Clare Valley red blend that manages to be easily delicious (much like the Tempranillo). Exuberant and bright red fruited style that doesn’t feel forced. The acid is not harsh, the alcohol moderate. Real energy to this and a black licorice fruit. Simple, fresh and well played mid weight red. Best drinking: now and for at least a few years. 17/20, 90/100. 13.5%, $19. Would I buy it? Worth a few glasses at that price.
Andrew Graham was once voted the 23rd most trusted wine critic on the planet. A WCA Journalism Young Gun now old hack with 25yrs as a buyer, judge, journalist, marketer and too much more.
Andy, when the los companeros came up i had to reply. Unlike you, I actually bought a six pack of these from somewhere at a fair price.About $17. You lucky punter, you get nearly all for nicks. Great gig if you can get it. I went scrounging for my tasting notes because we must have a similar palate.Just to let you know, all of mine came from the 2014 vintage but you know what they say. if Grange can do it, so can everyone else. i knocked them all of in late 2017/2018 testament to how moorish they were. there were hundreds of others as well. My notes said similar things – needs a bit or airing, beautifully balanced,black cherry aromas,richness in palate,velvet smooth tannins, very impressive.
i will get some of the 2016’s to keep the dream alive.
Now the next bit you will like. i have printed off a while ago your reviews of two bendigo balgownie wines, a cs2015 and a 2017 cf&s.
my wife and myself are spending two nights there next week and i am going to do the in vivo tasting using your notes.
One is a forty five bucker, the other a twenny nine bucker.
Stay tuned for a comparison. One of them you say youd buy a bot. Who are you kidding, Youd just ring up and say send me one gratis !
But it must be good.
The other youd share a bot. What , just one ? Before moving onto a grange !
cheers
chris.
This is excellent Chris.
I wonder whether you’ll agree with my notes invivo?
Safe to say that you won’t go wrong buying more of the Pikes.
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