To be exact, the miracle took place in The Castlereagh Boutique Hotel where the Chateau Tanunda tasting was held on the 22nd of February. Most wines from their current line up were offered, as were multi-vintages of many wines and even a barrel sample.
I was there, of course, to taste the world’s best Single Estate Trophy winner, the 2008 "The Everest" Grenache, and the world’s best Syrah/ Shiraz Trophy winner, the 2005 "The Everest" Shiraz. Surprisingly few people turned up for this grand event. This may have to do with the fact that although Chateau Tanunda was established in 1890, it only started offering wines (again) with the 2005 vintage.
Here are my short tasting notes on the highlights:
2009 Chateau Tanunda "Celebration Release Anniversary" Shiraz
In reality there is a longer name for this wine, but it wouldn’t fit here! Extra kudos for the absolutely wonderful retro label. Bottled under cork. For reasons unknown to me, Tanunda persist with corks and only have a few premium wines under screw cap. Grapes picked from various Barossa vineyards, this wine was aged in American and French oak. Beautifully ripe, soft fruit structure. Excellent sweetness and balance. Delicious already or cellar 5 years. Tasty.
92 points. AUD $28
2009 Chateau Tanunda ‘The Chateau†Single Vineyard Shiraz
A very intense and driven Shiraz with excellent focus. Plenty happening here. Full bodied with a beautiful fruit structure. Finishing with superb acidity, now to 10 years. Really exciting wine. It is quite a bargain at this price point. Under cork.
93 points. AUD $28
2009 Chateau Tanunda "Ebenezer District" Shiraz
This is an absolutely great terroir wine from Ebenezer, the other two in the line up are from Lyndoch and Greenock in the Barossa. In my view, this year it is this wine that is the most outstanding of the three. Tremendously concentrated, dark wine that is looking like ox blood. Complex and layered, it has real power to reckon with. Beautiful, dark cherry driven palate. Impeccably balanced and long. Cellar 10+ years. Simply outstanding. Under cork.
95 points. AUD $48
2008 Chateau Tanunda "The Everest" Grenache
I’ve been told, the old Grenache bush vines are really gnarly, looking as if 100 years old, however they are "only" forty. This wine is one of last year's IWSC trophy winners in London. Today it delivered beyond expectations. On the nose beautifully fragrant raspberries with aniseed and spice. Tremendously lush palate, flooded with gloriously sweet fruit. Amazing complexity and intensity. Very complex and rich, it is a testament to great Grenache. A simply stunning and ethereal wine. Wow! Probably the best example in the country. You’ll need to search Priorat or the Rhone for a better one. Amazing wine! Under cork.
98 points. AUD $160
2005 Chateau Tanunda "The Everest" Shiraz
Another trophy winner. I had to think about this one for a long time. I know Shiraz well, tasted many great ones in the past but this one is unique. It has a certain flavour profile that is original, sets it apart from the rest. Now looking nicely aged and flavourful, this is a serious drop. Plenty of complexity and velvety Shiraz flavours. It is the finish where it really shines. Long and hauntingly memorable with dark chocolate and liquorice, this is superb. Great drinking now or cellar another 8 years. It’s not loud or imposing. At first taste its price looks exaggerated, however it is a wine that’ll stay in your memory long after the bottle has gone. Just lovely. Under cork.
96 points. AUD $160
I am absolutely certain that there are many very good wines to come from ChateauTanunda in the future. The excellent 2009 vintage is already showing great promise. If you missed this year’s tasting event in Sydney, make sure you turn up for the next one.
A winery to watch…closely.
Cheers,
Attila
