Galli Review Wine 100 Aug 2009
Transcription
Galli Review Wine 100 Aug 2009
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 Email [email protected] 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 Email [email protected] 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $485.00 St Hallett Old Block Shiraz Vintage 2006 RRP $80.00 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. Vintage 2004 RRP $600.00 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. Vintage 2006 RRP $100.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $230.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $121.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $46.00 100 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. www.clarendonhills.com.au 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $58.00 Vintage 2007 RRP $35.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $80.00 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 Vintage 2001 RRP $80.00 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. www.mitolowines.com.au 100 100 Brown Brothers Patricia Shiraz Radford Shiraz Vintage 2006 RRP $38.00 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 Vintage 2005 RRP $55.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $75.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $30.00 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: Vintage 2005 RRP $85.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $38.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $28.00 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. Vintage 2008 RRP $38.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $20.00 100 Luke Lambert Syrah 93 points Vintage 2007 RRP $35.00 100 Vintage 2007 RRP $52.00 80 100 How is the 1 in 100 wine chosen? Vintage 2007 RRP $42.00 93 points 92 points 80 Shiraz & Blends Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Vineyard Shiraz August 2009 5 100 100 Vintage 2006 RRP $27.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $36.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $20.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $30.00 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 www.mitolowines.com.au 100 100 Montara Shiraz Vintage 2007 RRP $22.00 Vintage 2006 RRP $22.00 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. Vintage 2004 RRP $40.00 Vintage 2007 RRP $28.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $25.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $30.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $23.00 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 Vintage 2005 RRP $18.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $15.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $75.00 Vintage 2008 RRP $14.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $28.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $20.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $18.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $30.00 Vintage 2008 RRP $31.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $32.00 94 points Vintage 2008 RRP $28.00 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 Vintage 2009 RRP $8.33 Vasse Felix Chardonnay 93 points Vintage 2008 RRP $25.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $22.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $30.00 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 Vintage 2005 RRP $55.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $48.00 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 Vintage 2005 RRP $36.00 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. Vintage 2007 RRP $60.00 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 Vintage 2009 RRP $22.00 Barwang Tumbarumba Pinot Gris Vintage 2008 RRP $20.00 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 Vintage 2009 RRP $15.00 Montana Reserve Pinot Gris Vintage 2008 RRP $19.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $22.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $19.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $40.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $23.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $23.00 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. Vintage 2008 RRP $18.00 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 Vintage 2000 RRP $195.00 97 Vinaceous Snake Charmer Shiraz points Vintage 2007 RRP $25.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $35.00 Vintage 2009 RRP $12.50 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 Vintage 2009 RRP $16.00 Vintage 2007 RRP $20.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $28.00 Vintage 2008 RRP $16.00 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 www.rathbonewinegroup.com ...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 Vintage 2007 RRP $18.00 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. www.rathbonewinegroup.com 92 points 80 Spring Vale Pinot Noir 93 Vintage 2006 RRP $46.00 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 blind mice • aberdeen wine company • ada river vineyard • amphora wine group • anvers wines • arh aust wine co • arrivo • 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thst stat ate food & beverage • st ohns road • stanton a and killeen wines tapestry wines terrace nd k nd il i lle leen n w ine in es s • t ap a pe es st tr ry w wi in ne e es s • te t er rr rac ac ce e vale val va le e • the th th he e creek cr re ee station • the lane thirsty lizard • thomas wines thompson estate torzi matthews troll creek ho om ma as w ine nes • th ho om mp ps son on e stat st te • to t orz rzi ma m a at tthe tt hews ws • t rol ro ll l c reek • tuesner • turkey flat re ineyard • twinwoods • t twofold wines ulithorne veronique wines vincognita wines • west cape howe wof wo fo old old d w ines s • u li ithor rne ne • v ve eron er oniq i ue e w in i n nes es s • v in i n nc cogni gnita w i westend wines • whistler wines whole bunch wines wine fusion yabby lake vineyard • yelland and is stle tl ler w in i nes s • w hole hole e b unch h w ines in es • w i e fu in fusi sion • y sio si ab bby by l ake ak ke v i Spend $75, make a million Is your shoddy yb bottle ottle ph photography hottograph hy ccosting osting you money? ? If you want quality digital images, suitable for your tasting notes or website, give FRP a call. For just $75+gst per photo, we’ll supply a quality high resolution soldier shot of your bottle. Post your bottles to: FRP Bottle Photography, 37 Fullarton Road, Kent Town, Adelaide, SA 5067 Phone 08 8362 3122 Fax 08 8363 6822 Email [email protected] Web www.freerunpress.com.au Charges apply for bottle return. Pinot Noir / Merlot August 2009 13 100 100 Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Pinot Noir Vintage 2008 RRP $36.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $30.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $28.00 Vintage 2007 RRP $30.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $25.00 Invivo Pinot Noir 90 Vintage 2008 RRP $32.00 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 www.clarendonhills.com.au 14 Merlot / Other Reds August 2009 Pikes The Dogwalk Cabernet Merlot 100 Vintage 2007 RRP $19.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $49.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $20.00 Vintage 2008 RRP $22.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $49.00 Vintage 2007 RRP $23.00 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 Vintage 2005 RRP $135.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $30.00 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 Want to know what’s happening in the wine industry? Sick to death of boring e-newsletters? Subscribe to WBM’s FREE weekly e-report The Week That Was and get all the relevant news without the yawn. Visit www.awbm.com.au and click on The Week That Was Other Reds / Sweet & Fortified Wines August 2009 15 100 100 Stanton & Killeen The Prince Reserva Vintage 2008 RRP $45.00 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 Vintage 2008 RRP $21.00 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 Vintage 2007 RRP $41.00 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. Vintage 2008 RRP $22.00 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) Vintage 2008 RRP $19.00 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 Vintage 2006 RRP $80.00 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. www.eurocentricwine.com.au 100 Vintage 2005 RRP $20.00 89 100 De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon (375ml) points Vintage 2007 RRP $30.00 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) Vintage 2007 RRP $93.00 Massena Barbera Vintage 2008 RRP $23.00 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. www.eurocentricwine.com.au 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 Photography by Mark Chew 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 Photography by Mark Chew 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 Photography by Mark Chew 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 Photography by Mark Chew 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 Photography by Mark Chew 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 E: [email protected] Champagne, Burgundy, Chablis, Beaujolais, German riesling, NZ and South African boutiques, chosen by wine lovers for wine lovers P: 0405 232349 E: [email protected] W: www.eurocentricwine.com.au Wines of Purity, Elegance and Power PO Box 520, Virginia, SA, 5120 P: 08 8282 9000 E: [email protected] 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 E: [email protected] 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 E: [email protected] 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 E: [email protected] 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 E: [email protected] 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 E: [email protected] W: www.heathcotewinery.com.au Consistently achieving high ratings for its Heathcote wines from domestic and international wine writers P: 03 9646 6661 E: [email protected] 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 E: [email protected] 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 E: [email protected] Let our cellar door be your entry into the world of wines 108 Warren Road HEATHCOTE VIC 3523 P 03 5433 2772 E: [email protected] 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