Thanks to everyone who came to the 2011 release tasting.

A balmy Melbourne night, made Thursday 17th November at Chaucer Cellars the perfect spot to taste the new Semprevino Releases. Russell, Dave and Simon were all on hand to chat and of course pour copious quantities of fine McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills wines.

It was great to see many of our friends and regaulars attending, but also to welcome many new to the Semprevino experience. As usual the food was great with many delicacies being served - we don't think anyone went hungry!

Of course the true stars of the night were the wines. Russell has done another excellent job and produced three great reds, all of which are excellent examples of their variety. We only have limitied quantities of each wine so make sure you order early or you might miss out. All details including pricing, tasting notes and Russell's comments can be found in the wines section of our website along with the order form.

Thanks again all who attended :)

JHWC 2011

2011 Release wines now available!

Hi everyone. That time of year has come around quickly again. No, it's not Christmas, but our 2011 Wine Release!

In early October we bottled three wines; 2010 GSM, 2010 Cabernet Merlot and 2009 Nebbiolo, which have us very excited and are now ready for release. We believe our 2010 reds have lived up to all the hype and expectations of "a great vintage", delivering exceptional varietal expression and great value for money. Our 2009 Nebbiolo is also a cracker, delivering an excellent example of what this grape variety has to offer, reminiscent of wines produced in its homeland of Italy.

Our new wines, plus some older vintages will be available for tasting at a release tasting event; Chaucer Cellars, Malvern, VIC on November 17, and again at the Willunga Golf Club, Willunga, SA on December 2. The following notes offer a taste of what you will experience at these events and we thoroughly recommend you come along to see for yourself.

  • 2010 McLaren Vale GSM -This wine is a classic McLaren Vale blend of 73% Grenache, 18% Shiraz and 9% Mourvedre. The fruit for this wine has been sourced from old vines to ensure intensity of flavours and a sense of place. It's appearance is dark and rich with red/purple hues. The nose is typically complex and fragrant. Aromas of raspberries, plums, black pepper and spice are enveloped with floral overtones. The palate is full bodied with soft tannins. Flavours of stewed fruits and dark chocolate make way for a warm finish. We have no doubt this is a wine to rival our 2009 GSM (94 points, James Halliday).
  • 2010 McLaren Vale Cabernet Merlot - A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, this wines appearance is brilliant with dark brick red hues. The nose is beautifully fragrant and complex with herbaceous, cinnamon, dusty and rhubarb characters. The palate is elegant and medium bodied. Fresh berry flavours and velvety tannins meld together to give a long satisfying finish. This wine will develop gracefully over the next 20 years. Many say 2010 was the best vintage for McLaren Vale Cabernet in 20 years, you be the judge!
  • 2009 Adelaide Hills Nebbiolo - A great example of Nebbiolo. This wines appearance is brilliant, pale, with ochre hues and hints of gold. Its nose is typically subtle, yet pleasantly fragrant and complex. Aromas of violets, white chocolate and fruitcake (nutmeg and cloves) come to mind. The palate is fresh and fruity with firm tannins providing a long warm finish. Those who are patient will be rewarded with long term cellaring.

Unfortunately the 2011 vintage was not a kind one, particularly for Adelaide Hills whites and hence we have nothing new to show you from our white wine cellar. Fortunately all is not lost though, as we still have plenty of 2010 Riesling available. This wine is drinking exceptionally well as evidenced by James Halliday's rave review in the latest edition of his Wine Companion, 93 points, thanks very much!

All details about our wines including pricing, tasting notes and winemakers comments can be found in the wines section of our website along with the order form.

JHWC 2011

James Halliday rates our GSM a "94" and "thoroughly impressive"

Some great news arrived at Semprevino central last week with the publication of James Halliday's latest ratings at his wine companion website.

Our Adelaide Hills Riesling received a wonderful review and a very strong 93 points, while the McLaren Vale GSM (Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvedre) not only scored better at 94 points but received extra distinction as a "wine offering special value for money"!

Naturally enough we were thrilled to receive such a glowing endorsement of Russell's commitment to produce high quality, regionally specific wines. So may we suggest joining us in raising a glass to our esteemed winemaker and this well deserved piece of recognition.

James Hallidays notes in full:

  • GSM McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2009 - "Strong purple; a rich and satisfying 76/19/5 blend with the depth and texture unique to McLaren Vale; more dark fruits than expected from such a high percentage of grenache, but those flavours make the wine what it is. Thoroughly impressive." - 94 points.
  • Adelaide Hills Riesling 2010 - "Pale straw-green; a gentle floral and spotlessly clean bouquet is matched by the delicate, perfectly balanced palate, the finish lengthened by crisp acidity; citrus images are on display throughout." - 93 points.

Having spent some time in bottle these wines are now drinking even better than when they were tasted. Whilst we have good stocks of the riesling we only have very limited cases of the GSM remaining, so act quickly to stock up if you would like to ensure you have either of these in your cellar.