Elderton Barossa Zinfandel 2007 Tuesday, Jul 1 2008
Tasting Notes and Australia and Barossa Valley and Variety and Red and other reds
The gathering for our annual “Zin Din” saw the largest representation ever from Australia. Gary has already reviewed the Penna Lane but the group we had also included Piggs Peake, Cape Mentelle, Kangarilla Road, Groome, Rutherglen Estates, Wood Park, Buckshot Heathcote and Williams Selyem from California. Styles ranged from tight and bright through to the late harvest style. My general impression is that Rutherglen and Barossa can produce benchmark zin if the fruit is ripe and crop levels are not too high.
This wine always had great fruit on the nose that announced it as classic zin but it got better over the three days it was on the bench. On the first night the nose showed plum pudding, red berries and a bit of raisin but the palate was a little tight for the first hour, then it began to reveal its inner Zin. The power of the fruitcake and raisins gradually got overtaken by cherry and some blueberry that just rolled on complete with a little licorice on the finish, sort of like Pinot on steroids. A Zinful wine
Tasted : Jun08
Alcohol : 15%
Price : $28
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2008 - 2010
Source : Cellar Door
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10 Responses to “Elderton Barossa Zinfandel 2007”
July 1st, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Yes..maybe I was not in the mood. I had
“Fresh and attractive, smelling of raspberries and spice but a little herbal and dilute on the palate” 88 points.
I did have a sniff and swirl when I got home after leaving the 7/8 full bottle for four days, shortly before the sink had its share.
GW
July 1st, 2008 at 6:22 pm
The biggest spread between us! However, you did call it a “Horrid” grape. My points were assigned on the basis of its “Zin” varietal. It was much richer than many other Aussie Zins seen over the years. Cape Mentelle has developed a pretty consistent style that I enjoy and fits the range seen from Ca. Did you get the Penna Lane 08 Riesling? I am not normally a fan of Clare Rieslings but that’s just my style preference so would be interested to see how you find it.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:20 pm
David, which vintage of the Cape Mentelle did you try? I found the 2006 quite different in style to recent efforts. Caused a stir between the partner and I when tried. She thinks it similar to those in the mid-90’s whereas I think it a departure in style. Very aromatic and lean almost despite the 15+ alcohol. She said apricot. Regardless of the difference in opinion we both thought it elegant and minimal raisin.
cheers
Carl
July 1st, 2008 at 11:17 pm
It IS a horrid grape..and I’m not sure why anyone would want to plant it here..it’s not like we don’t have enough sweet, high alcohol wines to choose from already …..
GW
July 1st, 2008 at 11:21 pm
I regret to report that it was the same as we had last year ie the 2005. My fellow zinners couldn’t access an ‘06 and since the ‘05 looked great last year and they had some…
If you look at GW (and Cliff Royle) comments re ‘06 MR reds I suspect the ‘06 Zin would be leaner and as a result would probably have apricot and no raisin/muscat flavour.
Will Nairn at Peel Estate also makes good zin but it lost favour with my friends so they no longer buy it and as such it doesn’t make our dinner. I access the Barossa/Clare/McV/Ca wines.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Curiously..I have a bottle of 1997 Peel Estate Zin in the cellar..it says on the back label ‘A wine for heroes’. Certainly true as you would have to be bloody brave to drink it….I recommend you source a bottle of 08 Lindemans Early Harvest David…that will straighten you right out.
GW
July 1st, 2008 at 11:29 pm
David said :
The 2005 was also fresher than the previous few years. Agree with the 2006 vintage causing the cooler flavours. Have to say that the trend is positive and am looking forward to the 2007 zin.
cheers
Carl
July 1st, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Is the ‘97 the 17% one? What is the 08 Lindies Early Harvest…. not a cab I hope. Speaking of evil/horrid varieties. Good old google, I see, low alcohol and an SB…. be like having a decaf herbal cfee for a zinner like me (and black espresso drinker).
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:01 am
Had it the other day - the early harvest. It is the only wine I have ever had that completely vanishes as it hits the palate, re-appearing with a puff of acid on exit. It is a remarkable wine in many ways and I recommend that everyone should taste it..and yes the Peel is the 17% one.
GW
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:01 am
Another remarkable wine recently tried, and one that would surely complement Gary’s 2008 Early Harvest at a serving of remarkable wines, is Bott Frères (not a typo) Cuvée Particulière Pinot Gris 2006. It is very particular indeed. It has all the visceral appeal of taking a hearty bite out of an overripe delicious apple pounded on all sides against a concrete floor and then left to sit for three days in a dank cupboard to self-ferment. The finish lasted for at least half an hour. Even Listerine struggled to remove the taste. It was truly the worst wine from the worst grape without any detectable storage or biological flaw ever sampled. Truly a champion wine that would best all contenders!
I do enjoy my Pinot Gris/Grigio, and I know that Gary does too.