Hunter Valley 13.5% Screwcap $40
I like the labeling on some of these ‘classic’ Hunter reds. It seems somehow congruous with the wines themselves - old school, authentic etc. Of course, if the wrong wineries co-opt the look then the message could be hijacked…
This is a challenging wine for me. I have a strong sense of endearment for the style but a couple of aspects make it difficult to come around to its way of thinking; namely the lift on the nose, its translation to the palate and a curious sweet/sour/tart red and green tomato type character.
Raspberry, darker red cherry, sand, vanilla, dessicated coconut, tea leaf and spice. Hints of nail polish frustrate me. Light to medium bodied, structured more by jaunty acidity than silty tannin, with oak no more than a bit player.
I looked at it over five days and on the fifth it seemed more cohesive and settled. Hard to judge though; I’d recommend a decent stint in the cellar to get the best out of it.
Winery website- http://www.tulloch.com.au/
I haven't tried this wine Jeremy, but I've struggled to be really convinced by Tulloch Hunter reds, including the Hector of Glen Elgin. Love the labels and general approach, but something always leaves me a touch underwhelmed. The "curious sweet/sour/tart red and green tomato type character" seems to capture it well.
MichaelC