Great to see producers from the cool climate, high altitude Granite Belt in Queensland engaging consumers and writers a little more these days. As I’ve said before, it’s a young region with its best years ahead but there is worthwhile drinking to be had at the moment if you know where to look. This little joven number is made by Peter McGlashan, who was also the co-founder of the “Strange Bird” alternative variety wine trail initiative. I was sceptical of that idea to begin with but after giving it some thought, it makes a great deal of sense for many reasons; not the least of which is that the Granite Belt is still discovering which varieties are best suited to it as a GI. It has also proven to be very successful with consumers. To the wine at hand…
Interestingly for a three-year old wine that sees little wood and is meant to be enjoyed early, this was at its best on day two. Initially the nose was mostly about tamarillo and dusty spices. I felt like the Tempranillo was dominant even though it’s actually a two to one ratio in favour of the Monastrell. The back label mentions “red fruits washing across the palate” and indeed, that’s what the fruit flavours did at first – a touch too softly and without the intent I wanted to see. That juvenile, ill-defined character was gradually enhanced by forest berries, sarsaparilla, black olives and brown spice. Stylistically, the emphasis isn’t on structure, and that’s fine. It’s part of the reason it pairs well with a wide variety of food. There’s just a tweak of ferrous tannin at the end. All up, a highly gluggable wine with a slightly confected edge. Solid drinking fare. Good
Region: Granite Belt
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $25
Tasted: August 2012
Have 3 of these in my cellar, didn’t recognise the label in your pic, so pulled one out … and yep, completely different label.
Tried Peter’s 2011 Temp at their CD, it’s a better wine than his 09. The 09 probably has better fruit but very strong drying tannins, if those tannins do decide to soften the fruit will be up to it, but don’t wait too long! The 2011 has better overall balance and structure, very nice with or without food.
Back to the label, maybe they redesigned and ran out of the old before bottling had finished? Also tried at CD, but no notes and don’t have a lot of memory for this wine other than, as you say, glugable easy drinking. Looking at their web site, I suspect that the bottle you depict is their old label.
hi guys just to clear up the label debate, The label on jeremy’s blog is the new label, we are in the midst of re branding and as you said we ran out of old labels so this wine was one of the first to get the new look branding, hope you like!
regards
peter mcglashan
ridgemill estate
Cheers for filling out the picture PeterP – I have the 2011 Tempranillo here to taste soon.
And thanks for the information on the label Mr McGlashan. Much appreciated by myself and my readers too, I’m sure.
Thanks for clearing that up Peter. Do you have a release date for the 2011 Temp? I’m looking forward to getting a few, but looking forward to the 2012 even more.
Interested to hear your impressions of the 2011 temp Jeremy, I noticed something really interesting about it but don’t wanna bias your tasting. It’s good to spend some time with it though … more than one day if you can .. I gave it three.
hey peter p and jeremy the 2011 tempranillo release is imminent, we are really looking forward to the release and the feedback from our customers !!