The Taste : The Season - Swanbourne Cellars

Vine Onthe
Summer 2010
Ends 28th February 2011
The Taste :
inside:
Cape Mentelle
Cooling whites
Festivity of bubbles
All panel selected
The Season
O n t h e V i n e
Premium Wine Buying Guide

Welcome
Our final newsletter of the year reveals some great wines. We believe the 2010 WA vintage has delivered some of our
best whites ever and the semillon /sauvignon blanc blends mentioned here are exceptional and will drink beautifully
over summer. It was a seriously good vintage in SA as well and their rieslings and sauvignon blancs are also top
quality. A diversified range of reds awaits you, from the light funky pinots to some solid cabernet and shiraz wines
(chill them slightly over summer) and don’t forget our special sparkling feature, you’ll have loads of enjoyment trying
this marvelous range of bubbles. Have a safe and very happy Christmas and holiday season. We’ll be back with
many brand-new panel-selected wines in 2011.
Cheers! Rod Properjohn
T h e P a n e l
Rod Properjohn
Rod began in the wine industry 35 years ago as a Wine Advisory Officer
for the Wine Industry Association of WA and gravitated from there into
lecturing at the Association’s Wine Education Centre, in which he is still
involved. He also ran wine classes for Technical and Further Education.
He was a wine columnist for the Western Mail and Daily News papers
and later on with the magazines West Coast, Scoop, WineState, Spice,
Menu and Cravings. He is also a Regional Wine Show judge and the
writer of our newsletter.
Peter Bradbeer
Peter has been in the wine industry for over 30 years, always tasting and
assessing wines for sale and for his own drinking. He has been Wine
Show judging and consulting to a major Australian wine company. Being
on other professional wine panels gives him a broad view of what is out
there, but it is always changing. Peter’s view is you never stop learning.
Paul McArdle
Paul is currently the CEO for Fonty’s Pool winery in Pemberton. He has
been the wine consultant for ‘Must’ wine bar/restaurant in Perth (since
2004). Paul is regularly involved in both trade and consumer wine
education and passed the UK based ‘Masters of Wine’ (MW) tasting
exam in 2003.
Paul (Ed) Edwards
Ed joined the wine trade in 1998 and has managed fine wine stores in
London, Sydney and Perth. He led Hyde Park Cellars to win the NSW
Liquor Store of the year Award in 2001 before moving to the historic
cellars ‘Averys of Bristol’, to study for the WSET (Wine & Spirits Education
Trust) diploma which he passed in 2005. In 2008 Ed was the WA
representative in the national final of the prestigious, Negociants ‘Working
with Wine’ Fellowship.
Steve Perry
Steve has been expertly advising and educating Perth’s western suburbs
in wine since 1985. He was a director of legendary Cottesloe Wine Store
- John Coppins until 1997 and now leads the team at fine wine store-
Swanbourne Liquor Barons. He has travelled extensively around the
wine-growing regions of Australia and NZ and has been the Chairman of
the Panel for over 10 Years.
Michael Dickson
For Michael wine started as an interest, then became a vocation and after
20 years in the wine industry as both a retailer and wholesaler, remains a
passion. What keeps that passion alive is the increasing range of new and
interesting wines from grape varieties and regions around the world that
are becoming available to us.
Peter J. Semmens
Pete has been a part of this industry for over thirty years on both sides
of the counter. Noel his father, introduced him to the finer things in life,
including food and wine. He readily admits to having a “punters palate”
and loves to de-mystify wine by stating, “A good wine... is a wine you
like”.
Basil Giglia
Basil has been involved in the liquor industry since 1983. Besides a good
drop of wine, he can not pass up a cold beer, a good malt whisky or
a silky fortified. Basil enjoys selecting wines to compliment the diverse
range of foods on offer today. What more is there? Good food, good wine
and stimulating company and enjoying life.
Alex Michelly
Alex hails from a winemaking background and brings much technical
winemaking knowledge to the panel. Since 2002, Alex has worked 9
vintages in 5 countries, completing vintages with Amberley and Cape
Mentelle before heading across the Tasman to make wine for St Clair
in Marlborough. Alex has also worked vintage in Portugal, California and
Canada. When not making wine, Alex has worked in fine wine stores in
Boston and Perth.
Thomas Rick
Thomas is our late starter to wine appreciation and as the youngest
member of the panel his accreditation may not read as long as others. But
with a sensitive palate and a good nose for what is truly outstanding wine
value, he is always looking for the next fine wine bargain for the customer.

In 1965 agriculturist Dr John Gladstone
had a ‘gut feeling’ about Margaret River
as a wine region with strong similarities to
Bordeaux. He saw undulating well draining
ironstone gravel earth carrying healthy
Marri trees, which were an indication of
prime vineyard soil. Cape Mentelle has over
200 hectares of its own vines across four
regional vineyards. Contract grown fruit
is also sourced, with great care taken to
build a relationship with growers to reflect
regional character.
$ 99 18 each by mixed 6pk
Cape Mentelle 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
One of the original purveyors of this now classic blend from Margaret River,
Mentelle is continuing with the quality angle over the ‘keep the price down’
philosophy. There is a distinct straw green colour, it has lively citrus, freshlymown
grass, textural integrity and a bundle of acidity to clean up. Really good
stuff, so hop in and enjoy.
$ 32 99
each by mixed 6pk
Cape Mentelle 2008 Margaret River Shiraz
Although playing second fiddle in the Margaret River orchestra to cabernet
sauvignon, shiraz is being rewarded with more applause each year. This wine
has a distinct tone and resonance, a spicy up-lifting ring to it - firm yet refined,
distinctive yet harmonious. A medium weighted, very approachable shiraz
from this celebrated moderate maritime climate.
m e n t e l l e
$ 99 26 each by mixed 6pk
Cape Mentelle 2008 Cabernet Merlot ‘Trinders’
We said the ‘07 Trinders was great and this new release makes a tidy quinella.
It has Margaret River eucalyptus, wild berry fruits, savouriness, elegance and
chalky (not aggressive) tannins. It’s cool in the mouth, drinks beautifully now
and will keep on drinking this way for some years.
$ 99 37 each by mixed 6pk
Cape Mentelle 2008 Chardonnay
A winery that has been making quality chardonnay since 1985 and although
it’s probably the cornerstone of the production, the wine often gets lost
amongst the bevy of attractive Mentelle reds. This won’t get lost however, it’s
a beauty. We love the complex creamy mealy characters in this along with the
stone fruit and citrus flavours which extend to a firm finish. Classy Margaret
River chardonnay!

Whites
$ 99 13 each by mixed 6pk
Peos Estate 2010 Chardonnay
This Manjimup wine is unwooded, as you’ve probably guessed by its vintage;
it hasn’t had the time to rest in oak. Clear light straw in colour the wine shows
unhindered varietal nectarine and peach on the nose and again on the palate
where a neat acidity cleans up on the finish. This is not a big wine but it has
ample flavour and balance and will drink well for a couple of years.
$ 14 99
each by mixed 6pk
Stop Banks 2009 Marlborough Pinot Gris (NZ)
There is a sameness about pinot gris in New Zealand that we don’t see in
Australian wines. Firstly the wines are all called pinot gris and never pinot grigio.
That’s sensible and they are bottled early, fruit-driven with sugar retention. It’s
a lottery when you buy Aussie gris or grigio. This Kiwi gris, notwithstanding,
is a fresh attractive style with the expected dollop of sugar marrying to the
poached pear nuances of the variety.
A happy soul, that all the way,to heaven hath a summer’s day.
Richard Crashaw
$ 99 13 each by mixed 6pk
Aramis 2010 Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc
An almost perfect vintage for sauvignon blanc in the cool Adelaide Hills helped
to produce this bright and glistening wine. There are tropical fruits and some
grassy austerity on the palate along with a lemony acid finish. Great luncheon
wine with goat’s cheese and a green salad or serve as an early evening aperitif.
$ 99 13 each by mixed 6pk
Rockfield 2010 Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
This is a delight, a fresh lemony well-balanced wine amongst a plethora of
SSB’s and SBS’s on the local market. Passionfruit (along with the lemon)
is attractive as is a grassy lift and gooseberry influence of sauvignon blanc.
Partial barrel fermentation adds smokiness and a little texture, but we see this
as essentially a fruit-driven wine to be enjoyed soon. Realistically priced and
a must-buy.
$ 99 16 each by mixed 6pk
Wirra Wirra 2010 The Lost Watch Hand Picked Riesling
This Adelaide Hills riesling shows a floral lift and a mandatory citrus infusion
with a purity of fruit on the palate that lingers to a long drying refreshing finish.
Lovely young balanced riesling that many will enjoy as a youngster, but there
will be others who will appreciate this in a five or six years time. It’s up to you.

How sweet I roamed from field to field, and tasted all the summer’s pride.
William Blake
$ 99 17 each by mixed 6pk
O’Leary Walker 2010 Watervale Riesling
A consistent producer of fine riesling, this new release exemplifies the Clare
Valley, fruit quality and focused winemaking. There is a bundle of lime juice in
this fresh long and lean wine that stretches to a steely minerality on the finish.
Compare this to the Polish Hill riesling from the same maker. Perfect with a
plate of just-seared scallops.
$ 99 18 each by mixed 6pk
Clairault 2010 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
We love the lychee and loquat fruit (found in nostalgic WA gardens) in this
Margaret River wine. The flavour is distinctive and a little unique for the blend
but it fronts up as a gorgeous young white wine with freshness and wonderful
drinkability. Don’t waste a moment, get in and enjoy this over the warmer
months ahead. You’ll love it as much as we do.
$ 18 99
each by mixed 6pk
Wirra Wirra 2010 Hiding Champion Sauvignon Blanc
The source of this fruit is the Adelaide Hills and it produces sauvignon blanc
that is more reserved on the nose than the gushy wines of Marlborough NZ.
Notwithstanding the aromatics, the region delivers good palate weight and
distinctive acidity and the Hiding Champion is suited to the light foods of
summer with its gentle tropical fruit sweetness and hints of gooseberry.
$ 99 19 each by mixed 6pk
Hay Shed Hill 2009 Chardonnay
Bright straw in colour, this youngster is a contemporary style without cheesy
malolactic characters and overdone oak maturation. From mature vines the
wine has flavour in the form of honeydew melon, ripe peach and subtle oak
kicks in with a little texture and grip. Will improve in the bottle and we suggest
you begin to drink this in another six months and continue to do so for three
years.
$ 99 19 each by mixed 6pk
Bress 2010 La Gallina White
A Rhone-style white wine from central Victoria that packs a solid punch. You’ll
notice an attractive green straw colour and an aromatic pungency of orange
rind, grapefruit blossom and stone fruit and the palate is of generous weight
with citrus flavours and spice extending to a grippy finish. Serve with roasted
chicken, an appropriate dish for both label and wine.

R e d s
$ 99 14 each by mixed 6pk
Smith & Hooper 2008 Wrattonbully Merlot
You won’t find a more consistent, better value Australian merlot than this. It is a
medium bodied gem of silky tannins, anise spice, tempered oak, good length
and finish. Simply a well-structured savoury, easy-drinking red that ticks all the
boxes for merlot, a varietal wine which is often disappointing.
$ 17 99
each by mixed 6pk
Jim Barry 2008 The Lodge Hill Shiraz
From a specific rocky vineyard high in the eastern slopes of the Clare Valley,
this is a sizeable red wine with loads of colour, buckets of plum and mulberry,
sweet oak, spice and mint and mocha/liquorice to boot. It’s a plump style of
shiraz, readily drinkable and will please those with a liking for full flavoured
Australian reds. Marvelous value!
A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing,
the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.
James Dent
$ 99 13 each by mixed 6pk
Aramis 2008 Shiraz Cabernet
A McLaren Vale red from a ‘shorts and singlet’ sweltering vintage, so expect
more than ripe fruit and generous flavour. This has got the lot, a porty nose,
full-on concentrated mulberry and prune conserve, a belting of sweet oak and
warming finish. You’ll have a few friends who love big bold reds – try this out
on them. Drink soon as it’s not for cellaring.
$ 99 17 each by mixed 6pk
Red Hill Estate 2008 Pinot Noir
The Mornington Peninsula, south/east of Melbourne makes good pinots and
here’s one of them. A funky wild cherry nose is not a bad introduction; add
some charry oak, a sweaty spicy character, plump raspberries, a fine long
finish and you have a half-decent wine. And the price is a bonus - can’t grizzle
about that.
$ 99 18 each by mixed 6pk
Trevelen Farm 2008 ‘the tunney’ Cabernet Sauvignon
The grapes for this obviously ripened well in the cool Great Southern region,
as the label says this wine weighs in at 15% alcohol and that doesn’t happen
every year in this part of the world. There is varietal blackcurrant fruit, some
anise, a decent whack of sweet French oak and a lingering finish to good
acidity. Already a dual gold medal winner in State shows. Smart wine.

Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been
the two most beautiful words in the English language’s pride.”
Henry James
$ 99 19 each by mixed 6pk
E. Guigal 2006 Côtes du Rhône (Fr)
This is the entry level red to the great Rhone range of Guigal wines. You’ll
notice a savoury aromatic lift to this middleweight blend of mainly grenache
and syrah (shiraz) and then hints of earth, pepper and tobacco balanced by
dusty tannins on the palate. Has some meaty Gallic flesh as well. Enjoy it
soon.
$ 99 19 each by mixed 6pk
Tar & Roses 2008 Tempranillo
An emerging and exciting Spanish red variety in Australia. Where it will perform
best is anyone’s guess and we should see more regional indication of its
suitability as the vines age. This is from middle Victoria and the Alps and it
shows gentle but obvious tannins, generous fruit, earthiness and is soft in
acidity as it invariably is. Keep it Spanish and serve with a robust paella.
$ 19 99
each by mixed 6pk
Petit Clos by Clos Henri 2008 Marlborough Pinot Noir (NZ)
We are often confronted by big up-front ripe-fruited characters and warm
alcohol in NZ pinots but this wine is more a savoury old-world style with sour
cherries and tart acidity. The French connection is obvious both in name and
style. You’ll enjoy it, but you must serve it with food. We suggest barbecued
quail or pan-fried duck breast with a sweet berry sauce.
$ 99 27 each by mixed 6pk
Heathcote 2008 Mail Coach Shiraz
This shiraz has become a favourite of ours over the years with its pepper/spice
character and good weight, although this does have a squirt of tangy orangey
viognier which adds fruity aromatics to the nose. It’s loose-limbed and pliable
on the palate, a very quaffable red with decent tannins yet a silky texture.
$ 99 32 each by mixed 6pk
Majella 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
A very warm vintage even in the cool Coonawarra corner of SA guaranteed
ripe fruit and there is a bundle of that in this young red. Add a solid dose of
sweet new oak and you have a big robust wine, coal-black in colour with plum
jam and blackcurrant, dark chocolate, liquorice and firm tannins. This is not
a typical Coonawarra cabernet, but a good wine nonetheless. 15% alcohol.

When selecting a sparkler for this newsletter, the panel
looks for length of flavour and palate-balance, very
much as it does for all wines. There should be plenty of
fizz when first poured, a generous lacy froth will appear
on the surface and fine bead will persist. The wine
will have some complexity of lees maturation (bread,
yeast characters) if bottle fermented and generally be
fresh, invigorating and have a dry cleansing acid finish.
Overtly fruity or sweet wines do not rate highly, unless
of course the label, when identified, indicates the wine
is of this style. Price is always a consideration. Some
wines are lighter and more suited as a pre-dinner drink
and the fuller bodied styles can be served with an
array of dishes. The inimitable sound of popping corks
is very popular with members of the panel and our
annual sparkling taste-off invariably unearths cracking
wines. Have a look at these. Wines are non-vintage
unless indicated differently. Cheers! Rod Properjohn
The best that fizz
for this Festive Season

One swallow alone does not make the summer.
Miguel de Cervantes
$ 99 12 each by mixed 6pk
Windy Peak Pinot Noir Chardonnay Rose
The cerise coloured neck foil is a dead giveaway to the style. Yes, this wine
is a deep salmon pink colour, with the strength of a decent proportion of
pinot noir and then the fruity lightness of chardonnay to give balance. An
inexpensive pink bubbly with a smidge of sugar to round out the palate. Add to
the summer fruit punch if you wish, or liven up a fresh fruit salad with a splash.
$ 99 14 each by mixed 6pk
Villa Jolanda Prosecco Extra Dry (It)
Prosecco is a light Italian sparkling white wine that has boomed in international
popularity in the last decade. Try this one. With less bubble and complexity
than champagne, it’s best consumed when young and fresh and when the
delicacy of white-flesh stone fruit and acidity is at its best. The style is also a
popular mixer in cocktails, think bellini – prosecco and peach puree. Salute!
$ 99 14 each by mixed 6pk
Penley Pinot Sparkling
Although simply labelled up-front with these two words, the back label is more
comprehensive and tells us this is a 2009 vintage sparkling pinot noir from
Penley Estate in Coonawarra. The red wire muzzle is an indicator of the wine’s
colour and the palate has a bucketful of juicy strawberries and soft textures.
Perfect, served slightly chilled, with roast turkey or duck.
$ 99 19 each by mixed 6pk
Deutz Brut Méthode Traditionnelle (NZ)
A historic partnership with the House of Deutz in Champagne, France almost
guarantees champagne-like characters and quality in this Marlborough wine.
Pinot noir and chardonnay provide both structure and elegance and lees
maturation harnesses a biscuity influence which extends to a crisp finish.
Quality wine at a very reasonable price.

$ 99 24 each by mixed 6pk
Seppelt 2006 Original Sparkling Shiraz
There’s plenty of nostalgia locked away in this bottle, it’s the most recognised
and widely-loved sparkling red in Australia. The red base wine is aged in large
old oak barrels before undergoing bottle fermentation and about 16 months
lees maturation. The result is a slightly sweet bubbly red with an earthiness
that delights now and will build a leathery spicy complexity as it ages. For a
traditional Christmas lunch.
$ 99 27 each by mixed 6pk
Cloudy Bay Pelorus Brut (NZ)
A non-vintage sparkler from Marlborough with all the classical features of
champagne. You’ll see lots of fine bubble, a lacy froth, nutty/singed toast
complexity, subtle fruit and a dry palate extending to a crunching finish. Great
food wine and excellent value from this well-known and very popular winery.
Contrary to legend and popular belief, Dom Perignon did not invent
sparkling wine. The oldest recorded sparkling wine is Blanquette de
Limoux, which was apparently invented by Benedictine Monks in the
Abbey of Saint Hilaire near Carcassonne in 1531.
$ 24 99
each by mixed 6pk
Seppelt 2006 Salinger Pinot Noir Chardonnay
Seppelt has been making sparkling wine, both white and red, in Oz for over
a century so you’d think they’d know a little about it. They have released this
latest gem, which must be one of their best white bubbles ever. Light straw in
colour, it’s fresh and creamy with wonderful length and cleansing attributes. A
stunning aperitif, don’t miss this.
$ 99 44 each by mixed 6pk
Janisson & Fils Brut Tradition Champagne (Fr)
All dressed up formally in a silver label and foil on a dark green bottle, this
relatively new label (in Oz, at least) certainly looks the part and the wine within
the package is very smart as well. It has all the features we look for and shows
a very good balance of flavours, complexity and acid finish. Drinks beautifully
right now, so there’s no excuse.

In the 19th century Champagne was noticeably sweeter than the
Champagne of today. The trend towards drier Champagne began
when Perrier-Jouët decided not to sweeten his 1846 vintage prior
to exporting it to London.
$ 57 99
each by mixed 6pk
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne (Fr)
Founded in 1811, this House produces consistent high quality fizz. An
intoxicating nose of an early-morning bakery mixed with spring wildflowers
is an attractive introduction to this wine. Take a sip and then your palate will
engage with subtle citrus and stone fruit and lots of silky texture reaching to
a cleansing dry acid completion. Open this at any time of the day or night, it’ll
be worth it.
$ 99 64 each by mixed 6pk
G.H. Mumm Brut-Rosé Champagne (Fr)
Pink champagne is a rarer beast than the ubiquitous white bubbles and
generally more expensive. When it’s as good as this Mumm, it is exciting,
especially when colour co-ordinated with an hors-d’oeuvre like smoked
salmon or red salmon caviar. A blush coloured wine, the palate is a wealth
of fresh brioche, strawberries and cream and has lovely tingling acidity on the
long finish.
$ 99 69 each by mixed 6pk
Louis Roederer Brut Premiere Champagne (Fr)
Roederer never disappoints and is invariably in our top bracket of champagne
each year. It has buckets of flavour yet has a delicacy of taste that is tantalizing
and then the refreshing fizz on the tongue lingers to a delightful finish. Another
brilliant wine from this House and one to be savoured with a close friend -
preferably one who loves champagne.
$ 99 84 each by mixed 6pk
Pol Roger 2000 Vintage Champagne (Fr)
Vintage champagne is from one specific vintage and is not a blend of different
years as in the non-vintage champagnes. The fruit must be exemplary and
the lift in quality is reflected in the price. This Pol is a cracker, a wine that
knocked up receiving top points from our panel members. It’s lightly perfumed,
sophisticated, elegant, superbly balanced and gently caresses the palate. In
one word – bliss!

Yo u r O n T h e V i n e S t o r e s
Liquor Barons Swanbourne
103 Claremont Crescent P: 08 9384 2111
Liquor Barons Attadale
88 Moreing Road P: 08 9317 1122
Liquor Barons Busselton
Cnr Duchess & Queen Street P: 9754 8606
Liquor Barons Broadway
Shop 27 Broadway Fair P: 9386 6093
Liquor Barons Carlisle
88 Bishopgate Street P: 9361 1335
Liquor Barons Claremont
12 Ashton Avenue P: 08 9384 6458
Liquor Barons Dalkeith
133 Waratah Ave P: 9386 8749
Liquor Barons Herdsman
Shop 5 - 1 Flynn Street P: 9387 4222
Liquor Barons South Perth
23 Mends Street P: 9367 1001
Liquor Barons Wembley Downs
Shop 1 -11 Bouremouth Cres P: 9245 2484
Specials end 28/2/11. While stocks last. Pics for illustration purposes only. Prices inclusive of GST. OTV Magazine published by Liquor Barons Co-Op Ltd.
Suite 16 350 Cambridge St Wembley WA 6014 . Tel 08 9287 2222