- Barossa Valley, SA - $19-$27
- Screwcap
- 13.0%alc
Barossa favourite Charlie Melton is justifiably recognised as a highly skilled blender; a recognition which is exemplified by the winning combination he's hit on with his very successful Rose of Virginia, one of Australia's most serious roses. The co-fermented 2010 begins with a base of grenache (46%), then adds lesser amounts of cabernet and shiraz, with final touches of pinot meunier and mataro added for spice.
Baring the translucent vivid-fuscia colour of one of Australia's most visually spectacular wines, this mere infant of a rose unloads bright and inviting aromas of glazed cherries, ripe, creamy strawberries and lemon candy with the anticipated influence of youthful confection evident throughout. On the palate it's still a little elemental and quite sweet at this stage, but it does show the deep, smooth, abundant red berry flavours and refreshingly sweet'n'sour citric acids which characterise the label. A bit of air helps the wine out, but a little time (and warmer weather!) will do it wonders.
ü I had a bottle of the 2009 (92pts) about a week ago which was drinking beautifully, much more integrated than this. I'd happily drink that over the next month or so, by which point, the 2010 should be starting to hit its straps as well. Drink to 2011.
89 points
Oh snap!
ReplyDeleteJust finished reviewing a bottle myself!
Released early this year and looking very tight. Agreed that it needs some time in the bottle. Should be a good vintage for it though (methinks).
As usual most agreed with your notes too AG (I actually had it rated at 90pts for a while but then changed it at the last minute due to a concern with the cleanliness of the acids - hey, time will tell ;). Definitely released very early this year, I actually bought that bottle back in the first week of May!
ReplyDeleteFrom memory, it was traditionally released late July? When do you normally spot it in SA (assuming that the RoV would normally be released locally first)?
ReplyDeleteNot quite sure but I'd say you'd be about right AG, early May certainly gave me a shock! On a similar note I saw a bottle of Some Young Punks 2010 Clare riesling in a store today - here they come again :-)
ReplyDeleteWohoo new vintage time!
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