No bottle shot, and not really a tasting note either; more of a tasting vibe. My brother, having freshly turned 50 came over for a pizza extravaganza last night, and brought a bottle of this wine along. I provided a bottle of Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 1996, and though it was probably a touch fresher, the McAlister was by no means outclassed. A cabernet-ish nose, with some old curranty fruits, mushrooms, cedar and dry forest mulch. The palate was little dry, mushrooms and old leather, a touch of red currants, mellow and mature, and very easy drinking. Quite balanced and certainly ready to go, which is not surprising for a 17 year old wine. Sealed under cork. 12.5% abv. Probably around $25 on release. Drink now.
Archive for the ‘Gippsland’ Category
McAlister Merlot Noir 1993
Sunday, March 7th, 2010William Downie Gippsland Pinot Noir 2008
Sunday, June 14th, 2009
I had this a week ago (or so), and have been postponing this note because I couldn’t find an appropriate picture to accompany it. In the end, I got out my camera and took one myself. Anyhoo, on to the wine. Smells warmer and darker than the Mornington Peninsula, black fruited, peaty, nicely smoky with a touch of stalk. There are fine fruits on the palate, black cherry and spice, fantastic balance, savoury and glossy, with a sappy and sour finish. It was at this point the ominous question was posed: “What’s the alcohol on this?”. Now it is true that there seems to be some of that alcohol sweetness through the palate, but it really is a minor complaint for an otherwise excellent wine.
Rated : 91 Points
Tasted : May09
Alcohol : 14%
Price : $55
Closure : Diam under Wax
Drink : 2010-2018
Source : Cellar Door
Website : William Downie
Discovery Road Pinot Noir 2004
Wednesday, May 3rd, 2006
According to WineStar , this new wine is a new label from Bruce Dowding, the man who planted the Rochford vineyard in the Macedon Ranges. The fruit comes from vines in the Gippsland and near-Whitfield regions of Victoria and was made at Kooyong by Sandro Mosele.
A reserved nose; quiet and contemplative. Red cherries and pretty florals, but underlaid with minerals and dried meats. Red fruits on the palate, slightly herbal and drying, smoky sour cherries and a bit of a metallic finish. It is certainly tight on the palate, and leaner than the Coldstream Hills ’05; I like the style; and it should flesh out with a year or two in the cellar. Another impressive budget Pinot Noir.
Rated : 88 Points
Tasted : May06
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : $25
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2007 – 2010
Source : The Wine Room at Fridays