First Impressions – Reds: Spring 2023
Barry Weinman: 25th October 2023
Here is a summary of some of the highlights from a recent trade show that I attended. You can find the whites here.
I have not pointed the wines as it is hard to be completely objective when the winemaker is telling you just how good his wines are :). But I would be more than happy having a glass of any of the wines.
In terms of affordable and approachable wines, both the Red Claw pinot and Yangarra’s Noir were right on the money. I would be very happy having a glass of either of these wines with a casual meal.
The Dog Point and Yabby Lakes were the stand-out pinots for me, and the Credaro 1000 Crowns Cabernet was one of the wines of the tasting.
Reviewed
Nanny Goat – Queensberry – Pinot Noir – 2022. Whilst the standard Pinot is a good drink, this is a real step up in terms of quality and impact. Fresh, vibrant fruit is supported by refreshing acidity. There is excellent length and depth, and the finish is really supple. Drink any time over the next five years.
Dog Point – Pinot Noir – 2020. This is clean, fresh and really perfumed, supported by fine tannins and acidity. The fruit is initially shy, but builds with air. Excellent texture and mouth feel. The red fruits here are supported by gentle, earthy notes. A fine wine.
Shaw & Smith – Pinot Noir – 2022. Fresh, silky and very fine with subtle intensity, velvety texture and a seamless finish. A lovely wine.
Red Claw – Pinot Noir – 2022. There is decent depth and intensity here, but this is so approachable and such great drinking. Delicious straight from the get go and sure to be good value. Made by Yabby Lakes.
Yabby Lakes – Pinot Noir – 2022. This has similarities to the Red Claw, but has much more power, depth and intensity. Amazing length and persistence, and really silky to boot, with a seamless finish. A beautiful wine. 96 pts.
Yangarra – Noir – 2021. A grenache blend which is fleshy, supple and excellent drinking. Not serious, but textured and fun.
Yangarra – Kingswood – Shiraz – 2021. A lighter style which is subtle and elegant, with weight more akin to Pinot Noir than Shiraz but very good all the same.
Yangarra – Iron Heart – Shiraz – 2020. Much more of everything here, and very good, indeed, with powerful fruit and excellent texture supported by souring acidity that leads to a finish that’s chewy, long and elegant. The tannins are very, very fine but prodigious.
Credaro– 1000 Crowns – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2021. Intense, concentrated, dense and powerful, with amazing length and persistence. Yet somehow, this is also excellent drinking. This amazing wine comes from new plantings in Wilyabrup that are only seven years old. The vineyard is close planted with Houghton and 337 clones.