A few wines tasted lately. Apparently, Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc continues to be the default white wine selection when dining out, and so it was the other night when enjoying the company of some colleagues after work. The Te Whare Ra Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007 is made in an approachable manner (within the context of the style), with good typicité unhindered by any excesses of capsicum flavour or acid. Seems to be outside the mainstream, with rounder, perhaps simpler flavours than usual. I thought I'd be traditional and have this with a goat cheese-based entrée but I can't say the match worked especially well.
By contrast, the 2006 Elderton Barossa Shiraz seems to me quite typical and satisfying. A big whiff of vanilla oak on the nose backed up with a substantial hit of Barossa fruit, this is definitely made in the contemporary mould. Full bodied, gently structured, spicy and a bit lifted, this avoids any hint of confectionary or "industrial" winemaking. Despite the mainstream style, there's real integrity here. This usually retails for about $25 and, at this price, is excellent value.
Stonier's 2007 Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir probably deserves a full note, but I was too busy enjoying it the other evening to document detailed impressions. What with local Pinot still being a bit all over the map stylistically, it's nice to taste a wine that is very sure of what it wants to be. Light and funky are the key words here; the polar opposite of, say, the Paringa Estate style. In the mouth, a nice burst of bright red fruit, a touch of oak and plenty of structure. In fact, there's probably too much structure right now for full enjoyment, although the acid in particular generates a refreshing impression on the palate. In hindsight, I would have preferred this lightly chilled. Lots of fine, textured tannins swirl around the after palate. If this fills out with a year or so in bottle, it will be quite an outstanding wine.
Julian, I'm from Sydney but was at the Mornington last week and tasted their '08 version of this. My comparison of the '07 and '08, from memory, I think the '08 may nudge this one out. Both lovely wines but if you get the opportunity try their single site "Windmill Vineyard" the'06 is a cracker.
Bill
Hi Bill, thank you for the tip, I will look out for the 08. I do like the Stonier style, and am keen to dive a bit deeper into the single vineyard stuff. Shall see what I can do.
Cheers,
Julian.