Lindeman's
Reserve Bin 7600 Burgundy Hunter River Shiraz
Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
There was a time in Australian wine history where wines were named after their better-known counterparts. That said, one would expect this "Burgundy" to be Pinot Noir, but no - it's Shiraz.
I guess someone at Lindeman's thought they were stylistically similar wines. The Bin 7600 is a light shiraz sitting on ample oak. On the nose, dried sweet red fruits, cream, leather, menthol. Tannins fully resolved, medium body, insane acidity for a shiraz - I'm certain this is what kept it so fresh. The palate showed more prunes and spice (Chinese five spice), with some evident wood character. The write-up on the label suggest peppery notes, which I didn't really get. Interestingly persistent finish, driven by acidity, though not the most complex.
What an oddball this was, but one worth hunting down (especially the famed 65' "Twin Bins", which I have yet to try). For me, while I didn't exactly enjoy the combination of a light shiraz on oak richness, this was fruitful study.
NB: Drank with BM at Hunter-Gatherer Vintners. A random purchase from Langton's usually isn't a good idea, but this turned out well. The cork was really moist and crumbly, but out came a wine that was as pristine as possible for a 30 yo. A win for me!
There was a time in Australian wine history where wines were named after their better-known counterparts. That said, one would expect this "Burgundy" to be Pinot Noir, but no - it's Shiraz.
I guess someone at Lindeman's thought they were stylistically similar wines. The Bin 7600 is a light shiraz sitting on ample oak. On the nose, dried sweet red fruits, cream, leather, menthol. Tannins fully resolved, medium body, insane acidity for a shiraz - I'm certain this is what kept it so fresh. The palate showed more prunes and spice (Chinese five spice), with some evident wood character. The write-up on the label suggest peppery notes, which I didn't really get. Interestingly persistent finish, driven by acidity, though not the most complex.
What an oddball this was, but one worth hunting down (especially the famed 65' "Twin Bins", which I have yet to try). For me, while I didn't exactly enjoy the combination of a light shiraz on oak richness, this was fruitful study.
NB: Drank with BM at Hunter-Gatherer Vintners. A random purchase from Langton's usually isn't a good idea, but this turned out well. The cork was really moist and crumbly, but out came a wine that was as pristine as possible for a 30 yo. A win for me!