Wednesday, Jun 10 2009 · Posted in Great Southern, Mount Barker, cabernet et al · Comment 

By Gary Walsh

As Mattinson writes so eloquently in the introduction to The Big Red Wine Book 2009/10

A great wine is a great miracle. It is the endplay of a remarkable endeavour, and it should be cherished.

And never was a quote so apposite as it is to this wine, dedicated to the memory of Ian Tyrer of Galafrey, who passed away in 2003. I’m not sure that this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc is still commercially available, as it came along with a box of samples from this delightfully and quirkily named winery. Never mind, I’m enjoying it immensely, and I’m glad it made the trip across the Nullarbor safely to find an appreciative home on this cold Sydney winters night. Update’: winery says yes - still available.

Mint, licorice, sweet rolling tobacco, vanilla, truffle and ripe blackcurranty fruit - a comforting gentleman’s club scent that’s so very appealing to this taster, and for which it earns an extra point. It’s medium bodied and sweetly fruited with firm dry tannins that grip and hold, yet don’t dominate, although appropriate food is of great benefit. Fresh and expressive with an abundance of character, no shortage of length and no annoying excess of alcohol. Lovely wine - one where the total effect and charm overrides a more clinical and technical appraisal.

Rated : 92 Points

Thursday, Jul 2 2009 · Posted in Mount Barker,

By Gary Walsh

As a child, I used to hide behind the sofa when Doctor Who came on the television, and these days, would probably do the same again given the spate of ordinary Doctors more recently. Peter Davison was passably good, although I found it very hard to get past seeing him as the idiot brother, Tristan Farnon, in All Creatures Great And Small. The vines at Galafrey are nearly thirty years old now, planted around the same time that Tom Baker was doing such a magnificent job of playing The Doctor. Tom was to Dr Who as Sean Connery was to James Bond. Old Tombliboos also, more recently, did the voice over work for Little Britain.

Rich blackcurrant/blackberry fruit with the scent of gum leaf, a dollop of chocolate and an intriguing sort of soy sauce/vegemite character - oak nicely done too. It’s full bodied with intense blackcurrant fruit, firm tannins and lively acidity - muscular sort of cabernet - must have been working out amongst amongst the gum trees. Good finish with an attractive chocolaty aftertaste. Really like this and it’s excellent value too. 

Rated : 92 Points
Tasted : Jul09
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : $24
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2009 - 2015