24th December 2015
Christmas Eve. The story continues.
Apparently the Yarra Yering did not quench our thirst.
Years ago when I was working in the trade, cellar door staff at Rosemount Estate would invite me to purchase wine at wholesale pricing.
At the time, Penfolds, like Rosemount was owned by the large Southcrop operation.
I recall purchasing the 2001 Bin 28’s for around $12.00 a bottle. Had I the foresight I would have invested in more.
On reflection, the greatest missed opportunity were the Lindemans wines on offer. At the time were case lots of the 1999 Pyrus, Limestone Ridge and St George for $9.00 a bottle.
Wine companies like Penfolds need little introduction.
The Kalimna is a multi district blend of South Australian grapes. Given the commercial capacity of the Penfolds operation one can only assume some of these sites are truly noteworthy. Given where Kalimna sits on Penfolds shiraz portfolio I have no idea what makes up the wine.
The Kalimna was first released in 1959. The wine was traditionally aged in old American oak hogsheads.
It is hard to comment on the 2001 vintage and its effect on the Kalimna. Most area’s declared it above average, but without knowing where the fruit came from specifically it is hard to tell.
2001 Penfolds Bin 28 Kalmina Shiraz
Decanted for about ten minutes.
Subtle fruit cake on the nose. Plums and toffee. Savoury biscuits and leather.
Plums and dark fruit on the palate. Chocolates and overt masculine tannins. It is certainly in balance. certainly well made. While not unrefined it is far from subtle.
A good example of Australian shiraz, probably at its peak.
Unlike the Yarra Yering, it lacks finesse. There is no emotion.
I am probably being to harsh. If I am honest with myself I tend to judge wines like this harshly. There is no story here other than a long history. The wine speaks of no vineyard. No terrior is expressed with this wine. It does not take the consumer on a journey.
I sound like a wine wanker. I will stop now.
One thing is certain. I will have a hangover in the morning.
