Hunter Valley 14.0% Screwcap $45
Another Hunter Shiraz which took a while to assess properly. I came down firmly in its favour. With time it revealed itself to be of extremely high quality with the potential for further improvement in years to come.
Sourced from the 90 year old Tallawanta vineyard in the foothills of the Brokenback Range. At first the spicy vanilla malt oak seems a touch overwhelming but it eventually makes itself right at home, complimenting what is clearly excellent fruit. Interesting, as chief winemaker Jim Chatto noted that puncheons were used in its 12 month oak regime.
A slightly more robust medium bodied Hunter red with raspberry and boysenberry accented flavours, very good reach and a complex array of spices (clove dominant) leading to a wine of true individuality and style. The tannin is impressive, teaming with integrated acidity to provide convincing structure.
Worth the dollars and will reward patience.
Winery website- http://www.peppertreewines.com.au/
Sterlign note on a sterling wine. Very good stuff. It doesn't really do itself justice at first does it?
Thanks Stu. It was certainly a different wine on the final day of tasting to the one encountered upon opening. I suppose it highlights the benefits of giving a wine an extended window of tasting.
cheers
j