Tasting Note
Sydney Time
Copyright © Ric Einstein 2009
Copyright © Ric Einstein 2008
Protero 2005 Gumeracha Blend Jan 08
A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet; it’s from the Adelaide Hills and sealed
under cork. The wine was initially nosed when opened and then tried after two
hours in the glass. The bouquet showed spicy, cedary oak, loads of plum, hints
of varnish and subtle liquorice. It’s solidly backed by unobtrusive tannins,
lively acid and distinct fruit. Medium-weight with a firm constancy and solid
structure, the wine finished short on the back plate and needs time to fill out,
yet it maintains reasonable persistence. Flavour profile is off-sweet that is
contrasted by ripe plum together with chocolate, dark berry and loads of dried
herbs and a hint of pepper. An enjoyable food wine but it does show a bit of
warmth for it’s 14.5%; it is rated as Recommended with *** for value.
I had heard this wine had done well in a respected wine show, and had seen a few
people mention it favourably on Auswine, so I decided to open the second sample
they sent me. When it was first opened, there was no sign of the varnished
character, but it emerged after about an hour. When first tasted, the second
bottle showed much better length on the palate, but as it opened up, the length
receded, although the persistence was slightly better than the first bottle.
