Grampians 14.5% Diam $42 Source: Retail
I loved the 2008 release of this wine, so it was with genuine excitement that I pulled the (diam) cork on this year’s model.
A bright spark might corner the market in this year’s girl
You see yourself rolling on the carpet with this year’s girl
Those disco synthesizers, those daily tranquilizers
Those body-building prizes, those bedroom alibis
All this, but no surprises for this year’s girl
Ok, so that was a little self indulgent but I’m a big Elvis Costello fan. And the 2009 does seem to have a brighter spark of acidity compared to the year before. No major surprises otherwise, but it’s slightly different and I certainly did want to roll on the carpet with it. I might do so next time I open a bottle.
The wine seems a touch lighter than the previous year, although that may just be a result of how young it is at the moment. The dark berries and plums are still there, but some lighter red fruits seem to have come along for the ride too. The 50% whole bunch may be responsible for the tasty salami on the nose and back palate as well as adding tantalising stemmy/sappy characters to a great set of tannins. The 08 had a very creamy mid-palate and so does the 09 – both probably related to the lees treatment winemaker Gary Mills throws at the fruit. Spicy and layered, with some delicious dark chocolate. Hopefully you’re getting the picture.
In short, it’s a lovely wine and one I want to drink lots of. The structure is there for ageing should you wish. One slight warning – if you rush out and buy a bottle now, give it a decant. The acidity is initially spiky, but have no fear, it comes around pretty quickly.
Winery Website- http://www.jamsheed.com.au/
yummy wine this. did you try his westgate alongside?
Nah, waiting for you to release your 09 Westgate. Then I can taste them side by side & do a long winded post on interpretation, representation & terroir
just got my hands on a 2008 from a very unexpected retail source. Yay!