Cumulus Estate Shiraz 2009 & Deakin Estate Azahara Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir
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Cumulus Shiraz 2009
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Cumulus Estate Wines has released a really grand 2009 Shiraz made from fruit
from its interesting vineyards high on the slopes of Mount Canobolas outside
Orange in the NSW Central West.
Here, 600-plus metres above sea level on ancient volcanic soils overlaid with
deep clay loam, Cumulus produces Shiraz of such excellence that it's 2008 made
it into the World's Top 10 at the 2011 Syrah du Monde.
For the 2009, Winemaker Debbie Lauritz used handpicked fruit that had enjoyed an
ideal growing season, conditions she said that had resulted in a moderate crop
with real generosity of flavour.
These flavours in turn have come through in the wine as dark chocolate, cherry,
plum and warm exotic spices on the palate, and with the finish lingering and
spicy. It's a wine to enjoy now with red meat or game dishes, or hard or blue
cheeses, or to tuck away in the cellar for another 10 or 15 years.
Good buying at $30 if you want to impress at the table.
One For Lunch:
Deakin Estate in North Western Victoria has an interesting drop in a well-priced
celebratory fizz that’s a blend of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir, labelling
it Azahara, which is Spanish for orange blossom and a dedication to the orange
orchards adjacent to the vineyards.
Winemaker Phil Spillman each year folds the best wines from the vintage into a
modified Solera system, which cross-blends at least six past vintages so that
fresh, new wine flavours are blended with progressively older and more complex
flavours.
Azahara Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir is a great drop at $12 for partying, or
simply to enjoy with crusty Italian bread and olive oil, or Camembert or
Havarti.
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