A curious and fascinating blend of Cabernet, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. Unique in the Australian landscape and, for mine, not given the press it deserves. Food pairing recommendations are Osso Bucco (tried it and it works a treat) and Duck Ragout on Pappardelle. I also had the 2003 with ‘Madame Katinka’s Goulash a la Hongroise’ from Escoffier’s cooking manual in the week leading up to my brother’s wedding. A wonderful meal that I remember fondly to this day.
Current release is 2008 but if you’re really lucky, you might still be able to snaffle a bottle from Pizzini’s cellar door. It’s in a great place at the moment. Bottle aged characters of leather, animale and sweet earthen truffle are met by animated red cherry high-tones with glimmers of darker fruits underneath. Plenty of koala action too (ie eucalypt). There’s no shortage of complexity on the layered palate; tar, dried oregano, cigar and tea leaf all play a role. It’s layered but agile and medium bodied. Chewy, gum-creeping tannin is intact and adds satisfaction to the finish. From past experience I’d guess it still has two to four years left in its peak drinking window, but it’s a hard proposition to turn down now. Very Good – Excellent
Region: King Valley
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Cork
Price: $43
Tasted: August 2012