The wines of Rosemount Estate
Just the ticket for reliable, enjoyable drinking
Not so long ago Rosemount was purchased by Australian wine giant Southcorp (owner of Penfolds, Lindemans, Wynns et al). Rosemount has been one of the great success stories of Australian wine. Producing a well marketed range of branded wines impeccably made and with a strong image, they have successfully managed to sell them at a higher price than most of their peers. Although they are historically based in the upper Hunter Valley, relatively little of their wine actually comes from there, most is made from grapes from a range of different vineyard areas across south eastern Australia.
In Cyprus (imported by Ghalanos), the range consists of the familiar split label blends and diamond label premium varietals. They are successfully made and designed to appeal to a wide audience and although I would enjoy drinking most of these at social gatherings – particularly the tasty Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet – they are not really wines that are aimed at serious wines nuts. However, for those looking for reliable, enjoyable drinking – perhaps the majority of consumers? – these wines are just the ticket.
2006 Semillon, Chardonnay South Eastern Australia abv 13%
Some of the Chardonnay was given a brief spell in oak otherwise this is all tank fermented and made in an easy drinking style. Pale straw with green tinges, the citrusy nose has a touch of tropical fruit. Quite rich on the palate, but retains some freshness. Very good. €10
2006 Sauvignon Blanc Adelaide Hills, Limestone Coast abv 13%
Matured in stainless steel vats, this refreshing varietal has a vibrant straw colour with green hints and an aromatic expressive nose of passion fruit, citrus, cut grass and some notes of green pea. The palate is a full flavoured Sauvignon Blanc, lemon meringue pie texture with passion fruit and gooseberry balanced by a vibrant acidity. €12
2006 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, South Eastern Australia, abv 13%
Using grapes from premium wine regions in South Australia, Rosemount has fashioned a nice, cool-climate expression of these two grapes. Mid straw and green hues in colour, gooseberry and green apple greet Semillon’s citrus lilt. A bright, zesty wine. €10
2006 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia abv 13.3%
Textbook stuff, made from regions across south east Australia, there are strong Chardonnay aromas of melon, lime and honey. The fresh acidity gives balance to the chewy, fleshy fruit notes of peach and lemon. Long flavours. €12
2005 Chardonnay, Show Reserve, Hunter Valley abv 13.5%
The fruit is from Hunter Valley and is matured for nine months in a mixture of new, one and two year old French and American oak barriques. Bright deep straw colour, I was a bit underwhelmed by this wine. A rich nose with aromas of pear, stone fruit and melon. The ageing reveals spicy and yeast notes. Understandably a rich and full flavoured palate awaits. €22.50
2006 Grenache Shiraz, South Eastern Australia, abv 13.7%
Dark red with purple hues, an amazingly fruity nose of bright raspberries and cherries carries through to the palate. The primary fruit character dominates but there’s a touch of spice on the finish. A light fruity wine that is definitely not meant to be taken too seriously. Soft and easy, very good. €11
2006 Shiraz Cabernet South Eastern Australia, abv 13.5%
Bright scarlet with purple hues, the round nose shows sweet, ripe berry fruits and plums, spice and sweet oak. The palate is sweetly fruited, with a juicy character, good acidity and soft finish. A little more serious than the Grenache Shiraz but still good fun. €11
2006 Cabernet Merlot South Eastern Australia abv 13.5%
Plum red, lovely forward nose of red berry fruit, blackcurrants, eucalyptus and some earthy tones. The palate is ripe and full, with sweet juicy fruit flavours and a touch of tannin on the soft finish. €13
2005 Merlot South Eastern Australia abv 13.7%
Some parcels are oak matured for 10 months. A bright ruby colour, red berry fruit, prune and plum with a leafy, herby edge. The palate shows soft, savoury, plumy fruit with some spice, complex with rich style to the finish. €13
2005 Shiraz South Eastern Australia abv 13.6%
Deep ruby, the enticing sweet nose shows rich, sweet, spicy berry fruit. The palate is sexy and full, with a rich, spicy character, it manages to be both savoury and sweet at the same time. A real crowd pleaser. €13
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australian abv 13.7%
Deep ruby with lovely crimson hues, some parcels were matured in oak for 12 months. Characterful and approachable. Lovely forward nose with blackcurrant fruit and red cherry, it has a pleasant leafiness and some medicinal notes. There is a touch of spice on the palate, which is rich and full, with some fine-grained tannins. €13
2000 Balmoral Shiraz McLaren Vale abv14%
Deep inky red colour, this a wine from the premium line, with aromas that display spicy notes, underlain by rich blackberry fruit and extremely well integrated American oak. Expressive fruit and velvety richness on the palate, together the berry fruits and spices are wrapped together around the savoury oak and combine into lingering finish. Tannins are well rounded, interwoven with a fine thread of acidity. €47
