Now for something different

Whilst not exactly wine or hunter valley related I was recently given a bottle of four pillars Shiraz gin. As far as gin goes I'm a complete novice but this one is diffinately an enjoyable sipper.  According to the bottle the gin is first distilled then steeped red wine style in the Shiraz grapes. I find that this has imparted a nose reminiscent of a young vintage port- strong cherry and black current, with a warmth from the alcohol vapour. On the palate neat it is unmistakable for a spirit yet benefits from the natural sugars in the steeped grapes to provide balance.

I'm still experimenting with different mixer options but have found the traditional tonic or soda water produce good results. 

Tasting notes - Marsh Estate 2013 Vat N Cabernet Sauvignon

Appearance: burgundy with a hint of aged character

Nose: Earthy, ceader/ spice with hints of plum and sweet jam

pallate: Cassis, white plum and Mixed spice. Mouth feel is full with fine tannins and a long finish

Well it's Friday night and I realised that I have not posted to the blog for some time now, so as dinner cooked I headed to the cellar for bottle to join us for dinner. 

I have often enjoyed the Marsh Estate wines and the Vat N is no exception, like all of Marsh Estates wines the vines of the Cabernet vineyard are un irrigated, this produces fruit of a more intense flavour which is demonstrated in this wine.

the vat n presented as a deep burgundy in the glass with only a hint of its age showing, on the nose I found a complex range of ceader shavings, plum and sweet earthy character.  The pallate presented a mix of cassis and white plum flavours with a fine tannin structure and long lingering finish.  A cellering of some years is suggested and based on my experience if you have the will power then you will be rewarded.

Tasting Notes - Thalgara Estate Full Moon Shiraz 2011

Appearance: Deep Burgundy with bright highlights

Nose: Tobacco, Leather, Mulberries

Palate: Berry (Blackberry, Black Current), Strawberry Cream, mild Tannins

Closure: Stelvin

The Full Moon Shiraz is made by a small vineyard located around the central Pokolbin hub called Thalgara.   I discovered Thalgara wines during my formative wine years and was immediately taken by the approachability of the wines produced by the wine maker Steve Lamb.

In terms of Thalgra's range the full moon Shiraz falls in the middle of their range, this is not to say it is in any way less of an experience than the vineyards Premier Show Reserve wines. Indeed quite the contrary, as this wine presents its own character rather than mimic those of its more prestigious companions.

This Wine is representative of the Hunter Valley Shiraz, that is it  contains with in it all the characteristics that make up what the purist calls a 'Hunter Red', the tobacco, the saddle leather, the pepper.  Yet it does so in such balance and moderation that the wine is very much enjoyable on its own as it is paired with food and will keep you quite happy to the last glass in the bottle.

Whilst the wine presents in such an easy drinking style, it still has potential for cellaring for a few years.

(This wine was purchased by the reviewer and the opinions here are my own)

Tasting Notes - Robert Stein, Shiraz 2012

Appearance: Bright, Deep Burgundy

Nose: Spiced Fruit (stewed apricot), Black Cherry

Palate:  Berry jam, Dark Chocolate, Aniseed, Astringent (mild), well balanced, Long finish

Closure: Stelvin

Todays post takes a little detour from the usual Hunter fair, to the nearby region of Mudgee.  I had the pleasure of visiting this area recently on business and came across this excellent shiraz from the region at one of the local restaurants.

According to the Robert Stein website, this is a family owned and run vineyard and winery that was established in 1976.  The wine making stewardship is currently in the hands of the third generation of Stein wine makers with the founders grandson Jacob recently taking over the reins.  A further scan of the wine list shows other varietals such as Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot on offer either as straight varietals or in the traditional blends.

After sampling 3 or so bottles of the 2012 Shiraz with some friends over dinner, I found this wine is yet to show any significant signs of aging. It presented with a spiced fruit and black cherry nose, and a deep burgundy red hue.  On the palate I was reminded of dark chocolate and just a hint of aniseed, the tannins were slightly green and astringent with a good acid balance and a long finish.  the consensus from the table was that it paired nicely with the rib eye steak and forest mushrooms that were a common choice among my fellow dinners.

This is definitely on my list of wines to add to the cellar.

(This wine was purchased by the reviewer and the opinions here are my own)

Tasting Notes - Marsh Estate Merlot 2003

Appearance: Dark Maroon

Nose: Berry fruits

Palate: Berry fruits and spice, smooth tannins

Merlot is not generally know for its longevity in the bottle, and if my cellar has a fault its that I don't rotate the wines through it often enough.

This wine is a prime example of why it is some times best to enjoy wines now and not hold them over to another day.  The wine was still clean and bright from the bottle with a strong nose of berry fruits and a good palate combining the berry flavours (Mulberry and Black berry) with a spiciness (reminiscent of cinnamon, and nutmeg) with a velvety tannin, but a lack of palate length and body to the wine indicated that it may have been held past its prime

This wine was enjoyed with a Pasta Ragu.

An excellent wine, that was starting to show its age. Structure was still well balanced showing a vibrancy of its youth but also the effects of age.

(This wine was purchased by the reviewer and the opinions here are my own)

Tasting Notes - Catherine Vale 'Winfred' Barbera 2011

Appearance: Ruby red, very little sign of aging

Nose: Plum/Berry Jam

Palate: Jam, Black berry, Chocolate, balanced acidity , Tight tannins

Barbera is not a variety I have had much exposure to.  A quick search of the interwebs shows that it is a variety found in the Piedmont region of northern Italy  and is reportedly to be the third largest planting size in Italy. It is often seen as an easy drinking wine best enjoyed young but may also be used as a blending wine.

As a straight varietal I find this wine to fall some where between Hunter Valley Cabernet Sauvigon and Shiraz in terms of style and presentation.

This particular example, showed very little sign of ageing in the glass, with a rich bright ruby red colouration.  The nose exhibited plum and berry jam characters, which were echoed on the palate, this was balanced with tight tannins and good acid balanced.

With this wine already 4 years old at the time of tasting, it looks like it could cellar well for 8+ years

(This wine was purchased by the reviewer and the opinions here are my own)

Tasting Notes- Catherine Vale Arnies 2013

Appearance: Clear to very pale straw

Nose: Citrus, pear and green herbs

Palate: Citrus and gooseberry dominant, balanced acidity with a mid to long finish

This wine is very similar in flavour and structure to that of a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc (Yarra Valley etc), it presents its character best  when served at room temperature, how ever benefits from a little chill when not being  'analysed' but enjoyed.

This wine is best drunk young say 1-2 years and partners well with Seafood or Asian Cookery (something fragrant but not overly strong of flavour).  overall a very enjoyable wine and a good alternative to a Sauvigon Blanc for the last summer drinks party.

(This wine was purchased by the reviewer and the opinions here are my own)