McLaren Vale Wine – 2011 Vintage Report

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Lonely Grape

There is a lot of doom and gloom being written and talked about regarding the 2011 Vintage from McLaren Vale.  There are comments about disease effecting the vines and thus the grapes  and how this effects the resultant wine.  The fact about the Vale having some disease cannot be disputed – there are many vineyards with their leaves already falling.  Combined with the cooler year some grapes are not as ripe as winemakers would like.  If we listened to all of this then we would be lulled into thinking that the whole vintage for all wineries has been a disaster.  This could not be further from the truth as there is so many wineries out there that the fruit looks fantastic.

I helped pick Shiraz from the Marius Vineyard about a month ago and the vines had some Downy Mildew but most of the bunches of that marvelous fruit were unaffected.  I know that I will be purchasing a considerable amount of this wine when it is released.  See my short video about this day of picking at Marius Wines.

Over the last few weeks I have spent many hours visiting wineries that have been just so happy with the grapes and the flavors of the ferments.  I will mention 3 specifically:-

  1. Fox Creek Wines – I saw a number of Shiraz batches fermenting with dark colours and fantastic aromas.
  2. Petagna Wines – Paul got through vintage without spaying his vines at all.  Paul has been making wine with grapes from these vines and he has indicated to me that this looks like his best fruit yet.  Sounds to me like another purchase in a few years.
  3. Samuel’s Gorge – Justin looks at his ferments with more than the usual vigor.  “These ferments are some of the best I have seen in my 15 years in the Vale”  What more can I say?

Do not get me wrong there will be many grape growers and wineries not happy with the quality and quantity of fruit and my heart goes out for then, but please do not judge all wines from the 2011 Vintage as being from diseased vineyards and they will be poor wines.

I look forward to see what McLaren Vale can serve up from the 2011 Vintage.

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McLaren Vale Wines – Primo Estate Wines

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Lonely Grape

I remember about 25 years ago spending a very enjoyable afternoon with a young winemaker who was to be married soon and we discussed things such as making wine in the hot wine region that is Angle Vale (just north of Adelaide), making wine from the unfashionable grape that is Colombard and making wine racks from100mm square concrete re-enforcing  mesh.  Why do I bring this up now – particularly when I am talking about a McLaren Vale winery.  Well the young winemaker was Joe Grilli the winemaker and owner of Primo Estate Wines.  He was and still is married to Dina, he continues to make a wine from the Colombard grape and now has a vineyards in Clarendon and McLaren Vale plus a cellar door / function center and winery in McLaren Vale.

Primo Estate Cellar Door Complex

Joe has been known for many things in his career to date.  Using botrytis infection to produce the wine gems that are known today.  He has also linked very firmly to Italian heritage from experimenting with Amarone and Ripasso treatments of the wine grapes, some of the first extra virgin olive oils (EVO) and an aged vinegar.  Joe also takes a yearly pilgrimage to Italy where he produces Italian wine from Italian grapes with Australian know how.  These wines are released in a special event every year.

Apart from a beautifully styled cellar door complex, they hold the Joseph Experience where you can taste some of the Joseph range of wines with some locally made bread plus the Joseph EVO) – costs $10 which is refunded if you buy any of the wines tasted.  This tasting is very popular so I recommend you book so to avoid disappointment.

Wine club membership entitles you to 10% discount on most wines and invitations to wine dinners and other events plus a phone call every now and then offering some special deals.  membership costs nothing – so why not.

A link to the Primo Estate Wines web page is here.

Now the wines…….

NV Primo Secco ($A20)

Released for only 1 week – I felt my timing was spot on.  The wine has been loosely styled on the Prosecco style.  Made with 30% Colombard the wine shows tropical and melon aromas with nice melon flavors and a creamy finish.  This wine is made for easy drinking as it is light and refreshing.  I can see this being another winner for this stable.

2010 La Biondina ($A15)

Straight away I was very happy to see this wine had gone back to it’s roots.  Gone was the blending with Sauvignon Blanc and thus is back to a straight Colombard.  As per my previous tasting of the wine over many years it is a clean and crisp wine that I consider to be the best Colombard made in Australia – with apples, tropical fruits and an underlying minerality.

2010 The Venetian Garganega ($A25)

I have never seen or heard of this variety before – let alone taste it.  As the name suggests the wine was made in Tuscany under the keen eye of Joe.  I got some interesting floral and citrus aromas and the flavors were, well just so complex from such a series of light flavors.  There was peach, minerality creamy mouthfeel and even though it seemed relatively low acidity the flavors just lasted so long.  I believe this is the first release of this variety and I suggest it will not be the last.

2009 The Tuscan Shiraz Sangiovese ($A28)

The second of the Tuscan wines and this one is beauty as well.  The aromas were lifted with floral notes, black fruits, dusty oak and a coconut finish.  The flavors show complexity again – briary black fruits, olives, cardamon that lingers with vanilla plus coconut from the oak that just licks the palate.  So different (as you would expect) from the below wine.

2009 il Briccone Shiraz Sangiovese ($A25)

Black Cherries mixed with spiced earthiness and cedary oak.  Another good wine that needs time to really come together and show it’s best.

NV Joseph Sparkling Red ($A70)

Those regular readers of the Lonely Grape will know I am a Sparking Red fan – when done well.  This wine has a huge reputation and I was so looking forward to trying it again – last time was over 10 years ago.  The base wine here is drawn from a solera system started in 1988.  The system adds new wines to the top barrels and the wine is made from the lowest barrels,  As wine is drawn off wine in barrels above  are added and so on up the barrel system (see a definition of Solera System here).  The base wines are made from Moda (Cabernet merlot) and Shiraz with a very old port used and the top up liqueur.

There is so much aged complexity here – nutty, coffee and those developed characters you see in old red wines.  One can also taste the port liqueur that just adds another layer of complexity.  I will say, for my palate, this wine lacks some freshness that could be gained from some more newer wine added to the blend.  I can imagine many wine people thinking this is wrong – but it is my palate.

2007 Nebbiolo ($A75)

Made from Clarendon Vineyard grapes and shows some influence from a visiting overseas winemaker who had spent time working in Barolo (where this variety is king).  The wine shows minimal skin contact as the wine is lighter than “normal” and one can see the wine browning relatively quickly.  Fast becoming a favorite of mine – the aromas of burnt orange, cinnamon, all spice and turkish delight.  The turkish delight continued in the flavor profile that included violets, range of spices – all wrapped up in a savory finish.  I so enjoyed this wine and I will be visiting this variety more in the future.

2008 Angle Gully Shiraz ($A65)

Quality Clarendon fruit here, showing that quality wine can be made from such a hot and difficult vintage that was 2008.  Dark and concentrated with spices, dark plums combining well with the oak treatments.  What stuck me here was the underlying minerality here that I do not normally associate with Shiraz.  I can see this wine aging better that I will.

2009 Zamberlan Cabernet Sangiovese ($A28)

I was again luck to taste this wine as it has not been released as yet.  Interestingly, this wine undergoes the Ripasso treatment ie the 2009 wine is passed though skins from the 2010 pressings (in this case the 2010 Moda – Casbernet Merlot).  The aromas show a list that I find when drinking this style.  The flavors show the black current that is cabernet but there is a depth brought on by the ripasso treatment.  As you would expect this wine needs time to bring all the components together.  Watch out for it when it gets released.

2008 La Magia Botrytis Riesling Traminer ($A25)

For those that say this wine style is not worthy – you need to try this.  Aromas that are all floral – orange blossom, roses and honeysuckle combine so well.  The flavors are what you expect – citrus and apricots with a real sweetness.  What does strick you here is the understanding the wine is very sweet but not cloying – this wine has lots of acid that just cleans the mouth.  Bring on the dried fruit and blue cheese platter.

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Lonely Grape TV Episode # 74 Grape Picking at Marius Wines

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Lonely Grape

Another vintage – another grape picking day at Marius Wines. So there am I again, picking some wonderful Shiraz grapes. Make sure you stay to the end where there is a good old fashioned Marius Send-Off!

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Clare Valley Wines – Jim Barry Wines (Part 2 – Winery Tour and Red Wines)

Posted on April 2, 2011 by Lonely Grape

Check out Part 1 of this 2 part series on Jim Barry Wines.

Once again I am reminded how small our world can be.  When I found out I was going to Clare, I also remembered that a winemaker from McLaren Vale (the one that employed me at Fox Creek Wines) was now a winemaker at Jim Barry Wines.  Thus, apart from remembering there was good wine there last time I was there, there was now somebody I could contact who might show me around the winery.  My thoughts were correct, Chris was more than happy to show my friends and I around the winery – even though it was Vintage time and Riesling was making it’s way into the winery.  Thanks Chris.

Jim Barry Wines Winery

The winery was an interesting mix of the old and new.  I was particularly impressed with the small scale batching for red wines that allows the winemaker to produce small volumes of different wines and then work their magic in the blending of these small batches.  I was also stuck by the differences in the character of 2 different partially fermented Riesling juices from 2 different vineyards – how different were they!  The Florita Vineyard juice was so floral compared to The Lodge Hill juice.

While we were in Clare we stayed at The Clare Valley Motel. I found this a central location to spend time in the Clare Valley as well as comfortable and well priced accommodation.  Check out the view from the hotel grounds.

Clare Valley Motel Views

Now the red wine reviews……

2006 The Clare Red Shiraz Cabernet ($A16)

The wine is an entry level light to mid weight red wine made from 70% Shiraz and 30% Cabernet.  As an entry level wine this one really fits the brief.  Spicy black fruit aromas that leads straight into the sweet fruit flavors (black plums) and hints of anise.  A pleasant drink and at this price – why not.

2005 Three Little Pigs Shiraz / Malbec / Cabernet ($A19)

Another marketing play with 6 different lables made for this wine means that many of those who like the wine &/or labels will try to purchase the 6 pack containing the 6 different labels.  The wine has 8% Cabernet, 29% Malbec and 63% Shiraz.  Clare seems to have an affinity and history with Malbec so it is no surprise seeing it here in this blend.  Interesting pepper and Cranberry aromas that has lots of red fruit plus spice (mainly fennel) flavors.  The tannins are quite dusty and dry – it feels like the wine is causing the teeth to become dry.  The red fruits indicate early picking and thus agai is mid weight.  Highly enjoyable at the price.

2008 The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon ($A19)

The Coonawarra fruit just come through here.  Now we get menthol, spice and even some eucalyptus wrapped cassis and quite rounded tannins.  The Coonawarra-ness is very up front and not generally what I am looking for.

2008 Lodge Hill Shiraz ($A19)

Now things are coming together.  This wine is more like the Clare reds I remember.  Aromas of plum, cinnamon and white pepper.  The flavors are just a ball of plum, cherry, chocolate mix with some interesting floral notes (I was not expecting floral),  Again, tannins that perform a mouth drying experience.

2006 The First XI Cabernet Sauvignon ($A55)

Obviously the best Coonawarra Cabernet from the cricket pitch vineyard goes into this wine.  A distinct step up compared to The Cover Drive.  Good french oak shows it’s influence here and shows once again how French Oak works well with this variety.  Both the aromas and flavors are laced with cedar, olives, spice and menthol.  The classical Cabernet with blackcurrant influences are here but play a minor role to the others – thus I believe the wine would benefit to further cellaring.

2004 The Benbournie Cabernet Sauvignon ($A90)

Back to Clare Valley fruit and you can see the difference straight away.  The best one word descriptor here is dark – yes there is Blackberry here, but prunes amounst other dark fruit shows the wines concentrated face.  The finish is not only long but also classy.

2006 The McRae Wood Shiraz ($A50)

A very complex Clare Shiraz.  Obvious coconut and sweetness one expects from use of good American oak combines with the aromas of Satsuma Plum and menthol.  There is a lot happening on the palate – different flavor layers everywhere.  Sweet fruits, cashews, cinnamon, nutmeg and chocolate.  The structure here lends it’s self to cellar for a while yet – but why wait.

2007 The Armagh Shiraz ($A205)

Not for tasting – I did buy a bottle and I will share my tasting notes when I drink it.

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Clare Valley Wines – Jim Barry Wines (Part 1 – Vineyards and White Wines)

Posted on March 27, 2011 by Lonely Grape

I do not get to Clare Valley very often (about 4 times in the last 20 years) but I have made it to Jim Barry wines a number of times.  Yet again this iconic winery did not disappoint.

Jim Barry Wines Cellar Door

With their new winemaker coming from McLaren Vale we were able to get a tour of the winery – I will elaborate on the tour in Part 2 of this review.

Jim Barry Wines has 4 main vineyards

The Lodge Hill Vineyard on the eastern side of the town of Clare.  Has consistently produced Riesling and Shiraz wines of substance.  One vineyard and 2 soil types – just so suited to the Riesling and Shiraz grape.

The Florita Vineyard has long been considered one of the premium vineyards in Australia – John Vickory from Leo Buring made the famous Rieslings in the 50’s and 60’s from this Watervale vineyard.  Jam Barry bought the vineyard in the 80’s when many vineyards were being ripped up in the government led vine pull scheme.

The Armagh vineyard at the North of the township of Clare and was planted by Jim Barry in 1968 with Shiraz.  These low yielding vines produce highly concentrated fruit.

There is a Coonawarra connection here with a vineyard near Penola that was at one time a cricket ground.  Jim Barry decided to not only keep the cricket theme in the vineyard (by keeping the grandstand but also the cricket pitch has not been planted), but the wines also have a cricket theme.  Very smart marketing play that is used in the mid range wines and the high end Cabernet.

Now for my review of the sparkling and white wines.  You will need to check out Part 2 of this review for the red wines.

2006 The Nancy Sparkling Pinot ($A19)

A yeasty aroma combined with cherry and strawberry flavors wrapped up in a nice crisp acidity that is like a freshly picked Granny Smith Apples.  Not a classical “Champagne” style, but this cellar door only wine is more than just a sense of fun.  I would consider this a drink now and enjoy as an aperitif wine.

2010 The Lodge Hill Dry Riesling ($A19)

This wine does not disappoint.  I get stone fruit aromas with the expected limes.  The flavors – well all the limes mixed with slate minerality that just hangs around with that lovely acid tang.  When I tried this all I could think of was – “Why would you drink Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc when you can get Aussie Riesling like this!”

2010 The Florita Riesling ($A40)

This yet to be released wine is a beauty and all that you would expect.  The citrus and the minerality were here in spades.  What I was not expecting was the layer of floral notes that added considerable complexity.

2009 The Florita Riesling ($A40)

Love it – aromas of grapefruit and it’s zest rubbed all over some of the finest slate.  The flavors are similar with the added acid of limes and lemons.  Drink it now or drink it any time in the next 10 years and I am sure it will be good.

2008 The Florita Riesling ($A40)

So different again – and my favorite of the 3 vintages.  Here the kerosine kicks in with that grapefruit zest aroma and then the kerosine developed flavor with lemon, lime and this time mandarins as well.  If this does not want one to throw away the Sauvy then, well maybe there is no hope.

2010 Silly Mid on Sauvignon Blanc Semillon ($A19)

A 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon blend that starts with aromas of grass, honey dew melon and passionfruit.  The passionfruit continues with the flavors and quite an interesting acid length.  Not a bad wine, but after the Rieslings I can not see why you would.

2009 Riesling Project – Tank 8 Sweet Riesling ($A19)

Each year the winemakers trial different wine styles and sell them at the cellar door to work out what the wine public like.  The 2009 project was a Germanic Riesling – low alcohol and higher acid.  This was all about green apples, grapefruit, lemon and limes with that slatey tang.  Not as sweet as I expected and that was a good thing.  A classy wine that I am told is “walking out of the cellar door”.  We may see more of this wine style from Jim Barry Wines.

Sold out wines

Watervale Riesling

Lavender Hill (Late Picked) Riesling

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Lonely Grape TV Episode # 73 Genders Shiraz Cabernet

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Lonely Grape

After spending a couple of hours with Dianna Genders, I could think of nothing better that sharing some of the fruits of her labors. This time it is the 2003 Genders Park Drive Shiraz Cabernet. A 70% Shiraz and 30% Cabernet blend and yes the current vintage being sold by Dianna is the 2003 vintage. Dianna firmly believes that wines should not be released for sale until they are ready – well Dianna, your accountant may not like it but there are a number of us that do.

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Clare Valley Wines – Tim Adams

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Lonely Grape

Tim Adams Wines Cellar Door

I have only been to the Clare Valley 3 times previously to this occasion.  On one of those occasions, nearly 20 years ago I went to a tin shed cellar door that had the name Tim Adams.  What a difference about 20 years makes.  The cellar door complex is vast, new and shiny with what looks like a reasonably sized winery behind it.  Unfortunately, I arrived at the cellar door with only 20 minutes left before closing time so my reviews below were conducted in record time and thus maybe not as detailed as normal.  So with minimal other information here is my reviews of Tim Adams Wines.

Tim Adams Wines - Winery

2010 Riesling ($A19)

Intense citrus here with lots of lemons and limes, but very interestingly grapefruit.  With these flavors here there is the expected acid depth that supports the flavors that just linger.  This supports just what Clare Valley Riesling is known for.  Bring on the seafood.

2008 Reserve Riesling ($A29)

It has been a long time since I have tasted a somewhat mature Riesling – that organic smell and taste of the kerosene.  Well this one brought back memories of a couple of occasions.  The toasty, kero, citrus rind and grapefruit aromas followed by all those lovely lime flavors.  I can see this wine would not be in favor with everybody, but you cannot please everybody all the time.

2009 Semillon ($A19)

I really enjoyed the floral notes wrapped up with stone fruit (mainly nectarine) aromas.  The flavors show the oak fermentation by some cedar notes and a creamyness complexity.  Those peaches and nectarines also make a play in those flavors.  I can see a bowl of Thai Green Curry in this wines future.

2007 Pinot Gris ($A19)

Did not taste.

2007 The Fergus ($A20)

This is a blend of all sorts of red varieties with a Grenache basis (30%).  This medium bodied red wine has the red fruits you would expect from Grenache.  The aromas and the flavors are a little short, however I can see a lot of people liking this wine.  Lamb, lamb and more lamb would work well here.

2008 Reserve Tempranillo ($A29)

It is good to see the region looking at what maybe the future direction of warmer regions like Clare Valley.  Tempranillo is doing good things in many of the wine regions of Australia – so I was looking forward to this.  I was not disappointed.  The aromas were cherry fruits with a spicy earthyness – with the spices being cloves and cinnamon.  The earthy and cherry continues on a flavor profile that has associated body that is very appealing.  If this is the view of Tempranillo in the Clare Valley then bring on more of it.

2008 Cabernet Malbec ($A20)

A classy wine from an unfashionable blend.  If you like wines with strength and substance then this is one to try.  Strong dark fruits and spice with character and palate length.  At this price this should be on everybody’s list.

2007 Shiraz ($A20)

This vintage is almost sold out and I can understand why.  This vintage the old vines from Aberfeldy vineyard helped produce the wine.  The aromas were reminiscent of mulberries and violets.  The fruit is mainly blackberry and there is wonderful spices of pepper and cardamon.  The acid here creates depth as well as a little tingle on the tongue.

2008 Aberfeldy Shiraz ($A44)

The Aberfeldy vineyard was planted with Shiraz in 1904 so one would expect concentration of flavors from small yielding vines.  So this was another offering I was looking forward to.  The aromas were based around cloves and cinnamon with an envelope of cherry plums.  The aromas also showed there is a decent slug of American oak here – there was the tell tale coconut sweetness.  The flavors were layers of dark fruits, plums and cherries with the spices of cloves and cinnamon and then the American oak adds complexity.  The oak imparted sweet coconut and vanilla flavors.

2010 Botrytis Riesling ($A25 – 375mL bottle)

In the right conditions the Botrytis mold can do wonderful things to a wine – and I emphasis the conditions need to be right.  In this case I can see many right things – flora and fruit salad aromas combined with tropical and citrus fruit flavors that has quite a viscous mouthfeel.  The most impressive thing though is what is not there – so much sugar that it just covers the whole palate and that is all you can taste.  There is a big acid hit here so the high levels of sugar are “stripped” from your tongue and mouth so that cloying experience does not happen here.

20 Year Old Fine Tawny ($A35)

This wine has the hallmarks of a good tawny – wood age colour and flavor that just combines together to just provide a party for your mouth and taste buds.  But as with the wine above there is a lot of acid here and it is not too sweet.  If you like the tawny style without all of the sugar hit then you really need to find this wine.  I know I will enjoy this during the coming winter.

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Lonely Grape TV Episode #72 – 2009 Thorpe Wines Reserve Shiraz

Posted on March 18, 2011 by Lonely Grape

Join me in checking out the yet to be released 2009 Thorpe Wines Reserve Shiraz. It shows a real iodine/inky character that seems to characterize this vineyard.

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Mclaren Vale Wines (really from Adelaide Hills)- Griffin Wines

Posted on March 13, 2011 by Lonely Grape

Griffin Wines Entrance Views

Griffin Wines are in the hills above McLaren Vale and are classified as Adelaide Hills GI.  I have decided to review them as they are so close to McLaren Vale.  The Griffin’s (Trevor & Val) arrived in Kuitpo in the 70’s with the aim of finding their “place”.  Vines (26.5 ha) were planted in1997 with their first wine made in 2000.  The Sauvignon Blanc is made by Shaw & Smith (Adelaide Hills) and the reds are made by Phil Christiansen with the rest made by various people.  This wine making is not a hands off process for the family – they have a direct input into what happens with their fruit and wine.

Griffin Wines Property View

The wines are not just a reflection of the place they are grown and made but also of the Griffin family – to this end the family adorns their wine labels which have drawn international acclaim.

The house is opened only a few times every year for a “Cellar Door tasting” and they also hold functions at their property.  A once a year they also hold a wine dinner at Waverly House (South Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia) with live musicians and I am told lots of fun.

Their Web site can be found here.

The wines………..

2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($A17)

This is one for the Sauvignon Blanc drinkers out there.  Lots of Sauvy grassyness and passionfruit and as expected from the Adelaide Hills there is a good acid backbone.  Why would you even consider the junk from across the ditch when you can this here at a relatively good price.

2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($A17)

Sorry to say this wine is showing it’s age and is one to miss – goto the 2010 wine and do not pass go!

2009 Chardonnay ($A11)

I stand by my view that Chardonnay needs some oak treatment to provide complexity that many find compelling from this classic variety.  Here is an unwooded version that is pleasant but brings little complexity to the table.  I found the 2008 version so much more appealing.

2008 Chardonnay ($A15)

Some toasty aromas and flavors here – maybe some small amount of oak was showing through.  There is also some creaminess here so I suspect there is some malolactic fermentation action as well.  Both of these mean there is complexity here and one worth checking out.

2006 Pinot Noir ($A29)

Highly enjoyable earthy with cherry notes.  I liked this for the good acid and multi-dimensional fruit and tannin complexity.

2007 Pinot Noir ($A25)

The aromas here were more more vibrant than the 2006 with sweet cherry and floral hints.  I was very interested in the tannin and acid feel on the tongue.

2008 Pinot Noir ($A25)

Compared to the previous wines this was limited.  The aromas were few and far between and the flavors were very short.

2009 Pinot Noir($A26)

I got sweet cherries and nice firm tannins.  I suspect a few more years is needed to see this wine anywhere near it’s best.

2007 Merlot ($A20)

Plumy and earthy aromas combined with blackberry fruit flavors and well balanced tannins.  Not my scene but for those that like this variety it would be one to check out.

2006 Merlot ($A22)

Showing some developed character which made me think the 2007 was better at this time.  There was ribena like fruit that was somewhat one dimensional.

2008 Shiraz ($A19)

Quite different that the McLaren Vale Shiraz wines – due to the cooler ripening environment.  Funny I say that for the 2008 vintage, as it was hot everywhere.  All the spice plums with tannins you would expect.  Compared to the rest of the Shiraz wines below this wine is a little hot on the palate and somewhat raisiny – though neither are over them top.

2007 Shiraz ($A22)

Intense Shiraz aromas with similar fruit sweetness (as per the above wine) and quite soft tannins.  The tannin structure is so lighter than McLaren Vale Shiraz – some will like that and some will not.  Which one are you?

2006 Shiraz ($A23)

The complexity of a good vintage is shown in this wine – particularly after the previous Shiraz offerings that were from drought years.  Here is spice, perfume and cigar box (from the oak) aromas.  The flavors start with the plums and black fruits and show the complexity of good tannins (oak and fruit tannins) wrapped in an envelope of good acid.  I suggest this wine is just showing the integration of the components and give the best indicator yet that these wine need some bottle age to show the real character of the wine.

2005 Shiraz ($A25)

I found this wine a little developed and porty.  I am no expert here, but I suspect that the old barrels used for the aging of this wine had Brett – which means some people will like it and others will be turned off.  I am the latter.

2008 “The Griff” Shiraz ($A115/case of 12 bottles)

This wine is the response to the cleanskin request that most wineries get.  In this case the thoughts were that a cleanskin wine should still be good enough to show which winery the wine has come from and so why not promote your brand.  The 2007 version of “The Griff” sold out quickly and the winery is taking pre-release orders so I suspect the 2008 version will be quick to leave the winery.  The wine has been good enough to win a couple of Bronze medals and even thought the aromas were minimal the flavors of plum, black fruits with dusty oak, this wine is good value.

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McLaren Vale Wine – Shingleback Wines (Part 2)

Posted on March 6, 2011 by Lonely Grape

Vineyard Kitchen

Check out part 1 of this review here.

The restaurant associated with the Shingleback complex has recently re-opened and has been getting some good reviews.  See the attached menu.  There is a real effort going on here at the Vineyard Kitchen to provide an experience as well as good food.  There is live music provided on Sunday and Friday evening.  The portion size feedback has been 3 Tapas plates have been enough for 2 people – so I am also hearing value plus quality is bringing people back.

Wines are mainly Shingleback wines plus a “Winery of the Month”.

Shingleback Range

NV Sparkling Chardonnay / Pinot Noir ($A22/bottle or $A44 for 3)

Good clean drink with yeast characters with up front chardonnay flavors (melon and peach).  There is a real acid hit here that I just makes the mouth water for more.  Starting the meal off with this would not disappoint.

2010 Chardonnay ($A22/bottle or $A44 for 3)

The most unusual aroma of french onion soup starts one off on a wine that has the complexity driven by fruit quality combined with frech oak.  There is the creaminess from the malolactic fermentation and an acid backbone that is characteristic of the Shingleback whites.  Seeing the wine smells like french onion soup why not drink this wine with the soup.  Add some fresh crusty bread with lashings of butter (to match with the creamy mouthfeel) and you might just be on a winner.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($30/bottle or $60 for 3)

As expected this wine is a step up from the other red wines (see part 1 of my review).  The aromas were a little closed (probably due to the bottle only just opened prior to the tasting).  The tastes were far from closed.  There was some black current expected for Cabernet but the mouthfeel was just BIG.  There was obviously some excellent fruit here and aged in good oak as the tannin structure was well balanced but neither was obviously overpowering the other.  Cabernets are known for lacking character on the mid palate – not so here,  McLaren Vale flavor is here in abundance.  I am thinking of drinking this wine with a plate of Irish Stew.

2007 Shiraz ($A30/bottle or $60 for 3)

Straight away I get cigar box and french oak aromas – even before my nose was embedded into the glass.  I really enjoyed the fruit depth here – satsuma plums and black fruits together with the fruit sweetness makes the experience like drinking a complex fruit cake.  Again there was acid depth creating a backbone for all the fruit and oak structure.  I am thinking of a steak with mushroom sauce – you never know I may even share the wine.

2007 “Show Reserve” Shiraz ($A30/bottle or $60 for 3)

This wine was being groomed for “The Gate” range and it was changed at the last minute.  This is good for the consumer as the wine is cheaper!  For me this wine is another step up from the standard Shiraz, however I can see a lot of people liking the fruit of the standard wine.  Here, there is lots of plums (both dark and red) and cherries combined with quite smooth fine tannin structure.  A couple of slices of Beef Wellington would see me very happy while drinking this wine.

NV “Black Bubbles” Sparkling Shiraz ($A30/bottle or $60 for 3)

Regular readers of “The Lonely Grape” know I like a good sparkling red and I do like this one.  I can best describe it as “liquid black forest cake with bubbles and a drying finish”.  I enjoyed this with a meal of pan fried marinated chicken breast fillet and a Caesar salad.  It worked well so why not try it as well.

Reserve Wines ($A55/bottle)

2006 D Block Cabernet Sauvignon
The wine was just opened when I arrived, however I got lots of dusty characters from the oak treatment here – I was immediately concerned about the oak monster about to appear here.  The flavors showed intense fruit of which only some was the expected black currents – so McLaren Vale character just shines through again.  The tannins are dry, dusty, soft and a little grainy which indicates to me the wine needs some more time to see it’s best.  There was certainly layers of structure here so you need full flavored food maybe slowly braised lamb shanks.
2006 D Block Shiraz
The aromas start you off with interesting inky or iodine, through to earthy and then a slight perfume hint at the end.  Quite complex already.  The flavors are all about the fruit with just a little oak supporting the structure.  Layered fruit cake (plum and sultanas) are hear to give a you the McLaren Vale Shiraz experience.  Drinking now better than the Cabernet above, but it will still last for a while – if you have the patience.  With all this structure how about trying this with a Beef & Guinness Pie.

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