Awards from Argentina

VIÑA COBOS - A new addition to our range

ARGENTINA WINE AWARDS 2009

The 2009 Argentina Wine Awards are over for another year. 18 judges from 5 countries were locked in the glamorous dungeons of the Mendoza Sheraton for three days of blind tasting, deliberation and healthy debate on the merits (or otherwise) of some 512 wines, from 128 of Argentina’s best wineries. For some sadly the smoke signals coming out of the chimney were black, for most they were definitely white and, for a select few, there was a distinct golden hue to the whole thing. The top awards went to the following wines and wineries.

Amongst them, Viña Cobos.

Viña Cobos -Bramare Luján de Cuyo Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - Trophy

Awards from Chile

INDOMITA

Indomita - Reserva Chardonnay 2007 - Silver Medal at the latest 'Chardonnay Du Monde 2009' competition in France.

And excellent reviews from:

Argentina

VIÑA COBOS

Vintages, LCBO monopoly

February 2009

Vina Cobos Felino Malbec 2007

Vina Cobos is Paul Hobbs winery in Mendoza. He is better known ( at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur / collectors for his name sake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker)..." (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2008)

Tasting note: the 2007 Felino Malbec is a splendid introduction to this grape variety. The nose is redolent of wild black cherry leading to an elegant, ripe, wine with gobs of flavour and 1-2 years of aging potential. Drink this hedonist effort through 2015.

Score - 91. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2008 '

FAMILIA ZUCCARDI

Imbibe

March/April 2009

Zuccardi, Santa Rosa Chenin/Chardonnay 2008

' Stone fruit nose with a hint of honey. Simple and fresh. Nice fruit with a hint of smokyness.

Well made and enjoyable.'

ODFJELL - Just arrived in UK

Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar (USA) Scores

March/April 2009

By Josh Raynolds

LOS ESPINOS

Imbibe

March/April 2009

Los Espinos Sauvignon Blanc 2008

' A big and confident wine which is not shy on the nose. Floral - almost pungent - and ripe on the palate. It has a long finish. Not subtle but it is interesting and has character.'

' Steely fresh fruit with good complex balanced acid'

Australia

PHI WINES

Jancisrobinson.com

March 2009

By Julia Harding MW

Phi Sauvignon 2007

' Leave preconceptions about what Sauvignon Blanc should he when you try this Yarra Valley wine. Its mellow nose is both harmonious and complex. Restrained citrus, straw and guava notes mingle with high-toned nutty and smoky threads. It has superfine texture and a long subtle finish.

Food ideas: Chicken and asparagus risotto; pan fried fish.'

4.5 stars

Jancisrobinson.com

March 2009

Phi Chardonnay Yarra Valley 2008
' Refined and tight and lively – more lime than lemon. More mineral-scented than the Shelmerdine Chardonnays. '
17 points

SHELMERDINE VINEYARDS

www.bloomberg.com

March 2009

By Richard Vines

Shelmerdine, Chardonnay 2006

' Apricot is coming through and minerality, with hints of citrus. There’s a lovely chalky minerality.

It has a good length to it. There’s a hint of oak but it’s in balance with the fruit’s intensity. It’s well made, well structured. The acidity at the end gives it a lovely freshness. It doesn’t cloy on the palate. This is more refined.'

8/10

Jancisrobinson.com

March 2009

Shelmerdine Riesling Heathcote 2008
' Quite a warm year. Inspired by Ron Laughton’s Riesling at Jasper Hill, I was told. Very pretty nose. Full-fruited on the palate. Good balance though. Really nicely put together. Third vintage. '
17 points

Shelmerdine Cabernet Sauvignon Heathcote 2007
' Bright crimson. Warm savoury nose. Spicy. Sinewy and muscular. Much lighter than typical Oz Cabs. A kick boxer of a wine! '
16.5+ points

Shelmerdine Shiraz Heathcote 2006
' 1% Viognier. Scented. Very fresh and lively and mineral. Great texture and polished. Pretty northern Rhône-like... '

17 points

Shelmerdine, Merindoc Shiraz Heathcote 2006
' Made by Sergio Carlei of Carlei Estate. Biodynamic viticulture. Pretty glossy. Hint of cassis. Very full of life but quite hard work and lots of acid at this stage. Wild and layered. Almost feral. The 2004 was rejected for export because of the level of volatile acidity but in fact it was well under the limit apparently.'

16.5+ points

       
Shelmerdine Chardonnay Yarra Valley 2007
' Very lively and fresh – quite citrus. Zesty. Not especially rich or savoury but very pretty and lively. Lemon meringue flavours.  Penfolds 58/Busby clone, which supposedly came from Burgundy, with about 12 months in oak. '
16 points

Wine advocate / London Wine Fair

Wine Advocate published its scores for several of Thorn-Clarke's wines. Once again, an excellent result reinforcing the quality and value for money across the range and at every price point.

Also a favorable score in:

International Wine Cellar (USA)

Shotfire Quartage 2006

       90 points

Wine Spectator (USA)

Terra Barossa Chardonnay 2007

       91 points

TWO HANDS

Wine Advocate

March 2009

Two Hands My Hands Shiraz 2005

' There are three “icon” wines in the portfolio.There are three barrels of the 2005 My

Hands, a Shiraz cuvee sourced from Marananga, and aged for 38 months in new wood. A glass-coating purple/black color, it shows off a brooding bouquet of balsam wood, truffle, earth notes, violets, blueberry, and blackberry. On the palate the oak has been fully integrated and the wine is virtually seamless. This voluptuous, sexy effort will continue to blossom for 6-8 years and drink well through 2030. It is for hedonists only. '

97-100 points