Blind wine tasting practice is underway; 8 months to go. These two wines presented typically for their varieties and price points. Sometimes classification by grape varieties can confuse when the grape varieties present so differently in different regions (witness pinot noir in Burgundy v its new world expressions). This case was the opposite. The grape varieties were reasonably clear and the region logical upon revelation, but hard to spot blind.
Kilikanoon Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Clare Valley
A medium intensity ruby in colour. Aromatics of earth, chocolate, spice, blackberry and a hint of leafiness giving away cabernet sauvignon. The tannins on the palate are thick and profound, the body full and the acidity quite fresh. Cedar and red fruit flavours complete the picture. I would cellar this for 3-5 years before approaching again. Rating: Good
Annie’s Lane Rosé 2016, Clare Valley
A plastic pink in colour and not quite full bodied enough and the acidity too high for grenache, I struggled to think of what grape variety could achieve this. The answer was of course a blend, and a blend of grenache and mourvedre at that. Aromatics of raspberry, strawberry and spice, with a slight confected note. The palate is fresh with medium acidity and some spritz on the finish. Rating: Acceptable to Good
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