Reviewed: 10 May 2012

We started this tasting with a couple of sparkling wines that are worth trying. Both are very well made and the Patricia is an excellent sparkling wine regardless of Origin. Whilst the wine is stylistically slightly different to Champagne, it is in no way inferior to many NV champagnes on the Australian market today.

Tasting the pinot bracket was an excellent exercise. In some ways, it could just have easily been labelled the Steve Webber Tasting as the De Bortoli, Chalk Board, Riorret and Phi were all made under his control. Interestingly, the last three are all from the 2008 vintage. I elected not to include the Riorret or Phi in this review, but they are worth trying if you are a pinot tragic. (Though they are not cheap).

The star of the tasting was the Shaw and Smith. This is one of the best Adelaide Hills pinots that I can remember. The De Bortoli is also worth a mention. From a value point of view, the Central Otago Chalk Board is a spectacular buy. Real pinot noir for $15 per bottle.

Reviewed

Brown Brothers – Pinot Noir/Chardonnay – Patricia – 2006 (17.8). Complex, creamy, delicate and refined, this has a lovely nose. There is also fresh brioche and red fruit notes. The palate is creamy, with a lovely balance between freshness and autolysis characters. Very long and persistent, this is an excellent aperitif style. Not obviously Champagne-like, but an excellent sparkling wine.

Lake Barrington Estate –Chardonnay/Pinot Noir – Alexandria – 2008 (17). A much more linear wine that has a very youthful outlook. Quite predominant chardonnay characters lead on to a firm and powerful finish, with excellent acidity. Lingers. Not as complex as the Patricia yet, but easy to like. (This may well improve with another year or so in the bottle).

Shaw and Smith – Pinot Noir – 2010 (18). A delicious nose showing lovely bright cherry fruit with strawberry highlights. Earthy, forest floor characters over sour cherry and hints of aniseed on a structured palate. A complex, if somewhat youthful wine that has excellent length and persistence. Develops nicely with air. A superb Australian pinot that deserves a home in many of our cellars!

De Bortoli – Pinot Noir – 2010 (17.6). Deep smelling and pure, with subtle fruit and oak on the nose. The palate has finesse and charm with bright red fruits over earthy characters. Good length and excellent persistence, this should do very well over the next 5 years. Opens to show sour cherry fruit, silky tannins and excellent length.

Crittenden Estate – Pinot Noir – 2010 (17.3). Dense and attractive. This is a complex wine of great substance. Cherry and spice on the nose are followed by a palate that is long, succulent and juicy. Quite seamless and textured, this is a pretty wine that will provide drinking joy over the next few years.

Galafrey – Pinot Noir – 2010 (17). Pretty strawberry and spice aromas, without quite as much depth as the superstars right now. The palate is excellent, with chewy, textural components over quite complex fruit. One to watch.

Chalk Board – Pinot Noir – Central Otago – 2010 (17). A complex wine that has all the traits of quality pinot. Dark cherry fruit combines with quality oak and silky tannins on the palate. A little raw on the finish now, this is going to do very well over the next 5 years. Exclusive to Vintage Cellars and made by Peregrine.

Ballewindi – Pinot Noir – 2010 (16.9). Meatier/earthy style with plum, dark berry and pretty strawberry highlights. Nothing out of place, just not overtly pinot in style. In fact, this is an excellent dry red wine showing plum and dark berry fruit. Will improve.

Chalk Board – Pinot Noir – Yarra Valley – 2008 (16.5). Open and enticing nose showing the benefit of a few years in bottle. Bright and forward fruit on the palate. Not particularly complex or long, but an enjoyable drink. Made by De Bortoli and exclusive to Vintage Cellars.