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Edition Three - 2011
Welcome to the latest update from the team at Fine Wine Club. There is the usual cross section of wine reviews and recommendations as well as an excellent look at the 2008 vintage in Burgundy. Of Particular note is the Sandalford - Elements - Shiraz/Cabernet. This is an absolute bargain! At the other end of the spectrum, the Te Muna Road by Craggy Range is spectacular. All wines mentioned are excellent value for the price.
The Wine and Food Society of Western Australia currently has space for new members. Our next function is at Prego in Floreat. Prego has been getting great reviews and I will be serving a selection of wines to showcase some of the outstanding bargains that are currently available. I will be focusing on the wines from the collapsed "Heritage" investment scheme that are now 8 - 10 years old and drinking a treat!.
Details are listed below, but If you would like more details or are interested in attending, let me know.
Don't forget to pass on our monthly newsletter on to anyone who would be interested. Even better, get them to join so they receive updates on what we are recommending. Just send me an email to subscribe.
Regards,
Barry Weinman
What to buy
Henschke - Pinot Noir - Giles 2009 (17.5/18). Quite savoury fruit characters on the nose with some gamey/sappy notes. There is a lovely spice to the fruit on the palate. The acid balance is spot on and the textural components are complimented by very fine tannins. This really hit its straps after a couple of days on the tasting bench. A good each way bet. (5 April 2011).
Stoniers - Pinot Noir - 2009 (17.5). More forward cherry fruit compared to some. Clear and precise nose that is very clean. There is fresh fruit on the palate with a slightly sappy, sour cherry finish that is refreshing. Not as complex as the others listed, but there is quality fruit and the wine is well made. Perhaps the most authentic pinot here, and certainly good value. (5 April 2011).
Juniper Estate - Semillon - 2009 (17.4). This took me by surprise, as the style is totally different. A serious wine that has been worked in the winery. The lemony fruit is complemented by fine vanillin oak. The lees contact has added a creamy component. The palate is rich and textured, though it really needs a year or two to settle down. Fume style. (5 April 2011).
Fraser Gallop - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2008 (18.1). Dense yet bright fruit. Cedar, cinnamon, blueberry and spice gently waft from the glass. Medium bodied, this is bit deceptive as the fruit is quit powerful and persistent. The finish is a touch firm at present, though there is no questioning the balance. This took two days to really open up, displaying a generosity of fruit that is very appealing. A smart wine for the cellar. (28 March 2011).
Leeuwin Estate - Cabernet Sauvignon - Art Series - 2006 (17.8). A touch more weight and power than the other older wines. This has fruit that tends toward the plum spectrum, but with fresh acidity and fine tannins. The mouth-feel and fruit weight are spot on. Blackcurrant on the close. This is a serious wine that took three days to show its best. It is one of the best 2006 Margaret River cabernets that I have seen. (28 March 2011).
Shingleback - Cabernet Sauvignon - Red Knot - 2009 (17). A real crowd pleaser. Ripe, generous, soft and round, this wine has delicious mouth-filling fruit. This is not complicated or particularly serious, but it is an honest wine that delivers mouthfuls of drinking joy. With a RRP of $15 this is definitely worth a try but give it some air to allow the fruit to shine. (28 March 2011).
William Fevre - Chardonnay - Petit Chablis - 2008 (17). More structure than some. Floral and very pretty, this has an appeal that some others lack. Long palate with refreshing grapefruit acidity. A good wine with real character. An impressive entry level wine. (7 March 2011).
Craggy Range - Pinot Noir - Te Muna Road - 2009 (18.5). Dense and a touch meaty. There is a core of sweet fruit with cherry and strawberry accents over a bed of subtle spice. A touch of licorice and tar add interest. The palate is exceptional. Concentrated red fruits entwined with quality oak make for an impressive wine. Silky and seductive, there is enough souring acidity and tannins on the finish to make this excellent drinking. This was even better after being left on the tasting bench for a couple of days. (4 March 2011)
Paulmara - Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon - The Marriage - 2008 (18-18.5). Incredibly dense, the colour and nose are almost impenetrable. Immensely powerful, with licorice and spice over dark fruits. Whilst this has impeccable balance, the palate is shut down by fine tannins and quality oak. The length is prodigious, but the fruit is shy at present. This took three to four days to show its best. (4 March 2011)
Sandalford - Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon - Elements - 2009 (17.8). Floral fruit that is fresh and vibrant. Really lifted nose that has perfumed accents (violets). Hints of blackcurrant and cassis combine with cedar and a touch of cigar box. There is also a touch of mint and eucalypt. There is quality fruit on the palate that is, again, fragrant and a touch spicy. The tannins are fine, as is the gentle oak. Whilst not as complex as some, this is a good wine regardless of the price! (4 March 2011)
New Articles
New Release
Reviewed 5 April 2011
An interesting tasting with some quite diverse wine styles. The pinots mentioned are all good wines, though the style varies from the lighter Stoniers to the Penfolds Cellar Reserve, which is closer to a dry red in style. In their own way, all are good value.
With the whites, the Juniper Estate semillon is a quality wine that offers an interesting alternative to the grassy semillon blends we see from the region. This wine has more in common with quality chardonnay than a fresh and fruity white.
Burgundy 2008
Boot-Full of Wine - Tasting notes from Italy (and beyond)
March 2011
A One of the most important events on the calendar of the Institute of Masters of Wine is the Annual Burgundy tasting. This year, the 2008 vintage was featured, and the tasting was organised in association with Les Domaines Familiaux de Tradition. I was lucky enough to be able to attend.
2008 was a difficult year in Burgundy, and has been christened “the miracle vintage”. The miracle to which they refer is the burst of sunshine the region experienced, accompanied by fresh (and, importantly, drying) northerly winds from the second week of September to the beginning of October. Full Report...
Cabernet Sauvignon
New Release
28 March 2011
There was a fairly high attrition rate in this tasting. This was mainly due to the disagreement between panel members on individual wines.
There were some high quality wines, with the Fraser Gallop and Vasse Felix being the standouts. 2008 has proved to be a very elegant year for Margaret River cabernet based wines. They are not quite as rich as the 2007's but they are balanced and refined. The Leeuwin Estate is also noteworthy, coming from the more difficult 2006 vintage. Full Report...
Chablis
University Wine Society
7 March 2011
For many years, Andrew Baird has been coordinating the tastings for the University Wine Society. The tastings are always informative and entertaining. When the presenter from this month's tasting became unavailable, he managed to convince John Jens to present a snapshot of Chablis. John has been a good friend to the society for many years, and pulled out all the stops to make this a memorable evening.
4 March 2011
I sometimes think that we pay too much attention to cellaring conditions. After all, I have drunk many old wines that have been kept in cupboards and under beds for 20 or more years and they have often been very good. Every now and then, however, I am reminded that temperature can make a big difference.
I included two bottles of one of the wines in this tasting. The first tasted liked stewed plums, the second vibrant and fresh. The fresher bottle had been kept in my cellar, while the tired bottle had been at another venue for a while.
Events
The Wine & Food Society of Western Australia
would enjoy your company at a dinner at:
Prego Restaurant
440 Cambridge St, Floreat
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
7pm
Members: $90
Guests: $125
Skipper: $80
late cancelation: $75
dress: smart casual
On the menu will be:
Cured Salmon with Avocado Sorbet
***
Braised Artichoke filled with diced Veal
and Lamb
***
Filetto al Gorgonzola
***
Chocolate Pears in Cream Caramel
Cheers,
Barry Weinman
Fine Wine Club
barry@finewineclub.com.au
finewineclub.com.au