1994 Blue Pyrenees Estate Dry Red

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

A great vintage for Blue Pyrenees - and a wine of perfectbalance. The French influence in classed growth winemaking isvery evident. There are three layers of flavours, two of whichcan be manipulated by viticulturists and winemakers, the thirdlayer happens with time. Speak to the top makers in Bordeaux andthe general consensus is to opt for multi-layered wines ratherthan those simply reflecting the primary fruit aromas andflavours. This in part is achieved using a variety of grapes -the most notable being the quintet of cabernet grapes, in partby different fermentation techniques and culling barrels priorto the final assemblage, and of course a variety of oak,different levels of charring and age of barrels. Furthercomplexity is achieved by non - filtration of wine, and evenvarying the number of rackings over the barrel maturationperiod. The last layer is bottle age. ANOTHER MILESTONE RELEASE ESTABLISHING THE BLUE PYRENEES ESTATEAS ONE OF THE BENCHMARKS OF AUSTRALIAN WINE.The yields at 5 tonnes per hectare were even lower than theestate standards of a mere 7 tonnes per hectare. The resultingconcentration of flavour was outstanding. Winemaker Vincent Gerehas gained further complexity by the use of multiple parcels ofgrapes from various blocks around the Estate. This year saw theintroduction of five new blocks for the first time, thusbringing the total number of selected parcels from 25 to 30.Further layers of complexity were introduced by the use ofespecially selected new oak casks. For wine lovers deeplyinterested in statistics the details are - 62% cabernetsauvignon (17 parcels) 18% Shiraz (6 parcels) 14% merlot (4parcels) and 6% Cabernet Franc (3 parcels). 40% aged in new oak,30% in 1 year old oak and 30% in two year old oak.Tasting Notes: Vincent Gere's wines have certainly reflected thesophistication of his French background. Deep crimson purplecolour with mauve edges. The nose is very sophisticated,although restrained at first - spicy plums, confectionary,cedar, dark chocolate and spice aromas fill the temples. Thepalate reflects the dry conditions and low yields of 1994.Concentrated fruit flavours, strong spicy peppery liquorice andblackcurrant flavours dominate, with hints of vanilla andalmond. The flavours are rich and generous, with excellentbalance and long spiced pepper, blackberry aftertaste.Outstanding. Cellar 5 - 10 years. \Z