Small Winemakers Tasting Dozens |
The Classic August Dozen | |
| CHALKERS CROSSING CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010Winemaker Celine RousseauWinemakers NotesFull-bodied in style and with 16 months maturation in French oak barriques. In appearance the wine is deep red in colour with purple tints. On the nose, classic cool climate aromas such as cassis, cedar, black olives and mint. On the palate, dark wild berries flavours in perfect balance with the fine silky tannins. Long lingering palate. Cellar“Now and until 2025.” Additional NotesI was originally planning to include a Cabernet Sauvignon from Griffith in this Dozen, but it didn't happen. Perhaps next time. I was recently talking to Winestock and learnt they now wholesale the Hilltops Chalkers Crossing wines. Thoughts drifted straight away to the ever brooding Lindsay's 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon from this years February lot. I had a opportunity to re-visit it again recently and I reckon its my favourite wine this year. As Phill Lindsay said at the time: “Its not a pink cabernet!” Another Hilltops Cabernet instead of the original choice seems like a good idea. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6382 6900 |
| CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY “NV” SPARKLING CHARDONNAYWinemaker Andrew DrummWinemaker’s NotesThis wine was made from Chardonnay grapes grown on the University's vineyard in the cool-climate region of Orange. Although this is a 'Non-Vintage' wine, the grapes came principally from the 2011 vintage. 2011 was a cool season in Orange with challenging conditions for other varieties. The Chardonnay grapes were picked in early March before the worst of the autumn rain. Chardonnay is one of the classic varieties of sparkling wine. Made using traditional methods this wine balances the crisp citrus character of the Chardonnay (quite lemony fruit flavours) with the complex flavours derived from ageing on yeast lees in the bottle. It is crisp and clean in the mouth with freshness and complexity in equal parts. An ideal aperitif. Cellar“2015 plus.” Additional NotesI spoke to Justin Byrne of CSU Wines last year at the Orange Cellar Door, when he said all were happy with this wine, and was soon to be released. In May this year when I got back to him, I was told of a lack of stocks and he was expecting more post another disgorgement. August found new stocks and Justin's comment that it is currently his favourite CSU wine. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6933 2453 |
 | CHATEAU PIERRE-BISE ANJOU VILLAGES SUR SCHISTES 2010Winemaker & Viticulturist Claude PapinWinemaker’s Notes“75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermented 100% in horizontal enclosed stainless steel fermenters (the must is fermented without pumping over to avoid too much tannin extraction) - this is the old method of fermenting red wines. The wine was then aged in tanks (no barriques used). The Schistes is very mineral with amazing tannins (no astringency).” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. |
| DYSON SANGIOVESE 2011Winemaker Allan DysonWinemaker’s NotesDry grown, these grapes due to the kind weather, were NEVER sprayed with any fungicide whatsoever, fermented in open fermenters, hand plunged and basket pressed (not very hard) then into stainless steel, and old barriques, with no wood value at all, just for storage. Fined prior to bottling with egg white (very soft fining), racked then bottled. The wine is dry, rich and subtle. Very traditionally made, I am very pleased with the way this wine is developing, wonderful mouth feel. CellarEnjoy now and over the next three to five years. Additional NotesThe above Notes were applied to the original 2010 Sangiovese. Winemaking and approach are relevant, as well to the 2011 wine of this variety, his second. I called into to say hello last year, and ever busy, Allan was arguing with his bottling line for not getting labels straight on his export order. It has to be right. I left him 'mucking' around with his shiralee confident in him getting it straight. Recently, he sent some information on wines he has on release, and it seemed logical that the second Sangiovese was a good link to getting back in touch. AvailabilityCellar Door or please contact me. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8386 1092 |
 | EL PORVENIR LABORUM TORRONTES 2012Winemaker Mariano Quiroga AdamoWinemaker’s NotesElegant and pale colour with shades of bright green and yellow. The nose presents a fresh and tropical fruity character, intense and typical, with fascinating floral aromas and citric notes. Fresh flavour, young and fruity in the mouth with good acidity. Well structured and balanced. Cellar“Peak drinking 2013 to 2028.” Additional Notes“We tend our vines at an altitude of 1750 metres above sea level in a unique and privileged region. In the province of Salta in the Andes in the north of Argentina is this extreme desert climate. It offers warm days and cool nights, very little rainfall and plentiful sunlight. Cafayate is a small, isolated valley with very special characteristics: its desert climate and poor soils benefit the production of high quality grapes, making it easy to practice integrated, sustainable organic viticulture. The principal factor influencing the vines is the day – night temperature variation, due to the altitude, which allows the grapes to become very concentrated and at the same time very ripe, resulting in wines with smooth, round tannins. Cafayate gives us this unique terroir,and we contribute the most important thing: family.” On Saturday 24/8 I went respectively to Molong and Orange to pick up boxes and the CSU sparkling from Justin Byrne. Justin commented he and Meg enjoyed the Jed Torrontes from a previous Dozen. On Monday 26/8 I met Glen Brereton, now with Untapped Fine Wines to try the Carmenere. Mentioning the Torrontes, he pulled out 'this' wine and said he hadn't tried it, but had dropped and broke a bottle of said, saying “it smelt fantastic.” I got to take the sample home. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Web: www.elporvenirdecafayate.com/en Australian WholesalerWeb: www.untappedwines.com |
 | FABER VINEYARD PETIT VERDOT 2008Winemaker John GriffithsWinemaker’s NotesA blend of 84% fruit from our Swan Valley vineyard and 16% fruit from Orondo Farm in Dwellingup (picked a month later, in late March). The wine was fermented and aged in one and two year old French Hogsheads for nine months prior to blending, fining and bottling. The wine is a deep purple red. The nose displays wonderful scented violets. An intense, sweet fruited palate bursting with intense violet and pastille flavours. Full firm tannins sit in the background behind the rich fruit, ending in a long, dry finish. Cellar“Displaying typical Petit Verdot character, this wine is enjoyable as a young, distinctive, fruit driven wine, bit will become more complex and softer over five to eight years in the cellar.” Additional NotesI went to meet Michael of Tendril Liquor Agencies, the local Distributor, at his warehouse to pick up the Faber Chardonnay for the last Dozen, and while there he held up a bottle of the Petit Verdot and suggested: 'think about this one.' I had read a bit about John Griffiths and that he likes warm regions, and the Swan Valley is just that. “Our vineyard in Baskerville, grows on the perfect Western Australian 'coffee rock' soil - shallow, low in fertility, with excellent water holding capacity. This along with dry, hot summers has allowed us to grow low vigour vines and produce crops of ripe, highly flavoured grapes with little or no irrigation. The Swan Valley delivers wonderful ripe fruit, warm and concentrated flavours and soft tannins.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 9296 0619 |
 | MR MICK RIESLING 2012Winemaker Tim AdamsWinemaker’s Notes“This wine is made from Riesling grapes harvested at their peak flavour maturity from various vineyards within the Clare Valley. Some of the vines were planted as early as 1980. The juice was immediately separated from the skins then cold settled and fermented for 14 days. Careful blending ensures continuation of the true Mr Mick style. This wine has rich lemon and lime aromas and flavours, made in the classic Australian style with just a touch of fruit sweetness to balance the mouth-watering natural acidity. It is a pristine wine with generous length of flavour.” CellarMade to enjoy now and over the next couple of years, but won't fall over. Additional Notes“In the late 1960s, under Mr Mick's guidance (Mick Knappstein and Leasingham Winery at Clare), the winemaking team began production of 'Bin 5' Riesling. The wine was rich in the mid palate, with low levels of residual sugar, and notably less acidity than its partner in the Riesling stakes, the 'Bin 7.' Today, Mr Mick Riesling revives the intent of the 'Bin 5,' a Riesling for all people, all occasions, and a broad array of cuisine, with just a hint of residual sugar.” From the early 1970s and for most of the decade the Leasingham Rieslings Bins 5 and 7 dominated the market in terms of 'top end' quality perception. Both 'Bins' had their dedicated following, and it was up to 'us' to smile sweetly to John Turk of HG Brown & Sons, the local distributor to gain supply of these two highly regarded wines. As the overall 'order' increased, so did John's consideration. A great game. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8842 2555 Web: www.mrmick.com.au |
 | PARACOMBE ADELAIDE HILLS SHIRAZ 2009Winemaker Paul DrogemullerWinemaker’s Notes“Paracombe Shiraz wine was made from grapes harvested when showing the best possible flavours and quality from the Drogemuller's vineyard. A cool and dry Autumn season provided steady ripening conditions with fruit harvested in early April. Yields were lighter, but the fruit showed great concentrations of flavours and colour. The harvested grapes underwent slow, cool ferment and then gently pressed to gain a soft extraction of flavour and tannins. The wine was put to French barriques to gracefully mature for around 20 months. Paracombe Shiraz will delight with rich aromas, concentrated flavours and cool climate elegance. This vintage's dark ruby colour accompanies an intense bouquet of cherries, plums, pepper and spice. Then palate offers full generous flavours, layered with rich, spicy fruit, fine tannin structure and subtle oak.” Cellar“A complete wine to enjoy for many years with cellaring. That is, if you can keep your hands off it.” Additional NotesI had always enjoyed Paracombe wines since I first saw them when Paul and Kathy did their initial tour of Sydney, calling into a shop where I was working. Concern grew with the spiralling alcohol content of the reds to a point of, sadly, avoidance. Talking recently to Jacki Osborne, I asked her what the current situation was in regards this subject. Generally, they were down to an Industry 'average', and so I asked to see this wine, once she told me of its rating. After an hour open, a tightish wine blossomed, and I remembered very enjoyable wines of the past. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8380 5058 |
 | STANTON AND KILLEEN SHIRAZ DURIF 2011Winemakers Brendon Heath and Simon KilleenWinemaker’s Notes“The Shiraz Durif is a classic Rutherglen style, full of flavour, highly versatile and a very popular wine style. The Shiraz and Durif were made from several different pickings, some parcels co-fermented while others fermented separately all in open vats and hand plunged. The Shiraz gives vibrant fresh berries, while the Durif component adds structure and firm tannin. The wines were aged for 14 months in new and old French and American hogsheads. In appearance the wine is medium cherry red with a slight ruby edge. On the nose the wine has rich dark cherry aromas, with a hint of raspberry and oak. The palate is medium bodied with the same delicious berry fruit flavours. This Shiraz Durif is a complex, elegant, savoury wine with a long finish.” Cellar“Ready to drink now or has the potential to cellar for three to five years.” Additional NotesThis blend has been in the Dozens before but not for some years. I've been getting a regular six pack of reds from Stanton and Killeen for some time now and have always enjoyed this 'classic Rutherglen style.' However, this one was different and does endorse the 'versatile' claim above. Nice flavours yes, but an elegance, as it still delivers at a significant lower alcohol level (12.5%). I asked the always friendly S&K people on the phone, and was told it was a 'wetter' than normal vintage having an effect on all wines in 2011. Then came a most interesting comment: “a lot of people have been very positive in the wines of 2011.” And that shouldn’t surprise too many. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6032 9457 |
 | TAPANAPPA Fleurieu Peninsula PINOT NOIR 2012Winemaker Brian CroserWinemaker’s NotesSmall black bunches were hand harvested on the 2nd March, three weeks before the normal harvest date. They were transported to the Piccadilly Valley where the grapes were de-stemmed, crushed and chilled to one tonne open fermentation tubs. A four day cold maceration preceded the initial fermentation. Fermentation took eight days with hand plunging and reached a peak of 32°C. At completion of fermentation the tubs were sealed down for a further eight days maceration on the skins. The tubs were pressed gently in the air bag press and the wine was immediately gravitated to French oak barriques (30% new) with complete lees. The wine was left on full lees until malo-lactic fermentation was complete. Clear racked, and then ten months in barrique. 2012 Tapanappa Fleurieu Peninsula Pinot Noir is the product of a slightly warmer than average vintage from the very cool Foggy Hill Parawa site. The colour is moderate to intense reflecting the sunny vintage effect on the berry pigmentation. The fruit aroma is of strong black berry fruits with estery floral and spicy edges which contribute to Pinot's 'peacock tail.' The palate has robust fruit flavour reflecting the aroma but with a definite tannin structure and persistence of flavour on the palate. 'A pure expression of the unique Fleurieu Peninsula terroir. CellarEnjoy now and over the next three to five years. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. |
 | TWO RIVERS STONES THROW SEMILLON 2012Winemakers Greg Silkman and Jim ChattoWinemaker’s NotesSemillon from the Two Rivers vineyard was harvested in the cool of the night to reduce oxidation and retain natural flavours. The fruit was crushed and pressed before daylight and then allowed to cold settle for two days. Fermentation was carried out by a neutral yeast allowing all the natural fruit flavours to develop. The finished wine has been gently fined with all natural products. This wine is a classic Hunter Semillon with lifted aromas of citrus and sweet pea. The palate is fine and delicate with flinty characters and flavours of zesty floral fruits. CellarDrink now and over the next few years. Additional Notes“The Two Rivers Vineyard is located in the upper reaches of the Hunter Valley. The vineyard's name was drawn from its unique position nestled on the banks of the Hunter River near its confluence with the Goulburn.” I've been reading a fascinating book about a Newcastle born and bred 'paddler,' who propelled his kayak from below the Glenbawn Dam on the Hunter River, all the way to the port of Newcastle. There is no doubt that the book had a positive influence on the inclusion of this wine. Wonderful reading both in history and adventure, but also its price! Great value. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6547 2556 |
 | VINA MAQUIS CARMENERE 2010Winemakers Juan Alejandro Jofre and Ricardo Rivadeneira Hurtado (MD)Winemaker’s NotesThe 2010 Summer was long and dry with cooler maximum temperatures which contributed to a slower maturation process of the grapes that allowed for aromatic intensity, high acidity and a good balance. Grapes were 100% hand picked and sorted, then cold maceration for five days at 9°C. Total maceration time was 18 days including cold soak and alcoholic fermentation. Malo-Lactic fermentation was in stainless steel. Black fruit and spicy aromas. Good concentration of spicy fruit on the palate, full bodied, silky and seductive, balanced with a fresh, high acidity. CellarMedium term, up to five to eight years. Additional Notes“This wine was made out of grapes produced on a vineyard block planted between the Chimbarongo Creek and Tinguiririca River on the Maquis Estate, set in the heart of the Colchangua Valley almost mid-ribbon in the land that is Chile. The three metre deep alluvial soil with a 30% clay content is ideal for producing Carmenere grapes with excellent volume, complex aromas and great depth. Maquis original winery, still in use today for storing wine, was built in 1927 by owner, and engineer Ignacio Hurtado. Considered revolutionary at the time for the ingenious way to control temperatures during fermentation and its state of the art French machinery. In 2002, after several years of refining the management and quality of the grapes, the Hurtado family decided to build a new winery at Maquis, one that would allow the expression of the characteristics and personality of the grapes in the clearest possible way.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Web: www.maquis.cl Australian WholesalerWeb: www.untappedwines.com |
| [Main] [About SWTD] [Current Dozen] [Profiles] [Links] Copyright ) 2004 SWTD All Rights Reserved. All prices on this web site are in $AUD Liquor Licence LIQP24009748 Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. |
