Small Winemakers Tasting Dozens |
The Classic November Dozen | |
| CARGO ROAD GEWURZTRAMINER 2009Winemaker James SweetappleWinemakers NotesThis dry Gewurztraminer displays the varietal characteristics of spice, lychee, musk and rose water. These beautiful aromas continue with a lusciousness on the palate of peach nectar, red apple and lychee. This gives overall mouth fill and weight, with balanced acidity to finish with. Cellar"Contrary to popular belief, Gewurztraminer will cellar mid term," five or so years. (Taken from the label). Additional NotesJames Sweetapple with two associates purchased the run down 14 year old Cargo Road Vineyard in 1997 and set about restoring the quality of its grape growing and over time they have increased plantings of Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. "We now grow grapes that are intense in flavour and colour. From this we strive to produce wines with good strong tannins that allow them to be enjoyed in the short to medium term, and beyond." Rarely grown Gewurztraminer and Zinfandel attract you to Cargo Road. There is a vast range behind these two 'stars' of the line up and naturally there is a need to look into them further. AvailabilityCellar Door Or Please Contact Me. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6365 6100 Fax: 02 6365 6001 Open: W/E & P/H 11 to 5. Address: Cargo Road, Orange, NSW, 2800. |
| d'ARENBERG THE CENOSILICAPHOBIC CAT 2007Winemakers Chester Osborn & Jack WaltonWinemakers NotesCenosilicaphobia or the 'fear of an empty glass' translates in this sense to a first release wine made up of 91% Sagrantino, a tannic low yielding Italian variety grown in Umbria and 9% Cinsault which hails from Chateauneuf-de-Pape in France. The nose indicates that this is a unique wine with a dominant dried herb character and other savoury nuances of saltbush, red currant leaf and a hint of black tea. Dried herbs also run through the palate from the attack right through to the fruit tannins on the finish and provide a fantastic framework for the other flavours. There is wonderful depth with red cherries and layers of rich coffee, dark chocolate and nicely integrated oak. The Cinsault component is harmonious and provides lift, fine minerality and bright acidity. The chalky fruit tannins are prominent and vibrant. CellarLong term, probably forever. Additional NotesThis is a "dark brooding" wine, edgy and quite out of place in the hot part of the year. The wine was bottled on 28th October, 2009, and as Jacki Osborn says it is literally "hot off the press." As regards decanting, it is "highly recommended." It is best to use all the tricks and get as much airing as possible. Half an hour in the fridge wouldn't hurt either. Jacki also comments that the wine shows its class better on the second day. On reflecting, the 'winemaker's notes' are perfect in describing this wine but it would be wise to add a few degrees of intensity into all the descriptors. Having said all that, it is an amazing wine and a good thing to have a blend of these two rare varieties in this Dozen. A wine I look forward to looking at again about May or June 2010. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8329 4888 |
 | DYSON'S CHARDONNAY 2006Winemaker Allan DysonWinemakers NotesDry grown and maritime conditions result in Dyson Chardonnays being big, rich, robust wines with one of the features being the strong green / gold colours present in the wine. With further bottle age before release, this wine has a fine complex citrus dominated nose. A well developed palate with traces of honey and rich marmalade flavours and integrated oak dominate. A creamy texture fills out the palate with softening and citrus scented acidity still balancing." (Web). Cellar"I reckon it's got another three to four years development in it." Additional NotesAllan brought a bottle of this Chardonnay to a small gathering in July this year and said: "see what you think of this. I think it's the best I've made." Adding in classic Dyson droll: "It won't be the best I'll make." He was knocking about in Burgundy where he came across a 'yeast' he was impressed with and it ultimately found its way into this wine. Remembering his response when asked if the Dozens could follow his Cabernet Sauvignon odyssey: "I make other wines too," having a good lend of me and the situation, he knew what he had up his sleeve. Now others in 'the trade' have mentioned it which is interesting and a very positive point. Cheers. AvailabilityCellar Door or please contact me. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8386 1092 |
| HUGO MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ 2006Winemaker John HugoWinemakers Notes100% Estate grown Shiraz. The colour is deep red / blue hues with appealing shades of plum and indigo. The bouquet shows attractive lifted plum and spice characters with just a suggestion of silky vanilla oak. On the palate folds of smooth, rounded fruit, plum and berry, overlaying well combined tannins showing a distinct depth of flavour and complexity throughout. Charming earthy overtones reminiscent of pudding and cloves with a hint of black cracked pepper on the finish supported by 15 months classic American oak treatment. This full - bodied wine is well balanced with a good length. Cellar"Approachable now with the promise of increased development for a conservative four to six years." Additional NotesThere is a definite Graham Stevens influence for including this McLaren Vale Shiraz. And it stems quite simply from his belief that "McLaren Vale grown Shiraz is the best in the world." Not being a grape grower or winemaker one feels totally unqualified to agree or disagree with such a firm statement. But coming from one such as Graham, with all his experience in said field, you have to feel confident a pretty good wine will be the result in any case. And while looking through Nicholas Gibson's current wines, the 'Hugos' caught the eye. Remembering good things about wines in the past, it had to be tried ......, immediately! It was the first sniff of the newly poured glass on the next day's visit that did it for me. With extended airing, the self description above of "charming" is spot on. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8383 0098 |
 | MEROPS ORNATUS 2005Winemakers Liz Reed and Damon Eastaugh (Flying Fish).Winemakers NotesA blend of 74% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. The colour is dark red and dense showing youthful purple hues. The bouquet is fragrant exhibiting flavours of ripe blackberries and violets. Hints of raisin and biscuity Christmas cake characters revealing a good harvest of a great season. The palate is soft and round presenting a delicious flavour composition. With twelve months in French oak the well accomplished varietal integration has created a fine wine. Ripe dark fruits of the forest framed by a subtle, velvety tannin structure have created a fine example of a great assemblage indicative of the Margaret River wine region. CellarExcellent drinking as a four year old wine and will develop in the medium term of five to seven years. (Web). Additional NotesAs mentioned in August with the inclusion of the Merops Shiraz, there were more of the Ross wines so generously sent over. This included the now unavailable 2004 Ornatus, to get a handle on the blend, and this 'cracker', the 2005 version. What a wonderful all round introduction to these land caring, organic producers from the West. Ornatus is the name of the 'rainbow bee eater' bird pictured on the label. AvailabilityPlease contact me or Merops. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 9757 9195 |
 | PARACOMBE CABERNET FRANC 2005Winemaker Paul DrogemullerWinemakers NotesThe 2005 vintage delivered a wine with lifted berry, violets and spicy aromas. The palate provides soft fruit flavour, aniseed spice, fine tannin and a lingering finish. With its soft, gentle style this wine compliments many foods. Try it with warm smoked fish or game dishes. CellarEnjoy now and over the medium term of five to seven years. But there are passionate 'Francers' who take a much longer view. (Taken mostly from the website). Additional NotesAs it says on those web notes: "it is quite rare for this unique variety to be released as a straight varietal wine," and the Paracombe series is always a treat. "Paul and Kathy's first Cabernet Franc release was with the 1993 wine after tasting and reviewing barrel samples. They were impressed with its alluring soft fruit, gentle hints of spice and lingering layers of mouth filling flavours. The 2005 gives those same qualities." It is a fact that I have been trying to include one of these wines for a couple of years, always having to side - line that wish. The 2003 made it here in August 2005, but I think it deserves better showing. Its one that does slip under the radar, unfortunately. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8380 5058 |
 | PERTARINGA FULL FRONTIWinemaker Ben RiggsWinemakers NotesThe best of the best barrels have been chosen for this fortified wine by our talent scout Mr Ben Riggs. This fronti stars Rancio, with dried fruit aromas including sultanas, apricots and dates co-starring. The fruit flavours on the palate are a show not to be missed. This wine is the perfect encore for a perfect meal. CellarNow, tomorrow, anytime and with Christmas Pudding. Additional Notes"This all time classic McLaren Vale liqueur fronti is as the name suggests a 'Full Frontal' fortified. The wine is a blend of liqueur fronti produced from the Pertaringa vineyard for more than 20 years. The Hardy and Leask families have been fortifying grapes in McLaren Vale for well over 150 years, and today release the Full Fronti for fun rather than necessity. Frontignac is Australia's synonym for 'Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains', thought to be the worlds oldest known and recognised wine." While talking with Nicholas Gibson about the Hugo Shiraz, he happened to say: "you wouldn't be interested in a fortified would you?" "Always," was my response, "why?" He pulled out an open, half empty bottle of Full Fronti, and the nose was just wonderful. He added that it won the "Consumer Award at the Hyatt Advertiser South Australian Wine of the Year 2009." "Fun," whimsy and the occasional serious award! AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8323 8125 |
 | STEPHEN JOHN CLARE VALLEY SHIRAZ 2007Winemaker Stephen JohnWinemakers NotesExcellent depth of purple red colour. The nose is rich and spicy with lovely depth of berry fruit, with a hint of peppers, complimented by fresh oak overtones. The palate is full and generous with an excellent structure of fruit, oak and firm tannins. Cellar"This wine will benefit from careful bottle maturation 5 to 7 years." Additional Notes"The 2007 Vintage is seen as one of the best for Shiraz from the district for many years. Produced from selected vineyards in the Clare Valley, the average age of the vines is forty years and all are dry grown. The fruit was picked at optimum flavour maturity, fermented in open fermenters in small batches and basket pressed. The wine was matured in 80% American Barriques and 20% French Hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. This wine shows a lovely rich style with soft layered tannins." It's been a while since we've seen one of 'Gentleman John's' wines here, in particular the Shiraz. The 2000 was here in November 2002 (the 1999 in August 2001). It is a wine I have had thoughts on following more closely and given the chance it would be good to hear comments. No hurry. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone / Fax: 08 8843 0105 |
 | STEVENS GRAHAM’S VAT 52 2006Winemaker Graham StevensWinemakers NotesThis wine was first developed by me 35 years ago, using two of the most popular red grape varieties of that era: Shiraz 50% and Grenache 30%, and blended with a smaller quantity of Cabernet Sauvignon, 20%. I found myself producing a style of wine which met with immediate favourable response from red wine lovers. This wine was aged for 12 months in new American and French oak. CellarTo be enjoyed on release, but will develop nicely over the next five plus years. (Label) Additional Notes"This new beginning brings with it some of the old, in the clean, aromatic fruit flavours on my best known wines. During my career, I have made the winning wine of the McLaren Vale Bushing Festival on three separate occasions. I have also had a good deal of local and interstate show success, winning many trophies and hundreds of awards from Australian wine shows." That's the official news taken care of. I have heard said, and read in the old books a similar message to that on the label, that blended wines are a feature of Graham's winemaking skill. Many will argue this is the ultimate skill, and fair enough. I will make enquiries to the availability of some of his just released, single variety, and Gold Medal winning Cabernet 2006 for February! AvailabilityCellar Door or please contact me. Winery DetailsPhone / Fax: 08 8383 0997 |
 | STEVENS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009Winemaker Graham StevensWinemakers NotesThe Adelaide Hills region is well suited to the Sauvignon Blanc variety. The cooler microclimate lends itself to a slower ripening period which increases bouquet and flavour development. This complex dry white exhibits a delightful balance of herbaceous and tropical aromas and flavours. Don't just drink it, experience it. CellarEnjoy now. Additional NotesAfter introductions and a little chat when visiting this new Cellar Door, I was asked what wines I would like to try. My response was my usual approach: "can I buy a bottle each of the reds please (two Shiraz wines and the Vat 52?)." My idea was for more talk as the wine would prompt recall enough at home. Unnoticed by me, was a point that I seemed uninterested in their Sauvignon Blanc. Still naive to this point, I obviously didn't respond adequately when it was raised again, and with afterthought, more obviously this time. I was fully focused on this welcomed continuation of a substantial winemaking journey, and I had the wines I wanted. As I was leaving Graham gave me a bottle of his Sauvignon Blanc and told me to report back. Hopefully by now I have! Driving back to Adelaide I felt a little embarrassed not to pick up on the lead. A good winemaker will get their message across, but a feature of a 'bloody good' winemaker's message is its charm and delivery. AvailabilityCellar Door or please contact me. Winery DetailsPhone / Fax: 08 8383 0997 |
 | TRAFFORD HILL MASTER WILLIAM RIESLING 2009Winemaker John SandersonWinemakers NotesThe resulting wine displays more emphasis on fruit than any we have produced. Bouquet is all citrus and a little tropical, no hint of acid at all. The palate is softer, lemon / lime with only a slight acidic tang. At the moment the wine is drinking with less "grip" than would be expected of a production year Riesling, no doubt due to the late burst of temperature and high level of sunshine in days immediately prior to harvest. Cellar"Ready for immediate drinking, it will be interesting to see how it turns out in middle age and maturity. Put a bottle away for ten years??" Additional Notes"A wine vintaged in the most difficult of circumstances the 2009 Master William has turned out beautifully. Picking took place in at the beginning of what became a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures peaking at 42°C. Starting at barely first light the largest picking crew we have ever deployed took off the rapidly spoiling grapes in just seven hours. I immediately placed them in a cool room for 24 hours to enable vinification. The Gods that smile on Trafford Hill saved us again." AvailabilityCellar Door or please contact me. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8558 3595 |
 | WIGNALLS CABERNET MERLOT 2008Winemaker Mick PerkinsWinemakers NotesFruit driven, soft and voluptuous and medium bodied. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Barker and 30% Merlot from Albany has enhanced the style with firm structured tannins from 'sweet' French oak treatment. The nose consists of cigar box and chocolates, with hints of plumbs and blackberries evident on the palate. Approachable and easy to drink, this Cabernet Merlot is pleasing on the nose and soft, medium bodied on the palate. Cellar"This drink now wine is perfect for that long lunch or with a rich beef casserole on cold winter nights." (Web). Additional Notes"Wignalls Wines was established on the outskirts of the city of Albany in 1982, after extensive research and investigations into 'Terroir' by our founder Dr. Bill Wignall and close family friend Mr Tony Smith. Climatology results from the nearby weather bureaux at Albany's airport, showed Albany's growing conditions in Spring and Summer were virtually identical to the famous wine growing region of Burgundy. Thus, it was decided to experiment with the Burgundian such as the then unknown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc - all well known today!" (Web). Described as their "Super Premium" wine styles, Wignalls also produce wines they call their "every day" styles, and is where this Cabernet Merlot slots in. An understated rating for mine! AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 9841 2848 |
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