5 December 2010

An interesting tasting, with several interesting wines. The Stirling was a highlight, but the wines from Kaleske and Sons of Eden delivered real drinking pleasure. A relatively high number of wines did not get reviewed (points less than 16).

Reviewed

Ferngrove – Cabernet/Shiraz – The Stirling – 2007 (18+). Wow. Cedar and spice to the fore. There is mint, eucalypt and a rich seam of blackcurrant on the nose. The touch of peperriness attests to the shiraz component. The palate is powerful yet very refined. This is a big wine, and the fruit is overwhelmed by the structure now. There is menthol and satsuma plum on the finish. Needs 5 years but will live for 20. Different style to the Majestic.

Sons of Eden – Grenache/Shiraz/Moved – Kennedy – 2008 (17.8). Intriguing nose. This is fresh and juicy. The palate is dense and chock full of high quality, juicy fruit. There is licorice and plum, as well as some savoury notes. The oak is very much in the background and the length is impressive. The finish is very fine and silky, bordering on seamless. Great drinking over the next 5 years.

Kalleske – Grenache/Shiraz/Mouvedre – Clarry’s – 2009 (17.7). More restrained, this has dense and concentrated fruit. The palate is a real step up in quality compared to some. There is ripe yet restrained plum and dark berry fruit, with a touch of earthy, forest floor characters. The finish is fresh and bright. A good each way bet.

Deepwoods – Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz – Ebony – 2009 (17). Fresh and clean with mulberry and spice. There is plenty of vibrant fruit on the palate with enough acidity to make the finish refreshing. This is not so complicated, but is fleshy and enjoyable now.

Deepwoods – Rose – Harmony – 2010 (16.8). More savoury, this has obvious red berry fruit characters (raspberry jube). The palate is surprisingly delicate, dry and savoury with a tangy finish. A serious style that would carry food.

Aramis – Shiraz/Cabernet – 2008 (16.5). Softer and more subdued. There is ripe plummy fruit, but there is a lack of vibrancy. Good to drink though.

Devils Lair – Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc – Fifth Leg – 2008 (16.4). Fresh and vibrant. There are peppery shiraz notes with plummy fruit. There is a touch of mint on a chalky finish. Easy to drink.

Angove – Shiraz/Cabernet – Butterfly Ridge – 2009 (16). This again has some heavy fruit. There are plummy notes on the nose. This is juicy, but without pretence. Easy to drink.

Angove – Shiraz/Cabernet – Organic – 2009 (16). More support from other panel members. Cooler cabernet fruit to open with some grassy and herbal notes. There is a touch of sweet and sour fruit on the palate. Inoffensive and worth a look if organic is your thing.

Moondah Brook – Rose – Cabernet – 2010 (16). Vibrant colour. Fragrant and floral nose, this is very pretty. The strawberry fruit is the main feature, with a fair bit of residual sugar. Savoury notes on the finish keep it fresh.