A great opportunity to check out some of the wines I’m putting on the Re-discovering Australia tasting on 30 March – it’s going to be a good ‘un.
De Bortoli Chardonnay 2003 – the Yarra Valley makes some terrific chardys and this is one of my favourite examples. Rich with fig and ripe peach, yet beautifully balanced with well-integrated spicy, toasty oak. Winemaker Steve Webber also makes wine in Burgundy and it shows in this wine and his pinot noirs.
De Bortoli Shiraz 2002 – wild red fruits and plum with freshly ground black pepper; the sweetness of the ripe fruit really comes through on the finish – very gluggable!
De Bortoli Shiraz/Viognier 2003 – 7% viognier lifts the shiraz and gives a heady opulence – its plum flavours are shot through with lychee and orange peel balanced by savoury black pepper and cob nut notes – 30/3/05 Aussie tasting choice
Cullen Chardonnay 2002 –outstanding concentration, freshness and focus reflect super-low yields and a cooler vintage. A natural yeast ferment imparts a tangy, wild edge and plenty of character – 30/3/05 Aussie tasting choice
Cullen Madeline Cabernet/Sauvignon/Merlot 2002 – extremely supple with fleshy plum and mulberry fruit, subtle spice and chocolate notes and the merest hint of cigar supported by those classic Cullen fine-grained tannins. Accomplished and gloriously understated.
Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2004 – as minerally and tight as Aussie sauvignon comes.
Shaw & Smith Unoaked Chardonnay 2004 - white stone fruits, minerals, leesy notes, fine acidity and a very long, persistent finish.
Shaw & Smith M3 Vineyard Chardonnay 2003 – caramel edged stone fruits are held in check by a thread of citrus and a tight, minerally core. Very good.
Shaw & Smith Merlot 2002 - finely structured with fragrant blueberries and spicy fruitcake and a classy whiff of cigar 30/3/05 Aussie tasting choice
Shaw & Smith Shiraz 2003 – spicy black pepper, fresh red and black fruits, nice tannic grip – very Rhonesque.
Devils Corner Chardonnay 2003 - without the veneer of oak you need pristine fruit in an unwooded style to like this – tangy, zesty fruit with a refreshing (unacidified) finish.
Tamar Ridge Chardonnay 2002 – this is a peach of a chardy – fleshy, yet fresh with beguiling crème caramel and toast notes on the finish – 100% pleasurable.
Tamar Ridge Pinot Noir 2002 – : this drought vintage produced plush red and black fruits with supple tannins, good acidity and well integrated, spicy oak – 30/3/05 Aussie tasting choice
Tamar Ridge Pinot Noir 2003 - svelter than the 2002, its terrific fruit purity accentuated by bright acidity; ripe but present tannins and some leafier notes – excellent good varietal character – 30/3/05 Aussie tasting choice.
Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 - spicy, curranty nose with cassis and bay leaf; very refined and well-structured palate with ripe but measured fruit and a burnish of classy, cedary French oak. (Available in Oddbins Fine Wine for c£12.50 – a terrific buy).
Sarah Ahmed
The Wine Detective
January 2005
