Recently I was lucky enough to be treated to a lunch at Mt. Pleasant winery in the beautiful Hunter Valley.
The lunch was hosted by Phil Ryan who is chief winemaker and general manger of Mt. Pleasant.
The whites
1. Mt. Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon 2008 – Although considered an entry level wine, I was surprised with the quality here. Lots of lime and grassy notes on the nose followed by similar characteristics on a medium weight palate. There’s a touch of herbaceous leaf character about this one which is stylistically common in Hunter Valley semillon. I guess that’s the real difference between a semillon and a semillon/sauvignon blanc blends created elsewhere is Australia.
2. Mt. Pleasant Lovedale Semillon 2005 – Straight away I could tell there was a wine with a lot more oooomph in from of me. After a few years in bottle, semillon tends to loose it’s fresh grassy herbaceous notes, which evolves into wines that are quite funky, pongy, and altogether unique to wine world in general. There are still lots of citrus freshness about the wine, with a soft textural palate. It finishes dry too, making it idea with light seafood dishes, especially shellfish.
3. Barwang Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2007 – Really melon and peachy on the nose. Very bright and fresh for a 2 year old white, which was surprising to me. There’s a very prominent juicy mid palate with this one, textural, and with lots of character. It is an oaked chardonnay, so beware if you are in the ABC (anything but chardonnay) club.
The reds
4. Essenze Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008 – With this region receiving so many accolades and good press lately, I was looking forward to it immensely. It was easy to see it was a young wine by the colour; bright, clear and a gorgeous ruby red. Lots of bright red fruits like strawberries and redcurrants on the nose and mid palate. It had an underlining spicy character common with good quality pinot noirs, which usually develops more the older the wine gets. There was also a touch of ‘forest floor’ character on the finish, which all helps create well rounded wine. Another good example form a very up and coming wine region in New Zealand.
5. Mt. Pleasant Rosehill Shiraz 2006 – Sourced 100% from the Hunter Valley, I already knew the pedigree behind this wine, so I couldn’t wait to try it. An interesting nose, with lots of floral, vegetal and briar characters surprisingly. It was amazing to see the difference in a top quality Hunter Valley red compared to a South Australian over-ripe full bodied wine. Although this wine was rich full bodied style, and will live on for a decade or more, there was an elegance about it which is unique to the region. People call it leathery, or ‘barn yard’, but I though of it’s character more within the savory and black peppery style.
6. Brands Liara Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot 2008 -From the nose, you could tell this was a baby. Lots of primary fruits like blackberries and cassis. Quite a big wine on the palate, but great for those new to wine, or those wishing to put some wine away in their cellar for a few years. This wine will develop into a really complex wine over the next 5-7 years. It had a great acid balance and plenty of mouth filling dark fruits. 5 gold medal won already.
7. Maurice O’Shea Shiraz 2006 – Like the Rosehill, this wine is 100% grown in the Hunter Valley. It comes from predominantly 120 year old vines. I found it more subtle than the Rosehill, very inviting. There was a lovely mirage of light and dark fruit characters (raspberry, blackberry, mulberry). although some oak characters present, it increases complexity and provides the backbone for all great red wines. Although 14.5% the alcohol is really well disguised. Hard to fault this wine.
8. Mt. Pleasant Maira Late Harvest Semillon 2008 – As this is a cellar door only wine you might have trouble finding one. If you can find one, it’s definitely worth it. As opposed to Botrytis Riesling styles of sweet wine, this one is definitely on the lighter style less and far less cloying. Lots of lemon curd, citrus, and ripe melon characters.
9. Mt. Pleasant Show Reserve Brandy 5 Star. This was the last bottle at the winery, so I was hugely fortunate to get to experience it. A blend of 1963 and 1973 brandies, it had huge complexity with lots of nuts, herbs, and savoury oak characters. There’s an almond finish which sparked memories of Christmas cake, and how good it would be to try a glass with a slice of it!
DD