Winetastic

We have saved the best for last from Yelland & Papps, the Old Vine Grenache 2006 is atypical for the region, however in a very good way.

Mid ruby red, initially the aromas are of subtle sweet berries, though the full flavoured palate is full of red cherry, rich dark chocolate and an earthyness I rather appreciate. Acidity rather than tannin binds the whole lot together, though there is some fine tannin evident on the long finish. Smooth, easy drinking, well balanced and full of interest.

This is a wine that has polarised opinion somewhat, I feel that if you prefer your wines in a more savoury style: eg Italian or Hunter Valley, then this Grenache will hit the spot. I feel it’s a classy number and food friendly to boot.

Score: 92/100
Price: $30
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 14.5%
Other Opinions: Yelland & Papps, Torbwine
Would I buy this wine?
Yes

The Yelland & Papps Barossa Valley Shiraz 2007 appears to be the entry level red in the portfolio, coming in with a price tag of $20.

Initially vanilla oak dominates the nose with some briary dark fruit lurking below. On the palate this Shiraz is young and feisty with juicy dark fruits, a goodly dose of spice and a grippy tannic finish. Over a few hours, the fruit character emerged to swallow up the oak to a degree, leaving a rich and fairly enjoyable Barossa Shiraz.

I feel this is a wine that needs at least another 6 months in bottle before it’s youthful exuberance is pulled into line.

Score: 88/100
Price: $20
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 14.5%
Other Opinions: Torbwine
Would I buy this wine?
No, I found the oak a little overbearing.

Gotta love Barwang, flying the flag for NSW Cabernet and keeping those rampaging hordes from the south and west at bay. This 2006 vintage is excellent, however by the time you read this it’s probably too late to snap any up from retail shelves which are now stacked with the very good 2007 - a review of which is pending.

The sweet aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry lure you into the full bodied palate, naturally loaded with blackcurrant flavour supported by a dash of spice and fine tannins with a little grip. Youthful, balanced and very drinkable right now, or you could cellar over the medium term.

I think it is fair to say that this is the best value for money Cabernet I have tried this year, so if you happen to spot any bottles left at retail, buy the lot and send me a few more.

Score: 93/100
Price: $16
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 14.5%
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes, sadly I only managed to get my hands on 4 bottles.

This is the first of three wines from the family owned and run winery Yelland & Papps of the Barossa. So without further ado, I present the Yelland & Papps Grenache Rose 2008.

Strawberries! Plenty of them on the nose of this vibrant red Rose. The palate is certainly full flavoured when compared to its peers, presenting strawberry jam flavours up front and just enough acid to keep things in check for an off-dry finish.

I feel this is a wine that would be very popular with the average punter, however red bigots may find it a tad sweet. In short it’s a good, full flavoured Rose with the price tag you would expect.

Score: 87/100
Price: $17
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 13%
Would I buy this wine?
No, although well made, I prefer a dryer Rose