Seppelt (Grampians) – A recent favourite of mine, which surprises me since I do like to barrack for the small boutique makers. The quality of the wine and the winemaking at Seppelt over the last year or two is undeniable though.
“St Peters” Shiraz 2004 – Violets, plums and some meatiness along with some well integrated and balanced cedary oak. The palate is lush, velvety and silky with some powerful fruit lurking, tightly coiled and ready to come to the fore. It really is all class and I can only see it getting better from here for the next 10+ years. 94/100
“Drumborg” Riesling 2005 – I’ve tasted this wine a number of times since it was released late last year and I still think it is destined for greatness. Maybe opening up a bit on the nose since I last tried it in December and showing some floral perfume, apples, spice, lime and minerality. Palate shows great focus, structure and length. Acid is still prominent but this is certain to settle down with time. Clearly, there is has been some very special fruit coming out of the Drumborg vineyard in recent years. 92/100
“Chalambar” Shiraz 2004 – Spice, peppers and a some smoked meat aromas form the nose. The palate is silky smooth and has excellent balance and length. Will cellar for 5+ years, but I doubt any bottles I buy will last that long as it is a pleasure to drink right now. 90/100
“Jaluka” Chardonnay 2005 – Spicy oak, green apples, citrus on the nose – very tight, lean and mineraly on the palate. Will benefit immensely from being given a couple of years to develop. 89/100
“Moyston” Cabernet Merlot 2004 – The nose shows earth and violets. There is some good flavour to the palate as well as good tannin structure. Will be better with a few years in bottle where it should settle and take on some additional complexity. 88/100
“Benno” Shiraz 2004 – From a barrel sample – A bit of a brute of a wine – very powerful but somewhat one dimensional. It has lots of oak, lots of tannins and it is a bit all over the place. I hope it settles down before release, but it is looking similar to the 2003, which I purchased without trying and found it not to my taste in its youth. This was a complete contrast to the elegance and refinement of the powerful, but classy St Peters. 87/100
“Coborra” Pinot Gris 2005 – Very tight nose with some limited notes of spice and florality. Good length and intensity, but is lacking flavour. 86/100
“Bellfield” Marsanne Rousanne 2005 – Floral notes to the nose and a very fresh and flavourful palate but there is a fair bit of acid sticking out at the moment. May settle with time. 86/100