Zema Estate is one of Coonawarra’s quiet achievers. It’s probably not the first name one thinks of when the name Coonawarra is mentioned, nor is it one that is likely to be top of mind when talking with a group of hard core wine geeks.
Over the years, this low key operation has fashioned a reputation for producing extremely well made wines that truly reflect Coonawarra terroir and over-deliver in terms of value for money.
Looking back on a few mature wines from the 2001 vintage showed the wines in a good light. While both Shiraz and the Cluny (a Bordeaux blend) were relatively simple, they had developed gracefully in bottle over the course of a decade and were still holding on well, albeit nearing full maturity.
Star of the show was the Cabernet Sauvignon, which was initially rather tight, and took some time to open up. Fully in body than either the Shiraz or Cluny, it was also more backward, perhaps a couple of years from entering the plateau of maturity.
The line up 2001’s illustrated clearly that Zema Estate delivers on what it does well, producing good quality wines that offer excellent value. On this evidence, they also age well, at least over the medium term.
2001 SHIRAZ
Producer: Zema Estate
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 2001
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 24 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Evolved nose of eucalypt, mint, mulberry and anise. Sweet fruited, mulberry again, roast spices. Well integrated acidity and soft tannins. A decent albeit somewhat simple wine for current drinking.
Score: 15/20
2001 CLUNY
Producer: Zema Estate
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2001
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 13.0%
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 29 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Alluring bouquet of blackberry and blackcurrant fruit with hints of eucalyptus and leather. It doesn’t quite deliver on the palate, but is holding together well for a modest 10 year old ‘bistro’ wine.
Score: 15.5/20
2001 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Producer: Zema Estate
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2001
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 13.0%
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 17 October 2011
Tasting Note:
Initially quite tight, but opened up to reveal dark briar fruit and smoky oak – yet to display typical aged Coonawarra earthy notes. Full and creamy texture, satin-smooth blackcurrant pastille fruit. Relatively simple, but promises more and should improve with another couple of years in bottle. The best of the 2001 Zema Estate wines tasted thus far.
Score: 16/20
Over the years, this low key operation has fashioned a reputation for producing extremely well made wines that truly reflect Coonawarra terroir and over-deliver in terms of value for money.
Looking back on a few mature wines from the 2001 vintage showed the wines in a good light. While both Shiraz and the Cluny (a Bordeaux blend) were relatively simple, they had developed gracefully in bottle over the course of a decade and were still holding on well, albeit nearing full maturity.
Star of the show was the Cabernet Sauvignon, which was initially rather tight, and took some time to open up. Fully in body than either the Shiraz or Cluny, it was also more backward, perhaps a couple of years from entering the plateau of maturity.
The line up 2001’s illustrated clearly that Zema Estate delivers on what it does well, producing good quality wines that offer excellent value. On this evidence, they also age well, at least over the medium term.
2001 SHIRAZ
Producer: Zema Estate
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 2001
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 24 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Evolved nose of eucalypt, mint, mulberry and anise. Sweet fruited, mulberry again, roast spices. Well integrated acidity and soft tannins. A decent albeit somewhat simple wine for current drinking.
Score: 15/20
2001 CLUNY
Producer: Zema Estate
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2001
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 13.0%
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 29 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Alluring bouquet of blackberry and blackcurrant fruit with hints of eucalyptus and leather. It doesn’t quite deliver on the palate, but is holding together well for a modest 10 year old ‘bistro’ wine.
Score: 15.5/20
2001 CABERNET SAUVIGNONProducer: Zema Estate
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2001
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 13.0%
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 17 October 2011
Tasting Note:
Initially quite tight, but opened up to reveal dark briar fruit and smoky oak – yet to display typical aged Coonawarra earthy notes. Full and creamy texture, satin-smooth blackcurrant pastille fruit. Relatively simple, but promises more and should improve with another couple of years in bottle. The best of the 2001 Zema Estate wines tasted thus far.
Score: 16/20
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