Tasted at the release thingy on Sept 1st.
2007 Petaluma Riesling (Clare Valley) [screwcap, A$20]
The palest of lemon yellow colours; the nose is a mix of late harvest Riesling floral notes with almost a whif of gewürztraminer – emphatically not the lemon/lime notes you often find in Clare Riesling. Initially very soft and cuddly on the palate; the acidity, although steely, makes a very late appearance on the palate. An interesting non-mainstream style, but I’d suggest drinking within a few years. …
2006 Petaluma Viognier (Mt Barker SA) [screwcap, 14.5%, A$35]
Mid lemon. Rich, ripe nose, less of apricot than of rich stone fruits with a mineral tinge. Little oak is evident here. The palate is nicely balanced, and the wine has a decent length finish, with enough acidity to keep it clean, and the alcohol in check – it certainly didn’t taste warm. Enjoyable wine, and outside the mainstream of Australian viognier, which is probably a good thing.
2005 Petaluma Chardonnay (Adelaide Hills) [cork, A$35]
Mid lemon. Creamy French oak on the nose, with figs & nuts, ripe white fruits. This was served very cold, and I found the palate a bit muted; there’s decent weight to the mid-palate, but the finish wasn’t all that long. Good but anonymous.
2005 Petaluma Shiraz (Mt Barker SA) [screwcap, 14.5%, A$35]
Ruby/purple. Not just co-fermented, but co-crushed (?) with a touch of viognier. It’s not hugely obvious on the palate, but does seem to give the nose a little lift. Light fresh spicy notes, seemingly minimal oak, this fresh chewy shiraz is only medium-bodied at best and seems to lack depth and focus. Drink now or keep a few years. Nice enough but overpriced.
2004 Petaluma Coonwarra Cabernet Merlot [cork, A$40]
Ruby/garnet. Lovely nose of ripe cabernet (65% of the blend), missing the hard green touch present in the 2002. Still new-world-fruity, but there’s some restraint and sophistication here. Lovely palate, with the ripe fruit coating all parts of the tongue, and the ultra-fine powdery tannins remain in subtle support. A class act.
2004 Petaluma Merlot (Coonawarra) [cork, A$40]
They persist with this – I don’t know why. Deep ruby. A sort-of varietal nose, in a new-world way, plummy, coconut, red fruits. Tidy oak. The palate is big; solidly chalky grape tannins dominate – you might think it’s a brooding monster, likely to bloom over many years’ aging. Apart from one bottle of 1990, that’s not been my (admittedly limited) experience with this label. I find the finish harsh, and one-dimensional. But if this merlot is your cup of tea, I’m sure this vintage will be a high point.
Apparently those wnes still remaining in cork will switch over to screwcap with the 2005 vintage. Didn't see any Tiers for tasting, didn't think to ask!
cheers,
Graeme
TN: New Petaluma releases
Agreed, the 04 Coonawarra is a great wine and will develop very well over time. One of the better examples of this label, from my experience.
I have always thought the Viognier a bit pricey for what it is. Having tried a couple of vintages of this, I have never been overly impressed with it, for the dollars asked.
I have always thought the Viognier a bit pricey for what it is. Having tried a couple of vintages of this, I have never been overly impressed with it, for the dollars asked.
Cheers
Wayno
Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.
Wayno
Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.
-
Von Ridler
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2003 8:11 am
- Location: Sydney
-
JamieBahrain
- Posts: 3754
- Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2003 7:40 am
- Location: Fragrant Harbour.