Category: Wine Reviews


VOYAGER BENCHMARKING MASTERCLASS 2010

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November 6, 2010

Held in Sydney at est. (as well as other places in Australia), this masterclass provided the experience of top benchmarking wines all in one setting, including Voyager Estate from Margaret River. The international benchmarking tasting explored special sites around the world that are acclaimed for producing iconic Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon predominant wines. Hosted by Voyager Estate’s manager of winemaking and viticulture, Steve James and winemaker Travis Lemm, it was interesting to see how all wines presented individually distinct character from different wine sites.
There were many great wines tasted including the top French, Italian and USA examples but I would like to provide a quick snapshot of the Australian/NZ wines included for your interest… All these wines have good ageing potential for their variety.

CHARDONNAY BRACKET:

Craggy Range Les Beaux Cailloux Chardonnay 2007 – from Hawkes Bay in New Zealand, great for Chardonnay. This is from the Gimblett Gravels vineyard (known as great vineyards for Bordeaux-style reds and Syrah from new Zealand), giving a prominent minerality that lasts through to the finish. Rrp around $60.

Leeuwin Estate ‘Art Series’ Chardonnay 2007 – From Margaret River (WA), and one of the most iconic examples of Chardonnay in Australia, this wine shows a citrus fragrance, with a powerful palate of white stone fruit and grapefruit, linear acidity and a hint of oak. The length is long and smooth. Great collector item. Rrp around $95.

Voyager Estate Chardonnay 2007 – Also from Margaret River. Good body, stone fruit, melon and fresh acidity and a hint of nuttiness. Great length. Rrp around $40.

SHIRAZ BRACKET:

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2008 – One of my favourite wines. Premium example from Canberra, and of the Shiraz and Viognier blend in Australia. Young, fragrant red fruits and floral notes, with some earthy characters that give the wine depth. Palate is intense and further shows its depth, with plenty of opulent fruits and smooth silky tannins, in a length and structure that demands attention. Aged in French oak which re-assures the elegance of this wine. One of the top collected wines in Australia. Can cellar for about 15+ years (from vintage year) :-) Rrp around $95.

Dalwhinnie Moonambel Shiraz 2008 – Also a collectible, from Pyrenees (Vic). An attractive wine perfumed with dark spices and earthy characters, blackberries and black cherries. Palate provides plenty of juicy fruit accompanied with great texture through well integrated tannins and oak. Superb length that leaves you very satisfied. Cellar for about 15+ years. :-) Rrp around $60.

Shaw & Smith Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2008 – South Australia. Attractive Shiraz with warmth, spices, ripeness and well integrated oak. Rrp around $38.

CABERNET BRACKET:

Balnaves The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 – Coonawarra (SA). Intense wine with cassis, ripe currants, dark spices (think licorice and pepper), in a very firm structure. Rrp around $80.

Cullen Diana Madeline 2005 – Margaret River (WA). A top biodynamic example and cabernet blend – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and a dash of Petit Verdot. Great depth, with intense ripe fruit, savouriness, black cherries, smooth tannins and well integrated oak. Persistent and elegant finish. Cellar for about 12+ years. :-) Rrp around $90.

Mount Mary Quintet 2005 – From Yarra Valley (Vic). Another superb Bordeaux/French blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Displays both ripe red and black fruits adding fruity and savoury tones to the nose and palate. Silky tannins and fruit are well rounded in an elegant style and very long finish. Cellar for about 15 years. :-)  Rrp around $100.

Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005 – Margaret River does many fine examples of Cabernet and Merlot blends, and Voyager estate is among the top of these. Both red and black fruits are displayed in rich flavour, along with well integrated tannins and oak, all in balance and a long and solid but smooth finish. Cellars for about 20 years… Rrp around $60.

Wine that truly reflects it’s individual terroir/site is a real sign of quality. This was the focus of the masterclass and all the wines above represented their individual vineyards. Some winemakers do it so well that you can even tell the differences between two wines of the same grape grown just 50m apart, next to each other… Australian wine has a lot of value in what we can produce, aided by our flexibility to try many grape varieties and winemaking practices (whereas many other regions in the world have more strict laws). Looking forward to seeing our future…

Cheers!

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Sacramental wine…

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October 25, 2010

I recently enjoyed an aged sacramental wine. This was a Clare Valley (South Australia) wine - Sevenhill’s “Seven Brothers Sesquicentenary” Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz blend, from 1999. This wine was finally bottled in 2001 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Sevenhill cellars, when it was established by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1851 to produce sacramental wine. They still provide sacramental wine but are also making good table wines. Goes to show, it’s always good to keep your eyes open for any little wines that you don’t know about. http://www.sevenhill.com.au/

Sevenhill’s “Seven Brothers Sesquicentenary” Cabernet Shiraz blend 1999 – Delicious with a deep aroma of some woody characteristics, rosemary and plums. On tasting plenty of velvety plush tannins, plums, mulberries, a lacing of spice, and well integrated oak. Medium to full bodied. This wine wasn’t pricey, and perfect drinking now.

As the Bible says, “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake” – Amen!
The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy, 5:23.

Cheers.
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Weekend wine line up (incl. Linfield Road, Lake’s Folly Cabernets and Grange)

Filed under: Red Wine, White Wine, Wine, Wine Reviews — 4 Comments
October 15, 2010
   Having a bbq last Sunday afternoon was a perfect excuse to explore some wines and crack open some goodies! I tried Linfield road from Barossa for the first time and quite enjoyed it. We also cracked open two great Australian iconic wines – Lake’s Folly Cabernets and Grange. More details below…
     Linfield Road – The Slab Hut – On recently receiving a case of Linfield Road wines from the Barossa, I was pleased to try “The Slab Hut” Merlot/Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon from their range. I thought this wine was good value, and an unusual blend with Merlot predominating (it’s often the other way around). For this wine from 2005 I wouldn’t have consumed it any earlier. Now and for the next two years is good. It’s got a slight herbaceous aroma, plenty of flavour (slightly jammy, but approachable), good body/weight, and approachable especially for those starting to get into big red wines. Rrp $22. http://www.linfieldroadwines.com.au/
     De Bortoli – Windy Peak Pinot Grigio – A good value Pinot Grigio for under $15.
     Lawson’s Dry Hills – Marlborough Pinot Gris – Pear, citrus, a bit of spice, and well textured with a good length on the palate. Expected quality and taste from New Zealand. Ideal for under $25.
     Lake’s Folly – Cabernets 2004 – From the Hunter Valley – a very elegant, deep and intense wine that can still cellar further. Has really smooth, clean edges, and a powerful, yet not too heavy, body (think dark berries, cassis, herbs, well integrated oak and silky tannins…). A collectable wine. Perfect with a medium-rare steak and roast vegies with caramelised balsamic vinegar. Rrp about $52.
     Penfolds – Grange 1996 – One of the best vintages of all time (Aus), along with 2002, 1998, 1991 and 1990. Still after 14 years this wine needed more time, but was still delicious now. Luxurious palate but not overly heavy. Plums, red cherry, oak, and silky smooth, velvety tannins. Will drink until about 2025… A collectable wine. Rrp currently around about $550.
     Kemeny’s – Hidden Label – Cowra Cordon Cut Sauvignon Blanc Semillon - This Kemeny’s clean skin (unbranded) dessert wine is fantastic value for money… I bought dozens a few years ago and these sticky wines never let me down. Orange blossom and honey… Went perfectly with Tiramisu cake and vanilla ice cream. Rrp under $20. Great value!

Cheers.

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A couple of good reds…

Filed under: Red Wine, Wine, Wine Reviews — 1 Comment
October 8, 2010

BLEASDALE – THE POWDER MONKEY SHIRAZ ’08

Tried this wine in the office last week, as Bleasdale has recently launched their Powder Monkey Shiraz, from Langhorne Creek (South Australia). As a typical but also unique shiraz I really enjoyed this drop. Typical big, bold Shiraz flavour, however with less complexity than many famous Shirazes, but it was balanced and there was no other way to “improve” on it – Straight forward oak, dark fruits such as blackberries and plums, some spice, dark chocolate, and velvety tannins in a very solid and concentrated palate. This is perfect for a Shiraz drinker. Received 95pts from Halliday’s Wine Companion 2011. Can drink now or cellar for at least 5 years to mellow more so. Launched at cellar door for $65. http://www.bleasdale.com.au/ 

STELLA BELLA – SANGIOVESE CABERNET ’07

The Stella Bella wines are a combination of selected vineyard sites from within the Margaret River region. These wines are created from selecting particular sites for their special contribution to individuality, style and premium quality. Under the Stella Bella label there are the signature blends of Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Merlot, as well as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Shiraz – but there is also the small production of “exotics” – Pink Muscat, Viognier, Tempranillo and Sangiovese Cabernet.

I particularly enjoyed the Sangiovese Cabernet… Very juicy and bright/lively palate with red cherries, berries and spice. Tannins were not overpowering but slightly grippy, and well integrated oak characters. Received 94pts in James Halliday Wine Companion 2010, and the Big Red Wine Book 2010/11. Can drink now but will cellar for another 6 years. PERFECT with Pizza, BBQ meats, and other Italian food, as well as some tapas. Rrp about $30. http://www.stellabella.com.au/

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Metala Wines from Langhorne Creek

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September 30, 2010

I’ve previously posted about Metala wines but thought I’d do so again since I’m still drinking these wines out of the cellar and reaping the benefits. Langhorne Creek in South Australia is also often a lesser mentioned area (for example compared to McLaren Vale or Coonawarra), but the area has a great history and makes some fantastic wines.

Metala Wines come in a Black label and a White label, both from Langhorne Creek (excellent for giving smooth tannin that’s not too harsh, plus plenty of plush yet bold flavour of a typical Australian red wine). Both black and white labels are great quality and value, and cellar well too… 5-7 years for the White label, and further with the Black label. All bottles are individually numbered in White and Black labels. The Black labels are only released on exceptional vintages.

You can grab some pretty good deals of the White label for less than $20. Excellent with a good steak and chips, beef stroganoff, or Czech cuisine… The more recent releases do need some air and “breathing” before thoroughly enjoying it (on opening, the wine needs contact with oxygen/air for a little while to take the edge off a reasonably young wine), but even 20 mins takes off some of the sharpness of youth.

Black Label Tasting Notes: dense and dark in colour, plenty of berry fruit notes, with spices, licorice, mint, eucalypt and subtle oak aromas on the nose. A rich and sleek palate with loads of rich, opulent, mouthfilling fruit flavours, with leather, toast and a hint of vanilla, with the oak well integrated… rrp about $50 a bottle.

White Label Tasting Notes: also dense and dark in colour, aromas of sweet herbs, red berries, ground black pepper and mint. On palate, intense plum, cherry and blackcurrant fruit with hints of eucalyptus and licorice which characterise Langhorne Creek. Full bodied and rich with dense blackberry fruit, silky tannins and a touch of minerality and pencil shavings, resulting in a rich and bright wine. rrp about $15-20 a bottle.

Or in other words there are no real differences between these wines, just a little more complexity and structure on the Black label that allows it to age further : )

Result: Great value! Both my Black and White label wines are doing really well and are delicious. Worth grabbing them especially when you see a good price.
Cheers.

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HEAD WINES – A. Head Above the Rest

Filed under: Red Wine, Wine, Wine Reviews — 1 Comment
September 22, 2010

For those who haven’t already heard about Head Wines (http://www.headwines.com.au/), this wine range produces just a few exceptional wines and is at the forefront of cutting edge Australian wines. From working in fine-wine management, importing, and wineries’ vintages (including Tyrell’s, Torbreck, Laughing Jack and Cirillo), Alex Head has finally released his first wines to the public. James Halliday in his 2011 Wine Companion has already given Head Wines 5 stars (which is exceptional)… Head wines has also been recently awarded in ’10 of the best new Wineries’.

Alex head brought an early peek of his Blonde and Brunette wines for tasting which were both Shiraz from Barossa Valley (South Aus), but different. Two vineyard sites similar to Cote Rotie in France have been selected from the Barossa Valley that produce contrasting styles of Shiraz, and Head Wines’ Brunette and Blonde wines emerged. The names are loyal to the great legend of ‘Count Maugiron’ and his two daughters, a blonde and a brunette, who each inherited Cote Blonde and Cote Brune accordingly which produce wines of different character.

Both wines are very cellar worthy, and therefore a good investment if you’re looking for it. I thoroughly enjoyed both Blonde and Brunette wines:

HEAD BLONDE Single Vineyard Shiraz Viognier 2009 – From a single vineyard site in Stonewell, over limestone. Highly perfumed floral bouquet, with a luscious and vibrant palate of red to dark fruits and spices. Final blend contains 2% Viognier which really lifts this dark wine. Drink until 2020+. Rated 96 Points from Halliday in 2008 Vintage. Rrp about $36.

HEAD BRUNETTE Single Vineyard Shiraz 2009 – Darker characteristics such as blackberry, plum, liquorice, dark chocolate and earthy spices. Well integrated oak and silky tannins, with a long lasting finish. Drink until 2025+. Rated 96 Points from Halliday in 2008 and 2007 Vintage (go the Brunette!). Rrp about $47.

If you’re not looking to spend as much but still get fantastic bang for your buck, HEAD RED Shiraz 2008 is also a great drop - powerful, Barossa wine, almost black in colour, with generous fruit such as black plums and lively acidity well balanced with plush tannins. Will pair well with any fat/protein dishes and drink marvelously on its own. Will cellar and also drink well now. Drink until 2016. Rated 95 points from Halliday. Rrp about $22!

Head Wines are worth knowing about, so keep an eye out…  Cheers!

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Leeuwin Estate, A. Retief and Barone Ricasoli Chianti at Australian Museum

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September 15, 2010

Wine Ark (http://www.wine-ark.com.au/) held their usual tasting event at The Australian Museum, always with real treats in the wines presented, and this night all wines were from dedicated family-owned producers. Leeuwin Estate is self explanatory as a premium Margaret River winery. Alex Retief wines shows interesting and dynamic character from a boutique private winery (not open to the public), making wines from the Canberra and the Hilltops regions. And to finish off, some delicious Chianti (Sangiovese dominant red wines) from Barone Ricasoli in Tuscany – from recent releases to 2001 vintage. Barone Ricasoli is the fourth oldest family-owned company of any type in the world. I’ve decided to include James Halliday’s recent scorings of these wines, since his well awaited Australian Wine Companion 2011 was recently released.
Leeuwin Estate – Presented by Marketing Manager Simone Horgan-Furlong

2009 Art Series Sauvignon Blanc - A more elegant, refined style of Sauvignon Blanc as the passionfruit and stone fruit characters aren’t overbearing like in many of the commercial Sauvignon Blanc wines around today. Rrp $33, 96pts.

2008 Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay – Fragrant and elegant bouquet, this second label from Leeuwin Estate equals some wineries’ best Chardonnays. Rrp $34, 94 pts.

2007 Art Series Chardonnay – Also refined and elegant with subtle oak influence, is one of the top 50 collected wines in Australia and always produces outstanding vintages. Rrp $96, can cellar to 2022, 96 pts.

2008 Art Series Shiraz – Fragrant and spicy with prominent structure and leanness to it. Rrp $38, 94 pts.

2005 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon – Superb example of Margaret River Cabernet, with herbaceous on the nose and a powerful, intense palate that can be cellared up to 2030. Rrp $60, 94 pts.

A. Retief – Presented by winemaker Alex Retief

2009 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (Canberra) - Refreshing style of Sauvignon Blanc for those used to New Zealand’s white wines, in an almost French stlyle. rrp $25, drink over the next two years, 94pts.

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Malbec (Canberra) – rrp $28, can cellar to 2020, 90 pts.

2008 Shiraz Sangiovese Malbec (Gundagai) - rrp $28, can cellar to 2020, 88 pts.

2008 Shiraz (Hilltops) – Plenty of cocoa character with velvety tannins, plums and berries, rrp $27.

Barone Ricasoli Chianti – Presented by the Wine Ark Cellar Club Director

2009 Chianti – Fresh and vibrant aroma and palate of red cherries, spice and some cocoa, supported by good, non-overpowering structure, and a long finish. Rrp $25

2008 Brolio Chianti Classico – Rich but elegant aroma and palate of ripe red juicy fruits, spice, a touch of linear minerality, with oak and underlying tannin. Rrp $43

2007 Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Riserva – complex aroma of fruit, chocolate, pepper and roasted coffee, followed by a generous palate of red berries and tannins and toasted characters. Long length.

2001 Castello di Brolio Chianti – Well developed aroma and taste, with ripe fruits, blackberries, well integrated oak and a mineral edge which refines the wine in taste all resulting in richness and length.

Leeuwin Estate is never a let down and both the Prelude and Art Series Chardonnay are fantastic quality at each price point. I thoroughly enjoyed A. Retief wines – their Shiraz is full on cocoa characters and good ‘mouth feel’. Barone Ricasoli Chianti wines were all delicious and make fantastic food pairings, with the entry level Chianti presenting pretty good value for money. If you’re not already familiar with Chianti wines, we in Australia will most likely see more of them here and they are definitely worth a try. Perfect accompaniment with Tapas, Antipastos, Italian, Mediterranean, Pastas, and even just Fresh Olives and Cheese on Crackers…

Cheers.

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St Hallett lunch with winemaker Toby Barlow

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September 8, 2010
A St Hallett lunch (http://www.sthallett.com.au/) was held @ Bistrode CBD with St Halletts winemaker Toby Barlow last week. St Hallett has been producing well established wine from Barossa since 1944, with a good resource of old vines and grape growers to produce full flavour, texture and body. Toby and Stuart Blackwell (the other head winemaker) contribute a wealth of experience to their wines, and are happy to do new things outside what Barossa is well known for, such as using the Touriga Portuguese grape variety.
Along with an entree of Half cured Petuna Salmon and Celeriac salad, and a main of Warm Duck and Beetroot Salad – both cooked well and well enjoyed, Toby wanted to show some certain, perhaps lesser known, things about some of St Hallett’s wines – The following wines were discussed and appreciated:

St Hallett 2009 Winter Riesling – uses malolactic fermentation (which increases “creaminess” and texture).

St Hallett 2009 Eden Valley Riesling – not using malolactic fermentation; light (in body and in alcohol), refreshing and overall dry style. Rrp about $25.

St Hallett 2004 Gamekeeper’s Reserve Shiraz Grenache Touriga – Bright in colour and perfumed on nose, with stewed plum, black cherry and spices. On palate, also bright with juicy berry fruits, but perfect drinking now. Rrp about $20.
St Hallett 2009 Gamekeeper’s Reserve Shiraz Grenache Touriga – More purple in colour than the same blend in 2004, but with ripe dark fruits (such as plum and black fruits) on palate and nose. Good structure too. Rrp about $30. Will also cellar well (until about 2018+).
St Hallett 2009 Old Vine Grenache – Grenache is an old grape variety finally making a comeback in Australia. This wine is lightly perfumed with lifted fruit, but also with some earthiness and a firm palate with tannins that sit well.
St Hallett 2009 Touriga Nacional – Black cherry, plums and chalky tannins, in an overall rich and dense palate. 09 a great year for this grape variety.
St Hallett 2008 Garden of Eden Shiraz – Great that St Hallett coined the term “Garden of Eden” for a wine. Plum, black fruits and cinnamon, with oak well integrated. This could have easily been an over-ripe tasting wine but it’s kept together well.
St Hallett 2008 Blackwell Shiraz - Dense colour, and a big and bold shiraz, typical of Barossa. Black cherry and dense fruits, along with plenty of ripe tannins and velvety texture, and oak is well integrated. Rrp about $35. Will cellar to about 2028+.

Most of St Hallett wines are pretty good value, while remaining loyal to the use of Barossa terroir and old vines. If having to choose, overall I really enjoyed the Gamekeeper’s Reserve Shiraz Grenache Touriga blends and the Blackwell shiraz. The Touriga was made well for a lesser-known grape grown in Barossa, and I think we need to see more of this… It’s good that wineries such as St Hallett and S.C. Pannell are embarking on making wines of European varieties that have not been grown or experienced much in Australia.

Cheers.

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Best’s Wines New Releases "Tweet up" Dinner @ Fix St. James

Filed under: Food, Red Wine, White Wine, Wine, Wine Reviews — 1 Comment
September 3, 2010

1st September 2010 – Best’s Wines (http://www.bestswines.com/) held their “Tweet Up” Dinner in celebration of their newly released wines, at Fix St James Wine Bar/Restaurant (http://www.fixstjames.com.au/). People at the dinner, as well as many others who received Best’s wine packs to review on the same night whether they were at the dinner or not, used Twitter to voice their thoughts on the wines and also see what others are thinking. At Fix St James we all could see people’s opinions and reviews about Best’s new release wines through Twitter on a flatscreen in real time, across Australia.

From Best’s wines was Jonathan Mogg, presenting the wines at the dinner - firstly with the fresh releases, then back in time to the older vintages. This event provided a unique opportunity to try some of Best’s exclusive wines from the cellar including 1984 Best’s Great Western Chardonnay, 1992 Great Western Riesling, 2000 Bin 1 Shiraz (the first EVER Bin 1 made), 1997 Bin 0 Shiraz, and 1996 Thomson Family Shiraz. The older vintages were aged well and still had a lot of kick.

   Best’s wines are among the top 50 collected wines in Australia. This is the first time a winery has done an event like this, and it was great to see people’s views and opinions all at the same time. This worked out quite well.

   The matching degustation was delicious and plenty to go around, thanks to Fix St. James’ Stuart Knox, and Chef Sam Bennett who is still celebrating the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at the recent Time Out Sydney Food Awards. Fix St James is at 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney – I recommend a visit. Great wine list, food, service, and everything.

First off we had a Sparkling white - well done yeasty bready characters on the nose, and dry but fresh palate.
New releases (these are personal notes):
   Best’s Riesling – some fruit on the nose (and did find out there is a slightly higher residual sugar than a dry riesling), then zesty with prominent acid on palate and a mineral structure. Elegant and age-worthy. Around $22 rrp.
   Best’s Chardonnay –  Nose is fragrant and has decent amount of fruit such as nectarines. Creamy with acidity for balance, bright and fresh fruit comes in a fraction later, sits very well. Elegant and also age-worthy. Around $25 rrp.
   Best’s Shiraz Bin 1 - deep boquet, black fruit (such as black cherry), some earthiness. Powerful palate but tannin sits smoothly with pepper and spices that add elegance. Yum! Quite a savoury style Shiraz. About $25 rrp.
   Best’s Cabernet Sauvignon - very reserved on the nose (but because it needs some more time), with a hint of herbaceousness, elegant, laced with spice and white pepper. Quite fresh, and at the same time deep and intense, with superb length. Fruit is somewhat receded, with smooth but slightly grippy tannins. Around $25 rrp.

Old/Special releases: All aged perfectly:
   Best’s 1984 Chardonnay – Mellow nose with some stone fruit. Aged very well, leaving a well developed texture.
   Best’s 1992 Riesling – Surprisingly fresh considering the age! Plenty of mouthwatering acidity
   Best’s 2007 Bin 1 Shiraz – Lively and elegant, with juicy mouthwatering fruits and silky, velvety tannins.
   Best’s 2000 Bin 1 Shiraz – Black fruit, savoury and slightly earthy with long length.
   Best’s 1997 Bin 0 Shiraz – Quite fragrant and with a bright palate. Oak well integrated. Perfect drinking now.
   Best’s 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon – Complex with sweeter and more savoury notes, such as fruit and mint and spices throughout the palate in balance.
   Best’s 1996 Thompson Family Shiraz – Shows a powerful palate with dense intense blackberries, cherries, plums, with a little, but very recognisable, liquorice note. Will age for about 12-15 years.

These wines and dinner were memorable and it was well worth having real-time tweets running across Australia with #bestswines. More wineries should do it!   

Cheers.

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S.C. Pannell Wines – Stephen Pannell

Filed under: Red Wine, White Wine, Wine, Wine Reviews — 4 Comments
August 30, 2010

S.C. Pannell Wines (http://www.pannell.com.au/) – Stephen Pannell and co. came into the office last week with plenty of wine, in a silver tech suitcase sized thing which opened up at the top revealing a wine opener holder, cork holders, wine glasses, the lot – ready for action! This meant serious wine business.

Indeed interest was never to drift off with these quirky winemaker. S.C. Pannell wines are dynamic and different – bending Australia’s style and beliefs in wine (outside of the typical Big Bold Blousy Reds of Aus), and showing what we can grow in other styles of wine , yet somehow still retaining its authenticity and making it seem like it was meant to be a part of Australian wine a long time ago… Stephen also grew up in the family that founded Moss Wood wines, and has many many years of experience in Wirra Wirra, Hardy’s, Tintara, Domaine des Comtes Lafon (Burgundy), Chateau Mouton Rothschild (Bordeaux), G.D. Vajra (Barolo) and more… As well as winning the International red winemaker of the year (London), winning the Max Schubert Trophy Twice over (winemaker at Penfolds), the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy just to name a few. Oh! And listed as one of the 50 Most Influential Contributors to the World of Wine by Decanter magazine.

So… S.C. Pannell Wines is the perfect example of his knowledge in the art of winemaking. Also – we need more winemakers like Stephen that’s trying new things and prove the rigid winemakers, with strict ideas in how wine should be made, wrong (not wrong but that their way is not the only way). Australia has much more to offer in our wine styles than most people realise.

As James Halliday has recently foretold, “This is a label which is well on the way to Icon-status”, and giving it 5 stars in his recent release of Australian Wine Companion 2010.

This was what I tasted, and the wines were intriguing and had a lot to offer:

Pronto Bianco, 2008 – A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris! Fruity but got good texture to it as well unlike a straight usual Sauvignon Blanc, well lined with a crisp acidity. Sells for about $21 – and worth it! Especially compared to the plenty of $20 Sauvignon Blanc wines around that aren’t actually that great.

Grenache Rose, 2009 – Old, Dry-grown bush vines, from McLaren Vale, which is impressive in the way it can grow Grenache (Garnacha). Sells for about $21. Lovely with a picnic or summer day drinks.

Pronto Tinto Red, 2008 – Aroma of fresh crisp strawberries, floral notes, and a hint of rosewater, leading to a dry finish. Predominatly Grenache, with some Touriga and Shiraz. Influence of Spain and Portugal through grape varieties. Eclectic taste of rose, musk, spices, and a little fruit but not much. From McLaren Vale, a 65 year old vineyard. No oak influence, therefore plenty of fruit on the palate. Sells for about $21 – great value!

Shiraz Grenache, 2006 – Concentrated flavour and colour a dark crimson red. Grenache lifts the nose giving perfume to the wine, with touched of musk and red berries, along with some more bold Shiraz aromas of cocoa, black cherry and small berries. Plenty of fruit freshness but with elegance. Earthy notes of oak and spice come in. Made from Old, Dry-grown bush vines, McLaren Vale. A little more Shiraz than Grenache. Both grape varieties were co-fermented in small open top fermenters, to help them both integrate well into each other. French oak influence. Will age for another 8+ years. Fantastic wine! Sells for about $38. Enjoy it with a nice dinner, such as tapas etc.

Grenache, 2006 – Deep colour, dense with crimson notes. Aroma is complex with many notes from forest fruits, earthy and leafy characters, and even a hint of rose… High amounts of juicy fruit (makes your mouth water), and a high amount of grippy tannins which adds appreciative texture to it’s rich palate, laced with herbs and spices. Tasty! And Great finish that lasts… Aged in French oak. Made from 67 year old bush-grown vines in the Vale. Can age for another 8+ years. Sells for about $56. Great wine to cellar.

Nebbiolo, 2007 - A blend of 5 different clones of the grape. Quite an elegant nebbiolo – highly perfumed with roses, cherries and hints of wet earth and leather. Powerful tannins along underlying cocoa and plush black fruits. From Adelaide Hills. Age for at least another 7 years. Sells for about $46. Great wine to cellar, and a great example of Australian Nebbiolo in its early history.

Shiraz, 2006 – Deep ruby red colour, and a finer, more elegant style Shiraz which is not really big on fruit flavour but more on the beetroot, pomegranite, leather and anise as well as other earthy notes… From old vineyards (one of them well over 100 years old), McLaren Vale. Will age for 8+ more years. Sells for about $56. Cellar it.

Cheers.

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