Sally’s Paddock / Redbank (Pyrenees) – I haven’t tried the Redbank wines previously, but leading with the flagship Sally’s Paddock and offering some good value for money wines in the “Sally’s Hill” range ($20AUD), I am keen to get an opportunity to taste these again.
“Sally’s Paddock” Red Blend 2004 – Earth, blueberry, vanilla, chocolate and some spice, cloves and floral notes on the nose. Velvet smooth, very nicely balanced elegant palate. The length is superb and the fine tannin structure leads me to say that giving this 7+ years in the cellar would be very rewarding. 91/100
“Sally’s Hill” Cabernet 2004 – Chocolate, violets, vanilla and blackberry aromas on the nose. Once again the palate is smooth and well balanced – oak is present but well integrated. Can be drunk now after being given some air, but is also a very good wine for those looking at wines to cellar around the $20 mark. 90/100
“Sally’s Hill” Shiraz 2004 – Eucalyptus, mint, white pepper and cloves comprise the aromas. Fairly intense, ripe and full-bodied but retains good balance and structure. As with the Cabernet above, I would happily cellar this for the next 5 years. 89/100
“Sally’s Hill” Pinot 2005 – I don’t know if I would have picked this as Pinot if it has been presented to me blind – it is almost more in a Shiraz mould. I got blackberry, strawberries and blueberry aromas from the nose. A weighty palate and good length – but I would prefer that it show more of its Pinot characters. 87/100