Mount Langhi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2009

Mount Langhi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2009

  21:15    Stu.

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The 2009 was sourced exclusively from estate fruit grown on the western slopes at Mount Langi Ghiran. Whole bunch inclusion formed a significant portion of the wine's make-up, as it has in subsequent vintages.

Interesting, alluring aromatic mix with plum and violets, a little smoky/ meaty note that afronts some sweeter cherry bakewell notes. To add to the picture are hazelnut and almond.

It's exquisitely smooth, nigh effortless to drink. Excellent balance of acid, peppery flecks and ultra-fine tannin. The wine's layered quality cascades the flavours and then reels you back in for another go. It has that rare quality of at once seeming simple and complex, unsure whether to sip or savour.

The finish is long, detailed, layered and fine. Composure and balance are two of its watchwords. At its conclusion there is a contrast between savoury nuances and the fruit, the two in tandem creating a compelling drinking proposition. 94 - Excellent

Tasted on: Thursday 30th May, a Root Day
Source: Gift
Price: $23 if you shop wisely
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.langi.com.au/

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Best's Bin 0 Shiraz 2000

Best's Bin 0 Shiraz 2000

  12:49    Stu.

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It had sat in the fridge for a while, each time I looked in there it whispered a gentle reminder for us to get together.  A birthday - mine - seemed an appropriate occasion to open it, to entrust in the cork gods, and hopefully revel in its beauty.

I decanted it, placed the glass on the table adjoining the sofa.  From some two feet away the good lady could smell the wine, its aromatic calling card at play.  I didn't need any further excuse.

Hints of bright fruit wafted their way out - a surprise for a 13 year old wine.  Fresh and vibrant, marzipan with cherry and baked plum.  The palate showed more maturity: leathery and earthen, peppery and showing excellent refreshing acid structure.  A pleasure to savour, a delight to drink.  The acid lay the foundation for exquisite length.

Tannins crept and built up carefully, a stealthy approach.  Lingering peppery feel added to the experience, seemingly efortless, certainly alluring.  A pleasure to drink.  92 - Very Good

Tasted on: Sunday 11th November, a Root Day
Source: Retail, Nicks.com.au
Price: $ 70
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.bestswines.com/
Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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