Notes from a tasting of mostly Chardonnays at Le Souffle at The Fort organized by Lester Harvey.
Tyrrells Vat 47 Chardonnay 2004 - Hunter Valley. Gentle oak. Crisp, spicy. Sour apple. Good in a restrained way. Will likely age very nicely.
Domaine Roger Luquet Pouilly Fuissee "Terroir" 2005 - Sweet nose. Flowery, silky. Honey. Tart finish. Perfect now and very nice.
Domaine Robert Denogent Saint Veran "Les Pommards" 2005 - Very spicy, acidic, sharp. Very gentle oak. Needs to round out. Not showing well now.
Saintbury Brown Ranch Chardonnay 2005 - Sweet, soft, buttery nose. Well-judged use of wood. Real silky with a hint of orange. The only problem is some slight heat. One of the favorites.
Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2006 - Good fruit and balance. Round. Very good.
Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2006 - Strong oak but some acidity as well. A little short. Unbalanced.
We also had a few reds:
Cru Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - From Napa and produced by Vineyard 29. Very dark, rich, chocolate, plum, tobacco. Rather soft and oaky but it has the balance to carry the oak. Good length.
Rupert and Rothschild Baron Edmond 2002 - Some heat. Berries. Still tannic. A convincing Bordeaux style. Better leave this alone maybe 3 years or so before trying again.
Woodstock The Stocks Shiraz 2005 - Strong coffee. Very long.
I also had some Felton Road Pinot Noir before leaving but failed to take notes on that. It was probably at least a very good for me as three of us finished two bottles!