Concha Y Toro Casillerro del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Continuing my Chilean theme, wanted to try this Cab Sav, as apparently voted best value Cab Sav in the world by Decanter Magazine. Opened to quite a pleasant bouquet of blackberries, mint, Cab leaf, spice and some vegetable hints. On the palate it was nicely textured and rounded, with quite smooth and dry tannins, decent length and finish. Overall this was a nicely made Cabernet, slightly French/Spanish in style, and definitely a bargain at $10.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100

Concha Y Toro Casillerro del Diablo Carménère 2005

More wine from this maker. Carménère is a grape I am sure I have never tried so had to give it a go. Really a blend of 85% Carménère, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, the bouquet was an array of pureed berries and plum, with hints of milk chocolate, coffee and some spice. The palate was light-medium in body, with more pureed fruits and quite soft and rounded tannins. It was well balanced, and finished quite soft and dry. Lacked a little depth but quite an enjoyable and easy drinking red.
50+4+13+16+7 = 90/100

Concha Y Toro Casillerro del Diablo Viognier 2006

I had the previous vintage of this wine about a year or so ago, and quite liked it. Now under screwcap, the bouquet held ripe apricots, spices, a little vanilla and some florals. The palate was quite robust, with rich fruit and a hint of rubber. The acidity was firm and a little powdery, and length and finish were decent and dry. There was a hint of residual sugars, and a little egg on the nose but still this is a pretty decent and relatively cheap viognier.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Riverine Estates Shiraz 2001

It's quite rare to see a $3.99 bottle of wine in Sydney stores, so we had to get a bottle of this Shiraz. On opening were alarm bells as the wine was definitely cloudy. The bouquet was ripe, overly so, and the wine seemed spoiled, but there was some fruit in there with berries, pepper and a hint of spices. On the palate the wine was quite thin, and confirmed the wine had definitely passed its use-by date. Just drinkable, but not pleasant. A shame as we hoped for a bargain.
not rated

Concha Y Toro Casillerro del Diablo Malbec 2006

I had heard that Concha Y Toro did do a Malbec, but never saw one until the other day, so decided to give it a go. Opened to a rich and fruity bouquet of plum, blackberries, ripe pear flesh, red apple skin and some spice at the back. The palate was very smooth, with pureed fruits and nominal tannins or oak. Decent body and length, with a dry and fruity sherry-ish finish. Quite an odd wine is some ways, but very drinkable nonetheless.
50+4+13+16+7 = 90/100

Chateau Tour de Mirambeau Bordeaux Rose 2005

Seeing this with a new label and under screwcap, I naturally assumed this was a newer vintage to the same wine I had a year or so ago, but not so, and is the same vintage of the wine under cork I tried in August last year. On the bouquet soft raspberry, strawberry, a little mint and herbs. On the palate it was quite juicy and clean, with again good balance and structure. Finished quite dry and smooth. Overall this is pretty much the same wine as the one under cork. Quite good value at $16. One point extra for the new label.
50+4+13+16+7 = 90/100

Evans & Tate Gnangara Unwooded Chardonnay 2006

Seeing this on special for $10, we got 2 bottles, the other of the SB which we had a few months ago which was quite good. Nice balanced bouquet of rich ripe melon, guava, grapefruit and a little spice. On the palate it was fairly easy going with tropical fruits over a nice citruss acidity. Length was not great, but the wine was in balance and fermented dry. Quite a nice easy style of chardonnay, and a good bargain at $10.
50+4+13+15+7 = 89/100

Tobacco Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

And for dinner, Deb picked up this quite cheap Cab Sav from the local. Made with (I think) fruit from the King Valley Vic and Coonawarra SA, this wine opened to a pretty competent bouquet of blackberries, cabernet leaf, mint, capsicum some pepper and cedar. After some decanting time it did settle down to quite a soft palate of smooth fruits and dusty but fine tannins. Mouth feel, length and finish were quite good, with only a little rogue acidity threatening things. Overall I was quite impressed with this cab sav, which showed pretty good value at $13. Not bad at all.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100

Kooyong Clonale Chardonnay 2006

Was curious to try this wine for a while, after having their mid-range and single vinyard chardonnays some time ago, which were quite refined wines. This wine, made from 10 Chardonnay clones opened to quite a minerally and refined bouquet of nectarine, pear, some peach, musk, flowers and some feint meal and nuts. The palate was very well balanced, with very fine acidity, fading oak, slippery fruit mouthfeel and relatively tight finish. Length was a little lacking, but overall this was quite a refined, Burgundinian style chardonnay. Very nice on its own as an aperatif. Not bad value at $28.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100

Taylors Promised Land White Cabernet Rose 2006

For our pre-dinner aperatif got this rose from the Clare Valley. Opened to a rather big fruity bouquet of raspberries, strawberries, currants, white pepper and a little herbaceousness. On the palate it was quite crisp with juicy berries dominant. Acidity was in check, and length decent and finish quite crisp and dry. There was some sweetness, but not too intrusive. Not a bad rose for around $15.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Hardy's Crest Sparkling Rose NV

Another special on sparkling wines, Deb picked up a couple of bottles of this Sparkling Rose. On the bouquet were dominant red-berries, a touch of yeast and some white pepper. Palate wise it was fairly simple with decent beading, crisp acidity and sweet and slightly sickly red-currant flavours. Finish was short and sweet and relatively dry. Again this was a pretty cheap wine at $6, and definitely wouldn't pay any more for it. One to knock back quickly.
50+4+12+14+6 = 86/100

Orlando Jacob's Creek Sparkling Rose NV

As this wine was on special, decided to get a couple of bottles, one white and one rose. A pretty pale pink, it opened fairly aggressively to aromas of sherbert, lemon, strawberry, biscuits and sweet musk. On the palate beading was fair, with pretty racy acid, red fruits and a touch of cream. Finish was fairly thin and a little sharp, and there was a bit of residual sugars but overall not a bad wine for $9.
50+4+12+15+6 = 87/100

Angove's Red Belly Black Chardonnay 2006

Without my knowledge or consent, Deb brought home this chardonnay to have with dinner. Opened to a fairly nice bouquet of melon, nectarine, nuts, cream and sweet musk. On the palate the acidity was a little rougish, but in check enough not to spoil things. Body and length were a little lean and finish short, but overall a fairly easy drinking chardonnay, which doesn't demand that much from you.
50+4+12+15+6 = 87/100

Moillard Domaine Des Reyssiers Beaujolais-Villages 2005

Needing a break from Cabernets, picked up a Burgundy for dinner. Opened to a lovely, soft and floral bouquet of cherries, strawberries, white pepper, mocha and hints of sap. On the palate it was again soft and fine tannins, everything in balance and sound in structure. Although a relatively light wine, it was a very welcome break from weightier reds. While not a great fan of Gamay, this was indeed a superb light red wine, which makes a great aperitif, or lunch table wine.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100

Yalumba Y Series Sauvignon Blanc 2006

For pre-dinner, tried the Y-Series SB, which I have not had before. Opened to a fairly generous bouquet of lemon, gooseberry, passionfruit, grass and some spice. On the palate it was quite clean, with decent fruit and crisp finish. The wine was balanced and had reasonable length, and in a way represented a text-book Australian SB, with a very clear expression of the variety. At $10 it was worth its price.
50+4+13+15+7 = 89/100

Taylors Promised Land Cabernet Merlot 2005

A cheap red for dinner, this Cab Merlot from SA showed aromas of blackcurrant, redcurrant, chocolate, mint and some wood and spice. On the palate it was fleshy and rounded, with acidity a little aggressive. Length was good and finish reasonably dry and savoury. Overall not a bad wine, which does its job pretty well. Not bad value at around $13.
50+4+13+15+7 = 89/100

Jamiesons Run Chardonnay 2006

This was the 2nd bottle for the 2 for $20 deal. Opened to a soft bouquet of melon, grapefruit, pear, citrus and musk-stick. On the palate it was clean and soft, with a nice mouthfeel, balanced acidity and a tight finish. It seemed a little tighter and drier than the 2005 vintage, although still had a little sweetness which seems characteristic of these chardonnays. But for $10 it was a fair bargain.
50+4+11+17+7 = 89/100

Jamiesons Run Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

The foul weather continues, but to compensate a roast leg of lamb and a Cab Sav should improve things. On opening this Cab Sav seemed a little volitile, but after a good decant it settled to show aromas of cassis, blackberries, mint, black-pepper, capsicum, tomato essence, cedar and spices. On the palate it was medim bodied, with acidity a little aggressive, and very drying tannins. But it did hold itself fairly well and was definitely a more savoury than fruity style. Overall not a bad wine, and probably would benefit from a bit more time to soften. A bargain at currently at $10 ($20 for 2 bottles).
50+4+13+16+7 = 90/100

Annie's Lane Clare Valley Riesling 2006

After having enjoyed their Copper Trail Riesling last week, went for a bottle of their standard riesling. On the bouquet were aromas of lime juice, tropical fruits, citruss, bitumen and soft musk and flowers. The palate was clean and fresh, with good acidic structure, minerals and juicy citruss. Finish was a little short but quite reasonable for a young wine. I am beginning to really like their style, which has the power of older style Australian reisling, but with sound structure and control. Good value at around $12. Would benefit from cellaring.
50+4+13+16+7 = 90/100

Alphonse Mellot Domaine La Moussière Sancerre 2005

Needing a good French aperatif to allay the hideous weather, picked up this Sancerre. Opened to a very locked bouquet, but as it warmed it showed a lovely array of green and red apple flesh, lemon, pear, tangerine, struck-flint, musk, and soft florals. On the palate it showed a very elegant and poised mineral structure, with superb acidity, rounded body and bone-dry finish. Although oaked, none was evident. Overall a lovely old style of Sancerre, which does deserve a decant, and should not be over-chilled. Would cellar well.
50+4+14+17+8 = 93/100

Orlando St Hilary Padthaway Chardonnay 2005

Pre-dinner, and a chardonnay from Orlando in front of a much needed fire. Opened with aromas of melon, peach, vanilla, nuts and spicey gingery oak. On the palate it was medium bodied, with oak and fruit fairly integrated, good length and a tight dry finish. Nice creamy mouthfeel and did sweeten a little as it warmed but overall this was a finely crafted chardonnay. Decent value at around $25.
50+4+13+16+7 = 90/100

Dunsborough Hills Merlot Cabernet 2004

Having tried their shiraz, decided to give the cab merlot a try. Sharp and boofy bouquet of unripe cherries, plum and some black pepper. Palate was very sharp and acidic so into a decanter (7 times) and things didn't really improve. This wine did hold a little promise on its bouquet, but the palate was a write-off. Obviously this was released to reap profits on the undiscerning drinker, and unfortunately there are a lot of them. Relegated to cooking wine status, or a vinigarette even.
50+4+12+5+3 = 74/100

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2006

Needing an apertif, picked up this chardonnay, of which I am sure I have never had before. On the bouquet was tropical fruits, melon, vannilla and some spicy oak. On the palate fairly light-to-mid body, with good balance and decent dry finish. Overall a fairly un-complex wine, which is well made, quite drinkable and cheap at around $15.
50+4+13+15+7 = 89/100

Cabernet Sauvignon tasting results

And now to the results for the 3rd woint toime tasting for 2007. My dear thanks to everybody who came along and my special thanks to Deborah for working so hard with all the cooking. My thanks as well for all the lovely food people brought with them. And the participants were:

Deborah
Simon
Heike
Mark
Stefan
Greg
Yve
Lia
Brett

And now to the wines. Note they start at 0 as I forgot to name the rose as nubmer 1.

0. Moondah Brook Cabernet Rose 2006

First cab off the rank, this rose made I believe from 100% cabernet sauvignon, held a bright and fresh bouquet of red berries, red jubes, strawberry, flowers and a touch of herbs. On the palate it was quite fresh, with good balance and finish. A little towards the sweet side, and lacking complexity, it was nevertheless a fresh start to the tasting.

1. Wyndham Estate Bin 444 Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

From the Lower Hunter NSW, this cabernet showed a straight forward bouquet of cassis, black fruits, a little mint and not much else. Similary the palate was straightforward and non-complex with light fruits, fresh acidity and no-nonses tannins. Overall a light easy style of cabernet, which would suit a barbeque.

2. Taylors Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

From the Clare Valley SA, this cabernet displayed a slighty youthful bouquet of currants, cassis, mint, chocolate and candied banana. The palate was decently rich, with a bit of runaway acidity and rough tannins, but managed to hold itself somewhat. Finish was a little rough but really not a bad cabernet. Would benefit from a decent decant.

3. Vasse Felix Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (WINNER)

Jumping over to WA, this wine opened to a superb bouquet of blackcurrant, red currants, dark chocolate, mint and herbs. The palate was rich with berry fruits built into soft, savoury drying tannins, minerals and fine acid. Length and finish were long and rich. Overall this wine impressed most tasters and was made the winner. Superb.

4. McWilliam's Barwang Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

From the Hilltops region in NSW, this cabernet opened to a nice array of blackberries, cassis, mocha, spice and mint-chocolate. On the palate it was quite rich in fruits, with fairly grippy but softening tannins. Acidity was a little aggressive but overall this was a pretty well made cabernet, and quite good value at around $20. Would benifit further from cellaring.

5. Poole's Rock Cockfighters Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

From the Coonawarra, this Cabernet showed a deep bouquet with cassis, capsicum, spice, cloves, mint and some chocolate. The palate was deep and savoury, with robust but controlled tannins, balanced acid and lengthy dry finish. This was a well made cabernet, and I think was the 2nd favourite with most people.

6. Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Back to Margaret River, and this cabernet opened to a fairly subtle bouquet of blackfruits, cedar, spice and a touch of gravel. The palate again was light and subtle, with a light body, fine tannins and dry finish. It did seem a little light and young, almost anemic compared to other Cabernets in the line up. A bit of a let down for a fairly esteemed wine.

7. Wise Margaret River Lot 80 Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Another WA wine, the bouquet on this was quite interesting with cassis, cherries, mint and a sweet musky-apple aroma. On the palate it was relatively light to medium bodied, with relatively soft tannins and a dry finish. Decent structure yet not as interesting on the palate as on the nose. Still, it did have some character about it.

8. Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

And to the final Cabernet. Aromas of blackberry, currant, mint, vanillan, chocolate and a touch of spice. On the palate was nice rich fruits, with plush tannins finishing quite soft and dry. This wine was well crafted and balanced, and seemed quite popular with everybody. A very nice expression of the grape, and a very drinkable wine.

Annie's Lane Copper Trail Riesling 2003

I had got this wine for a riesling swap with Mark and Yana, so during the Cab Sav tasting Mark and I gave it a try. From the Clare Valley, the colour was mid-golden, and started with big aromas of lime cordial, honey, quartz, bitumen, red apple skin and a little toast at the back. The palate was strong but very balanced, with powerful lime juice running over a mineral core. Length was good and finish lingering. This was a superb example of the older Australian style riesling, and certainly would develop further with cellaring.
50+5+13+17+8 = 93/100

Kooyong Massale Pinot Noir 2006

The latest vintage of this pinot from the Mornington Peninsula, the wine opened to a sweet and slightly pongy bouquet of red cherries, raspberries, pepper, some earth and mulch. On the palate it was rather heavy, with sour cherries, minerals and some green sap. The tannins were grainy-soft and finish a little bitter. Overall not a bad pinot for $25, but could have had a bit more typicity and tightness. A touch flabby and lush.
50+4+13+15+7 = 89/100