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Was $80, Now $34.99….

The last couple of years - and indeed the next couple - are likely to be the most difficult for premium wine labels starting relatively new and trying to establish themselves at the top end of town. The ones asking (and getting) the big coin have been doing it for a long time. Moss Wood, Clonakilla, Giaconda, Henschke, Cullen and Mount Mary, to name some from a select group that seem to do it on the bit. Wines sell our quickly at release, it seems those in the market for supers have no problem paying a hundred bucks a bottle where the quality and importantly pedigree is unquestioned.

 

What follows is not the first, nor will it be the last time a super-premium label is offered at half price due to a combination of negative factors including failed export orders and unrealistic pricing expectations by deluded marketing personnel about a wine’s worth. This week we have managed to pull out a ripper which is offered even less than half its original price. The irony is this has nothing to do with a failed export order or inability to move at its original $80 retail price. No, this suffered because no-one knew about it! That it can now be had for $34.99 instead of $80 will ensure many more people do!

 

Without further ado, the wine is Mildara Rothwell Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. Now Mildara is the name familiar to all, despite the brewery’s best intentions to burn that name in favour of ‘Jamieson Run’ – still riding on the coat tails of a Jimmy Watson Trophy win 20 years ago. Anyway, I digress. To give you an idea of where Rothwell is in the Mildara/Jamiesons hierarchy and put things into perspective a bit better, first we have the Jamieson Run wines which are sub-$20. Then comes the somewhat famous Mildara Cab Sav around $20. Then the now defunct Jamiesons/Alexanders around the $30-$35. Then came the Jamiesons Winemakers Reserve at around $50-60. Enter the hero of our story Rothwell at $80!

 

I have a theory about my friends at Fosters. They are good at selling established premiums (Grange, St Henri, Riddoch) but struggle to move other genuine but non-established premiums. Rothwell was never going to sell at $80 when no one knew about it. This, despite the fact that it had great endorsements including National Wine Show Gold as well as excellent reviews from Halliday, Oliver and The Wine Front.

 

That’s the back ground and frankly, I fear the wine will get thrown in the too-hard basket and possibly deleted completely. In the short term, we have access to a few hundred cases of the 2005 at around $34.99 per bottle – about 60% off its original retail price! This is a very generous and forward Coonawarra Cabernet – the type I like and is easier to recommend. Beautifully structured, it has lashings of Cabernet fruit framed by quality oak and persistent tannins that aid a wonderfully textured wine. It would be great to have a bottle a year over the next 12. An exceptional wine.

 

Gary Walsh of The Wine Front was clearly impressed rating it 95 points with a drinking window of 2008-2020. He said “Lovely cake-like nose with vanilla, nougat, cinnamon and ginger with ripe plum and Cassis fruit - just a touch of mint chocolate too. There’s a fair bit of oak but it’s good quality and very seductive. Full bodied with masses of fine mouth saturating velvety tannins. Excellent balance, flavour and length. It’s a bit showy perhaps, but an excellent wine of richness and satisfaction.”

The wash-up is a rare opportunity for you to procure an eighty dollar wine where you otherwise wouldn’t, but once it’s gone, it’s…well…gone!

The White of the Year…so far….

Ok, I don’t want to make this statement bigger than it needs to be, especially with a load of 2008 Margaret River Chards still to come, but by golly will it take something very special to knock off the Cape Mentelle Margaret River Chardonnay 2008. This wine is a lesson in precision. Unbelievable intensity yet elegance and minerality on a beautifully structured wine. A hint of something wild and funky just sets this off brilliantly. This could be the ‘Art Series’ killer, and I for one await the challenge. The critics have also gone troppo over it. “It's deep and luxuriant yet fine and supple” says Jeremy Oliver on the way to 96 points; “exceptional structure and mouthfeel” is James Halliday’s take, also with 96 points; indeed it has ‘exceptional’ ratings from all the big names including Gary Walsh; Campbell Mattinson, Huon Hooke, Ralph Kyte-Powell and John Lewis. For the show minded it has a pair of capital city Gold Medals and is priced well below where a wine of this quality should be. It really is a case of reading all of the reviews then trying to resist the urge!

 

 

 

Mildara Rothwell Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - $419.88 per dozen or $34.99 per bottle

The last couple of years - and indeed the next couple - are likely to be the most difficult for premium wine labels starting relatively new and trying to establish themselves at the top end of town. The ones asking (and getting) the big coin have been doing it for a long time. Moss Wood, Clonakilla, Giaconda, Henschke, Cullen and Mount Mary, to name some from a select group that seem to do it on the bit. Wines sell our quickly at release, it seems those in the market for supers have no problem paying a hundred bucks a bottle where the quality and importantly pedigree is unquestioned.

 

What follows is not the first, nor will it be the last time a super-premium label is offered at half price due to a combination of negative factors including failed export orders and unrealistic pricing expectations by deluded marketing personnel about a wine’s worth. This week we have managed to pull out a ripper which is offered even less than half its original price. The irony is this has nothing to do with a failed export order or inability to move at its original $80 retail price. No, this suffered because no-one knew about it! That it can now be had for $34.99 instead of $80 will ensure many more people do!

 

Now Mildara is the name familiar to all, despite the brewery’s best intentions to burn that name in favour of ‘Jamieson Run’ – still riding on the coat tails of a Jimmy Watson Trophy win 20 years ago. Anyway, I digress. To give you an idea of where Rothwell is in the Mildara/Jamiesons hierarchy and put things into perspective a bit better, first we have the Jamieson Run wines which are sub-$20. Then comes the somewhat famous Mildara Cab Sav around $20. Then the now defunct Jamiesons/Alexanders around the $30-$35. Then came the Jamiesons Winemakers Reserve at around $50-60. Enter the hero of our story Rothwell at $80!

 

This is a very generous and forward Coonawarra Cabernet – the type I like and is easier to recommend. Beautifully structured, it has lashings of Cabernet fruit framed by quality oak and persistent tannins that aid a wonderfully textured wine. It would be great to have a bottle a year over the next 12. An exceptional wine. Now – 2021+; Quality: Exceptional; BW; WineStar© November 2009

 

Lovely cake-like nose with vanilla, nougat, cinnamon and ginger with ripe plum and Cassis fruit - just a touch of mint chocolate too. There’s a fair bit of oak but it’s good quality and very seductive. Full bodied with masses of fine mouth saturating velvety tannins. Excellent balance, flavour and length. It’s a bit showy perhaps, but an excellent wine of richness and satisfaction. 2008-2020. 14.5% alc. 95 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

 

Mike Press Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2008 - $150 per dozen - (includes freight & insurance to Zones 1, 2 & 3)

It was once accepted that only the warmest parts of the Adelaide Hills could adequately ripen shiraz. Now, with cool climate shiraz style in vogue, the dynamics are very different. Vivid crimson; the wine exudes black cherry, blackberry, licorice and spice through every pore; just enough tannins to underwrite development. From Adelaide Hills, SA; Drink to 2015 with wild mushroom ravioli; 94 points, $13.99, Screwcap, 14.9% alc; Halliday’s Top 100 Wines for 2009 – The Weekend Australian November 14-15, 2009

 

Mike Press devoted a lifetime to working for the big boys but stepped down as chief winemaker for Mildara Blass in 1998, thinking that he and wife Judy could enjoy retirement growing grapes near Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills. When the big companies refused to pay more than an uneconomic $300 per tonne for fruit, Press decided he'd be better off making his own wine and finding ways to distribute it. Winning a trophy, with fruit classified as D-grade by one of the large wineries, proved a good launching pad for the venture. Further show success (three trophies and seven golds for the 2005 reds) with wines selling on the mailing list for less than $12, suggests that Mike Press can deliver quality wines at rock-bottom prices. The key to Press' success has been the vineyard's 24 hectares of mature vines and his winemaking experience.

 

Mike Press has taken the bargain red stakes by storm over the past few years, and he’s continued the form here. This is riper and richer than we’ve previously seen under this label and while personally I’d like to see it tamed back a notch, the quality/value equation is still pretty amazing. A warning though: you have to enjoy the taste and smell of American oak to enjoy these wines; it’s laid on pretty thick.

 

Vanilla and nougat and then lots of rich, ripe, cherry-plum flavour. All the quality is obvious and up-front and ready to be enjoyed. Delicious wine and clearly a much better wine than the price would suggest. Warm finish and so much oak that it seems varnishy, but given some air it drinks very well. Ripe, grainy tannin folds through the finish. I reckon it needs another 6-12 months to integrate better but for good old-fashioned red drinking, this is right up there once again. Could be worth an extra ‘point’ or two as well, depending on your tastes in oak. Rated : 90 Points Drink : 2010 – 2014 Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front.

 

On the Mike Press scale, this is a big Shiraz. But don't let its stature or its immediate youthful appeal fool you into the impression that it is either blockbuster or simplistic. It is neither, but at this young age it takes a vigorous double decant and a few hours to really reveal itself. When it does, you will discover a bouquet of stewed plums, prunes, rhubarb and pepper with a dash of milk chocolate oak. The palate is concentrated and powerful with flavours of cherry liqueur dark chocolates at first, then building into deep, layered Satsuma plum and preserved black cherry intensity. Tannins are very fine and structured, and it has the acid freshness to counter its high ripeness. With sufficient time for the fruit to unravel, there is no suggestion of overt alcohol. This will be a faster maturing Mike Press Shiraz, but it will benefit from a year to settle, and a further two to integrate. Another impressive result from Mr Press and, as ever, the value for money is off the scale! Screw Cap; 14.9%; 92 points; Tyson Stelzer

 

Brook Eden Tasmania Pinot Noir 2007 - $419.88 per dozen or $34.99 per bottle (Limit 1 Dozen)

Brook Eden vineyard in North East Tasmania is the culmination of a five year search for a vineyard site capable of producing truly exquisite, cool-climate still and sparkling wines. There are only a few such places in the world. Established in 1988 on the banks of Pipers Brook in northeast Tasmania, Brook Eden is nestled in a picturesque valley of rolling green hills. The vineyards are sited along an ancient ridge of deep, gravelly, well-drained, volcanic soil, which runs down to Pipers Brook on one side and a spring-fed, native wetland on the other.

 

Peter McIntosh and Sue Stuart purchased Brook Eden from Sheila Bezemer in 2004. At 41° south and at an altitude of 160 m it is one of the coolest sites in Tas, and (in the words of the new owners) 'represents viticulture on the edge'. While the plantings remain the same (1 ha pinot noir, 0.75 ha chardonnay and 0.25 ha riesling), yield has been significantly reduced, resulting in earlier picking and better quality grapes. James Halliday Wine Companion

 

Deep red cherry in colour, medium bodied, with a complex nose of ripe berry fruits and smoky dark chocolate. Raspberries, plums, blackcurrant and dark chocolate fill the palate, with just a touch of firm, ripe tannins to soften over the next year or so. Will benefit from time in the bottle, allowing the nose and palate to open out and develop. This Pinot also exhibits low alcohol from the wild yeast (naturally occurring) ferment we used with this vintage. Cellar for 5+ years. 12% alc/vol.

 

Leasingham Magnus Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - $179.88 per dozen or $14.99 per bottle

Some smoky/charry aromas; very powerful blackcurrant fruit on a long palate; ridiculously low price but will in all probability be discounted even further. Cork. 13% alc. Rating 92 points Drink 2019 Date Tasted Dec 06 James Halliday Wine Companion

 

A tribute to the brand's history, named after one of Leasingham's four founders, solicitor Magnus Badger. But the wine is also attributable to the distinctive characteristics of the Clare Valley, using fruit sourced from the region we have always proudly called home.

 

Leasingham has historically been recognised for its production of high quality red wine and Leasingham Magnus Cabernet represents true regionality and value in the red wine market. 100% varietal Cabernet Sauvignon and a partner to the Magnus Shiraz, the 2004 is the first release of this wine. It displays all the hallmarks of the Clare Valley and Leasingham style: sweet fruit concentration and boldness of structure.

 

Ruby red with brilliant clarity, this wine displays lifted blackcurrant and violet perfume with underlying coffee aromas. The palate is tightly packed with ripe fruits and dark chocolate and shows fleshy fruit and boldly structured tannins with wonderful flavour concentration and a smooth finish. Alcohol 13.3%

 

Chalice Bridge Margaret River Merlot 2007 - $239.88 per dozen or $19.99 per bottle

Chalice Bridge is a fresh, vibrant and passionate Margaret River winery rated a 5 Star winery by James Halliday in his 2009 Australian Wine Companion, an honour shared by less than one-in-eight Australian wineries. The Merlot is made by none other than Bob Cartwright of Leeuwin Estate fame. A ruby red with a mid cherry complexion. The nose shows fresh mulberry with hints of chocolate and some well integrated French oak. Cedar and cigar notes linger. There is richness on the palate and lovely fruit cake flavours with a touch of acid to give the wine a nice clean, fresh finish. The lingering fresh fruit flavours of red berries and plums are masterfully balanced with silky soft tannins to produce a lovely drinking wine.

 

Bright crimson; an aromatic bouquet with small berry fruit and a nice touch of olive; fine, gently savoury tannins click in on the palate which has excellent varietal expression and mouthfeel. Screwcap. 14.5% alc. Rating 95 Points; Drink 2020 $25.95 Date Tasted Jul 09 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion

 

It is no coincidence that I don't rate the majority of Australian Merlots tasted and the correlation that very few straight Merlots have been offered in The WineStar Journal over the years. Exceptions are some vintages of Petaluma, Irvine, Parker and somewhat surprisingly, the good value Yalumba Y Series version. It is also no coincidence that a recent find would emerge from the brilliant 2007 Margaret River vintage, from Chalice Bridge.

 

How novel, a Merlot that initially smells and then tastes like the variety it is made from. Still a pup to look at in the glass, the nose shows lovely ripe blueberry and some cassis fruit with even a touch of mulberry spice. Not a full bodied win in the mouth by any stretch but no wimp either which is often the fall down to Australian Merlot. There is generous, luscious dark berry flavours in the mouth with the merest hint of vanillin oak. An excellent wine, a real surprise packet and very good value at its asking price of twenty-five dollars. Excellent at anything less than this. Now - 2016; Quality: Excellent BW; WineStar© October 2009

 

Rolf Binder Hanisch Shiraz 2005 - $1199.88 per dozen or $99.99 per bottle

Rolf Binder's story begins in 1950 when his parents arrived from Austria and Hungary, part of the large influx of post war immigration. They worked the Victorian railways for three years and picked grapes in the Barossa, before purchasing an old winery on Langmeil Road in 1955. The small, distinguished area within the Veritas Vineyard area produces about ten or twelve barrels of Hanisch, and cannot be increased as it comes from a small number of vines. Hanisch Shiraz is aged partly in mostly new American oak with a smaller amount under new French oak which has been matured in the Barossa for two years before being made into barrels by A.P.Johns of Tanunda, and partly in older French and American oak

The Hanisch Shiraz is the flagship wine of Rolf Binder Wines. Comprising 100% Shiraz grown in the Veritas Estate Vineyard, the “Hanisch” is named after the original owner of the vineyard , ‘Punch’ Hanisch. By the mid 1980’s this vineyard was recognised for expressive Shiraz of intense aromas, deep colour and flavour. The first Shiraz bottled separately was in 1988, called ‘Long Rows’. The Hanisch was first produced in 1991. Production is tiny at about 300 to 350 cases. The Hanisch philosophy is to make the best possible wine from that vineyard every year and to be the best wine in the Rolf Binder collection.

 

The sensational 2005 Shiraz “Hanisch” was aged in 80% new American oak, the balance in seasoned French. It has a fabulous perfume of cedar, tobacco, vanilla, spice box, truffle, pencil lead, plum, and blueberry. Voluptuous, intensely flavored, and already complex, it will unfold over the next decade and drink well through 2025 for those fortunate enough to track some down. Jay Miller 98 points; Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

 

Supple, generous and impressively long. Offers beautifully delineated blueberry, plum and blackberry fruit, shaded with hints of clove and white pepper, finishing with a creamy texture. Best from 2008 through 2017. Score: 94. Harvey Steiman; Wine Spectator

  

  White :

 

Cape Mentelle Chardonnay 2008 - $407.88 per dozen or $33.99 per bottle

Elegant, artful and harmonious, this very contemporary chardonnay has a nutty, mealy bouquet of melon, grapefruit, nectarine and white peaches lifted by a scent of white flowers and backed by funky, lightly meaty creamy undertones and a suggestion of spice. It's deep and luxuriant yet fine and supple, with a seamlessly integrated spectrum of fruit and artefact delivering length, brightness and balance, finishing with length and emphasis.(18.9/96, YTD 2013-2016+) Jeremy Oliver

 

Brilliant green-gold; has exceptional structure and mouthfeel; the citrus and nectarine fruit is vibrant, and there is a streak of minerality running through the wine; oak is present, but is not at all intrusive. Screwcap. 13% alc. Rating 96 Points Drink 2020 $42 Date Tasted Feb 09 James Halliday Wine Companion 2010

 

Margaret River, especially the cooler Southern bits, produce my favourite styles of Chardonnay from the Southern Hemisphere. Mattinson has a different opinion, but that’s one of the nice things about wine, isn’t it? You know..being right all the time. Tight, savoury and matchsticky with grapefruit and nectarine and some of that very attractive lime rind character - as seen in the ripping 2006 vintage. There’s no excess here, but no shortage of flavour or richness either. It’s a sculptured wine where oak is present, but correct, contributing some smoky clove and ginger spice flavours, the acidity clean and neatly threaded through, culminating in a long spicy citrus tinged finish. Spot on. Rated : 95 Points Tasted : Nov09 Alcohol : 13% Price : $42 Closure : Screwcap Drink : 2010 - 2015 By Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

 

Cape Mentelle’s Margaret River chardonnays have been evolving from a fuller style into something leaner. The ‘08 is typically understated and firm, with grapefruit and nectarine aromas lightly dressed in oak. There’s a light, creamy thread too but austerity is the thing. The palate is intense and dry with tight acidity. Ralph Kyte-Powell; Epicure, January 2010

 

The 2008 Cape Mentelle Chardonnay and add some funkier, more complex matchstick notes. It’s rich but not excessively so, cut with limy acidity and delicious to drink. If you’re a fan of this label, this is an outstanding release. Campbell Mattinson; Gourmet Traveller WINE, February 2010

 

An outstanding modern chardonnay from a top producer. Discreetly nutty and stone-fruited with a hint of funk adding layers over the toasty oak. Delicate and refined, light to medium-bodied with a long, long finish. Huon Hooke; SMH; February 2010

 

I rate this one of the top chardonnays to come my way in the past year. From the Margaret River based Cape Mentelle arm of the giant French Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) luxy goods group, it has superb balance and structure. It shines brassy gold in the glass and has aromas of orange blossom, crushed almonds and sandalwood. Elegant yellow nectarine flavour glides onto the front of the palate and ruby grapefruit, fig, marzipan and mineral fruit elements marry with cashew like oak on the middle palate. Flinty acid refreshes at the finish. It has been released along with two other fine Cape Mentelle whites, the $40-a-bottle 2007 Wallcliffe Sauvignon-Semillon and the 2009 Sauvignon-Semillon ($28). John Lewis; Newcastle Herald

 

Gold Medal - 2009 Royal Melbourne Wine Show

Gold Medal - 2009 Royal Perth Wine Show

 

Peter Lehmann Barossa Valley Riesling 2008 - $120 per dozen - (includes freight & insurance to Zones 1, 2 & 3)

Buy 2 Dozen get a FREE Peter Lehmann The King AD 2018 Vintage Port 1997 valued at $22.99 per bottle! Can mix with dozen lots of: Peter Lehmann Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006 - $120 per dozen

When once asked why the Barossa could make so many different wines, Peter Lehmann replied, “Because we can!” – testament to the Barossa’s viticultural heritage, its ability to excel across a variety of wines and its reputation as Australia’s greatest winemaking region. Our love of wine and art and the diverse character of these wines have inspired us to distinguish each label with one of the many faces of the Queen of Clubs who is symbolic of the brave gamble Peter Lehmann took to build his winery in 1979.

Most winemakers we know would nominate Riesling as their white wine of choice. Peter Lehmann in fact has often declared on many occasions that Riesling would be his white of choice if he found himself cast away on the proverbial desert island!

 

In the Barossa, we have a long an enviable reputation for producing some of the world’s great Rieslings. Bottled immediately and enclosed under screwcap, these wines are wonderfully crisp and refreshing. An attractive pale yellow with green tints, it shows delightful citrus characters and hints of nectarine. The palate shows zesty lemon flavours and a taut clean finish.

 

This was reviewed in last year's Quaff when I said 'While this doesn’t have the power or grunt of the Eden Valley wines, it’s still pretty impressive. There’s a pleasing juiciness, lighter body yet with some intensity of lemon citrus flavours, fruit purity that is a key to my enjoyment of riesling, before a fresh, clean, fine finish that lingers.' And rated it Good. I think the extra time in bottle has done it some good and that's why I've included it as one of my wines of the week and upped the rating to Bloody Good. The 2008 Peter Lehmann Barossa Riesling is still fresh, lively and juicy in the mid-palate has clean lemony flavours with zesty, tangy acidity that lingers. There's a hint of refreshing lime juice to finish. Great value and terrific drinking. Rating: Bloody Good Cost: $ 13.50; Peter Forrerstal; Quaff

 

De Iuliis Hunter Valley Semillon 2009 - $203.88 per dozen or $16.99 per bottle

Light, bright straw-green; expressive bouquet with notes of citrus, grass and a touch of herb; beautifully balanced palate, with very good line and length to the fruit, which has echoes of lime in the background. Now or later. Screwcap. 10.5% alc. Rating 95 Points; Drink 2017 $18 Date Tasted May 09 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010 Edition.

 

Excellent growing conditions led to the production of this outstanding wine. Lifted tropical fruit and citrus characters dominate the aroma, while excellent natural acidity adds balance and length of flavour. Pale yellow. Lifted aromas of fresh cut grass combine with intense lemon and lime. A crisp, clean wine with lifted citrus flavours. The balanced acids and intensity of fruit flavours add length to the palate. Perfect for early consumption, while still suited to cellaring. Winery notes.

 

Either I am getting old and beginning to warm to Semillon (yes, everybody knows only old people drink Hunter Sem) or I am young and hip, a trend setter and the De Iuliis Hunter Valley Semillon 2009 is just a hell of a lot more exciting than almost all other young Sems from these parts. This has the expected lemon crush nose but is no one trick pony. There is some serious weight and complexity in the mouth, beautiful texture, the finish seems to last forever. Undoubtedly fresh, there will no doubt be those old timers looking to throw a box in the cellar and forget about it, but I quite fancy this young and zesty. An excellent wine. Now – 2012+; Quality: Excellent BW; WineStar© October 2009

 

Yalumba Y Series Pinot Grigio 2008 - $120 per dozen

Selective handpicking meant the grapes were picked at several passes through the vineyards to achieve optimal ripeness. The grapes where chilled overnight in small slotted bins, then pressed to ensure minimal colour pick up from the pink skins, followed by oxidative handling to naturally remove any colour. Fermentation proceeded on full solids, utilising yeasts indigenous to the vineyard. The wines were then left on their lees until blending and bottling in May. The Y Series Pinot Grigio is a fragrant wine displaying aromas of poached pear, orange blossom, and sweet jasmine with a hint of oatmeal. A light bodied wine, it has a slightly mealy texture that adds to the mouth watering and lingering finish.

 

This is a suitable, neatly balanced white that has attractive fruity aromas, pleasing viscosity and savoury flavours before a long, dry finish. As a variety, pinot grigio/pinot gris calls to be drunk with fresh, light-bodied dishes. Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009 (Aus), October 2008

 

This is a full-bodied, food-friendly white with intriguing flavours of brown pears and stonefruit. It's ideally suited to Mediterranean dishes such as braised fennel and chargrilled eggplant. A wine law that almost always holds true is that new, trendy styles of wine can be expensive and don't offer the same value as the old established ones. While it is true that you can spend a lot of money on grigio, thankfully that's not the case with this budget-friendly white. Greg Duncan Powell, Australian Good Taste Magazine (Aus), July 2008

 

Like painting a picture with white paint (NZ winemaker), losing a blind tasting against Evian (Robert Joseph, UK wine journalist) are my usual reference points [for pinot gris?]. However, this wine has personality and flavours of pear and citrus, with cleansing minerality on the finish. From SA; Drink now with antipasto; 90 points, $12.95, S, 12.5° alc; Halliday’s Top 100 – The Weekend Australian November 8-9, 2008

 

Lawsons Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2008 - $239.88 per dozen or $19.99 per bottle

Trophy - Champion Gewürztraminer Trophy - Royal New Zealand Show

Gold Medal - Royal New Zealand Show

Gold Medal - Royal Easter Wine Show

 

Consistently one of the finest Gewürztraminers in New Zealand and this is an excellent example of what has become a Marlborough classic. Spice and citrus, soft, substantial and slightly drier than the last vintage. Dominion Post Warren Barton

 

I love this wine because the florals are so lifted and varietal with fresh lychee, soft spices and white peach. On the palate it's rich and mouth coating, but crisp and vibrant at the same time. 5 Stars * * * * * Hawke's Bay Today Yvonne-Marie Lorkin

 

Fleshy and soft with ripe concentrated lychee and spice flavours, pure and intensely varietal. 4 Stars * * * * Winestate Magazine Tasting Panel

 

Lawson's Dry Hills splendid record with Gewürztraminer continues with this accomplished wine. A little less extroverted than past versions, it is gently persuasive, lush, balanced, lasting and charming. 4 Stars * * * * Cuisine Magazine Tasting Panel

 

Lawson's Dry Hills have produced distinguished Gewürztraminer since 1992 and this vintage is no exception with an inviting fragrance, hints of tropical fruit, lychees and ginger. It is both dry and mouthfilling and it will develop with a year or so bottle age. 4 Stars * * * * Otago Daily Times Charmian Smith

 

I enjoy this powerful Gewürztraminer more every time it is poured over the course of a few days, admiring its power, weight and bone dry flavours(technically it's off-dry, however you'd never know it by the taste). Mindfood Magazine Joelle Thomson -

 

Another delicious style from Lawson's Dry Hills, a little more subtle in its spices this year which enhances the texture without losing the strength and power of the wine. A fine New Zealand classic, established for well over a decade as a great Gewürztraminer statement. F & B Magazine Peter Saunders

 

TarraWarra Estate Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2008 - $203.88 per dozen or $16.99 per bottle

Bright green-straw; immaculately structured and balanced, at once complex yet elegant, with melon and white peach fruit, a touch of hazelnut and cream seamlessly woven with French oak. Screwcap. 13.5% alc. Rating 94 points; Drink 2016 $22 Date Tasted Jan 09 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2010

 

Gone is the ‘Tin Cows’ label - it’s now simply called TarraWarra. Of course there will still be the reserve releases. The Tin Cows label was introduced back in the days when TarraWarra bought in some of the grapes for this label, but for some time now it’s been all estate grown. Sounds fair enough. Lovely wine. Really impressed with this. Gorgeous milky fragrance, pear-like fruit flavour, and racy acid before a grainy, spicy finish. Has length and subtlety, in a tangy, acidity style. May even cellar well beyond 2012. Rated : 91 Points Alcohol : 13.5% Price : $22 Closure : Screwcap Drink : 2009 - 2012 By Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front

 

Lemon zest citrus aromas, with cashew notes and balanced oak lead to a palate of citrus and white peach flavours, with a creamy texture and lovely length and persistence. Winemaker, Clare Halloran, rates the 2008 Estate Chardonnay as one of our best.

 

Top 50 Winter Wines. Huon Hooke, 'Good Living' Sydney Morning Herald, May 2009

 

There's a lot to like in this wine...there are chardonnays twice the price of this that aren't half as good. Jane Faulkner The Age 30 Hours eat, drink, cook, April 2009

 

This is a lovely Chardonnay that lets the quality - and I should now add 'Estate' fruit - do the talking. That is not to say it is not bereft of wood as is commonplace in these parts of late. No, this has just the nicest little lick of subtle oak but the wine is driven by a juicy wine pumping out all the Chardy clichés of melon and apricot you can handle. The perfect landing is reflected with subtle cleansing acidity. An excellent wine and probably even better value. Now – 2013; Quality: Excellent BW; WineStar© August 2009

 

Last Week :  

 

Peter Lehmann Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006 - $120 per dozen - (includes freight & insurance to Zones 1, 2 & 3)

Buy 2 Dozen get a FREE Peter Lehmann The King AD 2018 Vintage Port 1997 valued at $22.99 per bottle!

God bless Peter Lehmann and God bless Barossa Cabernet as these two tangibles combine to keep the style relevant. I know Shiraz is the 'go-to' variety in these parts and Cabernet is probably more 'miss' than 'hit' be geez in a good year it is very good and this makes three beauties in a row for the team at Lehmann. It looks a very serious wine with a bright but deep purple colour. Where the 2005 screamed dried herbs and chocolate, this is more classical with cassis and perfumed violets and raspberry aromas. The medium bodied palate displays a lovely opulence with generous ripe fruit and powdery tannins on a very good length. While this will hold for 3 or 4 years, I would be getting an hour's air into it and drinking it now. Drink: Now-2014; Quality: Excellent BW; WineStar© January 2010

 

Howard Park Riesling 2009 - $239.88 per dozen or $19.99 per bottle

They have done it again. I’ve made this point about Australian Riesling previously but I do believe it is the most likely of any variety to come close to perfection. Taking that thought a step further; the Howard Park Riesling 2009 is that close to this idea of perfection it is not funny. The 2007 vintage was our best Riesling back in the year of vintage, the brilliance of the 2008 vintage ensured the follow-up nudged that same bar of quality. Of course no one should be surprised. These guys have been making this wine for 25 years, it emanates from the wonderful Great Southern region of WA, a region challenged only by the best of Clare Valley for the perfect (there's that word again) spot to grow this variety.

  

Forest Hill Estate Chardonnay 2008 - $239.88 per dozen or $19.99 per bottle

I’ll give you the drum early. When the 2007 Block series Cabernet and Shiraz are released, then jump. They are outstanding. I must put my name down too, it being my son’s birthyear and all that. Lemon, lime rind, pear and a good clip of clove spice oak. It has plenty of oomph and complexity with a mix of spicy oak and melon fruit richness that’s cut back by crisp citrus flavours. Has some savoury lees complexity, but not too much, a strong but fine acid backbone and excellent length. An all up impressive wine at a keen price. Rated : 94 Points Tasted : Jan10 Alcohol : 14% Price : $26 Closure : Screwcap Drink : 2011 - 2016; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

    

Best of the Rest:   

 

Shiraz – Click here for full list of Shiraz

Cape Mentelle Margaret River Shiraz 2007 - $359.88 per dozen or $29.99 per bottle – WineStar Red Wine of the Year 2009; 96/100 Halliday

Chandon Heathcote Shiraz 2007 - $299.88 per dozen or $24.99 per bottle - 96/100 Halliday

Richard Hamilton Gumprs Shiraz 2008 - $179.88 per dozen or $14.99 per bottle  - 94/100 The Wine Front; 2 Trophies; 2 Gold Medals

Cabernet Sauvignon – Click here for full list of Cabernet

Vasse Felix Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - $359.88 per dozen or $29.99 per bottle – Trophy & Gold; Best Cab Sav Perth 2009

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - $299.88 per dozen or $24.99 per bottle - 96 points & Halliday’s Top 100 Wines for 2009

Richard Hamilton Hut Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - $179.88 per dozen or $14.99 per bottle - 93/100 The Wine Front; Trophy Best Cabernet, McLaren Vale
 

Other Reds – Click here for full list of Pinot Noir

Tardieu Laurent Cotes Du Rhone Cuvee Speciale 2007 - $359.88 per dozen or $29.99 per bottle - 94 Gary Walsh; The Wine Front
Teusner Avatar 2006 - $359.88 per dozen or $29.99 per bottle - 96/100 Halliday; Exceptional BW; WineStar©

Gembrook Hill Pinot Noir 2008 - $599.88 per dozen or $49.99 per bottle - 96 points The Wine Front

 

Chardonnay – Click here for full list of Chardonnay

Voyager Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2007 - $359.88 per dozen or $29.99 per bottle - 96/100 Halliday; 96/100 Gary Walsh

Hoddles Creek Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2008 - $227.88 per dozen or $18.99 per bottle - 95 points & Halliday’s Top 100 Wines for 2009

 

Riesling – Click here for full list of Riesling

Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2009 - $479.88 per dozen or $39.99 per bottle  - 96/100 The Wine Front

Delatite Riesling 2008 - $215.88 per dozen or $17.99 per bottle - 96 points & Halliday’s Top 100 Wines for 2009

 

Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc/Other – Click here for full list of other Whites          

Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - $275.88 per dozen or $22.99 per bottle  - 96/100 Halliday

Massena Surly Muse Viognier 2008 - $239.88 per dozen or $19.99 per bottle - 95/100 Halliday

 

Champagne – Click here for full list of French Champagne

Roederer Brut Premier NV - $839.88 per dozen or $69.99 per bottle - Halliday’s Top 100 Wines for 2009

Laurent Perrier Brut L-P - $719.88 per dozen or $59.99 per bottle

 

Sparkling - Click here for full list of Aussie bubbles

Jansz Premium NV Cuvée - $275.88 per dozen or $22.99 per bottle - 93/100 Halliday; Excellent BW; WineStar©

Ashton Hill Sparkling Shiraz 2002 - $479.88 per dozen or $39.99 per bottle - 95 points – Halliday’s Best of the Rest 2009

 

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