Blue Pyrenees Estate (Pyrenees) – Quite a (almost overwhelmingly) large number of wines on offer here, with five sparkling wines alone. Some good quality, especially amongst some of the sparkling wines and some of the Reserve wines.
Midnight Cuvee 2000 – 100% Chardonnay. Lots of toast and apples. Good acid structure. 88/100
Vintage Brut 2000 – 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir. Mushrooms, earth and spice. 88/100
Cuvee Riche 2000 – Some evident residual sugar (on purpose as part of the style). Fairly rich palate, one feels that more than a small amount would be too much without food. 87/100
Reserve Red 2000 – Predominantly a Cabernet/Shiraz blend. Drinking well now, good balance and flavour. Tannins are present but in a supporting rather than dominating role. 87/100
Sparkling Shiraz 2000 – Earth and leather. A well made sparkling red, fans of the style will probably enjoy it but won’t convince the sceptics. 87/100
Reserve Chardonnay 2000 – A full on, intense style – creamy and spicy oak, some rich butter and mixed nuts. 87/100
Shiraz Viognier 2002 – Doesn’t show too much sign of its 7% Viognier component other than hints of apricot and a floral lift. Nicely balanced. 86/100
“Richardson” Shiraz 2002 – Medium bodied style. Oak present, but in the background. Liquorice and chocolate nose. 86/100
Blanc De Noir 2000 – Salmon in colour, fairly light and refreshing palate. 86/100
Chardonnay 2004 – Buttery with lots of acid that may or may not come into balance with time.86/100
Shiraz 2003 – Some floral elements to the nose. Elegant, balanced palate but lacks anything to really make this be noticed. 86/100
Merlot 2004 – Big, ripe and fleshy. Needs more varietal Merlot definition. 85/100
Sauvignon Blanc 2005 – Grassy nose with a thin, weak palate. 84/100
“Richardson” Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 – Leafy, green and a bit of harshness on the palate. 84/100
Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 – Also showing under-ripe grape signs – leafy, herbal and all over the place. 84/100