A different red and a different white

[Daryl Douglas]

Cullen Mangan: Colour is deep purple/red, same at the rim in a lighter hue. The glass needs some swirling to show aromas of blackberry with a hint of violet and subtle cedary oak. The palate reflects the bouquet, almost juicy mulberry and blackberry on the front palate gently fades through the mid-palate to finish with very fine tannins still carrying hints of the fruit to a lengthy finish supported by the background quality oak. The malbec adds a touch of savouriness throughout.

Haven't tried the Mangan 01 that by all reports was something of a blockbuster. The 00 first vintage labelled petit verdot/malbec was a big wine too - the 02 is much more refined. Will benefit from 3-5 years development after which it should be seamless.

Quality: Excellent/****1/2/92 pts
Value: Good/*** @ $45/btl


Tahbilk Roussanne: Colour medium straw with green tinge. Bouquet is passsionfruit/lime. It fills the front palate with intense tropical fruits, moves to citrus on the mid-palate with a surprising touch of mineral and finishes with soft acid providing some length.

A bit like a sauvignon blanc without the asparagus/grass, with a more unctious mouthfeel, only a little glycerol oiliness. I've enjoyed previous vintages of Tahbilk's rousannes but have to agree with Chairman John P, this is the best yet! Don't care if it won't cellar more than a few years, this is a real white wine drinker's white. I'm going to buy more - only bought a couple of bottles to try and I'm glad I did.

Quality: Very Good/***1/2/90 pts
Value: Excellent/**** @ $10.75/btl

Cheers

daz