As always, we had two very interesting wines to taste and on this occasion both received high scoring from the group. Both were from the new world and not for the first time, it was the cheaper of the two wines that received the higher score.
The first wine was an Errazuriz Riserva 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. The Errazuriz vineyards are located some 100 Kms north of Santiago and have a history dating back to the 1870’s. The Errazuriz family themselves have not only been involved in wine growing but have played significant roles in the history of Chile, including 4 presidents, two archbishops as well diplomats, industrialists and writers.
This particular wine was unusual in that it obtained a unanimous score of 8 from everyone and there was little variation in opinions. To that extent, the wine maker’s notes - “Deep red in colour with good concentration, this wine maintains a nice balance between its fresh fruit and notes from oak aging. Tart and sweet cherries as well as blackcurrant subtly intermingle with toasted notes lead to a well-balanced palate. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins, and good grip; juicy on the palate with bright acidity” also seem to be borne out by our experience – an excellent wine and very good value at £6.74.
The second wine was from South Australia, a McLaren Vale, Wirra Wirra, 2009 Church Block blend. (£12.00). The Wirra Wirra vineyard also dates back to the late 19th century but fell into disrepair during in the 1920’s and was brought back to life in late 1960’s. The Church Block blend started life in 1972 as a blend of Grenache and Shiraz and evolved over time into a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 51%, Shiraz 29% and Merlot 20%, although the original blend is still available from time to time. With a 40 year history behind it has become an Australian favourite but was not quite so popular with our group who gave it an overall score of 7.6. There was a much greater variation in opinions and scores also varied from 6.5 to 8.5. Tasting notes were as follows - This McLaren Vale red has been a pillar of Wirra Wirra’s success over the years. It’s a blend of Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot and offers a full, fleshy palate of red berries, blackcurrant and herbs. It’s rick and full bodied, but has the soft approachability you want from your drink-now reds. Right on form with its layers of berry fruit, chocolate, a dash of spice, lovely balance and juicy tannins.” The wine is one that can be laid down for up to a further 8 years - perhaps we need to be keep one and see whether our tasting meets the reputation it has gained from the “experts?? Both wines are available from Waitrose.
Next Meeting is at Mike and Pam’s, July 19th 14:00
Just a thought by the original winemaker of Churchblock - Greg Trott
'Never give misery an even break, nor bad wine a second sip.
You must be serious about quality, dedicated to your task in life,
especially winemaking, but this should all be fun.'
The first wine was an Errazuriz Riserva 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. The Errazuriz vineyards are located some 100 Kms north of Santiago and have a history dating back to the 1870’s. The Errazuriz family themselves have not only been involved in wine growing but have played significant roles in the history of Chile, including 4 presidents, two archbishops as well diplomats, industrialists and writers.
This particular wine was unusual in that it obtained a unanimous score of 8 from everyone and there was little variation in opinions. To that extent, the wine maker’s notes - “Deep red in colour with good concentration, this wine maintains a nice balance between its fresh fruit and notes from oak aging. Tart and sweet cherries as well as blackcurrant subtly intermingle with toasted notes lead to a well-balanced palate. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins, and good grip; juicy on the palate with bright acidity” also seem to be borne out by our experience – an excellent wine and very good value at £6.74.
The second wine was from South Australia, a McLaren Vale, Wirra Wirra, 2009 Church Block blend. (£12.00). The Wirra Wirra vineyard also dates back to the late 19th century but fell into disrepair during in the 1920’s and was brought back to life in late 1960’s. The Church Block blend started life in 1972 as a blend of Grenache and Shiraz and evolved over time into a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 51%, Shiraz 29% and Merlot 20%, although the original blend is still available from time to time. With a 40 year history behind it has become an Australian favourite but was not quite so popular with our group who gave it an overall score of 7.6. There was a much greater variation in opinions and scores also varied from 6.5 to 8.5. Tasting notes were as follows - This McLaren Vale red has been a pillar of Wirra Wirra’s success over the years. It’s a blend of Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot and offers a full, fleshy palate of red berries, blackcurrant and herbs. It’s rick and full bodied, but has the soft approachability you want from your drink-now reds. Right on form with its layers of berry fruit, chocolate, a dash of spice, lovely balance and juicy tannins.” The wine is one that can be laid down for up to a further 8 years - perhaps we need to be keep one and see whether our tasting meets the reputation it has gained from the “experts?? Both wines are available from Waitrose.
Next Meeting is at Mike and Pam’s, July 19th 14:00
Just a thought by the original winemaker of Churchblock - Greg Trott
'Never give misery an even break, nor bad wine a second sip.
You must be serious about quality, dedicated to your task in life,
especially winemaking, but this should all be fun.'
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