First Drop Fat of the Land Single Vineyard Greenock Creek 2009

Here is another of the sub-regional wines from First Drop.

First Drop Fat of the Land Single Vineyard Greenock Creek 2009

When I was tasting this I had two things in mind. Firstly the flavours are nice and soft with the majority of the flavour spectrum moving from the dark end to the boiled end. Furthermore the texture and drying tannins freshened up the finish. Secondly the flavours moved just a little too far over with the alcohol warmth distracting from the overall experience. In fact the alcohol too more of a central roll the longer I had it open.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $75
Rated: 86
Drink: Now - 2016

Kalleske JMK VP 2009

One of the most under-rated wine styles in Australia has started to be embraced by wine-makers which means you should start seeing some quality VP's coming on to the market at ridiculously low prices. This wine is made from the same grapes that goes into the Estate Shiraz from Kalleske which normally gets released at a much higher price.

Kalleske JMK VP 2009

Beautifully plush and inviting with some brilliant brandy spirit balancing out the wine. This almost tastes savoury compared to the normal fortified from the Barossa which makes this so easy to reach for a second glass. On the palate the wine is dark with flavours of blackberry jam, Christmas pudding and brandy snaps. The flavours make me think of sitting around on Christmas day with an abundance of dessert that you just want to stick your head into. MMM and it feels satisfying.

Alcohol: 19%
Price: $23
Rated: 92
Drink: Now - 2030

Kalleske Florentine Chenin Blanc 2011

The trend at the moment in Australia is to oak non-traditionally oaked white varieties such as Riesling, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Gris. Some of these wines are beautiful as older oak can enhance texture without influencing the flavour profile.  What needs to be taken into account is the style of wine that the producer is trying to achieve and the suitability of the fruit.

Kalleske Florentine Chenin Blanc 2011

Pungent aromas of flowers, melon and honeyed limes with a bit of toast coming from the oak take centre stage. The palate is pretty much the same thing but the oak plays a major role in the flavour outcome. There is a nice richness and texture on the mid-palate of this casual quaffer that would work well over the summer months.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $18
Rated: 82
Drink: Now or over the next few years

Laughing Jack Greenock Creek Shiraz 2010

Another top wine from Shawn Kalleske.

Laughing Jack Greenock Creek Shiraz 2010

Flavour me up but do it in a restrained style and with tannin to burn. On the palate the wine tastes like smoked blackberries, pomegranate, blueberries, spice and red licorice which seduces me to know end. What Shawn manages to do is combine Barossa goodness with French intellect and I have no idea how he does it. The length of the wine is great but I would wait for a while to open this as it coiled up tight.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $38
Rated: 90+
Drink: 2020 - 2030

Greenock Creek Release 2012

Greenock Creek Release 2012

The times they are a changing…a few years ago Greenock Creek would have only been open for 2 weekends but last year the cellar door was open until mid-January. This has meant that more people can experience the wines that Michael and his team produce each year, especially the 2010s that were released at the start of September.  The vineyard is looking healthy as the vines have been able to get a good recovery over the last 3 years.  

Greenock Creek Cornerstone Grenache 2011

This years Cornerstone feels ready to go with its perfumed nose of redcurrants and sandalwood interplayed with Indian spice and raspberries jubes. On the palate there are those lovely flavours with no alcohol heat at all, I normally get a bit of alcohol heat from the cornerstone, and it all finishes with a beautiful wedge of acidity. The start and the finish of this wine are beautiful but the mid-palate is a little wacky for my liking, not in the way of disjointedness but in terms of flavour. It came across as hession bags or twine and these flavours distracted me from the overall nature of the wine.

Alcohol: 15%

Price: $29

Rated: 85

Drink: Sooner rather than later

Greenock Creek Cabernet 2010

This is a change from the last wine as there is a pungent nature about the flavour yet it stays very savoury.  From the get go there are flavours of blackcurrant, smashed pepper, cedar, blueberries and dried deadly nightshade. I think that last descriptor is one of the components that I always taste in Greenock Creek's Cabernet and one that I find quiet attractive. The wine is very light and elegant but given that it come from 2010, it is not unexpected and again there is a nice acidic wedge finishing the wine off.

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price: $38

Rated: 90

Drink: Now – 2020

Greenock Creek Alices Shiraz 2010

All the Shiraz based wines from Greenock Creek are better in quality than the previous years release.  The Alices Shiraz comes from the younger vines and normally it is the big boy of the group.  This year’s version has a little more restraint yet it still retains those flavours I would normally expect. As a young wine this is rather complete but it has been open for three days so it isn’t something to freak out about. On the palate the wine isn’t as sweet as per normal but the oak still plays a role in adding a candy flavour.  The fruit flavours of dark chocolate, mocha and licorice make this a full bodied experience and one that works so well now.

Alcohol: 15%

Price: $30

Rated: 90

Drink: 2014  - 2019

Greenock Creek Apricot Block Shiraz 2010

This is the first time I have noticed the structure in a Greenock Creek wine before the flavours which suggest that this will keep and improve in the cellar. This wine is full bodied with great length of flavour but the tannic grip holds all the flavours in place for what seems like an age. Those flavours are nice as they remind me of running through a field carrying tart plums, licorice sticks, Christmas cake and dried red currants on a warm summer’s day when I was a kid.  In the end the wine finishes with saliva dripping down my mouth which leaves me alive and vibrant.

Alcohol: 14%

Price: $38

Rated: 92

Drink: 2018 – 2030

Greenock Creek Seven Acres 2010

The feel of this wine is beautiful as it slinks down my tongue, coating flavours of fragrant pan roasted Indian spices mixed with dried licorice and chocolate sauce. These flavours evolve so slowly, it feels like the flavour spectrum wouldn’t change but they do as they turn into ironstone and fresh blackberries. Once again the tannins kick in, like they do in the Apricot Block, but this time they are even more pronounced. In fact the tannins pulsate on my tongue like they have their own heartbeat. This wine reminds me of the old Greenock Creek wine from the early to mid-1990s and that brings a smile to my face.

Alcohol: 14%

Price: $48

Rated: 94

Drink: 2016 - 2035

Laughing Jack Limited 2 Shiraz 2008

The Laughing Jack label is owned by Shawn Kalleske and he grows his grapes in the Greenock Creek region. His wines are normally full bodied but retain a little old world elegance compared to many from this area.

Laughing Jack Limited 2 Shiraz 2008

On day one the oak is full on but from day two rich flavours of blackberries, Satsuma plums and Dutch licorice start to take over. On day three the whole package is running wild with blueberry pastilles, dark chocolate and the essence of black cherries.  Not only do these flavours rock but there is a firm yet loving amount of dry tannins weaving some magic along my tongue from the initial attack right up to about seventy five percent of my palate. Everything about this wine says drink me, drink me which is a great achievement from the very hot 2008 vintage.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $95
Rated: 91
Drink: 2015 - 2030

Winter Wines

Hentley Farm The Beauty 2010

The growing season for 2010 in the Barossa was specular as it didn’t reach the temperature highest that occurred in 07 to 09 allowing more even ripening. What it also gave was a chance to produce fresher wines with greater balance and longevity.

This wine surprised me as it is only medium bodied yet retains the richness that is normally associated with this region. What is equally surprising is the fact that this is a Shiraz Viognier blend but it doesn’t have the overt apricot flavours. Rather the Viognier adds a slipperiness to the mouth feel making this so easy to drink. Complexity is not an issue as the flavours of blueberries, dark chocolate, blood plums and vanilla bean just keep powering through from start to finish.  Barossa pride is written all over this.

Alcohol: 14.4%

Price: $55

Rated: 94

Drink: In ten years

Paradise IV Chardonnay 2011

The wines from Paradise IV are made by an unassuming superstar.  By that I mean he is a school teacher during the day but a wine wizard at night. It could be that Doug is waiting to see how this winemaking thing works out.  Well if this wine is anything to go by, he can expect to sell out everything year in year out without much of an issue.

This wine starts out really restrained yet it is the inbuilt complexity and structure of the wine that is most mesmerising at this stage of its development. The acidity of the wine seems to allow everything else to appear perky and light, even though the flavours are rich. This is so unlike every other Chardonnay in Australia which makes this a truly unique offering.

Alcohol: 13%

Price: $40

Rated: 94

Drink: Give it five years

Spinifex Esprit 2010

Peter Schell seems to be able to craft highly region wines that taste nothing like his counterparts in the area and this wine is no different. It is made from some obscure varieties but it doesn’t really matter as it tastes so yummy.

To begin with the wine tastes of cincault as it is crunch and savoury with a floral element jumping out of the glass but it is soon joined by an earthy dirty aspect on day 2. For the next two days flavours of blackberry and spice jump on board with a little smoked licorice and raspberry adding freshness. I could drink this now it is so good but it would equally thrill with 8 years in the cellar.

Alcohol: 14%

Price: $35

Rated: 90

Drink: Now - 2025

BK Wines Skin n Bones Pinot Noir 2011

On the front label of this wine just below the Skin n Bones it says 256 days.  I’m not sure what this means which gets me thinking, is that how many times Brendon proposed before kirsty, his wife, said yes to him or could it be the number of hugs she gave him while they were setting up their own winery and incurring a massive amount of debt without the security net of working for another winery? Well, no it turns out that 256 is the number of days that this wine has been in contact with its skins.  Just to put that in perspective, most wineries ferment for 14 days on skins before they press them off and tuck them to bed in a barrel.  The use of extended skin contact brings with it some extra risks but if used well can result in added flavour, texture and structure. What running through my mind is how does the penny fall for this wine?

Brilliantly from start to finish as it is a little more savoury than you would expect but it still retains flavours of cherry and spice.  What happens once the fragrant liquid hts your mouth is something to behold and the tannins are beautifully melted onto the flavour whilst still adding texture and enjoyment. This is a wine to savor when it has a few years under its belt.

 Alcohol: 12.5%

Price: $30

Rated: 90

Drink: 2015 and beyond

Kalleske Rosina 2012

How do you make rose? There are a few ways but I will elaborate on two types.  Firstly, the traditional method of picking the red grapes specifically for rose, meaning that they are picked earlier with lighter flavours and higher acid. The grapes are then de-stemmed and crushed when they arrive in the winery. The skins are allowed to stay in contact with the juice only for a short period before they are pressed off into either barrels or stainless steal. The wine is then bottled when the maker thinks the wine is ready. The second way to make rose allows the winemaker to get ride of some juice to improve the quality of their normal label. During the initial fermentation the winemaker bleeds off a proportion of juice to increase the skin to juice ration which increases the flavour, colour and intensity of the finishing wine.  The bled off material is then transferred to tank before bottling. Generally this style of rose has an abundance of flavour but lacks acidity and dryness.

Kalleske Rosina 2012

This wine is vibrant in colour with deep and dark rose coloured hues. On the nose I can smell strawberries and cream with a little spice coming up the rear.  Once the wine hits my palate the sweetness of the strawberries moves toward an Allen's strawberries and cream lolly. In fact, the easy to follow flavours make a good impact on the front of my palate before a pole of acid cuts through. I could see this working really well at the start of summer, when the weather hits 35 degree which they are expecting a lot of this coming year as we move from La Nina back to El Nino.  The long term forecast indicated that Australia is set for temperatures similar to 07, 08 and 09.  I will be drinking more rose this coming year to quench my thirst.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $18
Rated: 83
Drink: Over summer

Hentley Farm The Beast Shiraz 2010

Hentley Farm in located just behind Seppeltsfield winery on an old dirt road which makes them prime for high class wine production. Given this fact, I have never tried one before as I thought their wines were aimed at the American market which generally are too sweet for my palate.

Hentley Farm The Beast Shiraz 2010

Man this is a big boy but it does so with a degree of structure and restraint that I don't normally see in this style of wine.  The flavours of blueberries, spice and bitter chocolate are very enticing,but it is the acidity and fluffy tannins that leads the enjoyment show.  The flavour and tannins pair well which makes then hard to pull apart making the wine feel seamless and seductive. This is the sort of wine that looks great in the heart of winter with a nice earthy meaty meal in front of you with the fire blazing in the background.

Alcohol: 15%
Price: $80
Rated: 92
Drink: 2018 - 2035

Kalleske Old Vine Grenache 2010

Kalleske Old Vine Grenache 2010

This wine comes off of a block that was planted in 1935 and has been run organically ever since the first vine was planted.  As the 2010 vintage experienced near perfect conditions, I was very excited to see what Troy could do with such fruit.  Many Grenache based wines from the Barossa have a boiled lolly component but this wine doesn't have any of those flavours.  This wine sits beautifully in the red berry flavour spectrum with hints of flowers and dried rose petals blowing in the wind.  I would almost call this wine restrained in its approach but the sweet oak is masking some of the detail at this stage of the wines development. What separates this from a lot of the other wines in the area is the tannin structure.  It slowly coats the interior of my mouth and lays down the foundation for some serious enjoyment. The balance of flavour and structure is beautiful and there is still one more trick up this wines sleeve and that is a silkiness to the palate weight. Just yummo! While I think this isn't drinking at its peak now, I would only give this a few years in the cellar before I would rip into them.

Alcohol: 15.5%
Price: $45
Rated: 93
Drink: 2014 - 2020

Kalleske Eduard Shiraz 2009

The Kalleske family has been growing grapes in the Barossa for decades.  In fact their oldest planting dates back to 1875 but the blocks that contribute to this wine are from a single planting in 1905 and two planting in 1960. Old vine Shiraz at its most specular, just have a look at the vineyard management of these blocks. They plant a cover crop of broad beans in winter as you can see below.

And they utilise old school trellising methods

As such the yields are very low.

Kalleske Eduard Shiraz 2009

Masses of very ripe dark fruits bounce from the glass but these dark fruits are wrapped in a capsule of sweet oak.  This is an impressive Barossa wine that gladly hangs a bit of bling around its neck.  What stands out most is the exotic flavours of Iranian dates and dried figs like the ones you see on a cheese platter. Well the cheese platters my mates bring around every time we get together that is. The ripe theme continues with a little tar and coffee grounds making an entrance towards the mid-palate.  The wine finishes with a light brush of tannin which suggests that it is open for business. If you are into ultra plush and very ripe fruit then this will dazzle your senses but it doesn't have the vitality for humongous points. 

Alcohol: 14.5%

Price: $85

Rated: 89

Drink: Now - 2020

Greenock Creek Cabernet 2003

Greenock Creek Cabernet 2003

I was served this blind and asked for variety, region and year. I picked mataro, due the high tannin content, Barossa and 05. So I was a fare bit off but I should have known it was Cabernet as there is a huge hole in the mid palate of this wine.  The flavours of red-fruits, chocolate mud-cake, sugar coated violets and chilli flakes are rather nice attacking the front palate on entry. Once these flavours move along my tongue they disappear but then re-emerge on the back palate. The chalky tannins are a different beast as they grab a hold of your private parts and shake them like they have never been shaken before. I like this wine but it is the alcohol that invades my emotional state during the whole experience that puts me off a bit.

Alcohol: 15.5%
Price: $38
Rated: 86
Drink: This winter

Greenock Creek Roennfeldt Road Shiraz 2004

Barossa had a very good 2004 growing season so it was interesting to see how the Roennfeldt Road Shiraz was traveling.  This wine didn't show any warmth from the high alcohol but it did show very ripe fruit.  This would be one of the biggest wines I have every tried. 


Greenock Creek Roennfeldt Road Shiraz 2004

Rock me baby one more time.  You have to watch out as the wine jumps out the bottle with flavours of blackberry jam, tar, charcoal and chocolate cake.  There is a massive amount of flavour rolling towards you but if you like them bigger than Ben Hur then you are on to a winner.  The oak has been consumed by this beast so you could open it now if you wish. You will need half a cow to chew on while you consume it. 

Alcohol: 16.5%
Price: $192
Rated: 95
Drink: Now - 2025

Greenock Creek Release 2011

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
 

Greenock Creek Apricot Block 2004

Greenock Creek make a variety of single site Shiraz aged in all American oak to show off the individuality of each site.  What a brilliant idea! Regionality to the max.  Out of all their wines I preferred the Creek Block Shiraz.  As the salt levels have risen they have become noticeable on the palate, and therefore Greenock Creek have decided to stop production.  They have planted a new vineyard called the Chook Block. It was located on the property next to theirs with a run down chook shed. They have now planted a Shiraz vineyard in its place.

Greenock Creek Apricot Block 2004

When I was a young boy I always dreamed of being a cowboy.  Roaming the country with a whip in one hand,  droving the cattle during the day and sleeping under the stars.  Once the job was done we would  russell up some hearty beef stew and drink a bottle of this.  You need a meat flavour to tame this wild beast of a wine.  Well, it has mellowed with age and would go perfectly in the cold of winter.  The main drive of the wine is blackberry marshmallows mixed with leather, bitumen and pepper.  The palate length is very long with chalky tannins pulling the flavours with them.  The only worry was the alcohol on the back end thus I would recommend drinking this in winter.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $45
Rated: 88
Drink: now - 2018

Greenock Creek Roennfeldt Road Shiraz 1995

I had this at the end of last year but I found my notes so I thought I'd write it up as I have an 04 Apricot block to write up as well.  On release Greenock Creek wines are so big and brash that it can be difficult to drink a glass.  The Roennfeldt Road is now drinking beautifully!

Greenock Creek Roennfeldt Road Shiraz 1995

This wine is right in its groove. There is a huge amount of coco mixed with leather dominating my palate. Parker gave this a perfect score but I don't see that there is a beautiful length and line to the wine.  Everything is soft and accessible so I would start opening these whenever you feel like it. A rare wine brilliantly constructed and a joy to drink. I didn't write down the alcohol content but there is no discernible effect on the palate.


Alcohol: ?
Price: $450 (Auction)
Rated: 94
Drink: now - 2021