyard for this wine is located on Kays Road just past the Kays winery.

Alcohol: 14.9%
Price: $103
Rated: 93
Drink: In 5 years

 

d'Arenberg  The Little Venice Shiraz 2011

While the vineyard for this wine is only 10 steps away from the above wine they couldn't taste anymore different. The savoury characters are still prominant with flavours of cranberries, red currants and red licorice standing tall. The wine pulsates on my palate with the flavours making a good entry before a little whole in the middle and a good rebound. 

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $103
Rated: 90
Drink: In 8 years

 

d'Arenberg The Sardanapalian 2011

This wine is more closed and tight than the previous wines but the flavours are in the more traditional McLaren Vale flavours. It is interesting that the this doesn't possess the structure like the previous two wines but is a little more giving on the palate after 30 minutes in the glass. The flavours are of cherry pie, dried roses and chocolate cake. I have never tried a wine from this vineyard but Chester said that it would normally make up a segment of the Dead Arm blend. This years was too good to blend. 

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $103
Rated: 91
Drink: in 6 years


d'Arenberg  The Garden of Extraordinary Delights Shiraz 2011

 This wine smells completely different in a prettier and more floral sort of a way. There are those dried cranberry notes mixed with raspberry marshmellows, French herbs and earth but they are joined by a dutch oven note. I swear I can smell it but I was sitting next to Philip White at that stage so maybe I was channeling his noting style. Out of the first 6 wines this was a stand out but the structure and flavours aren't balanced at this stage so I would give this ten before I open them. What this did possess was even flavours on a extremely long palate and acidity to die for. 

Alcohol: 15.1%
Price: $103
Rated: 94
Drink: From 2021


d'Arenberg   The Swinging Malaysian Shiraz 2011

The oak is sitting above the fruit at the moment as the flavours are shy and withdrawn. Once they emerge they are elegant and inviting at the same time. There is a little cherry balm, iron fillings, smoked herbs and every sort of spice imaginable. The componants of acidity and tannin is beautifully balanced but they will need a decade to show themselves.

Alcohol: 14.9%
Price: $103
Rated: 94+
Drink: 2021+



d'Arenberg  The Vociferate Dipsomaniac Shiraz 2011

On the nose this smells of oak but on the palate a candied fruit character dominates. This wine tastes like it is ready to go when you compare it to all the above wines. It is also the lightest of the lot and doesn't possess the even flow and feel like the rest.

Alcohol: 15%
Price: $103
Rated: 88
Drink: ?



d'Arenberg   Shipsters' Rapture Shiraz 2011

There is a change in the feel of the wines from here on in as they possess more tannin and fruit weight. There is plums and dried earth notes before mulberries and spice kicks in. The long palate is beautifuly balanced by the tight stucture and mouthwatering acidity. The flavours are a bit narrow at the moment but that should work itself out with time in the bottle.

Alcohol: 14.4%
Price: $103
Rated: 91+
Drink: 2025+



d'Arenberg  Eight Iron Shiraz 2011

I'm not sure if it is the name of the wine that is leading me to taste iron stone but I get that on the palate. I also get damp earth, veggy soup and spice before the flavours peel off the tongue from the mid-palate on. Not my favourite of the tasting.

Alcohol: 14.8%
Price: $103
Rated: 87
Drink: Now or later




d'Arenberg   The Piceous Lodestar Shiraz 2011

I really liked the profile of this wine as it possessed sugared plums, red earth, spice, licorice and wood smoked French herbs. This wine comes from the Beautiful View Vineyard which is located on the property right next to the cellar door.

Alcohol: 14.8%
Price: $103
Rated: 92
Drink: 2026+




d'Arenberg  Tyche's Mustard Shiraz 2011

More traditional flavours of darker fruits, crushed rocks, black licorice and spice before the acidity livens up the back palate. The wine is full bodied and inviting with tannins to burn. It is funny that two or three of the wine critics talked about the huge amount of tannins that these wines possessed. I couldn't see that as I thought they were balanced by the flavours. I guess that as I have a love for Nebbiolo and Sagrantino that Shiraz tannins aren't forceful enough for me. On the other side this Shiraz is balanced and a joy to drink.

Alcohol: 15.1%
Price: $103
Rated: 94
Drink: 2027+


d'Arenberg   The Other Side Shiraz 2011

The vines for this wine were planted in 1916 which makes this wine special to say the least. The flavours of the wine remind me of peppermint paddies like the ones you used to get when you were a kid but it is mixed with crushed quartz and smoked bark. While I don't think this is the best quality out of all the wines, I would buy this one of the unique flavours and masssive amounts of structure that it possesses. Literally the tannins stuck my upper lip to my gums and I had to get Peter Forrestal to remove them for me. 

Alcohol: 14.8%
Price: $103
Rated: 92++
Drink: After 2031

d'Arenberg The Blind Tiger Shiraz 2011

Cool climate wine making and it is no wonder as this wine is from Blewitt Springs. There are lovely floral notes with gunsmoke, tart cranberries, Indian spices and mulberries, There are those nice earthy notes woming through before insane levels iof acidity kicks in. The name of the wine reminds me of Tiger Woods and i see a little of him in the wine; it is good looking and conservative from the outside but the core is a little dirty and sexual.

Alcohol: 14.9%
Price: $103
Rated: 90+
Drink: 2026+

d'Arenberg The Amarantine Shiraz 2011

Oaky on the nose but it is the tannins and acidity that is most exciting. They are ferocious like a savage and primal in nature. Imagine you are taken away to a desserted island and haven't eaten any food for a week and you will get what I mean. I love the wild nature os this wine.

Alcohol: 14.7%
Price: $103
Rated: 93++
Drink: 2031+

Friday 5 July 2013

Coriole The Optimist Reserve Chenin Blanc 2012

Coriole The Optimist Reserve Chenin Blanc 2012

The best grapes from the original planting of Chenin Blanc make their way into the final blend for the optimist and it is only released if the quality is deemed high enough. Since Coriole has started producing this variety, this is only the 6th version of the optimist. This wine takes so long to open out that even on day 5 it was tight as a drum. What stands out is the balance bewteen insane levels of acidity and the reserved flavours that are perched over the top. These flavours come in the form of crisp apples, spring flowers, unripe plum skin and toeasted vanilla beans. The mid-palate is bouncy and textural which adds to the whole enjoyment. Personall I wouldn't drink this dry chenin blanc now but I would stash a 6 pack for much later on.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $35
Rated: 93
Drink: After it turns 15


Tuesday 2 July 2013

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

I used to buy a lot of Wynns but I went off this label from about the 2001 but I came back from the 2009 version. This vintage is one of the best I have tried in a while. I would say almost equal with the lovely 1996 vintage.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Classic Coonawarra flavours, style and structure with notes of olives, brambles, fresh herbs, mulberries and spice. These medium bodied flavours are only secondary to the force of tannin that lurks below. They are bouncy and inviting with a lasting dryness that pulls the flavours along. In the end a wedge of acidity finishes the wine off. As it took five days for this it start showing its best I would cellar for a long time. If you open it early the wine isn't as comforting or as enjoyable.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: RRP $40 or street price $25
Rated: 93
Drink: 2020 - 2045

 


Torbreck The Steading 2009

This wine is the current release and is ready to go as it is already starting to show secondary characteristics. The 20% Shiraz is showing leather in a relaxed sort of framework and the tannins from the 20% mataro are fully resolved.

Torbreck The Steading 2009

The steading is one of the easiest wines to drink as it seems to slip down my throat like a liquid glossy chocolate. The full bodied wine is a no brainer for quality drink now enjoyment with flavours of leather, dried blackberries, tar, brown sugar and french chocolate from a high class boutique store. While the length of the wine is good, the wine is more about the open flavours and mouthfeel. Drink up.

Alcohol: 15%
Price: $36
Rated: 85
Drink: Now - 2016

Hillcrest Village Pinot Noir 2011

Hillcrest Village Pinot Noir 2011



 


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Alcohol: 13.2%
Price: $23
Rated: 86
Drink: Now - 2019

Paradigm Hill Riesling 2012




This tiny estate is owned and run by George and Ruth Mihaly. The 10 acre estate is run in line with zero carbon emissions with everything being done by one or both of the husband and wife team.

Paradigm Hill Riesling 2012

I haven't tried a Riesling from the Mornington before and this one sticks out in term of texture and weight. It is a little stickier on the palate with the flavours of minerals, lemon grass, summer blossom and epsom salts providing a nice counter point to the heavy weight. The flavours slowly crawl along the long length in a glycerol style. The acidity isn't as high has I would have liked yet the wine is still balanced in a textural love me sooner style. All in all a very high quality wine with something different to offer than the normal Australian rizza.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $36
Rated: 93
Drink: Now - 2020
  

Monday 1 July 2013

Panorama Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010

Panorama Vineyard is located in near the bottom of Tasmania and is run by the husband and wife team of Michael and Sharon Vishacki. The estate is near Cradoc which is a small town of 750 people near the Huon river. The focus is on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a little Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Merlot and Tempranillo thrown in.The 2010 wines are all high quality but will need a few years in the bottle to show well.

Panorama Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010

I really love the smell of Tasman Pinot's as it offers more traditional cool climate flavours of twigs and earth with cherries and spice coming in behind. The drive of the wine is pure and feminine in nature but the depth of the wine sets it apart. It lets the flavours sit on my tongue and even though the flavours are light they are intense. All in all a very good wine that is good value and intriguing to boot.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $45
Rated: 87 +
Drink: 2015 - 2020

2010 Estate Pinot Noir

Kooyong Estate Pinot Noir 2011

There are many areas that are well placed to put there name forward for the best Pinot spot but the Mornington Peninsula must be right up there. The area makes cool climate wines that possesses a fair amount of fruit and medium term structure. The 2011 wine from Kooyong is not different but it does possess a lovely cooler edge.

Kooyong Estate Pinot Noir 2011

The vintage is best defined by the intro which was taken from the website "When the Eastern states of Australia’s decade-long drought broke in September of 2010, the rains were met with great relief. The cooler conditions delayed vine development and gave expected harvest timeframes more akin to historical averages. However the growing season weather patterns came to be shaped by a strong La Niña, which meant Spring and Summer rains were frequent and significant, increasing the time demands on our viticulture team. This season we employed a number of techniques in the vineyard not used for a number of years, including leaf plucking to improve ventilation and sunlight interception in the fruit zone. Surprisingly, fruit set was good and cropping levels quite moderate despite the lack of heat and high humidity during flowering. The ripening period was cool and extended and has produced fragrant and delicate white wines and Pinot Noirs with attractively ripe tannins, balanced natural acidity and elegant, savoury fruit." The wine is definately cool with lovely sour cherries coming through before crushed fresh herbs and roasted fennel seeds sets in fdrom the mid-palate. These beautiful flavours are underpinned by light yet pervasive tannins and a wedge of acidity. I'm obsessed with acidity so I found myself heading back for a second and third sample of this wine. Just Yummy!

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $42
Rated: 89
Drink: Now - 2020