Here are a few comments on wines we have enjoyed during the first part of our trip to Australia this year. We have spent all our time in Queensland, so no direct trips to the wine country. Lots of “cleanskins” available these days. Many Aussie companies have not been able to sell out their regular labels, so have sold off wines with no labels on them which are called cleanskins We have seen very good chardonnays as low as $2A per bottle, and reds vary from 4.50 to 8.50 some of them pretty good
We have tasted the following:
Peter Lehmann – 2005 Clancy’s,
2005 Semillon,
2002 Eight Songs Shiraz
The semillon was very pleasant and fresh not a long keeper. 2002 Eight Songs was really great could drink now, but will be a keeper $33A. 2005 Clancy’s at a price of $20A was very good, and great value for the money
2005 Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz
2004 Torbreck The Steading
Both of these are excellent wines, will keep but are drinking well right now. They are in a good price range. The Steading should keep until 2012, the Clancy’s will drink earlier.
2004 Wirra Wirra “Church Block” $27A an excellent blend of Cab Sauv, Shiraz and Merlot which is drinking very well and looks good for another 5 years or so.
The 2004 Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet was chosen by Jeremy Thorpe as one of the best values around under $20A. This is a brilliant Cab, and the Wynns label is quite pleased with all their product in 04.
We also tried the 2005 Wynns Shiraz and it was disappointing Not in the same league as the Cab
2003 Ferngrove Shiraz from Falkland River in WA. Very good for an everyday drinking wine.
2003 St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz was an excellent wine rated 94 by Jeremy Thorpe.
2004 Metala Langhorne Creek Shiraz/Cab blend, very rich spicy soft tannins, drinking well now but good through 2010.
Marty