South Australian Trip Report Part One

I was lucky enough to spend a week in South Australia from the 12^th to the 19^th of May. During that time I tasted and made notes of approximately 170 wines. Over the next few editions I will present some tasting notes for some of the better value wines I found. I will also give you brief impressions of what’s going on in the industry too.

Many growers are becoming concerned at the low prices that many of the major wineries are offering them for their grapes. As a result, many of the growers are starting to keep some of the grapes for themselves and have contract wine makers produce wine for them under their own label. In many instances these wines are being made from older vines and the finished product is not only very good, but great qpr as the new wineries are to gain a foothold in the market place. This is great news for wine lovers; the biggest problem is tracking down and finding these new producers.

Without doubt the best new producer I found was Sylvan Springs Estate. David Pridmore is a fourth generation grower who owns the winery. His forbearers originally owned Tatachilla. Many of the vines are 30 years old and the grapes had previously been sold to one of the big four. David is now holding back some of his best grapes for his Sylvan Springs Wines which are being made by Brian Light. All the wine are being the made with new oak, French for the Cabernet Sauvignon, and American and for the Shiraz. As soon as I tasted these wines I rang Bert and he has purchased what’s left of this wine from the winery. He will retail it for under $17, which is simply outstanding value.

The 1999 Sylvan Springs Estate Shiraz - it’s dark purple in colour with a beautiful dark hue. The wine was matured in 30% French and 70% new American oak. The nose is still closed but showing signs of liquorice, chary oak and dark berry fruit. On the palate the wine taste of dark sweet cherries with a liquorice aftertaste and a very long finish. The silky smooth tannins and persistent fruit combine with a full-bodied structure and harmonious complexity to give a terrific balance, great mouth feel and a long finish. It's Moorish! Rated as Recommended now, but no doubt will move to Highly Recommended in a few years time when it peaks. ***** for value.

1999 Sylvan Springs Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is also a baby with a closed nose. It’s showing some chary oak, chocolate, dark berries and minty notes. The abundant tannins are smooth and slightly drying and the deep fruit is currently buried, it will take years to come out. It's a full-bodied Cabernet, with firm consistency, solid structure, very good complexity and great value for money. It is currently rated as Recommended but no doubt will move to Highly Recommended when it matures in about 2006. Also ***** for value.

You had better getting quick for this one, supply is limited. I purchased a dozen of each of the 99 Cabernet Sauvignon and the Shiraz for myself. A few people doubt I am a “real person” and think I am a figment of Bert’s imagination. Not true, I am not Bert in disguise, nor do I have any commercial arrangement or vested interest in his business. If I think a wine is crap, I will report it as such, even if Bert raves about it! If you want to contact me, 0419 711 630 or amagnet@pbq.com.au More coming next week.

Cheers

Ric