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INDEPENDENT RATINGS AND COMMENTS BY MS. CATHERINE RABB, SOMMELIER AND OENOLOGY INSTRUCTOR AT JOHNSON & WALES CULINARY COLLEGE, CHARLOTTE NC
WILLS DOMAIN
- 2001 WILLS DOMAIN CABERNET SAUVIGNON = 97/98
A tremendous wine, well made and sure to do well in any show in which it is entered. Classic blackberry and soft peppery nose, with undertones of chocolate and cherries. Soft yet firm tannins on the pallet, very well integrated with plenty of fruit that will help to make this very complex wine last for years. Finishes long with multi-layered flavors of nice fruit, cinnamon and nutmeg. This is a lovely example of a premium Margaret River Cab that will be an excellent partner at any meal.
- 2002 WILLS DOMAIN SEMILLON = 96
A brilliant wine that is great enough to collect; a real keeper. Lovely nose, with buttery, creamy overtones of citrus (lemon and lime). Complex in the mouth, not overly fruity, with gooseberry, toasty apple and peach undertones. A great food wine that can be served anytime.
- 2002 WILLS DOMAIN CABERNET SAUVIGNON = 94
A charming fruit-driven wine, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry and licorice. Nicely integrated tannins with good fruit expression on the pallet. This is an excellent Cab that is slightly different from the 2001 vintage, and will cellar and drink well for many years.
- 2003 WILLS DOMAIN SEMILLON = 92
A brilliant wine with lovely acidity, well balanced, with ripe richness and vibrant orange and lemon on the palate. Aromas of pear, apricot, and butter, with a light dry finish. A great companion to food, especially pan-seared scallops and shellfish.
- 2004 WILLS DOMAIN SHIRAZ = 95
European in style with a complexity of classic Shiraz aromas of big fruit and smoked meat. On the pallet it exhibits big flavors with big tannins and a long finish. An interesting and very tasty Shiraz that will cellar well, and a fine accompaniment to an evening meal.
- 2005 WILLS DOMAIN CHARDONNAY = 96
Another brilliant Chardonnay, a beautiful representative of the Margaret River style, and a great follow up to their 2004 vintage. Wonderful aromas, well balanced, with a long finish. Acidity, tannins and alcohol are well integrated. A beautiful food wine that is not over-oaked.
- 2005 WILLS DOMAIN SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC = 90
A very tasty blend of citrus and tree fruits on the nose and palate – apricot, apple, nectarine, gooseberry, and lemon lime. Great for food pairings, with well integrated acidity. Serve with seafood and creamy dishes. A wonderful expression of the Margaret River style.
- 2006 WILLS DOMAIN SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC = 94
Wonderful aromas of peach, apple and pear citrus fruits. Nice and creamy on the pallet with nice minerality. A wonderful wine to pair with seafood and creamy dishes. Another step up for this blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc from Wills Domain.
VASSE RIVER
- 2003 VASSE RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON MERLOT = 95
A wonderful blend that is complex on the nose with great aromas of black currants, cassis and black pepper, and with subtle undertones of coffee and chocolate. Very well integrated on the pallet with fruit and soft tannins. A very pleasant drinking wine that is outstanding and will be enjoyed with any meal.
- 2003 VASSE RIVER SHIRAZ = 92
A European-style Shiraz with a nice combination of fruit, licorice and floral on the nose. Multiple layers of flavor on the pallet with licorice, fruit and spices, accompanied by firm tannins and a persistent finish. This is a very well done Shiraz that will nicely accompany your evening meal.
- 2005 VASSE RIVER CHARDONNAY = 89
Very nice, a classic example of the Margaret River style. Nice aromas of peach, apricot and honeydew. Not over-oaked. Crisp and fresh on the palate with hints of fresh apple and vanilla. A very well-rounded wine that is easy and delightful to drink.
- 2005 VASSE RIVER SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC = 89
Highly enjoyable to drink, with good body and well integrated alcohol. A vibrant palate with well integrated acidity and a nice citrus finish. Aromas of gooseberries, citrus and fig, with undertones of licorice. A brilliant example of this classic Margaret River blend.
BEACH HEAD
- 2002 BEACH HEAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON MERLOT = 90/91
The Cabernet dominates this wonderful blend of Margaret River reds, with nice aromas of black currant, pepper, vanilla, nutmeg and oak on the nose. Great expressions of cherry and blackberry fruit on the pallet. The tannins are moderate, producing a long-lasting wine that will accompany your evening meal with class.
- 2002 BEACH HEAD SHIRAZ = 94
Wonderful intense aromas of red fruit and licorice, but not too spicy. Tremendous expression of strawberries and plum fruits on the pallet. Moderate acidity with low, soft tannins gives this Shiraz a nice finish. A very easy to drink wine that will enhance meats using fruit-based sauces, pork tenderloins, etc. This is a unique Shiraz that will be enjoyed by all.
- 2005 BEACH HEAD CHARDONNAY = 90
A great un-oaked Chardonnay from Margaret River, with big melon, ripe apple and pear aromas and pallet. This wine is well made and carries its alcohol nicely. A good clean citrus finish completes a positive tasting experience with this Chardonnay. Serve with full-bodied chicken and other sauce-based dishes.
- 2005 BEACH HEAD SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC = 88/89
Nice and easy to drink with a toasty nose of apple, lemon and pear. Well integrated alcohol with a delicate palate of apple and lime. Serve with seafood or by itself, a delightful wine.
- 2006 BEACH HEAD SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC = 89
Another nice and easy drinking SSB with a wonderful aroma of grapefruit, herbs and lemon lime on the palate. This is a great wine to serve with seafood or to enjoy by itself on a hot day or night. Nice and crisp with good acidity.
- 2005 BEACH HEAD SUNSET ROSÉ = 87 to 91
A beautiful alternative to White Zinfandels, where it gets a 91 rating, and versus traditional Rosé’s where it gets an 87 rating. Aromas of strawberry and raspberry, with a palate of lime and strawberry fruit with delicate effervescence. Lightly acidic with sugar well under control. Serve with brunch, and ice cold for best flavor.
TUART STREET
- TUART STREET 2004 CHENIN BLANC = 88
A very interesting Chenin Blanc, less sweet than the traditional offering of this varietal. Aromas of peach and apricot, with peachy yogurt and tart apple butter on the palate. Well balanced with creamy and fruity expressions on both the nose and palate. Vibrant acidity with nice fruit in the mouth. Quite drinkable, a fun wine to enjoy anytime.
WOODY NOOK
- 2004 SAUVIGNON BLANC = 90
Very nice nose with lime, melon and tangerine, and a herbaceous palate of melon, lime and apricot fruits. Nice minerality with this wine. Perfect for pairing with seafood dishes or to enjoy by itself.
- 2001 SHIRAZ = 86
A great aroma of cloves and licorice, followed by a soft pallet of fruit nuances. A very nice Shiraz, pairing well with lamb and other meat dishes.
- 2001 “GALLAGHER’S CHOICE” CABERNET SAUVIGNON = 92
A lovely wine with cassis, black pepper and mushrooms on the nose. Hints of vegetable with a well-balanced pallet. A perfect wine to pair with steak and other meat dishes.
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