Greenock Creek is one of the first American cult wineries in Australia and it is great to see that they are still pumping out individual vineyard wines after the US market crashed. Many of the players that got on board in recent times have not had such luck. So what are the new Greenock's like? I must say that the Waugh's are some of the most down to earth people that I've met. They make their wines in a particular style and don't release any wine if its not up to the standard. Bravo!
Greenock Creek Cornerstone Grenache 2010
I was expecting a monster but what I got was more controlled than that. It still is a full throttle Grenache but it has a little extra structure than is normal for the label. To start with there is a touch of VA that mutes the nose with some red humbugs coming into play. The palate is totally different as everything seems red, redskins, red cherries, a basket of lollies with some spice bring up the rear. There is no alcohol heat and a zip of acidity holding it together. One of the best Grenneock Creek Grenache's I've tried.
Alcohol: 16%
Price: $29
Rated: 90
Drink: now - 2017
Greenock Creek Cabernet 2009
This is different! You could almost say its slender compared to its brothers but then you would be taking something away from the pure nature of the wine. There is ripe blackcurrants intertwined with spice but it is a little to shy at the moment to show its best. The balance between flavour and structure is something that I haven't seen in this label before today. Beautiful in the construction and reserved in its expression.
Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $38
Rated: 91
Drink: 2015 - 2020
Greenock Creek Alices Shiraz 2009
Here come a big whack of oak! As the alcohols are down this year the fruit is no up to the mass of American oak. What lurks underneath is dark fruits mixed with dirty pomegranate. Almost like your 1 1/2 year old has dropped it in the backyard. The tannins aren't as pervasive as last years so I would drink these over the next 5 to 10 years while the fruit is on show.
Alcohol: 14%
Price: $30
Rated: 87
Drink: 2012 - 2021
Greenock Creek Apricot Block 2009
Now we are starting to talk seriously. The wine has a slippery feel to it as if there is a dash of viognier added but I can assure you it doesn't. There are flavours of plum jam, prune and aniseed bubblegum cascading from the bottle as I pour it into my glass. While it is a little porty the tannins provide a nice counter point.
Alcohol: 14%
Price: $38
Rated:89
Drink: 2013 - 2022
Greenock Creek Seven Acre Block 2009
Right out of the bottle this shows its class and while it is big it is much more controlled. The oak has better integration compared to the above wines which gives it an instant appeal. The wine is rambunctious in nature as flavours of musk stick, blackberry tapenade and vanilla fruitcake bound across my tongue. The tannins have a beautiful way of creeping up on you from under the fruit increasing the satisfaction.
Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $48
Rated: 93
Drink: 2014 - 2024
Greenock Creek Roennfeldt Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
We are back to massive town with this number. It is almost difficult to drink as it assaults your senses with deadly night shade, sweet blackcurrant, blackberry stew and dried flowers. The U.N. should demand a cease fire as this wine coats every inch of your mouth. This is not for everyone but people that love power without control strap yourself in and take this for a ride.
Alcohol: 16%
Price: $192
Rated: 93+
Drink: 2015 - 2030
Greenock Creek Roennfeldt Road Shiraz 2006
I was looking forward to this as last year the 95 was one of my best Shiraz for the year. When you compare this to the Cab this is bigger again but it moves into the currants and raisin end of the spectrum with mocha and prunes. Some will like this more but I thought it didn't have the balance and freshness to warrant a higher score.
Alcohol: 17%
Price: $192
Rated: 86
Drink: When ever you like
