Reviewed – 24 May 2011
I always find these tastings difficult, as there is no textbook style that I can use to compare the wines against. Having said that, the fundamentals do not change. Quality fruit and wine-making combine to make enjoyable wines.
Of the wines to make it to this page, the Henry’s Seven from Henschke and the Butcher’s Block from Turkey Flat are my picks. They may not be quite as good as their more expensive stable mates, however they are both delicious and make for great short to medium term drinking.
On a separate note, Tony Ingle, Chief Winemaker at Angoves was in town with Richard Angove to showcase their new super premium wines. Angove is releasing two new wines. One is a single vineyard Barossa shiraz/grenache and the other is a straight shiraz called The Medhyk. Both wines are nothing short of spectacular. I have not reviewed them her as they were not tasted blind, but both would have scored 18 – 18.5 easily.
These will be available later this year in very small quantities. At around $50, they wont be cheap, but if you see one on a wine list or in an independent retailer, they are definitely worth trying.
Reviewed
Henschke – Grenache/Mouvedre/Shiraz – Johann’s Garden – 2009 (17.8). Denser and less open than many here. Savoury characters to the fore. Rich and ripe fruit that is of excellent quality. Long and supple finish. Whilst the alcohol is just evident, it does not detract from the enjoyment. Give it a few years or a big steak.
Henschke – Shiraz/Grenache/Viognier/Mouvedre – Henry’s Seven – 2009 (17.5). Again, lovely perfume on the nose. This is a pretty wine that is very aromatic and vibrant. Lovely mouth-feel and texture too. This is only medium bodied, but it is a very good wine that is drinking a treat now, yet will take a few years bottle age too.
Shingleback – Shiraz – Haycutters – 2008 (17.5). More perfume and fragrance compared to everything else here. Generous fruit that is ripe, mouth-filling and plush. There is a touch of plum and smoke to the fleshy fruit. This would make a great everyday red this winter. (Vintage Cellars exclusive).
Turkey Flat – Shiraz/Grenache/Mouvedre – Butchers Block – 2009 (17.5). Sweet ripe fruit here. Lovely mouth-feel and texture, though initially, it appears quite angular. There is licorice, spice, cedar and dark fruits. Very silky and with excellent length. A smart wine that will provide drinking pleasure over the next 5-8 years.
Higher Plane – Merlot – 2008 (17.3). Deeper colour and denser fruit on the nose. Dusty fruit, plum, cherry, tar and leather. Really opens up to show pretty fruit. A good effort.
Ferngrove – Malbec – King – 2008 (17+). Vibrant colour. Tannic and firm at first and the fruit is hidden by the oak and fruit tannins. Builds in the mouth and should improve in the medium term. Requires a bit of faith but should be very good. Really opened up to show lovely mulberry fruit and subtle spice.
Turkey Flat – Grenache – 2007 (16.8). We do not see many straight grenaches on the market, which is a shame. Think perfume and spice, but also some medicinal characters that characterised the finish. Old vine fruit that is ripe and dense. Oak adds to the finish.
Crittenden Estate – Sangiovese – Pinocchio – 2010 (16.7). A better combination of savoury notes, with some ripe fruit flavours over the top. Uncomplicated, but enjoyable. Have it with a bowl of pasta. One panelist described this as sexy, floral and elegant.