William Downie and Bindi wines in the shop and on tasting... plus a very special night with the wines from Guigal
15 July 2009
A big week here at East End Cellars, with the likes of Bindi and William Downie wines making their way into the shop. What better way to show them off than with a fun filled Friday night tasting looking at all three new Pinot's from William Downie and the two Composition wines from Bindi. Drop by Friday from 5pm till 7pm and see what all the fuss is about.
Michael Dhillon produces some of Australia’s greatest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir under the Bindi label. These wines are very sought after, and certain to draw much attention. Allocations are always small and the wines are incredible... meaning, they sell quick!
2008 Bindi Composition Chardonnay @ $45
"The typical lifted jasmine like aromas combine with grapefruit, lemon, white nectarine and spice to give an impression of vitality and complexity. With time in glass and, more relevantly, bottle, greater creamy and nutty nuances will evolve. The palate is tight, vibrant, mouth filling, dry and long. There are delicious creamy elements on the back palate from extensive time on lees in barrel. Naturally, this wine is youthful and vigorous now and will improve well for three plus years.”
Michael Dhillon
2008 Bindi Composition Pinot Noir @ $50
"This wine really reminds me of the 2004 with some added complexity, richness and drive from, say, 2005. The nose is very seductive for its fresh red cherry, strawberry, spice, cream and licorice notes. The palate has delicious layers of these flavours with some earthiness and tannin-drive carrying the finish. Drinking window? Well, there is no question this wine will be drinking at its best when it is well sold out! It is accessible and delicious now but just two or three years aging will provide more nuance on the nose and much increased flourish on the palate.”
Michael Dhillon
William Downie started his own label in 2003 after several years living and working in Burgundy. His intention is to create wines of purity and detail that reflect their place of origin. They are made in the most natural way possible, not pushed or shoved in any direction. They are not added to or subtracted from. Although each of the William Downie wines are made from Pinot Noir - the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and 'new boy' Gippsland are more different than they are similar.
2008 William Downie Yarra Valley Pinot Noir @ $57
"The fruit was grown on the only granite based soils planted to vines in the Yarra Valley. The nose shows plum and raspberry fruit as well as rose, violet and clove. The wine is yet to show the classic game meat and earth aromas we expect from the Yarra. This suggests a long life to come and that some patience will be rewarded. The palate is very tight for the moment but it builds in weight and texture with time in the glass."
Bill Downie
2008 William Downie Mornington Pinot Noir @ $57
"Without doubt our best Mornington wine to date. Loads of red fruit, almost like a summer pudding. There’s also pomegranate and juniper on the nose. Floral notes include bergamot and lily of the valley. The palate brings a rush of red fruit with a little porcini mushroom and black tea. The palate is complex and long with real intensity. A wine for the long haul."
Bill Downie
2008 William Downie Gippsland Pinot Noir @ $57
"Our first release of this wine. It comes from an 18 year old vineyard in Leongatha planted at 6500 vines/hectare. My first real job was in a vineyard not far from this one. It’s a dense wine with wonderful concentration. The nose shows plum and preserved cherry. There are also hints of fennel, thyme and licorice. The palate has more plum, prune and even medjool date. A powerful wine with great length and texture."
Bill Downie
Wednesday the 12th of August (at 6:30pm) sees us in our cellar once again looking at the almighty wines of Etienne Guigal and in particular, the 2005 La La’s!
We are also fortunate enough to have Brett Crittenden (Asia Pacific Brand Ambassador) onboard to talk us through the current releases.
If you’ve been following their travels, we think you’ll agree the latest offerings are firmer and more commanding than ever. The line-up is as follows:
2006 Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc
2007 ‘Lieu dit Saint-Joseph’ Saint-Joseph Blanc
2006 Condrieu
2007 ‘La Doriane’ Condrieu
2005 ‘La Mouline’ Côte-Rôtie (Côte Blonde)
2005 ‘La Turque’ Côte-Rôtie (Côte Brune)
2005 ‘La Landonne’ Côte-Rôtie
2005 ‘Château d'Ampuis’ Côte-Rôtie
2005 Côte-Rôtie
2006 ‘Vignes de l’Hospice’ Saint-Joseph Rouge
2006 ‘Lieu dit Saint-Joseph’ Saint-Joseph Rouge
2005 Crozes-Hermitage
2005 Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge
Tickets are only $80 (must be paid with booking) and are very limited...
First in best dressed!
Please e-mail wine@eastendcellars.com.au or call 08 8232 5300 to book your place now.
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