Quick Impressions of the Petaluma range

Petaluma had a Sydney wide Tasting Day on Sat 6th, whereby multiple stores had tastings of the range all at the same time (3-6pm). I was lucky enough to have a handful of locations to choose from which just made it more than convenient.

More large wine companies should do this – as long as its well publicised, this could work out to be a strong brand event, along the lines of the traditional ‘Wynnsday’. Every year you could mark down in your calendar ‘Petaluma Saturday’ and around the country there would be tastings all at the same time around the nation. At the cellar door I’m envisioning facing painting, an oompah band and pony rides. In the weeks leading up you could have verticals and tastings for the Press and retailers, creating a ground swell of Petaluma love.

But as if that would ever happen in the wine industry!

Anyway, back to the wines:

Petaluma ‘Hanlin Hill’ Riesling 2008 – From a superb white vintage, this is a very good release from this label. Its typically limey in its aromatics, if still a little closed on the nose. The palate is tight and incredibly grunty – There is some serious citrussy power to the palate, with a whack of phenolic grip to back it up. Acidity is strong and well handled and the overwhelming impression is of another smart wine. 18.5

Petaluma Viognier 2007 – I’ve never appreciated this wine, and this just further confirms it. The aromatics are tight and a little reticent to show themselves at first. The palate is also lean and somewhat unfocused, with the fruit really not making enough of an impact to be convincing. Middling and expensive. 16.5

Petaluma Chardonnay 2006 – I’m putting it out there right now – I’ve not been impressed by this in a long time. This does nothing to help the situation. On the nose it is plain with grainy, ugly soapy oak covering the faintly peachy fruit. The palate has an excellent acid backbone, but otherwise has little of remark to excite, the awful oak continuing onto the palate. No. 15.5

Petaluma Shiraz Viognier 2006 – I tasted this, but I have no notes and I only remember thinking that it was good, but not great and rather expensive. NR

Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 – Bang! Everything snaps back into focus with this wine. Its a caricature (in a good way) of modern Coonawarra Cabernet. The nose is focused blackberry, stewed plum and dark chocolate, the palate is both fruit heavy but with a linear, perfectly defined structure to back it up. Excellent balance, the tannins and fruit here fight a happy fight and the future is assured. It deserves a place in the cellar and will be very long lived. An excellent vintage for this wine. 18.7

Petaluma Merlot 2004 – I’m just a little unsure of this wine. On the nose it is very cedary, with a quite cool, stalky nose. The palate is lean and slightly astringent, the whole package feeling like a work in progress. However there is tannins and acidity to burn and I actually think this may end up somewhere nice with a few yrs under the belt. Maybe. 17