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Old Vine Wine tasting - January 27, 2015

Posted on February 4, 2015

So, what’s the deal with old vines?  We see the phrase on some of the wines we buy, but why are old vines a good thing?  And are they always a good thing?

This night was all about exploring the reasons why older vines can positively affect the quality of the wines we drink.  It was a great night of delicious wine, and fantastic company - thank you for those who attended.  Below is a list of the wines that were tasted – the group voted on their favourites, with the Burgos Porta Priorat “Mas Sinen Coster” being the runaway favourite.  The Kay Brothers Shiraz “Block 6” was the runner-up, with the Jelly Jar Old Vine Zinfandel finishing in the bronze medal position.



 

  1. 2012 Clos des Rocs Macon-Loche “Les Mures” (Burgundy, France) - $37. From 60-year-old vines and is raised in oak barrels and stainless steel in equal measure. It has a lifted, flinty, smoky bouquet with light touches of apple blossom and Cornice pear. The palate is fresh on the entry with orange zest and lemon rind.  Lovely!

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  2. 2012 Carlisle “The Derivative” (Sonoma, USA) - $45.   From vines planted in the late 19th century, only 300 cases of this cuvee were made. A Semillon/Muscadelle blend, the The Derivative is super-refined and elegant from the very first taste. Melon, pears, white flowers and mint are all woven together in this classy, textured white.

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  3. 2012 Jelly Jar Zinfandel Old Vine (Lake County, USA) - $33.  From the organically farmed Nova Vineyard.  For over 40 years, these dry-farmed, head-trained Zinfandel vines have produced wines of exceptional concentration, and character.  Our best selling Zinfandel!

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  4. 2010 Domaine Sainte Croix Corbieres “Le Fournas” (Corbieres, France) - $23. From vines averaging 100 years old, the 2010 Corbieres Le Fournas offers pretty Carignan-styled fruit (the wine is 45% Carignan, 28% Grenache and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre) with notions of black cherry, plum pit, crushed flower and hints of leather in its medium-bodied, pure and elegant personality.

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  5. 2009 Bodegas Burgos Porta Priorat “Mas Sinen Coster” (Priorat, Spain) - $62. The 2009 Mas Sinen Coster is a blend of 45% Carinena, 45% Garnacha and 10% “other grapes” from 80- to 100-year-old vines and raised mostly in French oak for 12 months. It has a rich, opulent but well-defined bouquet with dark cherries, raspberry and violets that blossom from the glass. The palate is full-bodied with juicy, saturated tannins and a fleshy mouthfeel. Succulent raspberry, cassis and strawberry vie for attention towards the voluminous, sensual finish. This is a straight down the fairway, delicious Priorat! Drink 2015-2025+.

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  6. 2010 Kay Brothers Shiraz “Block 6” (McLaren Vale, Australia) - $79. From vines planted 118 years ago.  Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 Block 6 Shiraz is still a bit closed and youthful displaying aromas of blackberries, cassis, wild blueberries and licorice accented by lovely floral and aniseed notes. Very taut, rich and concentrated with firm, grainy tannins and crisp acid, it is quite muscular and backwards at the moment – it is a beast that needs time. Drink it now to 2026+.


 

 

 

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