Colonial Estate Emigre

So one more Colonial Estate that I picked up dirt cheap...

Colonial Estate Emigre 2006.
A blend of Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mouvedre and Muscadelle.  What hits me immediately is oak.  Like the Richard Lander, this wine is really oaky.  Unlike the Richard Lander though, this wine carries it a lot better.  It could be the age, it could be the quality of the fruit, either way, this wine carried it much better than I was expecting it to.  A very plushy wine, deep dark berries, mocha, vanilla and a hint of spice.  It actually has better acidity than I was expecting but not great acidity.  I specifically bought this for guests to drink as something I think they would like.   Even though it isn't the style I'm into it still was very enjoyable.  Very well made, fruit wasn't raisin like at all....If I have a chance to pick more up at the same price I will..

Fraser Gallop

Fraser Gallop Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
I've always been a fan of Fraser Gallop.  I think their stuff across the board is pretty good and priced quite nicely.  I think this normally retails for around 45AUD but Costco has been selling it for around 25..and I saw it today for 20...a real steal at that price.

Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cab Franc...so a Bordeaux type blend...Very good overall structure, firm but not overpowering tannins, dark fruits on the nose, a decent amount of acidity.  Picking up some herbs, chocolate and mulberry leaves....

For the price (at Costco) this is fantastic...

Colonial Estate Richard Lander

Colonial Estate has had a lot of financial issues and the result was a lot of wine that was planned for export that never made it there.  It also meant a ton of it got released into Australia and relatively good prices.  Being a sucker for a good deal I picked up a few for dirt cheap just to try it out.  I already knew going in the style wouldn't be my preference but I also figure it is a good wine for my friends that love big reds.

Colonial Estate Richard Lander Shiraz 2008.
This is a single vineyard wine by Colonial Estate...Apparently not their biggest type of red but still really big.
I have one word.  OAK.  Very ripe fruit, maybe borderline raisin like but not quite.  Big alcohol, a lot of heat and a lot of new oak on the palate.  Softer tannins and a bit of acidity but not a lot...Oddly it has more acidity than I would have expected (it isn't a lot) but it could be there is just so much new oak tingling my tongue that I'm seeing it as oak.  Right now the alcohol is very apparent.
I can see people liking this wine though...definitely not my style..and the alcohol sticks out so much it could impact a fruit bomb lovers enjoyment of it too...but I'll give it a bit more time in the glass and into tomorrow and update what I see...

The 2nd day the wine overall was showing better...the oak seemed to be better integrated....acid is now obviously really low...alcohol seems a bit more tame...a definite fruit bomb..I had one glass and it has covered my teeth....

Is it worth 75 dollars or whatever they want for it?  I don't think so...but I paid under 20 which makes it a great BBQ/Friend wine or something with a lot of meat...Maybe Korean BBQ.