Gilberts Reserve Shiraz 2011

[Waiters Friend]

Gilberts is a small winery located about 20km north of the Mt Barker township. I think it still technically falls into the Great Southern wine region, as a northern member. I've been a fan of their riesling and shiraz (those Great Southern staples) for a few years now.

Deep purple in colour. A rich nose redolent of berries - red and blue fruits, some cinnamon and nutmeg, and spicy oak. Lots going on here, including some vanilla.

The palate has mocha, moderate tannic grip, and a lovely mouthfeel - chocolate and fruit flavours oozing across the tongue. It's as much about the texture as the flavour.

From experience, I know that this will develop further, but at 6 years old, this wine is looking very good right now.

Cheers
Allan

[Waiters Friend]

My partner and I visited the winery a few weeks ago, and reacquainted ourselves with this wine (without touching the few in the cellar). This bottle was purchased at that time (a few weeks ago) and tasted alongside the 2015 (also purchased).

My tasting note from last year still holds, but with the addition of a little more maturity - the flavours described above are supplemented with a little more savouriness as the wine has developed. The lovely fruit richness and mocha elements are still prominent, and the texture and mouthfeel remains a positive factor of this wine. It's got a fraction better in a year.

Cheers
Allan

[Waiters Friend]

A further tasting note for a wine I haven't looked at for a couple of years.

Still deep crimson in colour. Vanilla, mocha, dark and red berries and savoury notes, even a little charcuterie. The palate is full without being overpowering. There's solid and integrated tannins, reasonable supporting acid, and more blue and red fruits sitting on top. Medium weight and long-ish finish. This is in a really good place now.

Cheers
Allan