Alfred B.
Yelp
Great Southern 2013 Vintage Reds Snapshot
Recently I was invited along (thanks Dr John Gates) to a tasting of 2013 reds from the Frankland and Mt Barker/Denmark areas. Held at Print Hall it was organised by the Great Southern Wine Producers Association and showcased Shiraz and Cabernet from the two sub-regions. Nineteen wines were on display and were presented in four groups - Frankland River Shiraz, Mount Barker and Denmark Shiraz, and similarly for Cabernet Sauvignon.
After each bracket was tasted and assessed a discussion ensued among the participants, led by Tan Ying Hsien, Singapore's first Master of Wine, and Chairman of the Association, Andrew Hoadley, winemaker at La Violetta.
Tan Ying Tsien provided insightful comments on the wines and while he considered, I think, the Shiraz to be the stronger group, the Cabernets also won praise. As I have a preference when all is equal for Cabernet, my opinion probably was a little the other way; but all the wines, bar one, were very good examples of the variety and regions.
Anyway, my notes from the tasting are summarised below, along with an indicative rating for each.
Shiraz
Alkoomi Shiraz Viognier
Bright and vibrant hue; spicy dark fruit herbaceous bouquet; medium bodied with fine tannins, cherry and dark plum fruit, well balanced with a persistent finish. 94
Rockcliffe Third Reef
Dark red colour; tarry plum and liquorice aromas, with peppery back notes; firm tannins, juicy dark fruit on the very approachable palate. 95
Ferngrove Dragon
Brightly coloured, lifted spice - nutmeg, pepper - aromas along with cherries and a hint of olive leaf. The palate is smooth and elegant, chocolate, cherries and peppery notes predominate; should continue to age well. 95
Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge
Aromatic nose of pepper, mulberries, sour cherry and a touch of cloves; the medium bodied palate exhibits savoury elements, fine smooth tannins; nice long finish. 94
Moombaki
Dark hued, chocolate, spice and dark plum aromas; smooth palate with sweet and juicy fruit; smoky oak and peppery notes on the mid palate. 94
3Drops
Bright crimson, dark chocolate and blackberry aromas, with a full bodied palate redolent of mulberries, sour cherries and spicy notes of cloves, nutmeg and black pepper. 96
Howard Park Scotsdale
I can only think this was a bad batch - the bouquet was heavily sulphurous, green and vegetal; for all that the palate was smooth and lingering. It would be unfair to rate it on this bottle - other reviewers have rated it well.
Larry Cherubino Laissez Faire
Deep, dark burgundy, lifted spice and dark fruit aromas, with a full bodied palate, peppery and savoury notes; beautiful persistent finish. 96
La Violetta La Ciornia
Vibrant colour, elevated bouquet of dark fruit, cloves, pepper and bay; fine tannins; chocolate, spice and blackberry flavours; very well balanced with perfectly integrated oak. 97
Cabernet Sauvignon
Moombaki Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/ Malbec
Blackberry and mint aromas, lead onto a somewhat austere palate, with blackcurrant, mulberry and spicy notes. 94
Howard Park Scotsdale
Deep red, blackcurrant, chocolate and mint aromas; smooth, classy palate, rich flavours of spicy oak, mint and black fruit. 96
Rockcliffe Single Site
Lovely violet notes on the bouquet, along with blackcurrant and a hint of bay leaf; full bodied, fine tannins, long finish of dark fruit and mint. 95
Galafrey
Red berry and chocolate nose; smooth, gravelly and dusty tannins; good use of oak; red cherry and raspberry notes. 94
Forest Hill Block 5
Aromatic nose of plum, olive leaf and tobacco; the palate is full of juicy fruit, supported by smooth tannins and integrated oak; blackcurrant and spicy notes. Fine, persistent finish. 95
Ferngrove Majestic
A slightly reductive nose, blackcurrants and herbal notes. Sweet fruit, good tannins, touch of vanilla. 91
Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge
Lifted aromas of blackberry, plum and mint; dark chocolate, mulberry and mint; grippy tannins; finishes well. 94
Castelli Il Liris Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Malbec
Deep, dark hue; bouquet of chocolate, cherry, blackberry and tobacco; ripe tannins, silky smooth, opulent plum and dark fruit on the palate with a lingering peppery note. 96
Singlefile Philip Adrian
Deep purple, highly aromatic nose of violets, cedar, mint and blackcurrants; wonderfully smooth and luxurious palate; beautifully balanced; silky tannins; lingering mouthfeel and finish. An outstanding wine by any estimation. 98