Christmas Day.
25th December 2015
Hungover.
Just the two of us. An excellent and a rather lovely lunch.
I disclaimer in regards to Lakes Folly. I have been a member for a number of years and admire what is done in the vineyard and in the winery. While I consider my self objective there may be some confirmation bias at play.
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| Lakes Foll Cabernet vines |
Planted in 1963 by Dr Max Lake, Lakes Folly was one of the first ‘weekend’ wineries in New South Wales.
Planted to mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay the vineyard manages to defy the elements and produce consistently excellent Bordeaux style reds and elegant yet powerful Chardonnays.
Attention to detail in the vineyard, in the winery and a swathe of earth unique to the Hunter allows Rod Kempe to produce the areas only first class Cabernets.
The 2003 vintage in Pokolbin was hot and dry. The wines produced were of very high quality. A rarity in area prone to humidity and summer storms.
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| Rachelle is not a fan of sparkling. It seemed appropriate to open something ‘celebratory’ |
2003 Lakes Folly Cabernet
Decanted for an hour before drinking.
A vibrant purple to red in the glass. Youthful for 12 years.
The nose displays black fruits. Cedar, hints of leather and some earl grey tea. Quality bouquet.
Black berries and cherries on the palate. Excellent balance and weight. Maintains finesse despite the power. Softening tannins followed by a long lingering finish.
A charming wine of considerable class.
Still has 3-5 years of good drinking.
The wine was paired with a slow cooked shoulder of pork. Sourced from Jonai Farms at Daylesford which specialises in the old breed pig Large Black.
A brilliant combination.
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| Shoulder of ‘Large Black’ pork |
After lunch Rachelle declared a ban on drinking until the 18th.
I am not sure how I will manage, but I need the break.