BK Wines has been doing a lot of interesting things with their wines...generally, I'm pretty impressed by the quality and they tend to always be interesting.
BK Wines Skin and Bones Pinot 2013.
These spend a good amount of time on skins (100 days). 10% new oak. When I first got a whiff of this I thought, ok..Aussie pinot...Palate was a bit hot and ripe (only 12.5% alcohol though)...Tannins were more apparent but not off putting..but it just reminded me what I dislike about Aussie Pinot...cherry cola like...Might've even been a bit spritzy...
BUT
After some time, this really started to come into its own..the nose become a lot more interesting...with the heat going away and replaced with some earth, mushrooms, herbs.....Palate became far more mid weight, red cherries and it tastes like some stalk but I'm not sure if any whole bunch was used. Tannins are apparent but they're the nice ones (on my tongue vs. lips). The acidity was great..overall palate progression became quite good....Whereas before this wine had some aspects of Aussie Pinot and a very very ripe Gevrey...it really started moving away from typical Aussie pinot..still ripe which makes you think new world..but with a lot of interest and overall great texture...
You can find this for around 30 AUD if you can find it at all...and it is definitely a good buy at that......90 points..
Showing posts with label Pinot Noir. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pinot Noir. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Fesq
I had the opportunity to try a good chunk of Fesq and Co's ANZ Portfolio...
It is always nice to have a surprise here or there..something you remember..but it is even nicer when you have multiple surprises across a pretty good range of wine...
Longhop
I only got to try their normal range but the quality overall was very good..
The Pinot Gris and Rose were both very good for their category. Texture, complexity, clean fruit, good acidity...two very solid wines. RRP is around 18 dollars which is probably about right for these two wines given the category.
Longhop Old Vine Grenache 2012
Unlike most SA Grenache, this feels a bit more medium bodied, good acidity, decent tannin structure as well..a lot more red fruits vs. dark fruits...This doesn't taste like raisins + alcohol, it tastes like a well thought out Grenache. Very impressive but atypical of what people might want out of Grenache...To me, that is a good thing. RRP is 18 dollars which I think is great value. 90 points.
Longhop Shiraz 2012
Great acidity, red fruits, firm tannins...This wine needs a bit more time but the package is great. RRP is also 18 dollars which makes this a total steal. Probably one of the best values out there right now...really well made, really good structure..It might not have the brooding depth people think of when they look at cellaring but I think this will do very well..and again, under 20 dollars...WTFBBQ. 91 Points.
Longhop Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Another surprising wine...Not a light Cabernet you might see from the Barossa or the surrounding area..but a true Cabernet Sauvignon...Chalky tannins, good acidity....red fruits...this has the structure to go a long time and is great value at 18 RRP...I think the main issue I have with this (and probably the Shiraz) is, at sub 20, people aren't really looking for heavy structure..they're not expecting to have to cellar the wines so to that point, I think they're missing what their target market is at this price point...but really really good value here.. 90 points
Mandala Wines
A few interesting wines here...The Chardonnay was very solid...good acidity, a tad bit of malo, good use of oak...The shiraz had a very floral note to it..almost viognier like but I was told this was 100% shiraz...good acidity....Overall a good wine. They had a pretty good Cabernet called Butterfly as well...Good structure, texture was very nice..
Mandala Prophet Pinot Noir 2010
Good acid, mouthfeel and texture are right..every medium bodied, some truffle, red fruits, tannins there but not aggressive...really quite a nice Yarra Pinot..and I don't say that very often..90 points
Lethbridge
I've said this several times already...great stuff from here...
Their recent Allegra Chardonnay and Mietta Pinot are even better than earlier versions..a bit more refined....Their Indra Shiraz is looking really good...Just a lot of great stuff from here..all very well thought out...great texture...One of my favorites in Australia...
Byrne Wines
Alex Byrne is the assistant at Lethbridge....easy to see why I liked the wines here. The Chardonnay and Pinots here were both great, cool labels, priced very well. I don't think they have the depth of Lethbridge but the texture is fantastic and still very very good wines...They also provide better value than Lethbridge which says a lot....
Between Five Bells
A joint venture by David Fesq, Josh Dunne, Ray Nadeson and help from Alex Byrne.
Basically, they're turning everything on their head with some really funky blends. Their Red and white seems to change as far as what they have in them..but have you had a Negroamaro, Nero D'Avola, Riesling, Shiraz Blend? How about a Sangiovese, Grenache, Shiraz and Graciano? Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc? Definitely all drink soon blends but great texture, acidity, mouthfeel..interesting flavor and complexity. Tiny production...It won't be loved by all but very interesting...
Bream Creek
I've had a few things from here in the past that I thought were pretty decent...In general I thought the wines were pretty good. Both their Dry and off-Dry rielsings were good. Good fruit, good acidity...Their Pinot was actually pretty good for a Tassie Pinot as well...good texture, mouthfeel was "right"...Looking forward to seeing more from them.
It is always nice to have a surprise here or there..something you remember..but it is even nicer when you have multiple surprises across a pretty good range of wine...
Longhop
I only got to try their normal range but the quality overall was very good..
The Pinot Gris and Rose were both very good for their category. Texture, complexity, clean fruit, good acidity...two very solid wines. RRP is around 18 dollars which is probably about right for these two wines given the category.
Longhop Old Vine Grenache 2012
Unlike most SA Grenache, this feels a bit more medium bodied, good acidity, decent tannin structure as well..a lot more red fruits vs. dark fruits...This doesn't taste like raisins + alcohol, it tastes like a well thought out Grenache. Very impressive but atypical of what people might want out of Grenache...To me, that is a good thing. RRP is 18 dollars which I think is great value. 90 points.
Longhop Shiraz 2012
Great acidity, red fruits, firm tannins...This wine needs a bit more time but the package is great. RRP is also 18 dollars which makes this a total steal. Probably one of the best values out there right now...really well made, really good structure..It might not have the brooding depth people think of when they look at cellaring but I think this will do very well..and again, under 20 dollars...WTFBBQ. 91 Points.
Longhop Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Another surprising wine...Not a light Cabernet you might see from the Barossa or the surrounding area..but a true Cabernet Sauvignon...Chalky tannins, good acidity....red fruits...this has the structure to go a long time and is great value at 18 RRP...I think the main issue I have with this (and probably the Shiraz) is, at sub 20, people aren't really looking for heavy structure..they're not expecting to have to cellar the wines so to that point, I think they're missing what their target market is at this price point...but really really good value here.. 90 points
Mandala Wines
A few interesting wines here...The Chardonnay was very solid...good acidity, a tad bit of malo, good use of oak...The shiraz had a very floral note to it..almost viognier like but I was told this was 100% shiraz...good acidity....Overall a good wine. They had a pretty good Cabernet called Butterfly as well...Good structure, texture was very nice..
Mandala Prophet Pinot Noir 2010
Good acid, mouthfeel and texture are right..every medium bodied, some truffle, red fruits, tannins there but not aggressive...really quite a nice Yarra Pinot..and I don't say that very often..90 points
Lethbridge
I've said this several times already...great stuff from here...
Their recent Allegra Chardonnay and Mietta Pinot are even better than earlier versions..a bit more refined....Their Indra Shiraz is looking really good...Just a lot of great stuff from here..all very well thought out...great texture...One of my favorites in Australia...
Byrne Wines
Alex Byrne is the assistant at Lethbridge....easy to see why I liked the wines here. The Chardonnay and Pinots here were both great, cool labels, priced very well. I don't think they have the depth of Lethbridge but the texture is fantastic and still very very good wines...They also provide better value than Lethbridge which says a lot....
Between Five Bells
A joint venture by David Fesq, Josh Dunne, Ray Nadeson and help from Alex Byrne.
Basically, they're turning everything on their head with some really funky blends. Their Red and white seems to change as far as what they have in them..but have you had a Negroamaro, Nero D'Avola, Riesling, Shiraz Blend? How about a Sangiovese, Grenache, Shiraz and Graciano? Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc? Definitely all drink soon blends but great texture, acidity, mouthfeel..interesting flavor and complexity. Tiny production...It won't be loved by all but very interesting...
Bream Creek
I've had a few things from here in the past that I thought were pretty decent...In general I thought the wines were pretty good. Both their Dry and off-Dry rielsings were good. Good fruit, good acidity...Their Pinot was actually pretty good for a Tassie Pinot as well...good texture, mouthfeel was "right"...Looking forward to seeing more from them.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Low Alcohol with Friends
Had a number of low alcohol wines with friends...Some of them were good, some were interesting...some were just ok..
Wynns John Riddoch 1988.
Smells like a Coonawarra with green bell peppers on the nose...some spices..dark and red fruits...Palate is really nice...Lighter than what I normally associate w/ a Coonawarra Cabernet but still has great fine tannin structure..acidity is showing nicely as well. Fruit is still there...I think some felt this was on its last legs..probably..but would be interesting to see if this changes a bit more in a few years. I think this was showing better than the 91 JR awhile back...Either way, drinking very nicely right now... 92 points
Chambers Rosewood Gouais 2004.
Gouais is apparently the parent grape of Chardonnay. Nose reminded me a bit of an aged Semillon..but had some Chardonnay characters coming across too...Lemon pith, some honey, some peach....Palate was very Chardonnay like but with some of honey coming across as well...acidity and development of the fruit w/ the acid was very Semillon like..but this reminds me a lot of Chardonnay...Sensing a bit of oak as well...Overall these are quite nice..something different...and apparently these are also only around 15/bottle which makes it a great value. 90 points
Lakes Folly Cabernet Reserve 1994.
I didn't even know they made a reserve but apparently they did in 94 and 95. The Hunter really comes across on the nose and palate..a bit of funk, leather, earth, sweaty saddle..but not a huge amount...Red fruits, spice, leather and earth on the palate..really very nice. Great acidity, great texture...I can drink this type of wine all day....92 points
Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Spatlese 2006
I'm a fan of Donnhoff..I'm a fan of their Niederhauser Hermannshohle line. 2006 as a vintage is a bit fatter than what I would normally like from Riesling...and last time I had this it was a bit on the simpler side..but for me this was drinking quite nicely. This really has come into its own with greater complexity, the acidity is showing a bit better as well...Fruit Salad on the nose...lemons, melons, rock dust...Palate has great acidity...star fruit, melon, lemon..nice minerality...Definitely a good amount of residual sugar but it balances so nicely in this wine...92 points
Main Divide Pinot Noir 2001
Some truffle and graphite on the nose...red fruits...Palate has nice acidity...Earth, minerality, red fruits...This is showing quite nicely really..and I think this is a lower tier from Pegasus Bay's normal line...Cellaring has helped this wine a lot...Actually reminds me a bit of Ata Rangi... 90 points
Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Spatlese 2006
I'm a fan of Donnhoff..I'm a fan of their Niederhauser Hermannshohle line. 2006 as a vintage is a bit fatter than what I would normally like from Riesling...and last time I had this it was a bit on the simpler side..but for me this was drinking quite nicely. This really has come into its own with greater complexity, the acidity is showing a bit better as well...Fruit Salad on the nose...lemons, melons, rock dust...Palate has great acidity...star fruit, melon, lemon..nice minerality...Definitely a good amount of residual sugar but it balances so nicely in this wine...92 points
Main Divide Pinot Noir 2001
Some truffle and graphite on the nose...red fruits...Palate has nice acidity...Earth, minerality, red fruits...This is showing quite nicely really..and I think this is a lower tier from Pegasus Bay's normal line...Cellaring has helped this wine a lot...Actually reminds me a bit of Ata Rangi... 90 points
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Hillcrest
Hillcrest is a relatively small winery that does a vast majority of its business via mail order. If they haven't sold out (which they generally do each year) you can visit them by appointment.
Once a year they do an open day where they have 60 some odd wines available to taste, a few specials here and there, the off chance to by a few back vintages and they provide some nice little nibbles for people to snack on.
Hillcrest is generally known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir but they also have a pretty decent Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot if you have a chance to try those.
Impressions:
Their open day, while not huge, is really very nice. Plenty of different things to try, spit buckets and food...Really all you can ask for.
They had Chardonnays back to about 2004, Village, Estate, Premium and even one Reserve.
They had Pinots back to 2001, Village, Estate, Premium and one Reserve.
They had about 8-10 Cabernet Sauvignons and about 8-10 Merlots.
One thing I really like about their Chardonnays is they're very acid driven..they still have oak..they avoid Malo but I think some happens naturally...Either way, it has great depth and complexity...and they age very nicely...
The highlight of the Chardonnays for me was the 2010 Reserve....Really great mouthfeel, texture, great acid, great fruit that soaked up whatever oak was used...really complex, complete wine. They rarely make a Reserve Chardonnay...apparently only in the best of years but this was looking really good.
2012 Chardonnay Cleanskin. I didn't ask why they had them..I assume they had such a good year they had more than they wanted to bottle under their village label..either way, really nice chardonnay that I end up getting for less than 10 dollars a bottle..
Pinot Noir Reserve 2006. I've been wanting to try this awhile, I'm glad I got the chance. Bigger fruit but but very elegant mouthfeel. Great use of oak, very good acidity, nice texture overall. There are things (a bit of rubber) that makes me think Australian Pinot..but it isn't that noticeable and adds complexity instead of takes away from the wine..this is very well done...
Overall impressions - Most of the Chardonnays are top notch...I think I thought one was a little on the light side w/ acidity but pretty much everything across the board Chardonnay wise was very good...consistently good with great acid, great mouthfeel..the difference between the Village, Estate, Premium and Reserve was really the depth of the wine and little quality differences.
Pinot was a bit less consistent...I think some early Pinots were not good at all..very Australian Pinot, Rubbery bleh...They didn't have the right mouthfeel and weren't done properly .When they got to around 2003/2004 it started changing a bit. Better overall quality, better mouthfeel, they looked like they'd age better as well. After 2004 they were all pretty nice..the quality was excellent....The Premium 2010 was very good..I think the only one I thought maybe shouldn't have been made was the 2011 Village Pinot...
Cabernet and Merlot..both were quite interesting..very good expression of fruit...I think the Cabernets were consistently better for me..but there were a few very nice Merlots as well...I think the issue I'd have is they don't stack up price wise.....
For anyone that lives around the area I'd definitely suggest making time to go out there....Heck, one guy even took public transport and walked a few k to get there...
Once a year they do an open day where they have 60 some odd wines available to taste, a few specials here and there, the off chance to by a few back vintages and they provide some nice little nibbles for people to snack on.
Hillcrest is generally known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir but they also have a pretty decent Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot if you have a chance to try those.
Impressions:
Their open day, while not huge, is really very nice. Plenty of different things to try, spit buckets and food...Really all you can ask for.
They had Chardonnays back to about 2004, Village, Estate, Premium and even one Reserve.
They had Pinots back to 2001, Village, Estate, Premium and one Reserve.
They had about 8-10 Cabernet Sauvignons and about 8-10 Merlots.
One thing I really like about their Chardonnays is they're very acid driven..they still have oak..they avoid Malo but I think some happens naturally...Either way, it has great depth and complexity...and they age very nicely...
The highlight of the Chardonnays for me was the 2010 Reserve....Really great mouthfeel, texture, great acid, great fruit that soaked up whatever oak was used...really complex, complete wine. They rarely make a Reserve Chardonnay...apparently only in the best of years but this was looking really good.
2012 Chardonnay Cleanskin. I didn't ask why they had them..I assume they had such a good year they had more than they wanted to bottle under their village label..either way, really nice chardonnay that I end up getting for less than 10 dollars a bottle..
Pinot Noir Reserve 2006. I've been wanting to try this awhile, I'm glad I got the chance. Bigger fruit but but very elegant mouthfeel. Great use of oak, very good acidity, nice texture overall. There are things (a bit of rubber) that makes me think Australian Pinot..but it isn't that noticeable and adds complexity instead of takes away from the wine..this is very well done...
Overall impressions - Most of the Chardonnays are top notch...I think I thought one was a little on the light side w/ acidity but pretty much everything across the board Chardonnay wise was very good...consistently good with great acid, great mouthfeel..the difference between the Village, Estate, Premium and Reserve was really the depth of the wine and little quality differences.
Pinot was a bit less consistent...I think some early Pinots were not good at all..very Australian Pinot, Rubbery bleh...They didn't have the right mouthfeel and weren't done properly .When they got to around 2003/2004 it started changing a bit. Better overall quality, better mouthfeel, they looked like they'd age better as well. After 2004 they were all pretty nice..the quality was excellent....The Premium 2010 was very good..I think the only one I thought maybe shouldn't have been made was the 2011 Village Pinot...
Cabernet and Merlot..both were quite interesting..very good expression of fruit...I think the Cabernets were consistently better for me..but there were a few very nice Merlots as well...I think the issue I'd have is they don't stack up price wise.....
For anyone that lives around the area I'd definitely suggest making time to go out there....Heck, one guy even took public transport and walked a few k to get there...
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Tyrrells and others
Sorry for not posting for awhile..a lot of stuff going on personally but anyways...
Tyrells Vat 1 1999.
One of my favorite semillons ever...this and the 1998 are both really fantastic. Looked good through the bottle so from an oxidation standpoint it was looking good. Popped it, sniffed it, took a sip...perfect. Still really young with very vibrant acidity...Too young maybe? I don't know but it had fantastic depth, toasty notes..honey and just really fantastic acid. There was some left near the end of the night and it was still singing..these are so good it is a shame they're under cork though.
Eileen Hardy Chardonnay 2008
A lot of really nice Chardonnay out of Australia...Really good acidity, good depth, a bit too much oak at this stage, I really want to see this in 5 years or so..but this is drinking really nicely now. I really like when Chardonnays have some fatness to them (oak, malo, etc) but still have that acidity to balance that out. It makes for a very complex, very complete wine.
Kumeu River Mate's Chardonnay 2008
Very similar to the Eileen Hardy but maybe a bit less obvious oak. New Zealand has a lot of great stuff as well..Kumeu is consistently great and one of the best. It is also really easy to find in the US making it a quality drop at a pretty reasonable price. 40ish dollars for a complex Chardonnay with good acidity.
Penfolds St. Henri 1998
A few months back I had the 1993 which wasn't a great vintage but it was fantastic. 1998 was a really good year so I had really high expectations. What we got was both good and bad. On the good side, the structure was fantastic, I think this wine will last another 15+ years. It was pretty typical of a lot of St. Henris which take a lot of time to come around...on the bad, it was just too too tight considering this wine was 15-16 years from vintage...I want to see this in 10 years..not sure if I'll have the chance but I think it'll be great.
Felton Road Block 5 2008.
I generally like most of the stuff from Felton Road..their Pinots tend to be very nice...I think this one we caught at a funny stage.. a bit hot even? I didn't check the % but it seemed a little on the hot side...I've had some of these before but with more age and this just didn't do it for me. I can see the structure, the fruit, the acidity was good as well..nose was nice but not giving away too much. It needs quite a bit more time...
Tyrells Vat 1 1999.
One of my favorite semillons ever...this and the 1998 are both really fantastic. Looked good through the bottle so from an oxidation standpoint it was looking good. Popped it, sniffed it, took a sip...perfect. Still really young with very vibrant acidity...Too young maybe? I don't know but it had fantastic depth, toasty notes..honey and just really fantastic acid. There was some left near the end of the night and it was still singing..these are so good it is a shame they're under cork though.
Eileen Hardy Chardonnay 2008
A lot of really nice Chardonnay out of Australia...Really good acidity, good depth, a bit too much oak at this stage, I really want to see this in 5 years or so..but this is drinking really nicely now. I really like when Chardonnays have some fatness to them (oak, malo, etc) but still have that acidity to balance that out. It makes for a very complex, very complete wine.
Kumeu River Mate's Chardonnay 2008
Very similar to the Eileen Hardy but maybe a bit less obvious oak. New Zealand has a lot of great stuff as well..Kumeu is consistently great and one of the best. It is also really easy to find in the US making it a quality drop at a pretty reasonable price. 40ish dollars for a complex Chardonnay with good acidity.
Penfolds St. Henri 1998
A few months back I had the 1993 which wasn't a great vintage but it was fantastic. 1998 was a really good year so I had really high expectations. What we got was both good and bad. On the good side, the structure was fantastic, I think this wine will last another 15+ years. It was pretty typical of a lot of St. Henris which take a lot of time to come around...on the bad, it was just too too tight considering this wine was 15-16 years from vintage...I want to see this in 10 years..not sure if I'll have the chance but I think it'll be great.
Felton Road Block 5 2008.
I generally like most of the stuff from Felton Road..their Pinots tend to be very nice...I think this one we caught at a funny stage.. a bit hot even? I didn't check the % but it seemed a little on the hot side...I've had some of these before but with more age and this just didn't do it for me. I can see the structure, the fruit, the acidity was good as well..nose was nice but not giving away too much. It needs quite a bit more time...
Monday, September 2, 2013
Australia Pinot Day
Not a big fan of Australian Pinot Noir but I know there are some pretty decent wines out there so I attended this event with the aim to try to find some...
What I found was a few producers I hadn't seen...and a few more good BIG Australian Pinots...and a few other Pinots that I thought were really interesting....
Curly Flat "The Curly" 2010
Well known Pinot Noir in Australia...very good structure, decent acidity, but really quite a big fruity Pinot Noir. Well made, good fruit...but I'm not sure I like this style. I had this at an offline and I had the same impression...Good wine, not what I'd buy..
Hillcrest Estate Pinot Noir 2010
Good acid but a bit of a fruity Pinot. Well made. Another relatively big Pinot. I can see what people are trying to do...and yes, this is an enjoyable style...I'm not sure it is what I'm looking for but still well made.
Hillcrest Premium Pinot Noir 2011
I've had the 2010..this was a bit lighter. In general, I think their Pinots are BIG fruit, high acid which gives them the impression they're more medium bodied. They're quite enjoyable...the Premium being a step up in fruit and a step up in acidity and balance as well as complexity.
William Downie Gippsland 2011
Very well balanced Pinot with earthy tones, red fruits, a much more medium bodied but still a little bit on the fuller side. Really nice acidity...This was one of my favorites for the night. Pretty good buy but I they're fairly hard to find as well.
Marchand & Burch "Mt Barrow" 2010
A label made with a Frenchmen bringing Burgundy to WA...they also make a number of Burgundies they bring into Australia. I was a bit surprised as I hadn't had too many Great Southern Pinots..but they're actually quite nice and this is a region to look out for. Really nice complexity, mouthfeel and balance. I bit heavy on the oak but overall, quite nice.
They also had Bannockburn, Lethbridge and a few others...but since I've covered those already I won't cover them here...
On the WEIRD side...
Moss Wood Margaret River Pinot 2009
I have no idea what this is. BIG BIG Fruit, BIG BIG OAK. Medium minus to low acidity...I have no idea what they're doing here...It is a really weird style. The wine is well made in that there aren't any weird flaws..but the style is really odd....I wouldn't call it a Pinot...it is something...
Moss Wood Mornington Peninsula 2010
I'm getting a bit more acid from this but not really....It could be because it isn't quite as big as the MR one...either way, these are really odd wines...They're for people that don't like Pinot Noir and want a big Cab instead......Actually, I'm not sure what the point of these wines are...experimental? I have no idea....
On this night these two out Domaine A'd the Domaine A Pinot..partially cause the Domaine A was probably a little bit corked or something was stripping out some of the fruit...either way....If you like that style of Pinot, there you go...
What I found was a few producers I hadn't seen...and a few more good BIG Australian Pinots...and a few other Pinots that I thought were really interesting....
Curly Flat "The Curly" 2010
Well known Pinot Noir in Australia...very good structure, decent acidity, but really quite a big fruity Pinot Noir. Well made, good fruit...but I'm not sure I like this style. I had this at an offline and I had the same impression...Good wine, not what I'd buy..
Hillcrest Estate Pinot Noir 2010
Good acid but a bit of a fruity Pinot. Well made. Another relatively big Pinot. I can see what people are trying to do...and yes, this is an enjoyable style...I'm not sure it is what I'm looking for but still well made.
Hillcrest Premium Pinot Noir 2011
I've had the 2010..this was a bit lighter. In general, I think their Pinots are BIG fruit, high acid which gives them the impression they're more medium bodied. They're quite enjoyable...the Premium being a step up in fruit and a step up in acidity and balance as well as complexity.
William Downie Gippsland 2011
Very well balanced Pinot with earthy tones, red fruits, a much more medium bodied but still a little bit on the fuller side. Really nice acidity...This was one of my favorites for the night. Pretty good buy but I they're fairly hard to find as well.
Marchand & Burch "Mt Barrow" 2010
A label made with a Frenchmen bringing Burgundy to WA...they also make a number of Burgundies they bring into Australia. I was a bit surprised as I hadn't had too many Great Southern Pinots..but they're actually quite nice and this is a region to look out for. Really nice complexity, mouthfeel and balance. I bit heavy on the oak but overall, quite nice.
They also had Bannockburn, Lethbridge and a few others...but since I've covered those already I won't cover them here...
On the WEIRD side...
Moss Wood Margaret River Pinot 2009
I have no idea what this is. BIG BIG Fruit, BIG BIG OAK. Medium minus to low acidity...I have no idea what they're doing here...It is a really weird style. The wine is well made in that there aren't any weird flaws..but the style is really odd....I wouldn't call it a Pinot...it is something...
Moss Wood Mornington Peninsula 2010
I'm getting a bit more acid from this but not really....It could be because it isn't quite as big as the MR one...either way, these are really odd wines...They're for people that don't like Pinot Noir and want a big Cab instead......Actually, I'm not sure what the point of these wines are...experimental? I have no idea....
On this night these two out Domaine A'd the Domaine A Pinot..partially cause the Domaine A was probably a little bit corked or something was stripping out some of the fruit...either way....If you like that style of Pinot, there you go...
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Central Otago 2013
A store called NZwinesonline hosts a Central Otago show each year....expecting 15+ wineries and 80+ wines....so it is a bit disappointing when they have 13 wineries and 56 wines (I think it was actually less)...not to mention it was one of the more expensive events to attend....Even compared to previous ones, this one was a bit of a stinker and pretty much a waste of time...
Valli Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011
On the plus side I did find a new winery called Valli....
They had three pretty good Pinots available...they actually have more based on their website.
Valli Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011
Really good acidity (best of the three), clean red fruit, some herbs, slight minerality...very good texture and depth....Lighter in mouthfeel than the other two and my favorite of the three.
Valli Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011
Slightly fuller mouthfeel than the Gibbston...good acidity, not quite as good as the Gibbston...bit bigger fruit and a bit more tannin structure...although they're relatively soft...Good overall Pinot...
Valli Bendigo Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011
Similar mouthfeel to the Bannockburn Vineyard....good acidity although less than the Bannockburn...Bigger fruit than the other two...Bigger tannins than the other two...It actually had some Aussie PN flavors to it...My least favorite of the three but still pretty decent overall.
Pretty good set of Pinots and according to their website they have a Waitaki which sounds like it something I would like to try. The downside? At 60 it is in territory where there are some other pretty good alternatives....although not many...
Wooing Tree Sandstorm Reserve Pinot Noir 2009
I tried this probably six months back and it was a bit of a monster. Really big harsh tannins...you could sense a pretty good wine underneath but the tannins were ripping my face off. To my surprise, this has really softened quite a bit since then and it was looking really really good. Biggish red fruit but with a lot of different things going on...really good acidity...with the softer tannins the wine had really good texture...fantastic complexity...Cranberries, sour cherry, some herbs...hints of dark chocolate...It is good to see this wine come around....Overall probably the best wine of the show...but at 100+AUD...it is probably a bit overpriced...
Probably the biggest disappointment at the show (for me) was Mt. Difficulty...I haven't really liked any of their stuff in awhile...but they have an overall good reputation....but the best way to describe where they're going is looking at their reserves...Pipeclay and Long Gully....Both were really quite sweet....good complexity...but really, a fruit bomb of a Pinot Noir...it was really quite meh with lowish acidity....Apparently there is no residual sugar...I find that almost impossible to believe..
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Tasmania Unbottled 2013
I've been relatively disappointed in Tasmania the last few years but this was a good opportunity to see what they're doing in the region, try the new releases...and Australians are some of the best at changing styles (to their credit and detriment).
Overall impressions: I was quite impressed with the different things a lot of the winemakers were trying to do...A lot more skin exposure, a lot more time on lees...mixing up different oak treatments, malo treatements..some residual sugar in some of the Rieslings...some lighter Pinots as well...I'm not sure Pinot Noir is the right grape for Tassie...Maybe it is the soil..not sure..but the Riesling and Chardonnay is definitely quite interesting...they even had a couple of different Pinot Grigios..it'll be interesting to see how this turns out for them.....I know that their pricing structure is a bit messed up...I believe in part because things are expensive there and shipping the wine out of Tassie is really expensive...I don't think that is an excuse though...I think they really need to start making wine that competes and whatever price levels are out there...
Josef Chromy
Always an interesting mix of wine out of Josef Chromy...a typical Aussie Pinot at different price points that most will be very happy with. However, I was far more interesting in their Riesling..
Josef Chromy Zdar Riesling 2008
Only made in the best years and in very limited quantity, this had very good acidity, good development on the nose and texture wise, it was really nice. Toasty notes, lemon pith, some minerality, lemon curd, sour apple notes, a bit of petrol...First time I've had this. At 40RRP though, I'm not sure what space this fits in...It is basically Grosset type territory...Pikes Merle..more than Lethbridge, more than Leo Buring Leonay and Peter Lehmann Wigan....This IS good though....but the RRP is a bit of a stretch (coming back to being price competitive).
Josef Chromy SGR delikat Riesling
More of a Kabinett style of Riesling...so a bit of RS with really high acidity...I like that they even made something like this since some Aussies are so adamant they must have bone dry wine...but the fact is, the acidity in Tassie is really high...they really do need a slight bit of RS to soften it a bit...it really does not make it sweet....
Stefano Lubiana
An excellent range overall....and doing a lot of good things with their wine...Price pretty fairly for the quality.
Stefano Lubiana Riesling 2011
Really interesting nose...Oak? Interesting...I'm also picking up a bit of tightness in my gums so I suspect even some skin contact? Really interesting texture for this...good depth for a young Riesling...quite enjoyable with the very good acidity....How will this look in a few years? Not sure...but I'm excited to find out....If you like Riesling, this is a great one to try for something different....If you don't like Riesling..this is a great one to try..you may just like it...
Stefano Lubiana Chardonay
I'm a bit biased after the very interesting Riesling....the Chardonnay is show really nice depth...good acidity in contrast to the oak and what seems like Malo (really hard to tell because the acidity is so high). A very well made Chardonnay, at a fair price...
Honorable mentions..
Sparkling:
House of Arras was impressive. Yeasty, very champagne like..a bit brighter fruit wise...I like both their Grand Vintage 2004 and Vintage Rose 2004.
Jansz - Normally I'm not a fan...their vintage Cuvee and Rose were quite good though...as was the late disgorged 2004.
Glaetzer-Dixon. Two really interesting Rielsings Uberblanc Goldpunkt and Uberblanc (Red Dot).
Overall impressions: I was quite impressed with the different things a lot of the winemakers were trying to do...A lot more skin exposure, a lot more time on lees...mixing up different oak treatments, malo treatements..some residual sugar in some of the Rieslings...some lighter Pinots as well...I'm not sure Pinot Noir is the right grape for Tassie...Maybe it is the soil..not sure..but the Riesling and Chardonnay is definitely quite interesting...they even had a couple of different Pinot Grigios..it'll be interesting to see how this turns out for them.....I know that their pricing structure is a bit messed up...I believe in part because things are expensive there and shipping the wine out of Tassie is really expensive...I don't think that is an excuse though...I think they really need to start making wine that competes and whatever price levels are out there...
Josef Chromy
Always an interesting mix of wine out of Josef Chromy...a typical Aussie Pinot at different price points that most will be very happy with. However, I was far more interesting in their Riesling..
Josef Chromy Zdar Riesling 2008
Only made in the best years and in very limited quantity, this had very good acidity, good development on the nose and texture wise, it was really nice. Toasty notes, lemon pith, some minerality, lemon curd, sour apple notes, a bit of petrol...First time I've had this. At 40RRP though, I'm not sure what space this fits in...It is basically Grosset type territory...Pikes Merle..more than Lethbridge, more than Leo Buring Leonay and Peter Lehmann Wigan....This IS good though....but the RRP is a bit of a stretch (coming back to being price competitive).
Josef Chromy SGR delikat Riesling
More of a Kabinett style of Riesling...so a bit of RS with really high acidity...I like that they even made something like this since some Aussies are so adamant they must have bone dry wine...but the fact is, the acidity in Tassie is really high...they really do need a slight bit of RS to soften it a bit...it really does not make it sweet....
Stefano Lubiana
An excellent range overall....and doing a lot of good things with their wine...Price pretty fairly for the quality.
Stefano Lubiana Riesling 2011
Really interesting nose...Oak? Interesting...I'm also picking up a bit of tightness in my gums so I suspect even some skin contact? Really interesting texture for this...good depth for a young Riesling...quite enjoyable with the very good acidity....How will this look in a few years? Not sure...but I'm excited to find out....If you like Riesling, this is a great one to try for something different....If you don't like Riesling..this is a great one to try..you may just like it...
Stefano Lubiana Chardonay
I'm a bit biased after the very interesting Riesling....the Chardonnay is show really nice depth...good acidity in contrast to the oak and what seems like Malo (really hard to tell because the acidity is so high). A very well made Chardonnay, at a fair price...
Honorable mentions..
Sparkling:
House of Arras was impressive. Yeasty, very champagne like..a bit brighter fruit wise...I like both their Grand Vintage 2004 and Vintage Rose 2004.
Jansz - Normally I'm not a fan...their vintage Cuvee and Rose were quite good though...as was the late disgorged 2004.
Glaetzer-Dixon. Two really interesting Rielsings Uberblanc Goldpunkt and Uberblanc (Red Dot).
Friday, August 16, 2013
Geelong - Bannockburn - Part 2
Bannockburn
I wasn't originally going to go to Bannockburn because it was a bit of a last minute attempt at an appointment (I didn't even know they allowed for visitors until the day before)...but I'm very glad I did. I've had a few of their wines before and was always impressed...To me it was always a divisive style either you love it or hate it......I think it is one that appeals to most Pinot Noir geeks.....It is nothing like a typical Australian Pinot (which I think is great).
Michael Glover is the winemaker at Bannockburn and to me, he has brought the winery to new heights. He is not ashamed to tell you his philosophy and he is very passionate about what he is trying to do at Bannockburn. He has very strong opinions about irrigation (there shouldn't be any), what yields he'd like to see, what yields you want to get in order to show true terroir...He also wants his wine to be uniquely Bannockburn. To me, all of the reds show this vegetal characteristic that I associate with Bannockburn...to me that is their signature. Their Pinots, which are medium bodied and high in acidity might remind many of Burgundy...and you wouldn't be wrong to say that...but at the same time the fruit is most definitely new world. They have that Bannockburn signature...they have that Bannockburn texture....Michael will change up what he does each year, not because he's haphazardly experimenting because based on conditions he's trying to achieve certain things in the wine. Each vintage he tries to improve the wine and make them uniquely Bannockburn.
I also had the opportunity to see their new plantings (planted in 2007) which was 10,000 vines per ha. No irrigation and yield target of 500g per vine. Michael's feeling that the low yield and the vines needing to compete for resources it what helps them show their terroir. This is similar in theory to what is done at some of the best parts of Burgundy. The new vineyard is called De La Terre and it looks like a winner..
It was very interesting to see the contrast with Bannockburn and Lethbridge. Michael wants to make the best wine possible but wants to make sure they're uniquely Bannockburn...that they have their own particular style (and I think they succeed). Ray at Lethbridge wants to make the best wine possible, what he likes to drink, but I wouldn't necessarily say there is a unique style to Lethbridge..it is just he's doing a lot of good things making fantastic wine. Different ways of approaching winemaking...both are winners in my opinion.
Bannockburn Sauvignon Blanc 2012
The first thing that hits you on the nose is this is NOT a typical Sauvignon Blanc...There is a difference in depth, just on the nose. I find out that it has a bit of Riesling, a bit of Chardonnay...has spent time in oak, on lees and with a bit of skin contact....Great acidity, great depth, really nice texture. It has a bit of grass, hints of passion fruit, lemons, a bit of herbs and earthiness..a bit of spice. RRP is 27 which I think represents really great value. I haven't heard much about their SB but this is one of the most unique SB's I've had and at a fantastic price.
Bannockburn Chardonnay 2011
A very well made Chardonnay....good use of oak..and has undergone full malo so you still get that full Chardonnay mouthfeel. Really good acidity....Peaches, grapefruit, a hint of spice...I thought it was interesting that Michael didn't think this one would be good long term while Ray at Lethbridge, who had a very similar 2011 Chardonnay, thought the higher acidity would allow it to go long....Both are actually quite similar but different. I feel like this is a bit much at 57 RRP but still a very good Chard.
Bannockburn SRH Chardonnay 2009
A step up from the estate Chardonnay....Greater depth, deeper fruit (which is also because of the year). A very full bodied Chardonnay with a lot of class. This easily fits in with any of the top Chardonnays in Australia. Good acidity, good structure...great texture...
Bannockburn 1314 AD Pinot 2011
A good intro into Bannockburn..with a bit of that Bannockburn funk/vegetal that comes through..although a bit toned down. Lighter fruit than their normal line which makes for a much lighter Pinot than you'll normally see in Australia but I think that is a good thing. Red fruits, a bit of spice...something in there hints to me this is a cheaper Pinot but it really is a good buy at 27....and Michael suggests the 2013 will be fantastic..
Bannockburn 1314 AD Pinor 2013 (Barrel Sample)
I was lucky enough to get to try this....It has that Bannockburn vegetal characteristic..but the fruit seems very pure...clean lines, pretty good depth and texture considering this isn't even ready to be sold yet... Red fruits, a bit of spice....If this sells for 27, it will be an absolute steal. It will be a good gateway wine into the rest of the Bannockburn line...
Bannockburn Stuart Pinot Noir 2011
A bit more fruit forward than the rest of their line and less vegetal characteristics than the rest..but still shows that Bannockburn character. Darker red fruits, some spice, herbs, earth...Good acidity, good texture. This is a good intro to Bannockburn (even though it is slightly more expensive than the De La Terre..for now).
Bannockburn Estate Pinot Noir 2010
Very typical Bannockburn smell, texture and vegetal characteristics on the Palate. Good acidity, very well made. I think the only thing I dislike is that price wise, it is pretty close to say, the De La Terre...and basically 10 out of 10 times I'd probably prefer the De La Terre...(57 vs. 65RRP).
Bannockburn De La Terre Pinot Noir 2011
Made from their newly planted vineyard in the same fashion as Serre (although my understanding is it has slightly more dense plantings than the Serre), no irrigation, low yield (500g per vine). My feelings on this was, this was Michael's own project...so while similar to Serre, this was done under his tenure, it has his stamp, his way of expressing the terroir, expressing Bannockburn....Really good acidity, which is consistent across all of their Pinots and partially because 2011 was on the wet side...but also really fantastic texture, depth and complexity. Young vines but they're really doing a good job of showing you Bannockburn. Red fruits, spice, herbs, earthiness...that Bannockburn vegetal character...really fine tannis. Structure is there but it is still very approachable (as are all of their Pinots really).
Bannockburn Serre Pinot Noir 2010
A bit more weight and fruit on the Serre compared to the De La Terre...you get the sense this is made to cellar a bit longer....Very good acid, nice red fruits...tremendous depth..fantastic texture....I actually preferred the De La Terre mainly because I felt it was a bit lighter in texture and had slightly better acidity..but I can see just as many people preferring this. The Serre has been around awhile and it is Bannockburn's iconic wine....
Bannockburn Shiraz 2008
Medium bodied, good acidity...red fruits...and still that signature vegetal character...good overall structure and one more Shiraz from this region that makes me wonder why were not seeing more from here. I'm not as enamored with the Shiraz (either one) as I am the Pinots..but still very good..
Bannockburn Douglas 2009
Michael's own blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Pinot Noir....I believe this used to be their Cabernet Merlot...Has that same Bannockburn Vegetal character...darker fruits...it actually has a bit more tannin but still good acidity...Good texture and depth to this wine...and for 27, it really is a steal..great value. I've had some Cabernet Merlots from Bannockburn in the past and they weren't nearly as polished. There are a couple of rough edges there but still, really good value..a unique blend....
Halliday seems to suggest that the only thing from here that is vegetal and gamey is the Cabernet Merlot..but really, all of the reds show that same vegetal/gamey character..to me that is their signature..Each of the wines is carefully thought out and tweaked here and there (100% whole bunch vs. 50% whole bunch, etc) to adjust it to vintage/fruit conditions...Yes their wines are a bit divisive...Even with wine geeks, some will really enjoy that uniqueness..and some will not. But you can not deny the quality of the winemaking and the distinctiveness..
I wasn't originally going to go to Bannockburn because it was a bit of a last minute attempt at an appointment (I didn't even know they allowed for visitors until the day before)...but I'm very glad I did. I've had a few of their wines before and was always impressed...To me it was always a divisive style either you love it or hate it......I think it is one that appeals to most Pinot Noir geeks.....It is nothing like a typical Australian Pinot (which I think is great).
Michael Glover is the winemaker at Bannockburn and to me, he has brought the winery to new heights. He is not ashamed to tell you his philosophy and he is very passionate about what he is trying to do at Bannockburn. He has very strong opinions about irrigation (there shouldn't be any), what yields he'd like to see, what yields you want to get in order to show true terroir...He also wants his wine to be uniquely Bannockburn. To me, all of the reds show this vegetal characteristic that I associate with Bannockburn...to me that is their signature. Their Pinots, which are medium bodied and high in acidity might remind many of Burgundy...and you wouldn't be wrong to say that...but at the same time the fruit is most definitely new world. They have that Bannockburn signature...they have that Bannockburn texture....Michael will change up what he does each year, not because he's haphazardly experimenting because based on conditions he's trying to achieve certain things in the wine. Each vintage he tries to improve the wine and make them uniquely Bannockburn.
I also had the opportunity to see their new plantings (planted in 2007) which was 10,000 vines per ha. No irrigation and yield target of 500g per vine. Michael's feeling that the low yield and the vines needing to compete for resources it what helps them show their terroir. This is similar in theory to what is done at some of the best parts of Burgundy. The new vineyard is called De La Terre and it looks like a winner..
It was very interesting to see the contrast with Bannockburn and Lethbridge. Michael wants to make the best wine possible but wants to make sure they're uniquely Bannockburn...that they have their own particular style (and I think they succeed). Ray at Lethbridge wants to make the best wine possible, what he likes to drink, but I wouldn't necessarily say there is a unique style to Lethbridge..it is just he's doing a lot of good things making fantastic wine. Different ways of approaching winemaking...both are winners in my opinion.
Bannockburn Sauvignon Blanc 2012
The first thing that hits you on the nose is this is NOT a typical Sauvignon Blanc...There is a difference in depth, just on the nose. I find out that it has a bit of Riesling, a bit of Chardonnay...has spent time in oak, on lees and with a bit of skin contact....Great acidity, great depth, really nice texture. It has a bit of grass, hints of passion fruit, lemons, a bit of herbs and earthiness..a bit of spice. RRP is 27 which I think represents really great value. I haven't heard much about their SB but this is one of the most unique SB's I've had and at a fantastic price.
Bannockburn Chardonnay 2011
A very well made Chardonnay....good use of oak..and has undergone full malo so you still get that full Chardonnay mouthfeel. Really good acidity....Peaches, grapefruit, a hint of spice...I thought it was interesting that Michael didn't think this one would be good long term while Ray at Lethbridge, who had a very similar 2011 Chardonnay, thought the higher acidity would allow it to go long....Both are actually quite similar but different. I feel like this is a bit much at 57 RRP but still a very good Chard.
Bannockburn SRH Chardonnay 2009
A step up from the estate Chardonnay....Greater depth, deeper fruit (which is also because of the year). A very full bodied Chardonnay with a lot of class. This easily fits in with any of the top Chardonnays in Australia. Good acidity, good structure...great texture...
Bannockburn 1314 AD Pinot 2011
A good intro into Bannockburn..with a bit of that Bannockburn funk/vegetal that comes through..although a bit toned down. Lighter fruit than their normal line which makes for a much lighter Pinot than you'll normally see in Australia but I think that is a good thing. Red fruits, a bit of spice...something in there hints to me this is a cheaper Pinot but it really is a good buy at 27....and Michael suggests the 2013 will be fantastic..
Bannockburn 1314 AD Pinor 2013 (Barrel Sample)
I was lucky enough to get to try this....It has that Bannockburn vegetal characteristic..but the fruit seems very pure...clean lines, pretty good depth and texture considering this isn't even ready to be sold yet... Red fruits, a bit of spice....If this sells for 27, it will be an absolute steal. It will be a good gateway wine into the rest of the Bannockburn line...
Bannockburn Stuart Pinot Noir 2011
A bit more fruit forward than the rest of their line and less vegetal characteristics than the rest..but still shows that Bannockburn character. Darker red fruits, some spice, herbs, earth...Good acidity, good texture. This is a good intro to Bannockburn (even though it is slightly more expensive than the De La Terre..for now).
Bannockburn Estate Pinot Noir 2010
Very typical Bannockburn smell, texture and vegetal characteristics on the Palate. Good acidity, very well made. I think the only thing I dislike is that price wise, it is pretty close to say, the De La Terre...and basically 10 out of 10 times I'd probably prefer the De La Terre...(57 vs. 65RRP).
Bannockburn De La Terre Pinot Noir 2011
Made from their newly planted vineyard in the same fashion as Serre (although my understanding is it has slightly more dense plantings than the Serre), no irrigation, low yield (500g per vine). My feelings on this was, this was Michael's own project...so while similar to Serre, this was done under his tenure, it has his stamp, his way of expressing the terroir, expressing Bannockburn....Really good acidity, which is consistent across all of their Pinots and partially because 2011 was on the wet side...but also really fantastic texture, depth and complexity. Young vines but they're really doing a good job of showing you Bannockburn. Red fruits, spice, herbs, earthiness...that Bannockburn vegetal character...really fine tannis. Structure is there but it is still very approachable (as are all of their Pinots really).
Bannockburn Serre Pinot Noir 2010
A bit more weight and fruit on the Serre compared to the De La Terre...you get the sense this is made to cellar a bit longer....Very good acid, nice red fruits...tremendous depth..fantastic texture....I actually preferred the De La Terre mainly because I felt it was a bit lighter in texture and had slightly better acidity..but I can see just as many people preferring this. The Serre has been around awhile and it is Bannockburn's iconic wine....
Bannockburn Shiraz 2008
Medium bodied, good acidity...red fruits...and still that signature vegetal character...good overall structure and one more Shiraz from this region that makes me wonder why were not seeing more from here. I'm not as enamored with the Shiraz (either one) as I am the Pinots..but still very good..
Bannockburn Douglas 2009
Michael's own blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Pinot Noir....I believe this used to be their Cabernet Merlot...Has that same Bannockburn Vegetal character...darker fruits...it actually has a bit more tannin but still good acidity...Good texture and depth to this wine...and for 27, it really is a steal..great value. I've had some Cabernet Merlots from Bannockburn in the past and they weren't nearly as polished. There are a couple of rough edges there but still, really good value..a unique blend....
Halliday seems to suggest that the only thing from here that is vegetal and gamey is the Cabernet Merlot..but really, all of the reds show that same vegetal/gamey character..to me that is their signature..Each of the wines is carefully thought out and tweaked here and there (100% whole bunch vs. 50% whole bunch, etc) to adjust it to vintage/fruit conditions...Yes their wines are a bit divisive...Even with wine geeks, some will really enjoy that uniqueness..and some will not. But you can not deny the quality of the winemaking and the distinctiveness..
Monday, August 12, 2013
Geelong - Lethbridge, Eagle Rise part 1
I've always been a fan of Lethbridge which is in Geelong. I've only had the chance to try some Bannockburn Pinot once before and was really impressed...so when it came time to go to Melbourne with a free day on the weekend...there was really only one region that I wanted to visit...Geelong...
Geelong actually has three different regions...Moorabool, Surf Coast and Bellarine. Since both Bannockburn and Lethbridge were in Moorabool, that was my obvious choice although out of the three, it is the smallest and most spread out...
Ray Nadeson is the owner and winemaker at Lethbridge. From my talks with him and from others, Ray was in the medical field, developed a device that he patented and then sold off the rights...so what does a guy with enough money to retire on do? He opens a winery and makes what he loves.
Every winemaker says this..but very few often do this....Ray makes wines he loves to drink..the way HE wants to make them. While everyone else may be going to the left, he's going to the right. He has true passion for what he is doing, he even goes to see the trees that are going to be used to make the barrels he will be using for his wine.....He has his hands in every aspects of his wine and you have to really respect a guy that has such passion for what he is doing.
Lethbridge Dr. Nadeson Riesling 2012.
I love what they're doing to their Riesling.. Some residual sugar (10g/L), low ph (3.00) and really high acid (13g/L)...While that style is not completely unique globally...I don't see a lot of it...and it is completely unusual in Australia (although I have seen one or two others recently do something similar). That high high acid combined with a bit of residual sugar to soften it, is a fantastic combination. Lime pith, minerality, tart apples....Great complexity, great mouthfeel. I believe these are fermented in oak with a bit of lees stirring......It will really be interesting to see how these develop in 5 or so years..and if it gains some of that weight and secondary notes that Aussie riesling tends to...I think my only issue is I'm not sure how to keep my hands off the stuff long enough to wait that long and Ray doesn't make enough of it to really have a museum stock (I think he said he makes 100-150 cases). In any case, one of my favorite Aussie Rieslings if not my absolute favorite. RRP is 30 and it is a great buy at that.
Lethbridge Kabinett Riesling 2010.
This is something you won't see anywhere but the Cellar door, I believe they only make about 30 cases of it. Made in a Germanic style called Kabinett so I'm expecting to have a good amount of RS but not a huge amount. Made basically in the same style as his Nadeson, this too is also just absolutely fantastic. To compare it to German Kabinett, to me it feels like the RS and the fruit are not as seamless together as they are with a German Riesling..but I don't consider that a downside..it is just different....In many aspects it does remind you of a German Kabinett but I feel like the acid is showing better, I think there is greater depth at this age than you see from a German Kabinett....This is really very enjoyable and one I think my wife would actually drink as well. A bit of crushed rock, lime, apples, lemon peel...Texture is great with really high acidity to balance out the 30g/L of RS....This isn't made to appeal to most Aussies because many are adamant Riesling needs to be bone bone dry (Blue Nun did serious damage to the psyches of Aussies)...but it will appeal to anyone that enjoys German Rieslings...
Lethbridge Botrytis Riesling 2011.
I pretty much never talk about dessert wines. I enjoy them but in Australia, most of them are very straightforward - Sweet. Some have better acidity, some better complexity...but Australians iconic Botrytis Semillon, Noble One, I would hardly compare to a good Sauternes...There is a depth and complexity it just doesn't have (although Noble One is pretty good). THIS wine however, is one that had me just amazed.
Hand Picked Berry by Berry...as each individual berry was infected by Botrytis, they hand picked each individual one off the vine. I think Ray said it took them 6 weeks to pick the fruit and they only made about 25 half cases of the wine...so you can imagine all the time and effort it took to make this. Ray says they may never make another one again because of how much time and effort it took..but I have a feeling at some point, when conditions are right, they'll do it again.
My first impression of the wine were..wow, what else is going on in here? A real depth to the nose, not just sweet but something else...I then find out this has had time in oak which seems to really have given this weight, complexity and just that extra oomph that is really contributing to the nose. Palate - Sweet but not sticky sweet...really high acidity is helping to balance this out. Lime, lemon peel, some nuttiness coming out as well, a tad bit of rock, some vanilla....Really quite wonderful....My favorite dessert wine made in Australia (if you don't count 100 year old Para)....
Lethbridge Chardonnay 2010
A good % of new oak and full malo...This isn't your fat buttery oaky chardonnay but it is most definitely a more traditional, non Chablis like Chardonnay. A bit of peach, some nice creaminess and complexity. Good acidity but not as much as I'm looking for at this stage. A very good Chardonnay but I feel like it needs more time.
Lethbridge Chardonnay 2011
A cooler year in 2011, new oak, full malo, but a lot of really great acidity. Some peachiness, a bit of minerality, stone fruit...good depth and complexity. It fits more into what I'd like to drink but still carries that fullness that a chardonnay can carry..really quite nice..
Lethbridge Allegra Chardonnay 2008
Lethbridge Chardonnay 2010
A good % of new oak and full malo...This isn't your fat buttery oaky chardonnay but it is most definitely a more traditional, non Chablis like Chardonnay. A bit of peach, some nice creaminess and complexity. Good acidity but not as much as I'm looking for at this stage. A very good Chardonnay but I feel like it needs more time.
Lethbridge Chardonnay 2011
A cooler year in 2011, new oak, full malo, but a lot of really great acidity. Some peachiness, a bit of minerality, stone fruit...good depth and complexity. It fits more into what I'd like to drink but still carries that fullness that a chardonnay can carry..really quite nice..
Lethbridge Allegra Chardonnay 2008
Texture wise, this and the 2011 estate Chardonnay felt really similar..but this one had a LOT more depth, a LOT more complexity....Layer by layer it would unfold as I was tasting it. Stone fruits, lemon pith, stone fruit....Acidity with a bit of fatness to it...This is probably my favorite chardonnay in Australia right now...
Lethbridge Pinot Noir 2011
Really nice acidity, earth, forest floor, red fruits, a bit of spice...really quite nice but I'm not sure I like this as much as the 2010. Still, really great mouthfeel, really good texture, good depth, and nothing like a typical Australian Pinot...which is great.
Lethbridge Mietta Pinot Noir 2009
Greater depth than the regular estate...A bit more fruit but a bit more stuffing..good acidity, fine tannins, spicy red fruits, some vegetal flavors, some spice, herbs, some earthy tones, mushrooms...really quite nice. Definitely one of the better Australian Pinots out there....I think the 2008 had a bit more structure to it..it would have been nice to see these side by side.
Lethbridge Mietta Pinot Noir 2013 (barrel Sample)
I don't really get a chance to try barrel samples so this was a great opportunity. Good acidity, clean fruit, but still development going on...I have no way to properly evaluate this but the fruit seemed very pure....I'm looking forward to trying this when they release it.
Lethbridge Nebbiolo 2013 (barrel Sample)
Most of the Nebbiolo in Australia that I've had have been underwhelming...this was definitely NOT. The difference to me is the correct structure and mouthfeel was there that I'm looking for in Nebbiolo. Proper tannin structure, good acidity, definitely still a baby at this point and still developing but this looks like it'll be a really good Nebbiolo and probably the best in Australia...Ray says it is because most winemakers don't have enough patience as he shows me the barrels they've modded to allow the juice to have contact with the skins for over 100 days....Really old school, really smart guy...really good wine.
Lethbridge Shiraz 2010
Geelong Shiraz is really underrated....Good acidity, red fruits, herbs, some meaty characters, a bit of earth...Medium bodied...Not quite the acidity of a Hunter Shiraz but the fruit is a bit cleaner, less earthy characters...I think a lot of people would enjoy this style.
Lethbridge Heathcote Shiraz 2010
This is actually a Shiraz Mouvedre...and the Shiraz fruit from Heathcote.... a bit more fruit forward initially than the Geelong..good acidity...Some meat and chocolate...nice medium bodied feel...Nice texture and depth...finishes with a typical Mouvedre finish...really quite a nice wine...I've seen this blend before in Australia...this is one of the most successful versions of this that I've tried in AU.
Lethbridge Indra Shiraz 2008
This is like their estate Shiraz but with a lot more depth and lot more complexity. The oak is well integrated, good acidity...Medium bodied with red fruits, herbs, earth and fine tannins. A really great version of a Geelong Shiraz....I think the only downside is for the same price do I want an Allegra, Mietta or Indra? To me the Mietta and Allegra sit as top tier Chard/Pinot in Australia...Indra is great but not quite top tier....
Lethbridge Hugo George 2009
Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Franc....A Tuscan style wine....fine tannins, great depth, good acidity with a great mid palate. A very interesting blend that I think would be fantastic with food. Red fruits, some green pepper, herbs, some vegetal notes.....Really quite an interesting wine. I'm not sure this hits the heights of their other premiums...but a VERY interesting wine.
Eagles Rise
Small producer who makes about 500 cases of each wine. What differentiates them from their competitors is they like to hold back their releases until they feel they're ready to drink. Available for tasting was a Pinot Grigio, dessert Pinot Grigio, a Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon. They do have some reserves and other versions but they weren't available to try...
Eagles Rise Shiraz 2005.
My favorite of those available for tasting. Redder fruits, good acidity, some herbs and some vegetal characteristics coming through...A bit of age so a few other secondary characteristics coming through....a bit of meatiness...mdushroms, earth....RRP is only 20 on this...I don't think it is easily available..
The vineyard is also for sale..for just under 1 million AUD...dreams dreams dreams....
Lethbridge Pinot Noir 2011
Really nice acidity, earth, forest floor, red fruits, a bit of spice...really quite nice but I'm not sure I like this as much as the 2010. Still, really great mouthfeel, really good texture, good depth, and nothing like a typical Australian Pinot...which is great.
Lethbridge Mietta Pinot Noir 2009
Greater depth than the regular estate...A bit more fruit but a bit more stuffing..good acidity, fine tannins, spicy red fruits, some vegetal flavors, some spice, herbs, some earthy tones, mushrooms...really quite nice. Definitely one of the better Australian Pinots out there....I think the 2008 had a bit more structure to it..it would have been nice to see these side by side.
Lethbridge Mietta Pinot Noir 2013 (barrel Sample)
I don't really get a chance to try barrel samples so this was a great opportunity. Good acidity, clean fruit, but still development going on...I have no way to properly evaluate this but the fruit seemed very pure....I'm looking forward to trying this when they release it.
Lethbridge Nebbiolo 2013 (barrel Sample)
Most of the Nebbiolo in Australia that I've had have been underwhelming...this was definitely NOT. The difference to me is the correct structure and mouthfeel was there that I'm looking for in Nebbiolo. Proper tannin structure, good acidity, definitely still a baby at this point and still developing but this looks like it'll be a really good Nebbiolo and probably the best in Australia...Ray says it is because most winemakers don't have enough patience as he shows me the barrels they've modded to allow the juice to have contact with the skins for over 100 days....Really old school, really smart guy...really good wine.
Lethbridge Shiraz 2010
Geelong Shiraz is really underrated....Good acidity, red fruits, herbs, some meaty characters, a bit of earth...Medium bodied...Not quite the acidity of a Hunter Shiraz but the fruit is a bit cleaner, less earthy characters...I think a lot of people would enjoy this style.
Lethbridge Heathcote Shiraz 2010
This is actually a Shiraz Mouvedre...and the Shiraz fruit from Heathcote.... a bit more fruit forward initially than the Geelong..good acidity...Some meat and chocolate...nice medium bodied feel...Nice texture and depth...finishes with a typical Mouvedre finish...really quite a nice wine...I've seen this blend before in Australia...this is one of the most successful versions of this that I've tried in AU.
Lethbridge Indra Shiraz 2008
This is like their estate Shiraz but with a lot more depth and lot more complexity. The oak is well integrated, good acidity...Medium bodied with red fruits, herbs, earth and fine tannins. A really great version of a Geelong Shiraz....I think the only downside is for the same price do I want an Allegra, Mietta or Indra? To me the Mietta and Allegra sit as top tier Chard/Pinot in Australia...Indra is great but not quite top tier....
Lethbridge Hugo George 2009
Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Franc....A Tuscan style wine....fine tannins, great depth, good acidity with a great mid palate. A very interesting blend that I think would be fantastic with food. Red fruits, some green pepper, herbs, some vegetal notes.....Really quite an interesting wine. I'm not sure this hits the heights of their other premiums...but a VERY interesting wine.
Eagles Rise
Small producer who makes about 500 cases of each wine. What differentiates them from their competitors is they like to hold back their releases until they feel they're ready to drink. Available for tasting was a Pinot Grigio, dessert Pinot Grigio, a Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon. They do have some reserves and other versions but they weren't available to try...
Eagles Rise Shiraz 2005.
My favorite of those available for tasting. Redder fruits, good acidity, some herbs and some vegetal characteristics coming through...A bit of age so a few other secondary characteristics coming through....a bit of meatiness...mdushroms, earth....RRP is only 20 on this...I don't think it is easily available..
The vineyard is also for sale..for just under 1 million AUD...dreams dreams dreams....
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
New Zealand in a Glass 2013 part 4
I had no idea I'd have 4 parts to this and still have this much left :). I think the approach of trying to talk about each wine is a bit much but let me know what you think. I'm thinking of just sticking with highlights and adding bits more...
Matua
I don't remember being overly impressed with them last but this year they had a couple of interesting wines..
Matua Estate Paretai Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Very NZ SB but a different texture to it. Quite enjoyable and priced right at 25RRP
Matua Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2011
Very nice acid, nice citrus peach, really good balance. A bit pricey at 50RRP but a very good drop. Will be looking out for them..
www.northburn.co.nz
Northburn Station Bill's Blend Pinot Noir 2009.
Good acid, nice bright fruit, good balance...Not terribly complex but at 30RRP, a good buy.
Tarras Vineyards
www.tarrasvineyards.com
Tarras Vineyards The Steppes Pinot Noir 2008
Good acid, great balance, darker fruit, good complexity. Quite a nice Pinot...Maybe a bit of a stretch at 50RRP but a pretty reasonable buy.
Wooing Tree
www.wooingtree.co.nz
Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2009
Usually pretty impressed by this but I just thought it was decent. Same good acid, good complexity..but just overall not that impressed when RRP is 60.
Wooing Tree Sandstorm Reserve Pinot Noir 2009
Good acid, BIG tannins, you can get hints of the different layers of fruit but still relatively tight. Not as tight as the last one I tried but still, VERY young. Looks like it'll be fantastic in 10+ years but hard to say. At 120RRP there are a lot of good Pinots...
One of the more interesting winemakers here. I hadn't heard of them but they make handcrafted organic wines that are made to age. All of the wines were quite tannic,
Their Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon/France had big tannins...good complexity, nice fruit...and price nicely at sub 30RRP....
William Murdoch The Guardsman Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2010
BIG TANNINS. Good acidy, deep dark fruit. Layers of complexity on this wine and it is definitely made to age 20+ years. I would love to see this with age. 53RRP
Monday, March 25, 2013
New Zealand in a Glass 2013 part 3
Invivo Wines New Zealand
Invivo Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2012 - Marlborough
Pretty typical NZ SB but with a bit more complexity. Decent buy at 20 RRP
Invivo Wines Pinot Gris 2012
Good Acid, good fruit, a bit more to this than most Pinot Gris...for people looking for a more interesting Pinot Gris, this one isn't too bad.
bella by Invivo - Rose SB
Well made Rose, some fruit, some acid, quite interesting. Quite a few decent Roses coming out of NZ...it doesn't seem to be an afterthought like it is in Australia.
Invivo Pinot Noir 2011 - Central Otago
Good Acid, bright fruit...but not terribly interesting..competent .
Jackson Estate
Quite a few interesting SB's from here. Both of their SBs are good examples of trying to differentiate themselves from the rest of NZ SB. I'm not sure how successful that is money wise but wine geek wise, it makes the wines infinitely more interesting..
Jackson Estate Stich Sauvignon Blanc 2012 - Marlborough
Good acid..really nice complexity..it is NZ SB but a lot more depth and unfolding layers. Good buy at 20RRP
Jackon Estate Grey Ghost Sauvignon Blanc 2010 - Marlborough
Really interesting nose where you're picking up the grass and some passionfruit from NZ SB but you can definitely tell this has had oak...Palate has really good complexity..still really nice acid but greater depth in mouthfeel...fruit still there but the oak adds so much to this wine. I'm sure there is more to it than that but really nice SB. At 35RRP it is probably more than what most people would pay for NZ SB..but if you're going to get SB, this one is so much more interesting...I'd rather have this than 10 bottles of typical NZ SB....
Jackson Estate Shelter Belt Chardonnay 2011
OAK OAK. Really great use of oak in the Grey Ghost SB, really poor use of oak in this wine. I'm not sure what happened here or what they were trying to do but this was not right.
Jackson Estate Vintage Widow Pinot Noir 2011 - Marlborough
Good acidity, nice bright fruit...not terribly complex but a pretty good drop at 35RRP.
Konrad Wines
Very typical NZ style in all of these. Acres of blah really. Nothing bad, everything just ok.
Lawson's Dry Hills Wines
I've had a number of good things from here but this year most of it was just very ordinary.
Lawsons Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2010
Quite an interesting Gewurz. Still getting that Lychee but really nice depth to this. They've really cleaned up the finish and got a lot out of this. One of the better Gewurztraminers I've seen out of NZ. A bit much but not too bad of a buy at 26RRP.
Man O'War Vinyards
Tulia Methode Traditionnelle 2009
A very well made Sparkling wines. Fresh, good acidity, good balance..I'm not sure it has the depth I really want out of a sparkling...and I really miss not having that biscuity yeasty flavor to this. Definitely well made but at 55RRP, while probably not bad compared to the ridiculous prices Champagne sells for in Australia, it is still quite high for this. There are miles of better sparkling wines in a competitive market place for almost half of what this goes for...
Gravestone Sauvignon Semillon 2012
Good depth on the palate, refreshing but a letdown at 32RRP.
Warspite Bordeaux Blend 2010
This is more in a St. Emilion type blend with Cab Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Good acidity for a red (yay), really good depth, deep dark fruits on the palate, some spice, tannins are smooth but adding structure to the wine...Really quite good. A bit on the expensive side at 55RRP but not a bad buy at that price.
Ironclad Bordeaux Blend 2010.
Similar to the Warspite...a bit less acid and the tannins are a bit bigger and more apparent. I suspect the Cabernet Sauvignon in this is what is doing that. Good complexity, good structure, good fruit. I'd rather drink the Warpite now, but this might be better in 10+ years. 55RRP.
Martinborough Vineyard
www.martinborough-vineyard.co.nz
Martinborough Vineyard Savugnon Blanc 2012
Pretty typical NZ SB. Good acidity but just very ok.
Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010.
Good acidity, bright fruit, good complexity. Really nice Pinot...a real stretch though at 75RRP.
Mt. Difficulty
www.mtdifficulty.no.nz
There used to be some pretty good stuff out of here..but the last few years I've not been impressed with their stuff at all. Not sure if they have sat on their previous successes or just thought too much of themselves and raised prices to unrealistic levels..not sure..
Mt. Difficulty Target Riesling 2012
Good acid. Nice complexity, pretty decent buy at 30RRP
Mt. Difficulty Pinos Gris 2012.
Good acidity but just very ok. No way I'd buy this at 30RRP
Mt Dfficulty Pinor Noir 2011 - Bannockburn
Good acid, bright fruit but not enough depth and complexity here. Pretty simple and way overpriced at 50RRP
Mt. Difficulty Single Vineyard Long Gully Pinot Noir 2010 - Bannockburn
Good acidity, really nice depth to this. Good structure. A really nice Pinot but 100RRP, just way too overpriced.
Trinity Hill
www.trinityhill.com
I've liked some of the stuff from here in the past but this year it I just was not feeling it.
Most of their line was very ordinary...
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2011.
Nice medium bodied shiraz. Good acidity, dark fruit. A very nice foil to what you see in Australia. Priced well at 39RRP
I also got to try their Homage but I don't remember which vintage. I believe it was the same one I tried last year as it was a lot softer than it was last year. Tannins have really softened a bit and you can start seeing some of the fruit and depth in the wine.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
New Zealand in a Glass 2013 part 2
Part 2.
Elephant Hill
Mapmaker
This winemaker had a few very interesting wines last year...so I was looking forward to seeing what else they had up their sleeve...
Elephant Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2011 - Te Awanga Hawkes Bay
Typical NZ SB but a bit better depth...Last year they had one with oak, this year they didn't..Better than a typical NZ SB but not by much. 28 RRP
Map Marker Sauvignon Blanc 2012
NZ SB.
Elephant Hill Chardonnay 2010 - Te Awanga Hawkes Bay
Fermented in Oak barrels with no malo, solid chardonnay with good depth but needs more time to integrate the oak...
Map Maker Pinot Gris 2012 - Marlborough.
Fermented in Oak barrels, no Malo...really nice mouthfeel and depth to this. Far more interesting than most Pinot Gris. A bit on the expensive side for a Pinot Gris (30 RRP) but definitely worth giving a shot if want Pinot Gris with a bit more to it (which is normally what it lacks).
Elephant Hill Pinot Noir 2011 - Central Otago
Good acid, bright fruit, smooth tannins, good structure. Solid overall pinot. Maybe a bit expensive at 45 RRP but pretty good.
Map Maker Pinot Noir 2010 - Marlborough
Good Acid. A bit too fruity but a nice drop. Reasonably priced at 33RRP.
Elephant Hill Syrah 2010 - Hawkes Bay
Medium bodied, dark and red fruits, some herbs...decent acid...good structure...Pretty good buy at 35 RRP...
A bit tight at this point but getting some very dark fruit. Acid is decent, tannins are pretty harsh still..this needs more time. Good complexity and depth to this. A reasonable buy at 49 RRP but hard to say where this is headed...
Francrest Estate
www.fancrest.com
A surprise from last year, I was really looking forward to seeing these as they were quite interesting last year...They have renamed their Di's label to just Fancrest Estate.
Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir 2009 - Omhi Hills Waipara Valley
I remember this being tight last year but you could still see some fruit sticking out. This has really changed a lot from what I remember. Good acidity, good structure, overall good balance and depth. Drinking quite nicely right now..one to follow to see how it develops.
Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir 2010 - Omhi Hills Waipara Valley
I don't know if this has budged from last year. Very very tight. Tannins are really quite pronounced. Some fruit is sticking out but really tough through all the tannins. Wine is showing really nice complexity and depth..Acid is good...this should be an interesting one. The structure is there to go long haul..but without the history and reputation, I think it is a hard sell for a lot of people. I REALLY want to see this next year and in 5+ years...
Fancrest Estate Pinot 2011 - Omhi Hills Waipara Valley
I don't know if Diane did something different in 2011 but the contrast between it and 2010 is tremendous. Really good acidity showing through, bright fruit, very nice complexity and depth to this Pinot. Tannins are there, definitely there, but they are adding to the depth and mouthfeel and not detracting from tasting the rest of the wine. It is drinking very well right now and a good buy at 42RRP. How will this be in a few years? After having tried 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011..I have no idea...but should be interesting...
This is an interesting estate overall. I hope Diane gets more coverage as she is making some really interesting stuff. It looks like she has shifted her winemaking style because I don't think the change in 2011 is strictly from vintage conditions...I really want to see these in a few years..
Giesen Wines
www.giesenwines.com
Giesen Estate Sauvignon Blance 2012
Very typical NZ SB.
Giesen The Brothers Sauvignon Blance 2011
Good depth of flavor, better than a normal NZ SB.
Giesen The August Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Good Acidity, good depth of flavor, fermented in oak barrels for 9 months and the oak and really added weight and complexity to this. Really quite nice but 40 RRP for a NZ SB is a bit high..but not too bad.
Giesen The Brothers Chardonnay 2011
Decent acidity, good depth, citrus a good buy at 25 RRP
Giesen Estate Pinot Noir 2011 - Marlborough
Good acid and bright fruit. Easy drinking and decent buy at 25 RRP
Giesen The Brothers Pinot Noir 2011 - Marlborough.
Really nice acidity and typical Marlborough bright fruit. Quite a bit more depth and complexity to this...craving a bit more structure though..not too bad at 40RRP
Friday, March 8, 2013
New Zealand in a Glass 2013 part 1
I have been looking forward to attending this event as it was quite a good one last year. New Zealand Wine puts on this event in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to promote New Zealand wine in Australia...to both consumers and industry.
Overall it was good...although I think a lot of the wineries from last year that I really enjoyed were not here...Specifically Surveyor Thomson, Pasquale, Auntsfield and Bridge Pa....But even with their absence, there were many interesting things going on.
One thing I saw from last year and taken one step further this year was that everyone was trying to make a different Sav Blanc. They were all very much NZ Sav Blanc but with different selections of fruit and use of oak. There is no doubt people are trying to differentiate themselves from the oceans of Sav Blan coming out of NZ. What I mean by that is you can take 10 different NZ Sav Blanc from 15-25 dollars and they all taste very similar..no distinguishing terroir, not even a difference in style...yes, one might have more passion fruit...one might have more gooseberry..but are they really any different? Not really..
The one thing that annoys me when I look at this show is the pricing of NZ wines...They are actually higher in pure numbers in AUD than in NZD. To give you an example..
A wine that might be 38 NZD is 44 AUD. Yes there is WET and a bunch of other worthless junk that goes into it... So 38NZD is about 30AUD...so somewhere in there is another 50% of taxes and shipping? Keep in mind NZ producers get WET back as well so the number is way out of wack..I don't understand it...
Akarua
www.akarua.com
Akarua Brut Sparkling (NV)
Akarua Rose Brut Sparkling (NV)
Both of these were just ok. Very much like an Aussie sparkling which means they weren't very good.
Akarua Pinot Noir 2011.
Good Acidity, bright fruit, good complexity, solid showing but a bit on the expensive side (48 AUD RRP). Overall a pretty good wine.
Akarua Rua Pinot Noir 2012.
Good Acidity, fruit was ok. Pretty bland overall but solid. On the expensive side for what you get (32 AUD RRP).
Allan Scott Family Winemakers
www.allanscott.com
Allan Scott Blanc de Blancs Sparkling (NV)
Allan Scott Cecelia Sparkling (NV)
Allan Scott Les Joues Rouge Sparkling (NV)
I'm considering not mentioning any of the Sparkling, they just were not that good. There is a typical lack of depth with AU/NZ Sparkling wine...I'm not saying it is terrible...they're just not very good..
Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Very typical NZ SB. I have nothing against SB, I think it is fine...but this tastes like every other sub 20 dollar NZ SB.
Allan Scott Pinot Noir 2011 - Marlborough
A solid effort out of Marlborough. Good acidity, bright fruit, maybe too much..but solid performer at 22 AUD RPP.
Scott Base is their Central Otago line.
Scott Base Riesling 2009 Central Otago
I didn't enjoy this. Not enough acidity, it was very flat.
Scott Base Chardonnay 2010.
A bit over oaked, some fruit, not sure where this is headed.
Scott Base Pinot Noir 2011
Good acidity, some good complexity, bright fruit. Reasonable for its price of 30AUD RRP.
They represent several different wineries in New Zealand..they're still searching for distribution but they do have a fairly solid line up (Pinot wise anyways).
Charcoal Gully Estate Sallys Pinch Gewerztraminer 2011
Overall it was good...although I think a lot of the wineries from last year that I really enjoyed were not here...Specifically Surveyor Thomson, Pasquale, Auntsfield and Bridge Pa....But even with their absence, there were many interesting things going on.
One thing I saw from last year and taken one step further this year was that everyone was trying to make a different Sav Blanc. They were all very much NZ Sav Blanc but with different selections of fruit and use of oak. There is no doubt people are trying to differentiate themselves from the oceans of Sav Blan coming out of NZ. What I mean by that is you can take 10 different NZ Sav Blanc from 15-25 dollars and they all taste very similar..no distinguishing terroir, not even a difference in style...yes, one might have more passion fruit...one might have more gooseberry..but are they really any different? Not really..
The one thing that annoys me when I look at this show is the pricing of NZ wines...They are actually higher in pure numbers in AUD than in NZD. To give you an example..
A wine that might be 38 NZD is 44 AUD. Yes there is WET and a bunch of other worthless junk that goes into it... So 38NZD is about 30AUD...so somewhere in there is another 50% of taxes and shipping? Keep in mind NZ producers get WET back as well so the number is way out of wack..I don't understand it...
Akarua
www.akarua.com
Akarua Brut Sparkling (NV)
Akarua Rose Brut Sparkling (NV)
Both of these were just ok. Very much like an Aussie sparkling which means they weren't very good.
Akarua Pinot Noir 2011.
Good Acidity, bright fruit, good complexity, solid showing but a bit on the expensive side (48 AUD RRP). Overall a pretty good wine.
Akarua Rua Pinot Noir 2012.
Good Acidity, fruit was ok. Pretty bland overall but solid. On the expensive side for what you get (32 AUD RRP).
Allan Scott Family Winemakers
www.allanscott.com
Allan Scott Blanc de Blancs Sparkling (NV)
Allan Scott Cecelia Sparkling (NV)
Allan Scott Les Joues Rouge Sparkling (NV)
I'm considering not mentioning any of the Sparkling, they just were not that good. There is a typical lack of depth with AU/NZ Sparkling wine...I'm not saying it is terrible...they're just not very good..
Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Very typical NZ SB. I have nothing against SB, I think it is fine...but this tastes like every other sub 20 dollar NZ SB.
Allan Scott Pinot Noir 2011 - Marlborough
A solid effort out of Marlborough. Good acidity, bright fruit, maybe too much..but solid performer at 22 AUD RPP.
Scott Base is their Central Otago line.
Scott Base Riesling 2009 Central Otago
I didn't enjoy this. Not enough acidity, it was very flat.
Scott Base Chardonnay 2010.
A bit over oaked, some fruit, not sure where this is headed.
Scott Base Pinot Noir 2011
Good acidity, some good complexity, bright fruit. Reasonable for its price of 30AUD RRP.
Bespoke Wine Company
Bespoke has their own label (this is new from last year) called Fifth Bridge. Through their interactions with other businesses they are able to acquire fruit from different places and when they find suitable quality, at the right price, they make their own wine.
Fifth Bridge Pinot Gris 2009 - Central Otago
Not a good start. Not too impressed with this Pinot Gris..
Fifth Bridge Pinot Noir 2010 - Central Otago..
Well made, good acidity, good use of oak. Solid fruit. RRP of 25 AUD makes this a pretty good buy.
Charcoal Gully Estate Sallys Pinch Gewerztraminer 2011
Just very blah...some lychee..but not much...This is just blah..
Charcoal Gully Estate Sallys Pinch Pinot Noir 2011
Good acidity, solid fruit. Nothing really standing out here. Nothing bad, nothing great...
Ceres Composition Pinot Noir 2009
Really good acidity followed by solid fruit coming in from behind the acidity..quite nice actually. I think they've had some balance issues when they first release their wine but I've been pretty impressed. Price a bit too high for a relative unknown but still very solid at 44 RRP.
Folding Hill Pinot Noir 2009 - Bendigo Central Otago.
Really nice acidity follow with nice red fruits, good complexity, good balance. Very nice wine. This was my favorite from them last year as well. On the more expensive side at 48 RRP but a pretty good buy considering the quality.
Craggy Range
I think most people are familiar with Craggy Range..they're one of the biggest producers out of NZ and they export all over the world. They have a huge range of products for many different grape varieties....
Avery Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012.
I was expecting a typical SB but this one was actually quite nice. Good acidity but really nice depth and complexity which I don't normally see from NZ SB. Some good minerality coming through...nice SB...a bit expensive for SB at 32 RRP but quite good.
Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Immediately you can tell this has spent some time in oak. The sharpness of NZ SB is dulled a bit against the oak...I don't believe this has any new oak but it has still imparted really nice depth and complexity and mouthfeel to this SB. As far as which is drinking better now, the Avery is...but I'd like to see this in a year or two.... 32 RRP for an oaked SB isn't too bad..
Te Muna Riesling 2012.
This might've been my favorite wine of the show. Razer sharp acidity, really nice depth, a bit of residual sugar...I really like this. I'm not sure what it is giving it its extra depth when I'm tasting it but I take a quick look...Oak barrels...Most riesling does not ferment in oak barrels but this one did (no new oak) and I think it really added another layer of depth to the whole thing. With its 9+g of acid, sub 3 ph and 9.x grams of residual sugar, this is a fantastic blend of basically everything I like in a riesling...and at 34 RRP this is quite good....It isn't widely available yet..but should be soon.
Kidnappers Vineyard Charddonay 2011
Out of Hawkes pay, this was actually a bit of a disappointment compared to the Riesling and SB...Nothing really wrong with it...Maybe my expectations were too high...I'd like to try this again and see...
Craggy Range Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2011 - Marlborough
Good acidity, fruit was nice but really nothing special here. A very ordinary effort..nothing wrong with it..but for 55RRP, way overpriced.
Craggy Range Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 - Central Otago
A much better effort...really good acidity...deep red fruits...good depth and complexity....a bit more structure to this.....I'm shocked at the price though..80 RRP is nuts...Is it a good Pinot? Yes...Is it worth 80 dollars? Nope...
Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Merlot 2010
This was another just very ordinary effort. Capable, nothing wrong...but at 43 RRP..just no way.
Craggy Range Te Kahu Merlot Cabernet Franc 2010
A fairly popular low/mid ranged Bordeaux blend that is relatively popular on the export market as well as Australia...Relatively good structure, dark fruit, herbs...but something is not quite catching my attention on this one. Capable and reasonable at 34 RRP.
Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Syrah 2010
Nice medium body, decent acidity, smoothish tannins....You can definitely see the effort here to separate themselves from the Australian market...Reasonable buy at 43RRP
Craggy Range Sophia Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2010.
This is one of their flagship wines which also gets a lot of coverage overseas. They really should've decanted this as it was just a monster of a wine. HUGE tannins...I'm not sure I can feel my teeth. You can see it has really good structure and somewhere in there is some fruit...some mocha coming through...a hint of herbs..but really the tannins are too big it is hard to get too much from this wine. Having had previous vintages, this should be very good. In Australia it is quite reasonable at 85 RRP...but it generally sells for around 50 elsewhere.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)