The Rest of the Range

It was a step or two backwards with the 2009 Classic Dry White (4/5 $17.95 $197.50/case) that was great value for the price. The Cellar Door attendant described it as fruit salad in a glass and wasn't far wide of the mark. 

I was also quite taken by the 2007 Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay (4.5/5 $31.50 $346.50/case), an excellent example of where Australian Chardonnay is headed, with pronounced grapefruit and pear notes on the nose. 

But it paled alongside its big brother, the 2007 Art Series Chardonnay (5/5 $89 $979/case) which was absolutely sublime. 

My tasting note reads Wish I could afford it by the case.

Given the stellar quality of the whites, the reds were always going to be a tricky proposition. 

Still, I liked the 2007 Siblings Shiraz as a value for money lighter everyday drinking style (4/5 $23 $253/case). The 2007 Art Series Shiraz (4.5/5 $36.50 $401.50/case) and the 2005 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon (4.5/5 $59 $654.50/case) were right up there with the rest of the Art Series range, the nose on the Cabernet being particularly delightful. 

I wasn't quite as taken by the 2004 Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Merlot (4/5 $28.50 $313.50/case), but that's as much about my reaction to the blend as the embarrassment of riches that preceded it.

Madam had spent much of the time I was in the Cellar Door prowling the spectacularly landscaped grounds for photographic purposes. 

Once we were back in the car on the way out, I would have been happy to take it easy for the rest of the day, given what I'd just tasted and the visual riches that surrounded us. 


© Ian L Hughes 2021