2001 BOYNTON'S Alluvium-Alpine Valley.Victoria

[Attila]

Tasting Note No.32

This wine proved to be the biggest surprise for me at the Victorian Wine Show in Sydney. Grapes harvested from vines planted on 2 meters deep alluvial topsoil, hence the name for this Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot and Petit Verdot blend. Although the blend would suggest the Médoc, in fact this wine doesn't taste like a Bordeaux wine at all. It's much closer to a Super Tuscan from Italy in character. Winemakers Kel Boynton and Dennis Clarke have put themselves on the map with this outstanding red. At least on my wine map for sure. Boynton's first vineyards were established in 1987, starting in the Ovens Valley of Victoria. All wines are 100% estate grown and bottled.

I didn't want to taste this wine at all. The Muse rep called me over with the question "Do you want to taste a great wine?"
As I am always ready for the task, I obliged.
Beautifully bright purple red colour. Savoury dark fruit aromas on the nose. Lot's of blackberry, cherry and a hint of vanilla mixed with the whiff of cinnamon. The palate is simply BOMBASTIC. Intense black cherry fruit, superb, rich and fat fruit flavours. With perfectly integrated toasty oak, it is a very harmonious and balanced wine. Beautiful acid on the long finish. Plenty of power and character. Excellent drinking already, will mature gracefully and will become a legend in 10 years time. It cost AU $42 but does worth way more than that. Outstanding and excellent.

also tasted but not reviewed here in detail:

2002 PEGASUS BAY Sauvignon Semillon-Waipara.NZ

Superb dry white, made like a Graves. Fragrant, powerful and delicious with the most beautiful mouthwatering acid on the finish.Top stuff at AU $25

2000 TAMAR RIDGE Tasmania Pinot Noir

At it's absolute peak. Soft, fruity, round and fat. The time to drink this, is now. AU $20

1998 BRAND'S of Coonawarra Laira Vineyard Cabernet Merlot

A very satisfying ripe and ready blend from Coonawarra. Well balanced and tasty, excellent drinking now but will hold for 4 more years. AU $22

Tasted:February 2004

[Adair]

Hello Attila,

I had the pleasure of visiting this winery/cellar door in December 2000. The wines definitely showed promise but it is great to see a small winery taking that extra step.

Also, the scenery at BoyntonÂ’s is beautiful. I love Bright. I must get back there soon. They called themselves Boynton's of Bright back then I think.

Kind regards,
Adair

[Attila]

That's correct Adair, I meant Boynton's of Bright although it looks like now they'll will market their wines as Boynton's only.
Cheers,
Attila