Greenock Creek Wines

History

While working on an adjacent property in Seppeltsfield, Michael Waugh found an old uninhibited cottage next to Greenock Creek, and decided to purchase it in 1975 with the intention of developing a vineyard and making wines.

In 1985 the first wine was made, and Michael began working on the cellar door in 1988. The next year Michael started taking out the patchwork of vines in front of the cottage and planted the Seppeltsfield Cabernet Sauvignon, with first vintage in 1991.

In 1990 the Seven Acre Shiraz was planted, with the first vintage in 1993. In 1994 they began to clear the old apricot orchard on Roennfeldt Road property and planted the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The first Apricot Block Shiraz was released in 1997.

A new winery was built in 1998 and began operations in 1999. The first vintage of Alices Shiraz was produced in 2000. A second barrel shed was built in 2002. Michael was named Vigneron of the Year in 2006.

Range of Wines:

·         Roennfeldt Road Cabernet Sauvignon

·         Roennfeldt Road Shiraz

·         Seven Acre Shiraz

·         Apricot Block Shiraz

·         Alices Shiraz

·         Cabernet Sauvignon

·         Cornerstone Grenache

I have recently tasted the 1999 Roennfeldt Road Cabernet Sauvignon and below is my tasting note:

Appearance

Bright and clear, it has deep ruby color, with fading rims and legs.

Nose

Clean, with medium (+) intensity of black fruit of blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, dried fruit of prune, oak notes of cedar, maturity notes of savory, herbal notes of Chinese medicine, kernel notes of mocha, pungent spice of licorice. The wine is developing.  

Palate

Dry, with medium (+) acidity, the wine has medium (+) tannin of ripe and silky texture, showing medium alcohol and medium body, demonstrating medium (+) intensity flavors of black fruit of blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, dried fruit of prune, oak notes of cedar, kernel notes of mocha, pungent spice of licorice. The wine has a medium (+) finish.

Conclusion

Excellent quality Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia, on the nose showing intense fruity characters and a freshness which is surprising given its age, highlighting the ripeness and quality of the grapes, with also good complexity. The palate is silky smooth on tannin, with a finesse which is difficult to find in the region. The good concentration and finish makes it one of the best wine on the palate I have ever tasted. Overall a very balanced and fruity wine that can still be further develop for another 4-6 years.