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NEWS
HIGH PRAISE FROM JAMES HALLIDAY! - 2008/08/08
Following publication of the definitive Australian wine guide, James Halliday’s 2009 Wine Companion, we can proudly announce that Tahbilk has been rated as a five star winery, being recognised as an "outstanding winery regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity."
Heading up the accolades with 96 POINTS and 5 GLASSES are our Eric Stevens Purbrick Shiraz 2002 and the Eric Stevens Purbrick Cabernet Sauvignon 2002.
2002 was the first year these premium wines were released under the Eric Stevens Purbrick label and their quality has clearly shone through given these great results.
Two other wines, the Tahbilk 1927 Vines Marsanne 1999 and the 1860 Vines Shiraz 2002 were both awarded 95 POINTS and 5 GLASSES, also achieving the top glass rating available.
Also receiving impressive scores were the Marsanne 2007, Riesling 2007, Shiraz 2004, Viognier 2007 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
Alister Purbrick said, "We have the greatest respect for James Halliday and his annual Wine Companion. For so many of Tahbilk’s wines to receive such impressive ratings, as well as a five star rating for the winery, is a great result and testament to the hard work and commitment of the Tahbilk team. It is also very satisfying to receive these accolades as we approach Tahbilk’s 150th anniversary and our challenge is to continue to raise the bar and improve the pedigree in the coming years."
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
1860 VINES SHIRAZ 2002
95 POINTS – 5 GLASSES
"A light but youthful colour with no sign of browning; has very good balance and length albeit in the usual restrained style; oak and tannins provide a well-judged support role; 254 dozen from the only vineyard of this age without replaced (hence younger) vines."
ERIC STEVENS PURBRICK SHIRAZ 2002
96 POINTS – 5 GLASSES
"Bright colour; clearly superior grapes have been well-handled in the winery, giving the wine a level of sweet red and black fruits well above the norm; ripe tannins and high quality oak. Arguably the best shiraz since 1962."
ERIC STEVENS PURBRICK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002
96 POINTS – 5 GLASSES
"Pleasant earthy/cedary aromas; springs into life on the palate, supple and smooth, yet full of life, with perfect balance and length. This really is a breakthrough for Tahbilk."
SHIRAZ 2004
90 POINTS - 4½ GLASSES
"Bright, clear, colour; fresh and lively cherry and plum fruit, soft tannins and gentle oak; a new Tahbilk face without loss of flavour."
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004
89 POINTS – 4 GLASSES
"Firm, youthful medium-bodied palate with clear varietal fruit largely uninfluenced by new oak.."
See WINES & ORDERS - Tahbilk Reds, to order any (or all!) of the above
1927 VINES MARSANNE 1999
95 POINTS – 5 GLASSES
"Bright, pale straw-green; layers of flavour turn around honeysuckle fruit and lemony acidity; great length and fully deserves its show success.."
This release has regretfully sold out
MARSANNE 2007
93 POINTS - 4½ GLASSES
"Clean and fragrant; more varietal fruit and flavour than most young marsannes from France or Australia; mineral, spice and honeysuckle cohabitate on a long, crisp finish. A classic in the making."
RIESLING 2007
90 POINTS - 4½ GLASSES
"Clean and vibrant, showing lemon zest and nice texture on the finish; good value."
VIOGNIER 2007
89 POINTS – 4 GLASSES
"Well made; varietal flavour is achieved without loss of finesse, freshness and length; a delicate apricot and citrus mix with crisp acidity."
To order any of the whites see WINES & ORDERS - Tahbilk Dry Whites
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN - 2008/03/30
Dear Club Members,
I read with interest some recent figures that showed that in spite of the drought and excesses in supply that the number of Australian wine producers continues to grow.
According to the 26th annual Australian and New Zealand Wine Industry Directory there are now 2,299 wine producing companies in Australia – a 7% increase over the previous edition.
The article went on to quote Directory Editor, Michael Major, as saying "In the past 10 years the Directory has seen an average net gain of 130 wine producers per year. The number of companies nearly doubled since 2000 when there were 1197 listed."
Sign of a healthy industry – I guess.
Sign of a lot of competition – you bet!
With the top 22 companies accounting for 90% of total sales of branded wine, the remaining 2,277 compete for the 10% that is left!
It made me pause and consider what sets Tahbilk apart amongst the plethora of other wineries out there.
Having such a long and rich heritage is of course a big plus for us, offering wines that give great value, are a pleasure to drink and stand the test of time is obviously also a major factor; but there is more.
And what I think it is, is family!
Not only my own family who have owned and worked the Estate since 1925, but also a family of employees.
People who tend the vines, make and bottle our wines, answer the phones when you call, pack your wine to be delivered, chat to you at Cellar Door, serve you at the Wetlands Café and who share the passion that we have for Tahbilk.
And lastly you, our family of Wine Club Members, so many of whom we have come to know beyond being just customers.
Viva the family difference!
Cheers,
John Purbrick - Chairman
HAPPY THIRD BIRTHDAY TO THE WETLANDS CAFE & WILDLIFE RESERVE - 2007/11/14
It has been like watching a child grow.
From the first hesitant steps when we opened in September 2005.
Then seeing the confidence grow as people showed they were happy with the 'new kid on the block'!
And now witnessing a little personality change as the focus is given to both the wine and food experience with the development of the new Café Cellar Door space.
All to the timeless backdrop of the Wetlands Reserve.
So 'Happy 3rd Birthday' to the Wetlands Cafe & Wildlife Reserve!
We are proud of how you have developed so far, we look forward to watching you continue to grow in the future and hope that you understand that none of the presents are for you!
WETLANDS CAFÉ & WILDLIFE RESERVE 3rd BIRTHDAY PRESENTS!
Only $5.00 per adult – children under 18 continue to be at no charge when accompanied by an adult.
Cruises run Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays – numbers are limited so bookings are recommended.
And for those who can’t be there to blow out the candles!
REVIEWED RECENTLY! - 2007/05/28
TAHBILK 2007 MARSANNE
Silver Medal Winner
"Clean, fresh and fragrant, mineral, spice and honeysuckle cohabit, leading into a long, crisp finish. No hint of smoke taint or phenolics.
Drink Now-2020 with smoked eel"
James Halliday’s Top 100
That’s consecutive Top 100 placings, following on from the same accolade for the currently available 2006 vintage last year!
2007 Marsanne features in a number of Wine Club Special Offers – check under WINES & ORDERS – and is also available by the bottle or case - see WINES & ORDERS Tahbilk Dry Whites. ($12.95 per bottle – less 10% for Wine Club Members & 20% for Wine Club PLUS Members.)
TAHBILK 2006 MARSANNE
Trophy, Gold & Silver Medal Winner
"The '06 is fragrant & delicate with floral fruit salady aromas; it tastes dry and grapey with lively acidity. It’s a perennial bargain."
Ralph Kyte-Powell - The Age Epicure
"Light straw-green, with aromas of honey, melon & spice, this wine has a long harmonious palate, with a gold-plated guarantee to develop honeysuckle and gentle toast as it ages over the next 10 plus years"
James Halliday’s Top 100
"A particularly good vintage for this old favourite, the 06 Tahbilk is wonderfully citrusy and tingly on the tongue, but there seems to be an extra dimension to the honeysuckle perfume.
Great value."
Max Allen – Gourmet Traveller
"When young the nose and palate exhibit completely un-oaked, simple and fresh aromas of lemon, honey and peach.
With about five years of bottle age though, these develop into the very distinctive honeysuckle fragrance traditionally associated with mature Marsanne.
Even at ten years of age, the wine remains remarkably fresh and crisp.
Tahbilk’s Marsanne is a regional, and probably national, benchmark white wine."
1001 Wines You Must Try Before You Die
2006 Marsanne is still available by the bottle or case - call us at the Winery – 1300 TAHBILK
($12.95 per bottle – less 10% for Club Members)
The same publication listed 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004 as "Other Great Marsanne Vintages."
With the exception of 1996, each of these vintages is also still available by the bottle or case.
Call 1300 TAHBILK for their respective prices.
TAHBILK 2005 MARSANNE
Trophy, Gold & Silver Medal Winner
It wasn’t only on the Australian Wine Show circuit that this release impressed last year (3 Gold, 2 Silver & 5 Bronze Medals awarded) but it also dazzled a number of wine scribes in the United Kingdom as well!
"Marsanne, one of the three leading Rhone white grapes, has been grown at Tahbilk continuously since 1927 and thrives in the unique, lake-cooled micro-climate and red, iron-rich soil.
See for yourself with the unusual and unexpected sweet summery spice of this tasty, green apple and greengage-layered white."
Jane MacQuitty TOP 100 SUMMER WINES – THE TIMES (London)
"Recommended"
Oz Clarke’s Wine Buying Guide 2008
"The 2005 Marsanne has now benefited from a couple of years in the bottle and the wine is pale gold and has an attractively wide range of aromas and flavours – ripe apricots and peaches, ripe apples, something slightly floral, maybe honeysuckle, and just a little bit of honey.
The honey tends to get more pronounced as the wine ages, and this Marsanne does age particularly well.
All this before you even taste the wine! The flavours in the mouth are equally attractive but there’s more citrus and quite notable acidity, giving refreshment despite the full body and 13.5% alcohol. It’s particularly tangy at the end, with a hint of clementine as well as lemon on the finish.
A very good example of a variety far from its roots but truly at home."
Julia Harding MW – Jancis Robinson’s Website
2005 Marsanne can still be purchased at the Winery – call 1300 TAHBILK.
($13.95 per bottle, less 10% for Wine Club Members)
TAHBILK 2003 MARSANNE
Trophy, Gold & Silver Medal Winner
"Think Marsanne in an Aussie context, and consistently the finest producer is Tahbilk.
The '03 has all the wonderful aged complexities that come with this variety, namely honeysuckle and toasty notes, but matched alongside delicious mouth-watering minerality and zingy refreshing lemony notes. Just sings in the mouth."
Jane Faulkner – The Age
"The biggest highlights of the 2007 Alternative Varieties Wine Show were the winners of the trophies for best white and red: the enormously satisfying, complex, toasty 2003 Tahbilk Marsanne and the fabulous deep and savoury 2002 Pizzini Nebbiolo.
These are, simply, great Australian wines."
Max Allen – The Australian
2003 Marsanne is available individually from the Winery – call 1300 TAHBILK.
($14.95 per bottle. Less 10% for Club Members)
TAHBILK 2002 SHIRAZ
"Tahbilk have been around for a while now and always have made wines with structure and longevity.
This is another classic Tahbilk showing its class and sophistication. Deep red/purple in colour, lifted blackberries and plums with cedar oak adding complexity.
It’s full-bodied with a smooth texture then it finishes with classic firm tannins. An excellent frame and impressive backbone. It’s just starting to drink beautifully. The drying tannins love rich food with loads of protein."
Wine Orbit – New Zealand
We still have stocks of 2002 Shiraz available - call us at the Winery – 1300 TAHBILK.
($18.00 per bottle, less 10% for Wine Club Members)
TAHBILK 2003 SHIRAZ
Silver Medal Winner
"I’ve been drinking some older examples of this central Victorian Shiraz of late …… had one with an ’86 vintage; another with a ’92.
What struck me was the pedigree line in all the wines.
Tahbilk Shiraz’s blackberry and pepper flavours shine through; there’s a nice line of rusticity, too. Grown-up wine"
Ben Canaider – delicious
We still have the 2003 vintage available – call us at the Winery 03-57942555 ($17.95 per bottle, less 10% for Tahbilk Wine Club Members).
You can pick up the 1992 vintage in the "Tahbilk Shiraz Past & Present" offer (See WINES & ORDERS - Wine Club Special Offers, above)
And the ’86?
Contact our Cellar Door Manager – Geoff Hamence (03-5794 2555) – and twist his arm!
TAHBILK 2003 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"This is tradition in a glass. It opens with aromas of blackberries, plum jam, mint, a whiff of aniseed and some earthy notes.
The minty touch continues in the mouth but it’s not overwhelming, and a great wall of firm tannins hold it in a vice-like grip.
It’s a solidly built wine that should repay long-term cellaring.
Ageing? Yes, two to ten years
Food ideas: Racks of lamb; steak & kidney pie
4 Stars – A very good wine of real style & personality."
The Age Epicure 'Wine Style'
$17.95 per bottle - Wine Club Members less 10%
(Contact the Winery 1300 TAHBILK for availability)
TAHBILK 2002 '1860 VINES' SHIRAZ
"Living history, this iconic, understated Nagambie Lakes red comes from a block of vines planted in 1860.
It smells of raspberries, old leather, earth and gentle spice, with a touch of cherry syrup. The palate has persistent and fragrant gentle red fruit flavours, finishing with fine, soft tannins and a perfumed aftertaste."
Ralph Kyte-Powell - The Age epicure
($114.95 per bottle. Less 10% for Wine Club Members - see WINES & ORDERS Tahbilk Reds)
TAHBILK 2002 'ERIC STEVENS PURBRICK' SHIRAZ
"The wine opens with an inviting nose of spice, chocolate, blackberries, mint and aniseed. The palate is a complex mix of concentrated Shiraz and integrated French oak, ably supported by lean, sinewy, drying tannins.
If you’re looking for a special bottle for dinner, or a wine gift, or one to cellar gracefully for another 10 to 15 years, this is the wine."
Martin Field - E-VINE
"In its style, this is a great wine. It’s savoury and earthy and just a little eucalypty, the body of it not at all busty – this is lithe, firm, sexless (in a non-gender specific way) but sexy.
There’s good cedary oak on it, but once it’s been opened for 20 minutes or so, it (the oak) folds itself in and says goodnight.
Its tannins are mature, fruity and significant.
I’m going to have to break the budget and buy me some of this. Great wine. Drink: 2012-2024."
The Wine Front Top 101 Red Wines 2007
Best Luxury Reds
($59.95 per bottle. Less 10% for Wine Club Members Less 10% - see WINES & ORDERS Tahbilk Reds)
TAHBILK 2002 'ERIC STEVENS PURBRICK' CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Trophy, Gold & Silver Medal Winner
"Outstanding. It’s a glorious Cabernet of fineness and complexity. The first hints of bottle age character are appearing, but this is still a very fresh wine with a prodigiously long palate. Superb. Cellar for decades."
WINEWISE Magazine
"For The Cellar
Semi-mature but youthful, smooth and mellowing, this is a delectable drink. Red fruit aromas, ripe and a beautifully modulated wine that’s fruit-driven yet complex with abundant fine-grain tannins. Marvelous stuff. Now to 15+ years."
HUON HOOKE – THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
($59.95 per bottle. Less 10% for Club Members Less 10% for Wine Club Members - see WINES & ORDERS Tahbilk Reds)
TAHBILK 2001 'RESERVE' CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"After six years, leathery, earthy and reduced meat-stock old-wine complexities are starting to show, with a hint of mint. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, very elegant and smooth, with fleshy texture, moderate alcohol (14%), fruit driven flavours and very supple tannins.
A superb red. Drink now to 15 years."
Huon Hooke The Age Good Weekend
2001 'Reserve' Cabernet Sauvignon is still available by the bottle or case.
Call us at the Winery – 1300 TAHBILK
($59.95 per bottle – less 10% for Wine Club Members)
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