Galli Review Wine 100 Aug 2009

Transcription

AUGUST 2009
1in100
2006 St Hallett Old Block Shiraz
Up front:
Shiraz
Regional Profile:
Heathcote
• Low alcohol Preece
• Victoria’s Rhône Valley
• Taylors Best in Australia award
• Record entries for Small Vignerons
$4.95 Incl. GST
August
Xxxxxx 2009
1
The Reviewers
Aussie wine
at its best
T
he grape that made Australian wine
internationally famous, Shiraz
deservingly takes centre stage this
month. The country’s most successful wines
are either made from entirely or based on
this one variety, so I was prepared for there
to be a close-run battle for the 1 in 100 title
in August. And I was right: we had more
contenders for the cover spot this month
than ever before. There’s just a massive
amount of top-class Shiraz out there.
As exciting and experimental as
alternative varietals can be, if you want to
be sure of picking a good wine, the odds
are better with Shiraz than any other wine.
We’re bringing you high-scoring Shiraz
wines in this edition at any price point you
care to shop at, and in a range of styles
from the most classic representations to
ultra-modern experimentation. One thing’s
for certain: Australian winemakers know
their Shiraz.
In fact, when Tyson Stelzer and Nick Stock
were putting their reviews together this
month, there was joking suggestion that
this issue could be more appropriately
published as WINE200.
Tyson commented,“Across the country, it
remains our best style. The ‘elegance’
bandwagon is gathering momentum
rapidly, and for good reason, and we are
seeing more makers from the warmer
zones paying more attention to balance,
texture and definition in favour of alcohol,
fruit and oak. This is a trend that must
continue, and those who ignore it will find
themselves increasingly alienated.”
St Hallett’s Old Block 2006 is the star of
this year’s Shiraz tasting.You will find this
legendarily consistent performer lurking in
the cellars of all those in the know, but at
the same time it’s a wine that seems to get
pushed out of the limelight by flashier
styles in shows. The opulence of the
Barossa with the freshness of cool climate
fruit, and all from vines of a minimum of 80
years of age, if you want great value at
$80, here it is.
Heathcote is our destination for the
regional profile this month.The
connoisseur’s choice of Australian wine
regions—particularly Shiraz regions—this gem
of an area remains relatively hidden from
the mainstream consumer. Partly due to
the low production volumes, and party
because many of these artisan wineries
have such busy cellar doors and mailing
lists that the retail and on-premise trade
hasn’t had much of a look in—until now,
that is. Heathcote has traditionally been
the wine industry’s best kept secret, but
with the recent appointment of a new
executive officer Heathcote wineries are
taking steps to get their unique wines out
to consumers around the country, and
around the world.
Penny Boothman — Editor, WINE100
Contents
Shiraz and blends
Riesling
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc & SSB
Semillon
Other Whites
Rosé
Sparkling Wines
2
7
8
8
9
9
10
11
Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends
Pinot Noir
Merlot
Other Reds
Sweet & Fortified Wines
Heathcote
Premium Dozen
Index
11
12
13
14
15
18
30
32
Nick Stock is one of
Australia’s most
prolific wine writers. He
was awarded Best
Drinks Journalist at
the 2007 Le Cordon
Bleu World Food
Media Awards. With a
background as a sommelier, he was
twice awarded Sommelier of the Year.
Nick is also the author of the Penguin
Good Australian Wine Guide.
Tyson Stelzer
is the author of seven
wine books, including
best-seller Taste Food
and Wine with UK
writer Matthew Jukes.
He was a finalist for
the 2006 International
Wine and Spirit Competition’s
Communicator of the Year and is a
contributor to The Oxford Companion to
Wine, Wine Spectator and various
Australian publications.
The Reviews
Wines are reviewed independently of
WINE100 by Nick Stock and Tyson Stelzer.
You can submit your wines for review to:
Nick Stock: Level 1, 811 High Street,
Armadale, VIC 3143
Tyson Stelzer: 14 Andrea Street,
Tarragindi, Qld 4121
Please include RRP and distributor contact.
There is no guarantee that wines submitted will
be reviewed in WINE100. Wines sent directly to
WINE100 will not be reviewed.
EDITOR: Penny Boothman
Phone 08 8362 3122 Fax 08 8363 6822
Email [email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS: Nick Stock, Tyson Stelzer
ADVERTISING: Sales Manager Margot Tisher
Phone 0407 790 360
PRODUCTION: Kimbra Drzal
PRINT: Lane Print & Post
GENERAL ENQUIRIES: Postal Address 37
Fullarton Road, Kent Town, South Australia 5067
Phone (08) 8362 3122 Fax (08) 8363 6822
WINE100 is published by WBM - Australia’s Wine Business Magazine.
WBM is owned by Free Run Press Pty Ltd. ISSN 1835-8144.
2
Shiraz & Blends
August 2009
SHIRAZ & BLENDS
Brokenwood Graveyard
Hunter Valley Shiraz
1in100
Vintage 2007 RRP $140.00
100
96
points
TS: Another epic Graveyard, with grand complexity,
perfectly integrated French oak and tremendous
line and length. It is built around subtle, lifted wood
spice, dried herbs and game aromas.The palate
is beautifully balanced with structured, fine tannins
and exotic spice lift that builds on the finish. Drinking
beautifully now, it will mature slowly for two decades.
www.brokenwood.com.au
80
100
Clarendon Hills Australis Syrah
St Hallett Old Block Shiraz
TS: Another sublime vintage of Old Block again propels this
label ahead of the pack. It has all the opulence of black
cherry and plum fruit that you might expect from top shelf
100
Barossa Shiraz but, crucially, it is built with great refinement
and texture.‘Freshness’,‘purity’ and ‘minerality’ are the
buzzwords here, thanks to a significant contribution from
96
points
cooler vineyards in Eden Valley and Moculta. Sourced from
vines a minimum of 80 years old and matured in French
oak, the focus remains firmly on the line and definition of its
fruit and its finely textured tannin structure. While this is
already a wine of remarkably seamless balance, it will be
deceptively long-lived, improving for a decade and likely
holding for two or more.
www.sthallett.com.au
80
points
www.clarendonhills.com.au
80
100
96
Heathcote Estate Shiraz
TS: This is a classic Heathcote Shiraz, laced with
dried herbs and spices, perfectly juxtaposed with
layers of black plum fruit and dark chocolate
oak. Finely textured tannins and excellent length
make it great to drink right now, but it will mature
slowly and steadily for the long-term.
John Duval Eligo Shiraz
TS: This is everything you would expect: dense
black fruits, pepper, roast game, vanillin oak,
layers of complexity spanning soy, star anise, coal
and violets, structured with very fine, powerful
tannins, but the way its purity of fruit unravels, its
unwavering line, profound length and remarkable
longevity place it among the greatest vintages of
Grange in the modern era.
NS: A selection of Duval’s very best Shiraz, this has
superb depth and style, showcasing all that’s
great about passing Barossa Shiraz through
experienced hands. Dark blackberry flavour, some
deeper earthy, savoury layers and long, smooth
tannins. Impressively poised now, it will reward
some time in the cellar.
97
points
NS: Impossibly dark and concentrated, this has
superb complexity, richness and a sense of
completeness that old vines garner, it runs the full
gamut of red to dark fruits, plenty of spice and
earthy depth.The palate is a convincing
statement of structure, power and elegance with
Clare Valley’s brightly honed acid cut.Tannins
reach deep in fine layered form. Best from 2014.
80
Clarendon Hills Onkaparinga Syrah
TS: This is a gamey, complex Shiraz which has
excellent Hermitage-like savoury complexity.
Great depth of pepper and spice fruit meld
with dark berry and rhubarb fruit, while dark
chocolate oak lurks in the background. Gently
structured, this is an approachable style that
will mature slowly.
80
96
points
100
100
Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz
80
100
99
points
80
points
100
Penfolds Grange
96
TS: The 2006 is a dense, powerful Australis, still very
youthful and with a long life ahread of it. It has an
air of mixed spice, a plum blossom lift and roast
game complexity. Ripe black plum, dark berry
and cherry fruit linger long on the finish, while
firmly structured coffee and dark chocolate oak
sits apart from the fruit. Give it time.
95
points
80
Shiraz & Blends
August 2009
100
De Bortoli Estate Grown Yarra Valley
Shiraz Viognier
3
Mitolo G.A.M. McLaren Vale Shiraz
100
TS: Made by a team of Pinot masters, it’s little
wonder that this is a seductively silky wine. Maker
Steve Webber cares more for charm, character
and detail than he does for varietal flavour, and
wines like this show why. Layered with spice and
ultra-fine tannins, it’s a beautifully polished style
with the texture of a Grand Cru.
95
points
TS: This Willunga vineyard tends towards overt fruit
and very rich styles, which Ben Glaetzer tames
through extended maceration.This year it’s laced
with ripe plum, dark berry and prune fruit, offset
by the coffee and dark chocolate of oak.The
length is impressive and its fine, structured tannins
tone down the impact of 15% alcohol.
www.mitolowines.com.au
100
Mitolo Savitar McLaren Vale Shiraz
94
points
100
TS: This is a powerful, heavy-weight wine with
sensational concentration and intensity. Black
plum, cherry and berry fruit swirls with liquorice
and vanillin oak.The wood is firm and disjointed,
but it will integrate with time. Still extremely
primary, it demands a very long time to
come together.
95
points
Rockford SVS Pressings Shiraz
94
points
TS: This Rockford cellar door special comprises
components of the pressings from the 2001
Basket Press Shiraz. An attractive bouquet of
game, spice and black plum fruit makes way for
a persistent palate of concentrated black fruits
and nicely balanced, fine, grippy tannins.
100
100
Brown Brothers Patricia Shiraz
Radford Shiraz
NS: Distinctive Eden Valley spice and fragrance
with enough power to place this at the front of
the new-wave pack. Dark fruits and dark spices,
some pepper and fragrant cedary oak all settling
nicely into place; the palate moves to red fruits
amid fine tannins and fresh, bright acid crunch.
Terrific structure and balance.
Yalumba Single Site Eden Valley Shiraz
95
points
NS: Brown Brothers’ flagship Shiraz is sourced from
a range of Victorian vineyards, made in a rich yet
fragrant style with plenty of sweet baking spices and
fresh purple fruits.Very spicy palate with a concentrated
heart of plum and blackberry amid flowing sturdy
tannins that hold the finish long.Terrific wine.
93
points
www.brownbrothers.com.au
100
100
TS: An outstanding expression of Eden Valley
Shiraz, this is a honed, linear, controlled style which
has been chiselled into immaculate shape.There is
a savoury streak that cuts through its black cherry
and plum fruit, making way for black pepper and
savoury herbs on the finish. Fine, textured tannins
and fresh acidity provide great line and definition.
95
points
www.yalumba.com
Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz
NS: Another great Hilltops Shiraz, this shows plenty
of depth in the glass—nice richness and quietly
brooding. Dark toasted spices, anise, ripe plums
and berries all swirled around amid decent
chewy tannins. Drink now or over the next six
years for the best results.
93
points
We are
committed to a
high level of
hands-on
involvement and
look forward to
sharing our
vision with you.
Pete Bissell, winemaker.
[email protected] - www.balnaves.com.au
4
Shiraz & Blends
August 2009
100
How does the 100
point system work?
A 100 point system is used by the world’s leading wine judges.
Schild Estate Moorooroo Limited
Release Shiraz
As a guide the rating is as follows:
94-100 Exceptional in every way. The pinnacle of the style.
90-93
Excellent quality. A wine of style and character, with all
components in balance.
87-89
Good quality, with sound varietal character.
84-86
Ordinary and affording little drinking pleasure.
80-83
Poor quality, lacking balance or fruit integrity.
75-79
Faulty or distinctly lacking in some way.
NS: Sourced from vines planted in 1836, this is
one impressive Shiraz. On the nose it delivers a
ripe impression with dried berries and sweet dark
spices.The palate offers dense tannins that roll
wide and deep, finishing with ripe black fruit flavour.
Shaw + Smith Shiraz
factors including score, price (value for money), cellaring
A warmer vintage has produced a S+S Shiraz
with more of a focus on ripe fruit than the cool
spice of preceding vintages. Pure plum and
dark berry fruits and pepper spice are
structured with fine, grippy tannins and dark
chocolate oak.
potential and availability.
www.shawandsmith.com
The 1 in 100 wine for the month is selected by a panel
including Nick Stock and Tyson Stelzer based on a range of
100
KT & The Falcon Churinga Vineyard
Shiraz
TS: This is an impressively classic, dry-grown, old
vine Shiraz from one of the Clare’s newgeneration makers. A juicy black fruit palate is
offset by cooler mint and menthol characters, while
the bouquet is floral and lifted with violets and
fresh liquorice and blackberry fruit. It has great
persistence and fine, grippy, supportive tannins.
93
TS: This is as beautifully crafted on the inside as its
smart label is on the outside. It’s refined and
defined Frankland River Shiraz, with black cherry
and plum skin fruit riding on very tight, controlled
and finely textured tannins.At 14.2% alcohol, this is
a restrained style that perfectly marries pepper
and savoury complexity with black fruit purity.
80
www.larrycherubino.com.au
points
Kyeema Vineyard Reserve Shiraz
NS: Attractive spice and bright, fragrant aromas
here, plenty of pepper and impressive mineral
smells—oh, there’s plenty of fine plum and red
fruit here too. Superbly defined tannins that run
from start to finish, building gently and fading
slow. Drink now to 2016.
www.capitalwines.com.au
The Yard Acacia Vineyard
Frankland River Shiraz
Wirra Wirra Catapult McLaren Vale
Shiraz Viognier
93
TS: What a score for a $20 Shiraz! It’s packed with
complexity of black fruits, liquorice, game, coffee
oak and dark chocolate with very fine, textured
tannins and great length. It’s quite a catapult of
fruit concentration for the price, along with
layers of charcuterie, smoked smallgoods
complexity and great texture on the finish.
80
www.wirra.com.au
points
100
93
points
80
100
93
93
points
80
100
Castle Rock Estate Shiraz
points
80
NS: A fine Shiraz in every sense, this has a
distinctive spice and pepper nose with impressive
purity.Terrific cool climate regional typicity and a
gentle, understated power.The palate ripples with
intensity, showing bright purple fruit flavours and
long, fine yet assertive tannins, finishing in tidy form.
NS: Super fragrant and articulated spiced red
fruit aromas, this is not for your average big Shiraz
lover. It’s all about ethereal fruit character and
detailed fine tannins—the palate is elegant and
focused with a young, delicious, drink now appeal.
80
100
Luke Lambert Syrah
93
points
100
80
100
How is the 1 in 100
wine chosen?
93
points
92
points
80
Shiraz & Blends
Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge
Vineyard Shiraz
August 2009
5
100
100
TS: Famed for its whites, this wine is evidence that
the cool Isolation Ridge can also excel on the red
front. It’s an intensely peppery, cool and
structured Shiraz with ground black pepper
accents from start to finish. Fine, structured,
textured tannins and vibrant, crisp acidity promise
that it will age seamlessly.
92
points
Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz
92
points
NS: Massena wines deliver again with ripe black
fruits and gentle sweet earthy complexity, muscly
tannins and some sweet oak across the finish. As
approachable as always, there is plenty of flesh to
chew through and more to come in time.
100
Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz
McWilliams Mount Pleasant Original
Vineyard OP & OH Hunter Valley Shiraz
NS: The Lodge Hill Vineyard delivers a cool
peppery Clare Shiraz with bright berry fruits and
gentle spice.The palate’s juicy and supple,
tannins wrap softly across the palate and the
berry and plum flavour lingers through a
satisfying balanced finish.
92
points
www.jimbarry.com
Kangarilla Road The Devil’s Whiskers Shiraz
TS: A new release from Kangarilla Road, this is Kevin
O’Brien’s first opportunity to showcase one of his
stronger Shiraz blocks. It’s a rich, dense style with
lifted violet aromas, layers of dark chocolate oak
and rhubarb, stewed plum and black cherry fruit.
Finely structured tannins give the palate excellent
line and control.
100
92
points
92
TS: Old meets new in this powerful, modern take
on Hunter Shiraz sourced from Old Paddock
(1921) and Old Hill (1880) plantings. It’s loaded
with alcohol and oak and flavours of blueberry,
black coal, tar and liquorice, with the complexity
of leather building on the finish.
points
100
Mitolo Jester Shiraz
TS: The theme of the Jester is always
unadulterated fruit, and this wine continues the
trend with rousing exuberance.The bouquet is
amass with violets and blueberries while the
palate is packed with black cherries, plums and
rhubarb. It has fine tannins which provide just the
right amount of structure to drink right away.
92
points
100
100
Montara Shiraz
TS: Traditional Shiraz from one of McLaren Vale’s
most esteemed estates should not sell for so little.
A dense bouquet of black olives and black
plums slides into a palate of sensational balance
and purity of black fruits, black olives and fine
tannins. It belies its 15.5% alcohol.
www.kangarillaroad.com.au
Kay Brothers Amery Basket Pressed
Shiraz
100
92
points
www.kaybrothersamerywines.com
NS: This Grampians vineyard brings a sweet
fragrant spicy side to its Shiraz with hard brown
spices and ripe purple berry fruits running
through the nose and palate with consistent flair.
Good tannin stretch and a measured linear finish
that holds flavour firmly in place. Balanced, tidy
and great value.
92
points
www.montara.com.au
2006 Hollick
Shiraz Cabernet
2006 Hollick
Cabernet Merlot
2008 Hollick
Sauvignon Blanc
Semillon
Introducing the latest release
Blends from Hollick Wines
Classic blends from Coonawarra & Wrattonbully
that showcase varietal regionality.
For more information visit www.hollick.com or contact your
area manager or email [email protected].
6
Shiraz & Blends
August 2009
100
100
Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz
TS: Epitomising the philosophy that the whole is
greater than the sum of the parts, and
highlighting Dan Buckle’s skill as a blender, this is
a complex and structured wine with brooding
black cherry and plum fruit, supported by fine,
well-balanced tannins and lively acidity. Dark
chocolate oak falls into line in the background.
www.rathbonewinegroup.com
92
points
80
Chapel Hill Shiraz
NS: This mid-tier McLaren Vale Shiraz delivers an
impressive sense of richness, ripeness and
complexity. Spicy dark fleshed plum and berry
fruits stretch on assertive, satisfying tannins that
balance out neatly, finishing with a savoury foodfriendly resolve.
100
Off The Leash Max Adelaide Hills
Shiraz Viognier
TS: Performing way above his price point and
easy-going guise, Max is a cool, suave Shiraz. He’s
armed with black plums, crunchy blueberry fruit,
pepper and liquorice, structured with very fine,
textured tannins and great minerality. Incredible
value for an Adelaide Hills Shiraz of this pedigree.
92
points
80
First Creek Hunter Valley Shiraz
TS: With its stylish packaging, this wine looks and
tastes like a lot more than its price suggests. Black
pastille flavours, soy sauce, liquorice and tar build
to plum and mulberry fruit on the finish. It has very
fine, textured tannins, bright acidity, good flavour
line and a long finish.
92
points
80
TS: For a cool, savoury Shiraz from the bargain
basement, this is a very cleverly assembled wine
with very few like-priced peers. It’s a spicy,
peppery, gamey Shiraz with leathery complexity
overlaying its berry/plum fruits. Oak is subtle,
tannins are fine and balanced and it has
impressive length and poise.
Mike Press Adelaide Hills Shiraz
92
points
80
91
points
80
100
Yalumba Single Site Light Pass Shiraz
www.yalumba.com
80
100
100
TS: Focused plum and rhubarb fruit is the theme
here, supported by nutmeg and cinnamon spice,
liquorice flavours and nicely textured tannins. Dark
chocolate and coffee flavours move in on the
finish, as the oak rises to meet the fruit. It will
benefit from time for the two to meld.
91
points
Meerea Park Hilltops Hunter Valley
Shiraz
Picardy Shiraz
TS: In the words of maker Dan Pannell, the goal
with this wine is to remove the ‘Aussie’ characters
of overripe fruit and American oak.The plummy,
peppery, gamey complexity of his cool
Pemberton fruit is spiced up nicely with French
and Hungarian oak, producing a honed, linear,
textural style.
80
100
100
91
points
NS: Super value is the first thing to note here! This
is a simple, light and heartily attractive Shiraz
that’s priced to kill many a competitor in one fell
swoop. Light plum and berry flavours, musky fragrant
notes and a good whack of richer sweet chocolate
flavour to close. Plenty of wine for the money.
www.topdropwines.com.au
100
91
points
80
100
Arete Barossa Valley Shiraz
TS: Bargain-priced Greenock Shiraz can be hard
to come by, but this dark, rich, plush, juicy, fruitpowered style nails it. Stewed plum and black
cherry fruit is tempered by soft, fine tannins and
well-controlled oak. With its smart packaging,
this is an impressive bistro style quaffer. Give it
a very light chill to freshen it up.
www.aretewines.com.au
91
Mount Pleasant Philip Hunter Valley
Shiraz
91
points
points
80
TS: Philip is making a comeback, having had a
bit of a smartening up in fruit definition, freshness
and balance. His is an elegant style, as always,
with black plum, liquorice and pepper flavour
and fine tannin texture.
80
Shiraz & Blends / Riesling
August 2009
7
RIESLING
100
100
Scarpantoni Block 3 Shiraz
Ashton Hills Riesling
NS: Sourced from the estate’s oldest dry-grown
vines, this is a big liquorice and dark fruit Shiraz
with plenty of ripeness and intensity. Super-dense,
sweet blackberry flavour gives way to toasty oak
char through the finish.Tannins are big and
beautiful with lingering mocha through the finish.
91
points
80
TS: This is one of the Adelaide Hills’ finest
expressions of Riesling.This lifted, cool, elegant
style has lemon blossom and fresh green apple
flavours and beautifully backward freshness.The
warm 2008 season has elevated the 26 year old
vines on this cool site to new heights.
100
Tinpot Hut Syrah
NS: Another member of the growing army of
superb, spicy Hawkes Bay Syrah producers, this
has all the trademark pepper, spice and
fragrance that make this style work so reliably.The
palate’s an elegant mouthful of blackberry
flavour and fine, balanced tannins. Really superb
food friendly style.
91
points
80
80
100
Waterton Vineyards Riesling
94
points
NS: Bright citrus nose here, really captivating and
alluring.The palate delivers decent concentration
and echoes the citrus of the nose. Crisp, crunchy
acidity and impressive balance in a dry style, tart
crunchy finish.
www.watertonhall.com.au
93
points
80
In 1997, the Frog Rock label leapt onto
the wine scene and has now established
itself as a highly regarded producer of
distinction, quality and individuality.
Owned and managed by the Turner family,
the commitment of Frog Rock Wines is to
produce a range of premium-quality,
definitive varietal wines that are ready to
drink now or can be cellared for further
enjoyment. Visit the cellar door to discover
the exciting range of wines, gourmet foods
and gift ideas.
Edgell Lane, Mudgee NSW 2850 Phone: (02) 6372 2408 Email: [email protected] Web: www.frogrockwines.com
8
Chardonnay / Sauvignon Blanc & SSB
August 2009
CHARDONNAY
100
Mike Press Wines Adelaide Hills
Chardonnay
100
Vasse Felix Chardonnay
93
points
NS: Cool restrained citrus fruit and very smart
winemaking complexity, some oak spice in here
too.The palate’s super tight and has an edgy
restraint, matching Margaret River’s inherent
power with a savoury mineral finish.
80
TS: This fresh, pure, unwooded wine qualifies
among the top whites to emerge from Mike Press’
estate to date, and ranks as one of the best sub$10 Chardonnays on the shelves. It tastes like
white nectarines, peach blossom and spicy pink
grapefruit and has excellent balance of fine
minerality on a long, persistent finish.
www.topdropwines.com.au
91
points
80
SAUVIGNON BLANC AND SSB
100
100
The Lane Gathering Single Vineyard
Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Logan Chardonnay
91
points
NS: Cool Orange region fruit character here, this
Chardonnay is straight-shooting and confident
with melon and stone fruits, all fresh and lively.The
palate adds some savoury nuances to the bright
fruits, smoothly textured and drinkably balanced.
80
TS: This is a tremendous score for an SBS, but the
wine is every bit worthy.There is not so much as a
ripple of separation between these two varieties
or the oak which provides a textural background.
Ultra-fine, lifted, exotic and textured, it will age
effortlessly for a long time.
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2009 Edition - Willow Bridge Estate
Gardincourt Drive, Ferguson Valley
Our Cellardoor is open 7 days 11am-5pm
96
points
Ph: 08 9728 0055 F: 08 9728 0066
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.willowbridge.com.au
80
Semillon / Other Whites
August 2009
SEMILLON
9
OTHER WHITES
100
100
Dada 1
96
points
Tyrrell’s Wines Vat 1 Hunter Semillon
TS: The 2005 will be an extremely long-lived Vat 1,
which will improve incrementally under screw
cap. Ultra-pure, structured, restrained and tight, it’s
on rails now, with its freshly cut grass and pure
lemon flavours only beginning to unravel.
Brokenwood Brycefield, Belford Hunter
Valley Semillon
80
FOUNDED AND LEAD BY FRANK MITOLO. HIS
PARTNER AND WINEMAKER IS BEN GLAETZER,
A DYNAMIC AND PROGRESSIVE SECOND
GENERATION WINEMAKER.
THEIR VISION IS TO MAKE WINES THAT EXPRESS
PURITY OF VARIETAL FLAVOUR AND ARE ELEGANT
IN STRUCTURE, WITH SOFT TANNINS, WHILST
BEING RICH, POWERFUL AND COMPLEX.
“JESTER SHIRAZ HAS SO MUCH SWAGGER AND PANACHE IN
‘07 IT IS FRANKLY BAFFLING. FOR AN EVERYDAY PRICE YOU
CAN EXPERIENCE AN EXTRAORDINARILY WELL-HONED RED
WITH VALID DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR, BECAUSE THIS WINE
IS MADE FROM THE OFF-CUTS OF THE LIKES OF SAVITAR AND
GAM AND IT DAMN WELL TASTES LIKE IT, TOO”
BEST AUSTRALIAN WINES
2009
MITOLO WINES
PURITY, ELEGANCE AND POWER
CNR JOHNS AND ANGLE VALE RD,
VIRGINIA S.A. 5120
P (08) 82829030
E [email protected]
FOR
www.eurocentric.com.au
MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.MITOLOWINES.COM.AU
94
points
80
100
Spinifex Shiraz Viognier
80
MITOLO WINES IS A FAMILY OWNED WINERY
100
95
points
www.brokenwood.com.au
MATTHEW JUKES
TS: With no indication of wha’s in this wine, it’s
more about structure, texture and finesse.The
bouquet has layers of Christmas spice, honey
and candied lemon rind.The palate is nicely
textured, with grapefruit pith mouthfeel and
incredible length. For the record, it’s Sauvignon
Blanc,Viognier and a touch of Gewürztraminer.
100
TS: This is a very classy Hunter Semillon which is
drinking delightfully now and for the mediumterm. A bouquet of lanolin, lemongrass and fresh
nuts introduces a fresh and backward palate
with aged characters just beginning to build.
It has great minerality, talc-like finesse and
excellent purity and length.
NS: Impressive complexity here: leafy, cool, spicy
aromas, mixed berries and some gently savoury
notes too. Assertive acidity holds the palate tight
amid fine, sturdy tannins and plenty of bright, ripe
mixed berry flavour. Long, fine finish—lovely
balance and poise.
94
points
80
10
Other Whites / Rosé
August 2009
100
ROSÉ
100
Charles Melton Rose of Virginia
Barwang Tumbarumba Pinot Gris
NS: A very keenly aimed Pinot Gris that makes no
deviation from the line of restrained cool-climate
citrus and apple fruits.The palate is crisp, taut
and eminently chirpy, making a statement of
crisp acid crunch that leaves a super-fresh,
lasting impression.
91
points
80
NS: Driven by Barossa Grenache, with other help,
this has lifted red fruits and subtle leafy
complexity. Cassis and red fruit flavours, finishing
with gentle grip and a red musky aftertaste. All
nicely balanced and delivered with reliable
freshness.
91
points
www.charlesmeltonwines.com.au
80
Angoves Nine Vines Rosé
100
100
Montana Reserve Pinot Gris
NS: It’s well worth stepping up to the plate and
splurging on this ‘reserve’ bottling as it strikes more
exotic fruits and delivers an impressive dose of
spice too, really appealing.The palate’s evenly
balanced and smoothly textured—there’s plenty
to love here. Drink now.
91
points
80
NS: One of the most consistent award-winning
rosés on the show circuit, this is on the money
again in 2009. Shiraz and Grenache team up in
fine style with a bright dark pink hue, lots of
perfumed red florals and berries and a crisp
strawberry-flavoured palate. Decent balance—
terrific value.
90
points
www.angoves.com.au
100
100
Punt Road Viognier
NS: A handy elegant take on the Viognier
theme that shows really convincing style. Stone
fruits and gingery aromas leave you in no doubt
as to the variety, there’s even a light dusting of
pepper. Rich texture that’s well handled into
balanced shape. Excellent wine.
www.puntroadwines.com.au
91
Juniper Crossing Rosé
points
80
NS: Another winner from one of Margaret River’s
great value labels, pale red colour, really bright in
the glass, it smells of bright red berry fruits with a
gentle hint of leaves.The palate’s smooth and
crisp, balanced and flavoursome.
90
points
100
100
Seresin Pinot Gris
NS: Oak is a major feature of both the nose and
the palate in this modern take on the Pinot Gris
style. Savoury grilled nuts and spice stretch across
ripe stone fruits.The palate has plenty of spicy,
nutty oak-derived complexity, adding complexity
to pear and peach fruits.
91
Philip Shaw Pink Billy Saignée
points
80
NS: Pink Billy has all the hallmarks of a fine rosé:
brightly coloured, it smells of red fruits, strawberry
and raspberry, and handles a decent chill
without losing shape. It lingers with candy-like
intensity on the palate—strawberry fields forever!
90
points
100
100
Shingleback Sangiovese Grenache
Rosé
Crittenden Pinocchio Arneis
NS: The Crittenden camp has its eye in here with
an authentic and confidently savoury take on this
northern Italian native. Bright, fresh and appealing
aromas with plenty of fresh pears and gentle
green almonds. Crisp fresh acid holds flavour
safely in place.
90
points
80
NS: Two seemingly different grape varieties
stripped of their skins and married up with
convincing style. Charming, fragrant red
Grenache fruits and supple texture are given an
assertive savoury edge with Sangiovese having
the final say. Nice all-round appeal.
89
points
Sparkling Wines / Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends
August 2009
11
100
SPARKLING WINES
100
Bollinger La Grande Année
97
Vinaceous Snake Charmer Shiraz
points
TS: The first vintage to enjoy longer than the usual
six years on lees, this is ultra-fine and searingly
tight with razor-edged lemon citrus, minerality and
great line, and at the same time extremely
complex, with flavours of brioche, cinnamon, star
anise, ginger, vanilla pod and honey.
NS: The label may scare a few—some it may excite.
The wine inside is the agent of charm though,
making heady advances of ripe dark cherry,
plum and liquorice with chocolate and toasty
oak.Tannins grab firm but fair through the finish
100
90
points
100
Innocent Bystander Moscato (375ml)
Ashton Hills Salmon Brut Piccadilly
Valley Pinot Noir
NS: A little bundle of Springtime in a bottle, this
heralds the warmer months are near with its just
pink, gently fizzed appearance and sweet floral
aromas.This is part wine, part soft drink, and it
makes a handy mixer over vodka and ice with a
squeeze of citrus.
93
points
TS: Ashton Hills is one of Australia’s finest sparkling
rosés and also one of its best value. Extended
ageing on lees contributes biscuity complexity to
its gentle strawberry hull and red cherry guise. It’s
a delicate, pretty style with great minerality.
88
points
www.innocentbystander.com.au
100
100
Schild Estate Three Springs Moscato
Charles Cimicky Trumps Shiraz
NS: This clear take on the Moscato theme has
bright, light and airy fragrance—smells really fresh
and grape-juicy, some ripe apples and lemon
blossom here too.The palate’s softly fizzing texture
is an easy, fun and downright drinkable mouthful
of fresh fruit salad that’s gently sweet. Great with
fresh fruits, of course!
NS: One of the Barossa’s good value star wines
that delivers consistently with its lively red and
dark berry fruits, dressed in gentle oak and
delivered in fresh, juicy shape.Tannins curve
around playfully and take a good serve of flavour
through to a lasting, tarry finish.
91
points
100
CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND BLENDS
Xanadu Margaret River
Cabernet Sauvignon
Gapsted Valley Selection Moscato
TS: Xanadu’s rebuilding has transformed its portfolio
and this wine marks the beginning of the new era.It is a
pure,focused expression of blackcurrant, coffee and
capsicum fruit, underlined by powerful, super-fine fruit
tannins. It will live for two decades, remarkable value.
TS: There should be more decent Moscatos at this
price, because this clean, fresh, lively style deserves
to be affordable. With a ginger hue, a ginger
aroma and a ginger flavour, this is a balanced,
flavoursome style with an apple cider freshness.
90
points
...you deserve the world’s best
Class,
Finesse,
Elegance
www.eurocentricwine.com.au
88
points
Champagne, Burgundy, Chablis, Beaujolais, German
riesling, New Zealand and South African boutiques,
chosen by wine lovers for wine lovers.
Exclusive importer and distributor for 40 leading producers,
including: Champagne: René Geoffroy, Ployez-Jacquemart,
David Léclapart, H. Billiot. Burgundy: Dupont-Tisserandot,
Matrot, Jean-Philippe Fichet, Benoit Ente, Humbert Freres,
Camille Giroud. Germany: Willi Schaefer, Schloss Lieser,
Reinhold Haart, Zilliken, Emrich-Schonleber, SchaferFrohlich. New Zealand: Alluviale, Ash Ridge, Dada,
Surveyor Thomson, Unison. South Africa: Dombeya.
[email protected]
P 0405 232349
F 02 9739 6467
100
95
points
12
August 2009
Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends / Pinot Noir
100
100
Whistler Cabernet Sauvignon
Mildara Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz
2005 RRP $29.00
TS: This is a very well blended wine with great
structure and longevity. It’s made in the classic
great Australian red style, with a Coonawarra
leafy/capsicum edge and fine, structured
tannins. Red berry fruit is supported by savoury,
balanced oak and crunchy acidity which will
carry it in the cellar for a decade.
Vintage 2006 RPP$ 25.00
93
points
80
NS: This ripe Barossa Cabernet has distinctive
mint, cassis and bright berries with gently leafy
nuances.The palate is smooth and concentrated
with fully-ripened sweet berry flavour, plenty of
cassis and thick swarthy tannins. Oak toast slides
across the finish, adding sweet spice and
lingering cedary flavours.
www.whistlerwines.com
91
points
80
PINOT NOIR
100
100
Xanadu Next of Kin Cabernet
Sauvignon
TS: Glenn Goodall’s philosophy is to make wines of
personality, allowing the fruit to shine, and this is
exemplified even in his entry-level styles.This fresh,
primary quaffer exudes a beautiful bouquet of
blackcurrants, capsicum, tobacco and cigar box.The
palate is juicy and fruity, with black and fine tannins.
92
points
80
Spring Vale Pinot Noir
93
points
NS: Deep, powerful and spicy Pinot with
impressive dark cherry fruit, some orange peel
and forest floor aromas.The palate is built on
smooth, rich fleshy texture with a wave of earthy,
complex flavour, finishing with density and
convincing, brooding style.
80
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in e
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eri
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reek • longview vineyard
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ya
ar
rd • los
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ines
s • m
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it
i
t
tc
ch
c
h
ha
am e
am
estate
st
s
tat
ate • mo
m
montego
on
nt
te
eg
go e
estate • mopeta wines
mt jagged wines • m
murdoch
urd
rdoc
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h
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ill
ll • n
nelwood
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oo
od
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es
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oc
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ums vineyards
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vi
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ne y
ya
ar
• nova vita wines
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la
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ear
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w
alker
r • p
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nl
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ey es
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plantagenet • red h
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vineyards
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ad
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st
tud
udi
io
o • r
ed n
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ect
ec
ta
ar v
ine
ney
ya
ard
rds • r
re
em
ma
ark
rkab
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able
le v
ie
i
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ew
w v
vi
in
ne
e ya
osenvale • rusden barossa
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ad
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reek
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wines
• shingleback •
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in
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es
s • seppeltsfield
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de
en
n • s
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Pinot Noir / Merlot
August 2009
13
100
100
Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Pinot Noir
NS: Watch this space: Ten Minutes By Tractor is a
producer to look out for. Attractive dark cherry fruit
presents ripe, pure and bright, the palate rolls
smoothly through on fine-textured tannins holding
plenty of rich cherry and plum flavour.Terrific
value here, it outclasses many of the region’s
more expensive Pinots.
www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au
93
Wild Rock Struggler’s Flat Pinot Noir
points
80
NS: The Martinborough Pinot Noir in Craggy
Range’s adventure brand offshoot, Wild Rock.
There’s attractive, yet serious brambly berry fruit
here, appealing bright fresh tang and some
darker cherry towards the finish. Approachable
soft, easygoing tannins are perfectly in step.
90
points
80
MERLOT
100
100
MOMO Pinot Noir
Bird In Hand Merlot
NS: Seresin’s junior label delivers approachable
dark berry Pinot Noir with a drink-now appeal,
some gently spicy nuances adding interest
already.The palate is swervy, soft and supple,
delivering an even, balanced shape with plenty
of red cherry fruit flavour to sink the teeth into.
Good value and nice style.
91
points
80
NS: Nice poise for cool climate Merlot with
varietal mulberry, some blackberry too, and
gentle sweet oak fragrance.The palate’s supple
and fleshy, like a Merlot should be, with plenty of
easygoing berry fruits and tannins that gather
smoothly towards the finish. Balanced and
delicious.
100
91
points
80
100
Capital Wines Backbencher Merlot
Invivo Pinot Noir
90
NS: Distinct Central Otago herbs across the nose
here, ripe dark fleshed plums and an assertive
serve of sweet-spiced oak too. Plenty of fleshy fruit
on the palate, framed in straight-edged oak—it
makes an instant impact, youthful, brash and chewy.
points
80
NS: Opens with spicy, toasty oak fragrance, then
heads straight towards classic Merlot blue fruits
and a whiff of brambly leaves in there too.
Smooth, supple palate with effortless tannins
through the middle, tightening through the back
with some crunchy acidity. Early drinking style.
www.capitalwines.com.au
91
points
80
2009 Edinburgh Shiraz Challenge Winner
Over 1000 eager Shiraz enthusiasts converged on the Edinburgh Cellars to taste their way through
nearly 350 various International and Australian Shiraz wines. Clarendon Hills entered one of its
eight Syrah wines to defend its 2008 Shiraz Challenge title...winning the consecutive 2009 title.
Phone/Fax: +61 8 8364 1484
14
Merlot / Other Reds
August 2009
Pikes The Dogwalk Cabernet Merlot
100
NS: A very handy Clare Valley Claret with easy to
enjoy cassis fruit, some sweet earthy nuances, a
fan of oak spice and cedary oak complexity.
Chewy rustic appeal, tannins are solid and cry
out for a piece of protein and the acidity
expands flavours lengthwise to good effect.
Impressive regional authenticity and charm.
www.pikeswines.com.au
Pio Cesare Langhe Rosso DOC II
Nebbiolo
91
points
TS: Showcasing Nebbiolo in its fresh, fragrant
youth without hard tannins or oak to distract, this
is a delightful and unique expression of Barbaresco
and Barolo fruit. It has lifted aromas of truffles, rose
petals, wood spice and pure red berries and a
floral palate with finely textured tannins. Why
hasn’t someone thought of this sooner?
100
Chapel Hill Il Vescovo Tempranillo
NS: This tidy, cool climate Cab Merlot blend has a
good dose of leaf and fresh herbs on the nose,
some red pepper, cassis and red fruits too.The
palate’s bright, light and juicy, delivering
blackcurrant flavours with fine, even tannins and
an upbeat acid finish. Fruit to the fore!
TS: This is an outstanding varietal Australian
Tempranillo with attractive savoury herb and olive
character, textured structure and food-friendly
styling. It’s packed with black fruits and liquorice
with very fine, grippy, textured tannins and
excellent length.
90
100
Vietti Barbera D’Asti Tre Vigne
Evans & Tate Margaret River Merlot
points
TS: It takes a great estate like Vietti to produce
Barbera as fresh and pure as this.The bouquet
has accents of violets and black plums,
supplemented by pepper spice and savoury
herbs on the palate. Lively, fresh red cherry-like
acidity and finely structured tannins propel the
fruit long into the finish. Excellent, value for money
Barbera.
100
First Drop The Big Blind Adelaide Hills
Nebbiolo Barbera
NS: Refreshingly satisfying Merlot that’s both well
made and true to its region of origin. Shows a
nice dose of Margaret River roasted herbs amid
nicely ripened berry fruits and decent sweet oak
spice.The palate’s shaped by gently assertive
tannins that don’t spoil the approachable charm
one bit.
90
OTHER REDS
Pio Cesare Barbaresco DOCG
TS: The cool 2005 vintage blessed this Barbaresco
with minerality, concentration and longevity.The
outstanding season has produced a classic,
elegant, fresh, fruity and perfectly ripe style that
demands a very long time to integrate. It’s is a
spicy wine with complex mixed spice and
fruitcake flavours and fine tannins.
94
points
100
Cuttaway Hill Cabernet Merlot
points
100
93
points
100
93
points
100
95
points
TS: This is an authentic expression of Nebbiolo
and Barbera. It has juicy, soft, red cherry and
strawberry fruit riding on a structured backbone
of bright acidity and fine, supple tannins. It’s an
impressively light-bodied red that will slot in
effortlessly as a quaffer or a partner to spicy
cuisine.
92
points
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Other Reds / Sweet & Fortified Wines
August 2009
15
100
100
Stanton & Killeen The Prince Reserva
NS: A Portuguese-inspired red blend that has
plenty of spunk and character. Big on cherry fruits
and spicy dark berries, nice fragrance too.
Approachable, juicy tannins and flavoursome
fleshy fruit are nicely pitched side by side. A fine
family tribute to the late Chris Killeen, a.k.a.The
Prince of Port!
www.stantonandkilleenwines.com.au
92
points
80
Ravensworth Sangiovese
NS: Good value, quaffing Sangiovese with bright
red cherries and a whiff of aniseed too.The
palate is very much in the lighter, springy fruit
spectrum offering succinct cherry flavour, light
tannins and a crunchy finish that will be great
around the pizza oven.
100
90
points
80
100
Redhouse Mediterrané
Vietti Dolcetto D’Alba
TS: Vietti’s Dolcetto is a delightful expression of the
style, with a bouquet of black plum and star
anise and a fresh, pure palate of dark plum and
black cherry fruit. It rides a backbone of fresh,
structured acidity and fine tannins. Classy, with
excellent length, balance and freshness.
92
NS: Shiraz,Tempranillo and Sangiovese all rolled
together into a Mediterranean-inspired all-round
red that’s perfect for everyday drinking. Quite
juicy red and dark berry fruits, light tannins
and a simple, easy style that doesn’t ask too
much at all. Drinking wine not thinking wine.
points
80
www.redhousewine.com
80
100
SWEET AND FORTIFIED WINES
points
100
Domaine Lucci The Red
Schloss Lieser Niederberg Helden
Riesling Auslese (long gold cap) (375ml)
TS: This self-confessed ‘leftovers’ wine is a blend of
Petit Verdot, Cabernet Merlot, Sangiovese and
Pinot Noir Rosé.The resulting concoction is
surprisingly integrated and balanced, with
aromas of juicy red berries, red liquorice and
capsicum and a spicy, peppery palate with finelygrained tannins. It drinks way above its recipe
and its price point.
91
points
80
Geoff Merrill Shiraz Grenache
Mourvèdre
NS: This three-way blend has satisfying richness
with plenty of bright red fruit aroma, some darker
fruits and earthy nuances too.The palate has
nice harmony and richness, as well as a satisfying
earthy depth.Tannins have just enough savoury
grab and the balance is right on the money.
91
96
points
TS: This gorgeous Auslese is from top sites in the
middle Mosel.The pure, fine bouquet is all
nectarines, baked peaches and orange cake,
while the pure palate has great concentration
and profound length. High sweetness is perfectly
offset by fine acidity and minerality.
100
89
100
De Bortoli Noble One
Botrytis Semillon (375ml)
points
80
TS: The 25th vintage is a cracking rendition of
Australia’s most famous Botrytis Semillon. Citrus
zest, peach and apricot freshness offset its
honeyed, crème brûlée richness.The balance of
tight acidity and sweetness is spot on.
100
95
points
80
100
Knebel Rottgen Auslese (375ml)
Massena Barbera
NS: Not too much Barbera in the Barossa but it
looks like it works nicely here.This has regional
richness, plenty of ripe red fruit packed in here,
raspberries, gentle savoury nuances too, really
fresh and bright through the finish, acid keeps it
bright.
91
points
80
TS: Beautiful balance and rich sweetness
characterise this impressive Auslese. Complexing
mushroom notes do nothing to detract from its
white peach, dried nectarine and zesty lemon
and lime fruit of incredible concentration. Fine
acidity structures an amazing finish that holds
undeviating for minutes.
95
points
80
16
News
August 2009
NEWS
Record entries for
Small Vigneron
Awards
Judging of the 2009 Winewise Small
Vigneron Awards took place in Canberra in
early July. A record number of 1,494 entries
were received this year, confirming the
awards’ status as the pre-eminent
competition for small vignerons who crush
250 tonnes or less. This year an impressive
45% of entries were awarded a medal, with
99 gold medals awarded. Seventeen
trophies were awarded including, for the
first time, a rosé trophy. Trophies were
awarded for wines from 11 regions
highlighting the truly national status of the
Small Vigneron Awards. Hunter Valley
producer Thomas Wines was awarded the
Best Exhibitor trophy, for consistently high
points across all of its entries.
Judges included highly respected wine
industry figures such as Ian McKenzie and
James Halliday.
Chairman of judges Lester Jesberg
praised the overall quality of submissions.
“We were very impressed with the quality
which producers have sustained despite
the well publicised travails of the wine
industry,” he said.“The Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir classes gave us several
highlights, demonstrating just how wellsuited to small makers those varieties are.”
Judges were most pleasantly surprised
by two trophies—for Viognier and rosé,
going to Western Australia’s Swan Valley.
edition is the first of its kind. It represents a
groundbreaking commitment from some of
Australia’s largest and best loved
winemakers, brewers and distillers in the
alcoholic beverage sector to ensure that
our drinks are free from GE ingredients.
The guide is free and can be viewed or
ordered at www.truefood.org.au
Lighter alcohol
options from Preece
Non-GE drinks
guide launched
Greenpeace Australia Pacific has
launched the Australian Truefood Guide to
Alcoholic Drinks. The Truefood Guide series
makes shopping for genetically
engineered (GE) free food and alcoholic
drinks easy for Australian consumers, by
providing a Green List of brands which are
guaranteed to be GE free, and a Red List of
brands which may contain ingredients
derived from GE crops. The guide rates
popular brands according to their policy
on sourcing ingredients and helps
shoppers to choose GE-free.
The Truefood Guide: Alcoholic drinks
giving away no clue about the hand you
hold. Now, how good is your poker face?
The Poker Face range is a result of the skill
of winemaking, mixed with the luck of a
good vintage… We’re not Bluffing!
The new wines over-deliver on quality at
a terrific price point, drawing consumers in
with their amusing packaging. This range
has kicked off with four smooth varieties:
Chardonnay, Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc,
Shiraz and Cabernet/Merlot.
The outstanding Chardonnay exhibits
rich, sweet melon and citrus fruit flavours
with a soft palate, with hints of lemon like
characters and a lovely acid finish. Best
served with seafood and white meats. The
lovely combination of Semillon and
Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing, crisp, well
balanced wine showing generous fresh
tropical fruit flavours.
The Cabernet/Merlot is a very well
balanced blend of two grape varieties that
enhance and complement each other.
Cabernet Sauvignon provides the palate
weight and the fresh berry flavours. The
Merlot adds complexity and softens the
palate superbly. The medium bodied Shiraz
is vibrant with a lifted spicy fruit nose and
soft tannins on the palate integrated with
the ripe fruit flavours.
Westend puts on
Poker Face
Westend Estate has added a Joker to the
deck of their growing portfolio with the
release of the exciting new 2008 Poker
Face range. The art of poker lies in
studying your opponent’s expressions,
looking for even the slightest tell that
betrays a bluff as you sit expressionless,
Mitchelton, which celebrated its 40th
birthday this year, has added to its popular
Preece range with an exciting trio of fresh,
crisp aromatic whites which have the
desirable attribute of being lighter in
alcohol.
The Central Victorian winery has
responded to this in demand segment of
the industry in Australia, which has been
led by consumers actively seeking low
alcohol wines. Over the past year the lower
in alcohol category has contributed 33% of
the growth in total bottled wine sales.
[ACNielsen total bottled wine by value MAT
30/04/09]
With most wines in Australia containing
around 13% alcohol per standard bottle
and some getting up to 15% or above, the
new wines from Preece will be welcomed
by those who enjoy wine, but are seeking a
lower alcohol option.
The Preece range includes a
Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc and a Sparkling
wine, both at just 9% alcohol—30% less
alcohol than similar blends from the original
Preece portfolio. There is also a Moscato at
News
only 6% alcohol.
For Preece winemaker Ben Haines (2008
winner of the Wine Society Young
Winemaker of the Year award) the
objective was to make wines that have the
benefit of lower alcohol with no
compromise to style, quality or integrity.
“By working with varietals such as
Semillon that are suited to earlier
harvesting, selecting high quality grapes
with good weight and fruit intensity and
picking at lower sugar levels we aimed to
achieve wines of aromatic vibrancy, fruit
intensity and acidity, with a luscious yet
delicate palate,” he said.
“While alcohol does contribute to
mouthfeel, aroma and flavour impression,
lower alcohol levels will expose and
highlight the purity of fruit as well as the
crisp acidity and freshness in the mouth.
This is clearly evident in the wines.”
The packaging for the lighter in alcohol
wines reflects the direction: fresh, crisp and
bright. If the current dramatic growth in
lower alcohol wines is any indication, this
range will be warmly welcomed by
Australian wine consumers.
Taylors best
in Australia
For the second time in three years, the
Taylor family’s winery in the Clare Valley has
been chosen as Australia’s best at the
largest and most prestigious wine
competition in the USA, the San Francisco
International Wine Competition. Taylors is
the first Australian winery to have won the
Best of Nation award twice.
To win this award, a winery must collect
August 2009
multiple awards with their individual wines.
Taylors collected an impressive 15 awards
including a double gold medal for the 2008
Jaraman Riesling (RRP $24.95), a gold medal
for the 2007 Promised Land Shiraz Cabernet
(RRP $13.95) and another gold medal for
the 2007 Taylors Estate Shiraz (RRP $18.95).
In addition to these, Taylors also collected
seven silver and five bronze medals.
Mitchell Taylor, third generation
managing director of Taylors believes the
result reinforces the family motto that ‘the
wine is everything’.
“This is a terrific result for our family
business at America’s most prestigious
wine show. Again it reinforces Australia’s
position on the world wine map and we
are absolutely over the moon with the
result,” he said.“It’s a special year for us to
win the Best of Nation as we are
celebrating our 40th birthday this year—
I am so excited to see my grandfather’s
vision to take our family’s wines to the world
come true.”
A panel of 44 wine experts from across
the globe gathered in San Francisco for
three days judging in mid-June under the
stewardship of renowned American wine
authority and competition founder
Anthony Dias Blue.
Concert
announcement
for Bird in Hand
Dynamic Adelaide Hills winery Bird in Hand
has announced that baritone Teddy Tahu
Rhodes and tenor David Hobson will
perform at their annual concert series in
March next year.
Teddy Tahu Rhodes has enjoyed a
meteoric rise to international fame. The Aria
and MO Award winner made his Carnegie
Hall debut this year and will return to the
prestigious Metropolitan Opera in New York
City for the 2009/2010 season following his
critically acclaimed debut there in 2008.
His impressive discography for ABC Classics
includes Mozart Arias, The Voice,
Vagabond and the amazing You’ll Never
Walk Alone with David Hobson.
Playing an important role in the concert
will be Sharolyn Kimmorley who is regarded
as Australia’s foremost accompanist. The
annual concert series has been a fixture of
Bird in Hand winery since 2008 and
emphasises the company’s ongoing
commitment to the arts.
“To have two world renowned operatic
17
artists performing together at Bird in Hand to
a select audience is a great thrill for us and
something we are very excited about. It will
be an evening of pure musical brilliance,”
said Andrew Nugent, managing director.
The concert will be held among the
vines at the Adelaide Hills winery on
Sunday 7 March 2010. Tickets for the
concert will be limited, for booking
information please contact functions
and events manager Hayley Conolly on
(08) 83899488.
Tasmanian Cuvée
for Bay of Fires
Bay of Fires has
added two new
sparkling wines to its
range—the Bay of
Fires Tasmanian
Cuvée Brut and Bay
of Fires Tasmanian
Cuvée Rosé. The new
sparkling wines
showcase the great
diversity Tasmanian
wine has to offer.
Made from small,
high quality
selections of fruit from
across Tasmania’s
viticultural regions,
the Tasmanian
Cuvées celebrate the
unique cool climate
and soils of the island. To ensure richness
and complexity in these elegant sparkling
wines, the base wines were judiciously
blended before extended maturation on
yeast lees.
Bay of Fires winemaker Fran Austin said,
“These wines are the perfect complement
to our current selection of table wines and
demonstrate our ongoing focus on
showcasing the best varieties Tasmania
has to offer. We have been developing a
detailed understanding of our Pinot Noir
and Chardonnay fruit from select vineyard
sites around Tasmania for eight vintages.
Several of the vineyards planted
specifically for our sparkling wines are now
developing in maturity, which translates to
better balance and depth of flavour.
“We are very proud of these new
sparkling wines and we hope consumers
will gain as much enjoyment from the
Tasmanian Cuvées as we did creating them.”
The Tasmanian Cuvées are now
available at an RRP of $30.
18
Heathcote
August 2009
Photography by Mark Chew
Victoria’s hidden gem
By Penny Boothman
H
eathcote has made its name as
the home of the connoisseur’s
Shiraz. Those in the know, know
Heathcote. In fact, there’s a
general consensus among many wellknown wine scribes that if they were to
plant a vineyard of their own, this is where
they would do so.
Perhaps not surprisingly, these exclusive
wines are not always easy to find, and
most serious fans will make sure they don’t
miss out by getting their names onto the
appropriate mailing lists. Boutique
production means that some wines are
also at prices that could deter the
uninitiated punter, but once tasted, few
wine regions are so consistent in the
exceptional quality and unique regional
attributes of their wines. Converts are
easily made.
Heathcote Shiraz typically displays a
ripe yet savoury character, with deep,
velvety tannins, setting the wines apart
from other regions, even though most of
the vines are under 20 years old. These
are also wines that are ageing superbly,
and with most wineries in the region
dating only from the mid 1970s, many
have a long way yet to go.
One reason for the region’s international
fine wine reputation is the unique soils
found here.You’ll hear a lot about
‘Cambrian earth’ as you wander around
Heathcote, but what does this mean? Most
novice consumers, and even a large
percentage of hardened aficionados, will
switch off the minute you start talking
about soil but, like the terra rossa of the
Coonawarra, this is precisely what forms
the basis of these extraordinary wines.
These ancient soils—purportedly the oldest
in the world—have been formed from
Cambrian rocks which are over 500 million
years old. The Cambrian earth runs in two
narrow bands, of no more than 2km
across, starting approximately 5km south of
Heathcote
the Heathcote township and extending
north for about 35km. These desirable soils
run on either side of the Mt Camel range,
following the road from Heathcote to
Colbinabbin. However, travelling north, it is
the land on the left side of the road that is
the most prized as these well-drained
gentle slopes are generally above the frost
line. In Heathcote’s case, much of the land
is yet to be planted to vines and the real
estate potential of this soil profile is such
that prices per hectare are now high.
Heathcote’s history
Heathcote began in the gold rush era, with
gold discovered in several areas of the
region during the 1850s and 1860s. Some
disappointed gold miners established
farms to the north of the town, and
German settler Henning Rathjen is thought
to have planted one of the earliest
vineyards in the region not long afterwards.
More recently Albino Zuber and Bruno
Pangrazio have been responsible for
plantings, which contribute to some of
August 2009
Heathcote’s more well-known wines.
Compared to some of Australia’s other
premium wine areas, Heathcote is a
relatively new region, however the
reputations of regional wineries are
growing, ensuring the area continues to
make its mark on both the Australian and
global wine markets.
Although there were some vineyards
planted here in the late 19th century, which
lasted through to the 1920s, the region’s
reputation was really founded in the mid
1970s when Jasper Hill pioneered the
renaissance of Heathcote. From that time
until the mid 1990s several other small
artisan operations began, but the region
as a whole remained fairly isolated.
“Where people would visit a lot of other
regions for reasons other than wine.
Heathcote’s a bit more off the beaten
track. So we gradually got a reputation for
being a bit remote and a bit mysterious as
this diverse region for artisan wines,”
explains Stephen Shelmerdine of
Shelmerdine vineyards.“We gradually
built up an international reputation with
wines like Wild Duck Creek, which is still a
19
family-owned winery.”
Stephen is referring to the famous Duck
Muck, which originated as a barrel of leftover bits and pieces, but became an
international icon when US wine critic
Robert Parker wrote it up in the mid 90s,
launching wine prices into the
stratosphere.
“That led to a lot of further interest in
Heathcote. Victoria has a strong reputation
for Shiraz generally, that whole arc through
Grampians, the Pyrenees, Bendigo,
Heathcote, Goulburn Valley, Strathbogie
Ranges—they’re all quite impressive styles that
are different to SA or WA,” Stephen continues.
Around this time, some larger scale
plantings began in the region on the Mt
Camel range, because of the availability of
water through the Waranga channel. This
was the entry to the region for major
companies such as Brown Brothers,
Rosemount and Tyrrells. The Geographical
Indication for Heathcote was established in
1998, prior to which is was included as part
of the Bendigo area. The confirmation of its
own GI proved the viticultural differentiation
of the region.
20
Heathcote
August 2009
Inverse Rhône Valley
The international success of Jasper Hill and
Wild Duck established the fact that Shiraz
was to be the main variety grown in
Heathcote. In fact it almost became a
mono-variety region. Of the approximately
3,000 hectares now under vine, as much
as 90% is red, and close to 85% of the red
vines are Shiraz. However there is now
considerable experimentation with other
varieties. Every two years a Heathcote
terroir seminar is held in Tooborac, because
the soils and climates differ so widely
throughout the region.
“We have granite here in the southern
end, clay around Heathcote town, and
then the Cambrian soils further north. Fruit
ripening can be three weeks apart
between the north and south of the
region,” says Stephen.
“It’s a bit like an inverse version of the
Rhône Valley. The northern end of the
Rhône is the cooler end where they grow
Viognier and Shiraz around Condrieu and
Côte-Rôtie, then in the middle there’s no
more Viognier, it’s Marsanne and the Shiraz
is more Crozes-Hermitage style. And then at
the southern, hottest end, the Shiraz wines
start to be heavily interlaced with other
varieties like Grenache and Mourvèdre. So
with a bit of crystal ball gazing, I think
Heathcote is following the same model. To
the extent that people are now planting
more Grenache and Mourvèdre in the
north of Heathcote.
“Where we are in the south, we have
cold nights and that, combined with the
low vigour granite soils, produces fantastic
aromatic whites such as Viognier and
Riesling. I think this could really evolve a lot
further if people were to study the different
terroirs of the Rhône.”
The region’s continental climate is a
degree or two cooler than neighbouring
Bendigo, due to the influence of the Mt
Camel Range. The hills run from Tooborac
in the south to Corop in the north, with the
effect on funnelling cool southerly winds
through the vineyards throughout the
growing season.
“Because of the size and shape of the
region, being a long north-south strip, there
are a lot of different microclimates within
the region. The south end is unsurprisingly
the cool end, while the northern end is
warmer. Most wineries are situated around
the middle and most combine fruit from
the north and the south to account for any
vintage variation. But it can be a stylistic
thing too, Shiraz from the southern end is
discernibly different to Shiraz form the
northern end—it’s fruitier and more bold,”
says Henry Screen, executive officer,
Heathcote Winegrowers Association. An
interesting fact you may not be aware of is
Let our cellar door be your
entry into the world of wines.
www.milvineestatewines.com.au
108 Warren Rd, Heathcote VIC 3523
P: 03 5433 2772 E: [email protected]
Heathcote
August 2009
21
that Heathcote is actually on the same
latitude as the Coonawarra. The difference
between the two regions lies in the
Coonawarra’s maritime climate and
Heathcote’s continental climate at 400
metres altitude.
“I think Heathcote falls in the middle of
cool climate Shiraz regions like Clare and
the Adelaide Hills and warmer climate
regions such as the Barossa and McLaren
Vale, they have the power and structure,
but they’re not so fruit driven. It has a lot to
do with the soil,” Henry continues.
Geographically, Heathcote is far
from a tiny region, stretching 100km from
north to south and 40km wide. There are
about 160 producers in the region, 80 of
which are members of the Association.
“We have a lot of very small wineries
here. There are a handful of high-profile
people with bigger vineyards, such as
Brown Brothers, Tyrrells and Foster’s, but
the majority are small boutique or
artisan-style family operations with just
a few acres. Crop levels are ypically very
low,” Henry continues.
New varieties, new ideas
This is predominantly red wine country with
high quality varieties such as Malbec,
Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet
Sauvignon grown in addition to Shiraz.
“One development we’ve seen in the last
couple of years has been the growth in
winemakers experimenting with varieties
that are new to the region such as
Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Marsanne and
Viognier. Quite a few already have wines
on the market. Shiraz is obviously our most
Heathcote and
Yarra Valley
22
Heathcote
August 2009
mainstream variety and that’s going from
strength to strength,” says Henry.
“As a comparatively newly developed
region, Heathcote has taken a step forward
by appointing an executive officer. There’s
a real focus on getting the region
cooperating together, and we have a lot of
regional marketing activities in our sights
such as roadshows, and we have a new
website which will be launching soon.”
The big news for the region recently has
been that Heathcote was recently
declared a ‘phylloxera exclusion zone’. This
means that the Department of Agriculture
has completed a thorough survey and
found the whole region to be free of the
grapevine-destroying pest.“This is significant,
it really adds to Heathcote’s credibility as a
high quality wine zone,” explains Henry.
“Heathcote is fairly well-known, but a lot
of the people who have heard of us don’t
really understand the essence of the
region—and that’s what we need to
project,” says Jo Millard, president of the
Heathcote Winegrowers’ Association.“It
goes further than ‘brand Heathcote’ we
need to look underneath and show people
what the components are that make up
the brand. People might have tasted the
wines, but they don’t know what goes into
them. We really need to take that forward
and get people to understand what we’re
all about, we don’t want to lose our
uniqueness.
“We have a clear identity already here.
Everyone is here because of their passion
for wine—there are lots of people ‘living the
dream’ here, rather than seeing it as just a
pure money venture. About 65% of wineries
here are boutique-level, we’re talking very
small. We definitely don’t want to lose that,
but by the same token we value the larger
wineries we have here as they set the
iconic status of the region, and that will
continue until we get better known. A lot of
our smaller wineries are hidden gems at
the moment.”
The Heathcote region has developed a
skills improvement program and is looking
at joining with Bendigo and the Macedon
Ranges regions to work together on this
and other projects.
“That way we’re strengthening the health
of the region through employment
opportunities,” Jo continues.“Employing an
executive officer is the biggest step we’ve
taken. I have had people ask me, because
we’re a small region, how we could afford
to—but my answer is: ‘How could we afford
not to?’ It’s no good sitting back and
waiting for the world to come to us, we’ve
got to be innovative.”
The town of Heathcote now has a
population of around 3,500—a far cry from
the 35,000 who lived there during the
town’s gold rush hey-day. However this is
still a thriving and typically rural town,
nestled in a picturesque bush landscape.
Any tourist brochure you pick up about
the region will begin with the fact that the
region is,‘little more than an hour from
Melbourne’. The local tourism industry
caters well for travellers—particularly those
who may want to sample some of the
region’s wines—with a range of
accommodation and eateries in the town
and surrounding area. Cultural,
recreational and eco-tourism activities now
flourish alongside winemaking and farming.
The Heathcote area is encircled by boxironbark forests, where visitors can walk off the
wines and regional produce they’ve consumed
on a range of interesting bush walks.
A group of Heathcote wine producers
recently travelled to Melbourne to show
their wines, and the smallest winery in the
region and one of the biggest were both in
the group. When you dig even a little way
beneath the surface, there’s much more to
Heathcote than meets the eye.
24
Heathcote
August 2009
Tyrrell’s Lunatiq
new release
There has always been
healthy debate about
the moon’s influence on
wine and vines— based
on the fact that the
earth has rhythms in
respect to its position to
the sun, moon and the
stars. In recognition of
this discussion,Tyrrell’s
has launched the new
Lunatiq Heathcote
Shiraz 2006.
Good farmers have
always used the phases
of the moon to predict
the weather and to plan
when to plant and when
to pick. However you
may not know that three lunar phases after
harvest is about the best time for a top red
to have its first clarifying racking. While
there is no scientific proof as to the benefits
of this, there is an eminently practical side
effect of waiting for the clear light of the
full moon!
There is another reason for the name of
this wine: Bruce Tyrrell recalls being called
a Lunatic when the company was looking
to purchase it’s first piece of land in the
Heathcote area to plant vineyards. But his
belief in the Heathcote region has been
justified as the results in the bottle speak
for themselves with aromas of ripe plums
and blackcurrant that are kept in check by
mineral and spice.
Grapes for this wine came from the deep
red Cambrian Greenstone soil at Tyrrell’s
Mount Camel Range vineyard at
Heathcote in Victoria.
The wine began as part of a trial into
small batch, small oak, minimal handling,
and un-filtered wines. This was driven by the
winemaking team’s belief in Heathcote’s
ability to produce high quality, full-flavoured
Shiraz grapes and, through the use of
these techniques, produce a wine of
exceptional flavour and richness. Tyrrell’s
red winemaker Mark Richardson believes
this is displayed by this 2006 wine: “In 2006
the good winter rains, followed by a better
than average spring fall enabled the vines
to burst evenly and set a good crop. A hot
summer encouraged earlier than normal
colour development and a cooler February
resulted in being able to pick the fruit in
premium condition with the classic flavour
and strong balance,” he said.“The best
blocks were separated and transported to
the Hunter Valley for vinification before
being transferred into new French
barriques for maturation.”
Due to the limited production of this
wine, it will initially exclusively be released
to the on premise trade.
Heathcote Wine and
Food Festival
On the first weekend in October,
Heathcote’s boutique winemakers gather
for the annual Heathcote Wine and Food
Festival. The event showcases a wide range
of the region’s most distinctive and iconic
wines, as well as regional foods, live music,
tutored wine tastings and children’s
entertainment to keep the family happy.
This year producers will be showcasing
more Heathcote wines than ever before.
Visitors on the day will have the chance to
meet the winemakers, do a guided tasting
and attend a seminar.
Heathcote is home to an intriguing
selection of wine styles and grape varieties.
Wines available for tasting at the festival
will include such new varieties as
Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Viognier, Tempranillo,
Marsanne and Roussanne, as well as
Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay and rosé wines.
Heathcote
August 2009
25
Milvine Estate’s cellar door is open 11am to
5pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays,
excluding Christmas Day. Visit for further
details www.milvineestatewines.com.au
Australia’s oldest soils
Milvine Estate
Winemakers add their own personal
touches to the soils and climate of the
region, depending on the microclimate of
the particular vineyard, and style they want
to make. The Heathcote Wine and Food
Festival, 3-4 October, is a ‘must see, must
taste’ event for wine lovers as many of
Heathcote’s wines do not yet have extensive
distribution, or in some cases even cellar
doors where their wines can be sampled.
There will be wines on show from larger, well
known wine brands, as well as some new
wineries showing their wines for the first time.
“The Wine and Food festival has been
running for a number of years, this is our
eighth staging now, so it’s pretty well
established,” says Henry Screen.“The
challenge now is that we’d like to get more
trade involved in coming along to taste the
wines. Because most of our wineries are
small, their distribution is limited and they
mostly operate through just mail order or
their cellar doors, so it’s not easy for trade
to find these wines. This year we have 45
wineries taking part, so there’ll be around
200 Heathcote wines on tasting. We also
have 28 or so local food producers on
show. Last year we had a bit over 4,000
visitors attending over the two days, so this
year we’re hoping to build on that.”
Marsanne for Milvine
The boutique Milvine Estate specialises in
wine made from estate grown Shiraz and
Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cellar Door is
surrounded by vineyard and built of local
fieldstone, duplicating the family home
and environment. The property reflects the
individuality of the owners, which is also
clearly seen in their wines.
The first vines were planted in 1994, and
each year sees more being planted. The
grapes are monitored during the growing
season to ensure that only quality grapes
are left on the vines. The grapes are picked
at 1-1.5 tonnes to the acre for maximum
fruit quality. Their first Shiraz vintage was
bottled in September 2004. This vintage
was well received by the wine loving
public, media and judges. Subsequent
vintages have been exceptional: smooth
and elegant wines maintaining the
absolute integrity of Heathcote Shiraz.
Recently, several tonnes of Heathcote
grown Marsanne was selected as their first
white varietal. The wine is now bottled and
the quality has proven be of the same high
standard as their red wines.
Located in central Heathcote, a short
drive up the Redesdale/Kyneton Road,
Barnadown Run is situated in a
picturesque rural setting high on the
western side of the Mt Camel range.
Approximately twenty kilometres north of
the Heathcote township, this is an area of
Australia’s oldest soil type.
“The rich ‘terra rossa’ soil for which the
best Heathcote vineyards are famous,
together with the marginal cool climate,
produces wines which are big and full and
rich with dark fruits and berry characters,”
explains Barnadown Run’s founding
viticulturist and winemaker Andrew Millis.
“Every week we have enquiries both
domestically and offshore for our robust
but elegant wines.”
Traditional winemaking techniques apply
here. All fruit is hand picked in small
parcels and each vintage is made up of
many ferments at different ripeness levels
to gain additional complexity. Ferments are
plunged by hand every four hours and are
maturated for three to four weeks on skins.
The must is basket pressed and the wine is
stored in mostly French oak for up to 18
months. These handcrafted wines
produced from low yielding dry-land
vineyards are exceptional.
Barnadown Run offers a boutique
selection of varietals including a Viognier, a
sparkling Viognier, a sparkling Shiraz, a
rosé, a Cabernet, a Merlot and a Shiraz.
Also available is the superbly crafted Henry
Bennett’s Voluptuary which is the flagship
wine of Barnadown Run, made
predominantly of Shiraz and the additional
use of Shiraz and Cabernet pressings.
Owners:
Linda and Tony Hunter
Manager:
Jodi Marsh (daughter)
Winemaker:
Mark Hunter (son)
Phone:
03 9646 6661
HEATHCOTE
We think we have
something special but don’t
take our word for it….
“One of the most impressive of Heathcote’s many wine labels…” Max Allen
“…definitely a wine to follow” James Halliday about our Estate Shiraz
“Another stunning Heathcote Shiraz….”
“ The Yum Factor is high…” Huon Hooke about our Estate Shiraz
“I love this wine!” Peter Bourne about our Tempranillo
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
www.sanguinewines.com.au
Distributor (VIC, NSW, QLD):
The Wine Company
Phone: 03 9562 3900
26
Heathcote
August 2009
Lady’s Pass shows
Heathcote terroir
Caterina, Pietro & son Jim
Pietro D'Orsa
History repeating at Sanguine Estate
Tony and Lyn Hunter had dreamed of
owning a farm, but in 1996 the purchase of
a section of prime Heathcote soil adjacent
to the renowned Jasper Hill property
began to change their dream.
“I’d always wanted a family business and
thought I’d missed the chance so,
prompted by the surroundings, it dawned
on me perhaps we could grow grapes and
make our own wine,” says Tony. With no
wine experience except as enthusiastic
consumers, the family planted their first 10
acres by hand in 1997. Now called
Sanguine Estate, the vineyard has 55 acres
under vine with son Mark the full time
winemaker and daughter Jodi the general
manager of the business.
However, it wasn’t until Tony had
discovered by chance a forgotten
ancestor that he realised viticulture was
already in the family’s blood.“I was reading
David Dunstan’s history of the Victorian
wine industry and in the 1892 Vine Growers
register found my great grandfather, Pietro
D’Orsa,” explains Tony.“We’ve now found
remnants of his vineyard and have taken
some cuttings from a mystery vine variety
there. It is hugely exciting.”
Old Pietro would be proud of his
descendents’ achievements with critics
scoring Sanguine Estate wines at 90 points
plus over the last seven vintages. As a
tribute to this long-lost ancestor, winemaker
Mark has selected some of the best barrels
of 2006 Heathcote Shiraz for Sanguine’s first
Reserve wine, the “D’Orsa”.
1507 Melton Highway, Rockbank Victoria 3335
P: +61-3-9747 1444
The deep, red soil over Cambrian
greenstone, combined with temperate
climatic conditions of the region produces
an enviable ‘terroir’ for Heathcote
producers, not unlike that of the Rhône
Valley whose grape varieties the Heathcote
region has embraced.
Since 1993, Adrian Munari and family
have been producing wines with
concentration, elegance, definition and
personality. Handcrafted wines that are
approachable when young, with a
supporting structure and complexity to
ensure longevity.
Adrian’s wines share a number of
common traits: intense, deep colours and
complex aromas enhanced by the use of
indigenous yeasts during fermentation and
minimal winemaking interference preferred.
This winemaking imparts a rich plushness
and complex savoury tones to all the wines.
The Lady’s Pass Shiraz is the flagship
wine, made from the oldest vines. The fruit
displays the bold and complex central
Heathcote terroir. Munari’s varietal wines,
the India Red Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
and Malbec present their distinctive
characters enhanced by regional
character. Meanwhile the Schoolhouse
Red wine provides Munari with the
opportunity to introduce fruit from
carefully selected vineyard sites around
Heathcote. This annual blend may feature
traditional Rhône, Bordeaux or more New
World combinations.
Munari Wines is a James Halliday five
star winery. The rustic but comfortable
cellar door in the old stables welcomes
visitors for tastings from 11am to 5pm,
open most days.
E: [email protected]
W: www.galliestate.com.au
Heathcote
August 2009
27
Sheep and Shiraz at Shelmerdine
For three generations the Shelmerdine
family has been at the forefront of the
modern wine industry in Victoria. Their
philosophy is simple: employing their
understanding of soil, site and season to
craft wines that express the characters of
their unique vineyard sites.
In the lead up to Spring, Shelmerdine
celebrates its renowned Merindoc Vineyard
with the release of its 2009 Riesling and
Viognier, along with the 2007 Merindoc
Shiraz. Located in cooler southern
Heathcote, on the sweeping northern
slopes of the Macedon Ranges, Merindoc’s
breathtaking granite landscape is home to
carefully chosen vineyard sites. Intense
minerality, texture, structure and finesse are
the defining characteristics of the wines
from this vineyard, resulting from
sustainable vineyard management
techniques, hand-tended vines and
minimalist winemaking practices.
Upcoming events at Shelmerdine include:
• Weekend of 19-20 September: Sheep
and Shiraz. For a truly local experience,
visit the cellar door for an indulgent four
course lunch with Shiraz, lamb and
vegetables all harvested from the
Merindoc Vineyard.
• Friday 25 September: Shelmerdine joins
forces with the renowned Royal George
Hotel in Kyneton for an unforgettable
dinner featuring spring lamb and
Merindoc Vineyard Shiraz.
• Weekend of the 3-4 October: Heathcote
Food and Wine Festival. Once a year, the
artisan winemakers of Heathcote gather
to show some of the most distinctive
and iconic wines in the country. Add
delectable regional foods, live
music, activities for children and
tutored wine tastings and this festival
is not to be missed. Shelmerdine will
be showcasing its fantastic range of
Heathcote wines—crisp clean
Riesling and Viognier from the
Merindoc Vineyard, as well as the
stunning Merlot, Cabernet
Sauvignon and Shiraz from the
Willoughby Bridge Vineyard.
Shelmerdine’s Whistler Café, cellar door
and garden is open daily from 10am to
5pm, corner Lancefield Road and Northern
Highway, Tooborac, Victoria.
For further details or bookings, visit:
www.shelmerdine.com.au
WINE TASTING – ART GALLERY – CAFÉ ALFRESCO DINING – GOURMET PRODUCE
the perfect wine and food experience. . .
Uniquely positioned in the main street, the Cellar Door & Art
Gallery are in an historic miners produce store. Elegant
handcrafted premium shiraz with a splash of viognier!
CELLAR DOOR Open 7 Days, 10am – 5pm
CAFÉ OPEN Friday – Sunday, 11am – 3pm
185 High Street Heathcote Vic 3523
Café bookings call 03 5433 2595
www.heathcotewinery.com.au
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR
Negociants Australia
Head office:
205 Grote St Adelaide
Tel 08 8112 4210
28
Heathcote
August 2009
Galli Estate - Old Hall Vines
New varieties for Galli
Galli Estate was the vision of Tuscan-born
Lorenzo Galli who came to Australia in the
1950s. It was moving full circle for Lorenzo,
whose family had made wine in Italy for
generations. In 1997 he set up the Galli
Estate winery and vineyard which occupies
110 acres just 40 minutes northwest of
Melbourne at Rockbank. Always a man
with big ideas, in 2000 Lorenzo purchased
an 800 acre property in the Heathcote
region, 270 acres of which have so far
been planted to vine. This is the Galli Estate
Camelback Vineyard near Colbinabbin.
The Galli Estate’s Camelback Vineyard
lies on the eastern fringe of the Mount
Camel greenstone belt at an altitude of
approximately 150 metres. The unique soil
profile comprises ironstone and quartz
gravels derived from the famous Heathcote
Cambrian volcanogenic sediments,
floating in recent alluvial derived loamy
soils, all of which overlies the ancient
quartz rich Devonian sandstones of the Mt
Ida Formation. These free draining soils
lead to limited water holding capacity,
ensuring that the vigour of the vines is
constrained, resulting in smaller berry size
and intense flavour and colour.
For some time, Galli Estate has been
acknowledged as a producer of fine Shiraz
and Shiraz Viognier—which, given Heathcote’s
record with Shiraz, is no surprise. What is
really exciting however is the emerging
quality of some more alternative varieties
as the Camelback vineyard matures.
Soil structure and low fertility, combined
with the obvious suitability of these varietals
to the continental climate of the
Colibinabbin site, has always been critical
to the success of Galli Estate’s premium
Heathcote Shiraz and this is now also
apparent in their Sangiovese, Nebbiolo,
Grenache and Tempranillo.
Distinctly different
Slaughter House
Paddock
Uniquely positioned in the main street of
Heathcote, Heathcote Winery holds a
surprise for many of its visitors—few would
then expect to find a fully functioning
winery directly behind the cellar door. The
cellar door and adjacent art gallery are
situated in the main street of Heathcote, in
a restored miners’ produce store, built by
Thomas Craven in 1854 to cater for the huge
influx of gold miners seeking their fortune.
Heathcote Winery produced its first
vintage in 1983 and now specialises in the
production of Shiraz and Viognier. Much in
the style of the Northern Rhône wine region
of France, Viognier is splashed into their
premium Shiraz brands to add another
layer of elegance to the wines.
The signature brand, Mail Coach Shiraz,
is now in its 11th vintage and the flagship
Curagee Shiraz has developed a strong
reputation as one of Heathcote’s leading
single vineyard, hand crafted reds.
Retail trade and sommeliers alike will be
glad to hear that in July this year
Heathcote Winery’s distributor, Negociants
Australia, persuaded the winery to allow the
targeted placement of their Slaughter House
Paddock Shiraz. This wine comes from one
of Heathcote’s oldest vineyards planted by a
pioneer of the Region, Albino Zubar, adjacent
to the site of the original Heathcote
slaughterhouse. Situated on river flats, dry
grown and with minimal intervention, the
vineyard produces a distinctly different style
of Shiraz, unlike anywhere else in Heathcote.
The cellar door, situated at 185 High St
Heathcote, is open daily from 10am-5pm.
Cravens Café is open Friday to Sunday,
11am-3pm. Alfresco dining is available in
the relaxed courtyard or in the art gallery,
which features exhibitions by regional artists.
WINE100 Directory
August 2009
29
AMPHORA WINES
EUROCENTRIC WINES
MITOLO WINES
Industry leader for all
“Private Labels” from
concept through to
sales support. For
enquiries please
contact for further information.
P: 08 8331 8459
Champagne, Burgundy,
Chablis, Beaujolais, German
riesling, NZ and South
African boutiques, chosen
by wine lovers for wine lovers
P: 0405 232349
W: www.eurocentricwine.com.au
Wines of Purity,
Elegance
and Power
PO Box 520, Virginia, SA, 5120
P: 08 8282 9000
W: www.mitologroup.com.au
BALNAVES OF COONAWARRA
GALLI ESTATE
MUNARI WINE
Wines of pride, passion
and dedication. James
Halliday’s Winery of the
Year 2008 Jeremy Oliver's
Wine of the Year 2007
PO Box 16, Coonawarra, SA 5263
P: 08 8737 2946
Wines of great
personality and style,
crafted with passion
and attention to
detail. Each is a true expression of the grape
variety and the vineyard in which it was grown.
P: 03 9747 1444
W: www.galliestate.com.au
Cellar Door open times
Mon–Sun 11am-5pm
1129 Northern Highway
Ladys Pass
Heathcote Vic 3523
P: 03 5433 3366 F: 03 5433 3905
W: www.munariwines.co
BARNADOWN RUN PTY LTD
GRANT BURGE
OCEAN EIGHT
Ancient soils,
Amazing wines
390 ToolleenCornella Road
Toolleen Vic 3551
P: 03 5433 6376 F: 03 5433 6386
Melbourne Office - P/F:03 9481 5020
Grant Burge Wines, proudly
family owned & based in the
heart of the Barossa Valley.
Grant believes in the region’s
ability to produce wine of exceptional quality.
P: 08 8563 3700
W: www.grantburgewines.com.au
Top quality Pinot
Noir, Chardonnay
and Pinot Gris;
these are the
varieties that suit the Mornington Peninsula’s
soil profile and climatic conditions.
P: 03 5989 6471
W: www.oceaneight.com
BOWEN
ESTATE
\
HEATHCOTE WINE REGION
REDMAN WINES
PO Box 4B
(Riddoch Highway)
Coonawarra, SA 5263
Ph: 08 8737 2229
Fx: 08 8737 2173
W: www.bowenestate.com.au
Ancient soils –
amazing wines
Update your
knowledge of
Victoria's premier red wine region the 2009
Heathcote Wine & Food Festival October 3 & 4
Visit:
www.heathcotewineandfoodfestival.com.au
The Redman family
produces hand crafted
Cabernet Sauvignon
and Shiraz wines by third
and fourth generation
winemakers.
P: 08 8736 3331
W: www.redman.com.au
CLARENDON HILLS
HEATHCOTE WINERY
SANGUINE ESTATE
Clarendon Hills is
the highest
internationally
rated Australian winery and has been making
100% varietal, single vineyard wines on a world
class level since 1990
P: 08 364 1484
W: www.clarendonhills.com.au
Producers of premium
Shiraz and Viognier
since 1981 from their
unique main street
location in Heathcote
P: 03 5433 2595
W: www.heathcotewinery.com.au
Consistently achieving
high ratings for its
Heathcote wines from
domestic and
international wine writers
P: 03 9646 6661
W: www.sanguinewines.com.au
CONSTELLATION WINES AUSTRALIA
HOLLICK WINES
SHELMERDINE VINEYARDS
Regional winemaking at its finest. P: 131 492
or visit www.cwines.com.au for further
information on our award winning wines.
Hollick Wines is a small,
family owned winery in
South Australia’s
Coonawarra wine region
producing a range of
wines which reflect true ‘Pride of Place’.
P: 08 8737 2318
W: www.hollick.com
Crafting terroir-driven
wines from hallmark Yarra
Valley varietals and
Heathcote classics.
T: 03 5433 5188
W: www.shelmerdine.com.au
COONAWARRA VIGNERONS ASSOCIATION
MILVINE ESTATE WINES
ST HALLETT
Coonawarra packs its bags and is coming to your
city! The Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow is
from August 17-26 in 6 capital cities.
Visit www.coonawarra.org for more details.
T: 08 8737 2392 F: 08 8737 2433
Let our cellar door be
your entry into the
world of wines
108 Warren Road
HEATHCOTE VIC 3523
P 03 5433 2772
W: www.milvineestatewines.com.au
St Hallett’s rich heritage and
commitment to crafting fullflavored,textured wines entirely
from Barossa fruit produces
wines which are recognised
around the world as benchmarks of the region.
P: 08 8563 7000 E: [email protected]
W: www.sthallett.com.au
30
Presenting 12 wines from WBM100 Partners and Friends
August2009
Cartel Padthaway
Shiraz 2008
Balnaves
The Tally 2007
Cullen Diana
Madeleine 2006
During the 2008 vintage
the Padthaway region,
benefited from its cooler
night time temperatures
allowing our selected
parcels of premium
Shiraz fruit to arrive in
the winery in pristine
condition.The Cartel
Shiraz displays
concentrated aromas
of Cherry Ripe,chocolate,
mocha and sweet ripe
fruit.The palate follows
on with a soft and supple
cassis berry mouth feel,
with warm and
generous blueberry,
blackberry and rich
chocolate pudding
flavours.The seamless
balance provides soft,
smooth tannins and
well balanced oak
characters to finish.
Among his many
pursuits, Doug Balnaves
was once a sheep
shearer. Shearers are
paid by the number of
sheep sheared, or the
Tally.The higher the Tally,
the greater the
recognition among his
peers.As an expression
of this tradition, the
Balnaves see ‘The Tally’
as their ultimate
achievement. Deep rich
red in colour, the nose is
perfumed with dark
blackberry fruit with
some cooler vintage,
black olive and
liquorice notes.The
palate is lean and tight
with dark fruit and some
leathery fine-grained
tannins. 95 Points,Tyson
Stelzer WINE100 June 09
Perhaps Cullen’s bestknown wine, this blend
was recently included
in the prestigious
Langton Classification
of Australian Wines.
The vines planted in
1971 are 30 years old.
“A cooler vintage
wine that’s really
nicely settled with
charming perfume
and pretty
boysenberry fruits, a
little milk chocolate
and mixed purple
berries.The palate’s
built on fine tannins
with classic berry fruit
throughout and a hint
of chocolate here too.
Smooth and even, best
from 2012.”Tyson Stelzer
WINE100 July 09
RRP $105.00
amphorawines.com.au
balnaves.com.au
cullenwines.com.au
Bay of Fires
Pinot Gris 2008
Moondah Brook
Shiraz 2008
K1 Cabernet
Tempranillo 2006
This beautifully
constructed Tasmanian
Pinot Gris displays the
classic, cool-climate
characters of sweet
pear and nutmeg
spice with a creamy
and viscous palate
structure. Handpicked
from vines yielding a
modest six tonnes per
hectare, this is one of
the most refined and
impressive examples of
Australian Pinot Gris,
made in the cool
climate, French style.
Winemaker Fran Austin
lives up to her
deserved reputation as
one of the most
talented young
winemakers around.
For orders please call
CWAU on 131492
Winemaker Courtney
Treacher identified this
2008 Shiraz from
Frankland River as an
outstanding wine right
from the start, but was
nonetheless very
pleasantly surprised to
be awarded a trophy
for this wine at the
Brisbane Royal Wine
Show last month.The
nose displays intense
aromatics of white
pepper, chocolate and
fresh black cherries and
the flavoursome palate
displays cranberry and
cherry fruits, pepper and
bitter orange spice. An
excellent wine from a
super premium region,at
an amazing price. RRP
$18.50. For orders please
call CWAU on 131492
A striking example of a
modern Cabernet
Sauvignon/Tempranillo
blend. Kuitpo Cabernet
forms a firm spine with
it’s muscular dark fruit
and Tempranillo adds
fleshy red fruit and soft
earthy tannin.The 2006
K1 Cabernet/
Tempranillo is a rich
wine with dominant
plum jam and crushed
blackcurrant, with a
savoury earthiness from
the Tempranillo followed
through to a fruit-driven,
dark chocolate finish.
The cool climate
Cabernet acidity and
fine texture will ensure
this wine will drink
beautifully for many
years. Excellent with full
flavoured dishes.
bayoffireswines.com.au
moondahbrook.com.au
k1.com.au
Premium Dozen
Frog Rock
Petit Verdot
Frog Rock Wines is a
family owned estate
nestled in the
Cudgegong Valley,
Mudgee.This small
harvest of Petit Verdot
was hand picked,
resulting in a deliciously
elegant nose with mint
and blackberry, earth
and anise hiding a
palate of considerable
depth.The typical
assertive plum tannins of
the variety are balanced
by a soft, well-fleshed
middle palate and subtle
oak.“Is there a better
Petit Verdot in Australia
than the 06 Frog Rock
Petit Verdot?”—Winewise
Magazine December
2008.Top in Category
2009 Winewise Small
Vigneron Awards.
frogrockwines.com
Wild Ferment
Sauvignon
Blanc 2008
The 2008 Wild Ferment
Sauvignon Blanc is a
combination of the
superb fruit strength
and aromas of
Pemberton and the
complexity and weight
of a naturally fermented
fruit parcel from our
own vineyards.The Wild
Ferment character
provides increased
mouthfeel, structure
and texture against the
bright, lifted fruits of the
Pemberton Sauvignon
Blanc, which has
provides the backbone
for this blend. Natural or
wild fermentation is the
process of starting
fermentation off with
the indigenous yeast
present in the winery.
willowbridge.com.au
August 2009
Hollick Hollaia
Sangiovese/
Cabernet
Sauvignon
31
Fox Gordon
Eight Uncles
Shiraz
“Classic Sangiovese
structure of tangy acidity
and firm tannins has been
tamed by ripeness of fruit
and refined by the purity
of Cabernet. Well
balanced, intense and
still elegant.” Jancis
Robinson, Wine of the
Week, April 2008
91 points.“Spiffy wine.
Sweet dark fruit flavour,
savoury edges, whispers
of vanillin oak and a
juicy, chewy finish.”
Campbell Mattinson, The
Wine Front. “The
affordable price and the
style are unequivocally
Hollick, an elegant,
savoury red.” Max Allen,
Top Drops of the Month,
Gourmet Traveller
South Australian Fox
Gordon winemaker Tash
Mooney was brought
up on Barossa Shiraz
and knows its potential
when working with fruit
from some of the oldest
vines in the Valley.The
epitome of a classic
Barossa red, layer upon
layer of fruit flavours
are demonstrated and
rich mulberry and
sarsaparilla aromas are
evoked. Masterfully
structured, this wine is
an enchanting
experience and
astonishing value for
money. So join the old
boys and have a glass
or two! 95 points, James
Halliday 2009 Australian
Wine Companion
hollick.com
foxgordon.com.au
Rymill
Coonawarra
The Yearling
Shiraz 2008
Punt Road
Viognier 2008
Fresh from the family
vineyards, Rymill
Coonawarra is proud
to introduce the 2008
Yearling Coonawarra
Shiraz.This gallant,
spicy and appealing
wine will warm up
any cool day. It keeps
fine company with
stablemates The
Yearling Coonawarra
Sauvignon Blanc and
The Yearling
Coonawarra Cabernet
Sauvignon.The new
trio is now available
nationally.The Yearling
Range of wines from
Rymill Coonawarra: for
food, for sharing with
friends. RRP under $15.
“Not a lot of Viognier is
planted in the Yarra
Valley but of what
there is this is a stand
out. Winemaker Kate
Goodman has
extracted delicious
apricot and tropical
fruit flavours in crating
a complex wine with
crisp acidity.Viognier
might have gone off
the boil of late but this
will help bring it back
into prominence.”
Sunday Telegraph
June 2009 John
Fordham.Try this
delicious new release
with linguine with a
fresh mix of prawns,
pipis and scallops
and just a hint garlic
and chilli.
rymill.com.au
puntroadwines.com.au
32
Index
August 2009
Wine Index
Angoves Nine Vines Rosé ......................................................................................................10
Arete Barossa Valley Shiraz.......................................................................................................6
Ashton Hills Riesling ...................................................................................................................7
Ashton Hills Salmon Brut Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir...........................................................11
Barwang Tumbarumba Pinot Gris.........................................................................................10
Bird In Hand Merlot .................................................................................................................13
Bollinger La Grande Année ...................................................................................................11
"Brokenwood Brycefield, Belford Hunter Valley Semillon" .....................................................9
Brokenwood Graveyard Hunter Valley Shiraz.........................................................................2
Brown Brothers Patricia Shiraz ..................................................................................................3
Capital Wines Backbencher Merlot .....................................................................................13
Castle Rock Estate Shiraz..........................................................................................................4
Chapel Hill Il Vescovo Tempranillo.........................................................................................14
Chapel Hill Shiraz.......................................................................................................................6
Charles Cimicky Trumps Shiraz..............................................................................................11
Charles Melton Rose of Virginia ............................................................................................10
Clarendon Hills Australis Syrah.................................................................................................2
Clarendon Hills Onkaparinga Syrah.......................................................................................2
Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz ...........................................................................................................3
Crittenden Pinocchio Arneis..................................................................................................10
Cuttaway Hill Cabernet Merlot..............................................................................................14
Dada 1........................................................................................................................................9
De Bortoli Estate Grown Yarra Valley Shiraz Viognier ............................................................3
De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon (375ml)..................................................................15
Domaine Lucci The Red .........................................................................................................15
Evans & Tate Margaret River Merlot ......................................................................................14
First Creek Hunter Valley Shiraz ................................................................................................6
First Drop The Big Blind Adelaide Hills Nebbiolo Barbera...................................................14
Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Vineyard Shiraz..................................................................5
Gapsted Valley Selection Moscato ......................................................................................11
Geoff Merrill Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre ...........................................................................15
Heathcote Estate Shiraz............................................................................................................2
Innocent Bystander Moscato (375ml).................................................................................11
Invivo Pinot Noir .......................................................................................................................13
Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz........................................................................................................5
Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz ...................................................................................................2
John Duval Eligo Shiraz.............................................................................................................2
Juniper Crossing Rosé ............................................................................................................10
Kangarilla Road The Devil's Whiskers Shiraz ...........................................................................5
Kay Brothers Amery Basket Pressed Shiraz .............................................................................5
Knebel Rottgen Auslese (375ml) ..........................................................................................15
KT & The Falcon Churinga Vineyard Shiraz............................................................................4
Kyeema Vineyard Reserve Shiraz ............................................................................................4
Logan Chardonnay..................................................................................................................8
Luke Lambert Syrah...................................................................................................................4
Massena Barbera ...................................................................................................................15
Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz .........................................................................................5
McWilliams Mount Pleasant Original Vineyard OP & OH Hunter Valley Shiraz .................5
Meerea Park Hilltops Hunter Valley Shiraz...............................................................................6
Mike Press Adelaide Hills Shiraz................................................................................................6
Mike Press Wines Adelaide Hills Chardonnay........................................................................8
Mildara Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz.................................................................................12
Mitolo G.A.M. McLaren Vale Shiraz .........................................................................................3
Mitolo Jester Shiraz ....................................................................................................................5
Mitolo Savitar McLaren Vale Shiraz .........................................................................................3
MOMO Pinot Noir....................................................................................................................13
Montana Reserve Pinot Gris ..................................................................................................10
Montara Shiraz...........................................................................................................................5
Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz.....................................................................................6
Mount Pleasant Philip Hunter Valley Shiraz ............................................................................6
Off The Leash Max Adelaide Hills Shiraz Viognier..................................................................6
Penfolds Grange .......................................................................................................................2
Philip Shaw Pink Billy Saignée ................................................................................................10
Picardy Shiraz .............................................................................................................................6
Pikes The Dogwalk Cabernet Merlot.....................................................................................14
Pio Cesare Barbaresco DOCG..............................................................................................14
Pio Cesare Langhe Rosso DOC II Nebbiolo ........................................................................14
Punt Road Viognier .................................................................................................................10
Radford Shiraz ............................................................................................................................3
Ravensworth Sangiovese .......................................................................................................15
Redhouse Mediterrané ..........................................................................................................15
Rockford SVS Pressings Shiraz ..................................................................................................3
Scarpantoni Block 3 Shiraz.......................................................................................................7
Schild Estate Moorooroo Limted Release Shiraz ...................................................................4
Schild Estate Three Springs Moscato....................................................................................11
Schloss Lieser Niederberg Helden Riesling Auslese (long gold cap) (375ml)...............15
Seresin Pinot Gris .....................................................................................................................10
Shaw + Smith Shiraz ..................................................................................................................4
Shingleback Sangiovese Grenache Rosé...........................................................................10
Spinifex Shiraz Viognier .............................................................................................................9
Spring Vale Pinot Noir..............................................................................................................13
St Hallett Old Block Shiraz.........................................................................................................2
Stanton & Killeen The Prince Reserva ...................................................................................15
Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Pinot Noir ...................................................................................13
The Lane Gathering Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Semillon ....................................15
The Yard Acacia Vineyard Frankland River Shiraz ..............................................................15
Tinpot Hut Syrah.........................................................................................................................7
Tyrrell's Wines Vat 1 Hunter Semillon........................................................................................9
Vasse Felix Chardonnay...........................................................................................................8
Vietti Barbera D'Asti Tre Vigne ................................................................................................14
Vietti Dolcetto D'Alba..............................................................................................................15
Vinaceous Snake Charmer Shiraz........................................................................................11
Waterton Vineyards Riesling.....................................................................................................7
Whistler Cabernet Sauvignon ...............................................................................................12
Wild Rock Struggler's Flat Pinot Noir......................................................................................13
Wirra Wirra Catapult McLaren Vale Shiraz Viognier .............................................................4
Xanadu Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon....................................................................11
Xanadu Next of Kin Cabernet Sauvignon ..........................................................................12
Yalumba Eden Valley Shiraz.....................................................................................................3
Yalumba Light Pass Shiraz........................................................................................................6
Next month in WINE100
Next month we’re putting Victoria on our table with a pilgrimage to the
Yarra Valley. How significantly were wineries here affected by the
devastating bushfires in February? How is tourism in the region
bouncing back? Appropriately, our varietal focus takes a look at
Chardonnay. It’s not always the most popular grape, but still makes
some of Australia’s finest whites.
You can send your wines for independent review to:
Nick Stock: Level 1, 811 High Street, Armadale, VIC 3143
Tyson Stelzer: 14 Andrea Street, Tarragindi, Qld 4121
Email your editorial suggestions to Penny Boothman: [email protected]
u
To advertise, contact Margot Tisher: Phone (08) 8362 3122 Mobile: 0407 790 360 Email:: [email protected]
margott tishe
h r@a
@ wbm
b com au

Galli Review Wine 100 Aug 2009

Transcription

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