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REPORT 2014
A TASTING MASTER CLASS FEATURED 11 WINESA WORLD OF WINE ON SHOW 2012 Margaret River Small Batch Cabernet Blend (Cab/Merlot/CabWINESTATE MAGAZINE again played a pivotal magazine and a wine list featuring detailed Franc/Petit Verdot)role in promoting the Australian and New Zealand information of all wines presented.wine industries at the year’s biggest international Guests were extremely positive about the Australian 2007 Zitta Greenock Shiraz Singlewine expo - Vinitaly. wines, with comments including “amazing”, “unlike Vineyard Barossa ValleyThe week-long show, aimed at the world wine anything from Italy or France”, “I did not realiseindustry, is held annually in the Italian city of Verona that Australia made wines of this quality” and most 2001 Courabyra 805 Tumbarumbaduring the northern hemisphere spring. commonly “where can I buy these wines in my Sparkling Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier,Last year’s expo attracted 4200 producers from country”. They were also impressed with the distinct Chardonnayaround the world and featured 30,000 individual regional styles and discussion also centred onwines. More than 150,000 registered guests, climate, irrigation, screw cap-V-cork as well as some 2010 Montara Grampians Shirazincluding professional buying groups, sommeliers, quite enthusiastic debate regarding alcohol content.restaurant and hotel owners, again from around Every guest who tried the wine selection was 2010 Ceravolo Adelaide Plains 2010the world, attended the expo. Over half were from impressed by the quality and surprised at the low Petit Verdotoutside Italy. price. Many guests attached to the hospitalityWinestate magazine was the only Australian industry (particularly those from Italy) indicated 2011 Gartelmann Mudgee Old Vineorganisation to present a selection of Australian- they would like to feature Australian or New Zealand Shirazproduced wines for tasting. Titled The Amazing wines on their menus but there was no distributorBoutique Wines of Australia, 50 guests from available to buy from. 2010 Colonial Estate Barossa Shirazcountries as diverse as Italy, Russia, Belarus, Featured wines which attracted much interestPoland, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Japan, Korea, included Victorian riesling and chardonnay, and 2011 Colonial Estate BarossaNorway Slovenia, the Czech Republic, UK, US, South Australian sauvignon blanc. A number of Cabernet SauvignonChina and Canada, tasted feature wines during European-based buyers focused on the riesling,the two-hour tasting. Italian-speaking staff assisted a trend that has not happened in previous editions 2010 Parous McLaren Vale Shirazwith translation during the presentation and each of Vinitaly. Perhaps southern Europe is a possibleguest was presented with copies of Winestate target market for riesling! 2012 Tontino Estate Chardonnay 2012 Peter Lehmann Futures Shiraz Winestate will again be at Vinitaly 2015. The dates are from 22-25 March, 2015 in Verona, Italy. www.vinitaly.com/EN
n erewleasesthe best wines of 2014contentsIncludes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends,Riesling & Blends, Semillon & Blends, Chardonnay, Other Red Varietals &Blends, Pinot Noir, Grenache & Blends, Cabernet Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon,Shiraz Blends, Shiraz, Sweet White & Fortified.
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new releasessparkling Veuve Tailhan Brut Matahiwi Estate Hastwell & Wise Leaf Series Yealands Estate France Blanc de Wairarapa Pinot Lightfoot McLaren Pemberton Single Block L5Taltarni Methode Blanc NV HHHH Gris 2013 HHHH Vale Vermentino Sauvignon Blanc Awatere ValleyTraditionnelle Yeasty nose with A golden wine that 2014 HHHH 2013 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon BlancBlanc de Blancs a lovely lift of smells of cut pears Nice savouriness A very classy fume 2014 HHHH2011 HHHH1/2 white florals. Well- with lovely intensity to the nose and style, with a balanced A clean balanced styleA lovely complexity constructed palate with and length of beautifully structured complexity of smoky/ with good intensityof dense varietal fine mousse and purity interesting botrytis- palate with fruit toasty characters, to the varietal fruitfruit and yeasty of honeyed citrus fruit like flavours. “Serve running all the way vibrant varietal fruit, aromas and nice citrusaromas, with a very flavours. $16.95 chilled.” $19.99 through. “It’s crying creamy mouthfeel and notes to the freshalert, fresh and lively out for food,” said one a good acid/tannin grassy and lantanapalate full of excellent other white Art Wine Clare judge. $22 combination. $28 bush flavours. $35green fruit flavours varietals & blends Valley Fiano 2013 Murray Street Qiwila Chile Sidewood Adelaideunderscored by crisp HHHH Vineyards MSV Sauvignon Blanc Hills Sauvignonacid backbone. $26 Villa Maria A stylish wine, with a Barossa Viognier 2013 HHHH1/2 Blanc 2014 HHHHMcLaren Vale III Cellar Selection lovely perfumed lift to the Marsanne Similar to a big ripe Smells of fresh cutAssociates Squid Marlborough Pinot sweet and spicy nose, 2013 HHHH New Zealand style of grass and nettles. AInk McLaren Vale Gris 2014 HHHH1/2 and nice intensity of floral Nose is pungent and sauvignon blanc with lively palate that hasSparkling Shiraz Ripe and fat with a Turkish Delight flavours perfumed with nice a powerful, pungent, a nice flavour lengthNV HHHH1/2 touch of residual sugar and bright acid. $25 length of tropical herbaceous/tropical with natural acidityA classic sparkling balanced by crisp stonefruit flavors on nose and intensely adding some lovelyshiraz style, with acidity. Smells of green Swings & the medium bodied flavoured and complex texture. $20lovely depth and apples and stonefruit Roundabouts palate and some palate. Good level of Villa Mariaconcentration of and has lovely fruit Margaret River savoury notes. $25 phenolics. $6.99 Early Releaserich, ripe, cherry-like sweetness on the long Chenin Blanc Sileni Cellar Marlboroughfruit and plenty of balanced palate. $25 2014 HHHH sauvignon Selection Sauvignon Blancserious oak, with good Heritage Estate Lemon characters blanc & blends Marlborough 2014 HHHHbalance of tannins. Petite White dominate the nose Sauvignon Blanc Very varietal with spicy“A big, flavoursome Granite Belt and has a citrus driven Ara Single Estate 2014 HHHH1/2 herbaceous aromas andmouthful”. $55 Frontignac palate with some nice Marlborough Pungent herbaceous zingy citrus palate. GoodMallee Estate 2013 HHHH spiciness. “A fault free Sauvignon Blanc nose showing good drinking now. $NARiverland SA Lifted musky lychee white,” according to 2012 HHHHH varietal expression. Churchview EstateMoscato aromas and an excellent one judge. $22 A rich, ripe and upfront Crisp and clean in the Margaret River2013 HHHH spicy fruit palate with style of sauvignon mouth with hints of Sauvignon BlancA vibrant, fresh and tight fresh acid spine. Staete Landt blanc, with lovely lifted, residual sugar but well- Semillonlively wine. It is sweet Would go well with a Marlborough melon pulp aromas and balanced by the racy 2014 HHHHbut balanced with a nice Thai curry. $20 Viognier 2013 excellent depth and acidity. $17.95 Interesting cut grass/spicy lift to it. “If you like Heritage Estate HHHH complexity of retained Yealands Estate asparagus nose with amoscato you will love Petite White Some spiced pear-like herbal fruit flavours. Single Vineyard powerful herbaceousthis one,” suggested Muscat a Petits aromas obvious on the Drink now. $19.95 S1 Awatere Valley lift. Spicy balancedone judge. $11 Grains Granite Belt nose and great length Sauvignon Blanc palate with lingeringAkarua Muscat 2013 HHHH and intensity of pear, 2014 HHHH1/2 tropical flavours. $20Bannockburn Described as, “a citrus and earthy-like “Best of the New Kiwi WalkCentral Otago painted lady” by one flavour profile. $39 Zealand styles,” thought MarlboroughVintage Brut judge. Elegant and one judge. Has a big Sauvignon Blanc2010 HHHH fruity with a perfumed/ kick of varietal fruit on 2013 HHHHA complexity of yeasty/ rose petal bouquet the nose and elegant Typical lychee/herbal-Vegemite-like aromas and great flavour flavour profile on the like sauvignon blancand a complexity of persistence. $20 powerful and very giving aromas, with a palatenicely aged flavours Millbrook Margaret palate. $35 showing an abundancewith plenty of acid to River Vermentino Peter Yealands of balanced, zesty,balance. $45 NZ 2013 HHHH Reserve herbal, varietalTaltarni Methode A simple, light, crunchy Marlborough flavours. $14.95Traditionnelle style with lightly spicy Sauvignon Blanc Rapaura SpringsSparkling Shiraz perfumed aromas and 2014 HHHH Marlborough2012 HHHH lovely expression of Lifted pungent grassy/ Sauvignon BlancA big lift of fresh ripe varietal fruit on a long herbal bouquet and a 2013 HHHHmulberries and sour elegant palate. $22 punchy well-rounded Rich varietal nose -cherry fragrances on the palate with good quite pungent, withnose, and a stylish palate varietal expression and excellent spicy herbalwith good fruit weight; excellent level of acidity. flavours and finishingnot too sweet. $26 $20.99 NZ with a great hit of crisp acid. $18.99 NZ Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 105
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new releasesRapaura riesling & blends Ryder Watervale Taylors St Andrews Brygon Reserve The Flying HighSprings Reserve Clare Valley Single Vineyard Bruce Margaret MargaretMarlborough Riesling 2014 Release Clare River Semillon River SemillonSauvignon Blanc HHHH Valley Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc2013 HHHH Nose shows a lovely 2013 HHHH 2014 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHHFull pungent fruit salad- floral lift with a nice A sound, well-made Water white wine with A nose of greenlike aromas. It’s soft in dash of spices. Lots wine that’s fresh, tropical fragrances mangoes and kiwi fruit.the mouth and loaded of zesty, cool climate, light and flinty, with and upfront fresh and Flavoursome, fleshy,with lovely flavours, lemony flavours with a a dash of spice and delicate passionfruit fruit-driven palatewith good balance of crisp clean finish. $14 showing slight spritzig characters with flavours with a touch of spice.tannins. $22.99 NZ Taylors Clare Valley characters with some that linger the length of Drink now or hold for Riesling 2014 HHHH zippy acidity. $35 the palate. Good acid complexity to evolve.Greenpiper Wines Light lemon juice Swan Haven spine. $19.99 $19.99Table Talk Margaret fragrances and an Reserve VictoriaRiver Sauvignon austere elegant lemon/ Riesling Fermoy Estate chardonnayBlanc Semillon lime palate with a tart Gewurztraminer Margaret River 2013-20122012 HHHH finish. “Put it away,” 2013 HHHH Semillon 2013Nicely crafted wine, suggested one judge. A slightly “grapey” HHHH1/2 Taylors St Andrewswith pleasant green style. Lovely fresh, “Definitely smells Single Vineyardtobacco leaf-like 5+ $19 spicy, tropical lift to like a mown lawn,” Release Clarearomas and attractive Richard Hamilton the nose and slightly said one judge. The Valley Chardonnayspicy green fruit Watervale Clare sweet but balanced palate is stylish and 2013 HHHHHpalate, with good acid Valley Riesling palate. Needs to be seamlessly balanced Beautifully complexsupport. $10.99 2014 HHHH served chilled. $18 and delivers developing oaky nose with lovely Delicate balance soft creamy flavours hazelnut overtones. ThePeter Lehmann of floral and citrus semillon & blends with a firm finish. Drink classy palate is very wellWigan Eden Valley aromas with a zippy now! $25 structured and displaysRiesling 2009 acid palate that’s fresh Peter Lehmann great depth of hazelnutHHHHH Ducketts Mill with lime flavours and Margaret Barossa McGuigan Bin and honeycomb flavoursA classic toasty/ Denmark Riesling some residual sugar to Semillon 2009 Series 9000 Hunter with great use of oak.honeyed aged riesling, 2012 HHHHH balance. $19.95 HHHHH Valley Semillon $40with an “awesome” A complex compilation An iridescent golden 2014 HHHH Paringa Estatenose and great length of mineral and lime The Roustabout green, with developed, “The winemaker Morningtonof austere toasty, blossom-like aromas. Owners Range toasty, buttery has shown great Peninsula Estatebuttery lime flavours Supple palate texture Mount Barker characters on the nose understanding and Chardonnay 2012with good acid and full of Turkish Riesling 2013 HHHH and a classic toasty/ expression of the HHHHHbackbone. “A gem,” Delight-like characters. Lovely lifted perfumed citrus semillon palate, varietal fruit,” said one Attractive aromas ofaccording to one “Good for its age and nose with underlying with lovely balance judge. Will be very honeycomb, peachesjudge. $32 vintage, and drinking toastiness. Good line from the gentle interesting in a few and cream. Palate very well.” $16 of tight lime flavours acidity. $32 years. 5+ $13 has excellent depth on the crunchy palate Forester Estate and length of toasty Gotham Clare with the oak adding Margaret Frog Belly Margaret oak flavours nicely Valley Riesling complexity. $32.99 River Semillon River Semillon balanced by the ripe 2013 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc varietal fruit and has an A decent example 2013 HHHH1/2 2013 HHHH astringent finish. $35 of the variety, with Nose is a lovely fresh Green Lantana Paringa Estate classic lime/floral lift of canned peas bush-like bouquet Peninsula characters on both the and characteristic and a complexity of Mornington nose and palate, and herbaceous fruit. herbaceous flavours Peninsula hugely complex with Stylish and very in the stalky green Chardonnay steely acidity threading flavoursome palate, spectrum. Very well 2012 HHHH1/2 through. “Built for with some residual made. 3-5 $18 Classy peach fruit, longevity.” $14 sugar balanced by the fresh nuts and some acid. $23.99 toffee notes lift off the star ratings Eldredge Clare Pokolbin Estate nose and the tight, Valley Semillon Phil Swannell elegant oaky palate hasThree-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of Sauvignon Blanc Hunter Valley delicate cedary/citrusexcellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill. 2014 HHHH1/2 Semillon flavours with nice nuttyAll wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry Rich and flavoursome 2013 HHHH length. $22professionals and are compared in peer wine with subtle An alert young lemonyclasses by three judges. passionfruit aromas Hunter style; veryCM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, and an elegant flavoursome witha major mail-order business. palate with lingering ageing potential.CD Cellar door price. passionfruit and citrus “Would go well withCDO Cellar door only. flavours and very oysters,” suggestedSO Sold out. precise lemon acidity. one judge. $25$N/A Price not available at time of printing. 3-5 $20 Contact information pg 190. RECOMMENDED cellaring (years).106 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
new releasesSpring Vale The Big Easy The FarrierReserve Freycinet Margaret River PadthawayCoast Chardonnay Chardonnay Chardonnay2012 HHHHH 2012 HHHH1/2 2013 HHHHPale gold wine with Oaky, toasty, hazelnut A complex, spicy,green tinges. Very fragrances. Silky in the nutty, light apricotoaky nose, with mouth with upfront bouquet and greatgolden syrup-like sweet nectarine/lemon persistence of creamytouches. Plenty of oak flavours with pleasant stonefruit flavoursinfluence on a punchy nutty toasty edge. Just with attractive residualpalate that’s long, mellowing and drinking sugar notes. $17.99nicely textured and well now. $16.99complex. $40Gibbston Hollick Bond AshwoodHighgate Estate Road Coonawarra Estate GisborneHeartbreaker Chardonnay ChardonnayCentral Otago 2012 HHHH1/2 2013 HHHHChardonnay Stylish, elegant, cool Elegant honeyed2012 HHHHH climate, citrus-like melon-like varietalAn old fashioned style varietal fruit obvious fruit with good usethat’s developing here seamlessly of toasty cedary oak.unctuous buttery integrated with lovely Some residual sugarripe fruit aromas toasty oak. Silky with balancing acidity.and offering a lovely smooth mouthfeel.mouthful of peaches Light phenolics adding 3-5 $29 NZand citrus fruit complexity. $28 Eldridge Estateexpression layered Clairault Margaret Red Hillwith cashews. $25 NZ River Chardonnay MorningtonCrossroads 2012 HHHH1/2 PeninsulaWinemakers An inviting stylish ChardonnayCollection Hawkes wine smelling of 2012 HHHHBay NZ Chardonnay butterscotch and lime. Toasty barrel ferment2012 HHHH1/2 Fresh and creamy in aromas and a fullLovely layers of the mouth with lovely flavoured, ripe orchardsavoury/toasty/lemon peach/citrus flavours fruit of a palate withfruit on the nose. and excellent oak good balance ofExcellent balance treatment. $27 residual sugar andand depth of soft Pocketwatch acidity. $40lemon fruit on a well- Central Ranges Peter Lehmannstructured palate. Chardonnay H&V Eden ValleyExcellent length and 2013 HHHH Chardonnaysoftness. $39.95 An elegant, youthful 2013 HHHH and refreshing Very approachable, chardonnay with plenty elegant but complex of citrus/stonefruit-like style. Minerally, citrus varietal characters and aromas with slight subtle natural acidity. toastiness which is echoed on the 5+ $16.99 flavoursome palate. $22 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 107
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new releasesBirds of a Feather Grant Burge Botham Merrill Jane Brook Prancing HorseHummingbird Summers Barossa Willis McLaren Vale Estate Shovelgate Estate CentralSeries Margaret Chardonnay Chardonnay 2010 Vineyard Margaret Victoria NebbioloRiver Chardonnay 2013 HHHH HHHH River Malbec 2009 HHHH2012 HHHH A very well-crafted An abundance of nutty 2013 HHHH Smells tarry andA solid oak nose with wine with a light and oak here but there is Pretty perfumed/ chocolaty and has aa line of lemon-like lifted peachy/bacon also plenty of sweet violet aromas with a big, firm, tannic palatecharacters and nutmeg nose and attractive varietal fruit to support palate that has some but is showing finesse.and spices giving a peach/citrus flavours. it and a good line of well-handled fresh oak Plenty of sweet rednice twist to the fresh “Very nice,” said one crisp acid to balance complimenting the soft fruits and grippyfruit flavours. $19.99 judge. $27.45 it. $27 sweet spicy fruit. $35 acidity. $50Brygon Reserve Eldredge VineyardsBin 868 Margaret Silkwood other red JD Clare Valley Ceravolo AdelaideRiver Chardonnay Pemberton varietals & blends Sangiovese Plains Petit Verdot2012 HHHH Chardonnay 2012 HHHH 2011 HHHHOak evident here, 2012 HHHH Handcrafted Fox Gordon The Savoury nose - one A wine with greatbut not overdone and A nicely structured by Geoff Hardy Sicilian Adelaide judge suggesting it length and generositywell matched by ripe wine with great oak/ Limestone Coast Hills Nero D’Avola was a little like peanut and ageing gracefully.stonefruit varietal fruit balance. Subtle Lagrein 2012 HHHH1/2 paste. Excellent fresh Dark chocolate andcharacters with good aromas and persistent 2012 HHHHH Intense inky/aniseed spicy/savoury palate, small berry fruitlevel of acidity at the peaches and cream A huge oaky style with aromas, with hints of warming with good characters with aback. $19.99 flavours with a citrussy lovely depth of big ripe chocolate and dates. tannic grip. $22 savoury note. $22Bowen Estate spine. $19 sweet fruit balanced A delicious, long, Morris of Nepenthe AltitudeCoonawarra Coppabella with furry tannins. A chocolaty, plum pudding Rutherglen The Adelaide HillsChardonnay Vineyards The Crest very classy wine that, of a palate, sweet but Criollo Victoria Tempranillo2013 HHHH Single Vineyard according to one judge, in balance. “Delicious Malbec 2012 HHHH 2013 HHHHA classic chablis Tumbarumba “Needs to be drunk overall,” thought one A well-made wine with A lovely “happy” wine;aperitif style, with good Chardonnay 2012 with a big steak”. judge. $19.95 a very attractive nose very well-made and fullamount of buttery, HHHH Leconfield smelling of violets and of rich, spicy berry fruitssweet/sour fruit and A complex oak-driven 5+ $30 Coonawarra Merlot mulberries and a palate with fine balancingpleasant cashew, oak chardonnay - “but 2013 HHHH1/2 of dark fruits with firm tannins and firm acidity.influence. Good ageing not over the top,” McGuigan Huge ripe bouquet tannins. Has potential.potential. $24 according to one judge. The Shortlist smelling of black 3-5 $22Coppabella Sweet oak aromas Barossa Valley cherries and plums 5+ $20 Shot in the DarkVineyards and toasty/lemon tart Montepulciano with violet overtones. Forester Estate Australia ShirazSingle Vineyard flavours. $30 2013 HHHH1/2 Pristine, velvety Margaret River Petit SirahTumbarumba A simple but “happy” smooth, palate with Alicante 2013 HHHHChardonnay Trentham Family wine as described by nicely retained spicy 2011 HHHH Shows much promise.2012 HHHH Reserve Tasmania one judge. It’s spicy, plum flavours. Excellent A very vibrant Lovely dark, juicy,Nose of creamy Chardonnay vibrant, rich and fleshy oak to balance. wine - powerful yet licoricey fruit. “Eithercomplexity, with red apple 2013 HHHH with beautiful sweet restrained, with lovely serve with food or putnotes. Intense sweet/sour Toasty sweet nutty berry fruit and some 5+ $24.95 fruit cake aromas and it away in the cellar,”balance to the tight palate. aromas and soft and mouth puckering Quilty Silken an intense, savoury advised the judges.“Acid is lovely”, noted one flavoursome palate tannins. 5+ $28 Thread Mudgee palate that’s loadedjudge. $20 offering a lovely long Petit Verdot with oak. $39.99 5+ $9.99Sanguine Estate lingering mouthful of Cirami Estate 2013 HHHH1/2 Parous BarossaHeathcote nutty citrus flavours. Saperavi 2013 A well-made wine with Valley TempranilloChardonnay HHHH1/2 a dark floral varietal 2012 HHHH2013 HHHH 3-5 $26 Intense crimson nose showing a A huge wine - vergingA ‘serious’ wine colour, with very deep, perfumed lift. Soft and on porty but verywith toasty oak and brooding, berry fruit elegant palate and full varietal, with loads ofbutterscotch-like nose and big, bold, of fresh fruit flavours spicy, savoury, darkaromas and with a nice tannic palate, with a supported by a fine fruit characters edgedlength of honeyed fruit nice creamy texture tannic structure. $28 with a dash of whiteflavours. Good acid and layered with fresh pepper. $28balance. $20 fruit and well-handled J Petrucci & SonMaxwell Adelaide oak. $18 McLaren ValeHills Chardonnay Colorino2013 HHHH Qiwila Chile Merlot 2013 HHHHA rich butterscotch 2012 HHHH1/2 Nice vibrancy, lengthbouquet with some “Lovely fresh drinking and concentration oflovely sweet creamy here,” said one judge. ripe sweet plum fruitapricot/melon fruit This wine offers characters on both theflavours showing a nice aromas of red berries lifted nose and finelyvanillin oak edge. $25 and licorice and fills the structured palate. mouth with soft velvety $29.99 dark fruit flavours with an attractive savoury edge. $6.99108 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new releases TerraVin Pinot Noir Kiwi Walk Vinrock McLaren Copia Western 2012 HHHH1/2 Marlborough Pinot Vale Grenache Australia Cabernet A developing gamey/ Noir 2012 HHHH 2013 HHHH Merlot 2013 HHHH wild cherry bouquet Nice varietal aromas Sweet and youthful, Attractive youthful with a medium bodied of cherries and rhubarb. earthy raspberry aromas. example of this palate that has a good Well-structured palate, Excellent depth and style with fresh mouthful of beetroot with a complexity length of spicy fruit vibrant aromas and and rhubarb-like of excellent vibrant pastille flavours on a well- flavours of plums and flavours with a nice varietal fruit flavours. structured palate. $22 small berries with drying tannic finish. Firm finish. $21.95 J Petrucci & Son background oak. $39.95 NZ Tinpot Hut McLaren Vale Akarua RUA Marlborough Pinot G.S.M. 2012 HHHH 3-5 $18.95 Central Otago Noir 2012 HHHH Dense inky aromas Pinot Noir Developed leathery and a seamless palate Ryan’s Reserve 2013 HHHH characters add of flavoursome red Langhorne Creek Perfumed dark cherry complexity to the lovely fruits with lovely tight Cabernet Shiraz nose with subtle spicy varietal fruit tannins. Will be great 2012 HHHH menthol notes and nose with an elegance drinking in time. An excellent style nice dark cherry of spicy varietal fruit with a lovely seamless fruit expression on flavours. $25 NZ 5+ $29.99 balance between the the palate with soft Mt Difficulty Single Pertaringa Two cassis fruit characters tannins. A keeper. Vineyard Long Gentlemen’s and spicy new oak. $28.50 NZ Gully Bannockburn McLaren Vale Great structure and Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH Grenache texture. 5+ $48 A complexity of 2012 HHHHBeresford Beacon Gibbston Highgate varietal fruit, toasty oak “A top wine,” noted TaylorsHill South Australia Estate Soultaker and powdery tannins. one judge. It’s soft Winemaker’sMerlot 2013 HHHH Central Otago Elegant nose - hints of and generous with Project ClareLovely vibrant red, Pinot Noir 2012 caramel and chocolate youthful berry aromas Valley Cabernetmedium-bodied wine, HHHHH and persistent and beautifully fleshy Sauvignon Merlotdark plum fruit aromas A faultless wine flavours. $89.95 NZ and flavoursome fruit Malbec Cabernetand flavours showing with intense colour palate. $26 Franc Shiraz 2013freshness and and velvety smooth grenache & blends HHHHexcellent balanced aromas. Excellent cabernet blends Nose not giving a lotsweetness. $11.90 persistence of dark The Winery Door away; some hints creamy cherry varietal McLaren Vale G.S.M. Whiskey Gully of spices and berrypinot noir fruit flavours filling the 2013 HHHH1/2 Wines Rep Red fruits. Powerful palate mouth and balanced Savoury toasty oak Granite Belt with upfront richRockburn Central with vanilla oak. $39 NZ dominates the nose at Cabernet Shiraz mouthfilling spicyOtago Pinot Noir the moment and has a 2012 HHHH1/2 blackberry flavours. $252012 HHHHH Villa Maria rich, dense fruit-driven An elegant mediumLifted herbal nose with Cellar Selection Mt Difficulty palate showing good bodied classic Aussie Sedona Estate Yeahints of spices and Marlborough Pinot Bannockburn Pinot blending. Needs time blend with a generous Valley Cabernetbeetroot and intense, Noir 2012 HHHH1/2 to reach its best. amount of brooding Merlot 2012 HHHHcomplex upfront A well-made savoury spicy berry/plum fruit. Old-fashioned,raspberry/mushroom- style wine that 5+ $10 Rich aromas and chocolaty style;like flavours. Still quite needs more time. silky smooth in the rich, soft and veryyouthful. This wine has Spicy varietal fruit, mouth. $25 approachable, withclass, length and lovely hints of tobacco leaf, Robertson of Clare savoury elements andsoftness. $49.99 some earthiness Max V Clare Valley nice texture and and powerful acidity. Cabernet Blend length. $24 Has good cellaring 2012 HHHH potential. Noir 2012 HHHH A tightly wound dark MajellaThe Malleea Good varietal nose berry nose and supple Coonawarra 3-5 $28.99 NZ with spicy rhubarb palate with plumy Cabernet Shiraz characters. Fresh and fruit ripeness flowing 2010 HHHH Delta Marlborough flavoursome palate through and soaking up Dark, velvety and ageing Pinot Noir with elegant earthy the oak. More time. $65 nicely. Well maintained 2012 HHHH1/2 sour cherry/plum mulberry fruit with “This wine has power flavours. 5+ $NA balancing oak and yet poise,” commented tannins. Still youthful one judge. Shows K1 by Geoff Hardy with a future. $75 lovely complexity of Adelaide Hills Pinot primary fruit, nutty oak Noir 2013 HHHH underscored by some Huge dense porty nose bottle age characters. and big mocha and It’s soft and long. $24 NZ berry palate - youthful with nice integration of stalky/savoury/cedary flavours. 5+ $35 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 109
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new releasescabernet sauvignon Claymore Wines Ryder Clare Kirrihill Regional2013-2012 Bittersweet Valley Cabernet Range Clare Valley Symphony Clare Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Valley Cabernet 2013 HHHH 2012 HHHH Sauvignon 2012 Nice fresh varietal lift A youthful, full-bodied HHHHH to the sweet fruit nose. wine, with lovely Very ripe cabernet Tightly structured lush balance of style - classy. Intense palate with lovely fresh fragrant menthol, ripe varietal notes on the fruit and balancing oak. blackcurrant fruit and nose, with hints of Just needs time. $14 grippy tannins. Needs caramel and nougat. Gapsted Hidden time. $16 Good fruit weight on Story South the lovely palate, with Australia Victoria seamless balance from Cabernet Sauvignon the powerful oak. $22 2012 HHHH An elegant cool climate style of cabernet showing dark berry fruits with spicy overtones and plenty of oak. Needs more cellaring. $135171 McLaren Lloyd Brothers Terramore For Flints Gammon’s Eldredge MollydookerVale Cabernet McLaren Vale The Love of Wine Crossing Vineyards RL Clare Gigglepot McLarenSauvignon 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra Coonawarra Valley Cabernet Vale CabernetHHHHH 2012 HHHHH Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon 2012 SauvignonLovely dark red wine Deep crimson wine, Sauvignon 2012 2012 HHHH1/2 HHHH 2012 HHHHwith a very varietal with a beautiful dark, HHHH1/2 A beautiful wine - big, Smells of fruit pastilles “A power wine!” saidnose that’s all berries, brooding, berry/oak Lifted savoury and ripe, rich and minty underscored by sweet one judge. Loads ofcassis fruit and mint nose. Super palate, slightly earthy aromas with a strong primary oak with sweet ripe very rich, lifted ripe fruit/with a good level great structure and with a touch of herbs fruit nose and nice long fruit and toasty oak vanillin oak aromas.of oak. A seamless very flavoursome, with and dash of spices. varietal palate, cleverly flavours and good level Super fruit/oak palate.palate rich with attractive fruit and tight Nicely drying tannins oaked with a soft of drying tannins. $28 Very regional. $50intense fruit flavours. tannins. Needs more on the rich palate with tannin profile. Needs Deep WoodsFine tannin structure. time. $60 excellent persistance more cellaring. $22 Swings & Estate Shiraz et Harrington Glen of lovely dark fruit Capel Vale Black Roundabouts al Margaret River 5+ $12.99 Estate Cabernet flavours. $25 Label Margaret Backyard Stories Shiraz 2012 HHHH Sauvignon Taylors Reserve River Cabernet Margaret River Intense purple/redK1 by Geoff 2012 HHHHH Parcel Clare Sauvignon 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon wine. Nose loadedHardy Adelaide Gorgeous aromas of Valley Cabernet HHHH1/2 2012 HHHH with ripe fruit and tarryHills Cabernet herbs and tobacco, with Sauvignon 2013 Lovely dense purple Minty berry bouquet oak aromas. ComplexSauvignon 2012 hints of tomato leaf. HHHH1/2 wine with excellent with a delicate violet palate of nectarineHHHHH “A complete palate,” A very classy, tightly rich blackcurrant and lift. Palate shows good fruit, tarry oak andBeautiful crimson according to one judge- structured, cabernet mulberry-like fruit weight of berry fruit grippy tannins.purple wine with a of sweet fruit, lively that offers excellent characters seamlessly flavours with chocolatydense concentration of oak, plenty of alcohol cellaring potential. integrated with sweet tannins to balance. $39 5+ $20sweet oak, cassis and and tight tannins. A Smells of blackberries fresh oak. Another one Paxton Winesblackberry fruit aromas. great drink! $20 with a hint of mint. for the cellar. $48.99 Forester Estate MV McLaren ValeLovely freshness and Lovely depth of pristine Margaret River Shiraz 2012 HHHHstrength to the long clean varietal flavours. Cabernet Rich, sweet, reddark fruit-driven palate. Sauvignon berry fruit, with the 5+ $25 2012 HHHH fresh new oak adding 5+ $35 A menthol driven nose complexity. The very with hints of spices classy palate has a and herbs. A powerful long, tight structure. well-structured sweet dark berry palate with 3-5 $20 a delicious flavour profile. $37.99 GMH South Australia Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 HHHH Warm and rich with dark ripe fruit, big round tannins, clever use of oak and a solid acid backbone. Very young, needs more time. $20110 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new releasesKalleske Eduard Mitchelton Central Patrick of shiraz blends The Winery Door Geoff MerrillOld Vine Barossa Victoria Cabernet Coonawarra McLaren Vale Bush VineValley Shiraz 2012 Sauvignon 2011 Grande Reserve K1 by Geoff Shiraz Merlot 2013 McLaren ValeHHHH HHHH Coonawarra Hardy Tzimmukin HHHH Shiraz Grenache“This is one for the Very intense and Cabernet Adelaide Hills Attractive spicy Mourvedrecellar”, agreed the bright, with very Sauvignon 2006 Shiraz Cabernet berry fruit bouquet 2010 HHHHjudges. Dense fruit/oak attractive lifted HHHH Sauvignon 2009 and plump juicy A lovely savourybouquet and lovely depth blueberry/nougat nose. Lovely aged cabernet HHHHH berry palate with nose and a veryof ripe fruit flavours, with Good length of rich loaded with rich fruit This wine offers some balancing oak and complex oak-drivensome serious oak. chocolaty flavours, with cake and chocolate-like solid drinking. It’s some prominent, but palate but has good peppery touches. $22 elements. The tannins powerful and complex balanced, tannins. $15 fruit concentration. 5+ $85 are softening but still with ripe chocolaty/ Excellent structure and Copper Ox Bin holding together. mocha fruit/oak aromas Taltarni Pyrenees tannic texture. $24.50cabernet sauvignon 108 Reserve Clare and strong dry red Shiraz Viognier Paulmara Estates2011 & older Valley Cabernet 3-5 $125 flavours edged with 2013 HHHH The Melee Barossa Sauvignon 2010 sweet oak. Ready for Quite austere in style Valley ShirazForester Estate HHHH Geoff Merrill enjoying now. $95 with some bright lifted TempranilloYelverton A huge ripe jammy G&W McLaren fruit aromas and a 2012 HHHHReserve Margaret bouquet and a Vale Coonawarra Epitome Margaret well-structured palate A pretty perfumedRiver Cabernet massive palate with an Cabernet River Shiraz with floral fruits and Cherry Ripe-like noseSauvignon abundance of sweet Sauvignon 2009 Cabernet 2012 fine tannin finish. with lovely balanced2009 HHHH ripe dark fruits nicely HHHH HHHH palate showing greatLeafy varietal aromas lifted by heaps of oak. A well-structured A lovely vibrant deep 3-5 $25 intensity and lengthshowing a nice line cabernet - long and purple wine. Spicy oak of black cherry fruitof licorice characters. 5+ $90 elegant with seamless on the lifted fruit nose. Warrenmang Estate flavours. $18Delicate leafy palate integration of dark Excellent, rich, bright Bazzani Pyreneesis a touch warm, berry fruit and classy and powerful flavour Shiraz Cabernetwith some supple oak. Holding up well. concentration. $29.99 2011 HHHHtannins. $32.30 A Rhone-like style 3-5 $27.50 - loads of character with interesting spicy peppery fruit aromas and a powerful mid- weight peppery/spicy palate. $18.75introducing a collection aFlSdOTINROAi.VRSDcAEEEoLSITLmE,AACVIBTLI.SESaLIDETuof premium wines atnot-so-premium pricesAustrAliA Margaret River W.A. McLaren Vale S.A.9$ 99 9$ 99 9$ 99 9$ 99 ea ea ea ea A.C. Byrne & Co Margaret A.C. Byrne & Co A.C. Byrne & Co A.C. Byrne & Co McLaren ValeRiver Semillon Sauvignon Margaret River Margaret River Cabernet Shiraz 2013 750mlBlanc 2014 750ml Chardonnay 2014 750ml Merlot 2013 750ml Classically Mclaren Vale with concentratedClassically Margaret river with Modern and wonderfully expressive rich and opulent with generous wild berry, blackberry and blueberryexpressive fruits of citrus blossom, with citrus blossom, white peach flavours of blackberry, plum and soft flavours finishing with light spice, chocolatelemon, passionfruit, herbs and tropical and nectarine fruits and a delicate dark fruits. A wine with charm, and clove characters.fruits with an underlying minerality. integration of French oak. elegance and flavour through the finish. A wine of richness and generosity.ALDI supports the responsible service of alcohol. It is illegal to purchase alcohol for people under 18. Online sales made pursuant to the Authority of packaged liquor aldiliquor.com.aulicence no: LIQP770010278. Available in selected stores. See aldi.com.au for locations. While stocks last — Please note stocks are limited and will vary between stores.ALC6366_Winestate_Mag.indd 1 Annual 2015 W I N7E/1S1/1T4A1T0:2E5 AM 111
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new releasesBrygon Estate Cimicky Wines Heartland Stephen JohnSouth Australia Trumps Barossa Directors Cut Clare Valley ShirazShiraz Cabernet Valley Shiraz 2012 Shiraz 2012 2012 HHHH1/22012 HHHH HHHHH HHHH1/2 A dense complexity ofGood example of Soft, well-integrated A full, fleshy and firm mulberry and mochathis classic Aussie aromas - smells like a shiraz with excellent oak aromas. Long,blend, with cabernet Christmas cake. Lovely colour. It’s a powerful soft and velvety in theslightly dominating. long, balanced palate blend of vibrant mouth, with lovelyComplex fruit nose that offers a mouthful fruit and gentle oak fruit cake flavours.and soft, flavoursome of soft fruit/oak with furry tannins “Definitely a crowdpalate. $12.99 flavours and layered developing excellent pleaser,” thought one with some beautiful complexity but needs judge. $25shiraz/syrah spicy elements. a little more cellaring McLaren Vale2013-2012 time. $32.99 III Associates 3-5 $18 Squid Ink McLarenMcLaren Vale III Eldredge Vineyards Sanguine Estate Vale Shiraz Fernando TheAssociates Giant Blue Chip Clare Three Dark Inception Heathcote 2012 HHHH1/2 First SpecialSquid Ink McLaren Valley Shiraz Horses McLaren Shiraz 2012 An inky, purple wine; Release BarossaVale Shiraz 2013 HHHHH Vale Shiraz 2012 HHHH1/2 big, dark, tight and Valley Shiraz 20122012 HHHHH Very big ripe rich fruit HHHHH A classic Aussie youthful, with an HHHH1/2An outstanding wine cake-like aromas with a Intense ripe fruit shiraz. Quite an oaky intense concentration Extremely tight,offering excellent hint of mint. Good cool bouquet, with nice old school style, at its of dark varietal fruit iodine-like darkness.cellaring potential. climate palate structure coffee/mocha overlays. peak. A mellowness characters, fine Some aromaticDense and tarry on with spicy varietal Excellent palate - of sweet fruit and tannins and excellent herbal notes to the characters, ripe tannins great depth of sweet oak on the nose and acidity. Years to go yet. nose, with generous and drying oak. $28 stone fruit flavours a warm, flavoursome, concentrated flavours. that are seamlessly enticing palate with 5+ $55 Seamless balance Lost Buoy Lion balanced by spicy oak dry tannins. $40 between the oak, fruitthe nose and a huge, Point McLaren with an acid finish. and tannins. $74.99beautifully focused Vale Shiraz 2012 Tatiarra Vineyard Cradle Vigneronspalate dense with HHHHH 5+ $24.99 Culled Barrel Selection McLarenrich fruit flavours. Has Great purple colour, Heathcote Shiraz Vale Shiraz 2012 almost bordering Paulmara Estates 2012 HHHH1/2 HHHH1/2 on black. Has a rich Syna Barossa Nose is a seamless An elegant style of Christmas cake of a Valley Shiraz 2012 integration of fruit and shiraz, with deep nose and a big fruit HHHHH oak, with no edges. crimson hues and very pastille palate with “A top wine,” said one Big powerful palate good structure. Has great flavour profile, judge. “Old fashioned, has strong sour cherry lovely fruit ripeness, with impressive oak and cuddly and rich.” Still varietal fruit flavours, subtle peppery notes ripe tannins. $35 has great freshness. with firm grippy and layered with silky Stylish sweet varietal tannins. A keeper. smooth tannins. $39 Warrenmang Estate fruit and clever use of Estate Pyrenees oak. Has tarry aromas 5+ $20 Shiraz 2009 HHHHH and a silky feel to the Excellent dense mouth. $50 Ekhidna Linchpin purple hues for a McLaren Vale 5-year-old wine. Lovely Pertaringa Over Shiraz 2012 nose, smells like a The Top McLaren HHHH1/2 Cherry Ripe chocolate Vale Shiraz 2012 A vibrant and elegant bar. Beautifully HHHHH wine, with an “old structured palate with A rich porty old school”-like expression excellent fruit, oak fashioned style of of the variety showing and tannin integration. shiraz. Great crimson a raisined edge to the colour with beautiful fruit. “Ticks all the 3-5 $60 tight fresh fruit and boxes,” according to cedary oak nose and one judge. $40 palate with a chewyexcellent length and oak finish. It just needsbalance. 5+ $150 more time in the cellar to really shine. $40Taylors ReserveParcel Clare Gumpara MaderValley Shiraz 2013 Reserve BarossaHHHHH Shiraz 2012Dense purple colour HHHHHwith beautiful and A well-made wine withpowerful mulberry/ a creamy fruit cakeblackberry varietal fruit of a nose followed bycharacters seamlessly a ripe and enticinglyintegrated with some flavoursome palate.great charry oak, ripe Quite oaky but verytannins and excellent spicy with nice depth ofacidity. $25 sweet varietal fruit. $50112 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new releasesFox Creek Short Lost Buoy The J Petrucci & Son McLaren Vale III Saracen EstatesRow McLaren Edge McLaren McLaren Vale Associates The Margaret RiverVale Shiraz 2012 Vale Shiraz 2013 Shiraz 2012 HHHH Descendant of Shiraz 2012 HHHHHHHH1/2 HHHH1/2 Dark dense tarry/ Squid Ink McLaren A fresh, lightweight,A big, powerful wine Another wine with licorice bouquet Vale Shiraz quaffer with lovelythat’s rich and intense, lovely purple hues. and big tannic 2013 HHHH aromas and flavours ofand currently driven by Solid mocha oak and palate with long A fine tight fruity rich plums and dryingthe oak with a big dose blackberry bouquet. lingering raspberry-like style with a peppery cedary oak balancedof crushed ant-like A tight palate with flavours underscored background and some by well-structuredcharacters. Offering great tannin structure by fine grainy tannins. savoury notes. Oak is tannins. $32some excellent and texture and big well-integrated with Emetior Limitedcellaring potential. $30 hit of sour cherry 5+ $29.99 the plum fruit. Will Release McLarenRobert Oatley flavours. $18 Sidewood Adelaide develop very well. Vale ShirazFinisterre Great Copper Ox Bin Hills Shiraz 2012 HHHHSouthern Syrah 108 Reserve Clare 2013 HHHH 5+ $35 Distinct blackberry2012 HHHH1/2 Valley Shiraz 2012 A well-made, peppery, and mulberry-like fruitDeep, dark and HHHH1/2 cool climate, shiraz Virgara Wines Gran on the nose. A hugeintense, and really well- Red/purple wine with with good integration Reserve Adelaide palate with a fantasticstructured wine, with intense concentration between the lovely Shiraz 2012 HHHH depth of ripe plum andexcellent fruit showing of vanilla and cedary dark fruit, the oak and A perfumed lift to the oak flavours. $40bacon-like elements oak-like characters on the fine tannins. $25 savoury oak nose and The Perfect Stormand oak to balance, with the nose and some a classy perfumed McLaren Valea lovely soft, tannin lovely cedary oak on Brick Kiln The red fruit palate that’s Shiraz 2012 HHHHbackbone. $39.99 the palate with sweet Grove McLaren dense and tannic for Nose still quiteWise Guy Margaret ripe fruit to match. $90 Vale Shiraz now - needs time to closed but showingRiver Shiraz Strategy South 2012 HHHH Tudor Central settle. 5+ $30 slightest hints of spicy2012 HHHH1/2 Eastern Australia A rich, ripe, opulent Victoria Shiraz berry characters.A classy wine with a Shiraz 2013 shiraz with attractive 2013 HHHH Whiskey Gully Palate is tight andlovely nose - great fruit, HHHH1/2 prune/licorice-like A lovely vibrant, rich, Wines Black Rod elegant with spicyexcellent fresh oak and A tight youthful wine concentration of fruit-driven style that Granite Belt Shiraz dark fruits. $17.99nice spicy lift. Good that’s a touch thin and aromas and incredible has finesse. Some 2012 HHHH Geoff Merrill Jacko’sdepth of spicy dark simple but has some length of generous rich olive-like notes on the An oak-driven style - McLaren Vale Shirazfruit flavours. Great lovely soft cherry flavours. $45 nose and good oak very chocolaty. Some 2010 HHHHpalate structure with chocolate fruit running and fine tannins on the dark cherry aromas Dense, well-agedsoft tannins. $14.99 through it with a gentle palate. $12.99 and beautifully focused and seamlesslyRockbare McLaren tannin profile. $12.99 palate with sweet integrated aromasVale Shiraz raspberry fruit length. and a big balanced2012 HHHH1/2 palate that still showsGreat nose; complex 5+ $30 plenty of zest! Hasand spicy with rich fruit softness and length.and lovely well-handledoak. The palate is 3-5 $27.50loaded with intensechocolate/berry fruit Taylors St Andrewsflavours and slightly Single Vineyardgrippy tannins. $23 Release ClareRockbare Barossa Valley Shiraz 2010Babe BarossaValley Shiraz 2012 HHHHHHHH1/2A classy shiraz with Good cool climategreat crimson hues. shiraz; lots of ripeHas an opulent ripe jammy blackberry fruitberry fruit nose and a with plenty of pepperypalate brimming over notes. Spicy nose andwith intense berry fruit huge flavoursomeflavours matched by palate. 3-5 $60some super oak. $45 Mollydooker The Barristers Warrenmang Estate Lloyd Brothers Boxer McLaren Vale Block The Bully Black Puma Avoca McLaren Vale Langhorne Creek Wrattonbully Shiraz Pyrenees Shiraz Shiraz 2013 Shiraz 2013 HHHH 2013 HHHH 2009 HHHH HHHH1/2 An old fashioned Aussie Seamlessly integrated Quite a jammy nose Dark concentrated style. It’s fleshy with aromas and an elegant smells of aniseed, colour, dense peppery attractive density of and youthful palate blackberries and plum aromas and sweet black fruit. Has with some stylish vanilla. Lovely fruit/ lots of rich mocha sweet vanillin oak oak integration on the oak and good creamy matched by spicy plum palate with its drying length. $28 fruit. $35 tannins. $80 beautifully focused, well-structured, palate showing good oak and fruit handling. Will age well. +5 $30 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 113
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new releasesThe Big Easy Peter Lehmann Howlin’ Gale Majella Coonawarra Brown BrothersMargaret River Moppa Shiraz Force 10 Reserve Shiraz 2012 HHHH Patricia HeathcoteShiraz 2012 HHHH 2012 HHHH Langhorne Creek An enticing Shiraz 2009Berry jam aromas with A crimson wine, with Shiraz 2012 HHHH combination of black, HHHHHspicy notes and a long, lovely rich bramble Lovely colour intensity blue and red fruits A rich, warm andwell-structured palate and plum-like varietal with dark plum nicely integrated with inviting crowd-pleaserfull of sweet licorice fruit complexity nicely fragrances and an the oak and showing a loaded with ripe berryfruit flavours showing a wrapped up in some intense concentration firm tannic spine. $30 varietal fruit, lots ofsavoury edge. $16.99 fine, silky tannins. $30 of varietal flavours Robert Oatley oak, nicely softening Currency Creek showing good fruit Finisterre Great tannins and lovelyTinpot Hut Hawkes Estate Ostrich Hill freshness. $22.50 Southern Syrah bottle age addingBay Syrah Currency Creek 2012 HHHH complexity. “A really2012 HHHH Shiraz 2012 HHHH Peter Lehmann Big complex toasty lovely wine.” $58.70Obvious white pepper Light, simple and oaky, VSV Hongell Shiraz oak nose underscoredon the nose. Savoury with an opulence 2012 HHHH by berry fruit. Very Dolan Barossapalate with cool of spicy fruit sitting Dark and brooding, warming palate loaded Shiraz 2010 HHHHHclimate fruit and underneath and laced with pleasant with a combo of Another big, richmore of the peppery with soft silky tannins. savouriness, dark stonefruit and sweet and old fashionedcharacters mingling Will reward with fruits, with a hint oak flavours. $39.95 shiraz. Great colour.with spices. $27 NZ cellaring. $35 of mocha, well- Z Wine Julius Complex aromas of Barking Owl integrated oak and Barossa Shiraz sweet new oak andBlue Pyrenees Western Australia layered with silky 2012 HHHH rich berry fruit. RichReserve Pyrenees Shiraz 2011 HHHH tannins. 3-5 $60 Quite steely fruit and chocolaty in theShiraz 2012 HHHH A well-crafted and aromas and good mouth with excellentClassy dense berry seamlessly balanced Tapestry Regional Johnny Q South depth of rich red berry flavour, structure andbouquet with a dash of wine driven by the fruit McLaren Vale Australia Shiraz fruit and sweet oak length. $48.99spice. Nicely structured with subtle use of charry Shiraz 2012 HHHH 2012 HHHH flavours. Has style andjammy fruit palate oak and with a drying Closed, but well A big wine, with good elegance just needs Murray Streetunderscored by some tannic finish. $17.95 integrated fruit/oak varietal definition, good time. $45 Vineyards MSVlovely sweet oak. $32 aromas. Palate displays use of oak and leathery Greenock Estate Blackstone good length of fine and crushed ant shiraz Barossa ShirazPertaringa Paddock Barossa sweet plum fruit with characters often typical 2011 & older 2010 HHHH1/2Undercover Valley Shiraz drying oak. A keeper. of this variety. $11.99 Vibrant spicy red berryMcLaren Vale 2012 HHHH Shingleback Grant Burge bouquet and a long,Shiraz 2012 HHHH A deep burgundy 5+ $22 Davey Brothers Meshach Barossa full-bodied, palate, colour with a clean McLaren Vale Shiraz 2009 still showing vibrantA lively wine offering lifted berry bouquet Shiraz 2012 HHHH HHHHH red fruit charactersgood ageing potential. and a full-flavoured Amazing colour, almost A beautiful wine with with some big blockyOvertly woody, for jubey blackberry palate black. Big, rich and nicely retained tannins. Just needs anow, with ripe sweet that’s developing very flavoursome varietal fruit in the little more time. $55fruit peeking through nicely. $19.99 wine with plenty of fruit cake spectrum,and laced with crisp character. “Over nice use of sweet oak K1 by Geoffacidity. 3-5 $22 delivers for the price,” adding complexity Hardy Adelaide said one judge. $17.95 with great powerful Hills Shiraz 2010Zonte’s Footstep After Hours Oliver tannins. “It needs a HHHH1/2Baron Von Nemesis Margaret River steak,” suggested Again a lovely big oldBarossa Valley Shiraz 2012 HHHH one judge. $181.95 fashioned New WorldShiraz 2012 HHHH Lighter, leaner and style of shiraz. FaintPowerful, aromatic, a tad aggressive. stonefruit and mochadark raspberry fruit Excellent dark fruit aromas with great depthcharacters - very characters and fine of spicy fruit flavoursconcentrated, with a tannins. $19 laced with rich toastytouch of oak and a fine Handcrafted oak characters. $35tannin structure. Plenty by Geoff Hardyof life ahead of it yet. McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012 HHHH 5+ $22 A big, rich and warm traditional AussieTalbots Block The Yarrawood Yarra style with great star ratings Prince Sevenhill Valley Shiraz upfront Cherry Ripe-likeClare Valley Shiraz 2013 HHHH fruit characters and Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of2012 HHHH A peppery, Rhone-like vanillin oak adding excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill.“A fine example of an style of shiraz - a good complexity. $30 All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industryaromatic style,” noted example of this variety, professionals and are compared in peerone judge. Lovely with its bright, sweet classes by three judges.grainy structure, with fruit and good level of CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters,savoury elements acidity. $18 a major mail-order business.and nice spicy, oak CD Cellar door price.influence. $24 CDO Cellar door only. SO Sold out. $N/A Price not available at time of printing. Contact information pg 190. RECOMMENDED cellaring (years).114 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new releasesGemtree Vineyards sweet white Shaw Family Morris ofObsidian McLaren & fortified Vintners Old Tawny Rutherglen CellarVale Shiraz 2010 NV HHHH1/2 One Classic Morris of Rutherglen A lovely aged tawny Liqueur MuscatHHHH Cellar One Classic exhibiting a very savoury NV HHHH Liqueur Topaque and leafy rancio-like Reserved caramelNose has lovely oak NV HHHHH bouquet. A beautiful aromas and a silkyintensity integrated A beautiful, luscious, palate - very classy, with smooth integration ofwith rich, ripe fruit. aged tokay. Excellent mouthfilling, nutty toasty aged characters andPalate shows genuine nutty characters mingle flavours. $30 CD luscious nutty carameldepth of ripe fruit, with with the cold tea/ Morris of Rutherglen flavours with warmingwarming alcohol. Has olive-like aromas. Great Cellar One Classic alcohol. $35potential. 5+ $70 generosity of fruit on the Liqueur Muscat Auldstone Silver rich and slightly sweet NV HHHH1/2 Jubilee GlenrowanWindance Reserve palate. $35 An Aussie classic - lots Grand MuscatShiraz 2010 HHHH Scion Rutherglen of age but also shows NV HHHHInviting and friendly Grand Muscat great freshness and has A younger style ofwith lovely retention NV HHHHH plenty of vibrant, rancio, muscat with slightlyof sweet plum fruit, A gorgeously rich dried fruit aromas and reserved but intense‘sensible’ use of dessert wine with a flavours mixing with the fruit cake-like fruitoak and soft tannins beautiful treacle-like hot spirit. $35 characters, well-with further cellaring bouquet and long integrated oak andpotential. $30 lingering scrumptious warming alcohol. $40 flavours reminiscent of prunes and raisins 919 Wines Pale Dry on the rich and well- Riverland Apera NV balanced palate. $49 (500ml) HHHH1/2 Nutty rancio nose, with some nougat, lemon curd and buttered vtoast characters and with a delicate cold tea palate showing great finesse. Attractive drying finish. $29 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 115
BEST buysTrentham Estate Trentham Estate Elephant Hill Invivo Marlborough Mission Estate Mission EstateMurray Darling River Retreat Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc Vineyard Selection Winery MarlboroughChardonnay Pinot Murray Darling Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough Sauvignon BlancNoir NV Chardonnay Pinot 2013 Medium-bodied style Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Noir Brut NV Mouthfilling, crisp, with strong, vibrant 2014 A clean, bright varietalLightly developed nose vibrantly fruity wine.Tight passionfruit and lime Fabulous intensity with lovely balancewith great secondary Nicely developed nose and lively, with sweet flavours to the fore, a of gooseberry-like and concentration ofcharacters evolving - smells of butterscotch fruit characters and fresh, herbal undercurrent, aromas. Palate is herbaceous candiedon the palate. Has and yeast. Complex strong, tropical fruit appetising acidity, rich and juicy with fruit charactersgreat balance, weight ageing citrus fruit palate flavours, showing a touch good drive through upfront herbal flavours with some niceand length. $16 with secondary elements of lees-ageing complexity. the palate and a showing some grip pungency. $16.99 developing. $12 Excellent example of the lengthy finish. $20 and texture with goodTrentham Estate regional style. $22 level of acidity. $20 Mission Estate WineryPhone: (03) 5024 8888 Trentham Estate Invivo Wines Phone: +64 6 845 9350Email: marketing@ Phone: (03) 5024 8888 Elephant Hill Phone: +64 21 852 068 Mission Estate Winery Email: [email protected] Email: marketing@ Phone: +64 6 873 0400 Email: [email protected] Phone: +64 6 845 9350 com.auWeb: www.trenthamestate. trenthamestate.com.au E: [email protected] Web: www.invivowines.com Email: [email protected] Web: www.trenthamestate. W: www.elephanthill.co.nz com.au com.auBest VALUE WINES OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND$U2N0DE&R Is updated in each issue of The Wine & Spirit Insider. To Qualify Some wines may - if they are still available - remain in the next issue’s Best Value Wines listing. Others 1 Wines must have first been recommended will sell out, or be replaced by higher-rated wines. in Winestate Magazine style or new release The Wine & Spirit Insider’s Best Value Wines listing tastings. Style tastings are defined as varietal comprises the best wines currently available, from big- tastings - eg, shiraz, chardonnay, etc. - or name brands and the higher volume ‘second labels’ blended styles such as shiraz/cabernet wines. from the smaller producers, as tasted by Winestate 2 Wines from designated regional tastings Magazine panels. The Best Value Wines listing gives are eligible provided they are widely available. credit to the value wines in the marketplace - wines 3 All wines must be currently available from that would otherwise be overshadowed by their much the winery, or be readily available in the more expensive cousins. marketplace. Cellar door wine is ineligable.116 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
UNDER $20Pask Gimblett Sileni Cellar Haha Marlborough Spring Mountain Yilgarnia Peter LehmannRoad Barrique Selection Hawke's Sauvignon Blanc Hunter Valley Denmark Semillon Portrait Eden ValleyFermented Bay Sauvignon 2013 Semillon 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Riesling 2013Sauvignon Blanc Blanc 2014 20132013 Pungent herbaceous Full-bodied and Lifted, fresh, grassy An attractiveFleshy, with good nose showing good punchy, with ripe, and herbaceous Pleasant subtle complexity of tropical,weight and strong, ripe, varietal expression. sweet-fruit characters bouquet with a classy, citrus nose and clean citrus and floral aromas.tropical fruit flavours, Crisp and clean in and fresh, strong mouthwatering palate palate with nice Very long, supergently seasoned with the mouth with hints melon, capsicum and filled with generous ‘pithiness’ and focused fine, palate with tighttoasty oak. Shows good of residual sugar but lime flavours. Full of youthful lemon zest lemon acidity. $19 citrussy flavours andcomplexity, with a well- well balanced by the youthful impact and flavours showing a nice nice chalky and mineral-rounded finish. $25 racy acidity. $17.95 great value. $16 savoury touch. $18.95 Yilgarnia Wines like elements. $18 Phone: (08) 9845 3031Pask Winery Sileni Estate Fern Ridge / Haha Spring Mountain Wines Email: sales@yilgarnia. Peter Lehmann WinesPhone: +64 6 879 7906 Phone: +64 6 879 8768 Phone: +64 6 834 3888 Phone: 0408801795 com.au LimitedEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: fernridge@fernridge. Email: dan@wineassist. Web: www.yilgarnia.com.au Phone: (08) 8565 9555Web: www.cjpaskwinery. Web: www.sileni.co.nz co.nz com.au Email: [email protected] Web: www.fernridge.co.nz peterlehmannwines.com Web: www. peterlehmannwines.com Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 117
BEST buysRichard Hamilton Talisman Ferguson Gibbston Highgate James Estate The Pask Small Batch Pask Small BatchWatervale Clare Valley Riesling 2013 Estate Heartbreaker Estate Hunter Gimblett Road Sur Gimblett RoadValley Riesling 2014 Central Otago Valley Chardonnay Lie Chardonnay Wild Ferment A very interesting Chardonnay 2012 2012 2013 Chardonnay 2013Delicate balance wine with simple light Elegant, slightly A classic regionalof floral and citrus varietal florals on the An old fashioned style A restrained, savoury chablis-like wine. Fresh style, weighty, witharomas with a zippy nose. Palate is very that’s developing and youthful style and lemony, with generous, ripe,acid palate that’s fresh tight and focused unctuous buttery ripe - good food wine. youthful vigour, some stonefruit and nutwith lime flavours and with minerally fruit fruit aromas and offering Has tight pithy fruit, peachy and nutty notes flavours, showingsome residual sugar characters and a spine a lovely mouthful of complimented by adding complexity, excellent concentrationto balance. $19.95 of slate-like acidity. $20 peaches and citrus creamy lees and some balanced acidity and and complexity. fruit expression funky notes. $16 a long finish. Best Best drinking 2015+.Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ Talisman Wines layered with cashews. drinking 2015+. $25 Fine value at $25.Richard Hamilton Email: anita@talismanwines. James EstatePhone: (08) 8323 8830 com.au Gibbston Highgate Estate Phone: (02) 6547 5168 Pask Winery Pask WineryEmail: info@leconfieldwines. Web: www.talismanwines. Phone: +64 3 477 0300 Email: info@ Phone: +64 6 879 7906com com.au Email: info@ jamesestatewines.com.au Email: [email protected] Phone: +64 6 879 7906Web: www.leconfieldwines. gibbstonhighgate.co.nz Web: www. Web: www.cjpaskwinery. Email: [email protected] Web: www. jamesestatewines.com.au co.nz Web: www.cjpaskwinery. gibbstonhighgate.co.nz co.nz118 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
UNDER $20Yilgarnia Denmark James Estate The Mission Hawke’s Clarence Hill Falconhead Elephant Hill LeChardonnay 2013 Estate Hunter Bay Rosé 2014 McLaren Vale Hawke’s Bay Phant 2013 Valley Rosé 2013 Grenache Shiraz Merlot CabernetSimple peach and Bright pink/pale red 2013 2013 Dark, merlot-basedmelon bouquet and A well-balanced hue. Styled like a very blend, with cabernetlovely tight, well drier style with light red, with a floral Very attractive stylish Firm, concentrated sauvignon and malbec.balanced, citrus palate an abundance of bouquet, good weight blend. Bright, fresh red from the Bridge Pa Vibrantly fruity, withwith pure, fresh, clean strawberry fruit, bright and fresh, berryish blueberry, mocha and Triangle, with excellent strong plum, pepperand focused flavours. spices and some flavours, crisp, lively spicy nose. Excellent depth of plum, spice and nut flavours, firm,Needs time. $19 herbal-like characters. and lingering. $18 palate weight with and nutty oak flavours. ripe and rich. $24 Very moreish. $16 great cherry/berry Priced sharply. $16Yilgarnia Wines Mission Estate Winery flavours; soft tannins Elephant HillPhone: (08) 9845 3031 James Estate Phone: +64 6 845 9350 in support. $14 Morton Estate/The Wine Phone: +64 6 873 0400Email: sales@yilgarnia. Phone: (02) 6547 5168 Email: john@missionestate. Portfolio Email: [email protected] Email: info@ com.au Adelaide Winemakers Phone: +64 7 552 0795 co.nzWeb: www.yilgarnia.com.au jamesestatewines.com.au Phone: (08) 83236124 [email protected] Web: www.elephanthill. Web: www. Web: www. Web: www. co.nz jamesestatewines.com.au adelaidewinemakers.com.au mortonestatewines.co.nz Email: wine@ adelaidewinemakers.com.auCATHAY PACIFIC CABERNET CHALLENGE V 2015 One of the world’s biggest tastings of Cabernet and Bordeaux blends! Come and sample nearly 500 of the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon and blends from Australia and around the world! Friday 10 April 2015 from 6 pm - 8:30 pm National Wine Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide WINESTATE SUBSCRIBERS ARE ENTITLED TO ONE FREE ENTRY. Additional guests are welcome at a cost of only $50 per person! Contact Winestate on 08 8357 9277 or [email protected] to claim or order your ticket. Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 119
BEST buysGMH South Jack Estate James Estate The Kirrihill Regional The Perfect Storm Fox Creek RedAustralia Cabernet Coonawarra Estate Hunter Range Clare McLaren Vale Baron McLarenSauvignon 2013 Cabernet Valley Cabernet Valley Cabernet Shiraz 2012 Vale Shiraz 2013 Sauvignon 2012 Sauvignon 2011 Sauvignon 2012Warm and rich with Meaty core to the Dense and inky on the Nose still quite closed A complex and inkydark ripe fruit, big nose. Fantastic varietal nose; traces of berries Smells of berries and but showing slightest wine that appearsround tannins, clever fruit concentration on and black olives. Not blackcurrants with a hints of spicy berry quite oaky but hasuse of oak and a the palate that is nicely overly complex palate; touch of tobacco leaf. characters. Palate is good supporting fruitsolid acid backbone. supported by oak nice berry fruit and Soft in the mouth, tight and elegant with underneath with anVery young, needs and soft tannins. $20 medium tannins. $16 nice weight of dark spicy dark fruits. $17.99 attractive savourymore time. $20 berry flavours and fine meatiness. $17.50 James Estate James Estate tannins. $18 Shanahans WinesWines by Geoff Hardy Phone: (02) 6547 5168 Phone: (02) 6547 5168 Phone: (08) 8563 0555 Fox Creek Wines Email: info@ Email: info@ Kirrihill Wines Pty Ltd Email: john@ Phone: (08) 8557 0000Phone: (08) 8388 3700 jamesestatewines.com.au jamesestatewines.com.au Phone: (08) 8842 1233 shanahanswines.com.au Email: sales@Email: richard@ Web: www. Web: www. Email: office@kirrihillwines. Web: www.shanahanwines. foxcreekwines.comwinesbygeoffhardy.com.au jamesestatewines.com.au jamesestatewines.com.au com.au com.au Web: www.foxcreekwines.Web: www. Web: www.kirrihillwines. comhandcraftedbygeoffhardy. com.aucom.au MAINFREIGHT INTERNATIONAL XWORLD’S GREATEST SHIRAZ/SYRAH CHALLENGE PUBLIC TASTING Come and join us for this fabulous event. Over 700 bottles available to taste. WINESTATE SUBSCRIBERS ARE ENTITLED TO ONE FREE ENTRY. Additional guests are welcome at a cost of only $50 per person! Contact Winestate on 08 8357 9277 or [email protected] to claim or order your ticket.Friday 29 May 2015, from 6pm-8pm, at the National Wine Centre, Adelaide To book your tickets call Winestate 08 8357 9277 - Strictly limited number of tickets available120 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015 16/12/2014 4:18:34 PM AD_Shiraz Challenge IX Advert QPH_ANN15indd.indd 1
UNDER $20James Estate The Paxton Wines Paulmara Estates Caudo Vineyards Trentham Estate Scion VineyardEstate Hunter MV McLaren Vale The Melee Barossa Ola Murraylands Murray Darling Fleur RutherglenValley Shiraz 2011 Shiraz 2012 Valley Shiraz Tempranillo 2012 Noble Taminga Orange Muscat Tempranillo 2012 (375ml) 2012 2013Dense inky purple wine Rich, sweet, red berry Light and savoury withwith a powerful charry fruit, with the fresh new A pretty perfumed dark fruit characters, Lovely aromatic A very pleasant musky/oak nose and solid rich oak adding complexity. Cherry Ripe-like nose soft tannins and good fragrances reminiscent rose petal bouquet andpalate offering a huge The very classy palate with lovely balanced acid backbone. $20 of musk sticks and a very well-balancedmouthful of flavour. has a long, tight palate showing great rose petals. Excellent palate that deliversStill very young and structure. $20 intensity and length Caudo Vineyards - Nashly length of lusciously soft musky orange-needs plenty more of black cherry fruit Pty Ltd sweet marmalade-like like flavours. $19time in the cellar to Paxton Wines Pty Ltd flavours. $18 Phone: 0427351911 flavours with goodreach its potential. $16 Phone: (08) 8323 8645 Email: [email protected]. acid balance. $16 Scion Vineyard and Winery Email: paxton@ Paulmara Estates au Phone: (02) 6032 8844James Estate paxtonvineyards.com Phone: 0417 895 138 Web: www.caudovineyard. Trentham Estate Email: contact@Phone: (02) 6547 5168 Web: www. Email: [email protected] com.au Phone: (03) 5024 8888 scionvineyard.comEmail: info@ paxtonvineyards.com Web: www.paulmara.com. Email: marketing@ Web: www.scionvineyard.jamesestatewines.com.au au trenthamestate.com.au comWeb: www. Web: www.trenthamestate.jamesestatewines.com.au com.au March 22-25, 2015 YOUR 2015 Official Australia Display INVITATION TO International Hall 1DISPLAY AT WORLD’S Application is at BIGGEST WINE FAIR http://www.winestate.com.au/lib/pdf/ Vinitaly2015APPLICATION.doc Enquiries – Peter Jackson 08 8357 9277 [email protected] Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 121
Ladies enjoying a glass of Bird in Hand wine in South Australia. s oauuthstralia the best wines of 2014 contents Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Riesling, Chardonnay, Rosé, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Grenache & Blends, Cabernet Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz Blends, Shiraz, Sweet White & Fortified.
MAKING THE MOST OF SEASONAL EXTREMES The South Australian year in review, by Karyn Foster.YEARS AGO there was a band called Earth, Wind & Fire - this name could “Spring in Coonawarra saw the rainfall continue, with almost double thebe used as a metaphor for South Australia’s vintage 2014. A cold, and long-term average falling, a blessing in disguise with the warm weatherin some regions, wet winter 2013 replenishing parched sub-soil moisture that was to follow during summer.”levels, then wide-spread frost, scorching summer heat, Barossa fires andfinally big regional rains. And now? “The wines are looking fine and elegant in barrel.” “A growing season of extremes – heat waves, drought, frost, rain and CLAREsome floods across all major wine regions,” as summed up by Adelaide O’Leary Walker’s David O’Leary said: “2014 was highlighted by the warmwinemaker Nick Haselgrove. growing season and 100mm of rain on Valentine’s Day, which slowed down the ripening and gave the vines much needed relief and a chance A straw poll survey revealed winemakers over the state experienced to regroup and build flavour.challenges during ripening (often very fast) in the first third of vintage.Ripening during rain events then made picking decisions difficult, “The rieslings were very strong, with beautiful varietal characteroften with the impact of crop reduction and disease management. expressing each sub region, from the pristine lime and citrus of Watervale,The result? Lower yields per hectare in some regions, offset by higher to the gorgeous orange blossom and citrus of Sevenhill, to the pure andyields in others. pristine Polish Valley. The reds were also very strong and very much benefited from the late rain, to produce great varietal character and Conclusion? No surprise - as usual, a good measure of earth, wind and terrific colours in the wines, time in wood and time aging will unlock justfire - challenges presented by Mother Nature. how good the season was for the reds.” RIVERLAND Hope? “Valentine’s Day 2014 should unlock some romantic Clare whitesMother Nature was evoked by Riverland Wine’s executive officer, Chris and reds, for lovers of both.”Byrne. “If there had been an earthquake this vintage it wouldn’t havesurprised Riverland grapegrowers, who earlier battled through hailstorms, EDEN VALLEY & BAROSSA VALLEYbushfires, frost, disease, pests and record rains,” he said. “They overcame The Eden Valley was threatened by fire early in the season. Windy, dustyit all to produce wines in what winemakers have described as an above Barossa days followed. Turkey Flat’s Christie Schultz said: “Good winteraverage quality harvest.” rainfall was followed by a hot, dry summer and was integral in shaping the 2014 vintage. Forecast? “Early signs are some very good wines are being made.” “Early February, however, we received a spell of rain in excess of 100mmCOONAWARRA resulting in subsequent cool weather that will no doubt truly define theIn a classic example of the SA vintage, Sue Hodder, Wynns Coonawarra 2014 harvest. The early heat brought the ripening forward for varietiesEstate said: “The season will be described as one of the longest on record suited to warmer climes, whilst the rain extended the ripening period forstarting mid-February and finishing in the first week of May. It started with some of the more exposed and vulnerable sites.”the second wettest winter in the last 28 years; providing a very welcomerecharge to the underground aquifer of the terra rossa. Prediction? “The unusual conditions have paradoxically created some ‘classic’ Barossan styles.” Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 123
MCLAREN VALE, LANGHORNE CREEK & CURRENCY CREEKWhile in the deep South, Coonawarra experienced one of the longestvintages - McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Currency Creek, even theSouthern Hills, all experienced shortened seasons. While facing thechallenges of a very compressed vintage period, fortunately, these regionswere insulated from the heat waves.Nick Haselgrove, juggling vineyards across all three districts, noted:“Conducting the vintage in this region appears to be half the time that itwas 20 years ago. This trend is set to continue which puts pressure onlogistics and winery systems to cope with peak load demand.“Early harvested fruit was lighter in colour and flavour as a result ofrapid ripening and rain pressures. Fruit allowed to hang developednatural ripeness, producing full-bodied, flavoursome wines. Slightly loweralcohol at comparable levels of flavour is a positivefor many wines.” Expectation: “The cooling influences of Lake GOOD WINTERAlexandrina (and those maritime) will produceoutstanding wines.” RAINFALL WAS FOLLOWED BY AADELAIDE HILLSLongview’s Mark Saturno remarked “The lead upto Vintage 2014 was cold! Unfriendly winds andabundant rain. In fact, we experienced 15 days of HOT, DRYwell below average temperatures during flowering inNovember, affecting yields across the board. SUMMER AND“Unfortunately for many growers and producers in WAS INTEGRALthe Hills, frost was a major factor and many vineyardswere wiped out early. Due to our southern proximity,ocean breezes blow through the vineyard on a dailybasis, the black frost never came our way - Longview IN SHAPING THEis blessed. “The New Year, however, saw temperatures 2014 VINTAGE.skyrocket and with full soil profiles, we were wellplaced to face what looked to become a dry, hotvintage. The heat wave that occurred in January really served to give the slowspring growth a nudge and we were back on track by Feb.”Estimation? “Shiraz, nebbiolo, grigio and sauvignon blanc were all standouts, and we have high hopes for all the wines in bottle. If only there was asplash more.”2014?As summed up by Team Angove’s Tim Boydell: “One of the most relaxedvintages since the early 2000s and one of very good quality. Vintagerating - 9/10.”124 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 south australiasparkling other white varietals K1 by Geoff Hardy Scarpantoni School Ten Miles East Adelaide & blends Adelaide Hills Gruner Block White McLaren Hills Sauvignon BlancYellowglen XV Veltliner 2013 HHHH Vale Sauvignon Blanc 2013 HHHHSparkling Adelaide Hills Saltram Winemakers A pretty wine, nicely Semillon Chenin Blanc Powerful pungent tropicalPinot Noir Chardonnay Selection Barossa textured with hints of spice, 2013 HHHH aromas and great guava and2004 HHHHH Valley Semillon 2012 fine flinty notes and floral Interesting nose described green bean-like flavours withA nice lift to the red apple HHHH1/2 touches. Steely lemon by one judge as being a good acid finish. Quiteand cracked wheat-like Very varietal, showing palate with subtle stonefruit like, “Cut grass and Velvet weighty and long for thisaromas with lovely aged perfect ripeness and still flavours. $28 soap!” Punchy tropical fruit variety. $15characters. Clean well very fresh. Toasty lemon Possingham and palate with good acidity. $14 Longview Whippetbalanced palate with fresh aromas on the nose and Summers McLaren Vale Mojo Adelaide Hills Adelaide Hillslemon drop flavours and a zesty lift of green apple Viognier 2013 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blancgood acid/dosage balance. flavours on the palate. $24 Fresh, light and crisp with 2013 HHHH 2013 HHHH Hand Crafted by Geoff good floral/grassy varietal Light lifted nectarine aromas More New Zealand-like with 3-5 $49.99 Hardy Adelaide Hills characters, good mouthfeel with a nice pungency. Subtle its intense hit of tropical Fiano 2013 HHHH1/2 and burnt match-like mouthfilling herbaceous fruit fruit characters. SomeSquid Ink McLaren A long lingering well-made complexity developing. $16 on the palate with good acid sweetness giving depth.Vale Sparkling Shiraz wine with just a hint of Bird In Hand Two balance. $18 Good length of acid. $19.50NV HHHH1/2 perfume on the luscious In The Bush Adelaide Somerled Reserve Jericho WinesNose is fresh and complex; punchy fruit nose and Hills Pinot Grigio Adelaide Hills Fumé Adelaide Hills Fumélovely dark red fruits, aged showing an attractive 2013 HHHH Blanc 2012 HHHH Blanc 2013 HHHHnotes and yeasty aromas. combination of exotic fruit A well-made off-dry style. Alluring soft fruits, nice Intense and “yummy” withVibrant palate, perfect and pithy citrus flavours. $25 Attractive confectionery length of oak and good plenty of toasty oak on thelength with dark chocolaty Lindeman’s Bin 85 SA nose with sherbety notes. balance between the nose and leading to a leancharacters and some Riverland Pinot Grigio Very tight pear and nectarine alcohol and acid. Nice and high acid palate. Has plentyastringent tannins. $55 2014 HHHH1/2 palate. Good acid length. $22 soft on the finish. $34 of years ahead of it. $25 Lovely nose - smells of Saltram WinemakersMajella Coonawarra guavas and lychees followed Selection Barossa Norfolk Rise Vineyard rieslingSparkling Shiraz by a nicely textured and Valley Fiano 2012 HHHH Mount Benson2008 HHHH layered palate with clean Attractive savoury bouquet Sauvignon Blanc Skillogalee TrevarrickDeveloped earthy chocolaty fresh stone fruit flavours, not with slight tropical 2014 HHHH Clare Valley Rieslingbouquet with similar too sweet and with a nice fragrances and quite a Pungent sauvignon blanc 2012 HHHHHcharacters echoed on the level of acid. $8.99 lengthy lemon curd and fruit aromas and lightly floral A lovely delicate varietallong, soft and complex palate Koonara Lucy & Alice apple-like flavour profile. $24 crisp lively palate with good offering excellent cellaringwith a good line of acidity. $28 Mount Gambier Pinot fruit flavour depth and long potential. A lovely fragrantMojo Mojo Fizz Gris 2014 HHHH Hemera Estate Limited vibrant finish. $16 floral lift to the nose andAdelaide Hills Colour showing a trace Release Barossa Valley delightful floral/citrusChardonnay Pinot Noir of pink. Nose has lifted Marsanne 2013 HHHH flavours showing a veryBrut Cuvee NV HHHH stonefruit fragrances and A full style with hints of good line of acid. $75Clean fresh well-made the palate is soft and sweet honeysuckle on the nose. Kirrihill Regional Rangesparkling with nice yeast but well-balanced by the Palate is long and round Clare Valley Rieslingautolysis layered with acidity. $19.95 with a minerally texture and 2013 HHHH1/2elegant varietal fruit. Some Skillogalee Clare nice acid balance. $35 Delicate minerally nosesweetness but has the Valley Gewurztraminer with a complexity of floral/acidity to balance. $20 2013 HHHH sauvignon citrus aromas. A gracefulFox Creek Vixen Attractive varietal aromas blanc & blends and delicate palate with longMcLaren Vale Sparkling - all floral and musky with lingering talc-like flavoursRed NV HHHH very intense rose petal- Lindeman’s Bin 95 SA and an excellent finish. $16Nice clarity of style here. like flavours. High in acid Riverland Sauvignon Leasingham Bin 7 ClareYouthful base of fresh briary with some heat from the Blanc 2014 HHHH Valley Riesling 2013fruits layered with toasty oak alcohol. $25 Lovely citrus and fresh HHHH1/2and showing a good tannin/ Bird In Hand Adelaide gooseberry aromas. A powerful nose - verysugar balance. $23 Hills Arneis 2013 HHHH Excellent varietal flavours varietal and smelling Steely pear juice aromas with good residual sugar and quite citrussy with floral/ with hints of lychee. acid balance and lovely long herbal notes. An excellent Beautifully textured palate finish. $8.99 generosity of flavours with with very good upfront residual sugar/mineral balance tropical flavours and firm and acid backbone. $23.99 lively acidity. $28 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 125
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 south australiaPeter Lehmann Portrait chardonnay Richard Hamilton other redEden Valley Riesling Almond Grove McLaren varietals & blends2013 HHHH1/2 Bird In Hand Nest Vale Chardonnay 2013An attractive complexity Egg Adelaide Hills HHHH Bremerton Specialof tropical, citrus and floral Chardonnay 2012 A floral lift to the citrussy Release Langhornearomas. Very long, super HHHHH nose and a creamy fruit Creek Malbec 2012fine, palate with tight citrussy A clean fresh well-made palate showing good use of HHHHHflavours and nice chalky and chardonnay with lovely oak with light residual sugar A beautifully structured,mineral-like elements. $18 citrus accented fruits allied on the back. $15.50 young, dense wine withTim Smith Wines with quality oak that has loads of sweet ripe darkEden Valley Riesling subtle biscuity notes. Palate Possingham and plum and cherry-like fruit2013 HHHH1/2 had good line and structure Summers McLaren with just a hint of oak. VeryVery attractive intensity of with very moreish acidity. Vale Chardonnay 2013 intense aromas and a greatlifted florals on the nose. HHHH flavoursome palate. $24Delicate well-balanced and 3-5 $85 A big fruity style with a huge Hand Crafted by Geoffvery fresh palate that’s long estery nose and masses Hardy Limestone Coastand tight with a nicely focused Hoggies Estate Lake Breeze Reserve of complex melon, citrus Lagrein 2012 HHHH1/2finish. High in acid. $25 Coonawarra Riesling Langhorne Creek and spicy oak flavours. Very Dense inky dark cherry 2012 HHHH Chardonnay 2012 drinkable! $16 aromas with iodine-likeBird in Hand Clare An off-dry style with toasty HHHH1/2 characters. Big rich palateValley Riesling 2011 development evolving on A big serious wooded style Taylors St Andrews with very good flavourHHHH1/2 the nose and a soft rounded with intense, rich candied Clare Valley Chardonnay intensity, firm fruit intensityA classy number with a sweet palate balanced by fruit notes to the nose and 2013 HHHH and great tannic finish. $30fresh crispness of limes and some tight acidity. $14.99 an “unapologetically” huge A classy old school style. Taylors Clare Valleylemons on the nose with Blesings Garden palate- very flavoursome Powerful oaky aromas. Merlot 2013 HHHH1/2some toastiness developing. Southern Flinders with lots of interest. $24 Nicely balanced palate. Good A very well-made, veryPalate has great flavour Riesling 2013 HHHH creaminess and long smoky approachable and youthfulpersistence and evolution Quite intense and floral Bremerton Battonage bacon bone flavours. $35 commercial style with lushwith high acidity. $25 aromas on the nose and Langhorne Creek minty/herbal aromas and aLeasingham Classic showing lovely intense Chardonnay 2012 Wolf Blass White Label good mouthful of soft ripeClare Clare Valley varietal expression on HHHH1/2 Piccadilly Valley varietal flavours supportedRiesling 2008 HHHH1/2 the thicker, oilier, style of A beautifully integrated Adelaide Hills by a long acid drive. $19A lovely aged riesling palate. $18 classic style of chardonnay Chardonnay 2012 HHHH Skillogalee Trevarrickdeveloping beautiful Annie’s Lane with fruit reminiscent of A powerful complexity Clare Valley Cabernethoneyed toasty aromas Clare Valley Riesling melons and apples and of smoky oak aromas Franc 2012 HHHH1/2with a touch 2013 HHHH balanced with just a hint of that lead to a restrained but Rich, heavy deep purpleof kero. Palate building Spicy, lively and fresh smoky oak. “So suave,” flavoursome palate with wine. Jammy rhubarb-likedelicious aged complex riesling. Green ginger-like said one judge. $32 lovely oak intensity. characters on the nose andcharacters. Still has plenty characters on the nose and a well-balanced palate withof fresh acidity. $44.99 citrussy varietal flavours Bird In Hand Adelaide 3-5 $34.99 excellent tannin depth andMajella Coonawarra with a residual sugar Hills Chardonnay pleasing aromatic flavourRiesling 2013 HHHH balance. $19 2012 HHHH1/2 Saltram Mamre Brook profile. $75Very good commercial style. Reillys Watervale A beautiful fuller style with Eden Valley Chardonnay Temple Bruer OrganicIt’s an elegant wine with Riesling 2013 HHHH lovely pear and nectar fruit 2012 HHHH Langhorne Creekdelicious citrussy fruit, a Interesting nose with and a background of toasty Easy drinking style with a Grenache Shiraztrace of development and its minerally/talc/floral buttery oak with really good pleasant musky character to Viognier 2007 HHHH1/2fine crisp acidity. $17 characters. Lovely zingy acid balance. Great palate the lifted tropical nose and Nice woody earthy elementsSkillogalee Clare Valley crispness on the palate texture and structure. very soft and rounded in the to the very vibrant spicyRiesling 2013 HHHH with fresh clean floral/citrus mouth. $24 nose. Silky smooth palateSpicy, slightly Turkish flavours. $19 3-5 $40 with sweet flavours showingDelight-like aromas with Leo Buring Clare Valley rosé some subtle secondarygood flavour complexity on a Riesling 2013 HHHH Jamiesons Run development and lovely acidcrisp, high acid palate with a Nose is restrained but Limestone Coast Three Dark Horses on the finish. $17.50nice phenolic spine. $24.50 perfumed and smells of Chardonnay 2013 McLaren Vale Grenache Rosemount NurseryHartz Barn Wines carnations! Lovely vibrant Rosé 2013 HHHH Project GMG McLarenGeneral Store Reserve delicacy of mineral based HHHH Savoury notes on the nose; Vale Graciano MataroEden Valley Riesling varietal fruit flavours. $19.95 slight meaty touches. A drier Grenache 20122013 HHHH Bethany Eden Valley Oaky nose layered with well-balanced palate with HHHH1/2Subtle lemon/lime aromas Riesling 2009 HHHH grapefruit-like varietal good length and excellent A pretty bright fruit bouquetwith spicy notes and a Very attractive toasty lemon/ characters. Good depth of flavour profile. $19.99 with delicate floral notesbeautifully integrated crisp lime bouquet and intense oak/fruit flavours with malo and hints of licorice. Bigcrunchy palate. Lovely length flavoursome palate; lots of complexity. 3-5 $13 and soft in the mouth withand structure. $25 lemon acidity and ageing a complexity of flavours, nicely. $32 Morambro Creek some clever tannins and Padthaway Chardonnay slightly sour acidity. $30 2013 HHHH Elegant chardonnay with good varietal fruit and hints of oak. Good complexity to the nose and lingering richness to the palate. $31.95126 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
south australiaCirami Estate SA Handcrafted by Geoff grenache & blendsRiverland Saperavi Hardy Langhorne Creek2013 HHHH1/2 Malbec 2012 HHHH Rosemount MVVibrant purple wine with Ripe plum aromas lift off Collection McLarenenticing spicy fruit cake the nose with just a hint of Vale Grenache Shirazaromas, weighty black fruit mocha notes. Palate has Mataro 2013 HHHHHpalate with hints of toffee intense upfront dark fruit Slight Turkish Delight-likeand spice, good oak use and flavours. Needs food. $30 aromas with touches ofsoft tannins. A good food violet characters. Long,wine. $18 Vinteloper Langhorne firm and tight palate. Good Creek Touriga Nacional weight of bright sweet fruit 2012 HHHH with lovely tannins and crisp Sweet and licorice-like on the youthful acidity. Excellent nose which follows through length. $24.99 on to the long elegant palate. Rosemount GSM Lots of wood and nicely McLaren Vale Grenache rounded tannins. $30 Shiraz Mataro 2012 HHHHHCirami Estate SA Gemtree Luna A ‘serious’ wine showingRiverland Lagrein Temprana McLaren Vale nice freshness. Dark dense2013 HHHH Tempranillo 2013 HHHH black and blue fruits aromasDeep purple, varietally rich, Nice fleshy blue fruit underlaid with toasty oak.well-balanced and generous aromatics with a touch of Excellent palate weight.wine with intense flavours spice followed by a very Great sweet berry fruit andand some quite chewy rich ripe varietal palate with rich tannin balance. $40tannins. $20 mouth puckering tannins. $18 The Old Faithful Fox Gordon The Sicilian Northern Exposure Adelaide Hills Nero McLaren Vale Grenache D’Avola 2012 HHHH 2010 HHHHHBassham Riverland Medium bodied style A very classy wine! Nose isLagrein 2012 HHHH smelling of cassis with herbal an inky complexity of berryIntense inky red wine with notes and a tasty palate. fruit layered with subtlenice complexity of dark “Like biting into a raspberry mocha oak. Full-bodiedsavoury aromas and a truffle,” according to one palate brimming over withweighty sweet fruit palate judge. 3-5 $19.95 ripe black fruits, big tanninsshowing excellent use of and some crisp acidity. $50oak. $24 Handcrafted by Geoff Kalleske Clarry’s Hardy McLaren Vale Barossa Valley G.S.M.Quarisa Wines Treasures Nero D’Avola 2013 HHHH 2013 HHHH1/2Coonawarra Merlot A cranberry-like bouquet Deep purple wine with lifted2012 HHHH with a light floral lift and floral/perfumed bouquetLovely rich nose, smells interesting ripe cherry/salted and attractive red and blackof fruit cake. Has a slightly licorice flavours showing a fruit flavours. Lovely, freshaggressive palate but slight leafiness. $30 and vibrant palate with goodshowing good fruit and length of chewy tannins. $19mouthcoating tannins. Rosemount Nursery Skillogalee Basket Project McLaren Vale Pressed Clare Valley 3-5 $14.99 Nero D’Avola 2013 HHHH Grenache 2012 Intriguing dense dark forest HHHH1/2Smith & Hooper floor fragrances with rich Soft, plump and generousReserve Wrattonbully cherry berry flavours, big style with perfumed plum-Merlot 2012 HHHH tannins and some nice like varietal fruit and someAn elegant wine with a crunchy acidity. $30 very good oak comingplumy/lolly nose and silky through. “A seamlesslysmooth palate with balanced and very enjoyablelingering oak and fruit Bird In Hand Adelaide wine.” $35flavours with long velvety Hills Montepulcianotannins. 3-5 $NA 2012 HHHH Deep crimson wine withHandcrafted by Geoff spicy plum and vanillaHardy Langhorne Creek bouquet and great depthBarbera 2012 HHHH of sweet fruit flavours,A good food wine - deep, drying oak and soft velvetydark and brooding. tannins. $42Some pleasant cookedcharacters on the nose anda flavoursome palate withserious tannins. $30 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 127
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 south australiaClarence Hill McLaren Temple Bruer Organic Flint’s of Coonawarra Reillys Dry LandVale Grenache Shiraz Langhorne Creek Gammon’s Crossing Clare Valley Cabernet2013 HHHH1/2 Cabernet Merlot 2008 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2010A very attractive and stylish HHHH Sauvignon 2012 HHHHH HHHH1/2blend. Bright and fresh on Lifted varietal aromatics A young pretty crimson “A yummy old schoolthe blueberry, mocha and with nice buttery notes. wine with a minty menthol style,” enthused one judge.spicy nose. Excellent palate Long and elegant palate red berry nose and very A minty lift to the fresh fruitweight with great cherry/ that’s still quite lively with flavoursome palate with nose. Soft, sweet and veryberry flavours and soft subtle secondary intense fruit/oak characters flavoursome in the mouthtannins in support. $14 development. $17.50 and a very firm tannin with a purity of ‘sharp’ mintyRosemount Nursery structure. 5+ $22 notes. $29Project McLaren Vale cabernet sauvignon Crabtree HilltopGrenache 2012 HHHH Bird In Hand Nest Egg Vineyard Clare ValleyDark fruits lurking on the Wolf Blass Gold Label Adelaide Hills Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignonnose and a firm fleshy palate Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 2012 HHHH1/2full of bright fresh sweet fruit Sauvignon 2012 HHHH1/2 A big, full flavoured, youngwith interesting beetroot-like Smells spicy - like a ‘brute’ of a wine with acomplexity. $30 HHHHH Christmas cake with a touch lovely complexity of cassis,Patritti Section 181 of mintiness and nice savoury spice and mint on the noseMcLaren Vale Grenache Dark and fragrant berry oak support. Big balanced and classic varietal line to2012 HHHH nose edged with floral-like oaky palate but in check with the palate with its long, fine,A massive wine - very elements. Lovely flavours of the quality fruit intensity and drying finish. $21.50Rhone-like with incredible sweet ripe fruit laced with complexity. $110 Rosemount MVlength and weight. Brooding Collection McLaren Valedark fruits on the nose and young oak. Needs more Saltram Mamre Cabernet Sauvignona big, chunky, complex time in the cellar to really Brook Barossa Valley 2012 HHHH1/2palate. $28 shine. 5+ $29 Cabernet Sauvignon Very attractive sweet richGemtree Cinnabar 2010 HHHH1/2 fruit nose with a chocolatyMcLaren Vale Majella The Malleea Casella 1919 Limestone Excellent deep purple/ note. Palate has greatGrenache Shiraz Coast Cabernet red varietal still very fresh balance and length withMourvedre 2013 HHHH Sauvignon 2006 HHHHH with loads of lifted intense excellent varietal fruitGood complexity and Intense concentration of blackberry fruit, nice tannins, presence layered with niceregionality evident. Big ripe cassis, chocolate, tapenade spicy oak and lots of acid. $37 oak tannins and acid. $24.99nose with spicy notes and and cedar on the nose. Big Steeple Jack Southsome licorice. Layers of bright Coonawarra Cabernet earthy oaky palate with Australia Cabernetvarietal fruit flavours. $20 Sauvignon Shiraz attractive sweet blue fruits Sauvignon 2013Dowie Doole G&T 2010 HHHH1/2 still on show. Another 3-5 HHHH1/2Grenache Tempranillo “Will appeal to many,” years left in it. $100 A beautiful long, leanMcLaren Vale Red Blend and elegant deep purple2013 HHHH suggested one judge. cabernet. Still very youthfulA drier yet luscious blend Lots of plump sweet with a genuine varietal nosewith a lovely lift of violets black cherry-like fruit with showing a nice subtlety ofon the sweet fruit nose with lashings of oak and all oak and an extremely juicya softly textured and nicely carried by some lovely Mollydooker Gigglepot palate. “Very more-ish.” $10layered palate. $25 acidity. 3-5 $80 McLaren Vale Cabernet Reschke Empyrean Sauvignon 2012 Coonawarra Cabernetcabernet blends Stonyfell Black HHHH1/2 Sauvignon 2006 Langhorne Creek A lovely complexity of HHHH1/2Redman Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz 2012 mulberry fruit, dusty oak and Aromas of tar and soy onCabernet Sauvignon HHHH1/2 light minty aromas leading the nose and has a mediumMerlot 2009 HHHH1/2 A youthful purple wine to a long fresh palate with bodied, well-structured, with fantastic aromatics ripe sweet cassis flavours palate showing elegant on the nose and nice supported by some supple sweet varietal fruit and has a herbal nuances. Elegant tannins. $49 long crisp acid finish. $150 fruit expression on the Land of the Vines Morambro Creek palate with good length McLaren Vale Cabernet Padthaway Cabernet of oak and an elegance of Sauvignon 2012 Sauvignon 2012 tannins. $27.99 HHHH1/2 HHHH1/2 Lovely leafy blackcurrant A riper style with lolly sweetA very varietal wine - it’s Bremerton Tamblyn Quarisa Wines Treasures aromas with a background fruit fragrances showingall violets, cassis and Langhorne Creek Coonawarra Cabernet of cedary oak. Almost cigar violet nuances. Longsweet cedar. According Cabernet Shiraz Malbec Sauvignon 2012 box-like oak on a palate lingering palate rich withto one judge it has the 2012 HHHH HHHHH that’s bursting with minty fruit flavours. Has‘fist in a velvet glove’ type Tight and intense with Fragrant aromas of dark varietal fruit and long supple great structure andof power. Long lingering excellent cellaring potential. fruit, violets and cedar tannins. $22.99 freshness. Needs time.finish. 3-5 $38 Deep purple colour, spicy oak. Excellent mid-weight Reillys Clare Valley red berry nose and a palate with pleasant fruit/ Cabernet Sauvignon 5+ $31.95 beautifully structured palate. oak flavours that grow on 2010 HHHH1/2 the palate. Nice tannin An ‘intrigue’ of cedar, mint 5+ $18 structure. $14.99 and raspberry aromas. Mouth puckering sweet fruit palate with excellent varietal definition and intensity of flavour persistence. $19128 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
south australiaTaylors Clare Valley Graham Stevens WinesCabernet Sauvignon Fleurieu Peninsula2012 HHHH Cabernet SauvignonStrong capsicum nose and 2010 HHHHvery dominant cool climate- Juicy ripe fruit lift to thelike green varietal flavours. woody nose. Vibrant fruitGood tannin expression, flavours with good oakbig oak and fruit integration and fine tanninssweetness. $19 with warming alcohol. $30Wicks Adelaide HillsCabernet Sauvignon2012 HHHHA classic deep inky cabernetstyle with a developedleathery nose and very goodrich flavoursome intensityon the long palate. $20Random Shot by Redman CoonawarraFarmer’s Leap Cabernet SauvignonPadthaway Cabernet 2012 HHHHSauvignon 2013 HHHH A leaner style of cabernetA lovely complexity of rich showing dark berry fruit,fruit on the nose with a smoky cedary oak andbackground of oak. Nicely slightly ‘furry’ tannins withstructured palate with quite a drying finish.ripe fruit and oak flavours. 5+ $35 3-5 $16 Shingleback The Davey Estate McLaren ValeTerramore For The Love Cabernet Sauvignonof Wine Coonawarra 2012 HHHHCabernet Sauvignon Ripe cassis-like cabernet2012 HHHH varietal fruit on the noseNose has hints of bacon oak and good blackberry fruit onwith delicate violet nuances. a well-textured and nicelyGood fruit sweetness on balanced palate. $23.95the palate with firm tannins. Penny’s Hill EdwardsNeeds time. 5+ $25 Road McLaren Vale Cabernet SauvignonBowen Estate 2012 HHHHCoonawarra Cabernet Oak-driven nose with toastySauvignon 2012 HHHH notes and some red currantTight oaky nose edged with fruit beneath. Sweet berryfloral/violet fragrances. palate showing good weightVery youthful palate, and structure. $25good fruit sweetness and Saltram Mamre Brookintensity and fine firm Barossa Valley Cabernettannins. 5+ $32 Sauvignon 2009 HHHH Massive cabernet fruit/choc-Hemera Estate Single mint aromas. Powerful oakVineyard Barossa Valley on the palate but there isCabernet Sauvignon enough varietal fruit to carry2012 HHHH it. Solid tannic spine. $37An elegant style with good St Hugo Coonawarracabernet leafiness. Nice lift Cabernet Sauvignonof spicy oak on the nose 2010 HHHHfollowed by a flavoursome A stylish, well-focused, winesour cherry-like palate. $45 with dark fruits, violets and mint on the nose and a veryLake Breeze Langhorne attractive, well-structuredCreek Cabernet fruit-driven palate. $49.99Sauvignon 2012 HHHHPowerful licoricey fruitaromas with a menthol lift.Lovely ripe rich dark fruitflavours framed by delicateoak and fine tannins. $22 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 129
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 south australiaKatnook Estate Rosemount Single David Owen Advocate shiraz 2013Odyssey Coonawarra Vineyard Series Langhorne Creek ShirazCabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vines McLaren Cabernet 2012 HHHH Red Knot by Kopparossa Estate2010 HHHH Vale Shiraz Grenache A classic Aussie style Shingleback McLaren Vintage ReserveRich cedary oak overlays the 2012 HHHHH with excellent lifted fruit/ Vale Shiraz Coonawarra Shirazminty/menthol-like fruit with A big ‘serious’ inky style that intense oak aromatics and 2013 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHHHits hint of meatiness and shows poise and elegance. an elegant expression of A good ripe shiraz - very A big overripe beefy winesoft ripe tannin structure. Ripe aromas but not over- varietal fruit on the sweet youthful with loads of that, according to one judge, the-top with generous woody palate. $26.99 peppery/spicy fruit and some “Assaults the senses and 3-5 $100 mouthfilling sweet layered Shingleback Local very powerful grainy tannins needs time to calm down”.Olivia Coonawarra fruit flavours. Good balance Heroes McLaren Vale with layers of toasty oak and Masses of sweet vanillinCabernet Sauvignon and structure. $50 Shiraz Grenache lovely palate texture. It just oak sitting on top of the2009 HHHH Temple Bruer Organic 2012 HHHH needs time. $14.95 fruit. Good cellaring option.A complexity of cigar box Langhorne Creek Shiraz A lovely soft wine with aoak and cassis fruit aromas. Malbec 2008 HHHH1/2 brightness of cranberry- Random Shot by 5+ $80Soft palate entry, good A big rich food wine. Lovely like fruit characters, some Farmer’s Leap Hugh Hamilton Thesweet fruit flavours and long ripe plum fruit purity on nice oak, supple tannins Padthaway Shiraz Rascal McLaren Valelingering finish. $19 the nose with some age and just a hint of licorice 2013 HHHH Shiraz 2012 HHHHHRoy The Cattleman complexity. Very rich, sweet notes. $19.95 Lean and elegant wine with Long and powerful shirazCoonawarra Cabernet palate that’s smooth and plenty of good sweet fruit yet showing good restraint.Sauvignon 2005 HHHH round in the mouth. Still has Oxenberry Farm Two and an abundance of oak Minty cherry aromas withSavoury meaty style plenty of freshness. $25.50 Tribes McLaren Vale sitting on top and wrapped in chocolaty touches andapproaching its peak. Shiraz Grenache firm tannins. 5+ $16 red berry/cola/sour cherryComplex dark chocolaty Brothers in Arms No. 2012 HHHH palate. Nice long firmbouquet and a lean, silky 6 Langhorne Creek Ripe blue fruit bouquet with shiraz 2012 - 2010 tannins without too muchsmooth palate with good Shiraz Cabernet 2012 delicate leafy notes. Soft, grip. $29.50tannins. $27.50 HHHH1/2 plush and supple in the Dolan X20Shingleback D Block An excellent, well-made, mouth. Great length and Langhorne Creek Landaire SingleReserve McLaren Vale silky smooth style with texture to the silky smooth Shiraz 2012 HHHHH Vineyard Estate GrownCabernet Sauvignon the cabernet “pleasantly palate. $20 Fresh and youthful with a Padthaway Shiraz 20122011 HHHH dominating”. Restrained Brick Kiln Partner’s nice balance of wood and HHHHH“A complete wine - classically cool climate Reserve McLaren fruit on the nose and some Very attractive ripe plumnothing missing,” according aromas and a velvety Vale Shiraz Grenache herbal nuances. Dark fruit fragrances with lovelyto one judge. Leafy red palate with lovely tannin 2009 HHHH palate with the sweetness, spicy and smoky elementsfruit, perfumed lift, dusty structure. $22 Style and poise here with acidity and tannins all in threaded through. Longoak, good acid and soft Wyndham Estate delicate aromas of fresh perfect balance. Good lingering sweet fruit flavourstannins. $55 Founders Reserve red fruits with coffee/toffee cellaring potential. $48.99 nicely supported by some Limestone Coast notes. Long sweet fruit Pertaringa The Yeoman huge tannins. Needs time.shiraz blends Shiraz Cabernet 2012 palate. Ageing very well. $32 McLaren Vale Shiraz HHHH1/2 Annie’s Lane Quelltaler 2010 HHHHH 5+ $32Mollydooker Enchanted An attractive peppery spicy Watervale Shiraz An excellent, soft, generous, Wolf Blass PlatinumPath McLaren Vale nose with just a whiff of Cabernet 2012 HHHH well-made wine. Lovely Label Barossa ValleyShiraz Cabernet 2012 violet-like nuances. The A pretty purple wine with aromas of plums, spices, Shiraz 2010 HHHHHHHHHH flavoursome palate is full a lovely minty spicy nose some earthy notes and a floral A huge powerful richA big ripe chunky style of of rich sweet fruit and has and intense fruit flavours lift. Slippery smooth palate number with masses ofblend with an excellent a nice balance of tannins. on the fresh, warm and well- rich with dark cherry fruit and peppery/oaky aromas andcore of jubey berry/cherry balanced palate. $27 balancing oak. $195 solid oaky palate withfruit lifted by pretty floral 3-5 $21.99 good weight of black fruitnotes, with some great silky Wolf Blass White Label characters and firm densetannins and quite high in Robe Mount Benson tannins. $190alcohol. $75 Shiraz Cabernet 2012 HHHH Very approachable with lovely intense sweet concentration of fruit cake- like varietal fruit. Some nice aged characters developing. 3-5 $45130 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 south australia Fox Creek Reserve McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012 HHHH1/2 A very concentrated dark dense wine. Good balance between the sweet and savoury elements with layers of red fruits and spicy oak and nice secondary characters developing. $75Anvers McLaren Vale Hemera Estate Block 3A Kopparossa Estate Parous McLaren Vale Wolf Blass Grey LabelShiraz 2010 HHHHH Barossa Valley Shiraz Coonawarra Shiraz Shiraz 2010 HHHH1/2 McLaren Vale ShirazDark leathery bouquet with 2012 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHH1/2 Soft generous old school 2010 HHHH1/2soy-like savoury nuances. Deep purple wine with a “A tight, long, keeper,” style of shiraz with A nose that offers darkSilky smooth in the mouth complexity of savoury fruit said one judge. With its blackcurrant and olives cherry cola and Vegemite-with very good varietal aromas laced with some dark plum/bitumen fruit lifting off the nose and a like aromas edged with wildfruit characters, some fine great oak. Generous deep characters, spicy vanillin oak chocolaty palate with loads flower elements. Big firmdrying tannins and brambly fruit palate - great flavour and monumental smooth of ripe fruit and good level of tannic palate with nice spicycomplexity. $28 profile with some well- tannins with a satin finish. oak to balance. $40 oak, good fruit and long lineVasarelli Family Reserve handled oak. $60 Pertaringa Over The Top of acid. $40McLaren Vale Shiraz Wolf Blass Gold Label 5+ $29.50 McLaren Vale Shiraz Stonyfell Black2012 HHHHH Adelaide Hills Syrah 2012 HHHH1/2 Langhorne CreekQuite a complex savoury 2012 HHHH1/2 DiGiorgio Family Wines An oaky old fashioned style Shiraz 2012 HHHH1/2style. Nose shouts of wild A very pretty wine that’s Coonawarra Shiraz of shiraz with pleasant spicy Deep crimson/purplestrawberries, iodine and polished and long and full 2012 HHHH1/2 red fruit aromas and nice oak hues with dark, brooding,medicinal notes. Long of briary/forest fruits Complex, slightly adding complexity. Medium leathery/mocha aromas andpersistent balance of showing attractive spicy developed licorice and spicy bodied palate with a lovely an elegant well-balanceddark fruit flavours and a notes and balanced by the oak aromas. Soft well- long line of dark fruits. $40 palate with powerful juicyvery good background of lovely sweetness of quality balanced shiraz fruit palate fruit, subtle oak and livelytannins. $20.99 oak. $27.90 with an oaky background. Cleggett WinesThe acidity. $27.99 Excellent structure and McLennan Langhorne Heartland LanghorneShingleback Davey Anvers Adelaide Hills texture. 3-5 $23 Creek Shiraz 2010 Creek ShirazBrothers McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012 HHHH1/2 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHHShiraz 2012 HHHHH A fuller style with delicious Katnook Estate Prodigy A great cool climate style Very fruity nose with niceA gorgeous deep purple earthy plum fruit characters, Coonawarra Shiraz with very inviting spicy intensity of cedary oak.wine with a dark fruit some toasty licorice elements 2010 HHHH1/2 development to the nose Beautifully textured palatebouquet showing licorice and and loads of quality oak with Oak dominated aromas and velvety smooth palate that’s rich with juicy fruitcola notes. Well-integrated fine, but chewy, tannins and showing cedary/cigar box with dark fruit intensity and supported by dryingand seamlessly balanced greenish acid. $48 characters. Soft palate, supported by some lovely tannins. $19.99meaty/licorice palate. Pepperjack Barossa rich with big intense rich tannins. $40 J&J McLaren ValeExcellent complexity. $17.95 Valley Shiraz 2012 multi-layered flavours and Shiraz 2010 HHHHLou Miranda Estate HHHH1/2 showing incredible length. Chocolaty leathery nose;Leone Barossa Valley A very enjoyable intense some cherries and Earl GreyShiraz 2012 HHHHH and complex wine. “Lots to 5+ $100 tea-like characters. LongA very smart shiraz with great like here,” said one judge. palate, good texture, ripevarietal fruit drive, perfectly Big fruity nose and long Saltram Single fruit and fine tannins. $19.99integrated with subtle oak generous fruit characters Vineyard Moculta Road Clarence Hill Reservecomplexity and long firm on the palate well matched Barossa Valley Shiraz McLaren Vale Shiraztannins and showing a nice with soft tannins. $29 2010 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHHtouch of licorice with hints of A solid wine with the fruit, A wine with a generousanise. $NA oak and tannins all working and enjoyable combination well together. Smells of of licorice, spice, plum and chocolate with some pepper beef stock-like characters on and spice and lovely long the nose and palate. $28 soft fruit flavours. $90 Claymore Dark Side of the Moon Clare Valley Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz 2012 HHHH McLaren Vale Shiraz A big old school style with 2012 HHHH1/2 vibrant and rich chocolaty Some excellent oak here; nose and one judge a bit overpowering for the describing the palate as a moment but there are “mouthful of love!”. $25 lovely dark fruit characters underneath with warming alcohol. It just needs time to settle. $30 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 131
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 south australiaTaylors Clare Valley J&J Rivers Lane Squid Ink GiantShiraz 2013 HHHH Premium McLaren Vale McLaren Vale ShirazPretty dark plum fruit Shiraz 2010 HHHH 2010 HHHHaromas and a very youthful Rich concentrated fresh Big toasty oak wine withpalate full of dark sweet red fruit style with some simple ripe juicy fruitflavours. A great drink just interesting iodine and characters sitting beneath.needs a little more time. $19 roast veggie-like notes and Spicy lift to the nose and a supported by smoky-like lingering finish to theReillys Clare Valley oak. $35 palate. $150Shiraz 2012 HHHH 2 Mates McLaren Vale Squid Ink McLaren Vale“This feels good,” said one Shiraz 2012 HHHH Shiraz 2012 HHHHjudge. Well-made, well- Ripe, dark and complex Dark and briary on the nosehandled and well-structured on the nose with a palate with simple black/red fruitwine with varietal and loaded with brambly/red fruit flavours on a big ripe cleanregional complexity. $19 and balanced by some well- palate and showing a nice handled vanillin oak. $27.50 spicy lift. $55Talbots Block The Ambush Hill McLaren Shingleback Unedited Richard Hamilton Cradle McLaren ValePrince Clare Valley Vale Shiraz 2010 HHHH McLaren Vale Shiraz Centurion 120 Year Vignerons SelectionShiraz 2012 HHHH Nice vibrancy of mulberry 2010 HHHH Old Vine McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012 HHHHVery young, high acid wine aromas with cola-like Inky beetrooty aromas mixed Shiraz 2012 HHHH Slightly porty fruit characterswith a lovely undercurrent of nuances. Good palate with spicy oak. Quite an A dark cola-like nose with with attractive chocolatysmoky bacon oak with some showing nice complexity astringent palate with dark Chinotto-like aromas. Nice elements layered with vanillinfloral fruit and medicinal with up-front cherry fruit flavour concentration and dense and charry palate oak and some sesame oil-likemintiness. $24 freshness. $24 dense drying tannins. $79.95 laced with acid and with a notes. $39.99Taylors St Andrews Handcrafted by Geoff long lingering finish. $75Clare Valley Shiraz Hardy McLaren Vale2010 HHHH Shiraz 2010 HHHHInteresting earthy chocolaty A tarry nose layered withbouquet with a minty lift. black olives and some cherryZingy fresh palate; very good fruit. A chunky chocolatyvarietal fruit expression, and cedary palate with somelovely oak and hot finish. $60 nice fine tannin. $30 A WINE FLIGHT THAT’S WORTH THE TRAVEL! Tickets are now on sale for South Australia’s biggest celebration of local wine, regional produce and culinary expertise - join 170+ producers at the Cellar Door Wine Festival, GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!held under one roof in the heart of the city!20-22 FEBRUARY 2015ADELAIDE CONVENTION CENTREwww.cellardoorfestival.com132 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Winner of Winestate Wine of the Year Award 2014 h
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 south australiaJericho McLaren Vale Land of the Vines shiraz 2009 & older Zema Estate Family 919 Reserve CollectionShiraz 2012 HHHH McLaren Vale Shiraz Selection Coonawarra Riverland Pale DryDark fruit bouquet with 2012 HHHH Orlando Lawson’s Shiraz 2008 HHHH Apera NV HHHH1/2chocolaty notes and Lots of oak on the nose with Padthaway Shiraz A very smart shiraz with “Spot on; true to style,”big, sweet and minty a good blackberry fruit lift 2005 HHHHH tight dark fruit showing noted one judge. Lovelyboysenberry-like flavours and heaps of oak on the soft Very attractive, aged wine hints of plum pudding fig-like intensity to the nosewith hints of Hoisin and generous palate with a but still tight and in very and mingling with cedary laced with attractive ranciosauce. $35 medicinal note. $22.99 good condition with the oak and some interesting characters. Great palateMollydooker Velvet Dorrien Bin 1 Barossa varietal fruit still evident earthiness. $45.95 length and texture andGlove McLaren Vale Valley Shiraz 2011 HHHH and nicely integrated with Paracombe Adelaide some good spirit. $30Shiraz 2012 HHHH A very well-made wine with sweet earthy and leathery Hills Shiraz 2009 HHHHA long lingering silky smooth lots of upfront oaky aromas characters. More years left Medium bodied wine 919 Reserve Collectionshiraz with a complexity and some vibrant blue fruit in it. 3-5 $64.99 vibrant with plum and cassis Riverland Classicof dark fruits, some cherry flavours on a long firm Brick Kiln McLaren Vale fruit supported by fragrant Muscat NV HHHHsweetness and interesting tannic palate. $NA Shiraz 2004 HHHHH oak and showing good A lovely chocolate pudding-iodine-like notes. $185 Flint’s of Coonawarra A beautifully aged shiraz that tannin finesse and length. like nose with floral touchesLoom Long Yarn Rostrevor Coonawarra shows excellent regional followed by a generouslyMcLaren Vale Shiraz Shiraz 2010 HHHH and varietal characteristics 3-5 $21 flavoured, soft and simple2012 HHHH A youthful peppery nose and and still has some fruit quince-like palate. $40A luscious and viscous style a sweet young palate with freshness. Soft and sweet white & fortified Pertaringa Autumnof shiraz with attractive intense fruit flavours. It’s chocolaty in the mouth with Harvest McLaren Valefruit/oak aromas and a thick elegant but powerful with a flavours that linger long after 919 Reserve Collection Riesling 2010 HHHHcrunchy palate that’s all soft spicy finish. $22 the wine has gone. $45 Riverland Classic Tawny A luscious and vibrant wineporty and chocolaty. $15 James Haselgrove NV HHHHH ageing nicely and offering a Morambro Creek Futures McLaren Vale Tawny brown colour with mouthful of candied tropicalAtze’s Corner The Padthaway Shiraz Shiraz 2008 HHHH1/2 bright green edges and fruit, citrus peel and coldBachelor Barossa Valley 2012 HHHH This nose has dark aroma smelling of caramels and tea-like elements. $18Shiraz 2012 HHHH A bigger style with plenty complexity with smoky orange blossoms - lovely!Great depth and intensity of upfront red/dark plum bacon touches. Soft and easy Luscious and nutty inof berry fruit with a line fruit. Oak sitting in the to drink with an excellent the mouth with greatof licorice-like characters background. Savoury persistence of dense jammy flavour length and nicerunning through. Excellent secondary characters berry fruit flavours. $38 clean spirit. $30firm tannic backbone. $25 developing. 3-5 $31.95 James HaselgroveBrick Kiln McLaren Vale Futures McLaren ValeShiraz 2011 HHHH GMH by Geoff Hardy Shiraz 2009 HHHHPleasant lift of fresh South Australia Shiraz Cloves and pepper lift offstrawberries on the nose; 2012 HHHH the red cherry nose. Theslightly minty. Good Brooding tarry/black fruit palate still showing someconcentration of dark fruit bouquet and a monster of freshness and has longflavours with earthy leathery a palate, for the moment, lingering rich and spicycomplexity. $25 with the sweet fruit flavours. $38 seamlessly blended with Saltram No 1 Barossa the oak. 5+ $20 Valley Shiraz 2009 HHHH Majella Coonawarra Rich dark blue fruits mingle Shiraz 2012 HHHH with lots of sweet oak and Soft approachable showing some nice savoury commercial style with elements supported by long peppery plum nose and soft tannins. $90 good integration of spicy Roy The Cattleman sweet fruit and vanillin oak Coonawarra Shiraz flavours. 3-5 $30 2008 HHHH Very ripe and very sweet Bowen Estate and brimming over with Coonawarra Shiraz tar, fig and licorice-like characters. A huge wine, bordering on the porty. 3-5 $27.50 2012 HHHH Big, warming style with some attractive spicy varietal fruit, tight oak and silky smooth mouth-coating tannins. 3-5 $32134 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Premium McLaren Vale ShirazCellar Door: Red Poles Restaurant190 McMurtrie Rd, McLaren ValeOn-line sales: www.brickiln.com.au
Robert Ellis victoria the best wines of 2014 contents Includes: Sparkling, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Other White Varietals & Blends, Chardonnay & Blends, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz & Blends, Durif, Sweet Whites & Fortifieds.
DREAMS OF A PERFECT VINTAGESHATTERED BY ‘NIGHTMARE’ CONDITIONS The Victorian year in review, by Jeni Port.“IN Southern Victoria, vintage 2014 was a nightmare.” reds is Ross Brown of Brown Brothers. He selects 2014 as the best of the last There can be no mincing of words, no half-hearted suggestions that maybe three vintages, with cooler conditions in the King Valley - a major source of grapes for the company - leading to wines with higher acidities.the vintage might be remembered across Southern Victoria for somethingother than the “nightmare”- to quote Mornington Peninsula winemaker, Gary “The wines are a little more zesty and finer in flavours, with more acidity soBaldwin - it proved to be for so many winemakers. they are more likely to be better wines for cellaring,” Brown says. Thus, a wine like Brown Brothers shiraz mondeuse cabernet, which is already referred to as Baldwin, chief winemaker at Handpicked Wines, doesn’t sugar coat his feelings. a silver wedding anniversary wine such is its longevity, will benefit from even “At our Capella Vineyard we managed only 300kg of fruit per acre longer cellaring than usual in a year like 2014. Expect the tannin and acid(winemakers traditionally talk in acres). That is a disaster but we are aware of count in an already over-endowed tannic and acidic grape like mondeuse toothers in Mornington who managed even less,” he said. go off the charts. Normally, Baldwin and others might reasonably expect to pick betweentwo and four tonnes of fruit to the acre, so to be dealt such a meager harvest Prosecco celebrated 10 years in the King Valley this year at its spiritual home,will hurt the bottom line for many producers from the Yarra Valley to the Dal Zotto Wines at Cheshunt. And, it was a good year for the sparkling ItalianMornington Peninsula. white grape variety, to boot. A sudden blast of wet, cold and windy conditions, including frost in someplaces during the flowering period for the regions’ star performers, chardonnay “The vintage conditions allowed for great development of the delicate floraland pinot noir, is to blame. Cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, later ripeners, aromatics in the grape,” says Michael Dal Zotto, who is going ahead withfared a little better. plans to increase production following 25 to 30 per cent sales growth in Dal But there is some good news. Zotto Wines prosecco in the last four years. Rollo Crittenden at Crittenden Wines, outside Dromana, harvested just 0.7tonnes per acre on average but he can retain the vestiges of a smile. “I am A new block planted in the foothills of Paradise Falls has just come intoabsolutely delighted with the quality,” he says. production. “In the beginning it was a pretty tough slog getting prosecco out Crittenden reports that the low yields delivered wines with great colour and there,” says Dal Zotto. Not any more.flavour. “The resultant reds are extremely concentrated, with above averagetannin structure and lots of dark fruit characters,” he says. The family patriarch, Otto, is the one who set the grape up in Australia. He For many Victorian winemakers the year completed a rare triple feat: three wanted something that would remind him of the place where he was born, asuccessive above average vintages in a row. village in Valdobbiadene in Italy’s Veneto region. Valdobiaddene is famous for “Almost certainly a great year for the whites,” says Tahbilk CEO, Alister prosecco. It was a simple as that. Now the King Valley is famous for prosecco.Purbrick. “And, although I will reserve judgment on the reds for 12 months,maybe ditto for them as well.” Further on up, in a northerly direction, the North East Victoria had mixed At Hanging Rock Winery in the Macedon Ranges, young winemaker Rob Ellis blessings in 2014.is extra cheery. “Could not have been happier with the growing conditions,” hesays. The downside for him was the volume of fruit from his family’s vineyard Vineyards at higher altitudes were mostly spared the severe frost that visitedin the neighbouring region of Heathcote. “Being dry grown, these last two vineyards above the Great Divide in mid-October, 2013. Those on lower lyingyears of extreme heat and dry have stressed the vines immensely,” he says. land, like Campbells Wines outside Rutherglen, were hit hard.“We find ourselves dropping crop down to 0.1 tonne to the acre - we havehad only two tonnes of fruit off the 20 acres in the last two years - just to keep “It was disastrous,” says Colin Campbell. “The quality was quite good butthe vines alive.” the frost saw some of our crops down 50 to 60 per cent.” Swings and roundabouts: extra low yields make highly concentrated wines.Ellis suggests his 2013 and 2014 Heathcote shiraz will probably look their There was nothing for producers like Campbells Wines to do but to buy inbest in 20 years’ time. fruit. Trouble was, everyone was forced to do the same thing and grape prices Another producer talking up the potential extended ageing capability of 2014 rose as a consequence. Grape growers were happy. Grapes for the maker’s world famous fortified wines - muscat and muscadelle for topaque (formerly tokay) - were down by as much as 80 per cent. “Fortunately, we have good stocks and we put something away every year,” says Campbell. “The solera (a traditional blending system that ends up with a mix of ages) is always well backed up.” The bounty from the excellent 2013 vintage will help Campbells and other fortified makers get over their shortfall. No great harm done there. Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 137
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 victoriasparkling riesling Auldstone Murtagh Tahbilk Central Victoria Yarravale Reserve Yarra Bros King Valley Pinot Marsanne 2013 HHHH Valley ChardonnayBlue Pyrenees Merindoc Heathcote Gris 2014 HHHH1/2 Nose is a wonderful intensity 2012 HHHHPyrenees Vintage Brut Riesling 2013 HHHH Bronze coloured wine with of dried apricots and bright An excellent rich melon nose2010 HHHH1/2 Some subtle floral nuances pink touches and a musky orange blossom. Persistent with subtle sweet oak notesA lovely full flavoured, fruity on the nose and a lean, pear-like bouquet. Oily flavours and good acid/ and a beautifully texturedstyle, with a light bronze hue, racy acid palate loaded textured palate with spiced phenolic balance. $18.25 palate that has plenty of styleexcellent acid balance, some with bright lime and lemon pear and lemon characters Tahbilk Central Victoria and good flavour length. $32leesy characters and a long, varietal fruit characters. $21 filling the mouth with Viognier 2013 HHHHclean and crisp finish. $24 Mitchelton Blackwood flavour. Good example of a A vibrancy of honeysuckle pinot noirBrown Brothers King Park Central Victoria gris style. $19 on the nose and long, softlyValley Pinot Noir Riesling 2013 HHHH textured palate offering aChardonnay Pinot Subdued floral whiff, with Rutherglen Estates mouthful of rich flavours withMeunier NV HHHH1/2 an edge of stonefruit-like Renaissance Rutherglen delicate floral notes. $19.50Very complex and quite mature characters and a tight, crisp Viognier Marsannestyle smelling of green apples, and flavoursome palate. A Rousanne 2012 chardonnay & blendsstrawberries and brioche classic at its best now. $20 HHHH1/2with rich, clean strawberry A promising complexity Tokar Estate Yarrashortbread-like flavour profile sauvignon blanc & of aromas; spices, tropical Valley Chardonnay 2012on the crisp palate. $25 blends fruits and orange preserve. HHHHH Gorgeous palate with layers Very attractive nose with a Mitchelton The Bend of stonefruit and citrus complexity of powerful oak Innocent Bystander Central Victoria flavours. Obvious oak. Great and ripe fruit. Excellent nutty Yarra Valley Pinot Noir Sauvignon Blanc quality. $32 peachy flavour profile on a 2012 HHHHH Semillon 2013 HHHH creamy/lees textured palate Leafy earthy nose layered Pungent passionfruit varietal Indigo Vineyards Alpine with nice flinty line running with sweet spices and nose and good varietal palate, Valleys Beechworth through. $28 beetroot-like characters. with spicy edge and nice Pinot Grigio 2014 Savoury palate; excellent balance between the acid and HHHH Coldstream Hills fruit/oak integration with pleasant phenolics. $16 Attractive nose - smells Reserve Yarra Valley velvety tannins. “Has time of pear drops. Long, mid- Chardonnay 2013 on its side,” said one judge. other white weight and slightly oily HHHH1/2 varietals & blends palate with nice pear-like Toasty oak dominates the 5+ $25 flavours with a peppery nose and underscored byDal Zotto Pucino King Mount Burrumboot note. $24 stonefruit/lemon sherbetValley Prosecco Estate Heathcote characters. Seamlessly2013 HHHH1/2 Marsanne Viognier Scion Vineyard Fleur balanced palate with lovelyFresh green apple bouquet 2009 HHHHH Rutherglen Orange vanilla oak and more lemonwith an attractive floral A long, complex and Muscat 2013 HHHH sherbet. 3-5 $59.99 Point Leo Roadtouch. Appley palate is light generous wine, with A very pleasant musky/rose Vineyard Morningtonand delicate with what one lovely aged Marsanne fruit petal bouquet and a very Point Leo Road Peninsula Pinot Noirjudge described as, “perfect showing through. The wine well-balanced palate that Vineyards Mornington 2010 HHHHHpoise”. “Bring on the spring has balance, length and delivers soft musky orange- Peninsula Chardonnay Lovely youthful varietalracing.” $23 freshness, with excellent like flavours. $19 2010 HHHH1/2 bouquet with an intensity of intensity. $25 Very well made wine withGapsted Wines Tobacco Dal Zotto King Valley powerful toasty aromas vanilla, spices and plums.Road King Valley Arneis 2013 HHHH and obvious honeyed aged Palate has some rich ripeProsecco NV HHHH An interesting savoury style characters with a grassy tannins still holding theFresh and zesty on the nose - be great with food. Slight touch. Lovely purity of wine together beautifullyand brimming over with marzipan-like nuances to varietal fruit on the creamy with forest floor-likelemons and sherbet. Lovely the nose and quite a tangy nutty palate. Good acid. $24 characters. 5+ $27green apple palate that’s stonefruit palate. $27very light and refreshing. $16 Sticks Vineyard Rob DolanYarra Valley Naked Wines Boy Select Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2013 HHHH1/2Brown Brothers Limited Meets Girl Central Chardonnay A lovely youthful wine thatRelease King Valley Victoria Pinot Grigio 2013 HHHH will improve nicely in theProsecco 2013 HHHH 2013 HHHH An elegant style. Interesting future. Smells of cherriesZesty sweet aromas with Soft pink hues, with pear varietal nose smells of and brambles and hasfragrances of apples and drop-like fragrances and apples, pears and hazelnuts. rich cherry flavours, somesherbet and leading on a clean, crisp and long Dry savoury palate is driven cedary oak and supportingto a palate with a creamy fruit-driven palate. Acid by generous acidity. $35 grainy tannins. $35mouthfeel and stonefruit in perfect balance withflavours. $19.90 sweetness. $12.99 Fowles Wine Helen & Joey Estate Are You Game? Single Vineyard YarraColdstream Hills Yarra Rob Dolan Yarra Valley Victoria Chardonnay Valley Pinot NoirValley Pinot Noir Bon Blanc 2013 HHHH 2012 HHHH 2012 HHHH1/2Chardonnay 2010 HHHH Nutty lemon aromas and a Powerful stonefruit/melon A rustic complexity to thePale straw aperitif style, fine nice fresh savoury style of aromas leading on to a nose with a nice lift ofpersistent bead, lovely green palate with a tight acid profile simple and fleshy palate summer berry aromas. and showing very good showing loads of excellent Interesting, complex palate flavour persistence. $35 varietal fruit, with good with as one judge noted, oak/acid support. $16.95 “Something different withapple aromas with subtle every sip”. Lingers nicely! $29nuttiness and lively floral applepalate. 3-5 $34.99138 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 victoriaColdstream Hills French Island Vineyards cabernet sauvignon Taltarni Pyrenees D’Angelo Officer BenReserve Yarra Valley French Island Pinot Noir & blends Cabernet Sauvignon Gippsland ShirazPinot Noir 2012 2008 HHHH 2009 HHHH 2013 HHHHHHHHH1/2 Briary nose with forest Morris of Rutherglen A big, dark number, A polished well-made wineAgeing savoury tobacco and undergrowth characters. CMH Rutherglen with spicy blackcurrant with lovely freshness andlicorice aromas with dried “A cracker of a palate with Cabernet Sauvignon and blackberry-like fruit drinkability. A delightfullyherb notes adding character. flavours that get to every 2012 HHHHH characters and a big perfumed lift to the spicyVelvety light-bodied palate part of your mouth.” Dense brooding liqueur/ “whack” of oak. Very oaky nose. The palate iswith developing fruit cassis aromas supported generous wine. $40 powerful with nice oakyflavours, great acid and 5+ $23 by some cedary oak. Great sweetness and tight tannins.balanced use of oak. Tokar Estate Yarra palate weight with loads Tokar Estate Yarra A crowd pleaser. $32 Valley Pinot Noir 2012 of blackcurrant flavours, Valley Cabernet Bellbrae Estate 5+ $84.99 HHHH massive tannins and Sauvignon 2012 HHHH Longboard Geelong Bright defined spicy bramble tremendous length. $60 Shiraz 2013 HHHH1/2De Bortoli Windy Peak aromas; some licorice. “A classic Yarra cabernet,” Bright youthful purple wineYarra Valley Pinot Noir Complex concentration of Yarravale Yarra Valley said one judge. Intense spicy with tar, ink and violets2013 HHHH spicy herbal flavours with Cabernet Sauvignon peppery nose. Good length, on the nose and darkSavoury nose; some sweet sweet oak integration. 2008 HHHH1/2 intensity and generosity of blackberry/licorice fruitspices and hints of beetroot. Dark liqueur-like fruit flavour. 5+ $36 well supported by sweetSilky smooth plum palate 5+ $28 characters on the nose with oak on a velvety palatewith well-integrated oak and black olive hints. Tight well- Helen & Joey Estate with balancing tannins.a persistent finish. other red balanced palate with nice Single Vineyard Yarra varietals & blends lingering olive tapenade-like Valley Cabernet 3-5 $22.50 5+ $20 flavours. Still very young, Sauvignon 2012 HHHH Bellbrae Estate Bells James & Co polished and well-made Powerful earthy meaty Geelong SyrahRobert Oatley Signature Beechworth Sangiovese wine. $32 aromas and an elegant cool 2012 HHHH1/2Series Yarra Valley Pinot 2012 HHHHH Blue Pyrenees climate cabernet palate full Very youthful with a hugeNoir 2013 HHHH A cherry berry nose Richardson Pyrenees of violets, varietal fruit and oaky nose touched bySweet red berry bouquet bordering on savoury and Cabernet Sauvignon well-handled toasty oak. $37 sweet notes and subtlewith a delicate touch of long well-structured cherry 2012 HHHH toastiness. An oak bombspice. The elegant and lively palate with a gamey core, A dark chocolate and berry Fowles Wine of a palate. Some lovelypalate is loaded with toasty herbal esters and firm dark combination on the nose Are You Game? varietal fruit charactersoak complexity. $22.95 tannins. “A wine that ticks and drying tannic palate, Victoria Cabernet poking through. “A all the boxes,” according to with an abundance of cassis Merlot 2010 HHHH delightful drink.”Rob Dolan True Colours one judge. $30 fruit characters. $25 Nose of brambles andYarra Valley Pinot Noir James & Co Maygars Hill Reserve blackcurrant with a hint of 5+ $282013 HHHH Beechworth Sangiovese Mansfield Cabernet the cigar box. Good palate Yarra Yering Dry RedA strawberry and spicy Rosé 2014 HHHH Sauvignon 2010 HHHH length and structure, with No. 2 Yarra Valley Shirazcomplexity to the nose and A pretty wine smelling of A leafy varietal, with a dark a complexity of fruit, tannin Blend 2012 HHHH1/2a fresh and bright upfront cherries and rhubarb with berry bouquet edged with and acid. $16.95 Delightful cool climate styledark cherry palate with a crisp palate and some herbal notes. Rich and of wine with an excitingunderlying oak support. well-balanced residual sugar. flavoursome in the mouth, Blue Pyrenees Pyrenees spicy meaty bouquet that Savoury on the finish. $18 with a hint of licorice. $36 Cabernet Merlot Malbec has a lift of black cherry 5+ $24 Gapsted Wines Alpine Mount Avoca Pyrenees 2009 HHHH fruits. The palate is soft with Valley King Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vibrant concentration of lovely spicy peppery red fruitSt Huberts Wines Saperavi 2010 HHHH 2010 HHHH rich dark red fruits matched flavours. $92Hubert The Stag Yarra Smells of blackcurrants and A soft, ripe, easy drinking with very good tannins and Baileys of GlenrowanValley Pinot Noir bootpolish! The firm, high cabernet, with attractive showing plenty of well- Glenrowan Shiraz2013 HHHH acid, palate delivers full fruit spicy varietal notes and a handled oak length. $32 2012 HHHH1/2“Has a commanding flavours with a firm tannic seamless balance between A big wine with toasty notespresence,” said one judge. spine. Years ahead of it. $27 oak, fruit and acid. $29.49 to the peppery blackberryHas varietal fruit purity, fine Rutherglen Estates Red bouquet. Palate is full andoak integration and chalky Rutherglen Shiraz Durif soft in the mouth andtannins with a lingering 2013 HHHH layered with long spicyfinish. 5+ $24 Fragrant nose showing great shiraz & blends varietal fruit flavours with balance of spiced plum and quite an acid finish. $27D’Angelo Fugiastro blueberry aromas. Big and McPherson Wines Baileys of GlenrowanYarra Valley Pinot Noir soft in the mouth with nice Chapter Three 1920’s Block Glenrowan2013 HHHH spicy spine. $15 Strathbogie Ranges Shiraz 2012 HHHH1/2Complex nose - smells of Dal Zotto King Valley Shiraz 2012 HHHHH Masses of very ripe berryred fruits and mushrooms Sangiovese Cabernet A very appealing shiraz fruit aromas and a firm well-followed by a very more-ish 2012 HHHH that is a lovely combination balanced palate that’s softpalate that has lingering “Love this wine,” said of good peppery varietal in the mouth and tastingfruit sweetness. $25 one judge. It’s full and fruit, subtle use of oak and of spices and plums. “Text round with great vibrancy some graphite-like tannins book stuff,” thought oneTokar Estate Yarra of sour cherry fruit; some in the background. Has judge. $45Valley Pinot Noir blackcurrants coming length and balance. $24.992013 HHHH through. $22Bright and interesting winewith plenty of lovely varietalspicy wild berry characters,good level of fresh acidityand balancing oak. $28 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 139
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 victoriaBaileys of Glenrowan Blue Pyrenees Estate durif Morris of Rutherglen Scion VineyardOrganic Glenrowan Richardson Pyrenees Rutherglen Durif Rutherglen GrandShiraz 2013 HHHH Shiraz 2012 HHHH Anderson Basket Press 2010 HHHH1/2 Muscat NV HHHHHA full-bodied inky dark style Cooler-climate style - quite Rutherglen Durif A classic text book nose An absolutely fabulouswith chocolaty fragrances Rhone-like in character, with 2009 HHHHH that’s all blueberries, tar and nose that shows both ageseamlessly layered with excellent fruit and a complex Very tight restrained sweet herbs. Great concentration and freshness. The palateblack cherry aromas and big combo between the oak, red currant/plum nose. of flavours reminiscent of is bright, lively and liftedand soft in the mouth. $27 tannin and acid. $25 Incredible intensity of liqueur plums with plenty of with layers of complexitySeville Estate Old Vine Taltarni T Series Victoria flavour with tremendous acidity to support it all. $26 and freshness and wrappedReserve Yarra Valley Shiraz 2010 HHHH length. Very good balanced in warming alcohol. $59Shiraz 2012 HHHH One for the cellar with its and huge tannic grip. Years sweet whitesMore restrained style. rich lifted spicy fruit, lovely of life ahead of it. $29 & fortifieds Baileys of GlenrowanViolets lift off the subtle drying tannins and excellent Rare Old Rutherglenbramble nose. Palate has crisply fresh acid backbone. Morris of Rutherglen Morris of Rutherglen Liqueur Muscat NVa tight bright core of berry CMH Rutherglen Durif Cellar Reserve Grand HHHHHfruit nicely supported by 3-5 $17 2007 HHHHH Rutherglen Liqueur A rich, delicious power ofoak. 3-5 $70 Trentham Heathcote Amazing colour! Has tar and Muscat NV HHHHH chocolate and caramel onMcPherson Wines Shiraz 2009 HHHH licorice aromas and a huge Very deep and tarry on the the nose which is echoedMoonstruck Central Powerful, mature, dark berry palate with an explosion nose and a little syrupy. on the palate that showsVictoria Shiraz nose and big, long, ripe of blackberry fruit flavours, Palate shows an incredible hints of citrus rind and has2012 HHHH palate - sweet in the middle, massive amount of tannins intensity and sweetness, tremendous weight with aDelicious smells of milk with fruit cake-like spice and balancing acidity. “A tour some good oak influence, lovely long lingering finish. $75chocolate, with subtle characters. $30 de force!” 5+ $60 huge rancio and amazingoaky notes and there flavour length. $50 Baileys of Glenrowanis a lovely elegance to Baileys of Glenrowan Rare Old Liqueurthe spicy, peppery, fruit Glenrowan Petite Sirah Rutherglen Topaque NVpalate. $17.99 2012 HHHH1/2 HHHHH A dark brooding suggestion Very dark, brooding and of blackberry compote super sweet with a touch aromas and an assertive but of old wood, some fig-like well-balanced tannic palate characters, malt, caramel with lovely length of subtle and a dash of spices. bramble fruit flavours. $27 Excellent rancio. A gorgeous seamlessly balanced product. $75WINESTATE Winery Entry Forms available at www.winestate.com.au or email Peter JacksoneSUvBSeCRnIBtERs [email protected] Ph +61 8 8357 9277 Subscribers enjoy these events FREE Friday 23 January, 2015 Friday 10 April, 2015 Cathay Pacific Best of the West Cathay Pacific Cabernet & Bordeaux Blends Hyatt Regency Hotel, Perth WA Tickets available NOW National Wine Center, Adelaide Tickets available NOW contact [email protected] Friday 29 May, 2015 Sunday 8 March, 2015 Mainfreight International Braai in the Barossa World’s Greatest Shiraz South African Wine comes to South Australia! Challenge X The Louise, Barossa Valley. Tickets only $75 National Wine Center, Adelaide Tickets available NOW Contact [email protected] NO FREE TICKETS140 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 victoriaMorris of Rutherglen Auldstone Classic Morris of Rutherglen John Gehrig North East Morris of RutherglenOld Premium Rare Glenrowan Liqueur Mia Pale Flor Victoria Grand Tawny Classic RutherglenRutherglen Liqueur Muscat NV HHHH1/2 Rutherglen Apera NV NV HHHH Liqueur Tokay NV HHHHTokay NV HHHHH “Crystal in the glass,” was HHHH The nose is dark, chocolaty Butterscotch aromas withDeep and dark and smelling one judge’s description. Crystal clear green hues; and leathery with a dash slight hints of tropicalof cold tea and toffee with Beautiful vibrant colour and super clean nutty/almond of spice. Very sweet dried nuance and more of thesensational depth and lovely candied peel and aromas. Lovely and fresh, fruit-like flavours, some silky butterscotch and somepower of complex luscious rose-like characters with a dry, crisp and vibrant in the tannins and good rancio. $32 toffee on the fresh youthfulflavours with tremendous raisined lift. Needs more mouth. $19.95 Morris of Rutherglen palate. $75rancio characters. Has loads time. $30 Cellar One Classicof life. $75 Morris of Rutherglen Morris of Rutherglen Rutherglen Liqueur Baileys of Glenrowan Cellar One Classic Classic Rutherglen Muscat NV HHHH VP 140 GlenrowanMorris of Rutherglen Liqueur Rutherglen Liqueur Muscat NV A pretty and quite elegant Vintage Port 2012Old Premium Rutherglen Topaque NV HHHH1/2 HHHH style with lovely primary rose HHHHLiqueur Muscat NV A long, luscious and Vibrant, fresh, balanced petal-like characters. Plump A very attractive tight andHHHHH delicious balance of malty, with nice rose and toffee and super sweet in the zesty style that is loaded“Just beautiful,” enthused tea leaf, buttery, toffee and characters, a touch of wood mouth. Needs more age. $35 with a firm purity of sweetone judge. Has an muscatel-like character with and some rancio. $22 fruit, nice dusty spice andimpenetrable dark chocolate some subtle rancio elements good level of spirit. $30cake of a nose and silky soft in the background. $35 Baileys of Glenrowan Morris of Rutherglenpalate showing “impossible” Morris of Rutherglen Founders Series Classic Aged Amber Rutherglen Brown Brothers Patricialength, lovely freshness and Cellar Reserve Grand Rutherglen Topaque Apera NV HHHH Late Harvest Milawalift. “Gorgeous.” $75 Rutherglen Liqueur NV HHHH Beautiful amber hues with Noble Riesling 2009 Tokay NV HHHH1/2 Classic balance of cold a green rim. Smells of (375ml) HHHHMorris of Rutherglen Beautiful green hues, subtle tea and rancio characters caramels and has a very The noise has a lovelyBlack Label Rutherglen malty caramel bouquet and supported by good wood intense, dry, nutty palate intensity of melon andLiqueur Muscat NV huge sweetness on the and layered with a nice level showing great flavour apricot aromas. The lusciousHHHH1/2 palate that has an amazing of spirit. $30 length. $50 sweet apricot palate isNose is a gorgeous cascade intensity and length with balanced by crisp acidity.of rose petals, candied nice oak influence. $50 Baileys of Glenrowan Morris of Rutherglen $36.70peel and spices. Vibrant Founders Series Classic Rutherglen Vintage Portpalate. Soft and rich in the Rutherglen Liqueur 2005 HHHHmouth with a huge belt of Muscat NV HHHH Rich, chocolaty and verypot-pourri and ginger-like Clean well-constructed style. sweet with a seamlessflavours. $19.95 Very attractive rose/raisin integration of lifted spirit characters, nice level of and developing some rancio elements. $30 excellent complexity. $25 ALDILiquor aldiliquor.com.au Australia’s Best Value LIQUOR RETAILER* Over 200 wine, beer and spirits are available at your fingertips from our every day range and exciting special buys. Order now on your smartphone, tablet or desktop for quality liquor delivered straight to your door. free delivery when you spend over $300† Delivery charges are on a per case basis. (†Excludes Beer and RTD’s. This offer is valid for selected Eastern Seaboard Delivery locations only.)ALDI supports the responsible service of alcohol. It is illegal to purchase alcohol for people under 18. On-line sales made pursuant to the Authority of packaged liquor licence no:LIQP770010278. *Roy Morgan Single Source (Australia), January 2013- December 2013. n=8,460. Base: Australians 18+ who specified the store they usually purchase alcohol.ALC6421_WINESTATE_AD_208x137.indd 1 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 141 18/11/14 5:05 PM
Grapesnew sowuatlhes the best wines of 2014 contents Includes: Sparkling, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Other White Varietals & Blends, Semillon, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz & Blends, Sweet White & Fortified.
A CAREER-DEFINING VINTAGE The New South Wales year in review, by Rick Allen.A tweet from McWilliams Mt Pleasant head winemaker Jim Chatto, the former per cent. “I can’t keep up with riesling demand anyway, so this will impact, butchairman of judges at the Hunter Valley wine show, to his fellow winemakers said while the volume will be down the quality will still be there and I think it’s prettyit all. “1937, 1954, 1965, 2014 #Hunter shiraz. If you’re lucky you get one, maybe much the same story across the region.”two, of these vintages in your career. Make it count.” Over at Orange things may not have been quite so volatile, but it certainly As you can see, it would be impossible to overstate the excitement in the wasn’t easy. As Stephen Doyle, owner and winemaker of Bloodwood said, theyHunter for the 2014 vintage. Right across the board the reports were the same - went from “a creeping brown disaster to a green disaster”. Yet they’ve somehowoutstanding fruit, red and whites. Of the two, the reds in particular, have caused managed to come through pretty well. “I’m pretty happy with everything we’rea buzz. Unless every winemaker in the valley is wrong, they’re destined to sit picked, although we certainly had to be light on our feet,” he said.alongside the very finest the Hunter has produced. The challenges began with a lack of spring rain. It was down 32 per cent on Andrew Margan, of Margan Wines, said it was the most stress free vintage he the district average - which meant vineyards had to be irrigated by late Octobercan remember. “We were issue-free from the start to the finish,” he said. “I’ve not to keep water levels up. They were “hot and battered” leading to harvest withseen a more predictable, even ripening period. I still believe it will be the best temperatures an average of .4C hotter than 2013, which was a hot year.vintage since 1965. The fruit was immaculate and the wines made themselves.There wasn’t much winemaking required, I can tell you.” “We were all keeping the water up and then everything flipped in mid-February and it started raining and it didn’t stop,” Doyle said. “We got through OK but some Here’s how he summed it all up: of the vineyards higher up the mountain were severely hit and lost pretty much Whites: “Bold, ripe flavours but at a lower alcohol and very good acidity. The everything. One minute it’s like you’re a second-row forward doing all this huffing2013 vintage might age slightly better than 14 - we’ll see, there’s not much in and puffing and hard work to keep your vines healthy, and the next you’ve gotit - but both are seriously good.” to be a ballerina. Reds: ”A perfect sugar, acid, flavour balance and they’re building beautifullyin barrel. They will drink superbly on release, but will age gracefully, too. “But overall some very good grapes were picked, especially by those not tooOutstanding.” high up … Printhie, Cumulus, Ross Hill … they all seemed happy. I think wines Unfortunately, the other winemaking regions didn’t have it quite so easy. In will be at 13 per cent alcohol rather than 14, but for all the challenges we had, I’dCanberra, Orange and Mudgee there were plenty of nervous moments although, say we managed to dodge a bullet. On a personal level, I’m really pleased within the end, most seemed to come out of it well. Clonakilla winemaker Tim Kirk all our Bloodwood fruit - pinot, riesling, shiraz all look fantastic.”described it as a roller coaster season in the Canberra region, where Mother Naturethrew everything at them. “We had frost in the growing season that knocked over Over at Mudgee the crop levels were down on 2013, but healthy nonetheless, anda lot of my low lying fruit, although the vineyards that were higher up seemed to the weather fluctuations of Orange and Canberra were nowhere to be seen. Theget through OK,” he said. early part of the growing season was hot until rain in February brought some relief. “Then in December there was hail that reduced crops, although not significantly.In January we had a heat wave with four consecutive 40C days, which put the Peter Logan, of Logan Wines, said the rain brought much needed water tovines under a lot of strain. And then to top everything off, we had rain during the vines. “It pushed harvest back a bit but it came at the right time,” he said.harvest. All up it was pretty dramatic stuff.” “Temperatures were down but didn’t cause many problems. Here and there a The result is that crop levels were down and winemakers had to be quick to smaller vineyard or two might have had a bit of trouble, but the better-managedact, but the quality of the fruit - albeit with reduced yields - was good. “After all vineyards got through it unscathed.that, the vines still came back with an intense fruit character and we’re prettypleased,” Kirk explained. ”You can see how the heat wave had an effect. The “Harvest was evenly spread unlike the previous year when everything neededflavours are bold, but the cold nights down here meant the grapes retained their picking at the same time. We could pick each block at optimum ripeness.” Theacid, which is so important.” result was wines with good flavour concentration and colour. “Overall Mudgee Kirk estimates his shiraz fruit was down about 50 per cent and he lost all of his region is pretty excited, with our reds in particular looking good.older plantings of low-lying riesling to frost, and his viognier was down about 60 “From Logan’s point of view, our shiraz did very well and our tempranillo’s the best we’ve brought in. Overall for Mudgee it was pretty spot-on.” So if there is a constant in New South Wales this year, it’s that all the regions have done well - some with more challenges than the others - with the Hunter Valley 2014, in particular, a standout. Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 143
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new south walessparkling Coolangatta Estate Coolangatta Estate Estate Grown Estate GrownMoppity Vineyards Shoalhaven Coast Shoalhaven CoastReserve Hilltops Semillon 2005 HHHHH Semillon 2006 HHHH1/2Sparkling Shiraz NV Aromas that are rich An elegant example of styleHHHH1/2 and appealing and still with unmistakable honeyedAromas of berries overlaid very fresh. Great varietal semillon varietal aromas andwith smoky oak and a touch expression on the palate rich varietal fruit showingof earthiness. Soft and fruity tending from pear to on the still surprisingly crispon the palate with a hint mango. Still has plenty of palate. Still more life left inof sugar, balancing tannins cellaring potential left in it it. 3-5 $60and some aged characters yet. 3-5 $50developing. $60 Two Rivers Stones Pokolbin Estate Phil Throw Hunter Valley Swannell Hunter Valley Semillon 2013 HHHH1/2 Semillon 2014 HHHH1/2 A lovely crisp clean semillon; Lovely nose reminiscentpinot gris/grigio sound and well balanced of lemon sherbet which is with good varietal fruit and followed by a long, fine, offRoss Hill Pinnacle Twisted River Cool lovely acidity to balance. dry palate with a slightlyOrange Pinot Gris Climate Central Ranges Drinking well now or has oily texture and good line2013 HHHH Viognier 2013 HHHH1/2 excellent cellaring potential. of acidity. Has great futureAppealing apple aromas with A big wine for a white. potential. 5+ $25a touch of lees. Rich palate Very good ripe apricot fruit 5+ $16spectrum for a gris. Veryflavoursome with a firm acid showing on the nose and a Coolangatta Estate Allandale Hunter Valleystructure. $26.99 big fat palate with very rich Estate Grown Semillon 2013 HHHH1/2 apricot fruit flavours and some Shoalhaven Coast An excellent, very well made surprisingly sharp acidity. Semillon 2008 HHHH1/2 wine with the potential to Potential! 3-5 $22 Youthful, clean and fresh become a great wine. Has with the peach-like fruit solid lemon fruit charactersCooks Lot Lot 666 Cassegrain Edition dominating and showing with a fine minerally lineOrange Pinot Gris Noir Hastings River slight smokiness underscored and supported by crisp acid2013 HHHH Gewurztraminer with gentle acidity. Ageing spine. 5+ $19Subtle pear/melon nose and 2013 HHHH well with still a long way tofuller style palate with soft, Intense sweet floral go yet. 5+ $30 Spring Mountain Hunterunderstated, fruit flavours. fragrances - “blatantly Valley SemillonGood mouthfeel. “Needs varietal,” according James Estate Reserve Coolangatta Estate 2012 HHHH1/2food,” said one judge. $20 to one judge. Nicely balanced Hunter Valley Semillon Individual Vineyard Lifted, fresh, grassy andFreeman Vineyards drier style palate. Good 2009 HHHHH Wollstonecraft herbaceous bouquet withFortuna Hilltops Pinot drinking now. $25 A fabulous classic ageing Shoalhaven Coast a classy, mouth-wateringGris 2012 HHHH di Lusso Estate Mudgee Hunter semillon that is still Semillon 2011 HHHH1/2 palate filled with generousNicely focussed varietal Vermentino 2013 HHHH very young, crisp and lively Very appealing honeyed youthful lemon zest flavoursexpression here with well- A classic vermentino style with lovely freshness of apple-like aromas. Loads showing a nice savouryintegrated acid. A crisp, with a light and pleasant lemon curd-like characters. of rich fruit flavours touch. $18.95well-structured, palate with touch of stonefruit elements Could go another 10 years with excellent varietalplenty of flavour length. $25 and crisp acidity. “A nice according to one judge. expression showing slightly Pokolbin Estate Ken wine,” said one judge. $26 honeyed characters. Good Bray Hunter Valleyother white 5+ $27 acid balance. A lovely wine. Semillon 2011 HHHH1/2varietals & blends semillon A restrained youth that 3-5 $30 needs lots more time inHighland Heritage Coolangatta Estate the cellar - up to 10 yearsEstate Nikki D Mount Estate Grown Coolangatta Estate according to one judge.Canobolas Riesling Shoalhaven Coast Individual Vineyard Honeyed nose and nicely2011 HHHH1/2 Semillon 2009 HHHHH Shoalhaven Coast concentrated flavours with aHoneyed and toasty on Very appealing yellow gold Semillon 2009 HHHH1/2 good acid spine. $25the nose with slight kero colour with rich and generous Pokolbin Estate Phil Soft and gentle toast andnuances. A delicate off-dry semillon aromas of fruit Swannell Hunter Valley honey-like bouquet. Alsostyle of palate with lovely fruit pastilles and bottle age. A rich Semillon 2009 HHHHH it’s lovely and soft and Drayton’s Family Winespastille-like varietal flavours. A voluminous definitive semillon A very good, sound Hunter gentle in the mouth. Still Susanne Hunter Valleyvery pleasing drink. $20 palate. “A lovely drink,” semillon with delightful showing some firm acidity Semillon 2010 HHHH1/2 declared one judge. $30 pale green hues. Still offering more cellaring Lovely touches of fresh amazingly youthful for a potential. 3-5 $35 lemon tart aromas - nose five-year old with green still quite closed. Palate apple-like fruit characters is young, lean, tight and and lively acidity to balance crisp with good length of it all. 5+ $28 lemon pith-like varietal fruit flavours. $45144 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
new south wales Allandale Old Vines Hunter Valley Semillon 2013 HHHH A crisp greener style - quite simple and needing more time to settle but has the potential to become a great aged semillon. $25Gartelmann Benjamin Ernest Hill CyrilHunter Valley Semillon Hunter Valley Semillon2014 HHHH 2013 HHHHA big bold semillon with Almost green pea-likeplenty of length. Tight green characters on the nose withapple nose and similar a long strong and well-characters on the palate with balanced palate with slightlyits fresh acid backbone. $25 forward fruit characters. $25Mistletoe ReserveHunter Valley Semillon chardonnay & blends2013 HHHHSmells of green apples Patina Reserve Orangewith a fuller style palate Chardonnay 2008loaded with powerful citrus/ HHHHHstonefruit flavours. Needs An outstanding oldtime to settle but has plenty fashioned style ofof potential. $25 chardonnay with a toastyPokolbin Estate Phil honeyed bouquet and aSwannell Hunter Valley perfectly balanced palateSemillon 2011 HHHH with a complexity of tropicalRich, spicy bouquet with fruit, toasty bottle age andslightly honeyed characters. refreshing acidity. $35Big and soft in the mouthwith a powerful hit of varietalfruit flavours. $25Mistletoe HomeVineyard Hunter ValleySemillon 2013 HHHHA minerally style sittingat the green apple end ofthe spectrum. Has a verylong life ahead of it indeedaccording to the judges. $22 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 145
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new south wales roséRobert Stein Winery Dindima Orange RoséReserve Mudgee 2012 HHHH1/2Chardonnay 2013 Very exotic, perfumed,HHHHH spicy apricot aromas.A big golden chardonnay Palate is strong and richwith exotic tropical fruit and spicy with plenty ofaromas and a huge flavour length. Judges queried whatbomb of a palate with loads varieties were used here. Beof powerful oak and some great with duck! $16quite forward varietal fruitfor a 2013. “A chardonnay James Estatelovers wine!” $40 The Estate Hunter Valley ChardonnayBrangayne of Orange 2012 HHHHOrange Chardonnay A restrained, savoury and2013 HHHH1/2 youthful style - good foodA very young wine with a wine. Has tight pithy fruit, complimented by creamy lees and some funky notes. $16delicate peachy nose with Ernest Hill Chicken Two Rivers Reservebalanced oak and exhibiting Shed Hunter Valley Hunter Valleysome floral notes and a Chardonnay 2013 Chardonnay 2013 HHHH Gartelmann Sarahtight varietal fruit impact on HHHH1/2 A complexity of smoky Elizabeth Hunter Valleythe palate. Shows lots of A tight uncomplicated bacon-like savoury aromas Chardonnay 2012 HHHH James Estate The Estatepromise. 3-5 $22 chardonnay with a lovely with a ripe floral fruit palate Well-made wine with Hunter Valley Rosé combination of oak and that tends to be dominated lots of sweet vanillin oak 2013 HHHHRobert Oatley stonefruit aromas. Simple by the vanillin oak. $24 characters on the nose A well-balanced drierVineyards pocketwatch but seamlessly balanced oak/ which are echoed on the style with an abundanceCentral Ranges fruit palate has a long drying Moppity Vineyards balanced, youthful and of strawberry fruit, brightChardonnay finish. $25 Lock & Key Single complex palate. $30 spices and some herbal-like2012 HHHH1/2 Drayton’s Family Vineyard Hilltop Belgravia Wines characters. Very moreish. $16Shows lovely golden hues Wines Hunter Valley Chardonnay The Apex Orangewith fruit still enclosed on Chardonnay 2012 2013 HHHH Chardonnay pinot noirthe nose. Powerful acidity HHHH1/2 A light oaky nose with the 2012 HHHHon the palate suppresses A youthful and quite palate a bit tight for now Slightly toasty fruit bouquet Coppabella Singlethe fruit softness for now. savoury style of chardonnay but has potential to be with a tropical touch. Vineyard TumbarumbaSome oak there. Needs with charred and smoky more varietally expressive. Pleasantly fruity palate Pinot Noir 2012time to really shine. oak aromas and a leesy Made in a Chablis style. showing great fruit length and minerally palate exhibiting expression. Drink now. $30 3-5 $16.95 a good refreshing line of 3-5 $20 Coppabella The Crest acidity. $20 Single VineyardRoss Hill Pinnacle Series Spring Mountain Hunter Highland Heritage Tumbarumba HHHHH Valley Chardonnay Estate Orange Chardonnay 2012 HHHHOrange Chardonnay 2013 HHHH Chardonnay Bright green banana-like A beautifully structured and Starting to develop nicely. 2012 HHHH aromas and a ripe stonefruit seamlessly balanced wine2012 HHHH1/2 Lovely complexity of lifted Rich and smoky tropical palate with a lighter use of showing plenty of lengthFleshy peachy/oaky creamy oak aromas and fruit aromas with a big the oak. Good firm stylecharacters on the nose. appealing peach/melon concentration of varietal giving it length. $30 with powerful forest floor flavours with a tangy fruit on the long palate with Belgravia Wines and berry-like varietal fruitCrisp acid based palate length. $18.95 its firm finish. Drinking well Hattersley Family expression on both the nosewith good oak use and the now. $20 Reserve Orangefruit a tad restrained at this Chardonnay 2012 HHHH and palate. 3-5 $30 Smells of ripe bananas withstage but has good cellaring expressive fruit flavours held Cooks Lot Orange Pinotprospects. 3-5 $32 tightly together with the Noir 2013 HHHH1/2 oak, acid and alcohol. Needs Very young cherry red wine.Moppity Vineyards Moppity Vineyards 2-4 more years. $45 Good varietal nose withSingle Estate Lock & Key nice level of smoky oak.Vineyard Tumbarumba Chardonnay Relatively soft fruit impactChardonnay 2012 HHHH on the front palate with a2012 HHHH1/2 An unusual ripe pear tinge balance of charry oak and aLovely aromas of peaches to the nose. Relatively light firm finish. $20and mangoes with a big palate with restrained fruithit of spicy oak. Palate a and good acidity. “It’s earlytouch old fashioned in style days yet”. 3-5 $20 Cupitt Tumbarumbawith the fruit just starting Pinot Noir 2013 HHHHto push through and some Distinctively pinot aromasslightly smoky oak. $30 at the cherry end of the spectrum. Savoury palate - elegant and restrained with good varietal character. 3-5 $28146 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new south walesBrangayne of Orange Ross Hill Isabelle & Highland Heritage Moppity Vineyards Ridge View ImpressionsOrange Pinot Noir Jack Orange Estate Orange Merlot Lock & Key Single Hunter Valley Shiraz2012 HHHH Cabernet Franc Merlot 2009 HHHH Vineyard Reserve 2013 HHHHHA lovely solid young wine 2012 HHHH A classic merlot, still very Hilltops Cabernet A savoury old fashionedsmelling of cherries and Youthful spicy cherry young with years ahead of Sauvignon 2012 HHHH style - be great with food.with very pleasing varietal bouquet with a relatively it yet and brimming over Aromas of ripe berries and Tight closed aromas butcharacteristics on the light bodied palate that has with plum fruit characters pencil shaving-like oak. loads of intense cherry-palate. Loads of potential impressive fruit characters that show slight cedary Lovely firm, cool climate, like flavours with savouryhere. 5+ $30 and a crisp finish. Potential. notes. $25 palate with soft fruit and elements and good acid. good structure. A keeper. “Has another 10 years yet,”Highland Heritage 3-5 $22 cabernet sauvignon said two judges. $35Estate Orange Pinot & blends 3-5 $25Noir 2009 HHHH Topper’s Mountain Wild Twisted River CentralMore old world-like aromas Ferment New England Patina Orange Cabernet Ranges Cabernet Merlotrather than new world with a Tempranillo 2010 HHHH Merlot 2008 HHHHH 2012 HHHHpleasingly different savoury Savoury and spicy on the Solid garnet colour with Attractive bright purplepalate showing some nice nose with eucalypt nuances forward plum fruit aromas wine with aromas ofminerality. $25 and a medium weight berry and a huge, fresh, vibrant, berries and plums. Lots of palate soft and balanced. varietal fruit statement fresh fruit carried on theother red Good drinking. $32 on a palate that shows well-structured palate withvarietals & blends Freeman Vineyards some earthy savouriness, balancing tannins. $20 Altura Vineyard excellent complexity and Dindima OrangeFitzroy Lake Wines Hilltops Tempranillo good tannin balance. $45 Cabernet Merlot RidgeView ImpressionsSouthern Highlands 2012 HHHH Dindima Orange ‘CSM’ 2008 HHHH Hunter Valley ShirazChambourcin Smoky berry bouquet with Cabernet Shiraz Merlot Almost claret-like. Earthy 2011 HHHHH2013 HHHH1/2 a touch of spice and a dash 2011 HHHH1/2 plum fragrances and a A real keeper made in aRipe cherry and blackberry of pepper. Fleshy, slightly Fresh and appealing spicy pleasing palate with gentle more savoury style with aaromas laced with violet earthy, fruit driven palate fruit nose with an oaky fruit complexity. “No tight cassis nose showingnuances. Unique upfront spicy with grippy tannins. overlay and some nice aged aggressive aspects,” saidfruit flavours with no obvious notes. Palate is a complex one judge. $38oak. Gentle on the mid-palate 3-5 $25 combination of merlotwith a grippy tannic finish. softness and cabernet shiraz & blendsDrink now. $14.99 merlot structure. Still young. $22 James Estate The EstateFreeman Vineyards Belgravia Wines Orange James Estate The Estate Hunter Valley Shiraz a slightly peppery touch. Merlot 2011 HHHH1/2 Hunter Valley Cabernet 2011 HHHHH The big powerful palateSecco Hilltops Deep violet wine. Nose Sauvignon 2011 HHHH Dense inky purple wine with has a huge crunchy tannicRondinella Corvina shouts of ripe plums Dense and inky on the nose; a powerful charry oak nose2010 HHHH1/2 with some tobacco-like traces of berries and black and solid rich palate offering structure. 5+ $35 development. A classic solid olives. Not overly complex a huge mouthful of flavour.Spicy and savoury with a tannic palate with moderate palate; nice berry fruit and Still very young and needs Wallace Lane Winerybrooding leathery/cedary fruit impact. Plenty of medium tannins. $16 plenty more time in the cellarbouquet. Complex palate length. Just needs time. to reach its potential. $16 Orange Shiraz 2012 HHHH1/2with plenty of rich flavours, 3-5 $30 Interesting and differentfirm tannins and lovely Moppity Vineyardsearthy aged characters. It Lock & Key Single mix of spices and berry-like Vineyard Hilltops aromas. Appealing varietalneeds a pizza! 3-5 $35 Merlot 2012 HHHH fruit is obvious on the Good merlot nose of plumBelebula Hunter Valley fruit with rich plumy fruit on palate with lovely oak, niceTempranillo 2010 HHHH the soft and pleasing palate. spiciness and firm tannicDark brooding aromas of Good early drinking. Great structure. 3-5 $17.99plums and berries leading to with smoked ham! $20a full-bodied palate loaded Twisted River Centralwith solid fruit and finely Ranges Shiraz Viognierintegrated tannins. $28 2012 HHHH1/2 Rich red fruit nose. GoodFreeman Vineyards palate weight that carries anAltura Vineyard Hilltops abundance of fresh savouryNebbiolo 2012 HHHH varietal fruit characters.Very soft and approachable Slight greenish notes. Verywith fresh berry fruit. Slight pleasant finish. $20pungency on the nose andsolid sweet/sour fruit flavours Burnbrae Mudgeewith good tannins. $35 Shiraz 2012 HHHH1/2 Lovely musky berry aromas raise expectations that the palate delivers. Good smoky berry flavours beautifully bound together with the acid and oak tannins. 3-5 $28 Annual 2015 W I N E S TAT E 147
Winestate’s Best Wines of 2014 new south walesMoppity Vineyards James Estate Reserve Bimbagen Hunter sweet white & fortifiedHilltops Shiraz Hunter Valley Shiraz Valley Shiraz Viognier2012 HHHH1/2 2009 HHHH1/2 2013 HHHHRich ruby wine. Quite a A solid red purple shiraz Spicy berry fruit somewhatdense spicy peppery nose with tarry cola-like aromas. dominated by apricot Burnbrae Mudgeeand pleasingly compact Palate is youthful and tight characters from the viognier. Liqueur Muscat NVpalate with everything with tons of good oak and A good drink - well balanced (375ml) HHHH1/2nicely integrated. Lovely soft tannins. Needs lots of with firm acid backbone. $29 A deep golden wine that’suncomplicated drink with time - probably up to 10 an excellent example offurther ageing. 3-5 $30 years! $27 Ernest Hill Shareholders this style. There are some Hunter Valley Shiraz obvious botrytis characters Montrose Black 2013 HHHH on the nose and has intense Mudgee Shiraz 2011 A traditional Hunter shiraz flavours with a long gentle HHHH1/2 with savoury/meaty finish. $25 Dense ruby colour with solid fragrances and raspberry Patina Old Tawny red aromas and good oak fruit peeking through and Mudgee Liqueur Tawny support. Very tight young similar palate with tight NV (375ml) HHHH1/2 palate still coming together tannins. $28 Honey coloured tawny with with dark chocolaty notes, Moppity Vineyards rich, sweet aromas and nicely spicy touches and tight Lock & Key Single structured palate. Good rancio tannins. 5+ $35 Vineyard Reserve characters. Fruit shows upRobert Stein Reserve Hilltops Shiraz well and isn’t dominated byMudgee Shiraz Midnight’s Promise 2012 HHHH Ernest Hill Reserve the alcohol. $552012 HHHH1/2 Hunter Valley Shiraz Ripe berry fruit nose is William Henry Burnbrae Mudgee“Very shiraz,” commented 2013 HHHH1/2 followed by some soft Hunter Valley Shiraz Botrytis Semillon 2013one judge. Lovely bright Vibrant purple red colour. pleasing fruit flavours 2013 HHHH (375ml) HHHH1/2berry fruit bouquet and richly Lovely big lift of candied imparted in the mouth. Vibrant up-front mulberry Pleasing muscat-liketextured palate that “begins fruit fragrances underscored Great palate structure and aromas with savoury characters evident on thewell and finishes well”. by bacon-like oak nuances. length. $25 elements. Big youthful nose. Plenty of varietalGood cellaring prospects. Dark chocolaty characters palate with mouthfilling expression on the palate, dominate the big tannic jubey fruit flavours. “Needs not too sweet and not too 3-5 $50 palate. $22 10 years.” $50 high in alcohol. “Great way to finish a meal!” $25 Ross Hill Pinnacle Drayton’s Family Series Orange Shiraz Wines Heritage Vines 2012 HHHH Hunter Valley Tawny Young vibrant red berry 1978 HHHH aromas and rich balance of A very good tawny with a berry fruit and spicy flavours great aged rancio nose - on a soft approachable smells of figs and raisins. palate with a ‘vigorous’ Robert Oatley More of the fig characters finish. 3-5 $36 pocketwatch Central on the chocolaty palate. $60 Ranges Shiraz Moppity Vineyards 2011 HHHH Lock & Key Single A big solid red that will Vineyard Hilltops soften with time. Rich berry Shiraz 2012 HHHH nose and dark chocolaty/ A solid shiraz with plenty berry fruit/charred oak of length and the fruit flavours. Good cellaring somewhat suppressed by prospect. 5+ $16.95 the acid and alcohol for now. Needs more time to settle. 3-5 $20 star ratings James Estate Reserve Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs ofHunter Valley Shiraz excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill.2011 HHHH1/2 All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industryA solid red with an inky professionals and are compared in peercassis bouquet edged with classes by three judges.savoury characters. Big rich CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters,mouthfilling tarry blackberry a major mail-order business.flavours are seamlessly CD Cellar door price.balanced by soft acidity. $23 CDO Cellar door only. SO Sold out. $N/A Price not available at time of printing. Contact information pg 190. RECOMMENDED cellaring (years).148 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2015
Palmer Winery Groundswaeustsetrranlia the best wines of 2014 contents Includes: Sparkling, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Semillon & Blends, Other White Varietals & Blends, Chardonnay, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz Blends, Shiraz, Sweet White & Fortified.
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