Winery - Balnaves of Coonawarra
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
On the nose, has cherry, eucalyptus and chocolate aromas. Fruit on the palate is plummy, though stewy, and is accented by a little herb. Finishes with oak and nut. Enjoyable, if a little disjointed.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Balnaves is a reliable source for well-balanced red wines that never seem to go over the top. This shows cinnamon and clove notes and a certain dried-fruit character on the nose, followed by flavors of coffee, prune and spice. It’s full-bodied, yet firm, with crisp acids and firm tannins that promise a long life. Drink 2010–2020.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This upscale Australian Chard shows excellent clarity and perfume on the nose, mixing tropical fruit with hints of toast and vanilla. On the palate, there’s a patina of dry woodiness, but that’s backed by plenty of bright fruit flavors and a plump mouthfeel. Mouthwatering on the finish. If the wood integrates over the next few months, this has potential to score 90 points.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, The Blend combines cassis and blackberry fruit, adds vanilla and cinnamon touches from barrel aging and just a slight herbal note. It’s crisp and youthfully tannic, with hints of coffee and a dustiness to the finish. Should be better in another couple of years.
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Balnaves of Coonawarra Bordeaux-style Red Blend - 2004
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
It’s labeled Cabernet-Merlot, but the reality is that the Merlot content is less than 10%. Still, it must bring something positive to the blend, as this is more richly textured and lush than Balnaves’ straight Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark aromas and flavors sing gracefully, offering hints of chocolate, anise, cassis, coffee and spice. Finishes long, with velvety tannins; drink now–2015, possibly longer.
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Balnaves of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot - 2002
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc is a bit earthy and brambly, with just a hint of sweaty leather adding character. Plum and cherry fruit offers some sweetness to the palate but there’s also a hint of tomato. Mild oak and moderate persistence to the finish seal it.
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Balnaves of Coonawarra Bordeaux-style Red Blend - 1998
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Feels rather full in the mouth, but the flavors aren’t as big as its body. Dry, citrusy notes (lemon peel, lemonade) play on the palate and the finish. Nose offers lots of toast and butterscotch.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Rich coffee and _mocha aromas mixed with some grassiness start it off, followed by smoked meat, plum and cassis on the palate. While there isn’t much complexity here, it’s a good, forward wine with mostly healthy, chunky fruit. “Verve” could be its middle name, and it’s fairly easy to drink.
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Balnaves of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot - 1998
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Black to the eye and loaded with aromas of black cherry, cassis and toasted oak. There are ample berry, cherry and coffee flavors, but they don’t exactly shine beyond the basics. The full and aggressive acidity comes on late. This has some size and strength but you can’t call it a thoroughbred.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Nose of sawdust, light brown sugar, apple peel, leather and grilled meat; palate of dry red fruit with an emphasis on meat and brown sugar. An attention-getting body and lasting finish make the mark. —K.F.
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