I had the pleasure of tasting through nine Ten Minutes by Tractor wines yesterday. A good bunch they were too. This Estate wine seems to be made in a more crowd pleasing style yet I wonder if it’s a touch too quirky for the mass market. I guess that quirkiness suits me just fine so I’ve little to worry about.
The first thing that hits you as you put your nose to the glass is spiced nougat oak – a lot of it. Then, when you take a sip, you notice that the fruit intensity is more than up to the challenge and the two go together rather seamlessly. In a way, it’s somewhat old-fashioned yet it is not at all blousy. In fact there’s an impressively tight mineral line running right through the centre. The flavour spectrum revolves around white peach, apple and lime with some nectarine. Fairly typical really. The lees is handled adroitly, adding savouriness and stopping just short of overt cheesy-ness. The finish is a touch more challenging; some bitter dried herbs make their presence known. I actually like the character they add but some punters may be put off. Good – Very Good
Region: Mornington Peninsula
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $42
Tasted: April 2012