Some of the readership may be aware that I usually do my wine tastings on a Monday morning as it is good to taste the wines when you, and your palate are fresh, and with sufficient time in hand to give them all a good showing.
It's also a rather nice way to start off the working week!
Mr Collins joined me and, as the morning progressed, we rather felt like we had struck the jackpot with a succession of wines that held real appeal and interest.
Price: $57
Rating: Outstanding
Subtle yet beguiling nose that changes each time you come back to it. Dusty, dried strawberry, forest floor, sweat, caramel and more. A cool feel to this with crisp acidity overlaid on the sweet fruit with notes of strawberry and redcurrant. The palate builds in intensity, adding a minty/menthol note to the long, fresh finish.
Very appealing.
Price: $38
Rating: Very good to excellent
Nicely fragrant nose with strawberry, rhubarb and spice. The warm and inviting palate adds cherry, humus and an undercurrent of wild herb to the mix, adding savoury touches with time. The fragrance builds, while the tannins and acidity make their presence felt, though retaining good balance.
The wine finishes with a warm glow.
Price: $45
Rating: Very good
A waft of lavender and funk on first pour moves quickly to chopped herbs, schist and liqueur fruits: hints of lavender soap returning later. Bold cherry fruit on the palate with spice, cracked pepper, savoury and earthy touches. A raft of flavours here and real interest though does tighten a little with aeration.
One with a lot more to give, I feel.
Price: $34
Rating: Outstanding
Youthful, bold and juicy with raspberry, rhubarb, spices and black tea. The palate opens with spice, cherry, rhubarb and raspberry showing excellent concentration and fine tannins without being at all overblown. Impeccably balanced, immensely enjoyable and distinctly moreish with lots of interest.
Approachable now, but with heaps of potential.
Price (cellar door): $48
Rating: Excellent to outstanding
A quite different nose but one that plays with your senses offering wildness, herbs, funk and black tea. Rich yet not sweet, adding floral herbs and savoury elements to the mix.
Lovely balance here, a subtle but alluring wine that is far from being a show pony and could be easy to overlook, yet in its delicacy, texture, minty freshness and interest is superb.
Price: $33
Rating: Excellent
A subtle but appealing nose of dried flowers, ripe fruit and a beguiling earthiness. Silky entry and mouthfeel with youthful raspberry and red fruits creating a delightful counterpoint to the wild herbs and good structure. A wee bit of a slow burner this as it really builds in concentration, fruit intensity and length.
A real charmer.
