Lake Chalice Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Marlborough, NZ)
Screwcap, $22
Tracing back to 89, Lake Chalice is a veteran (in Marlborough terms) and produces consistent varietal Savvies – though I couldnt tell you anything more about the range than the Savvy – Such is the perils of being a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc producer.
The warm 2007 vintage produced lots of riper full bodied styled Marlborough Savvies with many of them ageing quite quickly (but reasonably gracefully) as a result. This wine seems to be holding together quite nicely, though I’ve got to say that I prefer to drink most Marlborough Savvies within about 6-10 months of release. The massive 2008 vintage will also produce some cracking wines. (though overcropping could prove perilous).
A bright, just yellow greenish wine, this has lifted aromatics – its sitting on my desk and the grassy passionfruit aromatics wafting out are migrating all the way their way from one end of the desk to the other, like a distant smell of perfume. The only downside to my nostrils is that the aromatics are showing the tinned pea character that savvies get with a little bottle age. On the palate it is quite textural, with grassy richness mixed with just a bit of tropical fruit. The acid is well integrated and the whole package is balanced and enjoyable.
Would have been even better 6 months ago. 17
Peter Douglas Bulge Hoop Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Coonawarra, SA)
Screwcap, $45
The bigger brother of the Chime Hoop this is made by the famous Peter Douglas – A man who crafted some of the super fine Wynns reds of the early 1990’s. These days he is employed crafting the impressive Reschke wines – an ambitious Coonawarra operation with serious vineyard resources and a century of family history in Coonawarra.
Dense dark red in colour (which goes all the way to the rim). The nose is ripe but typically Cabernetish with blackberry and cedar & an edge of vanilla. Its a big, open nose, signalling this wines intentions from the start. The palate is a definitive work in progress – jammy, blocky fruit that’s very ripe and a little hot, the tannins are just a little coarse. The whole wine is wound up in big ripe sour perhaps slightly overripe fruit that is going to take some time to unravel.
Given time this wine may resolve itself. Hard work at present. 16.8+
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Comment
The best of the 2007 savvys are only just starting to come into their own with no noticeable vegetal characters creeping in… thanks to the screwcap closures in part and also, as you say, a cracking vintage. Beware the 2008s. Some got it right but not all…… I’ve tasted more than a few now (bloody wine NZ) and it’a patchy vintage for Marlborough. Awatere fruit seems to have suffered least. Or at least that’s my feeling