Vintage 2011 has elevated Pepper Tree to a coveted position among the Hunter’s finest names in shiraz, and I have been awaiting this release eagerly since first tasting it in early September. Jim Chatto describes Tallavera as his “attack on Tyrrells.” This is no brash affront; it’s set apart this year by grace and elegance, […]
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I love the way that Gosset maintains its house style of malic acid cut, overlaid with a beautifully ripe fruits profile, and this wine exemplifies this house style. There are layers of rich complexity of fig, roast nuts, brioche, toast and mixed spice, even a suggestion of raisins, yet at every moment it retains the […]
readAfter more than 1200 wines and two years, the 100th edition of Wine Taste Weekly represents an opportune time to honour those estates that have performed at the very highest level. Announcing the inaugural Wine Taste Weekly Hall of Honour.
readDutschke made none of his top St Jakobi or Oscar Semmler shiraz in 2011, but the fruit didn’t go to waste, which might explain the calibre, harmony and fruit definition of GHR in such a challenging season. It boasts a core of plum, rhubarb and blackberry fruit, with notes of mixed spice and a pretty […]
readMerlot performed well in the cool, wet 2011 season, so Wayne Dutschke took the opportunity to realise a long-term dream to make a straight merlot from the 1980 vines of St Jakobi vineyard. A good decision, too, yielding a surprisingly accurate straight merlot for the Barossa floor. Its balance reflects the restraint of 2011 and […]
readGrenache, mataro and shiraz are skilfully interwoven in Grant Burge’s solera system to create a tawny of excellent persistence, accurate line and lingering complexity. Ten years in barrel has built layers of savoury rancio complexity, roast almonds, caramel, plum pudding, mixed spice and orange rind. Tangy acidity pulls the finish in tight and focused, offset […]
readSuch is the intricate craftsmanship on display here that, even at this infant age, it’s impossible to distinguish where the fruit stops and the oak starts. Two-thirds sauvignon and one-third semillon from the southern and central parts of Margaret River was part-fermented in new and old oak, serving to propel the fruit upward, rather than […]
readAn age-worthy cabernet of textbook precision is a rare find at this price. Straight cabernet fruit from Wilyabrup and northern Margaret River presents accurate aromas of leaf, tomato bush, redcurrants and cedar. The palate is built around fine-grained, graphite, unashamedly firmly-textured tannins that envelop blackcurrant and capsicum fruit of impressive persistence, supported by impeccably gauged […]
readAn exactingly crafted blend that exemplifies the savoury definition and longevity of the understated 2009 vintage, yet with the well-poised and intricately polished fruit profile that defines the modern Peter Lehmann style. Considerable fruit concentration and definition are on show here, capturing the vibrancy of crunchy redcurrant and leaf of cabernet (70% of the blend), […]
readThe very finest Caillard Mataro yet, a fitting tribute to an outstanding season, showcasing what the Barossa can achieve with this variety. At a refreshing 13.6% alcohol, there is an enticing air of elegance and refinement to this release, fragranced with violet perfume and laced with dried flowers, mixed spice, dried herbs, rhubarb, red berry […]
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