That was going to be tough, but we weren’t planning a return visit that would allow me to visit the ones we missed this time.
We pulled up at Neagles Rock long enough for me to alight so Madam could continue over to investigate the Tourist Information Centre, leaving me to make my way past the amiable winery dog and make my way to the Cellar Door. Tasting kicked off with NV Chardonnay Pinot Noir ($19), an everyday drinking style that’d be worth investing in if we drank more of that style.
Unfortunately, we still have 4/6 of last year’s bubbly purchase on hand, but anyone who drinks this style regularly should find it worth checking out.
Predictably, the 2007 Riesling ($19) was yet another classic Clare Riesling. 2007 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc ($19) was also excellent though I was inclined to disagree with the suggestion that the Clare Valley does the style just as well as it does Riesling. Maybe I’m biased towards the straight variety rather than the blend.
I found every Riesling I tried in the area fitted into a recognisable regional style and, while showing subtle variations, were consistently superb expressions of the style. Most of the Semillon Sauvignon Blancs were outstanding wines though I didn’t pick up the same consistency of style. Or maybe it’s just a case of Hughesy loves Riesling.
Moving into the reds, 2008 Sweet Dorothy Cabernet Rose ($19) was, as the name suggests, a sweeter style than most I’d tried, but that wasn’t a problem. Perfect summer drinking (yet again).
The 2006 Grenache Shiraz ($20) was smooth and would be almost unrecognisable to anyone who’d cut his teeth on the big Grenaches of yesteryear. They were on the last stocks of the 2005 Shiraz ($25) which was excellent, but you’d need to be quick.
2006 Sangiovese ($25) was excellent with a lovely velvety mouthfeel and every inch the 94-point wine that Halliday rates it as while the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($25) was summed up very nicely in the cellar notes as not shy in any way. At the same time, it’s not aggressive. It makes its presence felt without trying to knock your block off.