COONAWARRA : Panel Tasting Results by Decanter.com

Jim Barry, First Eleven, Coonawarra 2006
Decanter average score: 18/20pts (93/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 18 Pierre Mansour 18 Anthony Rose 18
Price: £32 Hailsham Cellars, ND John, Reserve Wines, The Wine House of Penrith, Winedirect
Drink: 2014-2016
Alc: 14.5%

Lovely, fresh and complex nose of spice and blackcurrant tinged with mint, camphor and camomile. This has an evolved and integrated structure; a very good example of mature Coonawarra Cabernet.


Majella, Coonawarra 2009
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 18 Pierre Mansour 17.5 Anthony Rose 17
Price: £23-£25 Alliance Wine, Carruthers & Kent, Chester Beer & Wine, Corks & Cases, Sipp London, The Fine Wine Co, Z & B Vintners
Drink: 2014-2016
Alc: 14.5%

Faint mint aromas and blackcurrant fruit – pretty typical of the Coonawarra style. A well-integrated palate of long, lingering meaty flavours and mouthwatering acidity. Harmonious with a fine, long finish.


Lindeman’s, Trio, St George, Coonawarra 2009
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17 Pierre Mansour 17 Anthony Rose 17.5
Drink: 2014-2018
Alc: 14%

Notes of exotic spice, perfume and leather. Ripe, rich and full bodied with well-integrated tannins, long and lingering full flavours, and a delicious cherry flan finish.


Penfolds, Bin 169, Coonawarra 2010
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17 Pierre Mansour 17 Anthony Rose 17.5
Price: £180 Berry Bros & Rudd, Edgmond Wines, Spirited Wines
Drink: 2014-2022
Alc: 14.5%

High toned and expressive with an oaky toast nose. A polished, full, opulent palate that is richly concentrated and juicy with a bittersweet chocolate character. Modern expression showing quality winemaking.


Reschke, Empyrean, Coonawarra 2006
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17 Pierre Mansour 17.5 Anthony Rose 17.5
Drink: 2014-2017
Alc: 14.5%

Complex nose of smoke and cola, and a well-evolved, savoury, silky, round and integrated palate. The tannins are still quite firm with bright acidity. Drinking well now.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate, John Riddoch Limited Release, Coonawarra 2010
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17.5 Pierre Mansour 17.5 Anthony Rose 17
Price: £79.99 Bibendum Fine Wine
Drink: 2014-2026
Alc: 13.5%

Sweet, delicate nose with a gentle perfume of white blossoms and young cherries. A generous, intense and harmonious palate that is not too overt. Stylish.


Gramp & Sons, St Hugo, Coonawarra 2010
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17 Pierre Mansour 17 Anthony Rose 17
Price: £27.29 Asda, Tesco
Drink: 2014-2026
Alc: 14.2%

Attractive blueberry nose that is pure and scented. Juicy ripe fruits and stunning tannins, which are apparent and then cleared away by the fruit. There’s fragrance and freshness here; it’s very Old World.


McGuigan, The Shortlist, Coonawarra 2010
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17 Pierre Mansour 17 Anthony Rose 17
Price: £14.99 Tesco Wine by the Case
Drink 2014-2019
Alc 13%

Classic Cabernet nose of herbaceous freshness; quite European in style and very harmonious. On the palate, there’s a herb-influenced cassis and cherry fruit quality that finishes with a savoury freshness and bite.

Source: http://www.decanter.com/wine/labels/34486/slideshow/0/coonawarra-margaret-river-cabernet-panel-tasting-resuts#slideshow

MARGARET RIVER: Panel Tasting Results by Decanter.com

Leeuwin Estate, Art Series, Margaret River 2010
Decanter average score: 18.75/20pts (95+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 19 Pierre Mansour 19 Anthony Rose 18.5
Price: £39-£43 Domaine Direct, The Secret Cellar
Drink： 2015-2022
Alc： 14%

Since 2002, led by winemaker Paul Atwood, working with viticulturist David Winstanley, Leeuwin has embarked on a new programme to refine its Cabernet so that it would stand shoulder to shoulder with the Art Series Chardonnay at the top of the varietal tree. With 38 years of vine age, the best batches of fruit come from moderate-yielding, home-block estate vines grown on free-draining, gravelly soils and picked at optimum ripening followed by a gentle fermentation and blending to French oak.
Roger Jones Eucalyptus on nose and palate. Savoury leather and a touch of coffee – very fresh fruit and oak. Lovely bursts of vanilla which softens the wine. A fantastic Cabernet that needs another year to perform at its best.
Pierre Mansour Youthful, stylish blackberry fruit that opens up in the glass. Amazingly pure aroma, and a dense palate, which is full of generous, sweet fruit. This wine is attractive, pleasurable and long. Stunning!
Anthony Rose Broodingly youthful nose with a touch of mint. Vigorous, almost chunky red with subdued, elemental aromas. Powerful, sweet, ripe cherry fruit and evolving fine tannins. The brightness of fruit, spicy oak polish and the finesse of tannins suggest an even brighter future.


Woodlands, Alex, Wilyabrup, Margaret River 2011
Decanter average score: 18.75/20pts (95+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 18.5 Pierre Mansour 19 Anthony Rose 18.5
Drink： 2015-2021
Alc： 13.5%

Established in 1973 by David and Heather Watson, Woodlands’ 10-hectare vineyard on a south-facing slope in the heart of Wilyabrup receives sunlight all day. Sunlight is not direct, however, because of the east-west orientation of the vineyard, while clay-loam soils retain moisture to allow even ripening at a moderate alcohol level. Since 2002 the vineyard has been restructured with a conversion towards organics and the cellar has been renovated with a vibrating sorting table and other modern equipment. A combination of all these factors allows the Woodlands Cabernet Sauvignon to achieve flavour intensity at 13.5% – a relatively modest alcohol for Australia.
RJ Evolves on the palate. Lots of balanced fruit; this will age well. Lots happening in the glass and then you get that amazing fruit hit with great lingering flavours. You should decant this.
PM A fresh nose of black cherry and some stylish oak; very elegant. Has a fine, medium-bodied palate; there is real focus and poise. The finish has superb texture and effortless intensity.
AR Sweet vanilla and cedar nose; plenty of stylish oak. Complex: a powerful, rich, concentrated mouthful of sweet cassis and spice with a herby, almost meadow-like fragrance. This is infused with a savoury balsam-fruit richness, which is dense, long, concentrated and fine-grained in texture.

Thompson Estate, Wilyabrup, Margaret River 2010
Decanter average score: 18.25/20pts (94/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 18 Pierre Mansour 18 Anthony Rose 18.5
Drink： 2014-2025
Alc： 14%

Fine nose of lovely elegance and polish behind the fragrance and fruit quality. This shows depth and is quite layered. The palate is well textured and very rich and then some lovely spices and great balance.

Aravina Estate, Margaret River 2012
Decanter average score: 17.75/20pts (92/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17.5 Pierre Mansour 18 Anthony Rose 18
Drink: 2015-2022
Alc: 14.5%

Wonderful graphite-infused Cabernet nose, with cedar spice and some flashy oak. Perfumed and enticing with some complexity, fine texture, incredible fruit purity and balance. This is drinking now, but will also get better.

Vasse Felix, Wilyabrup, Margaret River 2010
Decanter average score: 17.75/20pts (92/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17 Pierre Mansour 18 Anthony Rose 18
Price: £23.99 Christopher Piper, Negociants, Selfridges, Waitrose
Drink: 2014-2030
Alc: 14.5%

Intense ginger, spice and dark fruits; a very distinctive character. This has a youthful blueberry attractiveness and is full bodied and layered. Incisively fresh, grippy and very appealing.

Victory Point, Margaret River 2009
Decanter average score: 17.75/20pts (92/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 18.5 Pierre Mansour 17.5 Anthony Rose 17.5
Drink: 2014-2038
Alc: 14%

Showing sweetly fragrant blackcurrant fruit on the palate that’s just on the turn from primary to a more evolved, complex character. The generous and rich finish has a hint of chocolate.


Flametree, SRS, Wilyabrup, Margaret River 2011
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 16.5 Pierre Mansour 18 Anthony Rose 18
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc: 14%

All leather and savoury on the nose – quite delicate. Super-succulent and concentrated cassis fruit richness supported by a cedar-spice element and bittersweet chocolate tones. Fine tannins; long & stylish.

Night Harvest, John George, Margaret River 2011
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 18.5 Pierre Mansour 16.5 Anthony Rose 17.5
Price: £25 (2010) The Wine Society
Drink: 2014-2030
Alc: 14.3%

Although on the nose it is somewhat closed, the richness hits the palate with great speed. Savoury, almost balsamic notes bring an appetising balance to this stylish red. The finish is clean and fresh with great depth of flavour.

Devil’s Lair, Margaret River 2011
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 18 Pierre Mansour 16 Anthony Rose 17.5
Drink: 2015-2020
Alc: 14.5%

Nice immediacy of cassis fruit on the nose supported by good richness of cassis fruit tinged with spice and chocolate on the palate. It has a certain restrained nature which is good as it will keep evolving.


Driftwood, Artifacts, Wilyabrup, Margaret River 2011
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17.5 Pierre Mansour 16.5 Anthony Rose 17.5
Drink: 2014-2028
Alc: 15.5%

Lovely aromatics showing plenty of ripe cassis fruit infused with touches of mint, rosemary and garrigue-like herbs. This has a big, powerful flavour and a lip-smacking, textured finish.

Saracen Estates, Reserve, Wilyabrup, Margaret River 2009
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17.5 Pierre Mansour 17 Anthony Rose 17.5
Drink: 2014-2018
Alc: 13.9%

Attractive notes of camphor, spice and berry fruit are followed on the palate by soft vanilla and then a gentle taste of fresh meat juices from a rare roast joint. An excellent, precise, balsamic finish.


Swings & Roundabouts, Backyard Stories, Margaret River 2012
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17 Pierre Mansour 17.5 Anthony Rose 17
Drink: 2014-2025
Alc: 14%

Focused and fresh with a hint of mint, and some smoky new oak too. Succulent black fruits with nice tannins that are well integrated on the palate. Full-bodied palate of blackberry and spice. Seamless and long.


Umamu Estate, Margaret River 2009
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 18 Pierre Mansour 17 Anthony Rose 17
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc: 13.5%

Although the nose seems quite closed, the palate is delicious and silky-smooth, and is gushing with bright young fruit. This is supported by firm tannins and an almost saline acidity that is searingly fresh.


Xanadu, Margaret River 2011
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 18 Pierre Mansour 17 Anthony Rose 17
Price: £18.99 Amazon UK, Carruthers & Kent, Enotria, Invinty Wines, The Fine Wine Co
Drink: 2014-2030
Alc: 14%

Restrained and fine with hits of mint and herb freshness. The palate is compact but nicely integrated and balanced with modest weight. A very gentle wine which will age with grace.


Rosily, Wilyabrup, Margaret River 2011
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17 Pierre Mansour 17 Anthony Rose 17
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc: 14%

This is very pleasantly fragrant with a nice, sweet loganberry character. Round, supple fruit on the sweet mid-palate and some grainy, ripe tannins. Overall this is quite savoury and spicy; evolving well.


Stormflower Vineyard, Wilyabrup, Margaret River 2011
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 18 Pierre Mansour 17 Anthony Rose 16
Drink: 2014-2028
Alc: 14.5%

A rich bouquet that is quite intense but in a nice way. Gentle, smoky complexity on the round, smooth, generous palate, offering succulent loganberry-like fruit. A lovely wine that would be exceptional with food.


Voyager Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Margaret River 2009
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17.5Pierre Mansour 16.5 Anthony Rose 17
Price: £30.40 Justerini & Brooks
Drink: 2014-2026
Alc: 14%

Young, fresh, fragrant, leafy Cabernet with lots of cassis fruit and cedary vanilla oak. The palate is juicy and harmonious with medium length. The finish has a zingy, bright freshness of cherry fruit and should age well.

Woody Nook, Gallagher’s Choice, Margaret River 2010
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Roger Jones 17 Pierre Mansour 17 Anthony Rose 17
Price: £20 Woody Nook
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc: 14%

Fine nose of youthful blackcurrant fruit tinged with a nice leafy freshness. Big ripe flavours on the palate with lots of oak showing. This is a big boy with some lovely spices and quite different to the norm.

Source: http://www.decanter.com/wine/labels/34486/slideshow/0/coonawarra-margaret-river-cabernet-panel-tasting-resuts#slideshow

Bolgheri 2010 & 2011: panel tasting results

Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia, Bolgheri Sassicaia 2010
Decanter average score: 18.5/20pts (95/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Ian D’Agata 18.5 Michael Garner 18.5 Emily O’Hare 18.5

Price: £114.40-£150 Armit Wines, Justerini & Brooks, Millésima, Secret Cellar, Swig, Oxford Wine Co, Private Cellar
Drink: 2015-2026
Alc 13.5% 

There is very little left to say about this extraordinary wine except to continue to extol its proverbial elegance and amazing consistency. Year in, year out Sassicaia captures the character of the vintage in all its positive aspects while avoiding the attendant pitfalls. It can be delicate without losing structure and ripe without losing freshness, all the while maintaining its own unmistakeable style. Winemaker and eminence grise of Sassicaia, Giacomo Tachis retired in 2010, his place taken by Graziana Grassini, with no perceptible change in style or quality. If there is anything new to add, it is the impression that in recent vintages, without losing any of its prodigious longevity, it has become a hint more approachable in its youth.
Ian D’Agata Extremely aromatic notes of red berries, sour red cherries, violet, white pepper and fresh herbs. Finishes very bright and fresh.
Michael Garner Scented berry fruit nose with good freshness. Ripe and full with fleshy fruit flavour and a hint of butterscotch. Good balance and length.
Emily O’Hare Memories of Côte-Rotie. This is supremely pretty, with lots of character and depth of flavour.


Ceralti, Alfeo, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 18.25/20pts (94/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 18.5 MG 18 EOH 18.5

Price: £35 Tuscanic
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc 14.5%

Fleshy and ripe with full berry fruit aromas. A very pure and lively wine. Lots of crunchy red berries, violets, sweet spices and a refined leafy nuance at the back. Balanced tannins and good length.


Collemassari, Grattamacco, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 18.25/20pts (94/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 18.5 MG 18.5 EOH 18

Price: £41 Decorum Vintners, Millésima, Uncorked
Drink: 2015-2020
Alc 14%

Very pretty Sangiovese florality and freshness to lift the rich aromas and flavours. Full, ripe and fleshy with forward, bramble fruit flavours. Great wine, with above-average clarity and cut.


Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia, Bolgheri Sassicaia 2011
Decanter average score: 18/20pts (93/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 18.25 MG 18 EOH 17.5 

Price: POA Armit Wines, Milésima, Secret Cellar, Swig
Drink: 2015-2020
Alc 13.5%

Pristine aromas and flavours of cassis, violet, cedar and minty aromatic herbs. Round and ripe with some freshness of acidity. Interesting breadth of flavour. Fleshy, ripe and very good.


Gaja, Ca’ Marcanda, Bolgheri 2010
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.25 MG 18 EOH 17 

Price: £69.99 Hedonism, Secret Cellar, Wholefoods
Drink: 2015-2026
Alc 14%

Aromas of coffee and chocolate and hints of garrigue. Ripe, round and juicy with plenty of fleshy, sweet fruit though balanced by decent acidity. Perfumed finish. Very good.


I Greppi, Greppicante, Bolgheri 2011
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.75 MG 17 EOH 17.5 

Price: £15.95 Swig
Drink: 2014-2018
Alc 13.5%

Purple flowers such as violet and lavender with savoury red berry and vanilla nuances. Balanced and long, with fair concentration of ripe fruit flavours. Haunting aromas of chocolate and plum.


Le Grascete, Bolgheri Superiore 2011
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.75 MG 16.5 EOH 18 

Price: N/A UK www.legrascete.com
Drink: 2014-2018
Alc 15%

Captivating aromas of small, dark berries, violet, red cherry jam and sweet spices. Quite complete on the palate, which is full of dried tobacco and fresh plum flavours. This is fleshy, spicy and needs time.



Le Macchiole, Bolgheri 2010
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.25 MG 17 EOH 18 

Price: £16.95-£18.95 Lea & Sandeman, Millésima, Vini Italiani
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc 14%

Fresh and vibrant aromas of red berries, aromatic herbs and orange peel. Bright and fresh on the palate with fair length. Very good overall.


Mulini di Segalari, Ai Confini del Bosco, Bolgheri 2010
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17 MG 17 EOH 18.5 

Price: N/A UK www.mulinidisegalari.it
Drink: 2014-2022
Alc 13%

Perfumed nose of fresh fruit and flowers; quite high-toned. This wine is different; fragrant and fresh, lively and clean. Good length and aroma. Very correct.


Cipriana, Scopaio, Bolgheri 2010
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 16.5 MG 18 EOH 17 

Price: N/A UK +39(0)565775568
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc 13%

Round and ripe with forward, blue and bramble fruit aromas. Fleshy with good depth of juicy berry flavours and a great spice character. Lovely balance and length.


Ornellaia, Bolgheri Superiore 2011
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.25 MG 17.5 EOH 17.25 

Price: POA Armit Wines, Secret Cellar, Oxford Wine Co
Drink: 2014-2017
Alc 14.5%

Big, ripe and burly: sweet bramble fruits with notes of molasses and chocolate. Full and very ripe with solid tannins; a real taste of Maremma.


Poggio al Tesoro, Sondraia, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.5 MG 17.5 EOH 16.5 

Price: £31.99 Carruthers & Kent, D Byrne & Co, HarperWells, Harrods, Hedonism, The Good Wine Shop, Toscanaccio, Vallebona, Waples Wines, Wined Up Here
Drink: 2015-2018
Alc 14.5%

Blackberry, liquorice and cedar nose. Sweet spice, cherry cola flavours and smooth tannins. A crowd pleaser.


Serni Fulvio Luigi, Acciderba, Bolgheri 2010
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 16.75 MG 17.5 EOH 17.5 

Price: £20 GIDA
Drink: 2015-2028
Alc 14%
 

Big, rich and dense but with lively acidity that lifts the ripe red fruit aromas and flavours. This has masses of fleshy berry fruit flavours with charcoal and gunpowder nuances. 

Banfi, Aska, Bolgheri 2011
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.25 MG 17.5 EOH 16.5 

Price: £50 Bibendum
Drink: 2015-2018
Alc 14.5%

Mint and menthol complement blueberry and cassis on the floral nose. Big, round and juicy with good aromas of blue and black berries with some spicy overtones. Lively on the long, juicy finish.


Campo alla Sughera, Arnione, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17 MG 16 EOH 18 

Price: £22.70-£25.95 (2007) Mondial Wine, Winedirect
Drink: 2015-2017
Alc 14%

Big, dense and suave. Ripe and chocolatey with pretty coffee and herbal notes with complicating hints of strawberry jam. This has a Côte-Rotie vibe: cool and pretty.


Cipriana, San Martino, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 16.25 MG 18 EOH 17 

Price: N/A UK +39(0)565775568
Drink: 2016-2022
Alc 13.5%

Scented and ripe with notes of coffee and butterscotch. Balanced palate with broad, ripe berry fruit flavours and decent oak integration.


Mulini di Segalari, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17 MG 16 EOH 18 

Price: £16 www.mulinidisegalari.it 
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc 13%

Almost pungently floral with bright red berry fruit and oriental spices. Ripe, full and fleshy with decent berry fruit aromas. This has freshness and vibrancy.

Source: http://www.decanter.com/wine/labels/34483/slideshow/0/bolgheri-2010-2011-panel-tasting-results#slideshow