Tulloch Private Bin Shiraz 2010 (Hunter Valley, NSW)
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| Shiraz with essential beer chaser |
12.9%, Screwcap, $50
Source: Sample
www.tullochwines.com
The reason why that is such a wonderful thing is simply how good that ’54 tasted. Even as an (almost) 60 year old it was distinctly earthen, red fruited and full of energy. Sure it was old and dusty and had some odd bits. But it tasted alive (and delicious).
Happily, flashing forward 56 years into the Tulloch future and we end up with this 2010 Private Bin – which tastes an awful lot like that 54. There is tomato juice, red bricks and red earth on the nose, with more earth and that same red fruit vibrancy through the middle.
Admittedly it’s probably not the brightest and easiest Tulloch Private Bin to drink young (the 09 and 11 are much more affable now), yet the DNA is so readily apparent that it makes you smile.
Even when viewed in isolation, over a couple of days, there is no doubting the appeal of this wonderfully mid-weight ‘Hunter Burgundy’. It sort of creeps up on you, never seducing, but always providing a little glory.
Buy-able. Not profound, yet wonderfully celebratable in every way.
Drink: 2013-2030
Score: 18/20, 93/100+
Would I buy it? Yep.
2 Comments
Andrew I have never had the good fortune of trying the 1954, but my chances look a lot more likely as of yesterday when a very kind gentleman returned a full bottle to its 'home' after 2 bottles were gifted to him. The amazing generosity and spirit of this act is one of the things I love about our industry. He knew the wine would mean a lot to my dad and wanted it to be returned to what he felt was its rightful owner. It is barely ullaged and has been cellared in near perfect conditions care of Harry Brown who we paid tribute to with the our 2007 release of the Private Bin. Now I just need to make sure I angle an invite to which ever occasion JYT sees fitting for its imbibing. A bit of further info below re: the importance of Harry Brown to the Tulloch label and particularly the Pokolbin Dry Red and Private Bin labels.
"This is the third release of this wine (Pokolbin Dry Red Private Bin) since the resurrection of the famous old label in 2005. The 2007 vintage pays homage to the late, Harry Gena Brown (1918-1999), who worked from a young age for the legendary J.K. Walker in his Sydney, Rhinecastle Cellars. Harry later purchased the wholesale portion of Rhinecastle Cellars, which he built into the well known and respected, H.G. Brown Wine Company.
“Harry Brown played an enormous part in the introduction of Pokolbin Dry Red to the wine trade in the 1950s and 60s and the establishment of the Tulloch brand. It is with great pleasure that I recognise his important contribution with another excellent vintage of our Private Bin,” says Jay Tulloch.
Happy drinking – Christina Tulloch
Ah such synergy – Harry Brown would have been proud of this 2010 I'd wager. Wonderful.