Cullen Chardonnay 1999 Friday, Oct 21 2005 

Tasting Notes and Australia and Margaret River and Variety and White and chardonnay Gary Walsh

An interesting slightly wild yeasty nose with struck match, oatmeal, grapefruit and nectarine fruit. Plenty of acidity on the palate alongside some more savoury lees derived characters. Warming alcohol and flavours of dried pear, grapefruit and spice. Finishes warm and dry with a distinctly earthy savoury flavour.

Rated : 94 Points
Tasted : Oct05
Alcohol : 14.0%
Price : $54
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2005 - 2009
Visit winery website
Print this article
eMail this article

 

Meerea Park “Hell Hole” Shiraz 2003 Friday, Oct 21 2005 

Tasting Notes and Hunter Valley and Australia and Variety and Red and shiraz et al Gary Walsh

Hell HoleI have tasted this wine now 3 times. Each time more impressive than the last. The total production is 4 hogsheads (300L) - for those mathmatically challenged that equates to just 128 cases. Aged in for 24 months in 50% new French oak and made with old vine fruit from the Howard vineyard.

A very deep black purple colour. It smells fantastic offering up aromas of blackberry and cassis, new leather, licorice, smokehouse and vanilla. On the palate a very dense wine that is packed with smooth ripe tannins and flavours of dark cherry, blackberry and savoury smoky oak. Although it is thick, muscular and concentrated it is also beautifully balanced and very sophisticated. Finishes very long and dry. In many ways it reminds of a top flight Northern Rhone…a mini La La if you like. This is benchmark Australian shiraz from a classic Hunter vintage. Buy it. You must.

Rated : 96 Points
Tasted : Oct05
Alcohol : 14%
Price : $55
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2007 - 2020
Source : Winery Sample
Visit winery website
Print this article
eMail this article