Preamble Tasting April 2004 
Wine of Australia
John McDonnell, Australian Wine Bureau

1. Riesling 2002, Plantagenet, Mt. Barker, Western Australia
Lemon, zingy, not a lot of petrol.  Very tight.  Nice fruit, chewy. Nice, well-made, but didn't grab me as much as it did many others.
~ €14

2. Semillon South Ridge, Ross Estate, Barossa Valley, S. Australia, 2003
Spicy, floral.  In the mouth a big, unusual mid-palate; some weight, lack personality; a bit flat, somewhat waxy, slightly bitter.  12.5%
€ Not yet available.

3. Pyramid Hill Unwooded Chardonnay, Hunter Valley, NSW, 2003
Mineral nose.  Tropical fruit but not over much.  Fresh, nice and light, with a good, clean acidity and a long finish.  More than a lightweight; not big and luscious; a good wine. 13.5%.
€16.80

4. Verdelho, Peel Estate, W. Australia, 2003
Gooseberry.  Something really interesting in the mouth, hard to describe.  Bit of burn (14%) but not overpowering, a hint of residual sugar and some leather. Different and excellent.
David Dennison €13

5. Chateau Tahbilk, Marsanne, Goulburn Valley, Victoria
'Savoury' nose.  Quite a lot of acidity.  Very rich, not a lot of fruit, needs food.  Grows on you though.  An old winery, old style, no new oak.   13%
€11.95

6. Seville Estate, Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia, 2001
Weird nose!  Quite aromatic, sweet .  Good fruit.  Lots of sweet oak. Dark cherry, quite green; a bit gritty. Could become very good.  Not sure..  14.5%
€15 - 17

7. Keystone Grenache Shiraz, Tatachilla, McLaren Vale, South Australia
A hint of Negroamaro, even on the nose.  Slightly burnt aroma.  Smooth, big mouthful of dark berries.  Long finish.  Very good at the price.  14%
€10

8. The Fugue, Nepenthe, Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Dark and clean.  Wine gums on the nose and in the mouth.  Fruity, sour milk, leafy.  After an initial 'so what?' you realise that it is a complex, great, fruity wine with maybe five years to go.  A Bordeaux  blend, this would be great with lamb.  Ends with a fine tannic grip. 13.5%
c. €25 in 2002

9. Bin 128 Shiraz, Penfolds, Coonawarra, South Australia, 1999
Deep, dark.  Nose a bit flat, some burnt currants.  Quite austere; the fruit is there, though, matched with good, supple tannins.  Slightly minty.  Keep it at least five years. 13.5%
€19.50

10. Rutherglen Muscat, Campbells, Victoria
Orange toffee.  Heavy marmalade.  Lovely.
€?


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