Small Winemakers Tasting Dozens |
The Classic May Dozen | |
| AMULET PINOT GRIGIO 2010Winemakers Ben Clifton and Sue Thornton |
| CANONBAH BRIDGE SHIRAZ GRENACHE MOURVEDRE 2006Winemakers Shane McLaughlin and John HordernWinemaker's Notes"Fruit for this wine was 85% sourced from Canonbah Bridge Vineyard, Western Plains of NSW and 15% McLaren Vale, all picked at low yields of two tonnes per acre. (65% Shiraz, 25% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre). The Shiraz was matured in new American oak for 18 months; the Grenache in three year old French oak for 12 - 18 months and the Mourvedre is un-oaked. The wine is unfiltered and was blended just prior to bottling. The nose displays rich spice with hints of stewed plum with slight cinnamon and pepper. The palate displays delightful cherry and blackcurrant fruit characters with soft tannins on the finish." Web and back label. Cellar"Drink now. Cellar potential 3 to 5 yrs." Additional NotesThis wine caught my imagination years ago while working delivering wines that included earlier vintages of this one, to restaurants and other outlets in the Sydney CBD. I wondered how a wine made from grapes predominantly grown out on the Western Plains, Warren way would taste. The 2002 version was included in the November 2005 mix. It is welcome this time as a backup for a wine that didn't make it in time and as a suggestion of Paul Sanderson, who, after trying it at his first opportunity during his first Bacchus Wine Merchant's Trade Tasting, one which I couldn't make! "Created in the Cote du Rhone style with Rhone yeasts used," which is no great surprise with these varieties. But according to the Notes, Canonbah Ridge is an organic grower, which of late focuses me on 'flavour.' AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6833 9966 Fax: 02 6833 9980 No Cellar Door Address: Merryanbone Station, Warren, NSW, 2824. |
 | GALLAGHER RIESLING 2010Winemaker Greg GallagherWinemaker's NotesCrushed and pressed immediately then cold settled for 48 hours. The clean juice was fermented at 11°C for six weeks to help maintain the fresh fruit aromas and flavours. The colour is pale lemon. The nose shows fragrant fruit with lime and citrus flower aromas. The palate is clean, crisp and attractively flavoured with a vibrant lingering finish. The citrus flower fruit flavours are 'up front' and the crisp, pleasant body is balanced with a clean, vibrant finish. Serve with lightly spiced aromatic food, seafood or Asian dishes.” Cellar“Enjoy this as a fresh young wine.” Additional NotesThe Canberra Region is well established and years ahead in development terms of say Orange. Both do well with Riesling, and in some cases, very well. I remember talking with a 'winehead' a couple of years ago, and it was the Riesling variety that provided his revelation. He was very enthusiastic in his praise of the Canberra Rieslings to the point where he declared them to be the best in the country. I was a little surprised at this, at what appeared to be an early 'declaration,' and hoped that I wouldn't have to come to any such conclusion for many years to come, if ever. There is a lot more to come from around the country, and I propose to dance to a much fuller ticket! AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6227 0555 Open: Weekends and Public Holidays 10 to5. |
| HINTON HILL COUNTRY PINOT NOIR 2008Winemaker Howie HintonWinemaker's Notes"This wine has been specifically made to be more approachable while still young and fresh. During the fermentation process great care was taken with temperature control to ensure only lighter smoother tannins were extracted from the skins. Likewise the wine was only stored in French oak barrels for eight months rather than the usual 12, so as to ensure the oak flavours in the wine were not overpowering. We have a rich ruby red wine with silky tannins, good length and a generous after taste. It is a medium bodied wine with hints of delicious savoury oak and just a touch of spice. A very elegant and 'approachable' Pinot Noir with sweet spicy aromas.” Web. CellarEnjoy now and over the next few years. Additional Notes“Hinton Estate Vineyard was established by premium pip and stone-fruit growers, Nigel and Elisabeth Hinton with their winemaker son Howie and his wife Sarah. Pinot Noir was first planted in the late 1990s with the intention of complementing the family's fifth generation orchard business. Twenty hectares of vineyard has been established on steep north facing slopes where the terrain is too tough for summer fruit but ideal for grapes, especially Pinot Noir and the aromatic white varieties. The winemaking philosophy matches that of the family's orchard operation, where only perfect fruit is accepted. This ethos is based on growing quality grapes and enhancing natural flavour through the utilisation of simple, traditional winemaking techniques and the best technical innovation.” Winestock Portfolio Notes. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: +64 3 449 2414 Fax: +64 3 449 6266 Open: Seasonally.Summer 9 - 5 Mon-Fri. Other seasons, phone ahead on +61 3 448 8231 Web: www.hinton.co.nz |
 | JED LIMITED RELEASE MALBEC 2006Winemakers Rob Bates Smith Tom Egan and Blair PoyntonWinemaker's NotesThe wine's appearance is dark purple with a deep red rim, a nose of lifted cherry and violet aromas with spice undertones. On the palate, a full-bodied style Malbec with rich sweet cherry flavours and underlying spice notes. Fruit weight is beautifully balanced with natural acid and well integrated French oak. The finish shows a fine yet robust tannin structure and lingering dark cherry flavours. Cellar5 to 8 years. Additional Notes“Mendoza is famous for producing the world's finest Malbec. While wine has been made in Mendoza for over 400 years, only recently, have the higher and cooler vineyard sites in the Uco Valley been identified as some of the best. The longer growing season assists in developing flavour complexity and ripe tannins. Sorted, hand-picked grapes for this wine were from closely spaced low yielding vines which has produced a wine with great depth.” Paul Sanderson, now with Bacchus Wines threw the idea of including this wine in the May Dozen by describing the winemakers as locals who went abroad to make interesting wines. Although not a precedent in having a non Australasian wine in the mix, I thought about it for a week before it dawned on me to be an interesting idea. The Uco Valley in Mendoza is thought of as a “frontier wine region. Fresh snow melt water from the Andes, crisp mountain air, high altitude and pure UV light conspire to make a unique place to make wine.” “Interesting.” Any comments for this inclusion are most welcome. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Sydney Wholesaler: Bacchus Wine Merchant Phone: 02 9420 0800 or 1300 309 775 |
 | KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S RUN SHIRAZ GRENACHE 2008Winemaker Kevin MitchellWinemaker's NotesThis wine 60% Shiraz and 40% Grenache was made in a traditional way in small batches and matured in older French and American oak casks before final blending and bottling, unfiltered. Brick red in colour with youthful crimson hues, with the nose showing silky notes of cherry fruits, old oak flavours and dark chocolate all melded together seamlessly. A warm and richly rewarding palate, both the Shiraz and Grenache complement each other perfectly, laying down a round and textural experience redolent of dark cherries, notes of chocolate and quality oak integration, smooth and persistent. Cellar"At least 8 to 10 years.” Additional NotesAs with all 'traditional' wine producing regions of South Australia, the Clare Valley enjoys a long relationship with Grenache as well as Malbec, and you can see some evidence in the form of large trunk vines nearly to the road as you drive into the township of Clare. And with 'tradition' in mind I found the dedication of the 'Killerman's Run' a nice touch. “Old Mr Killerman lived alone in the bushland behind Kilikanoon Wine's Clare Valley Cellar Door, trapping rabbits, growing fruits and vegetables and as legend has it, making his own wines in a galvanised iron lean-to. The 2008 Shiraz Grenache celebrates the independence and free spirit of one of the Clare Valleys real characters, his home and ours, Killerman's Run.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8843 4206 Fax: 08 8843 4246 Open: Thurs. to Sun. 11 to 5. |
 | KRINKLEWOOD BIODYNAMIC VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2009Winemakers Liz Jackson and Rod WindrumWinemaker's NotesWe believe 2009 will join the 'best vintage' list for Krinklewood with consistent warm temperatures throughout the growing season. Though volumes are low, the colour and intensity of our Shiraz fruit continues to impress. We believe that the Krinklewood vines are now reaping the benefits of the biodynamic practices, and the intense characteristics displayed in this vintage are the clear of Rod Windrum's persistence. Rich cherry red in colour and medium bodied, this vintage has tobacco and dried spices are layered over pristine flavours of blackcurrant and cherries. It has an elegant long finish. Complements a spicy Spanish chorizo risotto with freshly ground black pepper. Cellar“Up to 10 years.” Additional NotesAs mentioned last time, after reading a new wine book 'promoting' Organic and Biodynamic grape growing, I came across the Krinklewod Semillon in Paul Stenmark's Winestock Portfolio. And what a terrific Hunter River Semillon it is. I eyed the Shiraz at the same time and made a loyal mental note to have a look at it. I think the same adjective can be employed to it as well, and makes me feel a need to pursue the topic further. Great flavours. As is often the case I had to look up the food reference for chorizo, and it appears to be spicy Spanish sausage which can be ordered in varying degrees of hotness. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 9986 1644 Fax: 02 9986 2154 Open: W/E & PH 10 to 5. Web: www.krinklewood.com |
 | MILLTON CRAZY BY NATURE DRY FLINT CHENIN BLANC 2009Winemaker James MilltonWinemaker's NotesFrom the excellent 20096 vintage comes the inaugural Dry Flint. Dry Flint defines this classic vibrant Chenin Blanc, with lively mineral notes, racy flint aromas and dry mouthwatering flavours. It is refreshing in it's uncomplicated style and salivating acidity. A versatile food wine, particularly suitable with fresh seafood, summer salads or to accompany a picnic in the sun. Cellar“Cellaring potential three years from the date of release. (1-9-2010).” Additional Notes“We are one of the first winegrowers in the Southern Hemisphere to practice the use of biodynamic techniques in the vineyard and cellar. We've learnt that if you are kind to AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: +64 6 862 8680 Fax: +64 6 862 8869 Open: Seasonal Autumn/Winter M-F 2:00 - 4:00. Web: www.millton.co.nz |
 | SECRET GARDEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005Winemaker Ian MacRaeWinemaker's NotesA soft, full flavoured Cabernet style with a bright rich colour and a firm tannin finish. A typical MacRae wine that can fulfil the winemaker's notes on the 1999 Miramar Cabernet Sauvignon: 'the finish is deceptively soft with complex tannins, which take a few moments to assert themselves. It has a very long finish with new flavours appearing well after you have swallowed the wine.' CellarVery enjoyable now. Additional NotesI continue to receive mixed dozens from Ian every four months and this wine was in the last lot. To my mind, over the years, Ian's red wines have shown different 'moods,' from the classic Australian Cabernets and Shiraz and blends we are familiar with in style, and on average very good and better. And then you get this idiosyncratic Cabernet Sauvignon style that I have only seen in his wines, and I really enjoy their savoury character. When you open this wine (“Sealed with Stelvin closures to allow it to reach its full potential without cork taint”), there is a dominant 'stewed tea' character on the nose grabs your attention, but experience tells me that given 30 minutes to an hour to 'breathe,' it all comes together. You haven't got a show wine, but you do have a wine that 'speaks' to you all the way to the end. I don't know what he does in the making, but I find his reds fascinating as well as enjoyable. AvailabilityCellar Door or please contract me. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6373 3717 Fax: 02 6373 3854 Open: Frid. To Sun. 9 to 5. |
 | TIM ADAMS CLARE VALLEY CABERNET MALBEC 2006Winemaker Tim AdamsWinemaker's Notes"A wine made from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Malbec. Fermentation was on skins for seven days before being pressed out. All pressings were returned to the blend. The wine was then aged for twenty four months in a variety of new and used French Oak barrels to add spice and balance; richness and complexity. The wine is full bodied with blackcurrant and oak aromas and flavours, balanced with generous fine tannins.” Web and Back Label. Cellar“Cellaring potential is at least 10 years in good conditions. The wine has been sealed with screw caps to ensure freshness and authenticity.” Additional Notes“Cabernet Sauvignon has long been recognised as an excellent variety in our district. The addition of Malbec adds complexity to the palate.” On the Tim Adams Website under Media Comments, there is reference to Tim working in the 70s with the “late, great” Mick Knappstein, and parallels drawn between this wine and the historic Leasingham Bin 56 Cabernet Malbec. It cites this “legendary” blended wine, quite rightly, and many would agree, as a highly sought after wine made by a master. I remember witnessing my first real employer, trying, begging to land some for his shop (no vulgar floor stacks then), as it was dished out in miserly quantities by H.G. Brown from memory. Please Tim we want some more! AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8842 2429 Fax: 08 8842 3550 Open: Daily 11 to 5. |
 | TRENTHAM HEATHCOTE SHIRAZ 2008Winemakers Anthony Murphy Shane KerrWinemaker's Notes:A disease free ripening season combined with dry, warm weather allowed perfect ripening of the fruit. Harvested in early March at 14.5°Be, the grapes were crushed and fermented before pressing and transferring to French and American oak for maturation. After 14 months the wine was blended and bottled for further maturation prior to release. Rich and balanced showing lifted fruit aromas of pepper plum, dark cherry and chocolate. The palate is long with fruit sweetness balanced by fine oak tannins. CellarUp to 10years. Additional NotesLooking through the history wines in the SWTDs last month it occurred to me it has been a couple of years since a Trentham wine appeared, the last being their Yarra Valley Chardonnay in February 2009. And as we go into winter a Heathcote Shiraz seemed reasonable enough. Anthony Murphy has plenty of followers via his wide range of Estate wines, but this wine is “part of our carefully selected Victorian vineyard range that aims to epitomise the best these regions have to offer. Sourced from a single vineyard in the middle of the renowned Heathcote region, a region famous as a premium Shiraz producing area. The vineyard's Cambrian soil allows the the vines to consistently produce ripe, full flavoured fruit rich in berry and spice flavours with deep, dark red colours.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 03 5024 8888 Fax: 03 5024 8800 Open: Daily 9.30 to 5 Address: Sturt Highway, Trentham Cliffs, NSW, 2738. |
 | WINBURNDALE ALLUVIAL CHARDONNAY 2009Winemaker Mark Renzaglia (David Lowe Consultant)Winemaker's NotesThis Chardonnay was hand picked, whole bunch pressed and fermented in the following manner: 15% wild yeast ferment; 35% barrel ferment; 50% stainless steel ferment with 50% of this portion undergoing extended lees contact. 70% of all the wine received French Oak treatment: 50% new oak; 30% 1 & 2 year old; 20% over 2 year old. And 30% of all the wine was unoaked. The wine was bottled after Bentonite fining on 13th November 2009. The colour of the wine is brilliant mid straw and the nose shows nectarine and white peach. The palate shows good varietal definition with these fruit characters following on with a touch of fig, and with a little bottle age comes a rich, creamy finish.” Web. CellarMedium term 5 to 8 years. Additional NotesThis wine was a swift inclusion after speaking with Glen Brereton over a pizza in early May. He'd been on the road recently attending to a common “condition” shared by some , and I was keen to hear where he'd been. His news was mostly of wines yet to be released or even bottled for that matter. And unusual as it was, I mentioned that Chardonnays were a bit scarce this time round. Winburndale Alluvial Chardonnay grown at about 800m near Bathurst was his response. He had a few bottles and the Dozens had a Chardonnay. Glen knows what the Dozens want: something new, from a lesser known region is good, a quality wine from high altitude grown fruit is all too difficult to ignore. AvailabilityCellar Door or please contact me. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6337 3134 Fax: 02 6337 3106 Open: No Cellar Door Address: 116 Saint Anthony's Creek Road, Bathurst. NSW, 2795 |
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