In some ways this is very much like a Blue Poles red wine and in other ways not so much. The fruit is sweet and concentrated – much more so than in the Reserve Merlot, Allouran Merlot Cabernet Franc or Teroldego. The oak though, as always, is disarmingly high-grade and applied astutely.
Raspberry coulis, kirsch and mulberry with a hint of lavender. Pepper and clove seasoning. Time in barrel imparts savoury pencil shaving and chocolate balance and there is a girdle of tannin keeping all that fruitiness in shape. I would like to see a little more freshness but it does have a certain charm. The price makes a pressing argument. 91
Region: Margaret River
Alcohol: 14.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $22
Tasted: February 2014
I think our slightly differing views on this result from our slightly (or very? or somewhat?) different interests in wine (though it’s clear from your note that we’re looking at the same wine). The things that gave you a slight pause are the ones that appealed to me. It is a bit fruity and flashy, but, combined with that outstanding oak treatment, the overall outcome to be is one of real balance – so I’d rate it a couple of points higher.
MC
I’d say that’s a very fair argument Michael. Ultimately I thought the fruit flavours lacked the ‘sophistication’ that I’ve seen in other Blue Poles reds but measuring ‘sophistication’ is hardly a science. One thing I wouldn’t say this wine lacked was balance and the way the oak works to harness the fruit is truly admirable. I certainly wouldn’t throw my arms up in disbelief to see it rated a point or two higher.
Agree with you JP – but Tim the co-owner falls into the MC camp. It is a wine that you can take to or just enjoy as a drink. Still has the Blue Poles feel through the variety, and yes the oak does come through well (even with just a couple of newies in there).
I’ll claim terroir and all of that stuff
Cheers