Presenter: Fred Bell
|
February
2014 minutes:
|
| Wines |
Region |
Country |
Source |
Cost |
Comments |
Type |
1.
Littore Family
Wines 2011 Idyll Fiano, Geelong
|
Victoria |
Australia |
Laithewaites |
£8 |
11.5% Showed an
intense nose in the glass with lemon and peach. The
palate was slightly viscous with a sweet centre and
evoked much discussion; most agreeing it was a
little light and short but good value for money.
|
|
2.
(Berton Vineyards) 2011
The Optimist Marsanne Viognier
|
South Eastern
Australia |
Australia |
Laithewaites |
£12 |
13%. There was
a ripe, floral nose with some nuttiness. A heavy
palate with an oily texture and a little sour
acidity. Characteristics of both Marsanne and
Viognier were noted, although some said they were
not quite married. A family resemblance to the
Northern Rhône’s Condrieu came to the mind of some.
|
|
3.
Calabria Family Wines (Westend Vineyards) 2009
Saint Macaire, Riverina
|
New
South Wales |
Australia |
Laithewaites |
£10 |
14%. The wine
had a deep ruby colour and was full-bodied, if
somewhat 1-dimensional and in need of more
structure. Soft tannins surrounded by warm fruit,
some blackcurrant and a little mint, but some found
the acidity sour.
|
|
| 4.
Josef Chromy
2010 Pepik Pinot Noir, Tamar Valley |
Tasmania |
Australia |
Laithewaites |
£20 |
13%. The wine
was typical of cool-climate Pinot Noir;
well-balanced with a savoury component, light-bodied
with soft acidity, slightly sweet tannin and a dry
finish. Differences in tasting comments such as “a
taste of rubber” and “sweet strawberries” eventually
showed that the 2 bottles displayed variation, but
the general quality was recognised in both.
|
|
5. Coorong Sounds 2012
Reserve Shiraz-Durif
|
South Australia |
Australia |
Virgin Wines |
£10 |
14%.
Sweet, concentrated nose with some mint. Tarry,
sweet fruit but the expected weight of Durif didn’t
show through. Subtle tannins and acidity lacking
“grip” with a touch of heat on the finish.
|
|
6.
La Curio
Wines 2010 The Nubile Grenache/Syrah, McLaren Vale,
Fleurieu
|
South
Australia |
Australia |
Laithewaites |
£23 |
14%. The wine
had a red-fruit and cinnamon nose, fresh with
refined acidity and tannin, smooth with good length,
turning a little bitter on the warm finish.
|
|
7.
Redheads Studio 2009 The Good Doctor's Tonic,
Langhorne Creek, Fleurieu
|
South
Australia |
Australia |
Laithewaites |
£29* |
15%. A bold,
powerful wine; deep and dark with black fruit and a
spice rack of aromas and flavours - including mint
(eucalyptus), fennel & cardamom – along with
leather, chocolate and coffee. The alcohol wasn’t
obtrusive and tannins and acidity were balanced with
the concentrated flavours and fruit, there was an
agreed elegance to it.
|
|
8. Redheads Studio 2010
t=O, McLaren Vale, Fleurieu
|
South
Australia |
Australia |
Laithewaites |
£25 |
15%.
Unashamedly New World, with a deep colour, intense
nose, tannic grip and high heat (a sticking point
for many in the room). Peppery fruit included
brambles and spicy raspberry, while chocolate and
toffee added to the palate. All agreed there were
many different flavours going on in the glass and a
long finish.
|
|
9.
Pieri Wines 2010 Azzardo McLaren Vale Shiraz,
Fleurieu
|
South
Australia |
Australia |
Laithewaites |
£22 |
15%. A
fruit driven wine with a big nose but a lighter
palate and good balance; elegant with some plum,
raisin and chocolate on a medium finish. |
|
|
19/02/2014 |
Raffle wine: Runamok 2012 Merlot, South Eastern
Australia
Won by: Mick Lalor |
