Punt Road (Yarra Valley) –
“MVN” Chardonnay 2004 – Subdued oak that is dominated by the quality of the fruit. A little bit of flint and some funky spice. Has an elegant palate with focused power. Will benefit greatly from 2-3 additional years in bottle where it will take on some more complexity and open up. 90/100
“Botrytis” Semillon 2004 – Obvious Botrytis influence on the nose along with apricot and honey. Treads a fine line between sweetness and acidity on the palate, but pulls it off. Has a very good concentration of flavours on the palate. 89/100
“MVN” Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 – Once again the quality of fruit outshines the oak. The nose comprises red and black berries, spices and just a hint of mint. The finely structured palate entices with elegance rather than power. Give it 5 years in bottle to show what it is capable of. 89/100
Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 – Berries and violets on the nose. The palate has good tannin and oak structure. Good value for money in the mid 20 dollar area. This wine will repay cellaring in the short term. 88/100
Shiraz 2003 – Spice, pepper and some background oak. Powerful fruit is evident on the palate, but slightly out of balance. 87/100
Pinot Noir 2004 – Cherry, plum and some smoke. Mouth-feel is nicely textured but pulls up short and should probably be in the next couple of years. 87/100
Chardonnay 2004 – Some flint and slate – no evidence of oak. Elegant, drink now style. 87/100
Merlot 2003 – Plums on the nose. The medium-bodied palate has no character and really lacks anything to rise above an ordinary every-day drinking wine. 86/100
Sauvignon Blanc 2005 – Grass and passionfruit comprise the nose. The palate is lean and lacks intensity with an abrupt early finish. 86/100
Pinot Gris 2005 – Spicy nose but otherwise not showing much. The palate finishes short and dilute. 84/100