PETER RUMBALL SB 15 and SB 16 Sparkling Shiraz

Attila · Post by **Attila** » Sun Sep 28, 2003 7:58 am

Tasting Note No.5

The first wine that caught my attention from Peter Rumball, was the SB 6 (Sparkling Blend) release back in the early nineties. At that time I couldn't resist the beautiful bottle with it's bright burgundy coloured label. Even today, I consider it the most attractive sparkling shiraz bottle on the market. For me, the label suffered a let down with SB 11 that received a huge write up at the time but the wine I purchased (for AU $23) was astringent, unbalanced and thin. I've learned later that this release suffered from bottle variations. It took me a while to trust this label again, so I bought the SB 15 after I've noticed the nice price of AU $17 and that this wine was voted 'Best Sparkling Red 2002' by the Boutique Winemakers of Australia.

Colour beautiful and bright cherry with a dark centre. Lovely nose of black cherries, raspberries and red berries. Powerful and CREAMY bubbles follow, this delicious wine has a very soft and 'friendly' character and is perfectly balanced. Made by the traditional method, Rumball clearly perfected his style over the years. Tight and medium bodied palate with excellent fruit concentration of the shiraz. Although the label only mention 'Coonawarra' this NV blend contains grapes from McLaren Vale and the Barossa as well. The base wines received 6 months ageing in american and french oak and the finished wine spent 9 months on lees. I enjoyed this sparkling wine for it's frehness and creaminess. A joy to drink, I finished the bottle in no time with the pasta my wife cooked. One thing I noticed in my last glass was the SEDIMENT that I took as a good sign that this NV will still age in the bottle for 2 more years.
A very good drink overall, in the same class (and price) as the white label Seppelt, however the Seppelt has more depth, as a vintage. Fear not, Peter Rumball will release his first vintage sparkling shiraz of 1997 in 2005. He also makes a sparkling merlot that I haven't had the chance to try but after the succesfull SB 15 I will.

Tasted:September,2003

PETER RUMBALL SB 16 Sparkling Shiraz-Coonawarra CuvÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â©e

Quite different wine from the SB 15. Colour vibrant cherry red with a dark centre. The most amazing bouquet of rich and ripe shiraz. Very concentrated, gamey with lot's of spice. Amazingly tiny and persistent bubbles. The palate is concentrated, big and rich with lot's of sweet fruit. A seriously satisfying mouthful. Beautiful black cherry taste mixing with ripe plum and prunes. The finish comes with refreshing acidity. Beautiful to drink now, although it is an NV, it will age for at least 3 more years. I am impressed. Alcohol is at 12.5% and it cost the same of AU $17, a bloody bargain. Beautiful stuff to drink on a warm evening!

Tasted:February 2004

Red Bigot · Post by **Red Bigot** » Sun Sep 28, 2003 9:30 am

Attila,

It might be time me to try a Peter Rumball again, the last couple of times I tried his Sp Shiraz (prob 2 years ago now, SB12, SB13) I found them to be overly sweet and confected, with too much of the oaky/spicy character.

With the 98 Seppelt Original going again recently at $12.90, I'd find it hard to go past the Seppelt for easy summer drinking.

Attila · Post by **Attila** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:42 am

I thought I'll resurrect this old note as I've recently tried the SB 16 and liked that one too.
Cheers,
Attila

Gavin Trott · Post by **Gavin Trott** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:45 am

[quote="Red Bigot"]Attila,

It might be time me to try a Peter Rumball again, the last couple of times I tried his Sp Shiraz (prob 2 years ago now, SB12, SB13) I found them to be overly sweet and confected, with too much of the oaky/spicy character.
quote]

Me too, at a trade tasting 12-18 months ago it was a huge let down. It had been my wife's favourite up till then, I too found it sweet and candied and stopped selling/promoting it.

Time to look again perhaps.

Thanks Atilla