Trip notes Part II McLaren Vale

[Irregular]

Leconfield/McLaren Vale (well, some of them anyway)
2011 Coonawarra Chardonnay $25. Lovely wine.
2011 Coonawarra Cabernet $33. This is a big Cabernet. Leconfield cabs have been hit and miss for me over the years, but this is definitely on track, liked it a lot, but needs a good decade plus in the cellar.
I’m probably one of the few who think Leconfield can produce great Merlot, try a ’98 if you get the chance, and think the 2010 is a tidy wine, but I just didn’t think the 2011 on offer will be in the same class.
2010 Burtons Vineyard Grenache What’s happening here, I detested MV Grenache 10-15 years ago, and I’ve found yet another I like. This is a quality wine, lovely stuff.

Wirra Wirra/McLaren Vale
Not much impressed here, the 2011 Woodhenge Shiraz $30 and 2010 RSW $70 were the picks, both quite good.

Shingleback/McLaren Vale
Shiraz here was the ‘go’, liked the 2010 Davey Estate $23 and 2010 D-Block $55.

McLaren Vale Associates/McLaren Vale
2010 The descendant of Squid Ink Shiraz $35. For a ‘lightly oaked’ wine it had a fair bit going for it, liked it.
Squid Ink all $55: 2008 nice wine; 2009 very good, better than the 08; 2010, best of the lot, lovely stuff, American oak used on this one, but it’s not overt, liked it a lot.
2010 giant squid Ink $155. What to say without offending here? Ok, it’s their top wine, and yes, it’s good, it’s big and brooding, but I actually preferred the others, especially on a value for money basis. But I was very appreciative of the opportunity to try it.
There’s also a delightful Sparkling Shiraz here $55.

Pirramimma/McLaren Vale
Now I’ve never considered Pirramimma to up there in the quality stakes, but have always thought they offered great value for money. Based on this visit, I think my quality comment needs to be revised.
2010 Old bush Vine Grenache $25. Lovely fruit driven wine, really enjoyed it amongst the best Grenaches tried in MV.
2010 Shiraz Viognier $35. Very nice, liked it.

Foggo Wines/McLaren Vale
A big range of older wines here, but have to say only a couple were interesting. The 2006 Hubertus Reserve Shiraz, $50, was the pick, a lovely drop, although it won’t appeal to all with obvious oak (4yrs of it). The Black Myriah Sparkling Shiraz was also quite good.

Tintara/McLaren Vale
Why do these guys have a cellar door? There isn't a great deal of enthusiasm evident here at all. Anyway. 2009 HRB Chardonnay $33, quite liked this. Good oak use, lovely fruit, nice stuff. 2008 Basket Pressed Shiraz $54, despite the slight green elements to this, it's a very good wine which will cellar well. The 2010 BP Cab $54 is a big bold brooding tannic monster, which needs loads of time yet, still pretty good.
Interestingly, they are offering what they say is a 2008 Tintara cleanskin for $25, which considering the labelled version sells for more than twice this price seems a bargain'. Apparently they have discontinued this line, which is a shame as it's been a favourite since the first release in '95. Trouble being, it's not good. It has ‘green' traits, seems quite 'thin' and out of balance, just not a good wine. Given it was meant to be a Tintara, you have to ask the question "what have they done to it"?

Angoves/McLaren Vale
We had intention of going here never being exposed to anything great in the past, however we were on our bikes, the cellar door was 50 meters away, and the next cellar door was a way off, in we went. It proved to be a good decision. The stand out wine for us was the 2010 Warboys Vineyard Shiraz Grenache $35 in a word, delicious. This is a seriously good wine, beautifully crafted and drinking so well even now.
Also likes the 2010 Medhyk Shiraz $65 another big one, but at the price, reckon there's better value around.

Chapel Hill/McLaren Vale
A special mention to Sandy at cellar door who had loads of regional wine knowledge and looked after us. We liked the entire McLaren Vale range, not a bad wine among them including 2010 & 2011 Bush Vine Grenache, 2010 Mourvedre, 2011 Shiraz and 2011 Cabernet all $35.
A number of wineries in the region are producing wines expressing the terroir. Essentially letting the specific soils and vines to show themselves with minimal/no oak or winemaking influence, l'm not sure if I've explained that 100% accurately? Anyway, we tried the 2010 Shiraz and Cabernet, both $65 and just didn't find them particularly enjoyable. I think l prefer oaked styles to these. By contrast, the Chosen Gorge Block Chardonnay $35 was really good.

Paxton/McLaren Vale
Huge range here. Best being, 2011 Chardonnay $37, 2011 McLaren Vale Shiraz $20 very good and well priced for the quality, 2009 Jones Block Shiraz $37 drinking well now, 2010 Cracker Barrels Shiraz $49 best of the lot.

Coriole/McLaren Vale
Three wines stood out 2011 Estate Shiraz $31, Mary Kathleen Cab/Merlot $50 and the 2009 Lloyd Reserve Shiraz $85. BTW, their olives are fantastic.

Rosemount/McLaren Vale
What’s going on? I don't really like Grenache, but here’s yet another ripper. 2010 McLaren Vale Grenache $30, awesome wine, great structure and mouth feel, like it a lot! The other stand out wine here was the 2011 Single Vineyard Series Q Block McLaren Vale Cabernet $50 just excellent.

Olivers Taranga/McLaren Vale
Some quality reds on offer here. Liked the 2010 Corrina's Shiraz/Cab Blend $30 big and rich, 2010 Oliver's Taranga Shiraz $29, and the best of the three, 2009 HJ Reserve Shiraz $50 bloody nice.

It's always good to make new wine discoveries and for us, two stood out. We hadn't seen these wines before and wow, were we impressed.

Samuel's Gorge/McLaren Vale
I like the fact wineries are releasing more varietals and these guys have nailed them. Great cellar door too.
2011 Grenache $35 lovely easy drinking style, liked this a lot.
2011 Tempranillo $35 wow, this is the best Temp I’ve tried in a long time, great fruit, flavour and finish, a truly excellent wine.
2011 Mourvedre $35 again, very good.
2010 Shiraz $35 Loads of new oak comes through on this one, it's a lovely wine but unexpectedly given the seasons, it was eclipsed by:
2011 Shiraz $35 in a word, excellent, just a brilliant wine.

Alpha Box & Dice/MaLaren Vale
For us, this was the discovery of the region, a genuine Wow factor experience. There somewhat 'quirky' here, best experienced rather than explained.
The wines.
2012 Pedro Sauvignon (l think?) $30. This doesn't get any oak, it's put into terra cotta pots. Quite different and quite nice.
2011 Tarot $20 l think this was a blend of Grenache Shiraz and Tempranillo? It's a good wine without being great, does have a good finish.
2012 Rebel Rebel $25 100% Montepulciano, a lighter style but not bad.
2008 Blood of Jupiter $35 Wow, this is amazing, divine in fact. 8% Sangiovese 12% Cabernet. Spent three and a half years in oak, has a full and rich flavour spectrum, sensational wine.
2010 Changing Lanes $45 85% Cab 10% Shiraz 5% Malbec. Quite big at 15.5 - 16% alch, loads going on here again, probably the biggest structured wine here, very good.

Cheers

[Scotty vino]

Samuel's Gorge/McLaren Vale
I like the fact wineries are releasing more varietals and these guys have nailed them. Great cellar door too.
2011 Grenache $35 lovely easy drinking style, liked this a lot.
2011 Tempranillo $35 wow, this is the best Temp I’ve tried in a long time, great fruit, flavour and finish, a truly excellent wine.
2011 Mourvedre $35 again, very good.
2010 Shiraz $35 Loads of new oak comes through on this one, it's a lovely wine but unexpectedly given the seasons, it was eclipsed by:
2011 Shiraz $35 in a word, excellent, just a brilliant wine.

Justin makes great wines IMO and is always up for a chat. Agree, the cellar door is fantastic. Great views too.
Even from the mens lavvy!
Love his Temp. Nailed a few of those and always a fave.

[ticklenow1]

Glad you are having a great trip. I've just got back from the Barossa and I'm jealous already reading your notes.

That 2010 Angoves Warboys Shiraz Grenache is an absolute belter. Well worth the money and it really surprised me just how good an Angoves wine could be. I'm happy you are discovering Grenache as well. Don't be too surprised though if you do the Barossa and don't like the Grenache from there. It is a very different style, although many producers are changing that for the better.

Enjoy your bike rides
Cheers
Ian

[sjw_11]

I second the review of Alpha Box & Dice ... from first visit it became a new favourite of mine in McVale.

[ross67]

Has anyone tried the 07 blood of Jupiter?

Ross

[Scotty vino]

Has anyone tried the 07 blood of Jupiter?

Ross

Had one of these back at the beginning of this year. Tried and bought at CD.
Pretty fruity and a little acidic. I think 15%+ plus alc. Up there.
I would describe it as nice but perhaps a tiny bit confusing on the palette.
I would like to try again but only bought the one.

[ross67]

ross67 wrote:
Has anyone tried the 07 blood of Jupiter?

Ross

Had one of these back at the beginning of this year. Tried and bought at CD.
Pretty fruity and a little acidic. I think 15%+ plus alc. Up there.
I would describe it as nice but perhaps a tiny bit confusing on the palette.
I would like to try again but only bought the one.

Thanks Scotty
Found some online for $27ea.....might pass i think.
[I can get a magnificent '12 Avatar for $28 ea]


ross

[Michael McNally]

That 2010 Angoves Warboys Shiraz Grenache is an absolute belter. Well worth the money and it really surprised me just how good an Angoves wine could be. Ian

+1 on the Warboys. Top stuff!

[Polymer]

Has anyone been to Maximus in the McLaren Vale? I was a bit shocked at the quality of some of the stuff there..Not necessarily the best stuff but pretty good buys all around.... Probably one of the more proper Tempranillos in Australia....

[simon1980]

Polymer, we tried to go to Maximus, as I had heard a similar report on their quality. However, despite being inside the visiting hours, we wandered about outside for a bit, ignored by some chap, and never went back.

Happily support any and all love for Samuels Gorge (pig roast on Easter Sunday is brill) and Alpha box and dice!

simon1980

[Polymer]

Simon: that's too bad..they seem like a bit of smallish operation and from what I remember, they used to not even be open all the time..who knows....seems like they still have some to learn. They let you taste but only 6 "for free" but they don't mention how much it would be to taste more...Really I think they should either just charge you, redeemable upon purchase, or not charge you. Also, they're not that well known, the most expensive thing they have is like 30 dollars...so really I don't think they're in a good position to charge...and people aren't going to go to their place to get pissed so I don't really understand that at all..