Occasionally, if any of us have a wine of interest, a few of us wine loving Penangites will get together for a tasting. So here we were, Adrian, kindly offering his apartment, Choong and myself looking forward to three very notable wines: two significant 2010 Shirazes from Australia, and a 2011 Syrah from Chile.
Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2010. Australia 14.5%. Screwcap
This wine has been lauded around the world, and since no less than two international critics scored it 100/100, it has been impossible to find a bottle since very soon after its release. But I had been saving one…….
A few notes from us …
Colour – inky black impenetrable
Nose – Chocolate, plums, licorice, masses of dark fruit unfolding; blackberries, black currants, very rich, very ripe.
Palate – WOW !! Spice, ripe tannins and fine acid line through the wine, finish goes for ever. Pepper, Asian spice, full bodied, mouth coating tannins, very ripe fruit, balance remarkable even at this young age. And did we say – the finish goes on for ever.
Henschke Mt Edelstone Shiraz 2010 14.5%. Stelvin closure
A very different wine, also from the same stellar 2010 vintage, but from much higher sites in the Eden Valley; vines that were first planted in 1912.
Some thoughts from us …
Colour – dark Crimson with slight tawny edge, just hinting at its age.
Nose – Black currant, some vegetal notes maybe rhubarb, fine pepper spice, stewed plums, herbal leafy notes. All settled down some after sitting in the decanter for a while.
Palate – As above, black currant, plums, rich, smooth, long finish goes on and on. Fine acid line through the wine, tannins are chocolaty and fine. Elegant but intense, with supreme finesse. Medium bodied only, with lovely silken texture, all with power and poise, the slightly worn saying ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’ fits it well.
Vina Maipo Limited Edition Syrah 2011. Chile, 14.5%. Cork.
Notes from us …
Colour – Dark Crimson purple edge, vibrant looking.
Nose – Chocolate, plums, spice, leather, liquorice, earthy notes.
Palate – Long and spicy, rich with fine ripe tannins, well balanced with all elements in harmony. Elegant but concentrated, good long finish.
This wine was on a hiding to nothing, being set in between the cracking Australian icons. However on its own, and with some suitable red meat or game, this will shine, and will do so for quite a few more years.
Cork versus screwcap? – don’t get me started. At least it is a quality cork, unlike many I am seeing on European bottles.
Winemakers notes
Variety: 96% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Harvest: Hand picked. April 27-28, 2009.
Soil: Alluvial, stony and poor in nutrients.
Climate: Dry Mediterranean climate, with great influence of the Andes Mountains.
Aging: 26 months in French oak barrels.
Colour: Deep purple red.
Aroma: Intense and complex aromas, that remember to blackberries and blueberries, wrapped by hints of sweet spices like clove and cinnamon. Also appears notes to bitter chocolate and tar.
Palate: Muscular but at the same time elegant. Concentrated flavours and juicy acidity in a perfect balance with firm and round tannins, confers intensity, long aftertaste and freshness.