The second release of this wine, again made from non-Estate fruit. I really enjoyed the previous vintage; it struck me as both quite Canberran but also refreshingly different from the flagship Shiraz Viognier label. The 2008 continues in this vein.
This seems a bit quieter and more resolved than the 2007. I recall the earlier wine as lively, edgy and bright. This, while firmly red-fruited and medium bodied, seems composed and calm too. The nose shows what appears to be whole bunch characters, with a funky stalkiness that never entirely blows off, even as it integrates with intense black pepper and spiced plum fruit. The aroma profile is quite complex, though it's not one of those wines that feels the need to parade its complexity in the precocious manner of a contestant in a toddler's beauty pageant.
The palate is soothingly resolved, remarkably so for such a young wine. There's plenty of up-front flavour, more spice and red fruit along with an umami influence that adds a particular deliciousness to the flavour profile. The middle palate gets a bit brighter, with acid driving a relatively high toned set of flavours that are generous without ever entirely relaxing on the tongue. The stalk-like notes translate here as a medicinal influence, attractive and sympathetic to the fruit flavours. A nimble after palate and finish round things off well, with good length.
Very attractive, satisfying wine with excellent drinkability. In time, it may improve and gain greater presence across the spectrum of its flavours, from top to bottom. I would not feel guilty about drinking it now, though, as there's a lot of enjoyment to be had in the immediate term.
Update: after two days, this has filled out beautifully without losing an ounce of elegance. Super wine.
Definitely in agreement with regards to the quality here - Excellent wine and very well priced.
Do you prefer the 07 or 08 then Julian?
Hmm, I'm not sure. The 08 seems more polished, but I remember being a bit more excited by the 07, as if it had a bit more of an "x factor." I should retaste the 07 at some stage to see how it's tracking.
How about you?
Really elegant and lovely wine. Drank better after being open 12 hours for mine. Wouldn't mind getting some in the cellar.
Lovely wine here's my notes, tasted on 25/2/11.
Dark purple with bright violet rim. Great nose of spicy dark plums, lovely musky notes, fine cedar and some perfumed nuances of violet. Nice structure on the palate, medium weight, with nice mouthwashing tannins,fine oak, with a prune fruit lift. Excellent length. 94.
94.
Nice note! Sounds like it's travelling rather well.