Man, I’ve read and heard a lot of different opinions on this wine; from its label to its composition…not to mention its worth. It’s divisive wine – you’ll either like it or just find it confusing and/or misguided. I fall in the former camp. An assemblage of Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris – although the Shiraz accounts for most of the blend.
Initially it’s an elusive beast, constantly slipping through one’s hands. Light bodied. A cool year, cool climate nose. Herbal, stemmy and vegetal. Red berry/cherry, pepper and curry powder lurk underneath. Tart cranberry accented acids shape a somehow supple palate with stalky tannin bringing up the rear. On the first day I suspected that it may be more style than substance but revisiting it again 24 hours later I readjusted my attitude. The fruit flavour had deepened and come into balance with the greenery and mulch. It had put on a bit of weight and added hints of earthy beetroot, licorice and plum.
The label suggests that it’s possibly best consumed soon after it comes into your possession. I’m not so sure it’s ready to go just yet. If you pull the cork on it now, give it a few hours in the decanter. 89+ Good
Region: Geelong
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Cork
Price: $31.50
Tasted: January 2013
Hey Jeremy. This is an interesting wine and not without its charms, but I think I’d like a touch more if it had more weight. I’m looking forward to seeing what the B5B 2012 red and white look like. Been going through a fair bit of the 2012 Rose. If you see it, definitely worth a look. Powerful style…
davemarine
Hey Dave – yep, certainly get what you mean about weight. I was surprised by how much it gained on the second day. Made it seem less ‘insubstantial’ I think. My own personal and entirely subjective side doesn’t mind the lighter bodied nature of it, but I do think it would be a better wine with a little more oomph.
I like the Rosé too. Must get around to writing it up. Like you, I’m really looking forward to checking out the other 2012s. The white has just been bottled.
Cheers
J