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US Wine Importers Since 1998
Specializing in Australian and Spanish Wines
June 2009 Featured Wines
Alkoomi 2008 Riesling Fulget 2007 Albarino
Latest Wine Advocate Press
Issue 181, February 28, 2009 AUSTRALIA
87 Alkoomi 2007 “White Label” Shiraz Great Southern, Western Australia One red offers particular value. The 2007 Shiraz White Label is dark ruby-colored with aromas of spice box, cherry, cassis, and blueberry. Elegant and soft on the palate, it has plenty of spicy red and black fruits, good flavors, and enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years. Drink it from 2010 to 2017.
Alkoomi 2008 “White Label” Unwooded Chardonnay Great Southern, Western Australia White values $20 and under. Tasted and recommended, but no tasting note given.
Bremerton 2006 “Tamblyn” Langhorne Creek, South Australia The deep crimson-colored 2006 Tamblyn is a blend of 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Shiraz, 13% Malbec, and 7% Merlot. It was raised for 19 months in a mix of new and seasoned French and American oak barriques. The nose reveals smoke, damp earth, violets, and cassis followed by a medium to full-bodied wine with ample spicy black fruits, good integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, and solid length. It can be enjoyed now but will evolve for several years.
90 Bremerton 2006 “Selkirk” Shiraz Langhorne Creek, South Australia The 2006 Selkirk Shiraz was produced entirely from estate-grown fruit. It was aged for 18 months in 30% new American oak barriques. Purple in color, it has an attractive nose of cedar, spice box, pepper, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to a savory Shiraz which exhibits some elegance, good grip, and a lengthy, pure finish. Give it 2-3 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2010 to 2018.
91 Cooper Burns 2006 Shiraz Viognier Barossa Valley, South Australia The purple-colored 2006 Shiraz-Viognier (5%) was sourced from the highly regarded Kalleske Vineyard and the two components were co-fermented. The wine spent 20 months in seasoned French oak hogsheads before bottling without fining or filtration. The enticing bouquet delivers notes of smoke, violet, spice box, game, and blueberry. This is followed by a full-bodied, layered, succulent wine with excellent depth and concentration, a bit of structure, and a fruit-filled finish. Cellar this pleasure-bent effort for 2-3 years and drink it from 2011 to 2020. Cooper Burns is a winemaking partnership of Mark Cooper and Russell Burns which began with the 2004 vintage.
91 Cooper Burns 2005 Shiraz Barossa Valley, South Australia The limited production (180 cases) 2005 Shiraz was also sourced from the Kalleske Vineyard and spent 20 months in a mix of new and used French oak hogsheads. Opaque purple/black in color, it reveals a nose of wood smoke, spice box, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. On the palate notes of black cherry and chocolate emerge. Smooth-textured, layered, and dense, this impeccably balanced wine will continue to blossom for another 1-2 years and will be at its best from 2010 to 2018.
92 Shottesbrooke 2006 Shiraz McLaren Vale, South Australia The purple-colored 2006 Shiraz was aged in American oak hogsheads for 12 months. The alluring nose reveals wood smoke, spice box, leather, game, and blueberry. On the palate the fruit has a wild berry, slightly exotic character, excellent depth, and an overall sexy personality. Although it should certainly drink well for 8-10 years, this great value in Shiraz can be enjoyed now.
90 Syan 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Pyrenees, Victoria Dark ruby-colored, the nose offers notes of pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, black currant, and blackberry. Medium-bodied, on the palate it has layers of savory flavor, a smooth texture, and outstanding depth and length. Drink it from 2010 to 2018. Syan is known as Summerfield in markets other than the United States. It is a small, family-run winery that employs the renowned Drew Noon MW as winemaking consultant.
91 Syan 2006 Shiraz Pyrenees, Victoria The purple-colored 2006 Shiraz offers an alluring aromatic array of plums, spice box, violets, vanilla, and blueberry compote. This leads to a full-bodied, smooth-textured Shiraz with gobs of succulent fruit, excellent concentration and balance, and a fruit-filled finish. It will evolve for several years but can be enjoyed now.
Latest Wine Advocate Press
Issue 181, February 28, 2009
SPAIN
89 Fulget 2007 Albarino Rias Baixas, Galicia White values under $25. Recommended and tasted, but no tasting note given
87 Bodegas Lomablanca 2007 Gabarda II Cariñena, Aragón Red values under $25. Recommended and tasted, but no tasting note given
88 Pagos del Galir Mencia Valdeorras, Galicia Red values under $25. Recommended and tasted, but no tasting note given
88 Tierras de Albares Mencia Bierzo, Castilla y León Red values under $25. Recommended and tasted, but no tasting note given
90 Trascampanas 2007 Verdejo Rueda, Castilla y León The 2007 Trascampanas Verdejo rose above the crowd in my tastings. Medium straw-colored with a green tint, it offers up a super-expressive nose of fresh herbs, baking spices, citrus, and floral notes. On the palate melon, peach, mineral, and lemon-lime flavors emerge. Creamy and deep, this impeccably balanced, vibrant wine will provide pleasure over the next three years. Verdejo is a grape that in the hands of competent producers is always a fresh, fragrant, delightful wine to pair with Spain’s magnificent seafood. However, there is a certain uniformity about them (they all seem to hover in the 86-88 point range) that can be a plus or minus depending upon your point of view.
90 Virxen del Galir 2007 Godello Valdeorras, Galicia The 2007 Virxen del Galir Godello is sourced from an estate vineyard with a 40 degree gradient at 2400 feet of elevation. It was raised in stainless steel and remained on its lees for four months. Light gold-colored with a slight green tint, the nose exhibits spring flowers, lime, and poached pear aromas that jump from the glass. This leads to a rich, full-flavored wine in which tropical flavors and mineral notes emerge on the palate. Ripe, dense, and long, this superb Godello will provide pleasure over the next three years.
Latest Stephen Tanzer Press - Australia
92 Alkoomi 2005 Blackbutt Frankland River Youthful purple-ruby. Sexy black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by vanilla and cola qualities. Fleshy cassis and blueberry flavors are framed by gentle tannins, which also add grip. Gains sweetness and depth with air, finishing with a suave note of black raspberry and slow-building tannins. This is surprisingly elegant.
91 Alkoomi 2007 Riesling Frankland River Light yellow. Intensely mineral aromas of lemon, lime pith, green apple and wet stone; picks up floral and honeycomb scents with aeration. Light-bodied citrus and orchard fruit flavors are dry, precise and nervy, with zesty white pepper and clove notes on the back end. Finishes with excellent juicy persistence and strong echoes of citrus and minerals.
90 Alkoomi 2005 Shiraz Viognier Frankland River Bright red. Highly fragrant scents of raspberry, blackberry, candied cherry and musky underbrush. Pinot-like in its elegant expression of fresh berry fruit, with no apparent tannins or rough edges. Gains sweetness and depth with air, finishing with impressive tangy lift and good cling. This is very pretty.
90 Alkoomi 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Frankland River Ruby-red. Vibrant red- and blackcurrant aromas are complicated by musky tobacco, cedar and underbrush; very cabernet. Bitter cherry and licorice add firmness to the sweet berry flavors, with dusty tannins contributing grip. The tannins gain strength on the finish but the wine maintains freshness and a sweetly seductive personality.
89 Alkoomi 2007 "White Label" Unwooded Chardonnay Western Australia Pale gold. Complex bouquet of white peach, poached pear, green almond and anise. Buttery orchard fruit flavors are braced by dusty minerals, with refreshingly bitter citrus pith on the back end. Gains weight and sweetness on the finish, which leaves a tangy, peppery quality behind.
89 Alkoomi 2006 "White Label" Late Harvest Riesling Western Australia Light gold. Zesty citrus and pit fruit aromas are complemented by kerosene and wet stones; this doesn’t smell like a sweet wine. Deeper, sweeter pit fruit nectar flavors pick up a smoky quality with air, as well as hints of floral honey and caramel. Finishes with good nervy cut and precision, echoing the pit fruit flavors.
89 Alkoomi 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Frankland River Greenish-yellow color. Spicy citrus flesh and pith aromas are complemented by white flowers and minerals; no herbaceous qualities here. The midweight lime and green apple flavors are clean and direct, picking up deeper melon and peach character on the back. Finishes on a soft note of yellow peach, with very good persistence.
88 Alkoomi 2007 "White Label" Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Frankland River Light yellow. Waxy pear, peach and apricot skin aromas are complicated by honeycomb and dried flowers; really showing its Semillon side today. A fresh, tangy blend with good mineral snap and clarity. Finishes with moderately persistent, zesty citrus and green apple character.
92 Bremerton 2004 B.O.V. (Best of Vintage) Langhorne Creek Inky ruby. Extremely ripe, highly perfumed bouquet of blueberry, boysenberry, smoked meat and fresh rose. Coats the palate with deep, velvety dark berry flavors and exotic Asian spices. Picks up a bitter chocolate and roasted coffee character on the finish, which is sappy and strikingly long. This is really alluring.
91 Bremerton 2005 "Old Adam" Shiraz Langhorne Creek Deep ruby color. Seductively aromatic nose displays sexy blackberry, blueberry and candied licorice aromas. Rich and fleshy, with deeply concentrated dark berry liqueur flavors, supple texture and peppery spices. Combines richness with vivacity, finishing with excellent clarity and cling.
90 Bremerton 2006 "Sekirk" Shiraz Langhorne Creek Vivid, glass-staining red. Spicy blackberry and blueberry aromas are complicated by violet, dried rose and incense. Fresh and juicy, offering energetic dark berry flavors and good mineral lift. If there any tannins here, I couldn’t find them. Finishes clean and nervy, leaving behind a zesty trail of berries.
88 Bremerton 2005 "Tamblyn" Cabernet/Shiraz/Malbec/Merlot Langhorne Creek Medium red. Pungent cherry and cured tobacco on the nose, along with cigar box and pungent herbs. Sweet, sappy and round, offering moderately concentrated red and dark berry flavors, gentle tannins and building ripeness. Riper plum on the finish, which is firmed by mounting tannins.
90 Bremerton 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek Deep red color. Red- and blackcurrant aromas are complemented by vanillin oak and baking spices. Deep and sweet, offering concentrated dark fruit flavors and very good mineral snap. Quite fresh for such richness, with an energetic, tangy berry skin quality to the finish.
87 Bremerton 2007 Verdelho Langhorne Creek Light, bright yellow. Intensely floral scents of fresh tangerine, lime pith, honeysuckle and jasmine. Tangy citrus and green apple flavors gain power with air, picking up deeper pear and melon character. Finishes a bit soft, with a sweet touch of spun sugar and gentle mineral snap.
91 Butting Heads 2005 Shiraz Barossa Valley Deep red. Exotic, intensely perfumed bouquet of cherry preserves, redcurrant and gingerbread, plus a jolt of peppery spice. Clean and brisk, with lively red and dark berry flavors and a silky texture. Becomes spicier and more energetic on the finish, which delivers impressive nervy cut and lift. An elegant style, with the balance to reward cellaring.
91 Cooper Burns 2006 Shiraz Viognier Barossa Valley Deep ruby. Powerfully scented, complex bouquet of cassis, blueberry, violet, baking spices and incense. Fresh and lively, with brisk dark berry flavors and silky texture. Very nicely balanced wine with impressive finishing lift and clarity. This will reward a few years in the cellar but it’s already delicious. 91 Cooper Burns 2006 Shiraz Barossa Valley Glass-staining ruby. Smoky raspberry and blackberry on the nose, with pungent floral and herbal qualities adding interest. Fleshy and rich, with sweet dark berry liqueur flavors, velvety texture and building tannins. A subtle vanillin oak spice quality gains strength with air and lingers on the long, sappy finish. Offers surprising energy for its rich character.
91 Jinks Creek 2005 "Longford" Shiraz Gippsland Deep, glass-staining ruby. Hugely aromatic nose displays suave red and dark berries, Asian spices, tapenade and smoky bacon; this could pass for a northern Rhone wine. Energetic black raspberry and blueberry flavors deliver solid punch but are surprisingly lithe, carrying no fat or excess ripeness. Turns brighter on the finish, leaving behind tangy strawberry and graphite flavors. Graceful and vibrant wine. 90 Jinks Creek 2007 Pinot Gris Gippsland Light, bright yellow. Fresh, spicy, expressive bouquet of lime, pink grapefruit, pear and quinine. Bracing citrus flesh and pith flavors offer excellent clarity and precision, along with a firm mineral bite. Finishes clean and long, with impressive lift and balance.
89 Jinks Creek 2006 Pinot Noir Gippsland Light red. Ripe redcurrant and raspberry preserve aromas are complemented by anise, black tea and cured meat. Deeply flavored but relatively light in body, with sweet red berry and cherry fruit given structure and grip by dusty tannins. A bitter cherry quality builds through the finish, which echoes the sweet tobacco quality.
89 Jinks Creek 2005 Sangiovese King Valley Light red. Spicy, perfumed bouquet of candied raspberry, rose, lavender and smoked meat. Fresh and silky in the mouth, with moderately concentrated red berry flavors and no obvious tannins or rough edges. Bright strawberry and cherry flavors gain sweetness on the broad, gently tangy finish. This is more elegant than most non-Italian versions of the variety.
90 Leconfield 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra Deep red. Suave bouquet of redcurrant, cherry, baking spices and fresh rose displays impressive precision and freshness. Brisk red fruit flavors are lightly chewy, with dusty tannins adding grip. Focused and fat-free, with very good finishing cling and a long echo of sweet red fruits. Very nicely balanced cabernet with no rough edges to get in the way of early drinkability.
91+ Richard Hamilton 2004 "Centurion" Reserve Shiraz McLaren Vale Inky ruby. Pungent aromas of red and dark berries, dried flowers and Asian spices gain volume with air. Brisk, tightly wound black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors loosen with air to show a seductive sweetness, a gentle spiciness and underlying minerality. I’d give this a few years to gain fat but the fruit is awfully appealing now.
90 Richard Hamilton 2005 "Colton’s" Grenache McLaren Vale Bright red. Impressively complex nose offers a range of red berry, floral and spice scents. Very grenache, with sweet raspberry, floral pastille and white pepper flavors underscored by gentle minerality. Fat-free and refreshing, with excellent finishing lift and cut to its sexy spice and sweet red berry flavors.
90 Richard Hamilton 2005 "Burton's" Old Bush Vine Grenache Shiraz McLaren Vale Vivid red color. Smoky strawberry and raspberry aromas are complicated by cracked pepper and fresh violet. Racy red fruit flavors are firmed by gentle tannins and sharpened by juicy acidity; showing its grenache side today. Finishes with brisk mineral lift and a bite of white pepper. I’d bet on this gaining complexity with a few years of aging but would still opt to drink it now for its vibrant fruit.
89 Richard Hamilton 2007 "Slate Quarry" Riesling McLaren Vale Light yellow. Dried pear, apple and beeswax on the nose, with a spicy undercurrent of white pepper and wet stones. Brisk and sharply focused, offering zesty lemon, lime and green apple flavors. Gains weight and flesh with air and finishes with suave orchard fruit and melon qualities. Those who find many Australian rieslings austere will go for this.
88 Richard Hamilton 2008 "Yette’s" Viognier McLaren Vale Light, bright gold. Dusty minerals, white peach, lemon zest and flowers on the nose. Fresh and spicy but a bit tough, with chewy citrus and pit fruit flavors and a late note of tangerine. Becomes smoky and spicy with air, finishing with a kiss of anise.
88 Richard Hamilton 2006 "Gumprs" Shiraz McLaren Vale Bright ruby. Spicy red berries and cherry on the nose, with vanillin oak gaining strength with air. Sweet red fruit flavors carry an overlay of baking spices and vanilla. An easygoing style that’s drinking well right now.
93 Shottesbrooke Wines "Bernesh Bray" Fine Old Tawny Port (500 ml) Medium amber color. Spicy strawberry and raspberry on the nose, with exotic marzipan and peach liqueur notes adding complexity. Strikingly complex on the palate, offering notes of candied red berries, cola, cinnamon, maple syrup and orange marmalade. Plenty sweet (244 grams per liter of residual sugar), but surprisingly energetic, with a gently gripping finish that features a lingering note of candied red berries. Very impressive stuff.
91 Shottesbrooke 2006 "Eliza" Shiraz McLaren Vale Deep ruby with a bright rim. Highly aromatic nose combines black raspberry, violet and minerals, picking up cured meat and incense qualities with aeration. Deep, sweet dark berry liqueur flavors offer excellent palate coverage and clarity, with velvety tannins lending shape. Becomes firmer on the finish but not at the expense of its fruit, which lingers impressively. This was raised in new American oak hogsheads but the wood is nicely absorbed by the strong fruit.
88 Shottesbrooke 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Adelaide Hills Green-tinged yellow. Mineral-driven scents of lime, pink grapefruit, thyme and dusty talc display good energy and clarity. Citrus and orchard fruit flavors become nervier with air, picking up lime pith and wet stone character. Finishes with good breadth and cling, leaving an impression of peach skin behind.
Last Modified March 12, 2009
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