- McLaren Vale, SA - $65-$90
- Cork
- 13.5%alc
First produced in 2002, Joseph's Clarendon sourced nebbiolo has emerged as my favourite interpretation of an Australian Italianette. The inspirational Joe Grilli has already established a consistent nebbiolo style, which is all about perfume, complex character, sensuous texture and firm structure.
A lightly shaded brick red/garnet colour, Joseph's youthfully apparent yet ethereal 2007 Nebbiolo presents a vivid scent of spearmint laid across floral notes of dark cherry, red berries and game with a beautifully composed hint of spicy French cedar/vanilla oak. Surprisingly lush but equally silky and supple, its firming palate reveals a medium-bodied, sour edged expression of earthy red fruit flavours, driving with great penetration towards a long, tight, dry and savoury finish of growing intensity. It's framed by a very assertive, somewhat astringent extract of sandpaper-like tannins, which bond the wine with severe authority.
ü+ Although quite intense and tight fisted, this is still an elegant, complete nebbiolo with enough structure to age superbly. Anyone fortunate enough to possess any of Joseph's 2007 should give it the time and respect it deserves, allowing it to mature into a most majestic, layered and sensual Australian red of rare quality. Drink 2012-2019.
94 points
That reminds me, I have to get around to grabbing some of these once the madness of December & January pass.
ReplyDeleteNot so sure I'll crack one for tasting when I do. Sounds like it needs time, as do almost all the really good examples of Australian Nebbiolo. The problem is I'm curious at heart. Hard to put a wine in the cellar untasted :)
Cheers
Jeremy
Yes I think I suffer from the same disease Jeremy ;)
ReplyDeleteI had some fairly generous tastes of the 06 Joseph Neb alongside the 07 recently and it's quite amazing how much smoother and settled the 06 was, whilst still displaying the same character, perfume and sublime quality. Still, I think the 05 was easily the best Joseph Neb I've had....
Joe Grilli certainly has his heart in the right place for making thoroughly brilliant Italian styled wines!
Thanks JP,
Chris P