Reviewed: 21 April 2012

Some solid wines here, and many worth a try.

If you are looking for something with a bit of age, then check out the wines from Galafrey. Kim Tyrer has made these wines available for her friends at Fine Wine Club at bargain prices. The 2009 riesling (which is very good) is $120 per case and the 2003 shiraz (a solid wine) is $100 per case

Reviewed

Galafrey – Riesling – Dry Land Reserve – 2009 (17.5+). Intense lime juice over floral fruit. A bright wine that, whilst fresh and vibrant, is just starting to get the viscosity and texture that comes with age. Seamless finish that has real persistence. Minerals and flint on a finish that appears not quite bone-dry and better for it.

Windows Estate – Petit Verdot – 2010 (17.5). Dense and earthy, this is a traditional dry red in style. Medium-bodied, with good depth of flavour, this is a wine that really grew on me. Some new oak adds opulence.

Kangarilla Road – Sangiovese – 2010 (17.3). Has everything in place, but this is hard work right now. Cherry and plum fruit, licorice, tar and roses too. Good length and real potential, given the dense fruit and good texture.

Running With Bulls – Tempranillo – Barossa – 2011 (17.2). I like this more than its sister wine from Wrattonbully. Savoury (coffee and cinnamon), supple fruit with slightly grippy tannins adding freshness and texture to the finish. Well made and a good drink, with an almost sea breeze freshness on the finish. Would really benefit from some savoury food.

Clairault – Petit Verdot – Cellar Release – 2010 (17). Intense nose that shows quite herbal fruit characters. Long and savoury, with lovely tannins and tight oak, this is more about structure than fruit right now. Bordeaux-like, I like it, but it wont appeal to all.

Kingston Estate – Petit Verdot – 2010 (17). Lovely perfumed nose up front. This has white pepper, spice, savoury tannins and good oak use. There is souring cherry fruit that really livens the palate. Lingers.

Galafrey – Merlot – Dry Grown – 2008 (16.8). Very plump and juicy, with overt fruit, this is made in an approachable style. Ripe and fleshy, this is a good early consumption red with enough power to carry substantial food.

Calmel & JJoseph – Shiraz/Grenache/Carignan – Faugeres – 2009 (16.5). Light and fresh nose and palate that has plenty of ripe fruit. This wine is uncomplicated by oak and is really juicy. Excellent short term drinking and a bargain. Received high marks from one judge and could easily be mistaken for a quality Cotes Du Rhone. A bargain at $12.99 from Get Wines Direct.

Galafrey – Shiraz – Frankland River – 2003 (16.5). Touch dusty, but there is a core of ripe fruit, showing licorice, chocolate and plum, with a hint of menthol. Although this has started to show the benefits of age, the acids and tannins are still softening. A big wine that is fully aged, with a touch of volatility on a finish that is starting to dry out. An affordable way to try an aged wine as this is being cleared out by the winery.

Temple Bruer – Montepulciano – Preservative Free and Organic – 2011 (16.5). Fresh, juicy, grapey and plump, with some savoury characters too. The palate is fresh, with more of the plump fruit. Simple and uncomplicated, but perfectly sound. Modern and well made, this is a very good preservative-free wine.