We haven’t had an update from the winery in a while, so let’s take a quick peek.
I think it’s fair to say that we’ve been a bit light on for wines at the Cellar Bar in recent times. We’ve still had plenty to keep our visitors and regulars happy, but there have been some noticeable gaps in our list.
The tragic fires of late 2019/early 2020 really caught up with producers all over the country and it’s only now that we’re starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
And what a bright and shiny light it is!
We’ve already got our Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling Shiraz back. And Rob is working hard on getting a practically bursting pipeline of new wines ready for you to enjoy.
2020 Reserve Chardonnay
I was amongst the very lucky few who got a taste of this one yesterday (thanks for sharing, Rob), and boy… what an absolute stunner!
Rob even used the word, “show-stopping”. And for anyone who knows Rob and his usual humble ways, these sort of descriptors don’t get bandied around a lot. So, you are in for something very special.
It has been in barrel for almost 15 months and the plan is for this one to head down the bottling line at the end of this month.
2021 Sparkling Pinot Noir
The Pinot sparkling base wine is nearly finished Malolactic fermentation and Rob thinks the MLF character is fantastic.
There is still a long road ahead for this wine before it gets to your glass. Rob needs to treat it in the traditional method to produce those beautiful tiny bubbles and the secondary flavours which come from the time it spends on lees.
We’ve chatted about all this before, but if you need a reminder head on over to this post or this one which goes into a bit more detail.
Luckily we still have some 2016 along with a 2017 and 2019 vintage which will keep us going until this one is ready!
2021 Fumé Blanc
As you know, we’re going to be with the Fumé Blanc for a few months while Rob works his magic on the 2021. Unfortunately, the process can’t be rushed (yes, I’ve asked!). Rob likes this one to have at least 6 months in barrel before it’s ready for bottle. But I promise it will be worth the wait.
Already Rob is describing it as a really interesting wine with a pronounced tropical nose and a big palate.
If you’re a big fan of the Fumé and simply can’t wait for the 2021, we do have our 2018 which we are sharing with our club members at less than normal “Museum” prices. Let us know if you need a hit!
Also, keep an eye out for an invitation to some upcoming long table museum tastings with Rob… Fumé will be on the list.
2021 Chardonnay
This year, Rob got half of the fruit for his 2021 Chardonnay from a vineyard in Balhannah… the same one he used for the 2020 Chardonnay (because the fires affected Kim Anderson’s vineyard in Charleston so badly). The other half came from Kim’s recovered vineyard.
Rob is reporting that it is already lovely and rich in flavour. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the 2020.
2021 Pinot Noir Rosé
The Rosé is ticking along very slowly. Unfortunately, it will be a couple more months before it will be ready for bottle. Patience my Rosé friends.
2021 LDR
What was supposed to be a once-off to fill some bushfire-induced gaps in our list is looking like it is here to stay for at least the next year or so.
The 2021 LDR is very close to being ready (and luckily we have enough 2020 to see us through!). Stabilisation will be finished in a few days. Then Rob can get it ready for bottling by the end of the month.
2021 Pinot Noir
The dry red Pinot is “looking terrific”. It has a very lifted almost flowery nose and long flavoursome palate. Yum!
This is another variety that will feature in our long table Museum tastings with Rob, so keep an eye out for your invitation.
2021 Tempranillo/Graciano
Remember how excited I said Rob got about the 2020 Reserve Chardonnay. Well, he got almost as excited about this one! “Standout” was the word he used to describe our 2021 Tempranillo Graciano blend.
Around 16% graciano gives this classic blend some lovely peppery flavours that go so well with the beautiful berry notes in the tempranillo. This is definitely one to get excited about (but not for a while yet… sorry!)!
Luckily though, Rob is working on a 2020 Tempranillo/Graciano which will be ready towards the end of the year/early next year.
2020 Shiraz
Our 2020 Shiraz is looking so very typically Somerled! It’s very dark and rich and starting to show some nice barrel development.
Can I just say how lucky we are that Rob can keep replicating this sensational wine from vintage to vintage (with subtle difference of course)?! I don’t know how any of us would survive without his Shiraz!
And as usual, we will be including a vertical Shiraz tasting (or two) in our long table museum tasting line-up. You’ll get an email from us soon!