Bleasdale 2012 Second Innings Malbec

Variety: Malbec
Region: Fleurieu, Langhorne Creek
Vintage: 2012
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 13.5%
Colour: Violet
Bouquet: Ripe blueberries, hints of raspberry jubes and some cedar
Flavour: Actually plummy in taste with some savoury, bay leaf flavour and a nice, rounded finish.
Points: 85 (3+7+11+7+7+50)
Notes: I ranked the only Australian contribution as third of four while the others ranked it last. Our range was not broad. I tasted the Bleasdale Malbec for the first time about four years ago.

 

Zuccardi 2012 Malbec

Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Vintage: 2012
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14.5%
Colour: Dark violet
Bouquet: Dense aromas of dark cherry pie and a hint of pie crust
Flavour: Fruit according to the nose but the highlight of this wine is the tannin leaving a nice finish. Not particularly exciting
Points: 84 (3+7+10+7+7+50)
Notes: I broke from the team and ranked this last of the four tasted. It was rated third by the others.

 

Vinifera Wines 2008 Semillon

Variety: Semillon
Region/G.I.: Central Ranges, Mudgee
Vintage: 2007
Closure: Screwcap
Colour:  Golden yellow
Alcohol: 12.0%
Bouquet: Aged tones, some petroleum and hints of lemon
Flavour:  Lovely smooth wine at an almost nutty stage of development. Gentle on the tongue and hints of lemon pith. Pleasant sourness. Has to be drunk now as probably just past its peak.
Points: 85 (4+7+11+6+7+50)

Notes:  Another from the Vinifera portfolio. This was being cleared out at about $7/bottle when we visited.I think it would be great with hard cheese.

 

 

Il Civettaio 2007 Sangiovese

Sadly it was corked. One bottle remaining and I hope it's fine. To be tasted soon.

 

Vinifera Wines 2008 Tinto

Variety: Tempranillo
Region/G.I.: Central Ranges, Mudgee
Vintage: 2008
Closure: Screwcap
Colour:  Garnet
Alcohol: 14.5%
Bouquet: Animal (wet cow) and forest undergrowth

Flavour:  Cherry with nice acidity and tannin. Medium body and nice drying finish.

Points: 85 (3+7+11+7+7+50)

Notes:  This was a clearance wine $10/bottle when you buy 6, from when we visited Mudgee earlier this year. Value for price is excellent in comparison to the general market. We enjoyed the Graciano from this producer only last month.

 

Water Wheel Vineyards 2007 Memsie

Varieies: Shiraz 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon 16%, Malbec 8% and Petit Verdot 6%

Region/G.I.: Central Victoria, Bendigo

Vintage: 2007
Colour: Dark purple with violet hues
Alcohol: 14.5%
Bouquet: Aniseed and tar in a full but restrained nose
Flavour: Soft liquorice, hints of pepper and a good long finish with some tannins still in existence to give backbone to the finish.
Points: 84 (3+6+11+7+7+50)
Notes: I've had a few wines since I tasted this for the first time 5 years ago and it remains enjoyable. This bottle bought for $10 (~180Kc). The soft liquorice taste and finish a highlight.  

 

Wolf Blass 2008 Heritage Release Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region/G.I.: Limestone Coast, Coonawarra

Vintage: 2008
Colour: Dark purple
Alcohol: 14.5%
Bouquet: Lush, dense blackcurrant freshly crushed and a hint of tar
Flavour: Excellent length with very good, mild but grainy tannin keeping this all together and extending the experience. The fruit up front is not as intense as the nose would suggest and the overall flavour profile is straightforward but well done.
Points: 85 (3+7+11+7+7+50)
Notes: For a mid week quaffer, bought on sale at $10.50 ~ 180Kc, this is hard to beat. Unpretentious but a solid performance.