Rutherglen is known for producing some of the world’s greatest fortified sweet wines. Such is the attention that the ‘stickies’ from Rutherglen draw (particularly since Robert Parker started handing out 100-point scores right, left and centre), that the region’s full flavoured and full bodied reds tend to fall under the radar.
At Warrabilla, things are slightly different from the Rutherglen norm. Shiraz and Durif (aka Petit Syrah) take centre stage. Warrabilla’s wines have achieved a certain notoriety thanks to their high alcohol levels (16%-17%), immense concentration and tannins. When tasted young, one not familiar with Warrabilla might wonder if the wines will ever come into balance.
After drawing the cork on a 2002 Warrabilla Reserve Durif, any doubts were cast aside. The burly tannins of youth had melted. Although very high at 17%, the alcohol was well balanced, perhaps slightly ‘high toned’, but there was no alcohol heat whatsoever. It’s not the most complex wine in the world and perhaps isn’t quite as good as the 2003 vintage of the same wine, but for those wanting to enjoy an authentic Rutherglen Durif, you could do worse than seek out a bottle of Warrabilla.
2002 RESERVE DURIF
Producer: Warrabilla
Variety: Durif
Vintage: 2002
Region: Rutherglen, Victoria
ABV: 17.0%
Price: N/a
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 26 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Deep crimson. Bold nose of liqueur macerated plums and cherries, woodsmoke. Rich and full bodied, but not excessively thick or viscous. Low acidity, fine seamless tannins, full flavoured. The massive alcohol is immaculately balanced – no heat whatsoever, which is an achievement in itself. This is not a wine for everyone, it is a heavyweight, but one with a soft centre, just be careful about that second glass......
Score: 16/20
At Warrabilla, things are slightly different from the Rutherglen norm. Shiraz and Durif (aka Petit Syrah) take centre stage. Warrabilla’s wines have achieved a certain notoriety thanks to their high alcohol levels (16%-17%), immense concentration and tannins. When tasted young, one not familiar with Warrabilla might wonder if the wines will ever come into balance.
After drawing the cork on a 2002 Warrabilla Reserve Durif, any doubts were cast aside. The burly tannins of youth had melted. Although very high at 17%, the alcohol was well balanced, perhaps slightly ‘high toned’, but there was no alcohol heat whatsoever. It’s not the most complex wine in the world and perhaps isn’t quite as good as the 2003 vintage of the same wine, but for those wanting to enjoy an authentic Rutherglen Durif, you could do worse than seek out a bottle of Warrabilla.
2002 RESERVE DURIFProducer: Warrabilla
Variety: Durif
Vintage: 2002
Region: Rutherglen, Victoria
ABV: 17.0%
Price: N/a
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 26 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Deep crimson. Bold nose of liqueur macerated plums and cherries, woodsmoke. Rich and full bodied, but not excessively thick or viscous. Low acidity, fine seamless tannins, full flavoured. The massive alcohol is immaculately balanced – no heat whatsoever, which is an achievement in itself. This is not a wine for everyone, it is a heavyweight, but one with a soft centre, just be careful about that second glass......
Score: 16/20
No comments:
Post a Comment