Wines for week ending 07th July

Geoff Merrill Reserve McLaren Vale Shiraz 2002 Bloody good. Classic Mclaren Vale Shiraz with the meaty, ripe fullness that only McLaren Vale can do. A second bottle opened was tighter still, with firmer tannins & opens up after 30 or so minutes. If it was a degree or to lighter in alc (its 15.5%) this would get full marks. 18.5/20

Scarborough Yellow Label Chardonnay 2005 A great vintage for this old favourite. Tried this with the 04, 02 & the 06 white label chardonnay & for drinking right now, the 05 vintage is hard to go past. Very good. 18/20+

Gramps Cabernet Merlot 2005 I’ve always thought that the Gramps reds are damn fine value indeed (and deserve more praise) and this was the perfect case in point. Undeniably Barossan, lacking only a little polish and a teensy bit of stuffing for real high points. A good drink all the same though 17.5/20

Glenguin ‘Aristea’ Shiraz 2005 If you like Meerea Park Shiraz then get into this. Made by The Talented Mr Eather, this is one seriously good Hunter red in a modern style – Power, tannin & purity. Built for the long haul, with lingering tannin. 19/20

Meerea Park Hell Hole Semillon 2008 Freshly released and as aromatic as hell. It almost Gewurtz like with its zesty, spicy nose & bucketloads of acidity to back it up. A good year for Hunter Sem and a bloody bargain @$25

The 07 Tyrrells reds They are that good. Believe the hype.

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