It was an evening of unexpected amusement and good feelings as we tottered off to drinkies to celebrate the Russian's engagement. Two distinct generations of people, of which we fitted in with the older. Of course, with age comes mellowness and a coming together, an engagement following its path, I suppose.
A number of wines had come together pretty well. A young 2009 Framingham Marlborough Pinot Gris, full, with depth and quite ready now. A 2008 Starborough Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, now a little asparagussy, but rich and smoothly textured in a good way. A bit of a treat was a mature 2001 Te Mata 'Elston' Chardonnay with its complex mealy and tropical-grapefruit flavours and broad, substantial palate which kept its class.
The reds also showed well. A rare 2002 Gillman Merlot/Franc/Malbec from Matakana. The first vintage ever and one barrel made. Tight, Bordeaux-styled and resting on its acidity. This will keep and develop in an elegant way for another 5-8 years, getting more savoury-cedary. And looking extremely good was a 1998 Sileni 'EV' Merlot/Cabernet, dense chocolate and dark plums, dense and fully extracted in the past, but perfectly together with the fruit richness. Some bottles have been plagued by brett, this one perfect.
It can be wonderful when things come together...
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Hi, came across this post googling our wine - I appreciated your comments about our 2002. Can assure you that the wines from 2003 onwards are even better. If you ever get as far north as Matakana feel free to look us up.
ReplyDeleteWas also interested in your comments on the Latour 1983 as my wife and I had a bottle last week for our anniversary. I suspect your bottle was better than ours, although the bottle we had was fault-free. A very enjoyable old claret, just lacking the concentration and finish I would expect from Latour.
Toby Gillman
toby@gillmanvineyard.co.nz