“I tried to tell you
I can only say it when we’re apart
About this storm inside of me
And how I miss your quiet, quiet heart” - The Go-Betweens
The lightest and most fragile of the 2011 Local Vineyard Series Pinots from Oakridge, thus I presumed it was from the coolest site. Turns out the Guerin was cooler. You live and learn. Seville East is where the vineyard lies. The word ephemeral gets thrown around a bit in wine circles but I think it accurately describes the wine in question.
Über-delicate and incredibly soft and silky in texture. A spider’s web of fine acid and long, spindly tannin. Cherries and tart cranberries with a savoury edge. This is all about quiet intensity and it builds through the line in the most convincing manner. It won’t suit those looking for power but it enchanted me. 93 Very Good – Excellent
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $38
Tasted: October 2012
You had me with the umlaut (a word itself that I feel should possess the diacritic)…
This has been a fascinating exercise to watch. I look forward to seeing how Mr Bicknell provides input to your work. I have limited geographical/ topographical knowledge of the Yarra and so would be interested in Oakridge release any supporting literature around the LVS – if only to aid in my own knowledge.
I too like the sound of this wine. The ephemeral nature, the silk purse feel and fragility garner interest.
thanks
Stu
Ha. I’m a big fan of umlauts
Dave Bicknell provides a heap of information with regards to the wines he sends out, and indeed on the back labels too. Vineyard areas, vine age, aspects, soils etc. I find it tremendously useful to go back to these tech specs after tasting and reviewing the wines. The winemaking itself is pretty much totally divulged as well. He’s a sucker for detail and it shows in the wines I reckon.
I think I’ve included the areas in all the reviews. The best way to get a feel for the Yarra Valley is to drive around it and see it in its full diversity. A “tour guide” helps. The Yarra Valley Wine Program itself is a brilliant way to immerse yourself in the region if you are fortunate enough to receive an invite.
This fly-over from Mac Forbes is also extremely helpful and well worth taking a look if you haven’t seen it already:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rux9B8abEEM
Along with maps on the net, it should give you a fair amount of extra info on the LVS wines and the Yarra Valley itself. It was enjoyable to taste the wines this way and test myself I guess. I believe I have the Syme and Guerin the wrong way around but I’ll publish the edits once I know for sure.
Cheers
J
JP,
Correct. Syme then Guerin when going from warm to cool. And cool is what the Guerin vineyard is. I’m a big fan of that site. Great potential.
We have done the same exercise (as above) with somellier/trade groups and they have really enjoyed the exercise and engagement. Vintage 11 was always going to hard sell because the cart was put well and truely infront of the horse based on prevailing conditions. Akin to judging a wine on colour alone, seemingly damned. But this is not the situation on what has been produced.
So, the questions we are interested in are how does it taste/do I like it/would I drink it? The overwhelming response appears to yes when looking at the 11′s. Colours are light, but there is some much to like from these wines – gentle, easy, complex, smashable drinks.
Vintage 12 FYI is the polar opposite to 11, and closer to the 10′s in size and structure.
Looking forward to catching up in Brisvegas next month. Talk more then.
Cheers, DB.
Thanks DB,
Will edit the posts now to let readers know. Interesting to see that the 2011 Guerin Local Vineyard Series Chardonnay was also one of my favourites. A vineyard with character and a bit of flair judging from both 2011 releases.
I’ve tried to throw out preconceptions of the 2011 South East Australian vintage when I’ve tasted/reviewed wines here – the result, from the Yarra Valley at least, has been a number of wines scoring at least 90 points…and a lot of juice I’d be happy to buy and drink. I’m probably more a 2010 guy when it comes to reds but I’m still easily able to enjoy the vintage variation I’ve encountered from quality producers.
See you in Brissy next month. Much to discuss between drinks and mouthfuls of food.
Cheers
J