The Classic February Dozen

AVALON TEMPRANILLO 2005

Winemaker Doug Groom

Winemakers Notes

Tempranillo is Spain’s most highly regarded noble red grape and earns its name from the variety’s propensity to ripen early (Tempran means ‘early’ in Spanish). Grown in our vineyard which is climatically similar to the classic regions of Spain, particularly Ribera del Duero, the fruit is hand picked, hand plunged and aged in used French oak barrels for 12 months. This wine shows distinctive plum and mocha characters typical of this variety. Although Tempranillo is a medium bodied variety it has the ability to age in the bottle and this wine should prove no exception.

Cellar

“Carefully until 2010 if desired but highly drinkable at present.”

Additional Notes

Doug adds: “serve with Tapas, Paella, Rabbit Stews or Quail.” As mentioned previously this wine was to be in the November Dozen, but the horrendous bushfires put an end to that idea and Vintage 2007, with their vineyard and many others in the Valley ‘smoked out.’ Life goes on and Doug is back to his jovial best and this wine is a promise of things to come.

Availability

Cellar Door or please contact me.

Winery Details

Phone: 03 5729 3629

Fax: 03 5729 3635

Open: Daily 10 to 5

Address: RMB Whitfield Road, Wangaratta, Victoria, 3678.

Web: www.avalonwines.com.au

E-mail: avalonwines@netc.net.au

BRINDABELLA HILLS SHIRAZ 2004

Winemaker Dr Roger Harris

Winemakers Notes

Fully ripe Shiraz grapes were fermented in open fermenters, with plunging of the skins by hand. The wine has been matured for 15 months in French and American oak barriques. Deep purple-red, this wine has a fragrant bouquet with highlights of violets and spice.  On the palate seamlessly interwoven rich cherry-plum fruit and spicy oak make this wine an outstanding example of Shiraz from the Canberra District’s warmest vineyards.

Cellar

“Great drinking now but will improve with several years’ cellaring and live for 8+ years.  The screw cap seal guarantees trouble free ageing.”

Additional Notes

The previous Brindabella Hills wines were the Shiraz Cabernet Franc and Cabernets, surprisingly in 2003 and 2004 respectively. That ‘time flying’ thing! Anyway, we’re probably all on the lookout for a good Shiraz from the Canberra Region, because when ‘they’re on’ in the warmer years they’re very good. Following is a quote from the Portfolio of the Sydney Distributor: “From a little winery just outside Canberra comes this fantastic Shiraz. Rhone-like in aroma and texture, it’s spicy, savoury and blackberry personalities converse to great effect. Grown in one of the warmest vineyards in the region, it sets a new level for Canberra Shiraz.” Greg Duncan Powell, The Sydney Morning Herald September 2006. Generous words, and in keeping with James Halliday’s 94/100 in his Australian Wine Companion 2007.

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 02 6230 2583

Fax: 02 6230 2023

Open: Weekends 10 to 5

Address: 156 Woodgrove Close, via Hall ACT, 2618.

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CANOBOLAS – SMITH CHARDONNAY 2004

Winemaker Murray Smith

Winemakers Notes

A wine with plenty of richness and flavour, it has a very attractive yellow/gold colour. Twelve months in French oak barriques (one third new) gives the wine complexity and style - it was bottled unfiltered. The nose opens with peachy fruit with plenty of nutty lees and oak characters to the fore. Hints of apricot. In the mouth the flavours are in the nutty, peach spectrum with clear secondary characters. The wine has a fine yet intense palate with a long finish with some citrus flavours on the tail. We expect the fruit is still developing and will come up in the next 6 – 12 months.

Cellar

“This wine is young and will develop well in the bottle over the next 3-5 years.”

Additional Notes

“Chardonnay is the leading white wine at Canobolas-Smith. In a good year we might produce 500 cases - 2004 was a good year. Our premium Chardonnay grapes are handpicked and chilled before whole bunch pressing. The wine is barrel fermented and aged sur lie with batonnage in new, one and two year French barriques with some malolactic fermentation. The barrels are blended, fined with skim milk, (sometimes) filtered and bottled after twelve months.” There have been a number of Canobolas Smith wines over the years, all showing the versatility of a proprietor maker and what good mischief they can get up to. The original May 1998 SWTD included Murray’s 1996 Chardonnay, and what a wine, and well remembered by an original partaker in the Dozens.

WebMasters Note

I used this to make a Raspberry Jelly. Absolutely Delicious!

Soak about 300g fresh - I picked mine minutes before I made this - raspberries in a bottle of the wine for about 30 minutes. Remove the raspberries to individual glass dishes. Bring the liquor along with a split vanilla bean to almost boiling. Take off the heat and steep for another half hour. Remove the vanilla pod. Return liquor to heat and stir in 250g sugar. Bring to the boil if you want to remove the alcohol, or just heat to near boiling again. Stir in a sachet (10g) of gelatine (or 5 leaves if you can find them!). You need to stir vigourously with a fork or whisk to disolve the gelatine granules. Leaves are supposed to be better, but I've never seen them. Strain into the glass dishes over the fruit. Allow to cool then set for several hours in the fridge. Serve when barely set with a dash of pouring cream. (After a recipe in Nigella Lawson's Forever Summer)

Availability

Cellar Door or please contact me.

Winery Details

Phone / Fax: 02 6365 6113

Open: Weekends 10 to 5.

Address: Boree Lane, off Cargo Road, Lidster, NSW 2800.

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FIRE BLOCK OLD VINES SHIRAZ 2004

Winemakers David O’Leary and Nick Walker

Winemakers Notes

2004 was a hot growing season, with below average rainfall. The old Shiraz vines formed bunches of small berries, which ripened and shrivelled in mid March, yielding small volumes of very concentrated juice. Fermented in four tonne batches, basket pressed then aged in French barriques and old American hogsheads with French oak innerstaves before bottling in late 2005. There’s a huge concentration of elegant flavours with some white pepper and a touch of leather and spice.

Cellar

“Generous and rich, showing very well in its youth, with a long, illustrious future assured.”

Additional Notes

A five star rating and 94/100 in James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion 2007, as well, a cellaring potential of up to 2024. I remember when the Irelands, Bill and Noel and their partner, bought this vineyard up behind the Crabtrees, and Robert saying at the time it is a good grower of grapes. The Irelands, after a long stint in retail (Oddbins in Sydney) have been in grape growing and winemaking now for a decade or more, and loving it. I saw this wine in the Sydney Distributor’s Portfolio (Young and Rashleigh) and all looked well. Not bad for and old cricketer, Bill.

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 0414 441 925

Open: No Cellar Door.

Address: St. Vincent Street, Watervale, S.A., 5452.

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GEMTREE CADENZIA 2005

Winemaker Mike Brown

Winemakers Notes

Grenache 60%: Best of Southern Rhone Tempranillo 20% : Best of Rioja Shiraz 20% : Best of Australia: Our 3rd release of this style and we are now convinced that the marriage of these 3 varieties was no fluke. Grenache provides the aromatics and sweetness of flavour, the Tempranillo gives the funk and tannin profile and the Shiraz chimes in with the depth and class which cements this wine as a Gemtree favourite. 2005 Cadenzia conjures up images of the southern Rhone and Rioja. The colour is black, ruby and purple. On the nose, Asian spices, black cherries, raspberries, smoke, cedar and spice. The palate is juicy, juicy, juicy. Full bodied. Oodles of muscle, richness and plenty of delicious tannin.

Cellar

“Now and up to eight years.”

Additional Notes

How could you resist this wine as described above? I thought the wine was interesting in theory: a blend that had to be looked at. I was blissfully unaware of the “Cadenza Project” which is outlined on the back label, but at the same time very much aware of the importance of Grenache in the History of Australian Wine. Many years ago now, I remember hearing d’Arry Osborn talking about his love of the variety. And recently, his daughter, Jacki mentioned that d’Arenberg has a Cadenza as well. A promise has been made!

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 08 8323 8199

Fax: 08 8323 7889 No Cellar Door.

Address: PO Box 164, McLaren Vale, S.A., 5171.

Web: www.gemtreevineyards.com.au

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MINNOW CREEK ROSE 2006

Winemaker Tony Walker

Winemakers Notes

Vibrant pink with crimson edges. Lifted rose petals and black cherry combined with raspberry and savoury elements. Full flavoured red berries on entry, filling out to dark cherry and raspberry on the mid palate leading to a finish of great length with balanced acidity and a gentle tannin structure. Both the Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon components were harvested and crushed together on the 8th of March 2006. The juice spent 30 hrs on skins prior to the free run being drained off after satisfactory colour and structure had been obtained. Fermentation was conducted over a 2 week period, at between 12-14 deg C, with 20% of the juice being fermented in second use French oak resulting in a full flavoured, complex dry rose style suitable for both casual enjoyment or fine dining.

Cellar

“Ideal for current consumption or cellaring up to 2 years.”

Additional Notes

I looked at last February’s Notes where the original release of the Minnow Creek Rose was included. It’s hard to change one’s ideas, first fashioned by elders in the early 1970s. The point is back then Rose wines weren’t taken too seriously. As friends do, Tony is setting me right as he deals with what boils down to an unreasonable view. I’ve looked in Bottle Shops and have seen the numbers of Rose wines grow (many with wishy – washy colours I might add but not this bright one).

Availability

Please contact me or Tony on 0404 288 108

Web: www.minnowcreekwines.com.au

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MIRAMAR RIESLING 2005

Winemaker Ian MacRae

Winemakers Notes

Floral, aromatic with soft varietal flavours and the characteristic long, crisp acid finish. Once again, Miramar has a along history of success with aged Rieslings.” As displayed on the bottle, this wine won the Trophy for Best White Wine Not Chardonnay at the 2005 Mudgee Wine Show.

Cellar

“3 to 5 years” was the given for a previous wine under cork. We are in a new dimension now with the stelvin closure.

Additional Notes

The Stelvin closure is one reason for the inclusion of this wine, and as a wine it’s not the first time it’s grabbed my attention. It isn’t as dry and lean as some of our more famous Rieslings from South Australia, and it may not have the legs for extended ageing but this is very good drinking now as a two year old. As soon as I saw it in the regular mixed dozen from Miramar in December I looked forward to it. I once asked Ian what makes a good Riesling: “Bright acid,” was the prompt reply. He recently gave me a 2006 to try, saying it was a similar wine. I was surprised what a difference a year makes under this closure. The 2005 has developed nicely but far quicker from what I’ve read and told what is to be ‘expected.’ I must ask Ian. He is off shortly for a double hip replacement, but there’s sure to be a definite answer. And who knows, maybe Dancing with the Stars!

Availability

The last of Cellar Door stock is in this Dozen with the 2006 soon to be released.

Winery Details

Phone / Fax: 02 6373 3874

Open: Daily 9 to 5.

Address: Henry Lawson Drive, Mudgee, NSW, 2850.

Web: www.miramarwines.com.au

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PARACOMBE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT GRIS 2006

Winemaker Paul Drogemuller

Winemakers Notes

“This Pinot Gris offers an appealing bouquet of melon, honeyed pear and floral notes. The palate gives fresh flavours of nectarine, nashi pear and crème caramel with flinty mineral notes on the finish.” As per back label.

Cellar

“Made to enjoy…..now.”

Additional Notes

Another stand up as well as stand out wine from the Drogumellers up in the Adelaide Hills. If this is what a fruit driven wine is supposed to be, then I’m in. Too often I’ve been confused by this one. A ‘fruit driven’ wine sounds like a positive but often at the same time, along comes the not so positive ‘one dimensional’ tag. Who knows! This has fruit power driving it for sure, but what a tremendous profile and variety of flavours all riding along and rolled in together in a gorgeous glass of temptation. I’ll have another please. The omission of the opening statement in the Notes above of: “Here is a great little crowd pleaser,” has its point. To me it appears to be a play on words by the author!

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 08 8380 5058

Fax: 08 8380 5488

Open: Not open to the public.

Web: www.paracombewines.com

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RAVENSWORTH SANGIOVESE 2005

Winemaker Bryan Martin.

Winemakers Notes

The 2005 Sangiovese was picked in mid-April at 13.8 Baumé. At the winery we de-stemmed the fruit to 3 2.3 tonne fermenters where it was soaked for 7 days prior to natural fermentation. The temperatures were allowed to get quite warm (32C) and then the fermenters were pressed after 17-22 days. We use 20% new Boussuet oak from France for this wine and after 11 months it is taken out and bottled under screwcaps. Aromas at bottling of Sun-dried cherry, tobacco and that meaty whiff you get entering a good delicatessen. Hints of spice and cedar linger there as well. The very fine, intense tannins persist throughout the palate. This is another wine that really demands food. A simple anti pasta platter from the deli we visited before would be great.

Cellar

“Drink now to 2012.”

Additional Notes

“Sangiovese's name refers to the blood of Jupiter or Jove. The varieties natural high acidity accounts for this name as the colour tends toward bright reds rather than the purple hues we see in other red varieties where the acid levels remain quite low or are augmented by additions. The 2005 Sangiovese displays this lovely colour, quite deep and rich. My heirloom tomatoes ripen each year as we package this wine and a sensational combination is a roasted tomato soup, some chunky bread from Silo if you live in or around Canberra and a glass of Sangiovese - a stunning start to Autumn.” And great Notes.

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 1300 302 292

Fax: 02 6262 2161

No Cellar Door.

Address: PO Box 116, Mawson, ACT, 2607.

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ROSILY VINEYARD SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC

Winemaker Mike Lemmes (Consultant Dan Pannell)

Winemakers Notes

Appearance is pale straw, brilliantly bright with a slight lemon tinge. On the nose complex aromatics that show both savoury and herbal characteristics. Lightly toasted oak adds complexity and interest. The palate shows a dry wine with distinctive grassy, herbal and subtle citrus fruits enhanced by well integrated and deftly handled oak. A soft mouth-filling wine that enjoys an acid structure that brings life and length to the finish.

Cellar

“Now, but this wine has the structure to gain further complexity over the next 3 to 5 years.”

Additional Notes

Again it was to the Young and Rashleigh Wine Portfolio, amongst others in search of a white to complete their number. All Rosily wines were supported by good write-ups from the known ‘guns,’ but this one seemed most interesting. The short note: “For me, 2005 seems to mark a leap forward for this Margaret River producer – with a bit more depth and vibrance in their whites. The SSB has bright, ripe tropical flavours. It is soft and plump with refreshing acidity to finish.” Peter Forrestal, STM, Sunday Times February 2006. Mal Williams from Y & R added to the choice for inclusion, not so much with reference to its Gold Medal in Sydney, but the fact that they have worked hard on this style over the past half a dozen years or so.

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone / Fax: 08 9755 6336

Open: Weekends 10 to 5.

Address: Yelveton Road, Wilyabrup, W.A., 6284.

Web: www.rosily.com.au

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STEP RD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004

Winemakers Rob Dundon and Scott McIntosh

Winemakers Notes

The fruit for this wine is from Langhorne Creek which gives it a deep garnet red colour. The nose shows intense blackcurrant with background mint and toasty oak characters. The palate is generous. Full bodied dark berry flavours with balanced toasty oak and fine tannins with a classic long finish.

Cellar

Medium term 5 to 8 years.

Additional Notes

After driving past a sign selling Step Road last year, I looked it up to see its close ties with Beresford Wines, where indeed Rob Dundon and Scott McIntosh are the winemakers. Not being in the usual focus of small winemaking I hadn’t thought much more about it until a couple of weeks ago when Jacki Osborn, who in fact had a bit to do with this Dozen, said in her persuasive but charming way it should be considered. This is when you take notice. Step Road is more down the path of a medium size operation, but operates in the same way the small players do, as in estate terms. Also, a great asset to these Dozens, such a wine becomes outstanding value and not only adds to the overall quality of the mix, it allows inclusion of some more expensive wines. Thanks Jacki.

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 08 8537 3342

Fax: 08 8537 3357

Open: Not open to the public.

Address: RSD Davidson Road, Langhorne Creek, S.A., 5255.

Web: www.steprd.com

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STONEY RISE PINOT NOIR 2005

Winemaker Joe Holyman

Winemakers Notes

Made using grapes from our twenty year old Tamar Valley vineyard, this wine was open fermented using natural yeast. It spent twelve months in French oak barriques before being bottled. The mix of ripe plum, cherries and strawberries is most seductive, though some acid and ultra – fine tannin are there for balance.

Cellar

“Made in a style that suits early consumption with red meats and pink fish such as Tuna.”

Additional Notes

Previous Stoney Rise wines were produced in earlier footsteps in Joe’s journey into winemaking, slightly delayed as it were in the normal way as wines are released into the market place. By this time he’d returned to Tasmania settling into the Tamar Valley. Just a few weeks ago I was talking Pinots to Nick Butler from Winestock when he mentioned this wine and how part of Joe’s return was to work on this style. ‘Our twenty year old Tamar Valley vineyard’ means he has invested seriously in his ‘work’ and we can all see and enjoy more during his journey.

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 03 6394 3678

Fax: 03 6394 3684

Open: Daily 11 to 5

Address: Hendersons Lane, Gravelly Beach, Tasmania, 7276.

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