Vintages March 2007 I – New world
2003 Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc
Not showing a lot on the nose. More tropical than the normal grassy. Very full, almost oily on the palate with good concentration. Ripe and slightly spicy. Balanced but low acidity as compared to most NZ sauvignon blanc. This may actually improve over couple of years. Very good one from NZ. 91
1997 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Had this twice before, first time was fruit dominant, an opulent and plush Californian that was highly pleasurable. Second time was rather tannic and hiding most of the fruit. Lost the upfront enjoyment and seemed closed down. It was awake again this time around. Less fruit than the first time but still dense and just barely sweet at the finish. Showing a nice aged nose. There were still enough tannins but I would drink this early while most of the fruits are still intact. 92
2001 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Much younger and tighter than the 1997. Very concentrated and lots of fruits lurking behind all the tannins. The tannins although big, was very ripe. This had better balance than the Etude and Spottswoode below. This needs a few years to come around. A great Beringer. 93
1997 Beringer Bancroft Ranch Howell Mountain Private Reserve Merlot
Showing blueburry mixed with some smoky oak nose, aged bordeaux like. Creamy texture, dark chocolate and some coffee. This is showing excellent. I’m suprisied that this is showing even bette than the 97 private reserve cabernet now. 93
2001 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon
Lot of dark fruits. Very Californian. This should appeal to those who are looking for softer and more direct expression of the fruit. It kept pumping out flavours in the mouth. Sweeter in style which borderline jammy. Already drinking well. 91
2003 Spottswoode Family Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon
Mostly new oak on the nose, this is more balanced in comparison to the Etude above. But then not quite the flavour impact that the Etude was bringing. Also drinking well. Nice wine but without the complexity to push it higher. 91+
2004 Clarendon Hills Moritz Syrah
From McLaren Vale, South Australia, note that Clreandon Hills has adopted ‘Syrah’ instead of the ‘Shiraz’ being widely used in Australia. This probably means they are striving for the Rhone expression of this varietal. The wine open with a little funk, sort of a medicinal nose. Nothing alarming as some Australian shiraz from very old vine do show medicinal characters when young. Broad flavoured, very velvet mouthfeel. This has real opulence but it is rather one dimensional at this point. Medium long finishing…this is very very good. Only question is how much this can improve with age. 93
2004 Clarendon Hickinbotham Grenache
Showing candy on the nose…. there were lots on candies on the palate as well. Think of Starburst and you’ll get the idea. Not a bad wine at all but the candied taste isn’t for me. 90
2004 Clarendon Hills Belwitt Springs Grenache
This show more alcohol than the Hickinbotham. Some pepper. Again sweet but not the candies. Lots of plum. Tasty with a medium finish. 91
Write a comment