SWTD May 2021
The majority of the fruit was hand-picked, chilled overnight and whole bunch pressed into barrel, with the remainder of the harvest done in then cool of the night to retain fruit aromatics. Approximately half of the ferment was conducted by indigenous yeast. The wine was fermented in 100% French oak (40% new, 40% one year old and 20% two year old) to dryness under controlled temperature conditions. Only a small portion (approx. 25%) of the wine was allowed to complete Malolactic Fermentation to retain its natural acidity and freshness. This is a lovely example of restrained and intense cool climate Chardonnay. The wine displays generous aromatics of white peach, fresh grapefruit and white flowers with roasted cashew and gun flint nuances. Interwoven oak provides lifted nutty and spicy tones. Picking over a variety of ripeness levels has helped provide such a complex array of flavours. Its structure is typical of the region: a balance of rich flavour with an intensely textural, taut mid-palate, fine acidity and exceptional length.
“The palate weight, structure and balance suggest this wine can be confidently cellared for five to seven years.”
“2019 has been a roller coaster of a vintage with freak weather events, lower than expected crops and plagues of animals. Winter rains over the Great Southern were steady and provided the vines with good soil moisture which allowed the vine to power on into a dry and mild spring. The weather during the grape ripening into early vintage was milder than average, with notably cold nights.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 9364 0400
Open: Cellar Door visits by appointment.
Address: 380 Mt Shadforth Road, Denmark, W.A., 6333
Web: www.castelliestate.com.au
The grapes were harvested from 15 year+ old vines in the Niederosterreich (Region of Lower Austria), which are sited on clay and limestone soils where the climate is cool continental. After careful picking, the must is fermented in stainless steel tank with no malolactic fermentation but with eight weeks of lees contact. Gentle fining and cold stabilisation. Subtle exotic hints of ripe pear and fresh citrus flavours, it's a dry wine with complex flavours. The palate is rich with flavours of melon and grapefruit with a refreshing, zippy finish.
No recommendation in the Notes, however, according to several references it is best enjoyed in its “youth.”
This wine came as a tasting sample from Vinsight, the Sydney Distributor. And 'subtle exotic hints of ripe pear and fresh citrus,' pretty much sums it up. I can only add elegant and a great drink to that. Also from the Notes: “Kick back and take a moment to enjoy the silence with a glass of Gruner Veltliner. We all need a little 'Funkstille' (radio silence) in our life now and again.”
Available to Retail.
Sydney Distributor: Vinsight
Phone: 1300 048 114 or contact me.
52% Tempranillo, 32% Grenache and 16% Mourvedre. Our grapes were destemmed and tipped into open fermenters, cold soaked with natural 'wild' yeast fermentation. At the end of fermentation, the resulting wine was pressed and transferred to French oak barriques where natural Malolactic fermentation took place. About 15% new oak. The wines were matured in barriques on gross malolactic lees with a small amount of battonage (lees stirring while ageing in wood) to add to palate weight and texture. Full of dark berry fruits, earthiness and a hint of spices. The palate is brimming with gorgeous juicy plum, macerated raspberry and blackberry, earthy savoury notes and dried undergrowth. The finish is soft and satisfying, with gentle tannins. A well balanced wine that is very moreish and savoury.
“Enjoy now or cellar for three to five years.”
Also from the Notes: “This wine was inspired by the young gluggable wines from the Rioja region in north western Spain. It is a blend of Tempranillo (juicy blackberry spiciness), Grenache (earthy raspberry) and Mourvedre (brooding dark berries).
Available to Retail.
Phone: 03 9747 1444
Open Daily 11.00 to 5.00
Address: 15074 Melton Highway, Plumpton, Victoria, 3335.
Web: www.galliestate.com.au
AOC Alsace, 100% Riesling from various hillsides around the little village of Bergheim, with a predominance of heavy soils compound by clay and limestone. Pale yellow in colour, the nose is expressive, refined with citrus and white flower aromas. A 'lively attack' on the palate, refreshing acidity, lime, granny smith apple with a great structure. Fruity with a clean dry finish. A classy dry and gastronomic Riesling from Gustave Lorentz.
“Three to five years.”
I've been tempted with 'Old World' Rieslings for some time, but hadn't actually focused on this one. A fantastic world to explore, the aromatic whites of Europe. Riesling and Chardonnay have been my starting point for these Dozens for some time now, and I had in mind a Sparkling Riesling from Canberra for this lot. Timing has it out of stock locally until June, hopefully. So I went to a second choice and found the same problem. Then, while talking to Jacki from Budburst et al (three portfolios) she got onto her Company's recent Trade Tasting, and this Riesling was by far the standout choice of all Rieslings across all Portfolios, by all comers on the day. Apparently they organised wines in groups by variety, so that was interesting to note. She was on the Pinot Gris lot and the same result went to the same maker, including her own vote.
Available to Retail.
Sydney Distributor: Young and Rashleigh
Phone: 02 9967 5900 or contact me.
Web:
www.gustavelorentz.com
Limited yields through vineyard management, including sustainable farming practices to preserve the richness of our terroirs. The grapes were gently pressed and fermented between 18°C and 22°C. The colour is clear, pale lemon yellow with some green tinges. The nose is clean, crispy green apple with notes of white flowers. Fresh to the palate, lightly fruity with medium acidity, a dry wine with pleasant flowery fragrance.
“Drink now or over the next three years.”
Also in the Notes: “This Pinot Blanc easily pairs with starters like salads, raw seafood, quiches or omelettes. It also matches well with white meats (like chicken) or seafood (like mussels). It can also accompany light cheeses like Gruyere and brie.” And from the Portfolio: “The Cattin family established in Alsace (in Voegtlinshoffen, where we have our winery) in 1720 and immediately started to grow vines. Today the family owns a bit more than 60ha of vine and is one of the largest family owned Estates in Alsace.” The Joseph Cattin Cremant D'Alsace has been in the Dozens twice and is the reference point of including this wine, a Pinot Blanc varietal. The reference books note that it is used a lot in the sparkling wines of Alsace and don't get too excited, generally, in this form. I enjoy these subtle wines and think it provides an interesting variation in the world of white wine.
Available to Retail. Or contact me.
Sydney Distributor: Bacchus Wines
Phone: 1300 309 773.
Web: www.cattin.fr
Cold pre-fermentation maceration (about a week). One week's controlled fermentation at controlled temperatures. 25% of the final blend is aged in oak barrels for six to nine months. The colour is dark with ruby tints. It has scents of red and black berries mixed with floral notes, together with hints of delicate wood and vanilla. It is complex, rich, long and fat on the palate. It displays aromas of crushed black fruits (blackberries, blackcurrants and cherries) and jam. Unlike many Pinot Noirs grown in the Pays d'Oc (Languedoc, Southern France), this wine is not dominated by heaviness or an excessive over-ripeness.
Enjoy now and over the next three to five years.
“This is another example of the way in which Catherine Delaunay has transferred her family know how to the South of France. This wine, which is produced in limited quantities, from 10 year old vines, is quite different from preconceived ideas people generally have about Pinot Noir wines when the variety is grown away from its homeland. It is well worth discovering.” The Malbec from Les Jamelles raised the thumbs of a few people, so I looked for an opportunity to include their Pinot Noir. At the time, there wasn't a Pinot in mind for this Dozen, so I asked Sandra at Winestock about this wine, to which she said: “it would be a good choice.” Another palate I do take notice of.
Available to Retail.
Web: www.les-jamelles.com
Distributor Sydney: Winestock
Phone: 02 9331 3671.
100% Coonawarra Shiraz. Fermentation was initiated in both static and rotary stainless steel fermenters for five days and completed in 300 litre barrels. The wine was then aged for a further 18 months in a blend of French and American oak hogsheads. The Shiraz parcels were accessed for suitability prior to blending and bottling. Deep, vibrant red colour with a bright crimson hue. A full bodied Shiraz, with a spicy bouquet and dark, brooding plum fruit with a hint of rhubarb on the palate. Finishing with fine textured tannins giving great length and an evenly balanced finish.
“Eight to ten years.”
“The growing season was drier than average, and careful irrigation to optimise flavour development worked very well. Harvest was two weeks early, the result of a warmer than average October which advanced the whole season. The was a cooler finish with mild ripening conditions. The Shiraz (and Cabernet Sauvignon) have full palate richness whilst being medium bodied with fine tannin and excellent colour.” And for the record, generally: “Another very good vintage in a run of good vintages since 2012.” The Majella Shiraz first appeared in 1991, and what a beauty to be included as a local “Classic.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 8736 3055
Open: Daily 10 to 4.30
Address: Lynn Road, Coonawarra, S.A., 5263.
Web: www.majellawines.com.au
The colour is medium purple. The nose gives bramble, raspberry and mulberry. To the palate: fresh cherry, red currents, star anise, subtle tannins and bright acidity on the finish. Medium bodied with bright, plush red berry fruit and soft tannins. The oak is subtle and is maintained by the natural bright acidity of the variety.
“15 to 20 years due to the natural acidity of the wine.”
“The 2018 Hunter Vintage produced outstanding quality wines that we are very excited to share. The hot dry ripening conditions provided us with clean, ripe flavoured fruit with firm tannins. We hand picked the grapes at full ripeness and fermented under cool conditions using cultured aromatic yeast. The wine was placed in a mixture of one year old American and French oak barriques where it matured for 12 months prior to bottling. The wine will age well due to the high acidity however can also be enjoyed now.” Also in the Notes: “Savoury notes and high acidity make this the perfect pizza wine. It also works a treat with rich, red meat dishes with a lot of fat and hard cheese.”
Available to Retail.
Phone 02 6579 1317
Open: Daily 10.00 to 5.00.
Address: 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke, NSW, 2330.
Web: www.margan.com.au
The fruit was cold soaked for four days to extract maximum colour before the start of fermentation. The alcoholic fermentation lasted for 10 days in stainless steel tanks, with twice daily pump-overs. Following completion of malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to 30% new French oak, with the remainder going to up to four-year-old French hogsheads. The wine shows aromas of blackberry, juniper berry and hints of salt bush. The palate shows typically grainy Cabernet tannins with a core of intense dark fruit with great length and persistence.
Medium term of five to eight years+.
“Cabernet Sauvignon is regarded by many as the Clare Valley's premier red variety and the region's significant plantings support this view. Fruit for the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from three estate grown vineyards with an average of 20 years. Each vineyard's high elevation contributes to cooler nights during the ripening period, giving the fruit more time to develop great depth of flavour. Although spring and summer were very dry, rain at critical times during the growing and ripening season ensured sound development of fruit. Warm days and cool nights leading into vintage and during the harvest allowed gentle development of the crop, which meant the fruit could be picked at optimum ripeness. Reds are considered to be the stand out varieties of this vintage.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 8843 5900
Open: Mond. to Frid. 9 to 5 & Weekends 10 to 5.
Address: 111 College Road, Sevenhill, S.A., 5453.
Web: www.sevenhill.com.au
Dry-grown Cabernet and Malbec parcels were co-fermented to dryness for seven days before being pressed. The pressings were assessed, and a portion returned to the free run to enhance texture and mouth feel. Each component of the final blend spent 24 months ageing in a selected proportion of new, second use and older oak in our barrel store prior to blending, fining and bottling. Time in oak provides toasty complexity, depth and balance to our house style which is dominated by juicy ripe plum and fresh blackcurrant and blackberry aromas and flavours. A hint of herbal spice assists in making this wine the perfect accompaniment to many dishes.
“Feel content cellaring our Cabernet Malbec for at least 10 years in good conditions. We recommend decanting a few hours before enjoying. The wine has not been cold stabilised, so a harmless crust may form with time.”
“Cabernet Sauvignon has long been recognised as an excellent, consistent variety that performs well in the Clare Valley. The addition of Malbec adds to the complexity of the mid palate contributing violet, mulberry, added texture and richness. The result is a full bodied wine with generous chalky tannins. 2017 was a cool, even ripening year and vines had their roots in some good subsoil from the winter prior. These excellent ripening conditions provide extraordinary varietal fruit flavours and fine textural tannin.” Many times I thought, I must bring back this 'house style,' one that is highly regarded by many, but not too soon, so as to avoid any familiarity, which is a concern I'm generally aware of. It should be: 'good to see this one again.' On checking, it was last here almost seven years ago. Wow!
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 8842 2429
Open: Daily 11 to 5.
Address: Warenda Road, Clare, S.A., 5453.
The grapes were crushed, destemmed and transferred into tank and inoculated with yeast, then fermented over an eight day period with regular mixing of the must to extract colour and flavour from the skins. After pressing the wine was allowed to settle then racked to French oak barrels for 12 months. This wine shows true varietal characteristics of a good Nero d' Avola – a very approachable medium bodied red with a delightful balance of aromatic ripe dark fruits of violets and plum. A hint of savoury oak, balanced acidity and soft ripe tannins make for a long and satisfying finish.
Enjoy on release and up to five years.
“Honouring our Italian heritage of grape growing and winemaking. Sicily is the home of Nero d' Avola where it has been grown for over 500 years and is the most planted variety in the region. The vines are exceedingly tough and thrive in hot dry conditions. The robust nature of the variety and its ability to produce high quality fruit and resulting wine in a hot climate made it a must for the Estate's vineyard. The vines were first planted in 2009. The warm, dry weather conditions of the 2019 harvest lowered our crop levels, generally, and produced smaller berries but helped produce some exceptionally quality. The resulting wine has plenty of aromatics and intensity, packing their punch with amazing concentration of flavour, ripeness and length, making our winemakers very happy.” I asked Jo from Bacchus Wines about this wine to which she replied: “outstanding value,” and you have to agree.
Available to Retail
Phone: 03 5024 8888
Open: Daily 9.30 to 5.00
Address: Sturt Highway, Trentham Cliffs, NSW, 2738.
Web: www.trenthamestate.com.au
100% Cabernet Franc from DOC Friuli, North East Italy. After careful checks during the crushing phase, slow fermentation follows at a controlled temperature with daily pigeage (plunging) for 15 to 20 days. Stainless Steel for eight to ten months. Intense ruby red with garnet red tinges. A rich, lingering bouquet with intense notes of fruit preserve and hints of grass. A velvety, mouth filling palate, balanced by supporting acidity; elegant with excellent length. Its warm, assertive body means it goes well with cured red meats, as well as game.
“Three to five years after production.”
From the informative Web page I found the following of special interest. “Vigneti Le Monde is named after the locality in which it is based. One hundred hectares of vines protected in the north east by the Alps and refreshed by the sea breezes of the Adriatic. The name's origins date back to the medieval times and most likely refer to the term Munda, which means 'reserved land.' As a winemaker, I try not to overcomplicate the procedure. I'm open to experimentation but an excellent wine comes from the soil and not from the lab.” Looking through the Young and Rashleigh Portfolio I was drawn to this Cabernet Franc of Italian origin, and straight away thought, I have to try that. And I did, over three days, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Available to Retail.
Web: www.lemondewine.com
Sydney Distributor: Young and Rashleigh
Phone: 02 9967 5900 or contact me.
