Important Announcement
PubHTML5 Scheduled Server Maintenance on (GMT) Sunday, June 26th, 2:00 am - 8:00 am.
PubHTML5 site will be inoperative during the times indicated!

Home Explore Winestate Magazine Annual 2014

Winestate Magazine Annual 2014

Published by editor, 2017-12-13 20:44:29

Description: Winestate Magazine Annual 2014

Search

Read the Text Version

WINESTATE 2013 AuSTrAlIAN &NEW ZEAlANd WINE of ThE YEArAvA i l A bl e on pr e-r e l e A se f rom w w w.wol f bl A ss w i n e s.com

BEST BUYSPatrick of Bimbadgen Luchador Clare Woollaston Nelson Simon Hackett Richard HamiltonCoonawarra Mother Hunter Valley Valley Riesling Pinot Gris 2012 Brightview Mr V McLaren Valeof Pearl Coonawarra Sparkling Semillon 2013 “Intriguing” and Adelaide Hills Pinot Marsanne RousanneSparkling NV Lemon curd, bees wax “complex” were some Gris 2013 Viognier 2012Chardonnay A lovely wine; creamy and florals to a rich, comments about this Aromas of talc and Nice citrus notes to thePinot NV and stylish with a fine fruit-forward palate, wine – good varietal elderflower, with a hint nutty nose and big richLeesy apple aromas bead. The sweet fruit with a touch of residual expression enhanced by of confection to a palate flavoursome palate.and crisp, citrus/apple has hints of limes and and good length/ texture, balance, length of lemon sherbet and Crisp ending. $15.50palate, with good some toastiness, and acidity. $19.99 and deft oak. $23 grapefruit. $18length and interesting is nicely balanced by Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/complexity. $19 the acidity. $16 Prestige World Wine Woollaston Estates Simon Hackett Wines Pty Ltd Richard Hamilton Ph: (08) 8524 5030 Ph: +64 3 543 2817 Ph: 0418 467 799 Ph: (08) 8323 8830Patrick of Coonawarra Bimbadgen Estate E-mail: info@prestigeworldwine. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: simon@ E-mail: [email protected]: (08) 8737 3687 Ph: (02) 4998 4600 com Web: www.woolaston.co.nz simonhackettwines.com.au comE-mail: info@patrickofcoonawarra. E-mail: office@bimbadgen. Web: www.leconfieldwines.comcom com.auWeb: www.patrickofcoonawarra. Web: www.bimbadgen.com.aucomBEST VALUE WINES OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND$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.102 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

UNDER $20Saint Clair Cape Naturaliste DogRidge The Pup Spy Valley River Terrace Summer HouseMarlborough Grüner Vineyard Margaret McLaren Vale Marlborough Marlborough MarlboroughVeltliner 2012 River Yallingup Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon BlancDrinking well now, this is Sauvignon Blanc 2013 2013 2013 2013a good, versatile “food” 2013 A fresh, clean and Tight, crisp, very Stylish and balanced, Lingering pungency onwine, harvested from Obvious sauvignon approachable style. youthful wine, grown with excellent full the gravely nose, withsecond-crop vines. Fresh blanc nose in the Fleshy, well-rounded in the Wairau Valley and fruit nose showing lovely varietal flavoursand full-bodied, it has tropical spectrum. palate, with grassy made with “a portion” some herbal touches. on the softly texturedpeachy, spicy flavours, Some pungent notes. $18 of barrel fermentation. Powerful and pungent palate. “A very goodhints of apricot and grassiness on the nose Light lemon/green, passionfruit palate, with wine,” declared one ofginger, a touch of oak/ and strong passionfruit DogRidge Vineyard with ripe, sweet-fruit excellent flavour length the judges. $22.95 NZlees-aging complexity, flavours. $18 Ph: (08) 8383 0140 characters and vibrant and depth, and crispbalanced acidity and a E-mail: [email protected] passionfruit/lime acid finish. $18.95 NZ Summer House Winedry finish. $22 (A) Cape Naturaliste Vineyard Web: www.dogridge.com.au flavours. Best 2014+. Company Ph: 08 9755 2538 $20 (A, UK, US) River Terrace Wine Company Ph: +64 3 570 2251Saint Clair Family Vineyards E-mail: [email protected] Ph: +64 3 572 8200 E-mail: [email protected]: +64 3 578 8695 Web: www. Spy Valley Wines E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] capenaturalistevineyard.com.au Ph: +64 3 572 9840Web: www.saintclair.co.nz E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.spyvalleywine.co.nz Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 103

BEST BUYSRichard Hamilton Tussock Nelson Babich Hawke’s Reschke Hocus Pocus South Oakover WinesMcLaren Vale Sauvignon Blanc Bay Sauvignon Coonawarra Fume Australia Semillon White Label SwanSauvignon Blanc 2013 Blanc 2013 Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Valley SemillonSemillon 2013 A clean and easy A subtle varietal 2011 2011 Sauvignon BlancFresh and grassy with citrus-driven style. Well nose and delicately A pretty perfumed, Light, easy drinking 2012flavours of lychee and balanced with a crisp, framed palate. “Good spicy style, with the style, with fruit salad Developing toasty,citrus. An elegant, dry finish. $17 expression of the oak adding some real fruit and some honeyed/ honeyed, agedwell-made wine which variety,” noted one complexity. $20 toasty notes. $8.90 characters mix with theis “more-ish and Woollaston Estates judge. $13 tropical fruit. $11.99elegant,” as one judge Ph: +64 3 543 2817 Reschke Ramco Wine Groupput it. $15.50 E-mail: [email protected] Babich Wines Ph: 08 8239 0500 Ph: +61 8 8362 7008 Oakover Wines Web: www.woolaston.co.nz Ph: +64 9 833 7859 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: info@ramcowinegroup. Ph: (08) 9374 8000Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ E-mail: admin@babichwines. Web: www.reschke.com.au com E-mail: [email protected] Hamilton co.nz Web: www.ramcowinegroup. Web: www.oakoverwines.Ph: (08) 8323 8830 Web: www.babichwines.co.nz com com.auE-mail: [email protected]: www.leconfieldwines.comwww.hillriverestatewine.cominfo@hillriverestatewine.com 08 8357 7656 Clare Valley & Riverland South Australia104 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

UNDER $20Brygon Reserve Spy Valley Mastermind The Richard Hamilton Spy Valley Z Barossa RoséWines Pinjarra Marlborough Game Chardonnay Almond Grove Marlborough Pinot 2012Margaret River Chardonnay 2012 2013 McLaren Vale Noir Rosé 2013 Beautifully madeChardonnay 2011 Elegant, youthful A very good commercial Chardonnay 2012 Pale pink, full-bodied wine. Smells ofA clean, pleasant, wine, hand-picked and style of chardonnay, Fleshy soft melon-like wine, made with raspberry cordial;easy drinking wine barrel-fermented. Fresh, with an elegant, toasty varietal fruit, cedary “subtle oak influences”. tastes of cherries andwith lovely crunchy peachy, citrusy flavours, oak nose and lovely oak and firm acidity Fresh strawberry, peach blackcurrants. $20apple characters and slightly buttery and long, complex, varietal makes for a very more- and spice flavours,some oak. $12.99 toasty, with lively acidity flavours. $10.99 ish wine according to showing a touch of Z Wine Pty Ltd and very good depth and one judge. $15.50 complexity, and a dry Ph: 0422 802 220Brygon Reserve Wines drive through the palate. Wineinc finish. A good “food” E-mail: [email protected]: 0419 865 556 Best mid-2014+. $23 (A) Ph: (02) 9999 1284 Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ wine. $23 (UK, US) Web: www.zwine.com.auE-mail: dean@ E-mail: [email protected] Richard Hamiltonbrygonreservewines.com.au Spy Valley Wines Web: www.wineinc.com.au Ph: (08) 8323 8830 Spy Valley WinesWeb: www.brygonreservewines. Ph: +64 3 572 9840 E-mail: info@leconfieldwines. Ph: +64 3 572 9840com.au E-mail: [email protected] com E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.spyvalleywine.co.nz Web: www.leconfieldwines.com Web: www.spyvalleywine.co.nz “only the highest quality fruit is selected for these handcrafted WiNesTaTe maGaZiNe 5 Star winerypremium wines, ensuring an unwavering commitment to quality” James Halliday Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 105

BEST BUYSRichard Hamilton Richard Hamilton Stephen John Patrick of Brygon Reserve LuchadorMcLaren Vale Lot Colton’s McLaren The Loquat Tree Coonawarra Hummingbird Coonawarra148 Merlot 2011 Vale G.S.M. 2011 Clare Valley Mother of Pearl Margaret River Cabernet SauvignonInky, cassis aromas, Subtle dark fruit Mourvèdre Shiraz Cabernet Merlot Cabernet 2011and soft and very aromas with a dash 2010 2010 Sauvignon 2010 Powerful pungentapproachable fruit/ of spice and tightly Rich, evolved, Developed leathery Big tarry fruit nose and medicinal bouquet andoak combination wound dark fruit chocolaty aromas and nose; touch pruney. full-flavoured palate, slightly oaky palateof flavours offering flavours. $19.95 very varietal red currant, Full-bodied, full- with ripe fruit, oak and with nice varietal fruita good level of violet and lavender flavoured palate. Good soft tannins. $19.99 characters. $19.99complexity. $19.95 Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ flavour profile on a tannin structure. $19 Richard Hamilton charming palate. $20 Brygon Reserve Wines Brygon Reserve WinesLeconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ Ph: (08) 8323 8830 Patrick of Coonawarra Ph: 0419 865 556 Ph: 0419 865 556Richard Hamilton E-mail: info@leconfieldwines. Stephen John Wines Ph: (08) 8737 3687 E-mail: dean@ E-mail: dean@Ph: (08) 8323 8830 com Ph: 08 8843 0105 E-mail: info@patrickofcoonawarra. brygonreservewines.com.au brygonreservewines.com.auE-mail: info@leconfieldwines. Web: www.leconfieldwines.com E-mail: [email protected] com Web: www.brygonreservewines. Web: www.brygonreservewines.com Web: www.stephenjohnwines. Web: www.patrickofcoonawarra. com.au com.auWeb: www.leconfieldwines.com com com SILENI ESTATES TOP 40 BEST BUYS - SILENI CELLAR SELECTION Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 | Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2013 Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc Rosé 2013 | Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2013 INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED WINES FROM NEW ZEALAND  www.sileni.co.nz106 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

UNDER $20Yealands Estate 919 Latin G & Co Mudgee Brygon Reserve Brygon Reserve Jack EstateLand Made Series Collection Rhumba Shiraz Sangiovese Pinjarra Margaret Wines Mirror Image CoonawarraMarlborough Pinot Shiraz Durif 2012 Barbera 2011 River Shiraz Margaret River WrattonbullyNoir 2012 Deep crimson wine, Cool-climate blend, 2010 Shiraz 2009 Shiraz 2012Good varietal fruit with a beautiful bright with elegant and lifted Layered and complex, Lifted stalky bouquet, A pot pourri bouquet,fragrance – slightly berry bouquet and a fruit, and balancing and very more-ish. with cedary nose and with just a hint ofjubey, with good long, rich, seamlessly new oak. Has plenty of Slightly developed, silky lovely savoury flavours, roses. A very sweet,spicy oak to balance. balanced, sour cherry- length and style. $18 smooth, savoury style with spicy earthy fresh and generousA sweet/sour sort like palate, with some of shiraz. Great food elements and a touch spicy fruit palate, withof palate, with nice spice, pepper and soy Gilbert by Simon Gilbert wine. $14.99 of licorice. $14.99 firm tannins and toastysavoury nuances and like notes. $18 Ph:(02) 6373 1371 oak. $20fine, drying tannins. $20 E-mail: lara@gilbertfamilywines. Brygon Reserve Wines Brygon Reserve Wines 919 Wines com.au Ph: 0419 865 556 Ph: 0419 865 556 Coonawarra Jack WineryYealands Estate Wines Ltd Ph: 0417 997 414 Web: www.gilbertfamilywines. E-mail: dean@ E-mail: dean@ Ph: 08 8736 3130Ph: +64 3 575 7618 E-mail: Cellardoor@919Wines. com.au brygonreservewines.com.au brygonreservewines.com.au E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] com.au Web: www.brygonreservewines. Web: www.brygonreservewines. comWeb: www.yealands.co.nz Web: www.919wines.com.au com.au com.au Web: www.jackestate.com WORLD’S GREATEST SHIRAZ/SYRAH CHALLENGE IXPUBLIC 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 30 May 2014, from 6pm-8pm, at the National Wine Centre, Adelaide To book your tickets call Winestate 08 8357 9277 - Strictly limited number of tickets available Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 107

BEST BUYSKirrihill Regional Patrick of Third Wheel Virgara Wines Zitta Union Street Hocus PocusRange Clare Valley Coonawarra Margaret River Adelaide Shiraz Barossa Valley South AustraliaShiraz 2012 Mother of Pearl Shiraz 2010 2011 Shiraz 2011 Shiraz 2012Wonderfully intense Shiraz 2010 Developed spicy/oaky Restrained dark fruit A nicely developed, A pretty nose; intensecrimson colour Herbaceous characters bouquet. Bit oaky on aromas, with a well- jammy bouquet and floral fragrances. Soft,bordering on purple, to the nose with bright the palate, with smoky balanced and complex a full-bodied, velvety, generous, varietalwith a lovely complex fruit flavours showing meaty flavours and gamey palate. $18 black plum palate, palate, with silkybouquet and gorgeous green edges; good acid very drying tannins. with some subtle texture. $8.90slippery-smooth palate, and drying tannins. $19 Needs more time to Virgara Wines tannins. $18.75with rich varietal fruit settle. $14.99 Ph: 08 8284 7688 Ramco Wine Groupand excellent fresh oak Patrick of Coonawarra E-mail: admin@virgarawines. Zitta Wines Ph: +61 8 8362 7008behind. $16 Ph: (08) 8737 3687 Brygon Reserve Wines com.au Ph: 0419 819 414 E-mail: info@ramcowinegroup. E-mail: info@patrickofcoonawarra. Ph: 0419 865 556 Web: www.virgarawines.com.au E-mail: [email protected] comKirrihill Wines Pty Ltd com E-mail: dean@ Web: www.zitta.com.au Web: www.ramcowinegroup.Ph: 08 8842 1233 Web: www.patrickofcoonawarra. brygonreservewines.com.au comE-mail: office@kirrihillwines. com Web: www.brygonreservewines.com.au com.auWeb: www.kirrihillwines.com.au W O R L D C A B E R N E T C H A L L E N G E IV 2014 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 4 April 2014 from 6.00 pm - 8 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.108 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

* take control of your wine cellar* avoid drinking too late or too early* subscribe and interact with Winestate Magazine Notes* flexible charting and reporting even create your own reports or download reportsfrom other users* create lists of wines for purchase* + many more featuresenjoy yourwine cellar!* download free trial version now www.winestate.com.au* $89.95 AUD (includes 1 year subscription to Winestate Tasting Notes)* runs on Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and 7 (32 + 64 bit) Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 109

Vineyard in the Barossa Valley. soauuthstralia THE BEST WINES OF 2013 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Selillion, Chardonnay, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Grenache & Blends, Cabernet Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz Blends, Shiraz, Sweet White & Fortified.

SOME LIKE IT HOT The South Australian year in review, by Karyn FosterHOT, HOT, HOT and climate change sceptics can kick back, mull over their BAROSSA AND EDEN VALLEYSwines from the 2013 vintage and consider their view. On the whole, many In the Barossa, the 2013 vintage was the earliest and one of the driest andwinemakers reported not only heat but lower yields, up to 30 per cent; great quickest for many years. The dry winter of 2012 naturally had enormousfor making concentrated quality red wines, as St Hallett viticulturist Chris influence during flowering and then berry set, and in some regions fruitRogers noted, but not so good for growers being paid by the tonne. dropped as vines went into survival mode. An early Easter foretold an early vintage. The weather was warm to hot throughout, without any extended heat All this heat made for a couple of frantic weeks, as fruit ripened at a pace, waves, and helped along with the crop levels, the fruit ripened quickly andpushing processing facility capabilities to the limit. Heat also meant disease evenly, retaining flavour, acidity and balance.pressure was very low due to the very dry conditions - good news for all. Grant Burge reported a very low yield vintage due to drier conditions (notRIVERLAND drought). “Berry size was small so wines were big in structure and colour,”Vintage 2013 in the Australian wine industry’s heartland followed some he said. “Very flavoursome wines of very high quality, but (sadly) nowherequite cool nights in the winter of 2012. A cool start to spring meant many near enough quantity!”varieties were slow to push into a growth spurt. Once things warmedup in late spring it was back to more normal conditions for the district. Andrew Wigan’s, Peter Lehmann Wines, views reflected those of manyThese perfect growing conditions were welcomed and highlighted the across the region. “The reds look very good at this early stage, with manyimportance of well-managed irrigation practices, with heat spikes in outstanding shiraz and cabernet examples. Riesling, semillon, chardonnayNovember and January of little concern for vineyards with sufficient and pinot gris all have good varietal characteristics but are a little moremoisture in the soil profile. forward than the 2012s. The aromatic varieties have made soft wines without the varietal lift that comes in the cooler years. Overall, a very good vintage.” Tim Boydell, of Angoves, stated: “With our young whites now in bottleand on shelves and wine lists we can confidently say quality of white fruit A prediction for 2013 wines from Craig Phillips, of Rusden Wines: “As usual,was good this year. Shiraz, cabernet and merlot were also excellent, with each vintage will be closely compared with the last ... in this case comparinggood, clean varietal characteristics evident, the major varieties delivered 2013 with 2012; think back to comparisons of 1999 and 1998 ... both greataverage to above average yields this year.” vintages but only time will tell which one has more class.” The Riverland was a lone wolf in the industry as far as yields per district. ADELAIDE HILLS Throughout the Hills wineries experienced a rather dry vintage, however dueCLARE to the yearly above average rainfall most were able to get through the harvestO’Leary Walker proclaimed vintage in Clare a pleasant relief, especially without worry. Despite the very fertile spring, there were surprisingly lowafter 2011. Whites, including semillon and riesling, in particular, were as levels of bird damage in 2013 - everyone was very happy with this outcomestrong as 2012 - an outstanding vintage. 2013 reds - shiraz, cabernet as bird control and yield loss from bird damage can be costly.and grenache - were predicted to be held in the same regard as 2002and 2005, terrific fruit character and concentration of flavour. “It’s a great The sparkling varieties - chardonnay and pinot noir, and dry whites -thrill to get a vintage like this - you put in the hard yards and sometimes sauvignon blanc, riesling, pinot grigio were harvested a little earlier thanjust don’t get the result you’d hoped for - and 2013 will possibly prove to recent previous vintages, probably a result of early budburst and the drierbe a dream year,” David O’Leary said. conditions. Wineries described exceptionally high acids and excellent sugar and fruit flavour development. Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 111

Vineyard in the Barossa Valley.On average, reds such as shiraz were also picked earlier (up two weeks) Highlights seem to be the reds, particularly cabernet and shiraz, within comparison to usual vintages but with excellent flavour development in grenache showing fascinating aromatics and structure.the berries. The resultant wines should still be spicy and complex, showing Haselgrove concluded: “The 2013 vintage is very strong as a legacy offocused fruit intensity and be very long lived. Varieties such as nebbiolo a dry 2012 period and lower cropping levels. In all a very strong vintage,were harvested from the end of March through to mid-April, while cabernet however we were very surprised to see the total AUS crush hit 1.8MT assauvignon was harvested in early April - predicable. our crops were well down on average in our GI’s.”Flavour was quite concentrated which should bevery interesting when the end result is evaluated. “AS USUAL, COONAWARRA Mark Saturno, of Longview Vineyards, said: “One The Coonawarra experienced an outstandingof the most exciting vintages in years. It makes the EACH VINTAGE WILL BE vintage, according to Louisa Rose, for Yalumbablood sweat and tears worth it all.” CLOSELY COMPARED WITH and Hill Smith Family Vineyards. There was some worry with hail that fell in February but all this didMcLAREN VALE, LANGHORNE CREEK THE LAST ... IN THIS CASE was reduce crops in north/south rows. BeautifullyLex Roberts, from Penny’s Hill, echoed many benign, dry conditions for spring and summerwinemakers’ comments concerning the 2012 COMPARING 2013 WITH meant that no disease was initiated. The olderwinter’s average rainfall, followed by a relatively 2012; THINK BACK TO blocks in particular were stunning. Structuresmild spring with cool nights. McLaren Vale had a were very strong and the ferments needed onlysuccessful growing season, with a warm summer gentle handling as tannins stayed abundant. “The biggest question about the 2013 vintage is ‘will itCOMPARISONS OF 1999 ANDleading to rapid ripening and harvest timingcondensed and completed by the end of March. 1998 ... BOTH GREAT VINTAGES be as good as the wonderful 2012 vintage?’ ManyWith no interrupting rain during harvest, disease BUT ONLY TIME of the 2012 vintage whites have already beenpressure was low and fruit was clean. Generally released, of course, and we know how great theycrops were light which led to intense concentration WILL TELL WHICH ONE HAS are. We are still discovering just how great theand generous wines. 2012 vintage really was for reds as they unwind Yields varied by variety but on average were MORE CLASS.” in their barrels or get ready to bottle. At this early10-30 per cent down from what was expected, stage the wines - white and red and bubbly frombut were of very good quality. Nick Haselgrove’s 2013 - are looking as good as the 2012s were atAdelaide Winemakers, Fleurieu Vintners, Old the same time last year,” Rose said.Faithful and Boars Rock vineyards spread over the Adelaide zone,spanning the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek, HOW HAS THIS HAPPENED?again reported an exceptionally fast vintage with a very compressed The weather was near perfect across all regions. Generally yields weretime for producers. low and while crops were down on average, none were down to the pointSumming up, he gave an account of the regions producing excellent where wineries didn’t have enough fruit to meet desired volumes. Goodwines showing strong varietal characters and a finesse on the palate. news - there will be enough for all! (Including climate change sceptics.)112 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 south australiasparkling Shingleback John sauvignon blanc Greg Cooley Wines Mockingbird Hill Foolery McLaren Vale Valerie Beh Clare Valley Clare Valley RieslingWicks Estate Adelaide Viognier 2012 HHHH Longview Whippet Riesling 2012 HHHHH 2012 HHHH1/2Hills Sparkling Hints of stonefruit on the Adelaide Hills Sauvignon A very classy riesling with a Lovely fleshy varietalChardonnay Pinot Noir nose with a subtle floral Blanc 2012 HHHH1/2 restrained lime-like bouquet, fruit aromas of limes and2010 HHHH focus. Attractive apricot Made in a typical New with a long lingering lime/ melons, with a bright andAn elegant aged sparkling kernel-like flavours with Zealand style with plenty citrus palate with touches slightly linear lime sherbetwith dusty minerally crisp acidity holding it up. of pungent tropical varietal of tropical characters and palate but starting to showcharacters on the nose and fruit richness, some nice a hint of ginger. Good acid some mid-palate roundness.rich complex toasty flavours 3-5 $18.95 grassiness and hints of backbone and long finish.on a long palate. $25 citrus. Warm and buttery in 3-5 $20.49 CMPauletts Trillians d’Arenberg The Hermit the mouth. $19.50 5+ $22Clare Valley Sparkling Crab McLaren Vale Bird in Hand Adelaide Taylors RieslingRed 2010 HHHH Viognier Marsanne Hills Sauvignon Blanc Peter Lehmann Portrait 2012 HHHH1/2Vibrant crimson in 2011 HHHH 2012 HHHH Eden Valley Dry A drier style with a touch ofappearance, with an Floral and earthy on the The nose is fragrant, floral Riesling 2012 HHHHH muskiness to the lifted limeabundance of lovely spicy, nose with apple-like and fresh. The long palate Beautifully enticing lime-like nose and an interesting styleredcurrant-like varietal fruit elements. Tastes of stewed is elegant and crisp in the characters on the nose with of palate, with a touch ofcharacters on the nose and apricots. Good zesty acid mouth, with guava-like fruit hints of lavender. Lovely residual sugar and a hint ofpalate. $20 backbone and warming characters. $25 lively grapefruit palate with rose water-like characters. finish. 2-3 $15 Mojo Adelaide Hills excellent flavour length and A keeper. 5+ $19other white varietals Sauvignon Blanc persistence. Tight acid. Will& blends 919 Vermentino 2012 HHHH age well. $18 Heaslip Wines 2012 HHHH Nose is a nice bright mix of Richmond Grove Handpicked Complex nutty/citrus lantana and capsicum, with Watervale Limited Riesling 2012 HHHH aromas, with creamy a vibrant minerally palate. Release Riesling Faint hints of ginger on the honeyed notes. Pleasant Good depth without being 2012 HHHHH citrussy-like nose leading to palate - warming and creamy too big. $17.95 A beautiful classic - a lovely long, classic, varietal in the mouth, with nicely restrained, yet complex lime palate that has been integrated flavours. $25 riesling and generous, and showing built to last. 5+ $18 2013 - 2012 great poise and distinction.Saltram Winemaker’s Whistling Kite Slightly honeyed lime Pauletts Polish HillSelection Barossa Fiano Biodynamic Petit Reillys Watervale fragrances and bright and River Clare Valley2012 HHHH Manseng 2011 HHHH Riesling 2012 HHHHH pretty varietal fruit palate. Riesling 2012 HHHHPerfumed dried pear aromas Flinty floral notes to the A beautifully structured and Delicate carnation-like floralwith spicy lift. Warming honey sweet citrus nose. delicate riesling showing 5+ $22.99 fragrances. Drier style ofpalate, lovely spicy fruit Well-made palate of vibrant great poise and length. Has McLean’s Farm palate, with clean fresh citrus/weight. Has good balance lime fruit, some residual a bright flinty citrus nose Eden Valley Riesling peach flavours and crisp up-and texture. $24.99 sugar and crisp acidity. $25 and a tight citrussy palate 2012 HHHHH front acidity. 5+ $22 edged with lovely orange A very elegant, slatey, freshAmadio Adelaide Hills Wood Block Wines blossom-like characters. $18 style of riesling with lovely Stephen JohnPinot Grigio 2012 HHHH Amity Coonawarra zesty floral aromas and, Watervale Clare ValleyA rich, flavoursome style, Viognier 2010 HHHH for now, a high acid palate Riesling 2012 HHHHwith a big hit of flinty Typically oily pungent for the fruit weight needs A very powerful and drierfloral citrus aromas and a varietal nose and soft palate, time to really shine. Good style of riesling, very classymouthful of varietal fruit with some developed fruit commercial style. $20.99 CM and brimming over withflavours that linger on and flavours, hints of herbs and Jacob’s Creek toasty lime varietal fruiton. $22 soft acid finish. $18 Steingarten Eden Valley flavours. $25 Riesling 2012 HHHH1/2Eagle & the Fool Wood Block Wines Very perfumed lemony Kirrihill Slate Creek SVSAdelaide Hills Pinot Amity Coonawarra bouquet with hints of herbs Riesling 2012 HHHHGris 2012 HHHH Viognier 2006 HHHH and lots of vibrant zesty lemon A lovely generously flavouredA complexity of nutty pear Attractive toasty age on flavours with clean punchy wine, with pretty stonefruitaromas, with some burnt the nose; hints of apricot. acidity to balance. $31.99 characters and vibrant acidsugar. Classic gris palate Elegant palate, with slightly structure. Good length andwith excellent flavour and oily viognier flavours. Very grip. 5+ $18texture. $19.95 good example of an aged wine. $18 Leasingham Bin 7Skillogalee Clare Valley Riesling 2012 HHHHGewurztraminer2012 HHHH “Very drinkable”, said one judge. Fresh lime and melonMusky aromas with floral bouquet and a high acidovertones and a seamlesslybalanced palate that has palate with citrus flavours and floral notes. 3-5 $19.99length and poise. “Wouldlike to see it in a couple of Peter Lehmannyears!” 3-5 $25.50 Art ‘n’ Soul Eden Valley Riesling 2012 HHHH Restrained perfumed lemon aromas and lovely balance of citrus fruit with crisp acidity on a well-structured palate. $14 Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 113

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 south australiaNeil Hahn Yanyarrie semillon Shingleback Kiss K1 by Geoff HardyEden Valley Riesling Me Kate McLaren Vale Chardonnay 2010 HHHH2012 HHHH Peter Lehmann Chardonnay Slightly warm and oaky.Bright lifted citrus nose Margaret Barossa 2012 HHHH1/2 Lovely nutty buttery maloand ripe tropical flavours Semillon 2007 HHHH1/2 Intriguing toasty oak driven characters. Complex toastybalanced by green acidity. A lovely rich, golden wine nose with light peach/melon caramel nose, with a hint ofExcellent palate length with ageing gently with toasty notes. Lovely controlled lime. Rich flavours. $35a fresh finish. $15.95 lemon curd aromas and lovely palate weight and lengthDiGiorgio lemon butter flavours with with nicely expressed Wolf Blass Gold Label 919 Durif 2010 HHHHHFamily Kongorong good length and intensity of stonefruit and savoury Adelaide Hills Deep crimson hues, withRiesling 2012 HHHH acid to balance. $32 flavours. Complex, balanced Chardonnay 2012 HHHH luscious preserved fruitCitrussy nose - slightly aged Peter Lehmann and fresh. $18.95 Buttery complexity on the aromas showing a touchbut still fresh. Nice varietal H&V Barossa Semillon Lake Breeze toasty/citrus nose. Rich and of licorice and pepperycharacters on the slightly 2012 HHHH Reserve Langhorne nutty in the mouth, with overtones. Big tannic palatesweet palate, but has the A delicate and pretty wine. Creek Chardonnay more of the lovely toasty offering a mouthful ofacid to balance it. $19 Gentle creamy melon 2011 HHHH1/2 citrus characters. $24.99 plums, chocolate and spice. aromas. Lots of lemon Fine citric qualities on the Manyara Great with a steak! $50riesling flavours. Great acid line. Will woody nose and nicely Adelaide Hills Bassham Riverland2011 & older age gracefully. $24 rounded palate with lovely Chardonnay 2010 HHHH Montepulciano creamy texture and soft Nutty and interesting, and 2012 HHHH1/2Bird in Hand chardonnay melon and guava-like varietal developing nicely. Complex Inky, purple wine with aHoneysuckle Clare Valley fruit flavours layered with nose of apple juice and lovely mix of briary fruit andRiesling 2011 HHHH1/2 Wolf Blass crisp acidity. Has great limes, and long, rich, oaky, meaty aromas. Fairly tight,A very well structured White Label Adelaide poise! $24 CD flavour profile. $25 complex and richly flavouredwine, with a great colour Hills Chardonnay Australia Estates Greg palate offering greatand lovely evolving toasty 2006 HHHHH Jamiesons Run Norman Eden Valley cellaring potential. $20honeyed lime aromas and A beautifully aged, well- Limestone Coast Chardonnay 2011 HHHH 919 Sangiovesesweet marmalade-like flavour made wine with delicate yet Chardonnay Oak prominent on the 2012 HHHH1/2profile, with very good acid complex aromas exhibiting 2012 HHHH1/2 nose and has some lovely An excellent Italian style,backbone. 3-5 $25 interesting funky notes. A new complex style with a pungent fruit underneath. with savoury nose and Flavoursome palate has slightly developed oily nose Palate is lively with powerful hint of herbal/sour cherryLeasingham balance, structure and and funky notes. Medium- fruit flavours. $24.99 aromas following throughClassic Clare Riesling length, with a long crisp acid weight palate, with attractive to the savoury palate with2007 HHHH1/2 finish. $33.99 nectarine flavours, more of other red meaty undertones. “VeryRich developing marmalade the funkiness and nice nutty varietals & blends moreish!” $30aromas with a honeyed lift. oak kicking in. $14.99 Whistling KitePalate exhibits nice balance Koonara Wines Biodynamicbetween the bright citrus The Marquise Mt Montepulcianofruit and attractive toasty Gambier Chardonnay 2012 HHHH1/2development, with a long 2012 HHHH Lifted, dense, black cherryacid finish. 3-5 $16.99 A restrained European aromas, with an attractive, style with a complexity of savoury/meaty thread. The austere fruit characters, Bassham Riverland beautifully balanced palate is nice malo notes and Lagrein 2012 HHHHH rich with dark, savoury, fruit savoury elements. “A An excellent dark, intensely flavours. Finishes soft. $30 winemakers’ wine.” $24.95 purple wine, with plenty 919 Tempranillo Morgan Simpson going on - rich varietal fruit, 2010 HHHH1/2 The Clowns warming alcohol and hint of Dark, brooding, earthy nose, McLaren Vale confectionery characters. with layers of cherries and Chardonnay 2011 HHHH Silky smooth in the mouth spices. Big, rich,tannic palatePeter Lehmann Well rounded melon aromas with excellent balance and - typical of the variety, withWigan Eden Valley with an interesting funky structure. 3-5 $20 delicious mouthfilling flavours.Riesling 2007 HHHH element. Soft in the mouth Great food wine. $40A fully aged riesling yet still - good depth of citrus Blackbilly McLaren Valevery fresh, with rich toasty flavours. Nice weight and Tempranillolemon butter aromas and a vinosity. $18 2011 HHHH1/2honey/lemon palate. $32 A big firm and intensely purplePatrick of Coonawarra wine with lovely complexAged Riesling varietal fruit expression and2010 HHHH some excellent oak handling.Attractive slightly toasty The palate has just the rightriesling bouquet and soft amount of weight and verylayered citrus/apple palate. good structure. $20A touch of toastiness butstill showing freshness. $39114 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

south australiaShaw and Smith Hartz Barn Wines grenache & blendsAdelaide Hills Pinot Reserve Mail BoxNoir 2010 HHHH1/2 Barossa Merlot Rosemount NurseryA lovely earthy, cherry cola 2009 HHHH Project McLaren Valevarietal bouquet and a lovely Distinctly varietal with Grenache 2010 HHHHHpalate that’s all soft, long leathery, earthy notes to A complexity of cordial-likeand rich, and brimming the creamy nose and a fruit raspberry fruit aromas on theover with sweet varietal cake/all spice palate. Lots nose with subtle hints of potfruit, with mushroomy going on! $30 pourri. Delicious cherry-likecomplexity. $45 Hedonist McLaren flavours on a well structuredDiGiorgio Family Vale Sangiovese Rosé palate with gentle tannins.Emporio Coonawarra 2012 HHHH A lovely wine to be enjoyedMerlot Cabernet Dry savoury style with with food. 3-5 $35Sauvignon Cabernet delicate cherry and limeFranc 2009 HHHH1/2 bouquet and flavoursome Tir Na N’og Land of theVery attractive, complex palate echoing the cherry Youth McLaren Valeand lifted fruit nose, with characters of the nose. Nice Grenache 2008 HHHH1/2beautiful combination of drink. $20 A dark brooding style withberry fruits and sweet oak Hand Crafted by Geoff slight porty-like charactersflavours. Showing nice Hardy McLaren Vale to the spicy red cherry fruitbottle age characters and Tannat 2010 HHHH and some herbal hints.good tannin structure. $23 A very interesting well made Very flavoursome and softlyDiGiorgio Family wine with intense purple textured palate. DrinkingLucindale Limestone hues, spicy menthol fruit beautifully right now. $35Coast Merlot nose and rich fleshy palate.2010 HHHH Will develop beautifully. $30 Annie’s LaneSpicy plum aromas with a Pertaringa McLaren Winemakersbig oaky hit. Powerful oak/ Vale Tannat 2009 HHHH Selection Watervaletannin palate shows light A big wine that needs more G.S.M. 2009 HHHH1/2minty fruit flavours and has time to settle. The raisined A generous, sensual,a long, soft finish. $20 fruit nose has a hint of mint. bright red wine withBowhouse The Piste Palate is supple and fleshy. plump juicy aromas and aAdelaide Hills Merlot An interesting style. $30 plum jam palate that has2010 HHHH Banrock Station White balance, structure andChocolaty aromas with Australia Shiraz Rosé “completeness”, with softsome Ribena characters. 2012 HHHH sweet tannins and good acidSweet, rich and spicy in the Sherbety rose petal and red balance. $29.99mouth, with a soft texture berry aromas which carry onand great length. $25 to the nicely balanced palate, RosemountBird in Hand with gentle acid balancing McLaren Vale G.S.M.Nest Egg Adelaide Hills the sweetness. $5.89 2011 HHHH1/2Merlot 2010 HHHH 919 Touriga A very pleasant intenselyPlenty of rich spicy oak, Nacional 2011 HHHH coloured fruit driven wine withdeveloping nicely, and with Spicy, floral fragrances; quite a perfumed berry nosesweet black currant-like a dash of white pepper. and lovely textured palate withfruit. $95 Elegant fruit-driven palate, ripe fleshy fruit expression andPatritti Barossa some anise and licorice some fine tannins. Long oakySaperavi 2011 HHHH characters developing. $38 finish. 3-5 $40A savoury Italian style with Hand Craftedprominent but supportive by Geoff Hardy Lagrein Lavina Elicere McLarenoak, and bright almost mint- 2010 HHHH Vale Grenache Shirazlike fruit. Quite tannic. $16 Perfumed inky bouquet and 2010 HHHH1/2Kalleske Buckboard a balanced palate that fills A bigger fuller style withBarossa Durif the mouth with black fruit lovely seamless balance.2011 HHHH flavours, soft tannins and Has bright fresh complexityInky rich aromas; some high level of alcohol. $30 of cola berry aromas and aporty notes. Big grainy savoury well blended palatepalate, with great fruit showing great structure andflavours and nice line of acid plenty of flavour depth. $35and tannins. $23 Pirramimma Katunga McLaren Vale Grenache Tannat Shiraz 2009 HHHH This one needs meat! Licoricey bottle development on the nose and nice firm tannic palate with simple sweet fruit and oak underneath. $20 Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 115

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 south australiaKalleske Clarry’s Barossa Sevenhill St. Ignatius Vasarelli Pasquale’s Saltram MamreG.S.M 2012 HHHH Cabernet Sauvignon Selection McLaren Vale Brook BarossaSpicy, gamey aromas with Merlot Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignonsubtle smoky characters Malbec 2010 HHHH Cabernet Franc 2010 HHHH1/2and a vibrant, feisty, licorice Rich ripe fruit nose with oak Merlot 2010 HHHH An excellent cabernet - boldpalate with fine, firm a little obvious. Luscious Complex yet approachable and concentrated withtannins. Very youthful. $19 well-structured cassis/ wine with peppermint notes everything in perfect balance. cranberry palate is held to the chocolaty red fruit nose The nose is chocolaty andJacob’s Creek Barossa together by silky tannins. $40 and a palate that’s loaded with minty, the palate is big,Grenache Shiraz Mataro flavour. 3-5 $28.99 drying and tannic with rich2010 HHHH Peter Lehmann Mentor fruit flavours. $37.99Oak-driven nose with some Barossa Cabernet Shiraz Majella Malleea Thorn-Clarke Williamsweet fruit. Well-structured Malbec 2009 HHHH Coonawarra Cabernet Randell Eden Valleypalate with dense fruit, A lovely fruit-driven wine Sauvignon Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignonchocolaty oak and grainy with earthy, chocolaty, 2009 HHHH 2010 HHHH1/2tannins. $49.99 leathery characters, nice Minty, chocolaty, dark berry A gamey nose with balancing oak and soft bouquet and upfront, leafy, perfumed, rose-petalThree Dark Horses tannins. $42 minty cabernet flavours on a touches. An excellent, very Patrick of CoonawarraMcLaren Vale Grenache palate showing a soft tannin flavoursome, bright cassis Home Block Cabernet2011 HHHH Fox Creek Duet structure. $75 palate with a dusty oak Sauvignon 2010A dark, brooding and ‘sexy’ McLaren Vale Cabernet finish. Everything in perfect HHHH1/2wine with an aromatic berry Merlot 2011 HHHH cabernet sauvignon balance. $60 A more elegant style, withbouquet and a pretty range Dense dark fruits on the 2011-2010 Bird in Hand Adelaide a minty green and mulberryof fruit flavours with slight nose and a well weighted Hills Cabernet Sauvignon bouquet showing somemalty-like finish. $22 and nicely textured palate 2011 HHHH1/2 leathery age elements. with upfront fruit flavours Medium-bodied Bordeaux Palate still has some berryRichard Hamilton with a big tannic finish. $19 Penley Estate Tolmer style, with the dusty chocolaty fruit evident but dominatedBurton’s Vineyard Old Rosemount District Coonawarra Cabernet nose showing complexity and by the bottle age. Still aBush Vine McLaren Vale Traditional McLaren Sauvignon 2010 HHHHH slight minty lift. Sweet fruit good drink. $39Grenache 2010 HHHH Vale Cabernet Merlot Spicy oak and cassis fruit palate, with slightly drying Rosemount LimitedA lively full flavoured Petit Verdot 2011 HHHH bouquet - very attractive. tannin finish. $35 Release McLaren Valewine with nice level of A lift of peppermint, Excellent palate that fills Lake Breeze Langhorne Cabernet Sauvignoncomplexity, plenty of dusty chocolate and mulberry the mouth with powerful Creek Cabernet 2010 HHHHoak and well handled aromas and nice creamy dark ripe berry flavours and Sauvignon 2010 Powerful fruit driventannins. Has length and raspberry length to the has plenty of oak to match, HHHH1/2 cabernet. Subtle fruit on theplenty of poise. $45 fleshy palate. Lovely with substantial but svelte Lovely crimson coloured nose with a touch of licorice powdery tannins. $19.99 tannins. $32 wine with purple highlights. and some intense raspberry-The Old Faithful Majestic raspberry fruit nose like fruit on the ripe tannicSandhill McLaren Vale and an intensely flavoured palate. $25Grenache 2009 HHHH varietal palate that has Scarpantoni BrothersNice concentration of dark poise, balance and plenty of Block McLaren Valechocolaty fruit edged with power. $22 CD Cabernet Sauvignonfloral/violet notes. Good level Jacob’s Creek St Hugo 2010 HHHHof malty-like oak and crisp Coonawarra Cabernet Subtle wine but it’s all thereacid finish. Sauvignon 2010 - in a word - elegant! Dusty 3-5 $50 HHHH1/2 fruit and black olive nose Good regional varietal and nice long fleshy varietalPertaringa expression obvious here, fruit palate. $30Two Gentlemans with a complexity and Lavina Grand RoyaleMcLaren Vale Grenache persistence of ripe dark fruit, McLaren Vale Cabernet2010 HHHH vanilla oak, some earthy Sauvignon 2010 HHHHJammy berry nose with elements, hints of mint and Aromatic spicy fruit bouquetslight medicinal notes drying tannins. $49.99 and a flavoursome creamyand nice oak. Long well Penley Estate Reserve textured palate. As onestructured varietal fruit Coonawarra Cabernet judge said, “It’s a nice littlepalate with a dash of dark Sauvignon 2010 party in the mouth.” $95chocolate. 3-5 $26 Wynns Black Label HHHH1/2 Bird in Hand Nest Egg Coonawarra Bright, sweet, cabernet Adelaide Hills Cabernetcabernet blends Cabernet Sauvignon fruit aromas, with a violet- Sauvignon 2010 HHHH 2010 HHHH1/2 like floral lift. Sweet oak Blackcurrant fruit nose,Annie’s Lane A well-structured wine with dominates the palate and with a greenish/mentholWinemakers Selection very good cabernet varietal has masses of powerful edge. Soft in the mouthWatervale Cabernet fruit matched by well-handled velvety tannins. A lovely, and tasting of sweet mintySauvignon Cabernet complementary vanillin oak long and elegant cabernet. varietal fruit. $95Franc Merlot Shiraz and substantial tannins but $50.502009 HHHH1/2 still in balance with the otherA rich, complex wine with elements. $39.99appealing blackcurrant andcassis nose and a lovely violetlift. Excellent length of sweetcassis flavours on a palatethat has a super structure andbalanced by “pretty’”acid. 5+ $29.99116 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

south australiaClaymore Black Magic Morambro CreekWoman Cabernet Padthaway CabernetSauvignon 2010 HHHH Sauvignon 2010 HHHHA long, balanced and Attractive fruit/oakvery flavoursome cabernet, aromas; ageing well. Greatwith good concentration complexity and balance ofof berry/chocolate/violet briary fruit and oak flavourscharacters on nose and on a well-structured palate.palate. 5+ $35 $31.95Thomson Estate Back cabernet sauvignonBlocks Cabernet 2009 & olderSauvignon 2011 HHHHRestrained but concentrated DiGiorgio Familybriary chocolaty aromas and Coonawarra Cabernetwarm chocolaty flavours with Sauvignon 2009some cassis. Good tannin HHHH1/2structure. 5+ $25 A big, powerful nose with excellent fruit/oakKirrihill Tullymore complexity. Soft in theSVS Cabernet mouth with nicely developedSauvignon 2010 HHHH flavour profile but hints ofGreat concentration of ripe fresh berries, very goodjammy fruit on the nose oak and balancing tanninand echoed on the palate. structure. $23Holding up well, with goodwood support. $22Rosemount DistrictMcLaren Vale CabernetSauvignon 2011 HHHHWood up front on thenose with lovely raspberryfruit underneath. Samecharacters on the rich, fulland well balanced palate.$19.99Maximus Emperor Wynns GlengyleSeries McLaren Vale Coonawarra CabernetCabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon 20092011 HHHH HHHH1/2Ripe cassis bouquet with A lovely, elegant,a typical minty lift. Nicely Coonawarra cabernet withweighted, well structured full, complex, fruit/oakpalate with good length aromas and a palate stilland depth of varietal fruit showing fresh red berry fruitflavours. $50 with a light touch of vanillaMt Monster Limestone oak and savoury/olive-likeCoast Cabernet notes. $69.99Sauvignon 2011 HHHH Greg Cooley WinesEarthy nose, with hints of Rehbein and Ryanprunes and some unusual Reserve Clare Valleyrhubarb/sweet sour cherry- Cabernet Sauvignonlike flavours nicely balanced 2009 HHHHby the lovely tannins. $15.95 Rounded chocolaty and ripeKoonara Wines Angel’s fruit aromas, with a warmPeak Coonawarra and well-structured palateCabernet Sauvignon with plenty of slightly sweet2010 HHHH fruit and wood. $38An elegant style, withfragrances of mulberries andplums, and almost prune-likeflavours with lovely chamoissoft tannins. $11.95 Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 117

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 south australiaReillys Dryland Lake Breeze Bernoota La Curio Reserve Harbord The Tendril Norfolk Rise VineyardCabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek Shiraz McLaren Vale Shiraz Barossa Shiraz Mount Benson Shiraz2009 HHHH Cabernet 2010 HHHH 2010 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHHGreat “New World” style, A lovely deep purple wine Nice level of sweetness from A rich, powerful wine with Nose of licorice andwith exotic spicy bouquet with upfront raspberry fruit the stonefruit-like aromas dark brooding chocolaty spice, with a menthollifted with violet and minty on the nose and a powerful leading to a long, elegant and nose and slight mintiness. edge. Interesting, slightlynotes. Good varietal fruit palate with long persistent drying tannic palate with an Lovely concentration of astringent, spicy greenfocus on the long palate. $29 dark fruit flavours. $19 CD excellent balance of sweet choc-mint flavours with palate. Powerful tannic d’Arenberg varietal fruit and drying oak. some bold tannins. $25 finish. 5+ $16shiraz blends d’Arry’s Original Hahndorf Hill Winery McLaren Vale Shiraz 3-5 $31 Single Vineyard Greg Norman Reserve919 Latin Collection Grenache 2010 HHHH Songlines McLaren Vale Adelaide Hills Shiraz Robe Shiraz 2010 HHHHRhumba Shiraz Good array of dark fruits on Shiraz 2010 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHH1/2 Well-made cool-climate shiraz.Durif 2012 HHHH1/2 the nose with spicy notes. A big bold shiraz with A very vibrant youthful Intense spicy berry nose,Deep crimson wine, with Nice blend and balance of excellent lifted varietal fruit shiraz, with an intense hints of vanilla. Spicy sweeta beautiful bright berry light and dark fruit flavours integrated with a powerful concentration of fresh berry flavours, with vanillin oakbouquet and a long, rich, with crisp acidity. $18 hit of cashew-like oak and dark fruits and spicy/ passing through. $50seamlessly balanced, sour d’Arenberg has a warming alcoholic mocha elements. Rich andcherry-like palate, with some The Wild Pixie finish. All it needs is more flavoursome, and offering Totino Estate Adelaidespice, pepper and soy-like McLaren Vale Shiraz time to evolve. $110 great cellaring potential. $30 Hills Shiraz 2010 HHHHnotes. $18 Roussanne 2010 HHHH Wolf Blass Grey Label Nose of blueberry jam, blackRosemount 1888 Intriguing solid meaty/gamey McLaren Vale Shiraz Wynns Black olives and some menthol.McLaren Vale Shiraz nose; some funkiness. 2010 HHHHH Label Coonawarra The chocolaty, oak-drivenCabernet 2011 HHHH1/2 Interesting array of fruit Beautifully luscious wine Shiraz 2010 HHHH1/2 palate is quite developed forA good classic Aussie flavours with firm tannins. that is brimming over with Dark, brooding, berry its age. $19.95style with pretty cassis Just needs more time. $29 life and has a lovely purple bouquet with chocolatyand violet aromas. “Both St Hallett Gamekeepers rim to its colour. Bright lifted elements and mouthfilling Wolf Blassvarieties speaking here”, Shiraz Cabernet herbal/mocha bouquet and palate - soft and Gold Label Barossanoted one judge. Good 2010 HHHH silky smooth integration of approachable, with loads Shiraz 2010 HHHHdepth and vinosity to the Lovely peppery aromas with oak, fruit and tannins. Will of spicy, dark, red fruit Subtle plum and cherrypalate with excellent flavour spicy/earthy notes. Palate is cellar well. $44 flavours showing a slight aromas with chocolaty oak.concentration. $50 fresh and lively with drying spicy twist. $39.99 A seamless palate that’sOxenberry Farm tannic structure. Will soften Serafino Wines Tidswell Wines elegant and soft with brightTwo Tribes McLaren with time. $14 McLaren Vale Shiraz Heathfield Ridge Shiraz varietal fruit. $27.99Vale Shiraz Grenache Wolf Blass Gold Label 2010 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHH2010 HHHH1/2 Adelaide Hills Shiraz Savoury aromas edged with Intense sweet berry Bob McLean HonourVery pretty lifted blueberry Viognier 2009 HHHH earthy spicy notes. A full bouquet; hints of mint Roll Barossa Shirazfruit aromas showing a Spicy dark fruit bouquet, with bodied, nicely balanced, and meaty notes. Similar 2010 HHHHsubtle edge of wood. Nice a fragrant lift and a fine, long palate with a seamless characters on the palate. Slightly meaty nose withweight and concentration and balanced palate with integration between the Mouthcoating tannins. Very a spicy lift. Lovely velvetyof solid raspberry fruit mouthcoating tannins. $27.99 varietal fruit, oak, dusty drinkable. $22.50 palate; great length andflavours seamlessly layered tannins and some sharper Malone Wrattonbully integration of fruit/oakwith the oak. $20 shiraz 2012 - 2010 tart notes. $26 Shiraz 2010 HHHH flavours. $28.99 CM Well-structured, full-flavouredMollydooker McLean’s Farm shiraz, with complexity and Hartz Barn WinesEnchanted Path Master Barossa Shiraz persistence of ripe dark berry Reserve General StoreMcLaren Vale Shiraz 2010 HHHHH fruit, sweet vanillin oak and Barossa ShirazCabernet 2011 HHHH A very pretty chocolaty nose good tannin balance. $28 2010 HHHHA big woody style with with a nice perfumed lift. Slightly porty nose; somepeppery notes on the Lovely mouthfeel and some smoky/peppery notes.nose and fleshy sweet great fruit flavours with Lots of fruit on the palatespicy raspberry flavours excellent soft tannin structure. with lashings of oak.with powerful oak derived An elegant shiraz. $51.99 CM Will age well. $30tannins. $90 Lake Breeze Winemaker’s Selection Saltram Mamre Langhorne Creek Shiraz Brook Barossa Shiraz 2010 HHHHH 2010 HHHH A bright purple wine with A complex, richly flavoured a vibrancy of dark fruit and wine. Lovely layering of black olive-like aromas. perfumed blackcurrant fruit, Lovely freshness to the spices, pepper, oak and lively palate that exhibits a tannins. $37.99 seamless balance between the pure varietal fruit and excellent spicy oak. $35 CD118 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 south australiaSaltram Moculta Rd. Dowie Doole Antiquarian Bowen Estate 919 Tawny NV HHHH1/2Vineyard Barossa Cali Road McLaren Vale Thompson Estate Coonawarra Shiraz Nose is a lovely mix ofShiraz 2010 HHHH Shiraz 2010 HHHH Shiraz 2009 HHHH1/2 2009 HHHH honeyed citrus, nuttyA big, bold, tannic wine. Spicy plum fruit and An excellent wine with great Lots of spicy oak on the rancio, spices, caramel andLoads of flavour from the chocolaty oak on the nose depth and layering of flavours. nose and great persistence raisined characters. Treacleysweet plum/mulberry-like and a dense and brooding Ageing well with years to of dark berries underneath. in the mouth, with goodvarietal fruit. Good level of fruit driven palate. This is one go yet. Good concentration Savoury flavours and spirit. Long, balanced andacidity. $89.99 for the cellar. 5+ $35 of stonefruit and chocolate powerful tannins. A keeper. complex. $28 aromas and flavours, with 919 PalominoSevenhill Inigo Paxton Cracker attractive barrel elements. 5+ $28 Apera NV HHHH1/2Shiraz 2010 HHHH Barrels McLaren Vale The Blok Estate Smells of the sea, withHints of anise and vanilla Shiraz 2010 HHHH 5+ $42 Coonawarra Shiraz elements of nuts and Spicy and leathery aromas 2009 HHHH apples, and showing a greaton the nose. Good palate with some stewed red fruit Taylors St Andrews An elegant, vibrant, well- persistence of honeyed apple,length and structure, with notes. Excellent stonefruit Shiraz 2009 HHHH1/2 made wine, with spicy berry nut and oyster flavours, withwood sitting on top of flavour depth with seamless Great concentration of pure fragrances. Palate shows good flor expression. $29the varietal fruit. It needs oak integration. $49 varietal fruit aromas and good integration of fruit, acid 919 Touriga Nacionalsteak! 3-5 $35 flavours. Hints of smoky and tannins. Still a baby. 2009 HHHH1/2 meaty notes to the nose and A lovely old nutty raisined Lavina Grand Royale some savouriness to the 5+ $23.50 number that is true to McLaren Vale Shiraz palate with its lovely silky- style, with its dark mocha 2010 HHHH smooth tannins. 5+ $60 sweet white & fortified and caramel aromas, and Creamy vanilla and delicious toffee elements on stonefruit bouquet. Excellent Skillogalee Clare Valley 919 Muscat NV HHHHH the savoury palate. $50 depth of fruit flavours Shiraz 2009 HHHH A very drinkable Aussie Saltram Wine Estate balanced with some very A flinty, forest floor style of fortified. Gorgeous Mr Pickwick’s Particular serious, top quality oak. A complexity of aromas Christmas cake and citrus Tawny HHHH1/2 keeper. 5+ $120 and a lovely mouthful of rind-like aromas, and Bright spirity aromas withStephen John well integrated fruit and beautifully balanced and toffee/caramel rancioClare Valley Shiraz chocolaty oak. Ageing well. complex brown treacle characters and a rich,2010 HHHH Red Knot by Shingleback richness on the palate. $39 polished palate. Still very McLaren Vale Shiraz 5+ $29.50 Patritti Limited Release young. Needs more time inSweet, lifted berry 2012 HHHH Barossa Fortified Riesling the bottle. $74.99bouquet and lovely layers 2004 (500ml) HHHHH Longview Epitomeof vanillin oak and varietal Fresh young plum and violet- Penfolds RWT Barossa A beautifully nutty, sweet Adelaide Hills like fragrances. An oaky Shiraz 2009 HHHH white with a richness of Late Harvest Rieslingfruit flavours, with some and tannic palate filled with A red berry nose with toffee and honeysuckle- 2012 (375ml) HHHHcomplexity developing. Will earthy/leathery characters. like characters on both the Intense complexity ofage well. 5+ $25 bright cherry and black fruit Luscious palate with nose and palate, and some marmalade and molasses characters. 5+ $14.95 lingering earthy richness and cashews and orange peel characters. Luscious soft tannin structure. $75 elements. $16 mouthfeel, lingering driedChapel Hill McLaren Mollydooker fruit flavours, balancingVale Shiraz 2011 HHHH Velvet Glove McLaren acid. $19.50Brooding red fruit bouquet Vale Shiraz 2011 HHHH Pertaringawith some nice spicy Dense dark fruit nose with Verdun Park Wines Moscato 2013 HHHHnotes. Meaty earthy tannic chocolaty elements and a Albert Arthur Adelaide Gorgeous sweet muscatpalate showing good slippery seductive tannic Hills Shiraz 2009 HHHH grape aromas and excellentstructure and seamless palate with a bright mouthful Bright and fruity for its age, persistence of lovely muscatbalance. 3-5 $35 of fruit sweetness. $185 with rich dark plum fruit, flavours, with a good acid great aged complexity, spine and tannic finish. $18Mr. Riggs McLaren Vale shiraz 2009 & older tobacco-like oak and softShiraz 2010 HHHH tannins. $37“An all round good red”,said one judge. A nice mix Saltram No.1 Barossa Dorrien Anniversaryof spice plum fruit, licorice Shiraz 2008 HHHHH Barossa Shirazelements, dusty tannins and A stately and impressive 2008 HHHHwell handled oak. $50 vibrant inky red wine. Perfumed fruit nose Dense and slightly meaty with lovely bottle age aromas with a lovely palate complexity developing. structure and seamless fruit/ Excellent seamless flavours oak flavours, and lovely age with good acid/tannin complexity. $89.99 balance. $59.99 CM Wolf BlassRusty Mutt McLaren Platinum Label Barossa Pauletts Clare ValleyVale Shiraz 2010 HHHH Shiraz 2008 HHHH1/2 Shiraz 2008 HHHHA fruity nose showing a Gorgeous, brooding, inky/ Candied raspberry bouquetslightly stewed character licorice bouquet. Powerful with a perfumed lift.and more vibrant varietal oak-driven palate with Balanced palate, with goodfruit on the mid palate very intense fruit flavours power and concentration oflayered with attractive dusty beneath. Great acid spine. sweet fruit. Holding up well.tannins. $27.50 Will live a long life. $165 5+ $24 Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 119

Block 4 Cabernet Grapes victoria THE BEST WINES OF 2013 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz & Blends, Durif & Blends, Sweet Whites & Fortifieds.

BACK-TO-BACK RARITY LIFTS THE GLOOM The Victorian year in review, by Jeni PortVICTORIAN WINEMAKERS ENJOYED an auspicious start to the 2013 year, Yeringberg’s Guill and Katherine de Pury, with winemaker daughter, Sandra,with a fast and mostly pain free vintage. Following on from the equally excellent celebrated in October with a major tasting of their wines, a rare event for2012 harvest, makers suddenly found themselves staring down a rare sight: this quiet, unassuming wine family.bookend vintages with two consecutive great wine years in a row. Yeringberg was one of the first three great wine names of the early Yarra Could their good luck continue for the rest of the year? Valley, along with Yering and St. Hubert’s. Young Swiss migrants, brothers As we come to the close of 2013 the answer has to be a resounding, yes. Guillaume and Samuel de Pury, from Neuchatel, were encouraged to make Victoria has not been immune to the trials of recent times: the global financial their fortune in the new Port Phillip colony by their aunt, Sophie La Trobe, wifecrisis, high Australian dollar, falling exports. The depressed market darkened of Governor Charles La Trobe and despite early financial issues, Guillaume,the general wine industry mood. Investment ceased and vineyards were alone, went on to be successful with early grapes burgundy (pinot noir) andput up for sale rather than being established. Some producers pulled out of hermitage (shiraz).traditional markets Britain and the US, and put their time and energy into theawakening Asian giants. Forward thinkers enrolled in Mandarin classes and a The Grampians, too, was pioneered by a young pair of enterprising siblings,few learnt to re-engage with their own local market, a novel concept for some. Emile Blampied and his elder sister Anne-Marie who, together with her However by mid-2013, not even a gloomy winter could dampen the feeling husband Jean-Pierre Trouette, showed the potential of the region to grapeof re-awakening. The mood brightened. Investment was once again on the growing and alerted others such as David Best, founder of Best’s Winesagenda, particularly in the Yarra Valley. Wealthy Melbourne property developer and Hans Irvine, the sparkling wine trail blazer. Today, Best’s owner andElias “Eli” Jreissati launched Levantine Hill Estate with a $4 million Yarra Valley long-time winemaker Viv Thomson sees the region’s great strength sittingvineyard and luxury B&B. Following the opening he poached local winemaker firmly and squarely with shiraz.Paul Bridgeman from down the road at Yarra Yering and set about planning a$5 million cellar door and restaurant to be sited near the Levantine Hill vineyard, “Grampians shiraz is more elegant, you can’t over-extract wines here. Youclose by the Maroondah Hwy at Coldstream. His motto is “exceptional wines, can’t make big, heavy wines. Different vineyards bring out either more blackhand crafted without compromise”. A rough translation? Money is no object. or red fruits, more pepper or spice,” Thompson said.Should the local council give the green light to the plans, the cellar door andrestaurant is scheduled for a Christmas 2014 opening. This year TarraWarra Estate, the brainchild of Melbourne retailer and patron A great fan of the Mount Mary vineyard, Jreissati is keen to back cabernet to the arts, Marc Besen, celebrated 30 years, while Redbank, an early winesauvignon, a most welcome acknowledgement of the red grape variety that pioneer of the Pyrenees, turned 40.helped put the Yarra Valley on the map back in the 1960s and ’70s. The 2012Levantine Hill cabernet sauvignon is an exciting inaugural release and the And in the lead-up to its 110th birthday in 2015, the Viticultural Society ofpick of the small group of LHE reds that include pinot noir and syrah. It could Victoria released a glossy, 210-page history, A Vision For Wine: A History ofbecome the new poster red wine for the forgotten variety in this country except the Viticultural Society of Victoria. Written by noted historian and wine bookfor the fact that only 225 cases were made. author, Dr. David Dunstan, the book starts with a reminder of difficult times Also in the Yarra Valley this year came news of a major new development at soon after the founding of the Society, at a time of gloom for the VictorianDame Nellie Melba’s home, Coombe Farm, at Coldstream, which will see the wine industry still early in its infancy.old motor house and stables transformed into a 150-seat restaurant and cellardoor. Dame Nellie bought the 212ha property in 1909 and it has remained in “New Commonwealth-imposed taxes and charges did not make mattersher family ever since, a 60ha vineyard being planted in 1999. The rejuvenated easier and the stage was set for Australian dominance of the national industrynew look also comes with a new name, Coombe - The Melba Estate and yes, that Victoria has once enjoyed,” writes the author.there are plans to host opera. The year was also a happy one with many major winery milestones At the close of 2013 little appears to have changed.celebrated, led by two of the oldest, 150th birthdays for both Yeringberg in The Federal Government continues to ruminate on taxes for the winethe Yarra Valley as well as the wine-producing region, the Grampians. industry and South Australia remains the dominant wine state, with Victoria sitting below it and NSW in terms of wine grapes grown (26,498ha or 16.9 per cent of the national total). However, the state has the largest number of cellar doors of any state (526), the highest number of companies with cellar doors (75.7 per cent), more wine regions (21) and more wineries than its neighbours (850 wineries). That’s got to count for something, right? Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 121

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 victoriasparkling Tahbilk Central Victoria chardonnay Coldstream Hills Coombe Farm Viognier 2012 HHHHH Reserve Yarra Valley Yarra Valley Pinot Noir Classic apricot varietal Chardonnay 2011 HHHH 2012 HHHH characters to the estery nose. Classic chardonnay nose A combination of raspberryBlue Pyrenees Very flavoursome palate. Sanguine Estate - nicely focused aromas. and blackberry aromas.Methode Traditionnelle Heathcote Chardonnay Pleasant palate of lifted Attractive light bodied sweetMidnight Cuvee Soft in the mouth, slightly 2010 HHHHH citrus and ripe pineapple dark raspberry palate with sweet, with an oily texture characters. Well made. some herbal notes. $32Pyrenees Chardonnay and showing a good length of A lovely blend of toasty oak, Cellar it! $59.95 Seville Estate Old Vine2009 HHHH1/2 stonefruit and melon aromas Reserve Yarra Valley“A very drinkable sparkling,” acidity. 3-5 $19.50 with some nice bottle age Pinot Noir 2012 HHHH Lovely nose - smells ofsaid one judge. Has a fine Tahbilk Central Victoria starting to develop. Rich, well- Coldstream Hills rosemary and lavender,bead and excellent acid/sugar balanced palate with fruit/ Deer Farm Vineyard and has defined raspberrybalance. Lovely yeasty nose Marsanne 2012 HHHH1/2 oak flavours and good acid Yarra Valley flavours underpinned by Lovely subtle minerally nose Chardonnay 2012 HHHH herbal elements and fineand nicely textured, fairly with a hint of honeysuckle support. 3-5 $19.95 An oaky number, with good tannins. $75sweet palate. 1-2 $29 spicy notes and layers of leading to a soft, full-flavoured Indigo Beechworth fresh lime and Granny Smith other red palate, with peach-like flavours Chardonnay 2012 apple-like elements. Well varietals & blendsBrown Brothers King and an excellent backbone of HHHH1/2 made, just needs moreValley Sparkling Pinot acidity. 5+ $17.40 A leaner style, with some time. $39.95Noir Chardonnay Pinot citrus aromas and a delicateMeunier NV HHHH1/2 touch of oak. Refreshingly St Huberts Yarra ValleyNose has toasty brioche notes elegant, minerally palate that Chardonnay 2012 HHHHwith hints of citrus and good has length and balance. A Smells of lemon curd. Greatsavoury pinot-lift. Creamy rich nice drink. $27palate, lovely fine bead withlingering complexity of crisp Tahbilk Central richness and weight to theflavours. $25 fresh citrus palate. Good Victoria Chardonnay Harcourt Valley minerality reminiscent of Vineyards BendigoBrown Brothers 2010 HHHH1/2 river stones. Very young.King Valley Prosecco A rich, flavoursome wine G.S.M. 2011 HHHH2012 HHHH Time! 5+ $27 Spicy, cool-climate, pepperyDelicate aromatic floral Taltarni T Series Victoria with spicy, stonefruitbouquet and elegant palate, Sauvignon Blanc aromas showing a hint of characters on the nose.with fine flavours and upfront Semillon 2011 HHHH Elegant peppery palate, simplesweetness integrated with A subtle, grassy/herbaceous honeycomb. Oak dominates pinot noir but balanced. A very well-crisp apple acidity. $18 bouquet and a long, lean the long, persistent palate and zesty palate, with an with a touch of fruit peeking made wine. 5+ $25 herbaceous flavour profile and a crisp, acid finish. through. 3-5 $17.40 Coldstream Hills cabernet sauvignon Yarra Valley Pinot Noir & blendsGrampians Estate 3-5 $17 Coldstream Hills 2012 HHHHHRutherford Great Gapsted Ballerina Reserve Yarra Valley Ripe raspberry aromas with GledhillWestern Sparkling Canopy King Valley Chardonnay floral/violet lift. The lovely Cabernet SauvignonShiraz 2009 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc 2012 HHHHH palate is layered and complex 2009 HHHH1/2Developed tarry complexity 2013 HHHH A fresh, well-made and beautifully soft in the Spices, mocha and vanillaobvious on the nose and Floral, fresh and tropical and perfectly balanced mouth. Great length. Needs on the nose, with subtlea soft and slightly sweet on the nose and a long, chardonnay, with brooding more time to evolve. $34.99 menthol notes. Very livelypalate, with good level of lingering, pungent palate, savoury aromas and tight, Coldstream Hills tannic palate loaded withacidity and a creamy finish. with good varietal definition. well-focused palate that sits Esplanade Yarra Valley intense dark raisined fruit Easy drinking. $20 nicely in the mouth. Will really Pinot Noir 2012 HHHHH flavours and nicely warming 3-5 $35 Brown Brothers Limited shine with more time. $59.95 Rosehip and plums on the alcohol. $20 Release Single Vineyard nose with good toasty oak Australian LegendBlue Pyrenees Methode King Valley Pinot Grigio Seville Estate The Barber to balance. Palate has a ripe Wines InfamousTraditionnelle Pyrenees 2012 HHHH Yarra Valley Chardonnay red core of fruit with spicy Cabernet SauvignonVintage Brut 2009 HHHH Spicy pear aromas that are 2012 HHHH1/2 aniseed notes and nice 2009 HHHHLovely floral fragrances with developing nicely and good A big, complex chardonnay, earthiness. Excellent flavour Very refined and definitelyan estery lift followed by a flavour intensity on the crisp with a lovely creamy length. $49.95 very much alive, with darksoft, fresh palate with an and spicy palate. $31.40 CD texture, some very good St Hubert The Stag prune, cassis and sweetinteresting sweet and sour Rutherglen Estate solids, toasty oak, generous Yarra Valley Pinot Noir chocolate and caramelflavour profile. 1-2 $24 Reserve Single stonefruit characters, simple 2012 HHHH characters, and tight tannin Vineyard Rutherglen acid and a dash of spice. $22 Fresh bright aromas with length. $15other white Fiano 2012 HHHH good spicy lift. Strawberries Tahbilk Centralvarietals & blends Interesting wine – has a Seville Estate and raspberries fill the Victoria Cabernet subtlety of honeysuckle on Yarra Valley Chardonnay mouth with flavour. Sauvignon 2009 HHHHRobinvale Demeter the toasty oak nose. Spicy 2012 HHHH1/2 Supported by elegant Lovely commercial styleKerner Australia buttery palate. Good food Dusty oak, cashews and tannins. $24 with blackberry/cassisRiesling 2008 HHHHH wine. $23 pineapples on the nose. Soft St Hubert Yarra Valley aromas sprinkled withInteresting aged kero/ in the mouth, with very good Pinot Noir 2012 HHHH cinnamon. Youthful varietalhoneyed characters evident strength of lime and lemon A richer generous style with palate with fine grainedon the nose and intensely flavours. Young, high in acid a dark dusty nose showing tannins. Great potential.spicy, toasty, honeyed but has potential. $33 touches of tar and bright redpalate. A ”talking point” fruit flavours underpinned 5+ $23wine. An excellent example with chocolaty notes. $33of an aged riesling. $20122 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

victoriaSanguine Estate Clarnette & LudvigsenHeathcote Cabernet Grampians ShirazSauvignon Cabernet 2010 HHHH1/2Franc Petit Verdot A crimson wine that smells2009 HHHH of sour cherries with hintsA dense, dark nose with of chocolate. Good acidsubtle mocha aromas and zing to the big, fruit-drivensome lovely sweet juicy fruit palate that’s rich and stylish,spread across the lively acidic with fine tannins in thepalate. 5+ $24.95 background. 5+ $25Baileys of GlenrowanGlenrowan CabernetSauvignon 2012 HHHHSubtle, aromatic, dark berrybouquet and nice depth ofvarietal fruit flavours, withsome richness and firm,lengthy tannins. $27shiraz & blends Montara Grampians Shiraz 2010 HHHH1/2 A lovely nose of spices, smoked meats and dark berries with a hint ofMitchelton chocolate. Good depth ofCentral Victoria Shiraz flavour on a sweet and spicy2010 HHHHH fruit palate that’s rich andAn earthy touch to the ripe long. 5+ $25fruit and tobacco, oak nose.Lovely long, soft palate with Mitchelton Printsome good oak, acid and Central Victoria Shiraztannin perfectly balanced 2009 HHHH1/2with the plumy, varietal fruit. Gorgeous chocolaty aromas lift out the glass and are 5+ $22Tallis The Silent edged with pepper and spice. High level of tanninsShowman Central and acid on the palate with aVictoria Shiraz2010 HHHHH powerful, spicy fruit, flavour profile. 5+ $65“Wow,” was one comment!A lovely complex style MORE SPACEshowing a nice degree of Baileys of Glenrowanmaturity. Loads of chocolaty Glenrowan Shiraz THAN YOUcharacters on the nose and 2012 HHHHfilling the mouth. Generous Attractive dark spicy CAN IMAGINEpalate structure. 5+ $40 fragrances on the nose and a nice balance of berry fruit 5 York Street Sydney, NSW Australia 2000Baileys of Glenrowan and tannins on the mid- Tel: (61-2) 9210 5000 | Fax: (61-2) 9290 14871920s Block Glenrowan palate. $27Shiraz 2012 HHHH1/2 E-mail: [email protected], deep, aromatic nose Blue Pyrenees www.swiss-belhotel.com– smells of cedar, mocha, The Richardson Serieschocolate and blackberries. Pyrenees Shiraz Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 123Ripe, flavoursome palate, 2009 HHHHwith intense oak and grainy A very attractive nosetannins. $27 with some lovely peppery fragrances. Slightly lean andCiavarella Oxley Estate steely on the palate, withReserve King Valley stalky shiraz fruit characters.Shiraz 2010 HHHH1/2Subdued chocolaty nose, 5+ $50with just a touch portycharacters. Generous, soft, Sanguine Estateripe fruit palate, with a lovely Heathcote Shirazvelvety mouthfeel and some 2009 HHHHvery drying tannins. $22 A warm, oaky shiraz - needs more time to settle. Has attractive herbal, spicy fruit with lovely peppery elements and balancing acidity. 5+ $39.95

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 victoria Heathcote Winery Mail Morris of Rutherglen Morris of Rutherglen Morris of Rutherglen Coach Heathcote Shiraz CHM Rutherglen Durif Old Premium Old Premium 2011 HHHH 2007 HHHH1/2 Rare Liqueur Muscat Rutherglen Rare Tawny Earthy aromas with a slight Resinous oak and a melange NV (500ml) HHHHH NV (500ml) HHHH peppery character. Quite of dark berries on the nose, Complex aged chocolaty Complex nutty rancio a rich palate with good with a huge, powerfully aromas, with raisined bouquet and seamlessly- structure and nice weight of rich palate, with lingering touches and a wonderfully balanced, sweet palate, with acid. A crowd pleaser. $33 concentration of dark luscious palate, with long, attractive flavours and tight brooding flavours. $60 intense, chocolate, toffee, acid end. $75 Eppalock Ridge Susan’s nutty flavours – incredibly Morris of Rutherglen Selection Heathcote Baileys of Glenrowan complex. $75 Cellar Reserve Grand Shiraz Cabernet Merlot Glenrowan Petite Sirah Rutherglen Amontillado 2010 HHHH 2012 HHHH Morris of Rutherglen NV (500ml) HHHH Subdued spicy aromas with a Intense colour, with youthful Classic Tokay Intense nutty characters herbal edge. Simple but full- blackberry/prune aromas and NV (500ml) HHHHH to the bright nose and flavoured palate - still very good balance of fruit flavours A lovely, bright, complex excellent palate, with lovelyTaltarni Pyrenees youthful with good tannin and velvety tannins. $27 tokay, with everything nutty, rich flavours and tightShiraz 2009 HHHH seamlessly integrated acid spine. $50Big, dense, dark plum fruit structure. 5+ $26 All Saints Estate Family creating malty toffee-like Morris of Rutherglen Cellar Rutherglen Durif characters on the nose Classic Rutherglenaromas with a slight green Yarrawood 2009 HHHH which follows through to the Liqueur Muscatedge and a spicy, peppery Tall Tales Yarra Valley Aromatic fruit sweetness on oily palate. $21.25 NV (500ml) HHHHlift. The palate is big, solid Shiraz 2012 HHHH the nose, with a generosity of A classic muscat style –and chunky. 5+ $40 Rich, earthy and dense on rich fruit flavours supported Morris of Rutherglen great colour, with bright the nose, and a long, vibrant, by good line of tannins. $60 Cellar Reserve lifted nutty/toffee aromasWarrenmang cherry palate - juicy and Grand Liqueur Tokay and complex toffee/aniseedBlack Puma Pyrenees youthful, with fine firm tannins Rutherglen Estates NV (500ml) HHHHH flavours. $21.25Shiraz 2008 HHHH and good spiciness. $26 Renaissance Rutherglen Wonderful bright green Morris of RutherglenDark chocolaty nose; slight Durif 2009 HHHH hues,with raisined toffee-like Mia Flor Rutherglenaniseed edge. Big, rich and durif & blends Smells of cigar boxes and bouquet and a palate with Apera NV HHHHchewy fruit palate. Oak chocolate, and has a full- a lingering complexity of A great example of styletending to dominate for Battely Beechworth flavoured, prune/licorice/ sweet luscious malt, coffee, – a real classic! Lovely flornow. Needs more time. Durif 2011 HHHH1/2 chocolate palate. “Needs a caramel flavours. $50 characters on the nose and Red berries on the nose, steak!” $42 a tight, sweet, bruised apple 3-5 $80 with a spicy lift. Great depth Baileys of Glenrowan palate. $15 of varietal fruit flavours, Anderson Verrier Rare Old Topaque NV Morris of RutherglenEppalock Ridge well-integrated oak and Basket Press (500ml) HHHH1/2 Vintage 2005 HHHHHeathcote Shiraz mouthfilling tannins. “Great Rutherglen Durif Shiraz Big intense hit of chocolate Dark chocolaty nose, with2010 HHHH effort for a 2011,” 2007 HHHH toffee aromas leap out the rich lifted spirit. Licoricey/Quite a closed nose with a said one judge. $40 Ageing chocolaty/licorice glass. The palate is slightly leathery palate, with softhint of plums, but has a big Morris of Rutherglen aromas and similar characters drying and very complex, tannins and spirit pokingsolid, chunky, ripe fruit palate Durif 2009 HHHH1/2 on the palate. Very firm, with great depth of lovely through. $25with firm tannins and good A rich, brooding wine, with drying tannins. Years to go flavours. $75 St Huberts Late Harvestacid spine. 5+ $27 cedary oak and dark spicy yet. 5+ $32.50 Viognier 2012 HHHH berries lifting out the glass. Morris of Rutherglen Very luscious lifted lycheeHeathcote Winery Massive astringent dark sweet whites Old Premium aromas and very attractiveCravens Place Heathcote chocolate/licorice palate. & fortifieds Rare Liqueur Tokay ripe apricot flavours layeredShiraz 2011 HHHH Some well handled oak. $20 NV (500ml) HHHH1/2 with caramel elements andSpicy cherry bouquet and a Brown Brothers Patricia A great example of the balancing acidity. $30lean, but not green, palate Rutherglen Noble style. Amazing colour, with Robinvale Reservewith savoury characters, slight Riesling 2008 (250ml) lovely rancio notes to the Australia Liqueur 2003grainy tannins and plenty of HHHHH nose and a luscious, treacly (500ml) HHHHacidity. 3-5 $20 Beautiful colour, with palate layered with malt and A dark, spirituous, tannic gorgeous complexity of toffee. $75 style smelling of raisins and STAR RATINGS  marmalade/orange peel chocolate, and leading to fragrances. Intense, Morris of Rutherglen a lush palate with treacle/Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of complex and luscious in the Cellar Reserve caramel-like flavours. $20excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill. mouth and wrapped up with Rutherglen GrandAll wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry good tight acid. $36.70 Tawny NV HHHH1/2professionals and are compared in peer Lovely dark brown colourclasses by three judges. Morris of Rutherglen with golden hues. IntenseCM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, Cellar Reserve Grand chocolate/walnut aromas,a major mail-order business. Muscat NV (500ml) with soft rancio touch. MoreCD Cellar door price. HHHHH of the same on the palate.CDO Cellar door only. Alluring nose – still has Great example of style. $50SO Sold out. some semblance of$N/A Price not available at time of printing. freshness, with burnt Baileys of Glenrowan orange-like rancio. Rutherglen Classic Contact information pg 170. Complexity and intensity Liqueur Muscat NV of lingering rancio/raisined HHHH RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). flavours on a luscious Beautiful green hues. palate. $50 Nose is a mix of lifted toffee/muscat aromas and a luscious, complex, licorice palate. $30124 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

EXHIBITION COM 2014 V I N I TA LY. A Worldwide Passion VERONA 6-9 APRIL VINITALY 48a EDITIONtogether with VERONA, 5 APRIL 2014 GRAND TASTING Premier Event at Vinitaly operawine.it Finest Italian Wines 100 Great Producersorganized by with patronage ofFOLLOW US ON VINITALY.COM for information: info.vinitaly@veronafiere.it

Chardonnay grapes glistening in the sun.new sowuatlhes THE BEST WINES OF 2013 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling/ Traminer, Semillon & Blends, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz & Blends, Sweet White & Fortified.

AFTER TOUGH TIMES, IT’S HAPPY DAYS The New South Wales year in review, by Rick AllenHUNTER VALLEY … HAPPY. Mudgee … Happy. Orange … Happy. Canberra? getting out of there this vintage are really exciting, not so much our Hunter fruit.”Well, their joy is right off the charts. Over at First Creek, winemaker Liz Jackson gets to see more fruit than most After some tough years, New South Wales has finally managed a vintage that due to the contract winemaking side of the business. How did she rate it?looks uniformly strong. And there can only be one place to start - Canberra. “A good vintage, but I’m not swinging from the chandeliers, put it that way,” “Probably the best vintage I’ve seen in 40 years,” said Ken Helm, of Helm she said. “The whites are strong. The semillons are ageworthy with good acid.Wines. “Everyone is ecstatic.” The Canberra International Wine Challenge The chardonnay and verdelho are both good.”chairman puts it right up alongside the stellar 2008 and 2010 vintages. But if the whites are strong across the board, the reds are a far more “What makes it special is that it isn’t just riesling that has shone, but right inconsistent beast, although there will be some excellent wines among them.across the board … cabernet, shiraz, gruner veltliner, you name it, they’re alllooking fantastic.” “We got some heavy rain in February, and then lighter stuff on and off after that. Most of the whites beat the rain, but the red was affected. I think it got The vintage started with a wet spring that left good ground moisture. It was down to when you picked. I’ve seen some batches that are very good … reallyfollowed by a dry period where some fruit was lost - “maybe 10 per cent, but good, in fact. But I’ve also seen others that weren’t that great.”nothing to worry about”- and after that it was good news followed by moregood news. Mudgee often gets similar weather patterns to the Hunter and David Lowe, of Lowe Wines, was a relieved man after two pretty miserable vintages - 2011 Summer was hot and dry but with very little wind, followed by “a classic autumn” which was hit by cold weather, and the wet 2012.with days of around 25C, and nights at 8-10C. Pretty much ideal. There waslittle disease risk and not much need for spraying. “This was back to a sensible vintage,” he said. “There was some early rain which meant the early picked whites will be lighter and aromatic, but those “The acid levels in the riesling really held up well. They’ve done well in the that were on the slopes, above say 500m, and were on the vines a bit longershows already and will age gracefully,” Helm said. “And on a personal note, did well and resulted in superior fruit. They will be good wines. Similarly thethe cabernet we got in had a brilliant colour … I’ve never seen anything like it. reds resulted in superior fruit.”It has lovely elegant flavours. It’s all there, I just have to make sure I don’t stuffit up.” With his track record that’s not likely. As 70 per cent of the Mudgee crush is red, this means smiles all round. “I wouldn’t give it a seven out of seven rating, but a solid five out of seven,” The Hunter Valley was on course to have a similar story to Canberra, but rain Lowe said. “But coming off the previous two vintage, we’re all pretty relieved.”came in February and took the edge off what could have been an outstanding And if there was one variety that he has highest hopes for?vintage. The early picked whites that beat the rain - in particular their prized “Shiraz is a standout. Really impressive.”semillons - are excellent. Andrew Thomas, of Thomas Wines, rates his flagship Orange, too, was due for a change of fortune. Like Mudgee, it was comingBraemore semillon as good as anything he’s produced, and on the Lovedale off two vintages where the wine Gods had turned their backs.side of the valley, Bill Sneddon, of Allandale Wines, has a similar feeling about his But 2013 in Orange will be viewed as strong across the board. Ed Swift, ofsemillon. “It’s as good as any I’ve made,” Sneddon said. “Really good ripeness Printhie Wines is wary of over-hyping the vintage, but is quick to admit he isand balance.” Allandale produces more chardonnay than semillon and, in this much happier than he has been for a couple of years.regard, it was the vintage that got away right at the end. “We got rain but not too much, there was very little disease pressure, budburst was even across the varieties and yields were good,” he said. “It was a lot “The February rain interfered with the chardonnay,” Sneddon said. “They’re warmer this time around and it shows in the fruit. The riesling and sauvignongood solid wines, but before the rain they were showing so much promise. They blanc are both looking good, nice flavours and intensity. The chardonnaywere going to be beauties.” The story with reds is similar, with rain having an always seems to do well here, but again, it’s looking pretty smart. Acid isn’t aimpact. As is so often the case, it came down to when you picked. problem, it’s a hallmark of our region’s wines, so there will be ageing potential. The later picked fruit came through well, too, so our reds are shaping up well. As the Hunter produced virtually no red in 2012, they’re pleased they’ll be Good colour, good depth of fruit. All in all we’re delighted.”back on the shelves, but it could have been so much better. Happy days in NSW. “Our red was like the chardonnay that promised so much, but the rain came,”Sneddon said. “We buy in fruit from the Hilltops near Canberra and the reds we’re Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 127

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 new south walessparkling Two Rivers Hidden Hive semillon The Wine Society Hunter Valley Verdelho Tyrrell’s ReserveBimbadgen 2012 HHHH Two Rivers Stones Selection Hunter ValleyHunter Valley Sparkling Great varietal expression Throw Hunter Valley Semillon 2012 HHHHSemillon NV HHHH to the nose and full-bodied, Semillon 2013 HHHHH A peachy nose with a niceA lovely wine; creamy and tropical fruit characters Perfumed sherbety aromas spicy element and a bright,stylish with a fine bead. supported by a very good on quite a grapey nose. persistent, pineapple/peachThe sweet fruit has hints of acid backbone. $16 Tight, fresh, grassy on the palate - well-structured withlimes and some toastiness, good level of acidity. $10.99and is nicely balanced by the sauvignon blancacidity. $16 palate, with a lovely flavour Pokolbin EstateCentennial Vineyards Angullong Orange profile and excellent length. Ken Bray Hunter ValleyBlanc de Blancs Sauvignon Blanc Great cellaring potential Semillon 2011 HHHHNV HHHH 2012 HHHH1/2 here. 5+ $16 Slight marmalade hint to theAged, pungent, leesy nose Green gooseberry bouquet toasty, citrus nose and softand flinty, citrus flavours on with a zesty and slightly McGuigan No 6101 ,generous, lemon flavours.the long, complex palate, pungent lift. Excellent The Shortlist Shows nice “pedigree” andwith a long, soft, tannic balance of varietal fruit Hunter Valley Semillon good depth of character.finish. $37 showing nice citrus 2007 HHHHHCentennial Vineyards overtones and with a long, A truly lovely wine showing 3-5 $25Pinot Noir Chardonnay fresh, acid finish. $17 all the attributes of aNV HHHH Belgravia Orange beautifully aged Hunter Robyn Drayton Wines Drayton’s FamilyBrioche and honey on the Sauvignon Blanc semillon, with toast and Reginald Reserve Wines Heritage Winesnose and balanced palate, 2012 HHHH lanolin characters, citrus Semillon 2010 HHHH1/2 Hunter Valleywith interesting sweet/ A complex, fruit-driven style elegance and a very good Lovely concentration of Semillon 2011 HHHHsour flavours and yeasty with sweet, grassy, herbal level of zingy acidity. Great bottle aged characters on Lovely toastiness to the nosecharacters. $28 varietal fruit and floral notes. structure. $28.99 the lime marmalade nose. and an elegant palate, withTwisted River Central Nice and crisp on the end. $22 Lovely creamy texture nice mineral characters andRanges Sparkling Cooks Lot to the palate, with great showing lovely light citrusChardonnay Viognier Lot # 689 Orange Tinklers School Block persistence of toasty citrus overtones. 5+ $602011 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc Hunter Valley Semillon flavours. A lovely drink. $30Nice combination of lemon, 2012 HHHH 2007 HHHHHhoneysuckle sweetness and Pleasant floral aromatics on “A stylish wine showing Coolangatta Estate Bimbadgen Signatureleesy notes. Zesty palate; the nose followed by a long, great pedigree,” according Shoalhaven Coast Palmers Lanelemon sorbet flavours. elegant palate showing good to one judge. Has vanilla, Semillon 2005 HHHH Hunter Valley Semillon herbal fruit expression. $19.99 toast and lemon on the A long, powerful and 2010 HHHH 3-5 $22 nose, with a perfumed impressive aged semillon A pungent bouquet with riesling/traminer lift and a fine, delicate that’s holding up very well hints of vanilla and spice.other white palate with mouthwatering and will continue to deliver Wonderfully silky palate,varietals & blends Belgravia Orange flavours. $19.80 for a few years yet. $50 with great toasty, honeyed Gewurztraminer semillon characters. $40Angullong Orange 2012 HHHH1/2Pinot Grigio 2012 HHHH A very well made wine McGuigan Hunter Valley Coolangatta Estate RidgeView GenerationsA stylish wine with pleasant, with a sweet, tropical nose Semillon 2005 HHHHH Shoalhaven Coast Reserve Hunter Valleycrisp, varietal fruit nicely showing lychee characters. A perfectly made wine with Semillon 2006 HHHH Semillon 2009 HHHHbalanced with mineral Soft and perfectly a beautifully aged nose that Slight closed toasty nose Clean and fresh with esteryelements. Very good balanced dry spicy palate smells like lime marmalade but with a nice varietal fragrances showing a touchexample of style. $17 complemented by rose petal on toast, and a long, lightly- lift. Ageing well, with very of toastiness and more ofBurnbrae Mudgee and talc tones. $22 structured palate, with lemon crisp dry flavours. Lots of the same on the palate withViognier 2011 HHHH Tertini Crossroads and lime rind-like flavour potential here. $50 a drying finish. $30A very nice floral lift to the Southern Highlandsoaky nose, with lively apricot Riesling 2006 HHHH profile. 3-5 $30 Saddler’s Creek Classicflavours sitting under the oak. A fully-aged botrytisedGood example of style. $20 wine that’s at its peak. McGuigan Bin 9000 Hunter Valley Semillon chardonnayDe Iuliis Hunter Valley “A controversial style that Hunter Valley Semillon 2013 HHHHVerdelho 2012 HHHH will cause discussion,” said 2013 HHHH1/2 An appealing, slightlyMedicinal and flinty on one judge. $33 A classic, well-made perfumed nose with classythe nose and smelling of semillon with excellent lime/ fruit aromas and a tight, butgooseberries, with dense, citrus-like aromas leading to not simple, minerally greencreamy fruit richness and lovely long, zesty flavours apple palate. 3-5 $26some tannins. Good food with chalky phenolics and awine. $18 crisp, drying finish. $13 James Estate Reserve Hunter Valley Coolangatta Estate Semillon 2013 HHHH Angullong Shoalhaven Coast Clean, vibrant and spicy Orange Chardonnay Semillon 2011 HHHH1/2 lemon bouquet, with a 2011 HHHHH Excellent varietal characters touch of toast and similar on both nose and palate. characters on the medium- Smells and tastes of lemons bodied, well-balanced and hay, with slight lanolin- palate. $23 like notes. Beginning to develop nicely. $28 A very well-made, soft, balanced and complex wine, with lovely elegance. Cashew and cream aromas, and rich creamy honeysuckle-like flavours, some toastiness and a citrussy edge. 3-5 $19128 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

new south walesRobert Oatley Finisterre RidgeView Impressions NEW LOOK &Mudgee Chardonnay Hunter Valley ONLINE STORE2011 HHHH1/2 Chardonnay 2011 HHHHA lean but surprisingly good A lighter style of semillonchardonnay, with the honey showing lovely structure andcitrus fruit, spicy oak and balance. Smells of vanillacrisp acid integrating very beans and toast, and tastesnicely. Great wine to serve of stone fruits. $25with food. $32Yellow Tail Yarran Chardonnay 7OPEN DAYS COMINGAustralia Chardonnay 2012 HHHH SOON2012 HHHH1/2 “A well made wine”. MelonsA nicely integrated, and lemons on the nose, with LOOK OUT for nextoaky, Australian style of an oak edge. Lovely depth Winestatechardonnay. Citrus aromas and complexity of nutty oak Editionpush through the oak and and varietal fruit flavours. $14the long palate offers a lovelymouthful of oak and honeyed Belgravia The Apextropical/citrus fruit flavours. $9 Orange ChardonnayTwo Rivers Lightening 2011 HHHHStrike Hunter Valley This is a complex, developingChardonnay “stand-alone” style with a2012 HHHH1/2 strong oak component but inSmells of lime juice with balance with the varietal fruit.some subtle oak characters.Has a generous fresh peach 3-5 $30fruit and sweet vanilla oakpalate with everything in Cooks Lotperfect balance. Very stylish Lot #168 Orangewine. $16 Chardonnay 2012 HHHHTinklers Poppys Hunter A lovely, unctuous, cool-Valley Chardonnay climate style. Good mid-2011 HHHH1/2 weight fruit, light nutty oakHighly complex aromas and yeasty/wheat germwith a touch of meatiness notes. 3-5 $19.99and some perfumed notes.The generous palate has a Brangayne of Orangecreamy mouthfeel, lots of Isolde Reserveoak and good persistence of Chardonnay 2011 HHHHfruit to match. $25 Creamy vanillin notes to the nose and a lively fruit palate, with a balance of drying acid, tannins and oak. 3-5 $30The Wine Society Gordon Hills Estate Australia’s Largest selectionEasy Drinking Orange Chardonnay of SOUTH AFRICAN wines,Selection Hunter Valley 2009 HHHHChardonnay 2012 HHHH Maturing nicely without premium spirits, beers &Perfumed oaky bouquet falling over. Toasty ciders with with over 180showing generous weight secondary characters on products in store & GROWING.and persistence of sweet the nose and lovely aged,tropical fruit flavours on the citrussy flavours. $25 Tel: (08) 9440 4989 | Fax: (08) 9440 4980long, balanced palate. $10.99 Email: [email protected] Rivers Reserve Ross Hill Maya & Max Website: www.tuarthillliquor.com.auHunter Valley Orange ChardonnayChardonnay 2012 HHHH 2012 HHHH MORLEY DRPowerful oak influence to A nicely balanced wine, withthe funky nose and zesty good varietal expression. NORTH BEACH DRwhite peach and pear-like Pleasant sweet melon/bacon ROYAL STflavours under the layers of fat aromas and long, crisp,oak. Traditional style. $24 drying palate. 3-5 $20 235 NORTH BEACH DRIVE, TUART HILLMcGuigan Bin MAIN ST Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 129WANNEROO RD7000 Hunter ValleyChardonnay 2011 HHHHA complex, well-worked malostyle - very Burgundian withlovely depth of interesting andcomplex flavours matched byloads of oak. $12.99

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 new south walespinot noir Audrey Wilkinson shiraz & blends Centennial Vineyards Tyrrell’s Wines Hunter Valley Reserve Shiraz Viognier BrokenbackSassy Wines Orange Tempranillo 2011 HHHH Shot in the Dark 2009 HHHH1/2 Hunter Valley ShirazPinot Noir 2010 HHHHH Lovely bright, plum fruit nose Shiraz Petite Sirah A lovely balance between 2010 HHHH“Proper ‘pinosity’ here,” with pepper and spice. Good 2012 HHHHH the shiraz and viognier Slight leathery characters tosaid one judge. Smells of expression of sweet varietal A very fine and more-ish varietal fruits. Lifted plum- the peppery/mocha bouquetsour cherries, with hints of fruit on well-balanced palate. savoury style that’s a lovely like aromas, with hints of and generous concentrationplums and a violet lift. Long, Nice use of oak. $20 combination of vibrant apricots and a tight tannic of plum, spice, leather andpersistent and lively palate; black fruits, good oak, tight palate with powerful Kirsch- cedar flavours. $20soft fruit, balanced oak and cabernet sauvignon mouthpuckering tannins, like flavours. $30tannin integration. $30 & blends preserved meat characters Yellow Tail Australia sweet white & fortifiedCentennial Vineyards and a dash of spice and Shiraz 2012 HHHHWoodside Bowral Pinot Gordon Hills Estate pepper. $9.99 A big, full style, with nice Bimbadgen EstateNoir 2011 HHHH Lidster Hill Orange intensity of tarry fruit, good Hunter Valley FortifiedDark estery cherry berry Cabernet Cabernet Franc De Iuliis Hunter Valley oak/tannin balance and Verdelho NV (375ml)nose, with raisined notes Merlot 2010 HHHH Shiraz 2011 HHHHH subtle peppery, mocha and HHHHHand a nicely balanced, Very good, very elegant and Gorgeous purple wine with earthy elements. $9 Lovely bouquet - smells ofelegant palate with some very satisfying blend. Lifted a chocolaty nose and lots Bimbadgen Estate almond toffee. The opulentdrying tannins. $27 varietal aromas and nicely of lifted fruit characters. Hunter Valley Shiraz palate is a beautiful balanceTertini Southern balanced palate, with dusty Round and soft in the 2011 HHHH between sweet raisinedHighlands Pinot Noir tannins. $39 mouth, with long, sweet, Lashings of vanillin oak on fruit, cold tea and some2010 HHHH Shot in the Dark peppery fruit flavours the nose and very grippy marzipan-like characters.Sweet floral fragrances with Cabernet Shiraz layered with silky tannins. tannic palate, with great Good for at least the next 10spicy oak in the background. 2012 HHHH Good future! 5+ $25 balance between the oak years! $27Good palate length. Quite Licorice and caramel and the fruit. $26rich with fresh acidity. $53 characters evident on the McGuigan Personal nose, and a palate that Reserve Hunter Valleyother red delivers chocolate cake/ Shiraz 2011 HHHHH Tinklers U & Ivarietals & blends raisined flavours. Hunter Valley Easy style. $9.99 Inky purple shiraz has Shiraz 2011 HHHHMudgee Wines William Lindeman’s Bin 45 intense, chocolaty, oakReserve Mudgee Durif Cabernet Sangiovese aromas laced with Ribena- Oak obvious on the nose and2009 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHH it’s soft in the mouth, withA huge powerful monster A very more-ish wine, with like fruit and a powerful lovely dark fruit, hints of oak,of a wine, with inky/ an awesome perfumed, palate that offers a bigiodine-like aromas showing dried mint, red berry nose mouthful of sweet fruit some spiciness and sweethints of violets and a nicely and persistent cherry berry tannins. 3-5 $35softening palate, with palate, with an attractive balanced by silky oak andgenuine varietal flavours savoury edge. $9.99 fine tannins. 5+ $50and drying tannins. $25 Deen De Bortoli Vat Margan Hunter ValleyOptimiste Mudgee Petit 9 Australia Cabernet Shiraz 2010 HHHHVerdot 2008 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon 2010 HHHH Lindeman’s A drying, slightly aggressive,“A big soft cuddly red,” was Bushland aromas, with Bin 1105 Hunter Valleyhow one judge described interesting dry gum leaf-like Shiraz 2011 HHHH1/2 tannic shiraz. Lovely liftedthis wine! Very well made, characters and attractive, raspberry aromas and intensewith vibrant floral/plum fruit, dark, minty fruit flavours on The nose is dark and inky, concentration of chocolatygood match of oak and a vibrantly fresh palate. $11 and very Hunter Valleypleasant minty notes. $25 James Estate The with a full-bodied, true to fruit flavours. 3-5 $22Centennial Vineyards Estate Hunter ValleyReserve Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon style palate loaded with2011 HHHH 2011 HHHH blackcurrant and mulberryLight cherry red wine, with Powerful Ribena-like bouquet fruit, nice oak and softraisined red fruit aromas, a and full-bodied, chocolaty tannins. 5+ $29.99spicy lift and a soft savoury palate, spiked with mulberriesvarietally correct palate. $30 and blackcurrants, soft oak RidgeView Impressions STAR RATINGS 30 Mile Durif and fine tannins. $16 Hunter Valley2012 HHHH Drayton’s Family Shiraz 2011 HHHH1/2 Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs ofA meaty, tannic style, with Wines Heritage Vines A rich, opulent, purple wine excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill.a great nose of dark fruits Hunter Valley Cabernet with intense raspberry and All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industrywith chocolaty notes. A big, Sauvignon 2011 HHHH blackcurrant aromas and a professionals and are compared in peerpure, varietal palate with An excellent wine with an dash of pepper. Soft in the classes by three judges.woody undertones. $9.99 intense concentration of mouth with supple sweet CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, blackberry aromas and rich, fruit and good vanillin oak. a major mail-order business. mouthfilling, blackberry palate CD Cellar door price. with drying tannins. $60 5+ $30 CDO Cellar door only. SO Sold out. Bimbadgen $N/A Price not available at time of printing. Signature Hunter Valley Shiraz 2010 HHHH1/2  Contact information pg 170. Lovely ripe plum aromas laced with chocolate and showing a RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). nice peppery lift. Soft and juicy in the mouth, with delicious and perfectly balanced chocolaty flavours. $50130 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

Respect the Past - Create the Futurewww.jackestate.com Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 131

WINING AND DINING at Hyatt Regency PerthWith views of the beautiful Swan River, newly The hotel has made just as much of an The FTSCS initiative is not only reflected in itsrefurbished guest rooms, and award winning impact for its great food as it has for the five restaurants and bars, but also in menusfood and beverage facilities, Hyatt Regency accommodation it provides. The award winning for corporate events, gala balls and weddings.Perth is the preferred choice for guests wanting Cafe, now in the Gold Plate Hall of Fame Menus are created according to the seasona memorable experience or those staying in after three consecutive wins, offers guests an and what ingredients can be sourced locally.Perth on business or leisure. From the moment interactive dining experience where they areyou step inside the hotel’s impressive lobby to able to watch the Chefs at work in the kitchen. Hyatt Regency Perth’s ample event spacethe moment you leave, you will feel the warmth means it’s a popular choice for everything fromand charm of the Hyatt touch. Executive Chef Mark Sainsbury says what weddings and gala dinners to breakfasts and makes the experience at Cafe so unique is conferences.Refurbishments have been made throughout the way in which every dish is prepared andthe hotel with new bathroom amenities and delivered from the pan to the plate. The hotel has 16 event spaces available42” high definition LCD TVs. Energy and water including three ballrooms, six purpose builtsaving devices have also been implemented “The fact that diners can select exactly what boardrooms and Gershwin’s – a private eventto compliment the hotel’s green initiatives. they’d like, cooked to their preference and space which includes a bar area and wineGeneral Manager of Hyatt Regency Perth, plated right in front of them is what makes Cafe room perfect for intimate dinners or smallAdam Myott, says the refurbishments are so unique,” he said. gatherings.all part of the hotel’s commitment to provideguests with comfort, luxury and a superior “Guests really enjoy the interaction with the For a yearly fee guests are able to join Clubexperience overall. other chefs and being able to ask about at the Hyatt which entitles them to fantastic particular dishes and how they’re cooked.” benefits and up to 50 percent off when dining“The hotel has a fresh, new look and the with one or more guests at Café or Joe’sfeedback we’ve received from guests has And with an increasing number of people Oriental Diner. Club at the Hyatt membersbeen extremely positive. We’re fortunate to be seeking healthy yet tasty cuisine, Hyatt are also invited to exclusive events andlocated on the picturesque Swan River and Regency Perth’s philosophy Food: Thoughtfully promotions. The restaurant is also a keenwe are able to offer guests amazing views Sourced, Carefully Served (FTSCS) bodes well supporter of Western Australian wines, hostingof Perth’s surrounding areas right from their with its guests and regular diners. Wine of the Month and featuring a variety ofrooms,” he said. WA wines on the beverage menu. The initiative, which was launched in 2012, has“It is also just a short walking distance to the been rolled out in Hyatt properties around the *For more information or enquiries withCBD and many of Perth’s great shopping world and focuses on using fresh, seasonal Hyatt Regency Perth please visitprecincts, theatre and art galleries.” produce available; where possible, local perth.regency.hyatt.com produce is also favoured by the chefs.

Wine and Dine at Something of an urban oasis, PSB is the idealHyatt Regency Perth place to relax, unwind and have a good time.CafeAlthough predominantly a pan-to-platerestaurant, Cafe also offers A la Carte options,however many guests cannot go past the buffetexperience at the deli where an abundance ofoysters, scallops and prawns lay before youwith freshly made salads on the side.Diners can watch the Chefs at work in theinteractive kitchen area as they skillfully preparefood and carve meat straight off the bone asrequested.The desert bar will undoubtedly bring out theinner-child in everyone; freshly made waffleswith ice-cream, cheesecake and mousse, or theever popular sticky date pudding. If you can’tmake up your mind, it’s best to try them all. Forreservations, call 08 9225 1239.Joe’s Oriental DinerNamed the 2013 Gold Plate Winner for BestLicensed Asian Restaurant in Perth, ‘Joe’s’ asit is known by the local patrons, offers a fusionof South-East Asian flavours and provides aunique dining experience.The authentic style of Joe’s, with a bamboocanopy entrance, gives the restaurant awarm ambience which is matched by itsspicy dishes, all of which are prepared forin the lively open kitchen. With a choice ofpreparation styles such as stir-fried, soupbased, braised, and steamed, each dish willbe cooked to the preference of individualguest’s. For reservations, call 08 9225 1268.PSB (Plain Street Bar)Welcoming, contemporary, and definitely notplain – PSB is the place to be for an after workrefreshing beverage or a tasty bite to eat. Witha fresh interior and an outdoor setting withlandscaped surroundings, PSB offers finecrafted local and international beers, Australianwine and signature Champagne cocktails. Phone: 08 9225 1234 Email: [email protected] www.perth.regency.hyatt.com facebook.com/perth.regency.hyatt

A couple toasting.waeustsetrranlia THE BEST WINES OF 2013 CONTENTS Includes: Other White Varietals & Blends, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Chardonnay, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz Blends, Shiraz, Sweet White & Fortified.

STORMY START GIVES WAYTO OPTIMISM The West Australian year in review, by Mike Zekulich WHEN TONY SMITH, founder of WA’s pioneering great southern producer Another deluge, this time in April, brought vintage to a standstill for somePlantagenet Wines, reflects on his move into the industry, he will recall many South West producers for nearly a month. One Margaret River winemakervintages, perhaps one more than any other. That was in its early years when said his vineyard team put their feet up for an unprecedented 28 days whenthe sceptics were mocking the idea of a wine industry in an important grain, the rain hit.livestock and apple growing region. Leading Swan Valley producer John Kosovich, who has been involved And the knockers seemed to be on the right track. For Plantagenet made the with an amazing 61 vintages in a lifetime devoted to quality grape and winelocal Mt Barker rubbish tip run red with the “blood” of a disappointing harvest production (now in the hands of son Anthony “Arch”), estimated overall- about 9000 litres worth an estimated $60,000-$70,000 at the time - dumped storm losses at about half their expected harvest at Middlesex, betweento meet a rock-like commitment to quality wine marketing. Manjimup and Pemberton in the State’s South West, where the family also has a vineyard. And how quickly the tide turned. In its first decade Plantagenet, whichcelebrated its 40th year in 2013, recorded a remarkable twenty-six show John described the storm-hit vine leaves as looking like they had beentrophies, 235 medals and seven Sheraton Perth wine awards. Many others peppered with shotgun pellets rather than fine but fierce hail stones. Atfollowed in later years, not surprising when Smith estimated during his 38- least nature did the right thing by producing “excellent fruit” in what wasyear involvement with the winery, there were “two absolutely superb vintages left. “Verdelho was tops, with pinot very good,” he said. He described theevery decade”. From humble beginnings of some 80 cases produced in vintage in the Swan Valley as “surprisingly good” given some record searingits first year, Plantagenet now makes 55,000 cases in three product ranges pre-harvest heat leading to some damaged fruit not being picked.involving some 20 wines However, the WA Wine Industry Association saw positive industry signs in In her first vintage after seven years with Mud House in New Zealand, the increase in grape demand.winemaker Cathy Oates said she was especially excited about chardonnayand cabernet from the 2013 harvest. “They were the standouts in what was a In an average year WA now crushes about 75,000 tonnes in an industryvery strong, across the board, compact vintage ending several weeks earlier worth an estimated $380 million to the State’s economy. However, while thethan usual,” she said. balance between fruit and wine is improving, it is unlikely that growers will be looking to increase supplies, according to the Association. Luckily, some savage weather on a November night caused only localisedconcern but other premium areas were not so fortunate. The terrible weather 2013 saw a bitter row between Margaret River winemakers and beerin the form of battering winds and hail saw white grape yields plummet. Some brewers. Led by high-profile winemaker Vanya Cullen, it was claimedreds also suffered. The average drop in white grape crops was estimated at microbreweries were diluting the region’s brand and threatening its status20 per cent, while those hardest hit suffered losses up to 40 and 50 per cent. as WA’s internationally-recognised premium wine region. There are eightReds were also hit but not to the same extent. breweries between Busselton and Margaret River, with another planned for early this year (2014). Cullen believes it is a waste to build breweries on Nigel Gallop, president of the Margaret River Wine Industry Association, premium vineyard land, saying it would not be tolerated in France’s top areassaid it was as bad a storm as he had known in his 15 years in the district. like Bordeaux or Burgundy. She also feared breweries which opened in 2012 next to the family winery would cause cross contamination between cultured “I estimate our chardonnay losses at 40 per cent and cabernet about 20,” beer and wine yeasts, and put the winery’s operation at risk.he said. “It was an expensive night. While the hail damage was localised, thehorrendous winds were general. It was a very wild and woolly event lasting Brewers hit back saying they complemented wineries by bringingabout 24 hours.” business to the area. While “a slight risk” was acknowledged about cross contamination fears it was not high enough to warrant concern with strict On the brighter side, he forecast a great quality year for reds though, he management plans to stop yeast escaping. Said one brewer: “In hospitalitysaid wistfully, it could have been just as good with a 25 per cent higher crop everything has to change now and again to attract a wider variety of peoplewithout the storm, and still a “pretty good” vintage for whites. who wanted a cheaper, more family friendly option.” South West wineries generally expected 2013 to be outstanding for reds, with Meanwhile, more of the State’s producers are turning to exporting targetingfully ripe wines of deep colour, muscular tannins and great fruit expression. the top-end of the Chinese market as its demand for lower-quality wine dropsThe lower crop primed hopes for higher wine prices, with strong competition away. The number of players exporting from WA increased eight per centfrom winemakers for limited fruit supplies. But not everyone was optimistic to 155 in the last 12 months as exporters banked on the State’s reputationabout that given the enormous competition in the market place with so many for quality to increase sales and so, market share.wines selling so cheaply. Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 135

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 western australiaother white Galafrey Dry Land Fishbone Deep Woods Estate Gralyn Estate Reservevarietals & blends Reserve Mount Barker Western Australia Margaret River Margaret River Riesling 2012 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay 2012 HHHH Chardonnay 2011 HHHHPlantagenet Nose vibrates with lemons Semillon 2012 HHHH Bright fresh varietal fruit Stunning tropical fruit on theMount Barker Riesling and limes! The palate Pleasant herbaceous nose, layered with good level of nose and palate integrated2012 HHHHH is tight and acidic, with with a dash of citrus. oak and lively crisp acidity. with subtle toasty oak.An elegant wine, with a powerful, lingering, varietal Palate is fresh, crisp and Slight honeyed characters “Wow”, was one judge’slovely bright and lifted flavours. $29 clean, with some citrussy developing. $22 enthusiastic response! $55varietal nose, and a long, Saracen Estate elements. $12 Swings & Roundabouts 3 Drops Mount Barkerseamlessly-balanced Maree Margaret River Palmer Margaret River Margaret River Chardonnay 2011 HHHHpalate that has a slippery Methode Traditionnelle Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay 2012 HHHH Intense aromas of lemonsmouthfeel and plenty of 2009 HHHH 2012 HHHH Bright citrus and stonefruit and lime zest. Lovely palatecrisp acidity. $25 Lovely yeasty characters to Bright lifted floral/ aromas, with yeasty notes. layered and intensely the complex buttery nose, gooseberry bouquet with Soft in the mouth, with flavoured. Great fruit driveMillbrook Perth Hills with more complexity on a nice palate texture, weight lovely seamless flavours. and length of acid. $25Viognier 2011 HHHH1/2 palate that has both power and balance, with a very Nice mineral notes. $22A rich honeysuckle style of and elegance, with a clean nice flavour profile. $22.50 chardonnaywine showing lovely hints line of acid and persistent Yilgarnia Denmark chardonnay 2010 & olderof apricots. The palate has finish. $38 Sauvignon Blanc 2011weight and texture, and an A.C. Byrne & Co 2012 HHHH Twin Cellars Margaretexcellent backbone of crisp Margaret River Powerful herbal characters Higher Plane Margaret River Chardonnayacidity. $22 Semillon Sauvignon to the floral/citrus bouquet. River Chardonnay 2010 HHHH1/2Trevelen Farm Blanc 2012 HHHH Soft in the mouth, with 2011 HHHHH Elegant wine with delicateGreat Southern Riesling A warm, lifted wine with plenty of flavour weight and Beautifully layered slate/ citrussy fruit characters on2012 HHHH1/2 jubey confectionery fruit depth. $19 herbal aromas. Very both nose and in the mouth,A fuller, broader style of nose and a big, flavoursome Higher Plane Margaret Burgundian. Very savoury layered with oatmeal-likeriesling, with lovely floral nose palate that has balance and River Sauvignon Blanc palate; tight, fresh and oak. Lovely drink with itsshowing a smoky lift. And a texture. $9.99 2011 HHHH minerally, with excellent best years yet to come! $17soft, perfectly-balanced palate Brookland Valley An interesting style; fruit. Now all it needs is time Atticus Singlewith good weight and length Verse 1 Margaret River youthful, fresh and rich, and in the cellar! $35 Vineyard Margaretof flavour. $25 Semillon Sauvignon slightly dominated by the Brookland Valley River Chardonnay Blanc 2012 HHHH oak but also has plenty of Margaret River 2007 HHHH1/2Ducketts Mill Denmark A pretty lifted floral bouquet lifted fruit. $27 Chardonnay Amazingly fresh and veryRiesling 2009 HHHH and a delicate, minerally 2011 HHHH1/2 honeyed bouquet, andSome marmalade palate, with citrussy grassy chardonnay Still very fresh and youthful, excellent vibrancy of fruitcharacters to the ripe melon flavours and a touch of the 2012 with excellent use of oak characters for its age. Hasbouquet, and lovely toasty tropics. $14.99 although it dominates the great oak sitting on top anddevelopment on the soft, Upper Reach Reserve varietal fruit at the moment. balancing acidity. $55still youthful palate. $16 sauvignon blanc Swan Valley Chardonnay Lovely aromas and creamy Saracen Estates & blends 2012 HHHH1/2 in the mouth. $39.99 Margaret River A bright fresh medium- Ferngrove Chardonnay 2009 HHHH Peccavi Margaret weight varietal. Rich with Frankland River Bright straw colour, with River Sauvignon Blanc fruit complexity highlighted Chardonnay 2011 HHHH stonefruit and melon fruit Semillon 2010 HHHHH by subtle use of oak, with Nose is still closed and well integrated with cashew- A very good oak-matured some alcohol warmth. Has youthful. The palate is quite like oak. Tight and fresh in style with ripe tropical excellent cellaring potential. savoury with a classy fruit/ the mouth. $38 aromas and a seamlessly oak combination. Slightly Brygon Reserve Wines balanced palate showing 3-5 $28 warm. $19.99 Gold Label Vintage good texture and a lovely Gralyn Estate Reserve Reserve Margaret River long, lingering, flavour Margaret River Chardonnay 2009 HHHH profile. $34 Chardonnay 2012 HHHH Hot developed buttery malo Mandalay Road Fruity nose covered by oak aromas and a flavoursome, Margaret River which follows through to funky palate with lovely Sauvignon Blanc the palate and carried by texture and obvious oak on Semillon 2012 HHHH1/2 good peachy/melon flavours. the finish. $39.99 Good style, with subtle Atticus Single Vineyard herbaceous bouquet with 3-5 $55 Margaret River some nice mintiness. Chalice Bridge Chardonnay 2009 HHHH Excellent palate weight, length The Estate Margaret Nicely developed nose but and texture. It just needs River Chardonnay still bright and fresh, and some more time to settle. $17 2012 HHHH with a lovely simple citrus A pleasant and well-structured palate that has a woody lift wine with savoury minerally to the finish. $55 elements and subtle oak. Great flavour persistence. 3-5 $19.95136 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 western australiaother red varietals Woody Nook Wines Estate 807 Reserve and good length of firm Higher Plane Margaret& blends Killdog Creek Denmark Pinot Noir tannins. $35 River Cabernet Margaret River 2010 HHHH Sauvignon 2009 HHHHH Tempranillo 2011 HHHH Nose shows good lifted Houghton C.W. A dark and brooding Fragrant aromas reminiscent varietal characters, with an Ferguson Great crimson number smelling of roses with a tarry oaky background. Oak drives Southern Cabernet of blackberry jam andFerngrove King complexity. Great palate the palate. Firm tannin Malbec 2007 HHHHH blackcurrants. GenerousFrankland River Malbec structure and excellent structure. $39.95 mulberry palate, bright2011 HHHH1/2 varietal expression. $22 Impressively vibrant and fresh acidity, clean savoury cabernet blends youthful for a five-year-old. tannins and great texture.Crimson wine. Good varietal Cedary oak sits on top ofexpression on the nose with 5+ $45savoury notes. Fresh acidity earthy sweet varietal fruit. The wine has great power Woody Nookkeeps the mulberry palate and concentration. Plenty of Gallagher’s Choicerelatively lean, with good Margaret Riverflavour length. 5+ $32 life in it yet. 5+ $56.99 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 HHHHHFerngrove King Talisman Ferguson A huge, riper style ofFrankland River Malbec Valley Cabernet Malbec cabernet which has a big2010 HHHH 2009 HHHH1/2 bold mocha and cassis noseA silky-smooth wine, with Savoury and earthy on the and some intense varietallovely blackberry/mulberry nose, with aged leathery fruit flavours on a lovely softvarietal clarity and showing notes and a sweet fruit lift. palate, with long elegantgood weight, length and Bright palate is a lovely mix tannins. $45texture. 3-5 $32 of blackberry and licorice, Mandoon Research Greedy Sheep Margaret with nice earthiness. $20 Station Margaret River River Cabernet Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 HHHHH cabernet sauvignon 2010 HHHH1/2 Cool elegant and refined! Subdued blackcurrant Deep Woods The nose has lifted aromas, with a touch of Harmony Margaret violet-like fragrances. The fresh mint characters. Nice River Rosé 2012 HHHH beautifully integrated palate depth of sweet varietal Smells like musk and is long and complex, with fruit flavours, with a good pickles! Very flavoursome great persistence of varietal backbone of firm grippy palate, with some residual fruit and classy oak. $20 tannins. $40.50 sugar but well balanced by the acid. $14.95 Houghton C.W. Swings & Roundabouts Ferguson Great Margaret River Southern Cabernet Rosé 2012 HHHH Malbec 2007 HHHHH Good fruit characters here, Impressively vibrant and with crisp acid and a nice youthful for a five-year-old.Millbrook touch of phenolics. “Slightly Cedary oak sits on top ofGeographe Tempranillo left of centre,” said one earthy sweet varietal fruit.2012 HHHH1/2 judge. $20 The wine has great powerRuby red wine with violet Greedy Sheep Margaret and concentration. Plenty ofhues and a red fruit, and River Rosé 2012 HHHH life in it yet. 5+ $56.99bubblegum bouquet with a Fresh berry aromas, withherbal lift. The fresh, sweet watermelon touches. Good Deep Wood Estatefruit-driven palate has nice flavour depth with well- Reserve Margaret Riverchewy ripe tannins. $28 balanced line of acid. It has Cabernet Sauvignon style! $18 2010 HHHHH A fuller style with fragrant STAR RATINGS  mulberry/blackberry aromas and plenty of body to theThree-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of “structured, precise andexcellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill. purposeful,” palate which isAll wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry loaded up with intense berryprofessionals and are compared in peer flavours. $60classes by three judges.CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, Saracen Estatesa major mail-order business. Reserve Margaret RiverCD Cellar door price. Cabernet SauvignonCDO Cellar door only. 2009 HHHHHSO Sold out. Very lifted and intense rich$N/A Price not available at time of printing. Deep Woods Estate chocolaty aromas. Supple Margaret River and rounded in the mouth, Contact information pg 170. Cabernet Sauvignon with lingering mulberry and Merlot 2010 HHHHH plum fruit flavours, with firm RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). Exotic aromas of black lengthy tannins. Lots left in fruits, olives, menthol and it yet. 5+ $70 toasty oak. A powerful and persistent palate, with an intense savoury backbone Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 137

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 western australiaJuniper Estate Brygon Reserve Wines Butler Crest Margaret Mandoon Estate shiraz & blendsMargaret River Third Wheel Reserve River Cabernet Old Vine Swan Valley 2010 & olderCabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Sauvignon 2011 HHHH Shiraz 2011 HHHHH2010 HHHH1/2 Cabernet Sauvignon Big, bright and brash with Soft and generous aromas Brygon Reserve WinesA dark fruit bouquet with 2010 HHHH bold tannins and loads of and flavours of mulberries Nostalgia Flying Higha spicy spirity lift and a A fuller lifted style with jelly oak but has the intensity and blood plums showing Margaret River Shirazgenerous and weighty palate, crystal-like aromas and very and weight of varietal fruit to incredible intensity and 2010 HHHH1/2with a lovely silky texture long palate, with lingering balance it. $39.95 richness, with firm ripe Deep bright red wine, withand showing excellent fruit youthful fruit and firm tannins. Its hot but has good depth of fruit and oakexpression. $50 tannins. $19.99 shiraz 2011 elegance and length. $19.50 aromas followed by a long,Swings & Roundabouts Alkoomi Frankland Pinelli Reserve firm, spicy palate. All itBackyard Stories River Cabernet Deep Woods Estate Swan Valley Shiraz needs now is more time inMargaret River Sauvignon Block 7 Margaret River 2011 HHHH the cellar. $17.99Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 HHHH Shiraz 2011 HHHHH A stylish, flavoursome and Driftwood Margaret2010 HHHH Spirity lift to the dense Deep crimson red wine, with very fresh shiraz, with plenty River ShirazA clean fresh wine, with berry nose, with generous some lovely spicy licorice of lovely sweet varietal fruit 2010 HHHH1/2plenty of length and nice flavours, touch of acidity and fruit aromas. Beautifully and firm grippy tannins to Pretty florals lift off thebalance of spicy oak and some firm tannins. “A bit fleshy in the mouth, with balance. $23 jammy nose. Soft indark berry characters. different!” $22 long juicy flavours, fine Jane Brook the mouth, with richA very good drink. $39 Churchview powdery tannin and warming Back Block Swan Valley concentration of spicy oakStreicker Ironstone The Bartondale alcohol. $35 Shiraz 2011 HHHH and dark fruit flavours onBlock Old Vine Margaret River Cabernet Leafy herbal nose with a the long, well-balancedMargaret River Sauvignon 2010 HHHH Deep Woods Estate delicate violet lift and showing palate. $23.90Cabernet Sauvignon A lovely flavoursome food Et Al Margaret River great intensity of sweet dark2010 HHHH style of cabernet that’s clean Shiraz 2011 HHHH fruit flavours. Offering soft Brygon Reserve WinesStill firm and slightly closed and plump, and has a good A soft, generous wine, easy drinking. $25 Hummingbird Seriesbut has loads of dark red firm tannin structure. $55 with lovely young varietal Paul Conti Mariginiup Margaret River Shirazplum fruit and a firm tannin fruit characters and a good Western Australia 2010 HHHH1/2structure, with good level of Joseph River Estate balance of ripe tannins with Shiraz 2011 HHHH An elegant deep red,acidity. $45 Reserve Margaret River good oak use. $35 Very oaky and charry on seamlessly balanced, shiraz.Fermoy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon both nose and palate, but The palate has a lovelyMargaret River 2011 HHHH has some very good fleshy velvety smooth texture,Cabernet Sauvignon A pretty, bright and youthful mulberry and bright cherry toasty oak and nice firm grip2010 HHHH wine, with a solid core of fruit beneath. $28 from the tannins. $19.99Intense sweet dark berry lovely berry fruits, loads of Five Virtuesaromas and a very long toasty oak and a finesse of Great Southern Shirazsavoury palate, with good tannins. $39 2011 HHHHlevel of varietal fruit and Roje Estates Firetail Leafy rhubarb and greenexcellent texture. $30 Margaret River bean bouquet, and a grippyThe Alchemists Cabernet Sauvignon tannic palate. A lovely drinkReserve Elixir Margaret 2011 HHHH just needs a little more timeRiver Cabernet A simple and generous to really shine. $35Sauvignon 2010 HHHH wine, with lifted berrySpirity plum nose with loads bouquet and plenty of darkof oak and long firm ripe berry fruit, with a long, fine,flavours, with a slight touch tannin backbone. $27.50of residual sweetness. $35 Gilberts Three Lads Mount Barker Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 HHHH Good core of ripe plum/ juicy blackberry-like varietal fruit here, with excellent firm tannins and good acid backbone. $25138 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

western australia 8 Things You Should Know_Half page vertical_HR.pdf 1 11/1/2013 8:14:51 AMPalmer Reserve sweet white & fortified 8 thingsMargaret River Shiraz everyone2008 HHHH1/2 Gralyn Estate shouldBright youthful nose; smells Margaret River Artizan knowof mulberries and plum NV (375ml) HHHHH aboutjam. The palate is long and An amazingly rich andelegant, with lovely slippery/ perfectly-balanced style of Australia’s Topfleshy texture, dark fruit, firm tawny. It has some obvious Onlinetannins. “A beauty!” $27.50 alcohol, with good weight3 Oceans Vita Novus of licorice and aniseed-like Wine RetailerFrankland River Shiraz characters. $752009 HHHH Talijancich Julian Ao ulsitre li ’seNeot 1iler!Lovely fresh spicy lift to the James 10 Year Old wisavoury nose. Leafy-cool Swan Valley Fortifiedpalate with more of the NV HHHHH 100% money back guaranteespicy characters. Good oak A rich and beautifully-use. $35 developed fortified brimming 1. We subsidise 2. We sell thousandsBrygon Reserve Wines over with rancio charactersMirror Image Margaret and caramel, chocolate and our delivery costs of differentRiver Shiraz 2009 HHHH coffee elements. Has good to keep the prices wine brandsLifted stalky bouquet, with length and weight. $35cedary nose and lovely Talijancich down for you. each year.savoury flavours, with spicy Swan Valley Pedroearthy elements and a touch Ximenez 2007 HHHH1/2 3. We have a 4. We deliverof licorice. $14.99 Very rich with seamlesslyChurchview balanced sweetness, 100% wAuisdtrealiaThe Bartondale with aromas and flavoursMargaret River Shiraz of raisins, chocolate and money back for a flat fee2010 HHHH coffee. Palate shows good of $9 per carton.Lovely plummy/mulberry weight and texture. $220 guarantee.bouquet, with a floral lift St Aidan Zena Westernand a seamless fruit and Australia Liqueuroak palate, with fine chalky Muscat NV HHHHtannins. Another one that A pristine, clean, youthful andneeds more cellaring. $55 fresher style of fortified, withBrygon Reserve lifted spirity characters. $30Wines Westley ManorMargaret River Shiraz 5. We are an independent 6. We have a range of red,2010 HHHH white and sparkling winesVery good varietal fruit family ownedcharacters, with attractive and operated exclusivespicy elements and someslightly oily-like oak, with a Australian Business. to Get Wines Direct.big acid hit. $24.99Mandoon Estate 7. We employ two full time 8. Follow us onReserve Frankland RiverShiraz 2010 HHHH sommeliers facebookBig leafy herbal bouquetand soft generous sweet constantly researching, fsopr eexccluiasivlsefruit palate. Still very young tasting and sourcingand offering plenty of and competitions.potential. $29.50 new products.Margaret River Winery Delivered everywhere* ...enjoyed anywhere!Kracker Jack MargaretRiver Shiraz Cabernet Join the family!2009 HHHHA firm peppery wine – Go online atgood cool-climate example www.getwinesdirect.com today.loaded with raspberries,plums, licorice and aniseed *See our website for terms and conditions on delivery and refunds.characters. $19.50 WARNING: Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 it is an offence • To supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $8,000) • For a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor. (Penalty exceeds $700). Liquor Licence No. 32054699 & 36065595. Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 139

Glass of white with Wilson’s Peak, The Head, Queensland, in the background.queensland THE BEST WINES OF 2013 CONTENTS Includes: Other Dry Whites, Other Dry Reds.140 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

PIONEERING SPIRIT LIVES ON The Queensland year in review, by Peter Scudamore DEVELOPMENTS IN QUEENSLAND wine achievements this past year the preservation of natural acidity (probably one of the most important factors).continue to mount. Crop levels were much lower than normal. For Golden Grove Estate, the first big indicator of quality was the colour of the juice at processing. The reds were The northern state, with cooler growing conditions than parts of its southern just so dark and intense but they were also very vibrant. There were loads ofneighbours, is accelerating its pioneering and adoption of Mediterranean flavour and great natural acid (hardly using any tartaric). The whites just hadwine varietals (there is even a wine contest of the same name held on the great balance of flavour and acidity, and great length. The difference fromDarling Downs). other years is definitely the colour. From what I have viewed from other like winemakers’ properties is most of the 2012 reds have fantastic intensity and The seemingly unstoppable Mediterranean varietal collector is Vine to Wine hue. They are all so balanced and elegant, with loads of flavour and perfectconsultant Mike Hayes. He recently received his Masters of Professional tannins. The label that we have created is dedicated to this vintage in a rareStudies for significant research in newer wine varietals in Australia. He reserve range (Grand Vintage Reserve). Already two wines have gone on torecently completed a European study on autochthonous varieties of potential win top golds at shows.”for Australian regions with dominant continental climates as a 2012 Churchillscholar. At Ballandean Estate, Leeanne Gangemi reports: “the excellent 2012 vintage was in part due to the floods of 2011. With great subsoil moisture and the Though many Australian regions wish to forget some outcomes of the 2011 perfect weather patterns experienced in the spring of 2011, vintage 2012 wasvintage, tasting history has a way of identifying the good and the bad. Noted one of our best yet. Hot days and cool nights in autumn saw the reds maturesommelier and wine columnist Alan Hunter has identified how the 2011 Granite beautifully with abundant flavour and as an added bonus, great yield. So forBelt chardonnays, in general, were tasting, with a highly recommended Ballandean Estate, 2012 was one of those rare vintages where quality andstatus in assorted Australian chardonnay line-ups. Hunter went on to host a quantity were both fantastic.”Sommelier Australia (Qld branch) tasting of a considered selection of Australianchardonnays from 2011 with a large Granite Belt representation. It displays In the more northerly South Burnett region around Moffatdale, the gastronomichow well this style is travelling in the north while not forgetting the Winestate stakes have grown with two Waterview Drive wineries opening adjacentWine of the Year, by Heritage Wines of Stanthorpe, with its 2007 Reserve. restaurants on Lake Barambah’s banks. The Brydges family, Alex and Jan, of Bridgeman Downs, purpose designed a 40-seater to lure wine travellers with The developing Australian chardonnay style is an intriguing drink. Types their local-grown catch (includes own-grown waygu cross beef). Alex venturedwhich journalists, wine judges and sommeliers now tend to both like and into the naturally-influenced winemaking genre with barrel-aged verdelho in theemphasise are not generally being embraced by the mass of chardonnay style of the Jura and southern Spanish whites. It is a marvel - racy, funky anddrinkers. Just how big that divide is should be solved by time - and the steely. Next door, Dusty Hill’s Joe Pendergast has upgraded his Cooperageretrospective tastings as Oz chardonnay evolves some more. At present the Restaurant with his collective entertainment, Dusty Hill Tavern Irish Pub, aindustry-customer position is confused. cosy spot. And in a rare investment these days, Dusty Hill’s winery is under construction for vintage 2014. The Granite Belt styles under praise are the thoroughly modern, mineral,funk-influenced, lighter wines which in this growing climate look successful. TWO OF THE BESTHowever it is easy to see some brands more as “modern in conversion” for wantof not leaving their taste followers behind by not totally eliminating elements of The star of Winestate’s 2013 Queensland tasting was the Severnleafatness, oak obviousness and additional astringency. Brands in sync with the producer Jester Hill, a cause for hilarity for owners Mike and Annnew wave of chardonnay are Ridgemill, Hidden Creek, Bent Road and Settlers Bourke. As well as underlining the fabulous result from the recentRise, while Sirromet and Ravens Croft are the transition styles. 2012 crush, Jester Hill grabbed my respect with its style of two major grapes -cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. These are not blockbusters Although the 2011 vintage produced quite smart Queensland red wine styles, (thinned to crops of 4 tonnes/ha), the cabernet having a tanninboth Mediterranean and conventional northern European-origin varietal styles backbone plus savouriness, layers and not overt alcohol weight.(chardonnay, cabernet and co), it is 2012 harvest that many are trumpeting. Shiraz, likewise, is silky and contained, and better value for drinkersAs far as vintage scales go from past records, the great years (9/10 to 10/10) who need subtle flavour expressions while eating modern plates.in the regions are 2002 and 2005; now 2012 has come along to potentially Jester Hill vines were planted 1993-1997 and the current winemaker,eclipse these as the best grape-growing conditions of this century. Ray Stephen Oliver, guides his crush with sensibility.Costanzo, five-star winemaker at Golden Grove, says: “the 2012 vintage -Wow,in my opinion the best vintage of the last decade exceeds 2002 and 2005. Iguess weather conditions were close to perfect, with good spring rain gettingeverything off to a great start. Ripening was done under perfect cool but sunnyconditions which allowed that ideal slow development of flavours to occur and Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 141

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 queenslandother dry whites Symphony Hill Wines Witches Falls Granite Granite Belt Semillon Belt Merlot 2009 HHHHClovely Estate White 2012 HHHH Classic merlot nose of plumLabel South Burnett Light herbaceous aromas cake and chocolate. Juicy inVerdelho 2013 HHHHH with citrus notes and a lean, the mouth with great varietalSubtle and stylish, and restrained and still youthful fruit flavours matched bymore of a cool-climate style. palate, with a flavour profile well-handled oak. $30Nice lift of lime and tropical true to the variety. $25aromas, and a zesty, fresh Jester Hill Wines Symphony Hill Winesmelon/lemon palate with Sirromet Le Sauvage Touchstone Reserve Granite Beltgood balance of mineral Wild Granite Belt Petit Verdot 2009acidity. $15 Chardonnay 2010 HHHHClovely Estate HHHH Understated dark fruitReserve South Burnett Steely peach aromas bouquet with a pleasant rusticChardonnay 2010 with some oak support. element. Big and juicy in theHHHHH Interesting palate - complex, mouth. Quite savoury withA smart wine, with cool- some sweetness and some chewy tannins. $65climate style of nose pleasant finish. “A slowsmelling of white peaches developer.” $55 Granite Belt Cabernet Jester Hill Wineswith good oak complexity. Sauvignon 2010 TouchstoneOily in the mouth - very other dry reds HHHH1/2 Granite Belt Cabernetsweet on front palate with Attractive blackcurrant fruit Merlot 2009 HHHHlong, lingering, fruit flavours. Jester Hill Wines profile to the nose with a Dusty blackcurrant aromasStill fresh. $119 Touchstone Granite Belt hint of cherry cola. Sweet with some leathery agedClovely Estate Left Field Shiraz 2010 HHHHH entry to the palate, with a notes. Powerful palate softSouth Burnett Semillon Sirromet Signature A big generous style of jammy middle and some in the mouth with strong2009 HHHHH Collection Granite Belt shiraz with lovely crunchy good savoury elements. Has juicy fruit flavours. $22A very tight, classic, ageing Viognier 2011 HHHH1/2 red fruits, cedary oak potential. 3-5 $25semillon with a fruit cup of Excellent example of a and some sweet/soura nose showing elements viognier with a lovely characters. The nose has Harrington Glen Estate Symphony Hill Winesof cut grass with some varietal nose of apricot and fresh lifted aromas and the Granite Belt Petit Reserve Granite Beltsmoky notes, with similar honeysuckle. Great viognier palate is full of long, intense Verdot 2011 HHHH Cabernet Sauvignoncharacters repeated on the flavours, similar characters flavours. $28 Intense chocolaty nose 2009 HHHHlong, nicely textured palate. to the nose on a slippery with some bramble fruit. Earthy, rustic bouquet that’s palate. $35 Hidden Creek Granite Very flavoursome juicy quite oaky. Long, nicely 3-5 $20 Belt Shiraz 2009 palate with soft oak and textured ripe fruit palate - very Barambah Wines HHHHH high acidity. Offers easy astringent with a high level ofSirromet Signature First Grid Rack Dried A long, stylish, rich and drinking. $20 acid. 3-5 $45Collection Granite South Burnett Semillon beautifully textured shiraz,Belt Sparkling Pinot 2010 HHHH1/2 with a nose and palate that Hidden Creek Granite Clovely Estate WhiteNoir Chardonnay 2008 Gorgeous raisin/marmalade are both a lovely complexity Belt Tempranillo 2010 Label South BurnettHHHH1/2 intensity to the nose and of chocolate, malt, HHHH Shiraz 2010 HHHHPleasant crunchy berry very interesting, luscious bramble, spice and pepper Cola-like aromas with Good intensity of earthyaromas mingling with palate that captures the characters. $25 herbaceous elements. Nice plum aromas with a dash oflight biscuity notes. essence of the variety richness to the chocolaty coffee. Rich Rhone-like styleLovely creaminess on the fruit. Oily texture and long, Symphony Hill Wines palate, with more of the herbal of palate full of ripe sweetflavoursome palate, with lingering finish. $37 Reserve Granite Belt characters. $22 varietal fruit. $15honeyed brioche elements Shiraz 2008 HHHH1/2and long, lingering, minerally Robert Channon Wines Nose is a lovely STAR RATINGS acidity. $35 Granite Belt Sparkling concentration of spicy Chardonnay 2009 sweet fruit and cedary Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of HHHH oak complexity. Palate excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill. Subtle yet quite complex is soft and full of fruit, All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry aromatics on the nose. white pepper and cedar professionals and are compared in peer Powerful palate has good characters, with fine tannin classes by three judges. creaminess and lovely zingy structure. $65 CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, flavour profile. $35 a major mail-order business. Harrington Glen Estate CD Cellar door price. Ridgemill Estate Granite Belt Cabernet CDO Cellar door only. Granite Belt Riesling Sauvignon 2010 SO Sold out. 2013 HHHH HHHH1/2 $N/A Price not available at time of printing. Appealing floral bouquet A deep ruby wine. with some limes and spices, Quite oaky on the nose  Contact information pg 170. and good spicy citrus underscored by some flavours with nice backbone crunchy blackcurrant fruit. RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). of mineral acidity. $18 Big, rich and soft in the mouth, with nice flavour Witches Falls Wild intensity, drying tannins and Ferment Granite Belt fresh acidity. $25 Verdelho 2012 HHHH A simple style but has some complexity, and good weight and length. Nice bright tropical aromas and fresh, high acid palate. $30142 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014



Sunlight makes the Tasmanian Vineyards come alive.tasmania THE BEST WINES OF 2013 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Pinot Noir, Sweet White.144 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 tasmaniasparkling Ninth Island Sparkling sauvignon blanc Pressing Matters chardonnay Chardonnay Pinot R69 Coal River ValleyPirie Sparkling Meunier NV HHHH Josef Chromy Sauvignon Riesling 2010 HHHH1/2 Winter Brook TamarNV HHHHH Strawberries and apples Blanc 2012 HHHH1/2 Nicely developed bouquet Valley ChardonnayElegant, creamy bouquet with lift off the nose. The palate A very attractive and smelling of candied orange 2011 HHHHHlayers of cashews and doughy- is balanced and elegant, complex bouquet showing peel and cloves. Slight Subtle, restrained, citrussylike characters. Excellent with good mousse. Drying hints of bramble fruit and sweetness on the lovely, characters on the nose;palate length rich with fine aperitif style. $14 nettle-like characters. More long, balanced palate with touches of meringue-likeapple-like fruit flavours and Nocton Park Coal River complexity on the long some attractive spicy elements. In the mouth it isgood acid backbone. $30 Valley Sparkling Rosé palate. Soft in the mouth, characters. $33 crisp and juicy, with simple 2009 HHHH with simple varietal flavour Orani Tasmania varietal fruit flavours andPipers Brook Pleasant red berry profile. $26 Riesling 2006 HHHH1/2 plenty of acid. Good cellaringPipers Tasmania nose, with slight mealy Moorilla Praxis Lovely intensity of lime potential. $28Sparkling 2008 HHHHH development and a velvety Sauvignon Blanc cordial-like aromas layered Brook Eden PipersAttractive champagne nose, rich Turkish Delight-like 2012 HHHH with honeyed age and Brook Chardonnaywith buttery complexity of palate with soft acidity. $32 Restrained pungent nose, showing a floral edge. 2010 HHHHHtoast and nuts. Lovely juicy Sugarloaf Ridge with interesting goat’s Similar characters carry An excellent, citrussy noseacidity on the long, well- Lara Tasmania cheese-like notes. Good core through to the elegant with nutty nougat notes anddeveloped creamy palate, Methode Traditionnelle of varietal fruit on the fresh, palate. Hints of pot pourri some tropical fruit elements.slightly sweet but well 2006 HHHH lightweight palate. $25 and talc. $25 A fresh, light to mediumdone. $19 Nice development showing Moorilla Muse Sauvignon Freycinet Vineyards weight palate showing a niceJosef Chromy here but the wine is still Blanc 2012 HHHH Riesling 2012 HHHH depth and intensity of long,Pepik Sekt Sparkling fresh, crisp and elegant Tropical nose, with obvious Clean aromatic floral aromas juicy, stone fruit flavours. $35NV HHHH1/2 with an abundance of lovely passionfruit and some and some cordial-like Heemskerk Coal RiverA very easy to drink style, flavours. $45 wood. Similar characters characters on the palate, Valley Chardonnaywith bright floral fruit echoed on the nicely with light phenolic notes and 2012 HHHH1/2aromatics. In the mouth it is pinot gris textured palate. $30 good acidity. $25 A full-bodied chardonnayclean, fresh and fruity, with Nandroya Sauvignon Josef Chromy that is an attractivea lovely balance of flavours Winter Brook Blanc 2011 HHHH Riesling 2012 HHHH combination of tropicalshowing hints of aniseed. $30 Tamar Valley Smells of guavas and Long, elegant and very varietal fruit characters andDevil’s Corner Pinot Gris 2011 HHHHH custard apples. Smooth, crisp - quite Germanic in good wood. The simpleSparkling Chardonnay An excellent food style thick and soft in the mouth, style. Showing talc on the lively palate is full of goodPinot NV HHHH of wine, with its honeyed with long, lingering, varietal nose, with a sweet/sour fruit fresh fruit flavours. $49.99Slightly pink, with rather citrus peel bouquet and hint flavours. $25 flavour profile. $26 Holm Oak Vineyarda neutral nose and a soft, of oak adding complexity. Pressing Matters Tasmania Chardonnaysweetish apple and pear Good varietal palate, with riesling R9 Coal River Valley 2011 HHHH1/2palate. “Slips down really elevated sugar but tingly Riesling 2012 HHHH The spicy oak tends toeasy,” said one judge. $21.90 acid to balance. $26 Bream Creek Subtle lime bouquet, with dominate this complex, Pipers Brook Vineyard Riesling 2010 HHHHH some attractive floral toasty nose. It is soft in theClover Hill Pipers River Tasmania Pinot Gris Lovely citrussy juiciness on elements. Good varietal mouth and brimming overMethode Traditionnelle 2011 HHHH1/2 the nose - lots of limes and fruit intensity on the slightly with fig-like flavours, with2008 HHHH Clean, fresh and aromatic lemons, with a touch of age sweet palate. $33 slight hints of dried apple-Developed aromas, with primary fruit fragrances developing. Long, clean and Tamar Ridge like characters. $30some primary fruit peeking followed by a fresh and slightly juicy palate brimming Riesling 2012 HHHH Riversdale Estatethrough. Nice citrus tang to crisp palate. A simple style, over with bright, crisp, Aromas of rose petals and Crater Coal Riverthe broad, candied peel-like with high level of acidity lemon drop flavours. $25 limes fill the glass. Slightly Valley Chardonnaypalate. $50 and offering some very Devil’s Corner Riesling fat palate, with some nice 2011 HHHH1/2 enjoyable drinking. $17 2012 HHHH1/2 phenolics. Finishing fresh Some good oak handling Josef Chromy An elegance of rose petals and clean. $24 obvious here. Nose is a Pinot Gris lift off the honeysuckle Moorilla Muse nutty complexity of oat meal 2012 HHHH1/2 nose. Fresh and crisp in the Riesling 2010 HHHH and dried fruit. Palate is tight A definitive food style, with mouth, with a lovely varietal A leafy, citrus, Germanic and zippy, with flavours of pronounced varietal aromas fruit flavour profile and style with nice level of floral nectarines, figs and wood. and a palate reminiscent of excellent length of zingy, fragrances and lovely green $49.99 CM spicy pear drop lollies. Warm fresh acidity. $19.90 fruit palate, with plenty of Sugarloaf Ridge in the mouth, with a candied Josef Chromy Delikat acidity. $30 Tasmania Chardonnay flavour intensity. $26 SGR Tasmania Riesling Orani Tasmania 2010 HHHH1/2 Sugarloaf Ridge Pinot 2011 HHHH1/2 Riesling 2005 HHHH A big, old-fashioned style of Gris 2011 HHHH1/2 An excellent example of a A nicely aged wine - just chardonnay, with complex A lovely fragrant lift of pear, Germanic style of riesling starting to dry out. Some creamy butterscotch and almond blossom and nougat with typical “diesel” lovely aged honeyed citrus characters. Quite a aromas. Very attractive palate characters. Some tropical characters evident, with broad palate, with huge, showing plenty of length and elements on the fresh, nicely slightly green fruits. $25 lingering, mouthfilling, good overall balance, with balanced palate, with good varietal flavours. $26 great viscosity. $23.50 acid/sugar balance. $26 Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 145

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 tasmaniaBream Creek Tasmania Tamar Ridge Pinot Noir Spring Vale Freycinet Pressing Matters Nocton ParkChardonnay 2010 HHHH 2011 HHHHH Coast Pinot Noir Coal River Valley Coal River ValleyNicely developed, biscuity/ A big, dark, tannic style. 2010 HHHH1/2 Pinot Noir 2010 HHHH Pinot Noir 2008 HHHHcitrus bouquet and perfectly Lots of lovely cherry fruit on Light, aromatic, strawberry Bright, spicy, raspberry and Herbal blue fruit aromasbalanced, tight, crisp palate, the nose, and rich and ripe fragrances and a deceptively strawberry bouquet, and a with hints of leathery age.with dried fig flavours and in the mouth. Good palate fleshy palate, with excellent long and fleshy varietal fruit Simple, sweet and silky infine phenolics. $28 weight and balanced with flavours at the savoury end of palate, with a good acid the mouth, with good core an excellent savoury/spicy, the spectrum. “A really great backbone. $49 of acid and alcohol. $24.90other red briary, fruit flavour profile. $30 drink,” said one judge. $40varietals & blends Brook Eden Bruny Island Pinot Noir Bream Creek Pinot Noir sweet white Pipers Brook Pinot Noir 2011 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHHHolm Oak Vineyards 2009 HHHHH Big, firm, slightly phenolic Upfront complexity of fruit Pressing MattersCabernet Merlot Excellent sweet, black fruit nose and perhaps some wild and wood on the nose R139 Coal River Valley2012 HHHH aromas sitting on top of some ferment characters. Very and a rich, well-balanced, Riesling 2008Blackcurrant and mulberries savoury, herbal-like characters. flavoursome palate, with plumy palate, with mouth (375ml) HHHHHlift off the nose and are Soft but very well-structured excellent velvety tannins puckering tannins. $34 Superbly developed nose,followed by a big, soft, cassis palate, with plenty of and hints of underlying Devil’s Corner with intense lime-derivedvelvety palate packed with long, lingering flavours. greenness. $35 Pinot Noir 2012 HHHH aromas and leading to afruit-driven flavours. $24.99 “A very good drink.” $42 Riversdale Estate A very pretty wine, with sweet, varietal fruit palateMoorilla Muse Cabernet Orani Reserve Centaurus Reserve Coal juicy strawberry-like aromas with zippy fresh acidity thatMerlot 2010 HHHH Tasmania Pinot Noir River Valley Pinot Noir and light, fresh, fruit-driven balances the sweetnessBlackberry aromas, with a 2006 HHHH1/2 2011 HHHH1/2 palate, with firm acid and perfectly. $30touch of the barnyard-like Despite its age, the nose Interesting sweet beetroot nice spiciness. $21.90 Nocton Park Dessertcharacters. Nice tight palate still shows some nice characters on the nose Oroni Pinot Noir Tasmania Semillonthat still has plenty of fruit varietal fruit characters. with a fresh, spicy lift. 2009 HHHH 2010 (375ml) HHHHfreshness evident. $35 The simple, mid-weight, Lovely sweet fruit palate Dense, chocolaty nose with A well-balanced wine, with brambly palate is mellowing that exhibits great texture, cherry liqueur elements. concentrated honeyed/pinot noir beautifully and offers lovely balance and length, with Quite a tannic palate, with marmalade botrytis flavours that linger on. $30 chalky tannins. $41.99 CM a big hit of spicy/stalky fruit characters and a good levelHolm Oak Vineyards Heemskerk Pinot Noir Riversdale Estate Coal flavours. $25 of acidity to match. $31.95Pinot Noir 2011 HHHHH 2012 HHHH1/2 River Valley Pinot NoirA very attractive nose - Great strawberry-like 2011 HHHH1/2 STAR RATINGS smells of spices, leather and intensity on the nose with Subtle oaky nose with just adark chocolate. The pleasant a long, well-structured and hint of cloves. Varietal fruit Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs ofpalate is bright and lively, and savoury palate. Excellent dominates the palate which excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill.full of lovely sweet varietal flavour persistence; is quite sweet, with lovely All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industryfruit flavours showing a a touch of greenness and chocolaty elements and professionals and are compared in peerpeppery thread. $32 fresh acidity. $44.90 exhibiting plenty of flavour classes by three judges.Nandroya Tasmania Yellow Point Bloody length. $25.99 CM CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters,Pinot Noir 2011 HHHHH 11th D’Entre Cateaux Sugarloaf Ridge a major mail-order business.This nose reminded one Channel Pinot Noir Tasmania Pinot Noir CD Cellar door price.judge of aniseed pastille 2013 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHH1/2 CDO Cellar door only.lollies. It has an attractively Very dark red wine with ripe A fleshy, easy to drink style. SO Sold out.fresh, fine and well-balanced and spicy Sarsaparilla-like Dense nose with plenty of $N/A Price not available at time of printing.palate loaded with varietal characters on the nose, and spiced plum and blue floralfruit sweetness and has thick and jammy sweet in fragrances. Long, simple  Contact information pg 170.slightly green tannins. $30 the mouth, with a firmly palate offers a mouthful of textured, varietal palate. $20 sweet fruit and chocolaty RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). tannins. $35WINESTATE Please register at www.winestate.com.au for invitations and updates!eSUvBSeCRnIBtERs Subscribers are entitled to one free ticket for each subscriber event To order tickets please contact Peter Jackson [email protected] Thursday 15 May Friday 30 May 20141 February 2014 7 February 2014 Sunday 13 April 2014 2014 Worlds GreatestThe Wines of Best of the Cabernet & Winestate Shiraz/Syrah South Africa West Bordeaux Subscribers Night Challenge IX and Wine of the Terrace Ballroom, Terrace Ballroom, National Wine National Wine Centre, Year Tasting AdelaideHyatt Regency, Perth Hyatt Regency, Perth Centre, Adelaide 6pm - 8pm Artisan Wine Storage, 6pm - 8.30pm 6pm - 8.30pm 2pm - 4pm Lane Cove, Sydney146 IHW_WI iNnesEtaSte TSuAbsTcriEber EAvnenntsuaQlP2H0A1N414.indd 1 18/12/2013 11:36:58 AM

EDONNV’ITRSOCNRMEWETNHTE!An independent Life Cycle Analysis of closures proves that theenvironmental virtues of cork significantly outweigh all alternativeclosures. To find out more, talk to the experts at Amorim.www.amorimcork.com.au Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 147

Hawke’s Bay at the base of Roy’s Hill. nezwealan d THE BEST WINES OF 2013 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Other Reds, Pinot Noir, Merlot & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Syrah, Sweet White.

RECORD VINTAGE FUELS A SURGEOF OPTIMISM The New Zealand year in review, by Michael CooperNEW ZEALAND’S WINEGROWERS are a far happier bunch than Marlborough is now the world’s largest region for sauvignon blanc, witha few years ago when a glut drove prices down and producers out of more than double the area planted in the Loire Valley (notably Sancerrebusiness. The outstanding 2013 vintage in most regions has given a big and Pouilly-Fume). Sauvignon blanc accounted in 2013 for nearly 85 perboost to production, compared to 2012, and export prices for New Zealand cent of New Zealand’s total wine exports, far ahead of pinot noir (6 perwine are climbing. cent) and chardonnay (3 per cent). In Marlborough, where output soared by 33 per cent, the region’s producers Australia is the most valuable overseas market for New Zealand winehave an extra 4.4 million cases of wine to sell. New Zealand is now the (worth $NZ373 million in 2013), followed by the US ($NZ283 million) andworld’s eighth largest exporter of wine, by value, and second only to France the UK ($NZ278 million). Over the next few years, it is predicted that the USin terms of the average price at which its wines are sold. will emerge as the largest market. Shipments to “second-tier” destinations, notably in Northern Europe and Asia, have almost reached $NZ200 million, “For the industry as a whole, the recovery is well under way from the 2008 reflecting a recent emphasis on diversification.supply imbalance and we have a vintage of marvellous quality to sell,” reportsthe industry body, New Zealand Winegrowers. “The sales prospects for the Profitability is rising at most wineries, according to a Deloitte surveyyear ahead look very positive so it should be no surprise there is a renewed released in 2013, partly reflecting increased export prices. New Zealandoptimism amongst growers and wineries.” Winegrowers says record export receipts in 2013 of $NZ1.2 billion reflected “a shift towards packaged (bottled) products, higher prices for What can we expect from the much-hyped 2013 vintage? Lots of wine, bulk wines (up 30 per cent), and a move to higher value markets, notablyof a generally high standard. The 2013 harvest yielded 345,000 tonnes of North America”.grapes - a 28 per cent leap on 2012 and five per cent more than the previousheaviest crop in 2011. There has been no celebration of the “record” size of Despite this international success, many wineries are struggling on thethe vintage by the industry itself, no doubt eager to avoid speculation about domestic front. “The supermarkets seem hell-bent on a price-cutting warthe possibility of another glut. The good news is that international demand and while good from a consumer point of view, it certainly puts the squeezefor New Zealand wine is strong, especially for Marlborough sauvignon blanc, on wineries like us,” reports one respected Marlborough producer. “Morewhich this year accounted for a whopping 60 per cent of the country’s entire casualties to come, I should think.”grape crop. They are also facing a rising tide of imported wines, as overseas producers Fromm Winery, acclaimed for its stylish, long-lived Marlborough chardonnay fill the gap left by the industry’s small 2012 crop. Foreign wines nowand pinot noir, believes 2013 “could be the best vintage we’ve ever done. command about 40 per cent of the New Zealand market (dominating theWe had hot days and cool nights, which helped the fruit retain its acidity. wine cask and low-priced red wine segments).We had enough rain when it was needed, but it was dry enough so therewas no disease pressure (to pick).” For the first time in decades, New Zealand’s number of wine producers recently declined - from 703 in 2012 to 698 in 2013. Consolidation is Winegrowers in the second-largest region are also fired up. “’13 looks underway. The most obvious example is the swift expansion of American-like it may be a lucky number for Hawke’s Bay,” enthused Chris Scott. The owned Foley Family Wines NZ, which has snapped up the New Zealandsenior winemaker at Church Road reported a “near-perfect growing season”. Wine Fund (Vavasour, Dashwood, Goldwater and Clifford Bay), Te Kairanga and The New Zealand Wine Company (Grove Mill and Sanctuary). The two regions dominate production, according to a Vineyard RegisterReport released this year. A whopping 66 per cent of the national vineyard The ranks of specialist grape-growers have also thinned, from 1117 inarea is clustered in Marlborough, far ahead of Hawke’s Bay (14 per cent). 2009 to 833 in 2013. “The fallout from 2008 has largely driven speculatorsOtago (5 per cent) also enjoyed a podium finish, snatching third place from out of the market and seen their vineyards consolidated into the hands ofGisborne (where since 2009 a quarter of the vines have been uprooted). existing industry players,” says New Zealand Winegrowers. So what’s hot in terms of varieties? Sauvignon blanc rules, with 58 per cent Steve Green, recently appointed chair of New Zealand Winegrowers, hasof the national vineyard, followed by pinot noir (15 per cent), chardonnay identified three major problems currently facing the industry. The high(9 per cent), pinot gris (7 per cent) and merlot (3.5 per cent). Riesling, value of the NZ dollar is eroding export profitability; many wine consumersgewurztraminer, cabernet sauvignon and viognier also rank in the top 10, around the world have tightened their purse strings in the past five years;but together account for barely 5 per cent of the plantings. and winemakers need to respond to the “global social issue regarding the mis-use of alcohol. No longer can we say that it is ‘not our problem’.” Vineyard expansion, which stalled during the glut, has resumed. NewZealand’s vineyards covered 34,269ha in 2012, and the producing area will The big picture is still heartening. E.L.James, author of Fifty Shades ofrise by just 683ha between 2012 and 2015, but another 1000ha of vines Grey, tweeted in 2013 that when she runs out of Oyster Bay Marlboroughwere planted in 2013. Sauvignon Blanc, it feels like “heart failure”. Annual 2014 W I N E S TAT E 149

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2013 new zealandsparkling Church Road Grand sauvignon blanc Toi Toi Reserve Villa Maria Reserve Hawke’s Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Cellar SelectionAkarua Rosé Viognier 2010 HHHH Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHHH1/2 Marlborough SauvignonBrut NV HHHH1/2 Light yellow, rich wine Blanc 2012 HHHHH Maturing very gracefully, Blanc 2012 HHHHPale pink, vivacious with lush, ripe stonefruit Full of personality, with this elegant, single- Refined, delicate andblend of pinot noir (74 flavours, slightly buttery strong, penetrating vineyard wine was grown lingering, with lively acidityper cent) and chardonnay notes and a well-rounded passionfruit/lime flavours, in the Omaka Valley and and fresh, ripely herbaceous,(26 per cent), grown at finish. Weighty, peachy and ripe and persistent. A top fermented in tanks and melon/lime flavours, showingBannockburn and lees-aged creamy, with integrated oak vintage of the regional classic, barrels. The bouquet is some leesy complexity.for at least 18 months. and good complexity. $49 weighty, sweet-fruited, crisp complex; the palate weighty Finely balanced, with goodVigorous and complex, with Trinity Hill and long. $29.90 (A, UK, US) and vibrant, with ripe fruit intensity. $24 (A, UK)excellent drive, delicacy Gimblett Gravels flavours, showing excellent Villa Maria Reserveand harmony. $36 (A, UK) Viognier 2012 HHHH Selaks Winemakers intensity and drive. $24 Wairau ValleyPelorus 2007 HHHH Fleshy, with strong, ripe, Favourite Marlborough Drylands Marlborough Marlborough SauvignonShowing excellent complexity peachy, slightly spicy Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Blanc 2012 HHHHand vigour, this is a pale flavours, nutty, leesy notes 2012 HHHHH 2012 HHHH Grown on the south sideyellow, pinot noir-based adding complexity and a Intensely aromatic, with Mouthfilling, punchy and of the Wairau Valley, this isstyle (60 per cent), with finely textured, lengthy “sweaty armpit” aromas. dry, in a sweet-fruited style a vibrant, punchy, tropicalchardonnay (40 per cent). finish. $35 (A, UK) Weighty and vibrantly fruity, with fresh, tropical fruit fruit-flavoured wine withCrisp, yeasty and toasty, it Yealands Estate Gruner with a rich, full palate offering flavours, good concentration sweet-fruit delights, goodis dry and tight, in a creamy- Veltliner 2012 HHHH highly concentrated, vibrant and a finely textured finish. weight and a lengthy, finelytextured style with good Generous Awatere Valley tropical fruit flavours. $24 Enjoyed by all judges. $23 balanced finish. $27 (A, UK)intensity and length. (From wine, floral and full-bodied, Stoneleigh Latitude Lawson’s Dry Hills Wairau River ReserveCloudy Bay.) $44.90 (A, UK) with dry, peachy, citrusy, Marlborough Sauvignon Marlborough Sauvignon Marlborough SauvignonViolet Sparkling Blush spicy flavours that linger Blanc 2012 HHHHH Blanc 2012 HHHH Blanc 2011 HHHHPinot Gris HHHH well. Enjoyed by all judges. Ripely scented, with Weighty, sweet-fruited Drinking well now. Full-Pale pink. Moderately $24 (A, UK) passionfruit-like flavours wine with very good depth bodied, with concentrated,complex style with strong, Pegasus Bay Sauvignon and good acid spine. of fresh passionfruit/lime ripe, tropical fruit flavoursstrawberryish, gently yeasty Semillon 2011 HHHH Full-bodied and rich, with flavours, finely textured and a long, rounded finish.flavours, showing good Tautly structured, vibrant “sweaty armpit” aromas and long. (7 per cent barrel $30 (A, UK)vivacity. Slightly sweet, Waipara blend of sauvignon and impressive weight and fermented.) Enjoyed by all Wild Southlight and lingering. (From blanc (70%) and semillon concentration. $28 judges. $24 (A, UK, US) Marlborough SauvignonYealands.) $19.95 (A) (30%), with excellent Babich Winemakers Starborough Family Blanc 2012 HHHH intensity. Mouthfilling, Reserve Marlborough Estate Marlborough Fresh, aromatic, crisp andother white with a subtle seasoning Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc lively, with good weight andvarietals & blends of oak and a crisp, lengthy 2012 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHH citrusy, limey flavours that finish. Well worth cellaring. Classic style, weighty, Finely balanced, 50/50 linger well. (From SacredCoopers Creek Cee Vee $27.95 (A, UK, US) with pure melon, lime and blend of Awatere Valley and Hill.) $20 (A)Gisborne Chardonnay Esk Valley Hawke’s Bay capsicum flavours to the Wairau Valley grapes. Full- Craggy RangeViognier 2010 HHH1/2 Verdelho 2012 HHHH fore, a touch of oak-derived bodied, fresh and ripe, with Te Muna Road VineyardWeighty, fresh, soft blend of Mouthfilling and vibrantly complexity, and a finely melon/lime flavours, strong Sauvignon Blancunoaked chardonnay (70 per fruity, with ripe, sweet-fruit balanced, dry, long finish. $30 and lingering. $22 (A) 2012 HHHHcent) and barrel-fermented flavours showing good Coopers Creek SV Tiki Estate Marlborough Weighty, ripely flavouredviognier (30% per cent). richness and a peachy, Dillons Point Sauvignon Blanc wine, crisp and lively. GoodPeachy and dry, with ripe spicy, fragrant bouquet. $24 Marlborough Sauvignon 2012 HHHH balance of passionfruit andfruit flavours enhanced by a Church Road Blanc 2012 HHHH1/2 Grown in “the highest green capsicum notes, withsubtle twist of oak. Drinking McDonald Series Weighty and dry, with strong, altitude vineyard in the fresh acidity and a lingeringwell now. $18 (US) Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon ripe-fruit flavours and some Wairau Valley”, this wine is finish. $27 (A, UK, US)Villa Maria Single Gris 2012 HHHH smoky, toasty notes adding full of personality - fleshy and Murdoch JamesVineyard Omahu Gravels Full-bodied style, with complexity. Leesy and finely finely balanced, with fresh, MartinboroughViognier 2010 HHHH1/2 lovely, very fresh and lifted textured. $25 (A, UK) tropical fruit flavours, ripe Sauvignon BlancComplex, slightly smoky aromatics and crisp, punchy, and rounded. $19 (A, UK, US) 2012 HHHHbouquet. Sturdy, fleshy ripely herbaceous flavours, Tohu Single Vineyard Ripely scented, withpalate with concentrated, vibrant and youthful. Marlborough Sauvignon fresh, vibrant, tropicalripe stonefruit and nut Enjoyed by all judges, this Blanc 2012 HHHH fruit characters enlivenedflavours, a slightly creamy would be a stimulating Weighty, dry, ripely by crisp acidity, hints oftexture and a long finish. “food” wine. $34 flavoured wine from the passionfruit and pineapple,Delicious now. $32 Awatere Valley, very fresh and very good flavour depth. and vibrant, with a herbal Hand-picked in the Blue edge and lingering finish. Rock vineyard. $20 (A) Enjoyed by all judges. Fine value at $19.95. (A, US)150 W I N E S TAT E Annual 2014


Winestate Magazine Annual 2014

The book owner has disabled this books.

Explore Others

Like this book? You can publish your book online for free in a few minutes!
Create your own flipbook