Marius 2006 Symposium

You can't buy this, so it's more of a progress report than a review. Possibly it's a taunt even.

I've had this a few times now, I've got a small, and thus inadequate, personal stock and it's been on tasting at the Marius harvest at least once. Unfortunately I never tasted it when it was newly released, and the only reason that is unfortunate is that I cannot compare it to the current excellent 2010 release.

What I can say is that, right now, tonight, I think this may be the most enjoyable wine I have ever had. Many years to go.

That's a personal opinion of course, and I have certainly had wines with more wow factor, but there is something immensely satisfying to me in this one. Complexity, intensity, depth, breadth, length, balance, all of the boxes are not only ticked but the words are also circled and underlined.

I had a bottle of the 2010 recently, because I can't leave it alone - and it's likely still available because I am ahead of the curve, so I feel safe-ish that I can restock. Who knows if the 2010 will end up as good as the 06 at the same age, but I reckon it's an even safer bet than Black Caviar.

Crabtree 2010s, well mostly

2010 Shiraz "Hilltops vineyard"
I wish they'd label this a bit clearer because of course it also says 'Watervale' on the label. Very nice wine from a great vintage showing regional Clare characters and skilled winemaking. Plenty of fruit oomph and will go 5+ years I reckon. ***** VFM and HRec+ ~$17

2010 Shiraz "Watervale"
This one does at least have a small red circle telling you it's hand picked that allows easy identification between the 2 Shirazii, then again the Hilltops is hand picked too! There is more structure to this wine and the fruit is darker in nature, designed to age a bit longer I'd guess and probably for 10 years or so. Right now the Hilltops drinks better but I can see a lot to come here. ***** VFM and HRec++ ~$20

2010 "Hilltops" Cabernet Sauvignon
First release! The Windmill 2010 is long gone, this is the new baby brother, and what a very interesting wine this is. I put it out blind to the gang last night and got back guesses of Cab Franc, Sangiovese, and even Shiraz plus descriptors of lychees and mulberry. It's a fairly muscular wine if not quite full bodied and quite slurpable. Not sure it's in for the long haul but I reckon I'll stick one away for 3-5 years. ***** VFM and Recommended ~$16

Crabtree 2011 Tempranillo - the full monty tasting

This wine intrigued me, not the least because it was 2011 and I was ready to write it off. This is pretty big for a Tempr, and big for a 2011 wine. Apparently it was harvested before the big wet. The nose is very powerful, and savoury. I've no doubt there is a fair wack of new oak in this but I don't find it sticking out in taste or bouquet, but the tannin is a different story, not unpleasant but does give you the feeling it needs to integrate over the next 2-3 years, then again I like oak. There's a little dried herb bitterness right at the end, but the pleasant kind and adds to the savoury character.

After 2 glasses I am convinced, this is a very good 2011 wine, and one of the better Temps I've had for a while (though I don't have many). Went perfectly with roast pork. I wouldn't buy a case but will pick up a few more if I see them again. Recommended+ and **** ~$17

The prices quoted were specials at Melbourne St Cellars who often do a buck or 2 off for the wines on tasting, and another buck per bottle in (mixed) dozens.