Australian Sparkling Wine
Barry Weinman: 7th February 2017
The attrition rate for this tasting was very high, with only four wines making it to this review.
The premium Heemskerk is particularly worthy of attention. A very elegant wine that is full of refinement.
I was also very impressed with the Seppelt. This is a decent Shiraz, with the bubbles adding life. An Australian classic that is sure to cellar well for a decade.
Reviewed
Heemskerk – Chardonnay/Pinot Noir – 2011 (18pts – $60). A most elegant wine, with subtle complexity. The palate is precise and linear, with excellent mouth-feel and racy acidity. Refined and fine, the fruit builds on the finish. This would benefit from a couple of years’ bottle age. Fine Australian bubbles. (Great packaging!).
Seppelt – Shiraz – Original Sparkling – 2013 (17.8pts). Smells like a decent Shiraz, tastes like a decent Shiraz. Excellent fruit, with liquorice and chocolate notes. The dosage is restrained, allowing the fruit to be the main focus. Excellent length of flavours on the palate. Great with a steak over summer, or cellar for more complexity.
Sittella – Pinot Noir/Chardonnay – NV. (17.5pts). Quite complex and powerful on the nose, with toasty autolysis characters. The palate has decent weight and fruit richness, whilst the depth and length of flavours impress. This is a good effort and worth trying.
Heemskerk – Chardonnay/Pinot Noir – Able’s Tempest – NV (17.5pts – $32). Pale. I like the floral/apple blossom fruit that is balanced by fresh acidity. Subtle, long and fine, this is a smart wine.