Michael Hall Chardonnay 2009

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


Michael Hall Chardonnay 2009

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

Alcohol: 13.8%
Price: $40
Rated: 94
Drink: 2016 - 2025

 

Seppelts Benno Shiraz 2003

Seppelts seem to produce good quality regional wines of value no matter who owns them. This was the first vintage of their Premium Bendigo Shiraz.  I'm glad they took the plunge showcasing the regions within Victoria.  


Seppelts Benno Shiraz 2003

Pure line and length straight off the bat but as my mate and I sat there on a Friday night drinking this we didn't really give it a chance to show its best.  Still, it is brilliant! Cherry cola, blackberry menthol with a hint of spicy cow hide elegantly build as the night went on.   Don't touch these for another 5 or 6 years and this will move up the ranks.  Each time I went back, I had to adjust my notes and score. It is the elegance and length that sets this apart from so many examples of this variety.  Nothing is overblown, everything is controlled.  I would expect this to be around the 95pt when it reaches its peak. I'll get back to you in a few years to let you know how it's going.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $45
Rated: 92
Drink: 2017 - 2028

Silly Goose Chardonnay Viognier 2010

2010 will go down as a beautiful white vintage for the Adelaide Hills. Generally, the wines from this vintage will evolve in the bottle for many years as they possess bright structure and restrained flavours.

Silly Goose Chardonnay Viognier 2010

In your face! I feel like I'm playing basketball again as the flavour of the wine is trying to eject me from the playing court. Apricot kernel and spicy melon invade my personal space! Big impact!

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $21
Rated: 83
Drink: now - 2013