2001 PETALUMA COONAWARRA - ESSENCE OF TERRA ROSSA

Petaluma is a long-standing Coonawarra label started by Australian wine industry icon Brian Croser. For many years, it has been under the ownership of Lion Nathan, with Croser not involved in the winemaking. Petaluma Coonawarra is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that draws its inspiration from the great wines of Bordeaux and California.

Although Brian Croser long ago ceased his involvement with the wine, choosing to pursue other winemaking activities under the Tapanappa label, Petaluma Coonawarra remains a regional benchmark. As the 2001vintage evidences, it is a thoroughly modern and polished wine. It is also a wine that, in better vintages, has tremendous depth and the ability to age extremely well.

The 2001 Petaluma Coonawarra is only just starting to hit its stride and should still have several years up its sleeve. It is an excellent example of the type of wine that Coonawarra is about, showcasing its terra rosa terroir brilliantly.

2001 COONAWARRA
Producer: Petaluma
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2001
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: N/a
Date tasted: 31 October 2010

Tasting Note:
Deep crimson. Intense nose of blackcurrant, dark cherry, plum and toasty oak underpinned by typical Coonawarra earth. Dry, medium bodied, very slick, confident and lush. Velvet smooth in texture, cassis and plum. Modern and vibrant. The best of Coonawarra in a bottle. Very good indeed.
Score: 17.5/20