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AVALON KING VALLEY SHIRAZ 2008

Winemaker Doug Groom

Winemakers Notes

The 2008 Shiraz was picked early in March (two weeks earlier than usual) because of accelerated ripening, due to extremely hot weather, which at the same time is ideal for the variety. Picked at 14° Baume, it was crushed and fermented on skins and the pressed wine, including yeast solids was placed in used French barrels for 18 months. Maturing on full gross lees has ensured good mouth feel. The wine has plenty of rich, spicy fruit but has an undeniable cool climate note to it.

Cellar

"This wine should be cellared for five years before 'optimum' consumption, but is eminently drinkable at present."

Additional Notes

On the back page of the November 2008 Dozen, Doug's King Valley Shiraz was on the list of wines that have appeared at least twice. In fact four of the 2008's siblings have paved the way with the presence of the: 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 vintages. A wine from a vineyard and maker that helped form the idea to follow it and others in journey that loosely fit into a category that have a particular charm. A category that Al Fencaros of Allinda, as previously and eloquently termed "Wines of Providence." Time got away and when I contacted Doug last year he reminded me that due to the King Valley's 2007 fire season, there was no Avalon Shiraz made that year. Smoked out. The 2008 was only recently bottled and about to be released. He is very pleased with the wine, which was duly noted, and was happy to have it in this Dozen. On the back label Doug and Rosa's simple goal is: "to transform the superb fruit quality grown in our cool climate vineyard into balanced elegant wines." Goal complete.

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

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BELGRAVIA RIESLING 2009

Winemakers David Lowe and Jane Wilson

Winemakers Notes

Our 2009 Riesling celebrates the two very different styles produced on our high-altitude vineyard in Orange, NSW. One patch offers fruit richly perfumed with district floral notes and minerality; the other micro-site bears grapes laden with essence of lime and racy citric freshness. The blended wine celebrates its cool climate origins.

Cellar

"Delicate enough to drink now as an aperitif (or with prawns '!'), it also has the acidity to reward patient cellaring, five years +."

Additional Notes

The Orange Region and Riesling is always an interesting partnership to follow, and the Belgravia, is one of many that continues to develop nicely here. Vines are about 10% of the total area of the Belgravia mixed farming estate. As David and Jane of Lowe Family Wines of Mudgee are central to winestyle development, a long term associate of SWTDs, Nick Butler is tied up in the Retail side of the operation working out of the old Union Bank in Orange (address below), which acts amongst many other functions as the Belgravia Cellar Door. It is a must, generally, if visiting Orange.

Availability

Available To Retail.

Winery Details

Ph: 02 6361 4441

Open: Sun. to Thurs 10 to 8; Fri & Sat. 10 till late.

Address: 84 Byng Street, Orange, NSW, 2800.

Web: www.belgravia.com.au

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B & S THOMSON ESTATE BACK BLOCK CABERNET TEMPRANILLO 2006

Winemaker Duane Coates

Winemakers Notes

This Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo blend is from grapes grown in the South Australian regions of the Riverland, Adelaide Hills and the Clare Valley. In colour, the wine is deep crimson / red, with the nose showing lovely raspberry and vanilla accented aromas that show a hint of dark earth and exotic spices. Medium-bodied on the palate with lush forest fruit flavours backed by subtle oak, the long finish is supported by fine grained tannins.

Cellar

"Drink now and over the next five years."

Additional Notes

"The blending of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo wines produces this elegant fruit driven wine." Thomson Estate is part of Byrne and Smith Wines, a family owned, multi-regional grape growing and winemaking venture. And in their words again: "Hidden in the back blocks of many vineyards can be found a small specialized patch of grapes. Tempranillo is one of those varieties." Tempranillo again blended with the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon remains an interesting prospect and with the 'advantage' of multi-regional sourcing in medium-bodied terms brings this wine in with the February lot.

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 08 8272 1900

Fax: 08 8272 1944

Open: No Cellar Door

Address: PO Box 640, Unley, S.A., 5061.

Web: www.byrneandsmith.com.au

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CASSEGRAIN EDITION NOIR NEW ENGLAND DURIF 2008

Winemaker John Cassegrain

Winemakers Notes

This Durif is deep black in colour with an intense purple hue. Aromas of violets, espresso and ripe blackberries evoke the essence of luxuriant, concentrated fruit. On the palate, this vibrant wine displays flavours of mulberries, sweet cherries and mocha, entwined with star anise and an explosion of vanillin oak. A full bodied wine with a firm structure which supports a firm lingering finish.

Cellar

"This wine will drink well now, but will be marvellous in five to eight years."

Additional Notes

As the label states this wine is made from grapes grown in the New England region of NSW, which, along with Richfield Vineyard wines in previous Dozens, this Durif is more quality evidence of the good things happening there. A Durif wine not from Rutherglen would be worth a look anytime. I was told by the messenger who probably should remain nameless for reasons obvious, there's a bit of American oak early on, which in its simplest form I find unattractive, a fact known to him. Then: "Mark, it is no way elegant, even a bit rough, but it oozes fabulous flavours tied together by good acid. It's honest and a bloody good steak wine." Personally I would like to see a little less 'Yank' here, but it certainly is a wine with mountains of character. And worth mentioning, a Durif at 14.5% alcohol is probably acceptable. I have seen a Rutherglen Durif at 18.2% which was undrinkable for mine.

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 02 6582 8377

Fax: 02 6582 8378

Open: Daily 9 to5.

Address: 764 Fernbank Creek Road, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444.

Web: www.cassegrainwines.com.au/

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CHALKERS CROSSING TUMBARUMBA CHARDONNAY 2008

Winemaker Celine Rousseau

Winemakers Notes

Colour is yellow with green hues. The nose shows citrus and nectarine aromas. The palate is elegant, fine, long and intense which marks this cool-climate wine, cradled in almost invisible oak. Delicate vanilla finish on the palate. 100% fermentation in French oak barriques, 30% new, then maturation in wood for a further 15 months.

Cellar

"Now to 2020."

Additional Notes

There have been a number of Chalkers Crossing wines over the years, but never one of their Chardonnays. It is here by way of a very positive suggestion from Paul Sanderson of Haviland Wine Merchants. "Chardonnay is purchased from the Tumbarumba Region (with Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc) to complement the Company's Hilltops range of wines. Tumbarumba, in southern NSW, is unequivocally in the Snowy Mountains, part of the Australian Alps with vineyards ranging from 300 to 800 metres."

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 02 6382 6900

Fax: 02 6382 5068

Open: Daily 10 to 4

Address: 387 Grenfell Road, Young, NSW, 2594.

www.chalkerscrossing.com.au

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CHATEAU PATO D.J.P. SHIRAZ 2006

Winemaker Nicholas Paterson

Winemakers Notes

Deep red colour leads into a spicy lifted nose. The palate is both opulent and generous with a blend of red and black berry fruits, followed by a fantastic depth and range of flavours. Subtle oak character melds well with the firm tannins and the dry, savoury finish. A wine that demonstrates the power of the 2006 vintage.

Cellar

10 to 15 years.

Additional Notes

Again, a pleasure to have a Chateau Pato DJP Shiraz in the mix. With such a small amount made each year (none in 2009 and only a little better in 2010, all due to the heat), I jumped at the chance when I received notice from the Patersons in January of 2006's availability. A lovely quote in the accompanying leaflet captures the warmth and spirit of this very small winemaking gem. "I always open a bottle of Chateau Pato with feelings of delight and sadness. Delight because I love the big bold earthy, plummy wine unleashed when the cork comes out and sadness because I can't compare notes and share a joke with David Paterson." John Lewis, Newcastle Herald. Nicholas still drives around in David's old ute, which is no surprise.

Availability

Cellar Door or please contact me.

Winery Details

Phone: 02 4998 7634

Fax: 02 4998 7860

Open: By appointment.

Address: 67 Thompsons Road Pokolbin, NSW, 2321.

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DOMAIN GEORGES MICHEL LA RESERVA PINOT NOIR 2004

Winemaker Swan Michel

Winemakers Notes

This 100% Pinot Noir was harvested in whole clusters. It was fermented with a selected burgundy yeast in open fermenters for over a week before being pressed off. It was then put through full malolactic fermentation and racked into French oak barriques and matured for 13 months with minimal handling, fining and filtration. This Pinot exhibits intense fruit flavours, combined with elegant refinement and concentration. Seductive aromas of red cherries and plums give way to a palate of savoury flavours and subtle spice, broadening out to fine silky tannins for a long lingering finish.

Cellar

Excellent drinking now and will continue to develop over the next five + years.

Additional Notes

With the full bodied red wines in the November Dozen I was on the lookout for a good Pinot Noir for February, one with an interesting story. And from his travels, Glen Brereton proposed the Domain Georges Michel La Reserva Pinot Noir from Marlborough in New Zealand. "Frenchman Georges Michel and former owner of Chateau de Grandmont (a wine estate in the French wine region of Beaujolais / Burgundy), established Domain Georges Michel in 1997. Situated in the 'Golden Mile' which denotes the central route of the Rapaura area, renowned for the production of the best flavoured fruit of the Marlborough wine region. Since 2005 Georges daughter, Swan has headed the winemaking team." 'Interesting story' covered.

Availability

Available To Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 03 572 7230

Fax: 03 572 7231

Cellar Door: Open

Address: 56 Vintage Lane, RD 3, Blenheim, N.Z.

Web: www.georgesmichel.co.nz

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GALAFREY UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2008

Winemakers Kim Tyrer and Paul Nelson

Winemakers Notes

An unoaked style, a lovely melon and creamy peach driven wine with pleasant fresh fruit and persistent flavours and great length. Colour is medium pale straw colour, with stone fruit and melon evident on the nose. The palate has a slight touch of creaminess. This integrates well to the overall flavour profile of the wine. The palate has good balance, although the youth of the wine is evident; the acid and fruit integrate nicely.

Cellar

Excellent now and over the next two to three years.

Additional Notes

The inclusion of an unwooded Australian Chardonnay in this Dozen is probably a most surprising reality, at least to me. Bullying from that man, Glen Brereton. When first proposed I explained the custom is to include a Riesling and a Chardonnay in each Dozen. A Chardonnay in all its oaken / regional fruit glory, a varietal wine although not as dominant on the local psyche as once it was, has over the years 'quietly' developed to new levels component harmony, and this continues. Unwooded Chardonnay wines often show very good fruit and can be enjoyable no doubt, but there's really only room for one in this format. Finishing my argument strongly, or so I thought: 'the only way it could be included here is as a unique wine in its own right!'

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 08 9851 2022

Fax: 08 2324

Open: Daily 10 to 5.

Address: Quangellup Road, Mt. Barker, W.A., 6324.

Web: www.galafreywines.com.au

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JUNIPER ESTATE MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007

Winemakers Mark Messenger and Kym Eyres

Winemakers Notes

95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2%Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, this wine has an impenetrable red colour. The nose is rich and exotic showing black and red currant, raspberry, mulberry, plum, bay leaf and choc mint with spicy vanilla nuances. The palate is layered with the full spectrum of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit characters plus licorice and exotic spices. The palate is full of juicy, succulent, fruit balanced with the long fine tannins and quality French oak, which then combine with fine acidity.

Cellar

"At least 10 years."

Additional Notes

"Spring got off to an early start, which brought forward all phenological stages and the warm dry conditions continued through to ripening. We experienced a small heatwave in early March, which caused considerable stress to our younger irrigated vines but didn't faze our old dry grown vines. Baume levels spiked during the hot weather, however patience prevailed and Baume levels returned back down to manageable levels after a week or so. This extra hang time was vital for proper flavour ripeness in the Cabernet Sauvignon." Jo Newton of Bacchus Wine Merchants showed me the 2005 vintage of this wine with more than a sparkle in her eyes at their Portfolio Tasting last year saying, 'they're' doing really good things over there these days and I think the Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the stars.'

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 08 9755 9000

Fax: 08 9755 9100

Open: Daily 10 to 5.

Address: Harmans Road South, Cowaramup, W.A., 6284

Web: www.juniperestate.com.au

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MICHELINI MARZEMINO 2008

Winemaker Greg O'Keefe

Winemakers Notes

Marzemino, one of the gems of viticulture originating from the Trentino of North East Italy, is widely regarded for its full body and savoury finish. With deep red purple colour, the nose displays ripe chocolate, marzipan and cassis notes, with full mouth feel and persistent flavours.

Cellar

"Enjoy now or cellar up to five years."

Additional Notes

"This wine is produced using traditional winemaking methods and minimal oak influence. Fruit is crushed and destemmed into small open vessels. Yeast is added and the juice ferments in contact with the skins with regular plunging and pumping over at warm temperatures (30 to 35C) for around seven days. The young wine is then pressed out into older barrels to complete yeast fermentation. A bacteria culture is added to allow for malo-lactic fermentation. The wine is racked off gross lees and returned to barrel for maturation. These wines are typically aged for around 12 months in barrel prior to final filtration and bottling. Bottle ageing is allowed for several months prior to release." The Oxford Companion to Wine describes wines from the Marzemino variety as being "once much more famous than now." Adding: "but it can yield lively wines," which is all part of the fun.

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 03 5751 1990

Fax: 03 5751 1410

Open: Daily 10 to 5.

Address: Great Alpine Road, Myrtleford, Victoria, 3737.

Web: www.micheliniwines.com.au

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MILLTON GISBORNE TE ARAI CHENIN BLANC 2007

Winemakers James Millton & Chris Hunt

Winemakers Notes

Straw gold hues radiate with rich bright luminosity displaying energy and light. Aromas of ripe apple, tracking towards quince, acacia honey and waxy pears, all evolving to a myriad of layers as it matures. Taste is an ethereal balancing act. The finely grained tannin from fruit and large wood bind into the clipped yet refreshing acidity, an alluring rich honeyed character will develop and intensity with time.

Cellar

"Ageing potential 15 years from release."

Additional Notes

"The Millton Estate Vineyard has gained a world-renowned reputation for this unique and classic grape variety. It is consistently recognised by international writers 'as one of the best examples in the world, outside the Loire.' The Te Arai vineyard is five kilometres from the sea. This maritime proximity underlies the wine's unique South Pacific style. The silt soils give fragrance while the occasional incidence of botrytis, generated by autumnal mists from the Te Arai stream, gives complex texture and body to the wine. The inclusion of selections from the Clos Monique, sub-section of Te Arai Vineyard, provides an additional dimension, with little incidence of botrytis yielding a dry fragrant wine. Fermentation and maturation in large 600 litre barrels allows the wine to mature and harmonise with time, and without the intrusion of oak tannins, which would otherwise disrespect the subtle fruit aromas." In January this year, around a table with friends I was stunned when the 2005 version of this wine was poured out for all to enjoy its power and beauty. It is a glorious reminder of what this variety can do, and the 2007 is the first wine picked for this Dozen.

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 06 862 8680

Fax: 06 862 8869

Open: Yes

Address: 119 Paputa Road, Manutuke, Gisborne N.Z.

Web: www.millton.co.nz

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PINDARIE BAR ROSSA TEMPRANILLO SANGIOVESE SHIRAZ 2008

Winemaker Mark Jamieson

Winemakers Notes

A blend of 70% Tempranillo, 25% Sangiovese and 5% Shiraz. The Tempranillo was co-fermented with Sangiovese from the vineyard in small fermenters and later blended with 5% Shiraz to soften the tannins. The wine spent nine months in aged French oak to ensure up front fruit flavour and soft, but drying savoury tannins. Special care is taken not to over oak the wine to maintain varietal fruit integrity, six to nine months depending on the vintage. This wine shows strong Tempranillo characters of ripe plums.

Cellar

Enjoy now and up to five or so years.

Additional Notes

"Careful planning goes into the make up of this medium bodied blend. The grapes are produced entirely from vines grown at Pindarie. The Tempranillo is grown on shallow limestone soil to enhance concentration. The Sangiovese is grown on an easterly facing slope consisting of red brown earth and limestone." This is the third vintage of this blend made at Pindarie. The second, the 2007 being in the August 2008 Dozen, where those Notes have more of the winemaking philosophy.

Availability

Available to Retail.

Winery Details

Phone: 08 8524 9019

Fax: 08 8524 9090

No Cellar Door

Address: PO Box 341 Tanunda, SA, 5352.

Web: www.pindarie.com.au

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