Time to give the Geelong wine region a little more lovin’. I suspect that it still flies under the radar and is probably better known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay than its Shiraz. Still, this was one of the better wines I consumed over a modest Xmas break and I’d like to post a note while the memory is relatively fresh.
Deep, concentrated dark cherry and plum with intonations of sweet brown spice, nuts, lilacs and violets. It’s agile for such a ripe wine, not to mention shapely with super-fine tannin intact and extending the pleasure. Identifiably cool climate yet more luxe than angular in profile. Elegant decadence, right in its drinking groove – although it will live quite a lot longer. 94 Excellent
Region: Geelong
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $55
Tasted: December 2012
Great to see some reviews of some older wines, and particularly of wines that I’m so fond of! I haven’t had one of these since release (but have had a couple of 05s recently)
For my tastes, Geelong seems to generally produce better shiraz than pinot. The Lethbridge Indra often has an olive tapenade character to it that I love. Tried the 2010 at all?
Thanks Dave, it’s always nice to hear that some people enjoy the break from reams of new release reviews. I’ve got heaps of time for Geelong Shiraz and would love to see it get more airplay. Then again, it’s probably fair to say I’m not as besotted by Pinot Noir as many wine writers and makers – not that I don’t enjoy it, I just don’t think it’s the holy grail it’s often considered to be. I’ve not tried the 2010 of this. I don’t get to taste near as much Lethbridge gear as I’d like to. Hopefully that will change in the future.