Lindauer SR Brut Cuvee & Blackjack Cabernet Merlot 2010
Lindauer SR Brut Cuvee
Blackjack Vineyards in the old apple and pear growing district of the
Harcourt Valley just south of Victoria's Bendigo, is one of those places
fortunate enough to enjoy Indian Summer autumns whose cool nights and warm clear
days allow the grapes to ripen just ever so nice and slowly.
Such was the case in 2010 although the area also had more rain than usual
during summer. But this did not impact on the vines' fruit quality, giving
Blackjack's owners and winemakers, Ian McKenzie and Ken Pollack plenty of good
fruit into the winery over an almost leisurely two weeks of vintage in April.
Their 2010 Cabernet Merlot particularly benefited from such a good vintage,
and with the style constantly gaining in popularity this is one to look for for
enjoyment now, or to put away to development in the cellar over the next decade:
we're prepared to suggest now that it'll be looked upon then as a classic of the
style.
With loads of red fruits and hints of chocolate on the nose, it's got a
lovely palate that's soft and supple with a solid core of concentrated berry
fruits and ripe tannins; pay around $25-$30 and enjoy as we did with lamb shanks
in a red wine and tomato sauce accompanied by a creamy potato mash.
One For Lunch
It's thirty years since it launched in 1982 and Lindauer can now lay claim to
being New Zealand's most popular sparkling wine brand, its most-exported bubbly,
and as well hold pride of place as having been its country's first commercially
available local methode traditionnelle.
And it's enjoying good sales here in Australia, a well-priced Lindauer
Special Reserve Brut Cuvee NV selling at around just $20. Made from Pinot Noir
(75%) and Chardonnay (25%) from Gisborne and Hawke's Bay, it was held on lees
for 2½ years before release to make for an ideal party-room drop that like other
Lindauer Special Reserves has earned it such nice commendations from critics as
"unexpectedly Champagne-like."
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