No doubting the 02 Coleraine is a classy wine, but is it really coleraine. It is a very feminine, almost light weight Coleraine showing red fruits, and fine tannins. It doesnt show the density of the 98,99 or 00. A great merlot predominant blend but coleraine???
incidently it is labeled 'Cabernet/ Merlot' misleading for 25% Cab Sauv 36% cab Franc and 39% merlot??
The Awatea is a total mystery, very light weight and dainty.
Cant work it out myself - I bought one bottle to see if I can work it out in a couple of years time but left a bit disapointed it didnt relly represent what coleraine is all about.
Syrahs - 02 Vidals Solar is a ripper. Good efforts from several other producers without showing the texture of the Solar.
Unison Vineyards were as usual outstanding
Visited about 15 wineries but didnt really find the overall outstanding wines that the 98 vintage offered. Maybe my previous impressions of 02 were slightly enthusiastic.
C.