Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Sophia '09 (Merlot Cabernet Franc)
N: Big and beautiful, sweet intense of oak, complex with layers of fruit and terroir suggestions; soft edges, youthful.
P: WOW! - and - "Yum! Baked plum pudding flavors, organic berry compote, toasty oak and vanillin flavours, rich and complex palate. Great intensity, length and finish. A must have wine. 95 Points.
Craggy Range SV Merlot 2009
N: Damson and Doris plums - concentrated with lush darker fruits edges. Obvious oak influence adds to a Moderate+ complexity and inviting bouquet.
P: Big and dry with ripe Damson flavors, sweet edged, wild Keri Berry flavors emerge. If you like big tannins from oak and fruit then this is a wine that you'll love........there is plenty of drink now appeal, but is a wine that will age too for a least the next 4 years - 4 Stars.
Chateau de Sours '09 (Red Bordeaux Blend - Entre du Mers) 13.5% http://www.chateaudesours.com/
N: Graphite, gravel, clay, plums, earthy and blackberries.A New World wine making aromatic of a core of fruit suggest a wine that can appeal to many and also pair with food successfully.
P: Layers of blackberry fruits and earthy attributes, dry and with a medium length. A lovely entry level Bordeaux.
Domaine Jamet Cote Rotie 2007
N: Rich dark berry fruit expression - with blackberry, raspberry then mushroom and pepper casserole with spiced barbecued meats.
P: Very dry with the fruits punching through and reflective of what the nose suggest - blackberry, raspberry then mushroom and surprisingly (or not) some new world wine making suggestions ( fruit-driven on the palate at 4 years in bottle - cool) a core of fruit that then prefaces the huge tannins - granitic and dusty earth-like texture. A long and quite peppery finish with black fruits again punching through. 4.5 Stars. Very Very Good.
Delta 'Hatter's Hill Pinot Noir '07 13.5% abv
N: Another great example from both the 2007 vintage, Pinot Noir and Delta wines. Not over the top fruity - which is great - allowing for the complexity from oak and stony soil notes to show before the craisin and dark cherry suggestions take over in this still youthful example.
P: Dry and medium bodied - the medium complexity is further built upon with wood spice and cedar notes then red berry fruits follow. Good length - medium+ - balanced - a well crafted example. 4 Stars.
Telmo Rodriguez Gaba do Xil (Mencia) 2009
N: Wild currants and wild berries - primary, fruity and enticing.
P: Medium body with firm tannins, youthful, fruity and vibrant with medium+ acidity. The core of fruit is a key attribute for this wine and will appeal to many cafe and restaurant diners with its food friendly attributes and by the glass appeal. 3.5 Stars.
Telmo Rodriguez A1 Mouvedre 2008 14%
N: Plum fruits and dark berry fruit combinations, wild berries and chocolate notes.
P: Very fruity with a simple complexity, balanced and well made. 2.5 Stars.
