fIrsT growTh Yarra - Rathdowne Cellars

yarra yering – first growth yarracontinued from frontWine writer & luminary James Halliday decided to retainhis own stocks of the 1988, and it’s worth noting that heselected the Coldstream Hills site (about 400m uphill &south of Yarra Yering) principally on his admiration of whatCarrodus was doing, and proceeded to plant many of thesame varieties.Think of the duck, when you look at the plain black &white labels with elegantly simple & uncomplicated namessuch as Dry Red No.1, No.2 & No.3, for there is plentygoing on underneath the label. The No.1 contains 4 ofthe 5 classic Bordeaux red varieties, No.2 boasts 3 of theclassic Northern Rhone varieties, and No.3 comprises 6 varieties perhaps more at homein the warmth of Portugal where they are made into Port, and perversely planted at themost southerly & highest point of the Estate. The same 6 Portuguese varieties are alsocombined to make a vintage port-inspired wine named “Potsorts”.Dr Carrodus passed away in 2008, leaving no direct heir, but clear instructions to seeka purchaser who would manage the vineyard and winery as he had for 40 years. It waseventually sold to a consortium of wine lovers who describe their vision for Yarra Yering as“a jewel – not to be tampered with, just polished occasionally.”For many, Yarra Yering was represented by the imposing concrete tower and by Carrodushimself. Prior to his death, Carrodus began the search to replace long-time winemakerand manager Mark Haisma who is relocating to Europe. Paul Bridgeman was handpickedby the doctor and was serving out his notice period at his old job when news arrived ofthe doctor’s passing. Bridgeman brings a reflective and considered intensity to his role,after serving an apprenticeship with Haisma, who has returned periodically in a consultingrole. Indeed Bridgeman and partner Caroline Mooney produce their own acclaimed wine– Bird on a Wire Syrah – which our customers may well know. It was one of last year’ssensations. Carrodus’ long-time former colleague Tim Hampton has also returned to YarraYering as manager, leading a team with decades of experience of the doctors’ viticultureand winemaking methods who continue on, paddling like the dickens, as it were.The new releases from Yarra Yering will be on tasting with winemaker PaulBridgeman on Sat 22 May, 2-5pm.If the idea of a Yarra Yering tasting gets you excited then hold on to your hat! OnSaturday 5th June we’ll have a trio of the Yarra’s oldest and most reveredproducers on tasting – Mount Mary, Yeringberg and Wantirna Estate – each with arepresentative from the winery on hand to talk you thru the wines. The tasting timeis still to be confirmed, so keep an eye on our website or eNews for the fine details.Jeffrey Rohdephil’spack6SamuelSmith’s NutBrown AleMy love of English beers is shameless, so itis no surprise that I am reviewing yet another.However, this is really excellent (as were theothers)! In 1847 Samuel Smith took over astruggling brewery that was established in1758. After a few family member shufflesover the years, the Brewery is now the onlyindependent of its type in Tadcaster. The beeris extremely pleasant showing hazelnut andwalnut characters with a resinous, grassy hopnote and even a hint of olives. The palate isquite balanced with mid-low carbonation, alovely fuller body, a slight tartness, a hint ofbitterness. Overall, a very clean, moreish beer,which is probably explains the 550ml bottle.Because of the body and bold tastes, I thinkthis could easily be paired with duck or gamedishes, and even pasta with creamy sauces.Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale 500ml –$8.90 each. Six pack 45.00.Phil SmithMoroccan spicy pumpkin soupHey ho it’s soup season. This is oneof my own inventions, so naturally itis easy to make.1 tab olive oil2 medium onions, chopped roughly1/2 cup brown or Puy lentils1 tsp ground cumin1 tsp ground coriander1/3 tsp powdered cinnamon2 stock cubes1kg jap pumpkin (approx, unpeeledweight), then peeled, deseeded andchopped into 2cm bits1 can chopped Italian tomatoes1 can chick peas, drained1/2 cup small, dried pastaSalt and freshly ground black pepper2/3 cup plain yoghurt mixed withchopped, fresh herbs if you have any(coriander, parsley, chives, mint)Heat the olive oil in a largish saucepanand gently cook the onions, lentils,cumin, coriander and cinnamon till theonion is soft. Add cubes and about alitre of water. Bring to boil and simmerfor 20 minutes. Add pumpkin andtomato and more water if necessary andraise heat till bubbling. Reduce heat andsimmer for 15 minutes. Add chick peasand pasta and stir to stop pasta fromsticking, then cook for about 10 minutesor until pasta is cooked. Add salt andpepper to taste.Serve with a tablespoon of the yoghurtand herb combo blobbed on top of eachbowl of soup. Serves 6+.Great withRomate ‘Don Jose’ Oloroso@ $39 or Meerea Park ‘Terracotta’Semillon 2004 @ $30.Christine Knightarecipecorks for crittersFor the past 5+ years we’ve been collectingcorks to donate to the Friends of the Zoofor recycling. It’s been very successful andhelped raise much needed funds towards theirElephant enclosure. We’re certainly proud tohave collected many thousands of corks in thattime, and to do that we need your help. Sodon’t throw them out, pop ‘em in a bag anddrop them in here next time you’re buying somewine. (They take all sorts of corks: real andsynthetic and screwcaps too).

Running with Bulls Tempranillo 08Australian wine producers are known forinnovation and experimentation, so when theycan get their hands on a new variety theyrun with it. This is a very juicy, fleshy spin onTemp, showing the cherries, raspberries andplum spectrum of fruits. The palate is richbut has some of those nice varietal tannins tokeep it all clean. Overall, this is a very tastydrink.Ageing – Maybe it will improve, but too hardto stay away from.Bird on a Wire Chardonnay 09This is the first release of the Chardfrom BOAW, but I bet anyone whotried their Syrah (which is still available)will be getting a bit excited at thenews. It is in the new wave ofChardonnay that offer more restraint,texture and minerality than the oldschool and they have set the bar (orshould that be wire?) high.This wine has a lot of complexity andsubtlety, with layers opening up withair. I could write a lot about this winebut I will simply say: just try it!Ageing – We suspect it will improvewith 5+ years.toppickLeabrook Estate Sauvignon Blanc 09Leabrook Estate is a family-owned boutiquewinery located in the cool climate AdelaideHills at Balhannah in South Australia.Leabrook specialises in high quality PinotNoir and Chardonnay and produces a rangeof other cool-climate variety wines includingCabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlotand Sauvignon Blanc.We are quite big fans of the Adelaide Hillsstyle Sauvy for its austerity and subtlety andLeabrook has nailed it this year. The wineshows tropical, passionfruit and lemon zestnotes with hints of straw and fresh cut grass.The palate is long and lean, with piercingacidity and lovely texture.Ageing – Drink while it is youthful and stillhas its beauty.Alvaro Palacios Camins de Priorat 07From Alvaro Palacios, one of the undisputedheavyweights of Priorat comes thissuperb wine. Alvaro’s L’Ermita is widelyconsidered—along with Peter Sisseck’sDominio de Pingus — to be the mostimportant Spanish wine in a generation. Thisbaby brother is a blend of Carignan with someGarnacha. Dense black, blue fruits with niceflorals and chalky minerality too. The palate isboth expressive and typically (for Priorat) tautwith a mineral drive that is fleshed out nicelywith the ripe fruit.Ageing – An excellent drink now or after ashort term in the cellar.Le Chat Noir Pinot Noir & Sauvignon BlancThese wines were inspired by and created forthe Parisian bistro scene. The Pinot is fromthe Aude Valley in the south of France nearthe Pyrenees. This is a basic table wine, butrepresents great value. It tastes of red berriesand roses. The palate is round and soft, butprovides excellent drinking.The Sauvignon Blanc is minerally, yet fine andelegant, complex and refreshing. A gracefuland charming wine. These are black cats thatyou’ll want to cross paths with regularly.Ageing – Drink now while facing the street.JJ Confuron Cotes de Nuits-Villages lesVignottes 07The JJ Confuron 07s have just landed andwe’re amazed. The 07 vintage favoured theBurgundian whites, but some of the redsincluding this one are also fantastic and greatvalue. Clive Coates said “The 2007s are themost serious wines JJ Confuron has craftedin the past ten years”. The best bit is thewhole range is fantastic. This is classic Cotesde Nuits – dark fruits, meat and earth with amineral streak. With aeration the palate developslovely plush fruits to support the firm tannins.Ageing – This is quite a complex drink nowbut would reward 3+ years.Salomon Syrah Viognier 07This wine is made by Austrian wine producerBert Salomon, from fruit in the FleurieuPeninsula of SA. Bert divides his winemakeingtime between Austria and Australia to greateffect. This is one of, no, perhaps the best,Shiraz Viognier we’ve tasted in the last 12months. Exceptional balance of mid weightdark red/blue fruits with (not surprisingly) veryEuropean styled savoury tannins. An all roundbeauty.Ageing – Enjoy over the next 3-6 years.Nigl Gartling Gruner Veltliner 09Gruner Veltliner is the flagship variety ofAustria and it also happens to be a nativeof the country too. It is similar to a Rieslingwithout so much acidity but shows more spiceand weight in the mouth. Similar to Riesling,Gruner is great at transmitting a sites terroirinto the final wine.This wine is a typical example of entry levelGruner: lemon blossom and citrus with whitepepper notes and a leesy, doughy character.The palate is clean and fresh, with a nicetextural quality and zesty acid to keep it clean.Ageing – No need at this level.Thomas DJV Shiraz 07Thomas Wines started production in 1997since then they have built up quite a reputationand received many awards from theirextremely good Semillon and Shiraz. This wineis a nod to the days of Maurice O’Shea and istrying to recapture the style and spirit of thewines he made. Mid-weight, dark fruited andspicy with a hint of the flinty mineral note thatis common for the region. The palate is elegantwith lovely balance from the fine grain tanninsand clean acidity.Ageing – It is good now but another 5-8years would see it flourish.Note Bleue Cotes de Provence Rose 08While there is a wave of great Rose comingfrom Australia now, the French are still themasters. This example is a very delicate softrose from Provence in Southern France. Cleanand easy drinking, with nice floral aromaticsand a clean dry finish. Transport yourself aworld away!Ageing – No, enjoy young and fresh.Ricasoli Chianti 07 & Chianti ClassicRiserva 06Since the 16th century, the Ricasoli familyhave enjoyed international renown for thewine they make at Castello di Brolio. BettinoRicasoli, the Iron Baron, is credited withcreating the first modern recipe for Chianti in1872 (requiring a Sangiovese-based blend),later modified to the DOC regulations as the‘Ricasoli formula’ in 1967. The family’s work inthe region continues to this day.Chianti 07 is lively, fresh and well-balanced,showing currants, wild violet and plum. It’s anelegant, mid-weight Chianti designed for you toenjoy straight away.Chianti Classico Riserva 06 is a bigger winewith riper fruit on the nose and a fuller, morepowerful palate. More intense and morecomplex, a decided step up.Ageing – Drink the Chianti 07 for the next 4or so years, by that time the Riserva 06 willbe just starting to hit its straps.Phil Smithnew wines and vintages

lustau anada 1990The bodega of Emilio Lustau has been awarded theprestigious trophy for “Spanish Wine Producer of the Year”at the recently conducted 40th annual International Wine &Spirit Competition held in London.One sherry at that competition was the limitedproduction Lustau Anada 1990, an exceptionalOloroso, and it is now available in Australiaexclusively to Rathdowne Cellars.The Anada 1990 was produced from Palominograpes and wine alcohol was added beforethe completion of fermentation to conserve thenatural sugar content of the grape. It was thenaged for 17 years in American oak barrels toobtain a semi-sweet character.With a colour resembling old gold, the wine haspenetrating woody aromas and it is smooth,sweet, complex and balanced with a very longaftertaste. It should be served lightly chilled to accompany foie gras, dried fruits, blue cheeses,light desserts or pastries. It can also be served as a post meal digestive.This quality gem, has a limited production of just 8000 bottles, and has been recognised withmany international awards, including a trophy collected at the 2009 Decanter Awards.Our Annual Sherry Fiesta will be held on Saturday 29th May, 2-5pmin the shop and Lustau Anada 1990 will be available for tasting. Anddon’t forget, all year round you can buy any three bottles of sherryat the one time to receive a 10% discount on all three.wine educationWe have some vinous treats to warm the winter months forattendees of Rathdowne Cellars’ wine courses.Our long-standing 4-week Basic courses will be running in August & September on aTuesday night, and in June & November on a Wednesday. We also have our highly popularone-night Introduction to Wine Tasting courses, which at $60 per person is a great way tolearn (or brush up on) the basics of tasting – acid, tannin, cork taint & others, plus a look ata range of wines to sharpen your tasting abilities & flavour recognition skills.For those who enjoyed our sold-out masterclasses last year on ‘Burgundy for Beginners’& ‘Champagne for Beginners’ we bring the great news that we will be hosting a 2-nightRhone Valley-inspired (aka Shiraz & friends) masterclass early in winter, followed by a2-night Pinot Noir masterclass just after mid-year, and a 1-night introduction to whiteburgundy a little later in the year, time permitting.Interested? We’ll publish the dates electronically, as they are confirmed. We encourageyou to visit the Education area of our new website, or make it easy for yourself to keep upwith goings-on and have us send our eNews to your inbox – it contains the first news ofany courses we have going on, ensuring you can book a seat before they sell out. In 2009,every seat for our masterclasses sold out, so while we have installed a larger table thisyear, we still encourage you to book your seats early!Introduction to Wine Tasting Basic Wine CourseWednesday May 26June 2, 9, 16, 23 (Wednesdays)Tuesday July 20August 3, 10, 17, 24 (Tuesdays)Tuesday August 31September 7, 14, 21, 28 (Tuesdays)Wednesday September 29November 3, 10, 17, 24 (Wednesdays)Tuesday November 9Book online at rathdownecellars.com.au20% offall Riedellast weekof aprilIt’s on again. Our hugely popular annual Riedelsale, and now it’s twice a year. For the lastweek of April (24-30th) and the entire monthof October (or Riedeltober as we like to call it),we are offering a 20% discount on all salesof Riedel. Without a doubt these are the bestglasses for enjoying wine, and everyone shouldbe using at least one type at home. So whetherit’s because you’re expanding your range,grabbing some gifts or just restocking – thinkRathdowne Cellars Riedel Sale.Riedel EventsApril 28th – Riedel redwine glass and decantermasterclass.Not only will this be a Riedel masterclasshighlighting the benefits of appropriateglassware, but we’ll also take it a step furtherand use Riedel decanters to highlight the benefitsof Decanting. Riedel Vinum Cabernet, Shiraz& Pinot glasses will be showcased along withRiedel Pinot, Cabernet and Syrah decanters.Price is $100, and you keep the three glasses!October 12th – Join wine importerSally McGill as we host a very special RiedelChampagne masterclass. Taste the entire rangeof Champagne from Louis Roederer (yes includingCristal), sampled in a selection of the RiedelChampagne glasses. Not to be missed. Price tbc.quotable“Whatever its price may be,wine surely is worth more thanthe money that it costs to buywhen it brings joy to your home– the joy of sunshine.”Andre Simon (1877-1970)

winter mixed dozenThis issue, we are reviving our Winter Mixed Dozen which was extremelypopular the last time we sold one. These are wines which we have beenstocking for some time and they have proved their superior quality in comparativetastings with similarly priced wines.Our pack includes 2 bottles each of 4 red and 2 white wines. Packs are just $188.00(normally $198.00 if you purchased them as a mixed case) PLUS we give you a free bonusbottle of our exclusive O’Grady Pinot Noir 08 valued at $16.95, and packs can be deliveredfree to all Australian capital cities. Here’s the line up...Le Chat Noir Pinot Noir 08From the Aude Valley in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the south of France, this wine and its’partner Sauvignon Blanc were inspired and created for the Parisian bistro scene. What bettermatch with roast duck could you have?Kalleske Clarry’s 08Named after Clarence “Clarry” Kalleske, one of the giants of the Barossa Valley, it is a blendof Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro produced from vines dating back to 1940. Medium-bodied with agreat savoury taste and finish. Great BBQ wine.Bests Chardonnay 08For those who have not succumbed to the Sauv Blanc craze, this is whole bunch pressedfollowed by maturation in stainless steel and French oak. It is a single vineyard chardonnayproduced from grapes grown on St Andrews’ limestone soils. One of the best valueChardonnays on the market!Cosmo Heathcote Basket Pressed Shiraz 08This is exclusive to Rathdowne Cellars with fruit sourced from a remarkable Heathcote siteand the wine made by Dominic Morris at Pondalowie Vineyards. More savoury than pastvintages, but compares favourably with wines $10- more expensive.Le Chat Noir Sauvignon Blanc 08An elegant, complex and refreshing wine from the south of France by wine-maker VincentCharleux. This is not “over the top” in style, but has a touch of minerality and is a greatcomplement to seafood and white meat dishes.Meerea Park Shiraz 08It’s not often we find a Hunter Valley Shiraz which makes such an impression on our tastingpanel. This Gold Medal winner is full-flavoured with supple tannins and a moderate oakinfluence. A real bargain!Bonus Bottle: O’Grady Pinot Noir 08Another Rathdowne Cellars exclusive, our contract wine-maker scoured the MorningtonPeninsula to find several small vineyards to provide the fruit for this vibrant, fresh wine withan aromatic lift and the lingering finish typical of this variety. Fantastic value!house winesAlways good value, our House Winesare more than ‘cleanskins’ selectedpurely on price. We taste and screeneach wine to make sure it’s goodenough to wear our label. It must bevarietal, great value, and above all,good enough for us to drink. Andjust in case, we offer a money backguarantee if you’re not satisfied.See the order form for prices.Langhorne Creek Cabernet Shiraz 2007Most popular house wine of the past 3 to 4 years.Riverina Semillon Chardonnay 2007A blend of Chardonnay with stylish Semillon.Urbane BruteOur runaway success house sparkler! Made in theRiverina from Semillon, it has a delightfully dry finish.TOP PICKClare Valley Sparking Shiraz NVThe search for a decent house Sparkling red is over.This wine has lovely ripe red fruits and a spicy finish.Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2009Wow. The best release of this wine so far. Very freshand tropical with plenty of character on the palate.Barossa Shiraz 2007Intense and powerful with plush tannins.Old Press Shiraz 2007Ripe fruit, full-bodied, very, very drinkable at this price.South East Australian Cab. Shiraz 2008Medium bodied, great fruit characters. Very drinkable.King Valley Riesling 2008Full flavoured, clean, fruity. Perfect everyday drinking.Big Fella Chardonnay 2005Plenty of fruit and flavour. Excellent everyday wine.Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2006Soft yet elegant, herbaceous yet clean. A bargain.Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2004A rich, silky and savoury Pinot, for immediate quaffing.Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001Good, affordable, aged wine is rare. This is a lovelyearthy, leathery drink that still has youthful exuberance.King Valley Merlot Sangiovese 2008A delicious light, elegant red with lovely lifted fruit andfine savoury finish.

newsorder formRED WINE No. Special $Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2007 43.00Bird on a Wire Syrah 2008 41.00JJ Confuron Cotes de Nuits Villages 2007 58.00Le Chat Noir Pinot Noir 2008 17.95Ricasoli Chiani 2007 24.00Ricasoli Chianti Riserva 2006 37.00Running with Bulls Tempranillo 2008 17.95Salomon Fleurieu Syrah Viognier 2007 25.00Thomas DJV Shiraz 2007 30.00Yarra Yering Agincourt Cab Merlot 2007 86.00Yarra Yering Dry Red #1 2007 86.00Yarra Yering Dry Red #2 2007 86.00Yarra Yering Gruyere Shiraz 2007 50.00Yarra Yering Underhill Shiraz 2001 100.00Yarra Yering Underhill Shiraz 2007 86.00Yarra Yering Pinot Noir 2003 100.00White wine and roseBird on a Wire Chardonnay 2009 41.00Le Chat Noir Sauvignon Blanc 2008 14.95Leabrook Estate Suavignon Blanc 2009 23.00Meerea Park ‘Terracotta’ Semillon 2004 30.00Nigl Gartling Gruner Veltliner 2009 24.00Note Bleue Cotes du Provence Rose 2008 21.00Yarra Yering Blanc de Noir 1996 86.00Yarra Yering Chardonnay 2007 86.00Yarra Yering Dry White #1 1999 86.00House Wine No. Special $Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2009 9.95Barossa Shiraz 2007 10.95Big Fella Chardonnay 2005 12.50Clare Valley Sparkling Shiraz NV 12.50King Valley Merlot Sangiovese 2008 11.95King Valley Riesling 2008 8.95Langhorne Creek Cabernet Shiraz 2007 9.95Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2006 11.95Old Press Shiraz 2007 11.95Riverina Semillon Chardonnay 2007 8.00South East Australian Cab. Shiraz 2008 8.95Urbane Brute 7.00Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2004 13.95Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 13.95SHERRYLustau Oloroso Abocado Anada 1990 75.00Romate Don Jose Oloroso 39.00MIXED DOZENSRed Burgundy Starter Pack 340.00Winter Mixed Dozen 188.00beersSamuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale 500ml – each 8.90Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale 500ml – 6-pack 45.00• Minimum order for the special prices is 12 bottles – straight or mixed (all bottles 750ml unless otherwise marked)• These featured wines are a selection from our range, offered to the Rathdowne Cellars Wine Club• Please return by mail to: Rathdowne Cellars, 348 Rathdowne Street, North Carlton 3054• These special prices include GST and remain current while stocks last.Interstate & overseas clients should contact us for freight and insurance rates Freight $Total Payment $Payment detailsNamePhoneAddressPostcodeq Please deliver to address above (free in Melbourne Metro. area) q I will collect from shop when convenientq Cheque or Credit Card: q American Express q Visa q MastercardCredit Card NumberExpiry DateSignature