Petaluma 1997 Coonawarra Dec 04

The first from my initial purchase and as I had never tasted this vintage Petaluma, I was looking forward to it. The bouquet is almost unmistakable Coonawarra but not as Petaluma like as many other vintages. Clean and cool best sums up the mood of the bouquet; menthol, mint, pure blackcurrant fruit, and earthy forest floor. Mid weight, the tannins have softened and are integrating nicely but still have a little way to go, the wine is already smooth and approaching seamless. Pure and clean as the nose suggests, the finish is long and especially powerful considering the weight of the wine. Complexity of flavour is excellent with multiple black berry flavours, spice, dark chocolate, earthy aromas, mint and a little green bean. A damn good result for a difficult vintage, an elegant wine, it is rated as Excellent and has its best years ahead with no hurry to drink.

As the wine opened up, it took on some serious weight and the tannins showed just how youthful this wine really is, it needs far more time. Interesting that it still maintained its power and elegance.