The October 2009 newsletter changed that. First off, I could afford to start stocking up, and, more importantly, there was a special offer that would make the task of selecting a couple of tasting dozens a tad simpler.
Half a dozen bottles, with equal numbers of the 2002 Merlot and the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon for $75 plus freight looked like just the thing to boost the red wine stocks at the unit in Southport seeing we'd be there for concerts by Elvis Costello and Ry Cooder in the latter part of 2009.
We got the order in early enough to see the package arrive early in the stay, and we sat down to a bottle of the Merlot over the reheated braised lamb dish left over from the night before.
There was a touch of the ouch about the $16 freight to the Gold Coast (at that figure you can see why we're so keen on places that offer freight free shipping) but nobody's going to argue with a $12.50 price tag on a wine of this quality.
After around seven years to mature, the 2002 Merlot is a deep red, full-flavoured wine with a pleasant complexity, some dark chocolate notes amongst the usual suspects on a rounded palate with silky tannins and a lengthy finish.
Straight out one of the best Merlots I can recall tasting, in spite of ignoring my usual 'give them at least a day to rest after their long journey policy). Even working on a freight-inclusive cost that works out a tad over $15, you're talking remarkably good value for money. Comparing notes with Madam, we reckon it's the sort of wine that you'd happily buy if it was priced in the mid-twenties.
We weren't as impressed by the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. While it wasn't by any means a bad wine, there was a definite sense of something missing, and that tended to lie in the Cabernet character department.
Had we rated the Cabernet at the same level as the Merlot it would've been a case of ordering another half-dozen (at least) on our return to base. As it is, while I'd like more of the Merlot and the price is extremely appealing, even with the extra freight cost for a delivery to Bowen (Qld Far) rather than the Gold Coast I think I'll have to pass on that one.
Pity....
