Wine Reviews and Awards

Nine Wines Listed in James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion 2010

James Halliday  Australian Wine Companion 2010

Macedon Cuvee (Late Disgorged) NV VIII – 5 STARS

Yellow-gold; extremely complex, with strong nutty/brioche characters ex lees; very low dosage ensures elegance along with powerful flavour; not the least acidic, and aldehydes just where they should be.  Cork.  12% alc.  Rating 95.  Drink 2010 $115  Date Tasted Aug 08.

Reserve Heathcote Shiraz 2001 – 5 STARS

Retains remarkable crimson-purple hue; the wine is correspondingly fresh, with vibrant black and red cherry fruit and a lively finish. Bottle variation could be an issue. Cork.  14% alc.  Rating 94.  Drink 2015 $105  Date Tasted Dec 08.

Heathcote Shiraz 2005 – 5 STARS

Retains excellent hue, although is not entirely clear; handles its alcohol with ease, awash with juicy black and red fruits through the vibrant thrust of the long palate. Diam.  15% alc. Rating 94.  Drink 2020 $70  Date Tasted Jun 08.

Reserve Heathcote Shiraz 2000 – 5 STARS

The colour is still bright; a complex web of aromas and flavours has developed, ranging through black fruits, licorice, spice and earth; the palate has excellent length. Cork.  14% alc. Rating 94.  Drink 2015 $105  Date Tasted Jun 08.

Odd One Out Nebbiolo Rose 2008 – 4.5 STARS

Pale salmon; well-made and structured; spicy cherry fruit on an elegant, balanced palate. Arguably, best use of nebbiolo (from Heathcote). Screwcap.  14% alc. Rating 92. Drink 2011 $20 Date Tasted Aug 08

Macedon Brut Rose NV – 4.5 STARS

Salmon-pink; good mouse; has an extra dimension of flavour and structure; creamy, nutty red fruits; good length. Cork.  12.5% alc. Rating 92. Drink 2010 $27 Date Tasted Aug 08

Macedon Cuvee NV – 4.5 STARS

XII. Bright gleaming green-gold; minimal aldehydes; toasty dried fruit and brioche flavours before lingering searing acid on the finish. Cork.  12% alc. Rating 92. Drink 2013 $49 Date Tasted Jun 08

Cambrian Rise Heathcote Shiraz 2005 – 4 STARS

Powerful, medium- to full-bodied wine with considerable extract and savoury tannins; does need a touch more mid-palate fruit for higher points. Diam.  15% alc. Rating 89. Drink 2015 $27 Date Tasted Dec 08

Kilfara Pinot Noir 2006 – 4 STARS

Strong colour; a powerfully structured wine, which has plenty of flavour, but not the silky vinosity on the mid-palate needed for higher points. Screwcap.  13.5% alc.  Rating 89. Drink 2013 $24 Date Tasted Aug 08