Barossa, Northern Barossa 13.5% Screwcap CD $15- Tasted 10/9/09
I must thank Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh for letting me know about this Nebbiolo via The Big Red Wine Book. It’s truly varietal and the price is amazing. I love Pizzini and Vinea Marson Nebs, but I can’t always afford them!
The light crimson colour is a hallmark of the variety and shows we’re on the right track. The aromas confirm it. Orange rind, dried herbs and fruits, cherries, aniseed, soy, nuts and cured meat (prosciutto and salami come to mind). It’s medium bodied and the flavours are pretty much the same as those expressed on the nose. The acidity is well judged and it has that tannic kick I desire in Nebbiolo.
So it opens with cured meats, cherries and raspberries, all quite juicy before tobacco, soy and orange join in on the mid palate and those tannins kick out to a long finish. A joy with food. Never thought you could do much with Nebbiolo in the Barossa. Thorn Clarke have shown me I was wrong.
Winery Website- http://thornclarkewines.com.au/
A truly astounding wine, given where it is produced. We tried the 2004 back in 2005 at the Cellar Door and found it very approachable., As you note, great with food, and particularly any tomato based dish (which you might assume) On an evening when I had 2 more expensive nebbiolos (one an entry level Barolo), the 2006 was my highlight. I love Thorn Clark as a great value winery.
Yep, it's a cracking wine and I'm happy to hear others are recognising that. Thorn Clarke are definitely up amongst the best when it comes to delivering excellent wines for a better than fair price.
cheers
jeremy