Monday, 24 November 2014

Hunter Valley’s Andrew Margan - Rosemount Estate’s 2012 Balmoral Syrah

MARGAN WINE GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE

David Ellis

LIKE they used to do it – back to the future
wine to enjoy with summery seafoods.
MANY years ago before wines were identified on labels by their grape varieties, they were named after their place of origin – quite often down to the actual block within a vineyard and which could contain several grape varieties.

In a somewhat back to the future move, the Hunter Valley's Andrew Margan has released a white and a red emulating this old practice, labelling them Field Blend White – Block 8 and Field Blend Red – Block 11.

The white comprises predominantly Semillon and smaller amounts of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio from a vineyard planted with these mixed varieties 40 years ago, all the fruit from the 2014 vineyard being picked and vinified together in a single batch. The red is predominantly Shiraz with some Mataro and Tempranillo, and underwent the same process.

We loved the white that's wonderfully fruity with forward citrus and tropical characters and crispy dry on the palate. It's also nicely soft, and a great drop at $15 to enjoy at this time of year with a whole host of summery seafood ideas.
A CHRISTMAS gift idea not to be
enjoyed until at least 2020.

ONE TO NOTE: IF you're looking for a stand-out drop as a gift for a wine-loving family member or friend this Christmas, can we suggest Rosemount Estate's 2012 Balmoral Syrah – then watch their reaction when you tell them not to open it until at least 2020, or if they're really patient not for another 15 years beyond this.

Made from tiny quantities of exceptional fruit off a range of Rosemount's best McLaren Vale vineyards, this is a ripper drop already, but will only get better and better over those years in the cellar – we're prepared to suggest anything up to 25.

Black fruit flavours are to the fore with nice tannin and fruit acid. Pay $75 and if your Christmas recipient can't keep their hands off opening it in the immediate future, recommend that they match it with the best beef cut their butcher can offer them.

NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com We're also on Australian Good Food Guide http://www.agfg.com.au  in main blog.
                                                   



Wc24Nov14

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