Barwon Heads January 2010

When I was growing up, my family used to spend every Christmas holiday in the seaside town of Barwon Heads. Four weeks in a tent in the foreshore camping ground with many hundreds of other families.
Almost 30 years later here I am with my wife and tennage boys. We are staying in a house on the edge of Barwon Heads, the town is different but the same. Many things are familiar, while others are new. The pier and the bridge are still there many shops are the same, the supermarket has a different facade but is the same building. It appears that the place has survived its fame in the TV series Sea Change, without to many permanent scars.
I really enjoyed being back there.

We drank some wine while we were there.

PONDALOWIE PETIT SYRAH 2006
Very deep coloured almost black. A rich and powerful wine from central Victoria. Petit syrah is also known as durif and is famous for the huge tannic NE Victorian versions. This wine is big on flavour and power. The main flavours that come to me are those of ribena initially and continuing with liquor cherry/kirsh like qualities, also a hint of peppermint and clove. I am aware of the alcohol but it is not distracting to my overall enjoyment. A very enjoyable summer holiday wine, so long as the day is relatively cool.

Tasted: January 2010
Source: Cellar door
Price: $25
Drink: Now - 2015
Score: 91


YALUMBA RUNNING WITH BULLS TEMPRANILLO 2008
Dark red, richly scented with cola and raspberry jellies to the fore, the palate was was strong and full typically tempranillo, it improved over the 2 days that it was open, drinking best on the third day. A good value quaffer.

Tasted: January 2010
Source: Rathdowne Cellars
Price: $18
Drink: Now - 2014
Score: 90

CHARLES MELTON NINE POPES 1997

Dull red in colour, showing some age. The wine is very mellow, a cedary nose, with raspberry present. A palate of red fruits, raspberries, cedar and caramel. The wine is drinking at its peak, not for keeping any longer.

Drank: June 2008
Source: Retail
Price: $32
Drink: Now
Score: 91

Charles Melton

ST HALLETS BLACKWELL Shiraz 2002

Very deep in colour almost black, no real sign of development. On the palate this opened with quite a vanillan, coffee aroma. This evolved over time into liquorice, coffee and chocolate fruit (if that makes sense). He palate was full and rich, quite a mouthful. A very good wine, although I personnelly prefer a little more subtlety.



Tasted: May 2008
Source: Boccacio Cellars
Price: $24 (2004)
Drink: 2008 - 2015
Score: 93

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