About the Winery
There is little doubt Craiglee is the flag bearer for the Sunbury wine region and a very strong argument can be mounted as the leading proponent of genuine cool climate shiraz in Victoria, if not Australia. Wine maker Pat Carmody has always maintained a low bullshit and low key approach to his craft, particularly on the marketing side, and this perhaps has kept a tighter lid on the winery's profile than what what might be deemed fair.
The wines are always perched in the elegant camp and for the most part the reds show very good capacity to age. We've had good experiences with the shiraz at b/w 7 and 11 years although to be fair need to explore the other varieties to get a true over-arching view of this impressive operation.
Shiraz 1999 (June 2010) - Recommended
Surprised on the upside (and probably should have). Bang in the middle of the drinking window for those who like subtle, light to medium bodied shiraz. Cherry and soft plums drive the flavours. Oak and acid not evident and tannins are mild on the finish. Will probably go another 2 - 4 years but really no point waiting further. Lots of encouragement here to chase other older bottles.
Shiraz 2002 (Oct 2004)
Light red, almost like a shade of dirty blood crimson. Unique nose; herbal, peppery and almost has a green nettle note. Light mouth feel yet does not lack intensity. Touches of spice, more pepper, but almost feels a little closed, or at the very least a wine that needs another 12 months. Just a bit one dimensional at this stage, but given the pedigree is sure to improve
Another food and wine blog written by another bloke that doesn't have much knowledge on the topic (well, the food bit anyway). Seriously, have a along history in wine and beer retailing in Melbourne and moved to Woodend in 2010. Figured I have to do something other than mow the lawn..........
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Eating - Woodend
Double Eight Chinese (April 2010)
78 High Street
BYO: wine only
Good start to the local restaurant scene for me as a new arrival. Fairly standard menu but the chosen take away items (Combination Deluxe Fried Rice $9.50 and Honey Pepper Chicken $14.20) are done well. You only need one decent Chinese in a town of this size and this looks the goods at this early stage. Note: no padding out (ie value diluting) of the takeaway dish via onion and capsicum!!
Zarby's Wine Bar & Bistro (June 2010)
84 - 88 High Street
Licenced
More bistro than wine bar although to be fair haven't visited for the express purpose of having a glass. Menu is competent without being exciting with a bias towards Italian-orientated meat dishes. A decent beef curry is an obvious deviation. Most mains in the $20 - $25 range. Slightly upmarket dining for the rank and file?
The 'wine bar' offers a limited tapas menu for consumption at the benches. Wine list is mixed. Bottle list includes a reasonable selection of local wines (seem well priced) but the glass range lacks flare (Richland? Come on!). Beer range ok, I guess, and interestingly lists 3 offerings from Unicorn, a SA brewer I had not heard of.
78 High Street
BYO: wine only
Good start to the local restaurant scene for me as a new arrival. Fairly standard menu but the chosen take away items (Combination Deluxe Fried Rice $9.50 and Honey Pepper Chicken $14.20) are done well. You only need one decent Chinese in a town of this size and this looks the goods at this early stage. Note: no padding out (ie value diluting) of the takeaway dish via onion and capsicum!!
Zarby's Wine Bar & Bistro (June 2010)
84 - 88 High Street
Licenced
More bistro than wine bar although to be fair haven't visited for the express purpose of having a glass. Menu is competent without being exciting with a bias towards Italian-orientated meat dishes. A decent beef curry is an obvious deviation. Most mains in the $20 - $25 range. Slightly upmarket dining for the rank and file?
The 'wine bar' offers a limited tapas menu for consumption at the benches. Wine list is mixed. Bottle list includes a reasonable selection of local wines (seem well priced) but the glass range lacks flare (Richland? Come on!). Beer range ok, I guess, and interestingly lists 3 offerings from Unicorn, a SA brewer I had not heard of.