Ah, varietal synonyms! Don't you just love the little devils? Unpacking the December 1870s Club pack from Baileys I was mildly bemused (not an uncommon occurrence in these parts) by the presence of both a Durif and a Petit Sirah, varieties that are, as far as I can make out, synonymous.
The notes accompanying the pack suggested the name differentiation stemmed from different handling of two parcels of fruit, and (total surmise here) the parcel that went through French oak treatment acquired the French varietal moniker, while American oak treatment suggested use of the American synonym.
Baileys of Glenrowan 2009 Rutherglen Petit Sirah (4.5* $25) While its cousin/brother was remarkably understated for a Durif, this one takes things a step further with softer, rounder and more velveteen tannins across the palate. Richly aromatic on the nose, it scored a big seal of approval from Madam, to the point where I'm looking seriously at a reorder. Available in half-dozen lots (15% discount and freight free for 1870s Club members) a six-pack should do us for the duration of a regular Bowen chilly winter (i.e. the week when the overnight minimum drops below 10).
Showing posts with label Durif. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Durif. Show all posts
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Baileys of Glenrowan 2009 Rutherglen Durif
I may be wrong, but the incorporation of Baileys into the Fosters corporate conglomerate (an entity that I'd normally be wanting to steer well clear of, given my preference for small, family-owned operations) seems to have had something to do with the winery's capacity to handle quantities of fruit that can't be removed from the area due to issues with phylloxera. Given the experience with Seppeltsfield, one doubts that it had much to do with extensive stocks of fortifieds.
Such issues probably explain the presence of Rutherglen rather than Glenrowan on the labels of cousin-brothers 2009 Durif and 2009 Petit Sirah in the most recent 1870s Club pack.
Baileys of Glenrowan 2009 Rutherglen Durif (4.5* $25/ $21.25 1870s Club) The conventional wisdom suggests that those who prefer subtle, understated reds should be giving Durif, with high alcohol levels and big flavours to match, the big flick pass, I found this remarkably understated. There's still plenty of rich full-bodied fruit flavour there, but it's nicely balanced and went down a treat. Better cellaring conditions and/or a genuine winter could well prompt a reorder, though it works very well as a short term drinking style.
Such issues probably explain the presence of Rutherglen rather than Glenrowan on the labels of cousin-brothers 2009 Durif and 2009 Petit Sirah in the most recent 1870s Club pack.
Baileys of Glenrowan 2009 Rutherglen Durif (4.5* $25/ $21.25 1870s Club) The conventional wisdom suggests that those who prefer subtle, understated reds should be giving Durif, with high alcohol levels and big flavours to match, the big flick pass, I found this remarkably understated. There's still plenty of rich full-bodied fruit flavour there, but it's nicely balanced and went down a treat. Better cellaring conditions and/or a genuine winter could well prompt a reorder, though it works very well as a short term drinking style.
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