Small Winemakers Tasting Dozens |
The Classic February Dozen | |
| BORAMBOLA MOONLIGHT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016Winemaker Richard Parker (Contract)Winemaker’s NotesA lovely plum colour that will deepen with age. To the nose, and ripe varietal characters of blackcurrant and a touch of leafy notes. On the palate, a well balanced wine displaying an abundance of classic Cabernet Sauvignon flavours and oak characteristics from ageing in French Oak, yet still approachable. Cellar“Drinking well now and over the medium term three to five years.” Additional NotesThere's not a lot of winemaking and tasting notes available from this producer, but still there's a curiosity, that to me, reigns above the Gundagai Region. The sample bottle generously supplied by Inglewood Wines had done a number of kilometres and was given no time to rest before it was opened. A new vintage, the 2016, and with the memory of how the 2012 Shiraz from the same property was developing after five years in the bottle and its low cost, I included it. Also from the Website: “Borambola's wine philosophy is simple – we strive to grow the best grapes and to make the best wines. We do this by combining traditional 'Old World' wine making methods with the upcoming technological advancements of the 'New Wine World' as well as using organic and environmental best practice methods.” More detail, please! AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6928 4210 |
| CASTLE ROCK PORONGURUP RIESLING 2018Winemaker Robert DilettiWinemaker’s NotesA light and pale colour with green hues. Intense lime juice backed by a delicate fragrance of orange blossom and lavender giving a bouquet that is zesty and fresh, yet also of great depth. The feature of the palate is the tightly wound structure that is enveloped by beautiful rich lime juice fruit characters. This fruit richness provides the generosity and succulence that is so appealing as a young wine. The core of natural acidity creates that great structure, finesse and length for the wine. The balance between the fruit generosity and tight acid structure is the hallmark of Castle Rock Rieslings. Cellar“Lively, crisp and with an attractive delicacy now, this wine will blossom with age. It will continue to improve through its first year and then plateau, and should drink well for at least 20 years.” Additional NotesThis wine has already won its fair share of awards in Shows, but it was the revisiting of the 'Winemaker's Notes' that got to me and the always agreeable Rieslings from the Porongurup Region, ever tempting. Riesling, along with the other “Noble” white variety, Chardonnay, have always been the kick off or spark to get these Dozens up and running. And when you read a Note like this, produced by the maker, informed, and in the case Robert putting experience into words, 'its the business.' AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone/Fax: 08 9853 1035 |
 | CHAPEL HILL MV BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2017Winemakers Michael Fragos & Bryn RichardsWinemaker’s Notes100% Grenache harvested from the 'Munzberg Vineyard' in McLaren Flat, where the vines were planted in 1952. Fermentation was in open fermenters with regular, gentle plunging. The resulting wine was basket pressed into 100% French Oak (two to five year old Puncheons, 500L) and aged for 12 months. These old, low yielding vines result in small berries, thick skins and open bunches which deliver bright fruit flavours and an invigorating rustic, savoury texture. CellarFive to eight years. Additional Notes“Grenache is the unsung hero of McLaren Vale, and the region's history and tradition can be enjoyed with a glass of this wine that is crafted from old Bush Vines.” I have been eyeing this old vines Grenache for some time in wait for an opportunity to include it in a Dozen, precisely for the reasons described in the previous quote. “Above average winter rainfall was followed by a cold, wet and windy spring. A dry and relatively warm February to mid April allowed for even ripening and optimal development of flavour. The result is vibrant and fresh wines with great natural acidity.” Also of interest from the Notes: “Chapel Hill Winery was built on the site of the historic Seaview Chapel, built in 1865, and the Chapel itself is the Cellar Door.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8323 8429 |
| HAMELIN BAY CHARDONNAY 2016Winemaker Julian ScottWinemaker’s Notes100% Chardonnay from the family owned Five Ashes Vineyard in the Margaret River. Barrel fermented and then matured for 10 months in new and one and two year old French Barriques, with fortnightly battonage or lees stirring. The wine is pale straw tinged with green. Aromas of citrus, white flower, candied orange and hints of pear with subtle spice. The palate has a beautiful drive, moderate weight and a burst of flavour in the mid palate reaching to the end creating a long length of flavour. Cellar“Drinking beautifully now and will develop over the next five to eight years.” Additional NotesIt has been three years since we last had a Hamelin Bay Chardonnay here, and it was the 2013 version. Looking back at the accompanying Notes, you could paste and copy them here, no problem. I continue to read Chardonnay articles with interest and often the Western Australian producers are applauded, and Hamelin Bay is mentioned, often. Chardonnay wines in the Dozens over the years has been a fabulous indulgence and this one maintains, I think, a pretty high standard. I think the 'green tinge' as mentioned in the Notes above was obviously an early observation. Time by now has altered it's complexion. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 9758 6779 |
 | HEMERA ESTATE GSM 2017Winemaker Jason BaretteWinemaker’s NotesThe grapes for all three varietals were sourced from our estate vineyard. The Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro were picked at different times to maximise varietal expression of each grape variety and natural grape acidity. Each variety was fermented and matured separately in seasoned French and American oak barrels for nine months before careful barrel selection to maximise expression of each variety. The wine was neither fined or filtered. The colour is garnet, dark core with pale rim. Lifted aromas of wild raspberry, blueberry, violets and baking spices come to the fore. On the palate, red fruits and spice from the Grenache are complemented with a juicy Shiraz red core with Mataro's savoury finish with plush rounded tannins. Cellar10 to 15 years. Additional Notes“2017 vintage was set by a near perfect growing season with a long awaited wet winter with rainfall well above the long term average. With one of the wettest spring seasons on record, it minimised the risk of frost damage. Cooler than average spring and summer temperatures ensured a long, slow growing season, allowing intense flavour development and retention of grape acidity. Harvest was two weeks later than normal as a result of late January and early February rainfall.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Details: |
 | NOMADS GARDEN FIANO 2017Winemakers Paul & Ben DahlenburgWinemaker’s NotesOnce hand-picked and in the winery the fruit was crushed then whole bunch pressed in our wooden basket press directly to seasoned five year old French Oak. Oak of this age will impart very little if any oak characteristics, instead we believe they are the best vessel for wines to ferment and age in. Oak is a natural product that allows to breathe and evolve with time, something not possible in tanks. Once the juice was in the barrels it was protected with CO2 until the natural yeast, indigenous to the vineyard took hold and begun the fermentation process. Ferments in our barrel room were kept at approximately 24°C to retain aromatics. Once fermentation was complete the Fiano was allowed 12 months on lees to create texture complementing good natural acidity and finger lime characters. CellarEarly drinking wine. Additional NotesNomads Garden wines are sourced and made at Eldorado Road. “The Fiano is sourced from one of the most passionate salt of the earth growers we know in Brian 'Bri' Llewis from his spectacular Greenacres Vineyard in Merriang South. This vineyard is deep in an isolated valley of the sprawling Alpine Valleys GI and such a cool site, it is not unusual for it to snow there a couple of times in the winter period. As with all the wines under the Nomad Garden range input from us in the winery was kept to an absolute minimum. Instead, careful attention was paid to working closely with Bri and ensuring the grapes were picked at exactly the right moment to ensure the natural pH and the flavours were just right.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 03 5725 1698 |
 | PATRITTI McLAREN VALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016Winemakers James Mungall & Ben HeideWinemaker’s NotesFruit was selected from blocks in Blewitt Springs and McLaren Flat adding sub-regional complexity to the finished wine. Crushed, destemmed and cold soaked before fermentation on skin for seven days. Matured in 500L puncheons (36% new French and 64% seasoned American oak) for 13 to 15 months before blending and bottling with coarse filtration. Deep ruby in colour with a bright ruby-purple hue. Aromas of mulberries and blackcurrant and mint with a nicely integrated toasty French oak lift. The flavours on the palate are dominated by the blackcurrant and berries. Complexity comes from dark chocolate and toast. The tannins are long and supportive of the flavours with a gentle and persistent finish. Cellar10+ years. Additional NotesAlso of interest in the Notes: “McLaren Vale enjoys a reputation for producing high quality Shiraz and Grenache along with some alternative varieties from Spain and Italy. Elevation peaks at 350m along the Sellicks foothills with these vineyards influenced by the cooler gully winds making them ideal for (white wine) and cooler climate varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were above average across most varieties with reds from this vintage showing ideal fruit flavour, acid and tannin balance. 2016 is considered by many to be the best all-round vintage for some time.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8296 8261 |
 | ROLF BINDER MONTEPULCIANO 2016Winemaker Rolf BinderWinemaker’s NotesWith this release, the winemaker's intent was to capture more of the typical essence of the Tuscan style Montepulciano wines. This wine was matured for 15 months in 100% three year old French Oak (quintessence). This release was bottled six months earlier than the previous release for a slightly lighter, more crunchy style, as common in Italy. Bright ruby / purple colour with cherry, blackberry fruit and pepper on the nose. A fuller bodied style than its Italian counterpart. The palate shows hints of chocolate, plum and spice with soft tannins and firm, dry finish. Cellar“Best when consumed younger but can be enjoyed over the next three to five years.” Additional Notes“A varietal with its origin in the Abruzzo Region of east-central Italy, the fruit for this third release 2016 Montepulciano is sourced from a very special Eden Valley vineyard. The vineyard has been grafted from 25 year old Riesling vines to Montepulciano. The yield was approximately 2.5 tonnes per acre with about a third of the crop dropped at veraison in order to maximise concentration of flavour in the vineyard. Grapes were harvested late in the vintage, in April, as this region, with its cool nights and high elevation, is perfect for slow ripening and intense fruit flavours.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8562 3300 |
 | THE WILLOWS VINEYARD SEMILLON 2016Winemaker Peter ScholzWinemaker’s NotesThis Single Vineyard wine is sourced from our old vineyard, planted in 1936.These old vines produce grapes that give consistency of flavour year in year out. The palate is full flavoured with classic lemon butter fruit, good length along with elegance and zest that indicates that it will age beautifully. Cellar“Lovely now and will continue to develop over the next five years and beyond.” Additional NotesNo more available in the way of Notes, but a terrific history on the Web Page, in part: “The Scholz's Australian story began in 1845 when 40 year old Johann Gottfried joined his neighbours to flee the religious persecution of his Silesian homeland, and emigrate to a fertile valley on the other side of the world – the Barossa. Like the other settlers, Johann established a mixed farm of sheep, cows, crops and fruit trees as well a few grape vines along the alluvial banks of the North Para River.” Trickling down through the generations, the Scholz history took many directions, but the family vineyard, planted in 1936, was an interest taken up by fifth generation 'Bert,' who had a medical background. “His son, Peter took his first winemaking job with Peter Lehman at Saltram in 1979.Here he entered a dynamic environment, working with Andrew Wigan and Charlie Melton and the Baron himself to produce signature styles of Barossa Shiraz and Cabernet, Riesling and Semillon. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8562 1080 |
 | TWO RIVERS ORANGE PINOT GRIGIO 2017Winemakers Greg Silkman & Liz JacksonWinemaker’s NotesThis wine had limited skin contact after crushing and was allowed to settle in tank for 24 hours. 40% of the blend was fermented in new French oak with the balance cool fermented in stainless steel. Maturation was in new French oak for six months. A wine of vibrant colour with pale straw hues. On the nose there is ripe pear and musk. The palate shows rich fruit flavours of pear and honeydew. This wine is beautifully balanced with a racy acid finish. CellarA wine to be enjoyed young and 'racy.' Additional Notes“Our Pinot Grigio grapes were selected from a region where this variety can deliver its full expression – the cool climate, high altitude region of Orange. Our Vigneron's Selection Range recognises the essential contribution of viticulture to the wine making process. The Vineyard's distinctive site, its careful nurturing and a deep understanding of the vine's requirements are all fundamental to fine wine production. This wine has (as part of the Range), been selected as being a true representation of the unique, individual vineyard site (Orange Central Highlands NSW) where the grapes were grown.” AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 02 6547 2556 |
 | YARRAWOOD TALL TALES PINOT NOIR 2017Travis Bush (Contract)Winemaker’s NotesVibrant red, featuring mauve hue. The nose shows fresh cherry and dark plum complemented by notes of violets, cedar wood spice and flowering jasmine. On the palate, the plum and cherry are accompanied by bramble fruits, hints of toffee, savoury oak and espresso. Underpinning the fruit is a bed of silky tannins. Cellar“On release and over the next three to five years. Additional Notes“In early March 2017, 2/3 of premium fruit was hand picked and 1/3 machine harvested. The majority for the fruit was de-stemmed and transferred into a static fermenter. The berries were inoculated with a small amount of Burgundian yeast isolate to slowly initiate fermentation. The balance of the fruit was 'whole bunch' and was placed into an open fermenter where it underwent carbonic maceration for four days prior to being stomped and inoculated. Hand plunged daily and just before fermenting to sugar dryness was pressed to tank to finish primary ferment. Post pressing, the parcels were allowed to settle in tank before being racked to seasoned French oak barrels for Malo-lactic fermentation and maturation (nine months).” Previous Pinot Noirs from Yarrawood seemed to me to be good economic value in the Dozens. The Tall Tales is a step up in their production, and again enriches the original selection. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 03 9730 2003 |
 | ZEMA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014Winemaker Greg ClayfieldWinemaker’s NotesThis wine was made from fruit which was harvested at its optimum maturity. The wine was fermented for seven days under controlled temperatures in a combination of rotary and static fermenters. Maturation for 15 months in small French Oak barrels has assisted in the development of a wine that shows vibrancy and richness. This 100% Estate grown Cabernet is deep red / purple in colour. And shows ripe and classic varietal aromas of blackberries, coffee and mint. A benchmark in style, displaying vibrant flavours of black currant and chocolate complemented by subtle oak. A well structured wine with delightfully soft, fine grained tannins and good palate length. Cellar“Well structured and outstanding depth of fruit, this wine while drinking well know will continue to gain complexity, offering excellent cellaring potential for up to 10 years.” Additional NotesAn emphatic suggestion from Jo Newton, who 'is' Bacchus Wines. And who wouldn't listen to her? I told her I wanted to start this year in a more traditional way, and what better than a Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. “The Zema family is proudly traditional in its approach to vineyard practices, still favouring hand pruning and limited irrigation to maximise fruit quality.” And a new release, the 2014. AvailabilityAvailable to Retail. Winery DetailsPhone: 08 8736 3219 |
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