Well tonight’s little mini theme is Zinfandel (although I quickly opened a Hunter Shiraz afterwards to settle the nerves) and this is the best of the trio tasted. Our David tells me he’s a bit of a Zin enthusiast, and if pushed I’d probably admit to being more of a Primitivo man, although I think this grape is particularly sensitive to both terroir and winemaker - much like Pinot Noir and equally hard to get right - so it’s no wonder he likes it… For the record the other wines were 2007 Elderton Estate (fresh and attractive, smelling of raspberries and spice but a little herbal and dilute on the palate. 88 points) and 2007 Hentley Farm Barossa (a whopping 16.8% alcohol and as much like a Herbert Adams jam filled donut (rolled in earth and brandy) as wine, which is no bad thing if you are in the mood…. a wine for sweet-toothed pirates and dragon slayers perhaps).

A minty perfume wafts over plum pudding, spice, raspberry and Iced Vovo which leads on to a sweet and spicy medium to full bodied palate of good intensity and freshness. It’s a mix of warm cherried fruit and cool mint with light fine grained tannins, good balance and fair length of flavour. Good wine but questionable value.

Rated : 89 Points
Tasted : Jun08
Alcohol : 15%
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2008 - 2011