March 24th, 2006
Sutton Grange Winery (Bendigo) -
“Fairbank” Viognier 2005 - Apricot and pineapple on the nose. Not bad, but lacks texture or something to make it stand out. 84/100
“Fairbank” Rosé 2005 - 90% Shiraz, 10% Merlot. There is nothing much to talk about here, light in colour and flavour. Palate is reasonably balanced and crisp but there is nothing to hold interest. 81/100
February 10th, 2006
Balgownie Estate (Bendigo) - This winery has been around since 1969 and it is known for its full flavoured red wines that have excellent aging abilities. The two “Estate” red wines that I tried are going to live for a long time.
“Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 - Like the Shiraz, quite concentrated and full flavoured but perhaps slightly more restrained than the Shiraz. Tightly coiled, with good structure and needs more time in order to show its best. 90/100
“Estate” Shiraz 2003 - Rich, inky and concentrated, a touch jammy. Lots of acid, tannin and oak fighting for attention at the moment, come back in 5 or 10 years. 89/100
Chardonnay 2004 - Floral with a candyish, sweet element to this - I didn’t really find it to my liking. 86/100
Pinot Noir 2003 - More in a medium-bodied red style than your typical Pinot. Nothing especially wrong with it, but it doesn’t do anything to stand out. 86/100