Small Winemakers Tasting Dozens |
The Classic November Dozen | |
| CHAIN OF PONDS GRAVE'S GATE SHIRAZ 2009Winemaker Greg ClackWinemaker’s NotesDeep cherry red with slight purple / plum hue. Aromas of redcurrant, fresh raspberries and black olive balanced by plums, hints of mulberry and cedary spice. Lifted sweet notes of vanilla and cashews. The palate is rich and lively displaying primary red fruits with hints of white pepper and blueberry, along with good savoury supporting oak. Lively acid and slightly chalky tannins give savoury and textural length to the palate which match the good length of flavour. The wine has great depth. Cellar“Ideal to drink now with a wide range of meat dishes including lamb, duck and gamey creations. It will continue to develop nicely for up to 10 years.” Additional Notes“Fruit was selected from one vineyard in the Southern Adelaide Hills in the sub region of Kuitpo, the easterly facing slope grows low yielding vines which produce intensely flavoured and regionally characteristic wines. Fermented in static fermenters for six days on skins allowing the rich fruit characters to be fully extracted from the grapes. Pressed off skins and divided into two parcels, one which finished ferment in stainless steel then saw oak treatment. The wine was matured primarily in French Oak (90% French Oak and 10% American Oak) for 12 months.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8389 1415 Fax: 08 8389 1877 Open: Daily 10.30 to 4.30 Address: Adelaide Road, Gumeracha, S.A., 5233 |
| CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY “T” TEMPRANILLO 2010Winemaker Andrew DrummWinemaker’s NotesThis wine was made from Tempranillo grown at Tumbarumba in the high country of southern NSW. 2010 was a warm vintage for Tumbarumba, which allowed fruit to ripen evenly in this cool climate area. This wine has a young dark colour with good hue. Deep colour is one of the characteristics of Tempranillo. This wine saw less than six months in barrel – the style being like the 'Joven' (or young) wines of Spain. The nose shows black fruits and some savoury characters. The bouquet is reminiscent of dark cherry, plum and spice. The fruit driven palate is medium to full bodied and has integrated but positive tannins. The tannins are persistent indicating the wine will develop well in the bottle. This wine will complement a wide range of foods. Cellar“2011 to 2015.” Additional NotesIt's Justin Byrne on the job again, and it is appreciated. After the CSU sparkling wine in August, Justin sent me notes on two wines this, the Tempranillo and as well their Merlot. The Tempranillo had a stronger attraction for me from the start and I stuck with it. But he is a persistent fellow and seeing me as a little suspicious of the Merlot or Merlot in general he pinned me down last week and convinced me of its merits. I left him with a promise. More to the point is what CSU is doing in the market place. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6933 2453 Open: M to F 11 to 4; W/ends: 11 to 5. Address: McKeown Drive Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650. |
 | DE SALIS WILD CHARDONNAY 2010Winemaker Charles SvensonWinemaker’s NotesThe 2010 Wild Chardonnay was picked between 12.5 and 12.7 baumè, whole bunch pressed, settled for 36 hours, racked to tank and allowed to ferment to 9 baumè, transferred to 1, 2 & 3 year old French barriques for 12 months. The 2010 Wild Chardonnay was lees stirred for 9 months with natural malolactic fermentation occurring at the onset of spring. Racked to tank, blended, cold settled and racked again the Wild Chardonnay was bottled after minimal filtering. The Wild Chardonnay has poached stone fruit and undertones of hazel nuts on the nose, with the slightest hint of fine grained oak. The pallet is fine on the front, round in the mid with a backbone of fine oak tannin and acid to draw the back to a lingering seamless finish. Cellar“With good cellaring, this wine will age well for 5-8 years, enjoy.” Additional NotesThis is Charlie's second 'commercial' release Wild Chardonnay. Again a wine with plenty of character, now out the new Cellar Door, quite rightly claiming to have fantastic views of the Orange Region. AvailabilityCellar Door or please contact me. Winery DetailsPhone: 0403 956 295 or 0403 210 703 Open: Weekends 10 to 4. Address: 125 Mount Lofty Road, Orange, NSW, 2800. |
| KLUR KATZ RIESLING 2008Winemaker The Klur FamilyWinemaker’s NotesFrom aged vines – powerful, mineral and elegant. Great dry wine. Bright yellowy colour with silvery effects. Complex, mineral almost iodine bouquet, in which notes of lime, a floral touch (acacia) as well as mineral accents. Exciting first impression: nervous and acidic, cleared off by a structured taste of vividness and refreshment and a pleasant fruity bouquet. It's finish has very good persistence. A real Alsace wine. CellarA lean, elegant and slightly steely delight at present, drier and very different to the local style of this variety is how David Haviland described it, adding it has the potential to cellar for 10+ years.” Additional Notes“The Klur vineyards originated from a long family tradition but have been dedicated to organic production since 1999. Today, they have seven hectares of vines in 20 parcels located in Katzenthal mostly on granite soil, but also on clay – limestone soils. The Klur wines are considered to be characteristic, very personal, bearing the stamp of a certain type of Alsatian wine: clean, yet elegant dry and fruity.” I did walk around for a couple of days weighing up the idea and the advantages before deciding to include a second Riesling here. An imported Riesling very different to the local styles goes with the idea of keeping the Dozens interesting was the point. Any comments welcome. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail or please contact me. Distributor: In Sydney: Haviland Wine Merchants Phone: 02 9929 3722 David or Liz could tell you where stockists are in your area. |
 | LA ZONA BARBERA 2010Winemaker Warren ProftWinemaker’s NotesLa Zona Barbera exhibits deep purple colour with garnet edge. This medium bodied wine has great intensity in the glass, with fragrances of cherry, fresh plums, blackberries and dark fruits on the nose. The soft fine tannins are matched superbly with the great acidity and depth of this wine. The La Zona Barbera pairs well with tomato based pasta dishes, slow roasted game, braised veal or pizza. CellarMedium term five to eight years. Additional Notes“The wine was fermented on skins for seven days before being drained into new and old French Oak barriques to complete primary and malolactic fermentation. The wine was further aged for 12 months in barrel before being blended and bottled. Barbera is an ancient variety with it's historical roots in Italy and widely planted in Piedmont. For decades Barbera wines haves suffered under neglect and lack of attention, but the new styles are bringing out the richness in the fruit that in turn balances the grape's inherent acidity.” I really enjoyed the Chalk Hill Barbera in the last Dozen and was pleased to hear it claimed in a similar way in a recent conversation, which is the energy behind this wine being included here. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 03 5729 8220 Fax: 03 5729 8253 Open: Daily 11 to 5. Address: 251 Upper King River Road, Chestnut, Vic., 3678. Web: www.chrismont.com.au |
 | MICELI LUCY'S CHOICE PINOT NOIR 2007Winemaker Anthony MiceliWinemaker’s NotesHand picked and crushed into open fermenters in small batches, fermented relatively warm (max 30 to 32°C): part wild yeast ferment, part extended maceration prior to ferment, part extended maceration after ferment, part barrel fermentation, part cool ferment. Then matured in barrel for nearly two years with prolonged contact with fermentation lees, and minimal racking. Brilliant deep red. Dark morello cherries, gamey, earthy with some spice and subtle, well integrated oak. Rich and complex with delicious pinot fruit, full palate weight, depth and balance. With great Pinot fruit, lovely oak and great length, this wine has greater depth of tannin and colour than some of our previous Pinots, which is probably due to the warm season. This wine also benefits from the maturity of the vineyard, our 'generally cool' maritime climate, our dedicated approach to winemaking, two years maturation in oak (25% new, 75% 2-4 years old, 100% French) and further time in bottle. CellarDrinking beautifully, with extended barrel ageing, this wine will still improve with a further 5+ years. Benefits from breathing after opening and do not serve chilled.” Additional Notes“Contrary to the opinion of most Australians, this variety cannot show its true value without prolonged maturation, particularly from our cool climate (we pick at comparable times to Burgundy). Do not underestimate this variety, when grown in the cool, even, conditions it relishes, and given time and sympathetic winemaking, it will show the depth and subtlety worthy of the most noble of the red varieties.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 03 5989 2256 Fax: 03 5989 2755 Open: First W/E each month. Address: 60 Main Creek Road, Arthurs Seat, Victoria, 3936. Web: www.miceli.com.au |
 | ORGANIC ONE BLANC DE BLANCWinemaker Frank BonicWinemaker’s NotesThis sparkling Blanc de Blanc is defined by it's elegant floral flavours and fine bubbles as in the world's leading sparkling wines. The colour shows light golden tones with a shade of apple. The nose is smooth, fresh fragrances of rose petals, with subtle lemon and peach influences. The palate is fresh apricots and apples up front, followed by a deliciously clean, soft and creamy finish. A classic sparkling wine, perfect for any celebration. Cellar“Live life for the moment and enjoy now.” Additional NotesOrganic One came to notice in the lead up to the August Dozen. I had been reading about another organic producer when Jacki Osborne suggested their Shiraz, which impressed me with it's unique elegance, different from the often preferred cooler climate Shiraz wines and a full 180 degrees from too many 'big boofy' constructions from the warmer regions of this country. I hasten to add, not all, but 'too many.' Jacki, at the time mentioned the Blanc de Blanc and with a sample, Christmas was organised. A word from theWinemaker: “I love a good sparkling! This wine is superb to celebrate with, and really gets the evening started. Plus, unlike any other sparkling I've had, you'll wake up the next day feeling great.” A thought worth investigating. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 03 5886 1208 Fax: 03 5886 1227 Open: No Cellar Door. Address: The Billabong Vineyard, Jerilderie, NSW, 2716. Web: www.organic1.com.au |
 | PEEL ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005Winemaker Will Nairn. (Andrew Milbourne & Mark Morton)Winemaker’s NotesMature scarlet with brick – red edges. This is a magic Cabernet nose: ripe mulberry fruit with some leafy hints, but no trace of greenness. Quite classic. The palate weight is lighter than you expect. The flavours are quite subtle, showing restrained Cabernet berry fruits and gentle oak influences. Fresh acidity makes the finish bright, held up by fine chalky tannins. A very good example of Peel Estate Cabernet destined to develop classic Bordeaux characters. The wine has a long way to go, even though it's delicious now. Fruit was crushed immediately after picking into open fermenters where fermentation was on skins for five days before pressing, to gain the best possible development on tannin and colour. For eighteen months half of this wine was matured in new French Oak barrels and the other half in second use French Oak barrels. Before bottling less than five percent of Peel Estate's premium Shiraz and Touriga were blended with the Cabernet to help create the lovely balance of fruit flavours and complexity that we've achieved in this wine. Cellar“Looking very smart now and should develop nicely up to 10 years.” Additional NotesFun was being had getting the wines together and with the inclusion of an extra white for the warmer (?) months, and the mix so far, I had to bring in via Paul Sanderson of Bacchus Wines, this often mentioned Cabernet Sauvignon from the West. There were almost two Cabernets, but I will save that for next time, and include a Shiraz. Comments on the mix are appreciated anytime. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 9524 1221 Fax: 08 9524 1625 Opne: Daily 10 to 5. Address: 290 Fletcher Road, Karnup, W.A., 6171. Web: www.peelwine.com.au |
 | ROWSLEY FAULT GRACIANO 2010Winemaker Brett SnelsonWinemaker’s NotesThis wine shows white pepper, cloves and black cherries complemented by subtle notes of olives and fruit peel. CellarMedium term five to eight years. Additional Notes“Named after the ancient fault line on which the Sutherlands Creek vineyard lies, Rowsley Fault sits on the western edge of Port Phillip Basin where it meets the Moorabool Valley. The rich volcanic loam soils rest on a layer of limestone. These conditions show particular promise for a range of European varietals that are emerging in the Rowsley Fault 'exotic nursery.' With vineyards across Sutherlands Creek and Russells Bridge, the fruit from the vineyard produces both the Sutherlands Creek label as well as the iconic Rowsley Fault wines.Winemaker Brett Snelson brings a wealth of European experience to the vineyard placing Rowsley Fault at the forefront of 'old world' inspired wines. With Muscadelle, Nebbiolo and Graciano joining more traditional varieties, the range of Spanish, French and Italian wines capture the essence of the Mediterranean like the climate of the Mooraberrie Valley.” Together with the Soumah wine, this Rowsley Fault Graciano is another very interesting recommendation from the David Haviland conversation. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 03 5281 1811 Fax: 03 5281 1877 Open: Not. Address: 131 Lumb Road, Sutherlands Creek, Vic., 3331. |
 | SOUMAH YARRA VALLEY PINOT GRIGIO 2011Winemaker Scott McCarthyWinemaker’s NotesGrigio means grey in Italian and refers to the fruit of the variety having an dusty grey colour. The fruit was hand – picked and then cool tank fermented on lees to create a lively fresh wine with texture that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with food. Fresh lifted floral aromatics of citrus blossom and fig. The palate is traditional 'Grigio' in style being crisp an incorporating good acidity. The wine remains textural and balanced with a refreshing finish. CellarA drink now and enjoy wine. Additional Notes“The Butcher family purchased the Soumah Vineyard located in the Warramate foothills of the Yarra Valley in 2007. They are passionate about growing first rate fruit and making great Yarra Valley wines. Soumah is an acronym for our dress circle location, South of Maroondah Highway (Soumah). We are strictly single vineyard; we are in a cool climate location; we target quality over quantity; we research, we plant, we nurture; we narrow our varietal focus to Burgundy and Northern Rhone as well as Northern Italy; we strive for savoury, elegant wines; we are partial to blue.” Good to see a sense of humour in such an endeavour. I was talking to David Haviland of his own name's Wine Merchants recently, and he was talking about a couple of his Victorian makers who were pursuing a future in making wines from a number of European varieties. So, in a conversation like that, I asked him for a starting point. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 03 5962 4716 Open: Cellar Door under construction. Address: 18 Hexham Road, Gruyere, Victoria, 3770. Web: www.soumah.com.au |
 | TERRACE EDGE PINOT NOIR 2009Winemaker Dom MaxwellWinemaker’s NotesVines were planted in 2002. Considerable time is spent tending the vines, all by hand. Shoot thinning is crucial to maintain a good canopy density and balanced crop load. Fruit was hand harvested in six lots. After destemming, the grapes were transferred to small open top fermenters where they were cold soaked for three to six days. Native fermentation started after five days. The cap was plunged four times daily to achieve delicate extraction of tannin and colour from the skins. Total time on skins was 21 to 28 days. The wine was gently pressed and transferred to French oak barriques (25% new) for malolactic fermentation and aged for 11 months. The wine was bottled on the 8th March 2010. The wine shows good complexity and concentration. The velvety tannins blend enticingly with elegant Pinot characters in full fruit. Due to our natural winemaking some harmless wine crystals may develop in the bottom of the bottle. Cellar“A fine wine to enjoy now and will reward careful cellaring.” Additional Notes“Terrace Edge is a family owned vineyard and olive grove (the Chapman family) situated on the south bank of the Waipara River in North Canterbury, New Zealand.” For two weeks efforts were made to meet with Glen Brereton to get a sample of this wine, one that he thought was pretty good in all forms of value. In all efforts, until last night 5/12, the distance between our respective postcodes was too challenging. I mention this because it seemed the meeting was ever to happen, but I was motivated because of many positive responses of two Pinots in the August Dozen. It must eventuate. In the end 'game over' and I think Glen was right. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: +64 3 3584205 Mobile: +64 27 4878570 Address: 328 Georges Road, RD2, Amberley, New Zealand. |
 | WISE SEA URCHIN FRANKLAND RIVER RIESLING 2011Winemakers Jake Bacchus & Andrew BromleyWinemaker’s Notes2011 was for Western Australia a superb follow on to the stunning 2010 vintage, with near perfect ripening conditions. A cool, steady start with uninterrupted flowering and fruit set, was followed by a steady warm summer, without any excessive heat, rain events or disease pressure. The grapes were harvested at night and pressed in the cool early morning for fermentation in stainless steel. The wine shows intense aromas of orange blossom and fresh lively citrus, mandarin and pear on the palate and cleansing natural acidity on the finish. Additionally in the Notes: “Enjoy this fresh and clean wine with delicate flavours of oysters, scallops and most seafood. Great too as an aperitif, acting as a great enlivener on the palate. Cellar“Now and for up to three years.” Additional Notes“Wise Wines is a family owned business, whose philosophy is based on sustainable farming practices, nurturing the soil and the vines to produce fruit with distinct varietal characteristics. The winemaking strives to complete the process that begun in the vineyard by guiding and protecting the nuances of the fruit with great care and minimal intervention.” This wine was included significantly because of Glen Brereton's persistence, but what he didn't know is that I was won over long before finally agreeing. The reason, I was mulling over the inclusion of the Alsace wine as well. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 9756 8627 Fax: 08 9756 870 Open: Daily 10 to 5. Address: Lot 4 Eagle Bay Road, Dunsborough, W.A., 6281. Web: www.wisewine.com.au |
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