Small Winemakers Tasting Dozens |
The Classic May Dozen | |
| ANVERS BRABO SHIRAZ 2013Winemaker Andrew Milne MWWinemaker’s NotesThe 2013 Brabo Shiraz is dark crimson in colour with a bouquet of forest fruits and hints of black pepper. A palate of plum and currant characters aligned with a subtle spiciness. Cellar“To be enjoyed anytime.” Additional Notes"The winemaking style for Brabo Shiraz is focused on producing a softer, more approachable wine that can be enjoyed in its youth. Grapes were sourced from premium regions of South Australia to provide a delightful freshness of fruit. The 2013 Brabo provides an everyday drinking alternative." The inclusion of the Brabo Shiraz was a bit of a last minute rescue mission courtesy of Nicholas Gibson. I had received an E-mail from Alan Dyson showing his latest releases, among which was a Shiraz. I tried a number of times to contact him for a sample, but without success. Probably somewhere in France after 2015 Vintage, and half his luck. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8374 1787 |
| AQUITANIA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON MAIPO VALLEY 2012Winemakers Bruno Prats, Paul Pontellier, Felipe de Solminihac & Ghislain de MontgolfierWinemaker’s NotesFour days of cold soaking at 5ºC in temperature controlled 21,700 litre stainless steel tanks. Seven days of fermentation at 25ºC with three pump overs per day. 10 days of post-fermentation maceration at 23ºC. 50% of the wine was then aged for eight months in French oak barrels, with the other 50% aged in stainless steel vats. Nice ruby red colour. Very elegant nose, combining fresh red fruit, cassis and spices. Nice structure and smooth on the palate, red fruit and a note of toasted oak. Soft round tannins, very well balanced with a long after-taste. Cellar"Drink now, peaking toward 2018." Additional NotesIt was two years ago that the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon premiered for Aquitania. I remember some months later, perhaps six months, opening a surviving bottle. And 'perhaps,' again, and probably more relaxed found it to be superb. The good memory stayed with me and while talking to Glen recently, I mentioned it to him. Firstly he told me he was leaving Untapped Fine Wines which disappointed me, but he thought the 2012 was a 'beauty.' I wasn't expecting such a loaded response. He explained his decision and I will keep in touch as I have over time. Since then I have spoken to his replacement, as I think it is such a good resource. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. WInery: aquitania.cl/en Australian Wholesaler: www.untappedwines.com |
 | DANDELION VINEYARDS BAROSSA MATARO 2012Winemaker Elena BrooksWinemaker’s NotesThe colour is deep, dark and impenetrable like the interior of Count Dracula's cape. The nose is blackcurrant, Damask plum and earthiness, with a hint of spice. Smells like freshly fallen rain on concrete. The palate is opulent, welcoming, round and mouth filling. This overindulgence is saved at the palate's end with drying tannins and a cleansing lick of acidity. Long and lingering with a taste of plums that remind you of the wines first enticing perfume. Cellar“Will reward cellaring and decanting. Five to eight plus years.” Additional Notes“Dandelion Vineyards March Hare of the Barossa is a single vineyard wine from Carl Lindner's old block near Lyndoch, the cooler, wetter southern end of the Barossa, ideal for Mataro or Mouvedre as it is also known. Selected bunches were hand picked by family and friends on March 27th and gently crushed into open top fermenters. After 14 days fermentation the wine was then basket pressed into older French and Bulgarian barriques for 18 months maturation and then bottled without filtering or fining.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8556 6099 Fax: 08 8556 6609 |
| FLOWSTONE MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY 2011Winemaker Stuart PymWinemaker’s NotesWine colour is white-gold, with pale green highlights. The nose shows complex aromas of dried pears, pink grapefruit, stone fruits and pastries. There is also a flinty, mineral lift adding further dimensions. The complexity is one of the classic virtues of barrel fermented Chardonnay. The palate is restrained and mineral, but still with surprising texture and weight of flavour. The characters of the nose flow through, and are amplified by the textures and physical sensations of the palate. There is a wonderful mid palate generosity, that is off-set by a mineral acidity that makes the wine finish clean, but does not dull the persistence or length of palate. It walks this wonderful balance of flavour and lightness, while retaining finesse and clarity. It is a wine of subtleties and nuance that make for a beautifully restrained, yet characterful Margaret River Chardonnay. Cellar"Drink now and over the next 12 years." Additional Notes"Margaret River and Chardonnay go hand in hand, but the expression of this variety across the region are many and varied. The Flowstone Chardonnay is from the southern reaches of the region, and is a more restrained and subtle wine than some of its more northern contemporaries. The grapes were hand harvested on the 8th March, and were whole bunch pressed to retain texture and delicacy. No acid addition was made or required. Fermentation was in French oak barrels, 20% of them new. Following fermentation, malolactic fermentation was allowed to start, and run through to completion. The wines stayed in barrel for a further 11 months, with occasional stirring to suspend lees. The wine was blended in February the following year, was minimally fined, filtered and bottled." AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 0487 010 275 |
 | FORREST MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2012Winemaker John ForrestWinemaker’s NotesDeep ruby red colour with berry fruit flavours. On the nose, some lovely peppery Moroccan spice note, raspberry, strawberry. Red cherry, an earthy 'forest floor' leaf note and just a hint of sweet spicy oak. The fresh berry aromas continue through onto the palate, together with a rich underlay of Christmas fruit cake, long savoury after-taste. Cellar"A very good example of Marlborough Pinot Noir that will reward three to five years bottle maturation." Additional Notes"The Pinot Noir grape is one of Marlborough's stars; the cool climate queen of red wine is a natural match for Marlborough's reliable cool dry vintage climate. The grapes typically show ripe berry flavours – raspberry and strawberry; that distinctive 'Forest Floor' earthen aroma and fresh acidity. Our Pinot Noir is an amalgam of four different terroirs: classic Wairau river valley stony soils, southern valleys, Brancott aged clays, Northbank young stone / clay mix and Awatere Valley complex seabed soils. Each plot was hand harvested, fermented in two to three tonne lots with hand plunging, skin contacted post fermentation, gently pressed then aged in 20/80 blend of new / old French barriques for 10 months." AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: +64 3 572 9084 |
 | GOMERSAL BAROSSA VALLEY GRENACHE 2012Winemaker Peter PollardWinemaker’s NotesGrenache selected from our 2.5 acres of Barossa bush vines has been carefully fermented to preserve the traditional fruit flavours and then matured in American oak to add further complexity. This Grenache combines lifted aromas of cherry and raspberry, with strawberry vanilla, and a hint of spice on the palate, to produce a soft medium bodied wine that drinks well now and will reward medium term cellaring. Cellar"Five to eight years." Additional Notes"The Gomersal Wines vineyard's idyllic grape-growing conditions contribute to the excellence of the finished wine. Fruit produced, is the purest and most honest reflection of the Barossa Valley soil and environment. With minimal intervention and judicious use of oak, Winemaker Peter Pollard crafts wines of maximum flavour and harmonious balance. Embracing the district's time-honoured and traditional approach to winemaking, as well, results in wines of exquisite character and intensity, which colourfully reflect the region and surrounding environment." AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8563 3611 |
 | LITTLE WINE COMPANY TEMPRANILLO 2011Winemakers Ian & Suzanne LittleWinemaker’s NotesThe grapes used in our Tempranillo are from a beautiful vineyard in the Broke Fordwich sub-region of the Hunter Valley. The vines are situated adjacent to the Hunter River with the imposing backdrop of Castle Rock. The vines have achieved their balance at a relatively young age and with the assistance of selective fruit throughout the growing season they have achieved optimal ripeness. 2011 was a year that required a great deal of vigilance in the Hunter Valley; the growing season was ideal but there were troublesome rains in January and February. However, early ripening Tempranillo sailed through to ripeness in great style. With the 2011 Tempranillo we have created a wine that is powerful yet elegant. The wine shows aromas of cherry and a hint of leather. Older barrels for maturation complement the earthy, tobacco flavours on the palate, showcasing how well suited this variety is to the Hunter Valley. Cellar"Enjoy on release and over a three to five year term." Additional Notes"Tempranillo (from the Spanish Temprano, meaning early) is a grape variety originating in the Rioja region of Spain. A relative newcomer to Australia, it is capable of producing a variety of styles depending on climate and winemaking technique. It does well in the Hunter Valley." AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 4998 7668 |
 | LUNA BEBERIDE GODELLO 2013Winemaker Alejandro LunaWinemaker’s NotesGrapes from the 60year old vineyard at 600 to 750 metres were fermented at a controlled temperature of between 12 and 15ºC in stainless steel and then aged in the same for nine months and bottled. Light golden with metallic glints. Splendid nose with touches of rose and fennel. 'Expressive,' fresh, seductive and sweet. In the mouth it is balanced but with great acidity and a long term taste so characteristic of Godello's grape varietal. CellarEnjoy on release, but it is capable of further development with ageing. Additional NotesThis Godello wine is Glen Brereton's 'swan song' at Untapped Fine Wines. I'd never heard of the Godello variety and on checking the Oxford Wine Companion (mine is the original 1994 edition) it barely gets a mention other than it originates from north west Spain. Articles say it was virtually extinct in the 1970s but over recent times has undergone a 'rebirth' and now sits favourably beside Albarino as a premier white grape of Spain. It is 'compared' to Chardonnay in that it is fermented either in wood or stainless steel and has supporters of each style, as would be the case no doubt. Again its 'essence' is described via its minerality and acidity. Anyway, Glen was in his way, very enthusiastic about it when it was lined up at a tasting of recent imports. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery: www.lunabeberide.es/en Australian Wholesaler www.untappedwines.com |
 | OPTIMISTE PETIT VERDOT 2012Winemaker Jacob Stein (Contract)Winemaker’s NotesPetit Verdot is a late ripening Bordeaux variety. The colour is dark ruby red; the nose shows lifted, floral violets and red berry aromas. A full bodied, deep and rich wine, with an elegant tannin backbone. Lovely dark berry flavours with a great grippy savoury finish. CellarDrink now and over the next few years. Additional Notes"All wines are single vineyard, estate grown and carefully hand harvested from vines planted by the Dadd family on the rocky slopes on the Sydney side of Mudgee over fifteen years ago. Sustainable farming practices are used." With a distinct lack of time in getting this Dozen together, I didn't get what I would call sufficient information on some of the wines, and this is one of them. However, Jacki Osborne from Inglewood Wines gave me a sample and I think in this case it talks well enough for itself. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Web: www.optimiste.com.au Tasting House: Horseflat Lane, Mullamuddy Open: 10:00 to 16:00 Long weekends or by appointment. |
 | PADDY BORTHWICK RIESLING 2014Winemaker Paddy BorthwickWinemaker’s NotesA mixture of German clones 198-98, GM110 and 239, planted in 1997, 1998 and 2007. Vines are extensively fruit thinned to ensure concentration in the wines. The younger vines have smaller bunches and promote citrus characters and racy acidity, that is the hallmark of the Borthwick Riesling. The older vines tend to produce softer wines, with more mouth-feel that develop into marmalade and honeyed characters. Our Riesling is settled before inoculation with selected yeast strains that promote slow, cool fermentation. The fermentation is arrested when we feel the best balance has has occurred between sweetness and acidity. The wine is always treated with the respect Riesling deserves. An enticing aroma of blossoms, limes and citrus. Almost dry to taste, with delicate perfume and fresh citrus, marmalade and manuka honey flavours. Cellar“Drink now or age for six years and let the wine show the developing complexities of a great Riesling.” Additional Notes“Established in 1996 the family owned and managed Borthwick Vineyard produce wine with flavours that are a direct reflection of the Gladstone region, New Zealand. Ancient stony, alluvial soils and cool climate allows the grapes to grow in harmony in their environment. Sustainable practices and minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery allow our wines to display their distinctive single vineyard characteristics and flavour.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: +64 274 673 478. |
 | SEE SAW ORANGE PINOT GRIS 2014:Winemaker's James Sweetapple & Charlie SvensonWinemaker’s NotesThe grapes were harvested from two distinctive vineyard blocks, creating depth of flavour in the finished wine. The two parcels were fermented with judicious lees stirring to add texture and complexity prior to blending and bottling. The colour is pale straw with a light peach, youthful hue. Lifted aromas of varietal pear, honeysuckle, wild honey and citrus. The palate shows a fresh and zesty wine with mouth-filling flavours of pear and citrus, complemented by minerality and a long crisp balanced acidity. Cellar"Drink now and over the next year or two." Additional Notes"Vignerons Pip and Justin Jarrett have been growing grapes in the cool highlands of Orange for over twenty years. Their philosophy is to create balance and harmony. A balanced ecosystem in the vineyard is reflected in the wines. It is a process requiring vision, patience, perseverance and an unerring work ethic. There is also, of course, the equilibrium of life and a quiet glass of wine after a busy day!" AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. |
 | STEVENS GRAHAM'S VAT 52 2012Winemakers Graham & Carolyn StevensWinemakers Notes50% Shiraz and 25% Grenache from McLaren Vale and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon from Southern Fleurieu. Graham grows all his own Shiraz and Grenache vines on Stevens Estate at McLaren Flat. Meticulously managed by Graham, he and Carolyn hand prune the vines and cultivate regularly to ensure adequate moisture reaches the roots of the vines and the crop develops to its best potential. All Graham's harvests are conducted in the cool of the mornings to avoid the natural dehydration that occurs during the heat of the day, and ensure the luscious varietal characters are maintained in the berries immediately prior to ferment. Each variety was separately fermented in open 1000L fermenters in a temperature controlled environment, plunged twice daily to increase juice / skin contact and enhance tannins, colour and aromas. Each varietal wine was matured for 15 months in either American or French oak barriques prior to blending. This technique of maturing then blending allows each variety to develop and integrate with the oak in isolation to bring out the individual characters of the variety. This particular blend is a great all-rounder. As Graham says, 'with its clean aromatic fruit flavours this is my go-to wine when I'm taking a bottle out to dinner. I don't what is being served but I know it will complement any meal and won’t offend anyone at the table.” Cellar“To be enjoyed on release and for five plus years.” Additional NotesIt was November 2009 with the 2006 version of Graham's Vat 52 that the first Stevens wine came to a Dozen. As was mentioned then, Graham's career very much features his blending skills. Talking first to Carolyn about the 2012, you could tell they're happy with it and now is a good timely reminder. AvailabilityCellar Door or please contact me. Winery DetailsPhone/Fax: 08 8383 0997 Address: 72 Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat, SA, 5171 |
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