Appellation Australia

I wrote recently about my first bottle of this wine here.

There have been some reports of bottle variation from the case purchased at auction earlier this year by some of the other syndicate members. My first bottle was good but looked a little bit tired, this second (and final) bottle displayed better freshness and was a small step up on the previous bottle. Still, I still think that it is sliding away very slowly and would have been unforgettable at its peak rather than “merely” excellent now.

It is interesting that there is such variation between individual bottles of the same wine, that have been stored in exactly the same conditions for so many years. From undrinkable to bordering on perfection. I don’t know if screwcap is the answer, but cork surely isn’t.

Tasting Note: Such amazing complexity on the nose - honey, caramel, butterscotch, marmalade, mixed nuts, lemon sherbet and toasted spicy oak. The palate is outstandingly deep, balanced and lively, with a powerful, creamy, layered mouth-feel and a long vein of acid holding it all together along the superb length of the wine. 94 Points Drink: Now

I recently reviewed the Castagna “Sauvage” - a blend of Shiraz, Viognier and Sangiovese here. “Genesis” is the flagship of the Castagna range and as mentioned in the previous review, it wasn’t able to be made due to drought and bushfires in 2003.

This particular vintage, was the second release of “Genesis” and the first made from vines owned by Castagna. When the grapes were picked, the vines were less than two years of age - if this is what Julian Castagna can do with such young vines, I am looking forward to his future releases when the vines become fully mature.

Tasting Note: Lifted scents of violet and a touch of apricot with earth, spice, tobacco, blackberries and plum, along with some gamey, meaty characters in the background. Lovely textured mouth-feel. An outstanding effort from such young vines. 92 Points Drink: Now - 2007

Jeffrey Grosset has been at the forefront of Australian Riesling production over the past two decades. He makes a range of wines, but none are more famed than his two Rieslings, one from Polish Hill and one from Watervale - both located in the Clare Valley in South Australia.

Generally it is said that the Watervale is for earlier consumption than the Polish Hill and so at nearly 9 years of age, the Watervale was due for drinking.

Tasting Note: A lovely bright light golden colour. Honey, toast and just a small touch of kerosene (which i personally don’t mind). Outstanding length. At or very close to its apex, but I feel like it has the structure to hold this peak for years to come. A beautiful example of mature Australian Riesling. 93 Points Drink: Now -2007

This Shiraz/Viognier blend from Petaluma is not as well known as their Riesling, Merlot or their Cabernet blend - but has still received some excellent reviews from Australian wine critics.

Tasting Note: Youthful colour and a not-at-all shy nose - blackcurrants, ripe cherry, clove and other assorted spices along with a fair amount of oak and a subtle floral lift from the small Viognier component. I didn’t mind the oak treatment too much, however the wine would be better if it were slightly more restrained. Give it some time and it may integrate better. For a first vintage - a very good effort. 90 Points Drink: 2008 - 2012