Pondalowie is a Bendigo-based winery run by couple Dominique and Krystina Morris. The real strength here is the Spanish grape, Tempranillo. Both Dominic and Krystina have worked vintages on the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Portugal, where Dominic visits regularly as winemaker for Quinta do Crasto.
The Pondalowie house style favours food friendly, well balanced wines that reflect their warm climate origin. At all levels, the Shiraz-based wines are rich, full bodied and brooding, but not overdone.
The Tempranillo takes on a real Spanish feel. The entry level Vineyard Blend, a Tempranillo-dominant blend that also uses a bit of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, has an Iberian personality. Oak is negligible, allowing the round plummy fruit to speak for itself. There’s good cleansing acidity as well. One could certainly imagine enjoying a few glasses in a decent tapas bar. Given the success of Tempranillo here, one wonders why there isn't a greater clamour to experiment with this great grape variety in Australia.
2008 VINEYARD BLEND
Producer: Pondalowie Vineyards
Variety: Tempranillo, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008
Region: Bendigo, Victoria
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $18.99
Date tasted: 24 January 2012
Tasting Note:
Bright plum red. Dark cherry, plum and a touch of liquorice on the nose. Medium bodied, satin smooth in texture. The Iberian influence really comes through. Slightly reminiscent of a juicy Navarra red blend. Not overly complex, but displays good fruit depth, drinks well and is food friendly. Bring on the tapas!
Score: 16/20
The Pondalowie house style favours food friendly, well balanced wines that reflect their warm climate origin. At all levels, the Shiraz-based wines are rich, full bodied and brooding, but not overdone.
The Tempranillo takes on a real Spanish feel. The entry level Vineyard Blend, a Tempranillo-dominant blend that also uses a bit of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, has an Iberian personality. Oak is negligible, allowing the round plummy fruit to speak for itself. There’s good cleansing acidity as well. One could certainly imagine enjoying a few glasses in a decent tapas bar. Given the success of Tempranillo here, one wonders why there isn't a greater clamour to experiment with this great grape variety in Australia.
2008 VINEYARD BLENDProducer: Pondalowie Vineyards
Variety: Tempranillo, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008
Region: Bendigo, Victoria
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $18.99
Date tasted: 24 January 2012
Tasting Note:
Bright plum red. Dark cherry, plum and a touch of liquorice on the nose. Medium bodied, satin smooth in texture. The Iberian influence really comes through. Slightly reminiscent of a juicy Navarra red blend. Not overly complex, but displays good fruit depth, drinks well and is food friendly. Bring on the tapas!
Score: 16/20
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