Rosemount 2001 Traditional Blend Sept 03

For those that have been asleep for the past twelve months or who simply don’t know about these things won the 2002 jimmy Watson Trophy and the only reason I bothered to try it was because my mate red bigot in a single blind line up thought it may have been a Clarendon Hill and raved about it.

The wine has a warm rich nose with above average complexity (especially at this price point) that kept changing as it opened and evolved. Blackcurrant, blackberry, chocolate, mint, mushroom notes, subtle coffee and some cedar were just a few of the comings and goings.

Structure is good as there are plenty of smooth powdery tannins and youthful acid to balance the persistent fruit. The dominant flavours on the palate are blackberry, blackcurrant, dark chocolate and coffee with mint and aniseed that are presented in layers of sweet and savoury waves which finish with good length. It goes extremely well with spicy food and can hold it’s own against some hot chilli flavours.

If you are looking for a sedate Bordeaux blend then forget it; this wine is a product of a very warm vintage and an in your face typical warm climate fruit rich wine. It has good complexity and is rated as Highly Recommended with **** for value. Its drinking well now but should improve in the medium term.

Copyright © Ric Einstein 2003