This is one of my great discoveries on this first 2005 Hunter Valley tour. Mount Pleasant is a winery I always visit with excitement and anticipation.
Released less than 2 weeks ago, according to winemaker Phil Ryan this is perhaps the greatest Rosehill made since the legendary 1959.
Grapes for this wine were hand picked from 44 years old vines planted on red volcanic soils in the Hunter Valley. This awesome powerhouse of a wine matured 18 months in new oak. This is a great and special Rosehill that will need at least 15 years to show its best. Alcohol is at 14.5% vol.
Colour very dark cherry red with crimson hues. Amazing array of red berries, undergrowth and forest floor mixing with red earth on the nose. After swirling, the alcohol rises to the rim. Smelling like a Barossa monster the alcohol is highly noticeable. Far from ready to drink, this wine needs at least 8 years to "calm down". IÂ’ve no doubt in time the alcohol will dissipate and the wine will become perfectly harmonious. Should you decide to drink this wine now, open 5-8 hours before serving.
On the palate youÂ’ll find massive and rich black berry fruits. This is a serious, powerful and complex wine. Simply majestic and stunning, you need to drink this slowly and meditate over it. Enjoy the beautiful black cherries mixing with plum and savoury fruits of the forest flavours. Very intense with superbly balanced ripe tannins and fine oak.
This is the best Rosehill I have ever tasted. Cost AU $30+, it is a great Australian bargain and a world class Hunter Valley Shiraz.
Cheers,
Attila
Tasted: January 2005
