Viognier 2012 Gimblett Gravels
(Some Viogniers have intense apricot or very nutty roasted peach aromas in the bouquet that drive the wine on the nose and palate) This example is quite different with a very gentle and floral expression - very lightly spiced orange stone fruits with a hint of baked apple then yellow flowers; a stony and complex gravel, sand mineral earthy quality, medium+ complexity.
The palate has immediate appeal for me with spice laden citrus and stone fruit flavors wrapped up snugly in medium acidity and a gentle layer of oak and mild lees complexity. The does finish with an apricot layer after all, but not too intense. A thoughtful and thought provoking wine; balanced with medium+ length and complexity.
4.9 Stars
Syrah 2012 Gimblett Gravels
The soils of the Gimblett Gravels really do give something special to a wine variety when understood - Warren Gibson (wine maker) is a real expert when it comes to understanding the bouquet that Syrah should have - this wine has intense red fruits with raspberry leading, some black cherry and black berry highlights; next is a wild red floral that dovetails into the oak signature that is brown spices, bacon and mild toast; The peppery side of most Syrah is a mix of black then some white.
On the palate - ripe and almost sweet fruit flavors lead again by raspberry then black cherry. Medium+ flavorful tannins and pristine acidity; a real palate charmer, but also quite tense and youthful; balanced with a longish finish and high complexity. Love it!
5 Stars (90 Points)
'The Gimblett' - Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec Gimblett Gravels 2012
Ripe black and red fruits with sweet blackberry, black plum and black cherry laced with violets, sandy gravel earthy qualities and spicy oak; even before I taste this wine I know it is yet to begin to integrate, but has the hall marks of something special with the concentration encountered. Yes - as expected a dry, concentrated, but very youthful expression with medium++ acidity and tannins to match; the fruit core and careful measure of oak is what makes this a keeper; a long and complex finish - fantastic!
5 Stars (92 Points)
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