6 May 2010
Stuart Blackwell, the chief winemaker for St Hallett winery in the Barossa Valley was in Perth last week to meet with retailers and host a dinner to celebrate the launch of his new release wines. While in town, we went through the range with Stuart and I was impressed for two reasons.
Firstly, the enthusiasm and passion that Stuart puts into all aspect of the wine experience is fantastic. He lives and breathes St Hallett. This was reflected in the quality of the wines we tasted.
The second point relates to the 2008 vintage out of the Barossa (and other parts of Australia). Over the last month or so, we have looked at a quite a few cheaper 2008 reds, and in general, they are fantastic! There is a vibrancy and a and concentration of fruit characters that is really exciting. I am talking about wines that sell for $10 – $20. I can’t wait for the premium wines to come on the market. For those of you who can remember, the wines remind me a lot of the 1998 vintage. These are delicious wines that will drink well now, but also improve for quite some time.
For me the pick of the current releases is the 2008 Gamekeepers Reserve shiraz/cabernet. A delicious wine that will be available for $10-$12 on special. Please be aware that this was not a blind tasting, so use my points as an indication only.
A special thanks to Paul at Vintage Cellars in Shenton Park for arranging this tasting.
Tasted
St Hallett – Riesling – 2009 (17.5+). From Eden Valley (a sub-region of the Barossa), this has classic floral notes with a citrus lift. The palate is long and tight, with pure lime to close.
St Hallett – Shiraz – Gamekeepers Reserve – 2008 (16.9). Juicy. Lifted, floral fruit with cherry fruit and a pippy finish. Good quaffing. This wine is blended with cabernet for the shiraz/cabernet sauvignon blend.
St Hallett – Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon – Gamekeepers Reserve – 2008 (17.2). The mint from the cabernet is apparent on the fruit and the cabernet adds structure to the juicy shiraz characters. A touch of herbal characters adds complexity. Excellent value. Drink the shiraz now and put some of this away for a few years.
St Hallett – Shiraz/Grenache – Gamekeepers Reserve – 2008 (16.8). This is a much more savoury wine and the fruit has been handled very differently. There is no oak, but there has been extended lees contact that adds complexity and texture. Has the characteristic cherry/pippy fruit on the finish.
St Hallett – Shiraz – Rosedale – 2008 (16.5). This and the Greenoch are Vintage Cellars exclusive wines. This is closed and tight right now. I would like to see it in another 6 months.
St Hallett – Shiraz – Greenoch – 2008 (17+). More fragrant and floral than the Rosedale, with ripe red fruit. The palate has fresh plum, is quite silky and has real persistence. Plenty of structure ensures the ability to age. Will improve. $14 by the dozen at Vintage Cellars.
St Hallett – Shiraz – Faith – 2007 (16.5). A softer, more approachable wine with a touch of mineral and dusty oak over quite vibrant oak. Reflects the vintage.
St Hallett – Shiraz – Blackwell – 2008 (17.8). Real density of fruit here with licorice, tar and very fine tannins. Lovely mouth-feel and a long finish. A very good effort.