Dragon Phoenix Wine Blog

2005 Rutherglen Estates ‘The Alliance’ Marsanne Viognier, Rutherglen, Victoria

2005 Rutherglen Estates ‘The Alliance’ Marsanne Viognier, Rutherglen, Victoria

Appearance: strong yellow-green colour.

Nose: powerful nose of pear, peach and also some ‘grapey-ness’, slight wax and even spice.

Palate: has medium acidity, powerful high alcohol (14.5% alc.) but is well balanced with impressive fruit throughout. Full-bodied.

Conclusion: we really like Rutherglen Estates wines. They’re well-made, very drinkable and altogether more interesting than generic Australian wines produced by some of the large companies (Penfolds excepted). This blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Viognier did not disappoint and has the kind of body that will appeal to even seasaoned red wine drinkers. Available from Gelipu for RMB96.

Rating: 17.5/20

Labels: 2005, Australia, Marsanne, Rutherglen, Rutherglen Estates, Victoria, Viognier, white

2004 Rutherglen Estates Nebbiolo, Rutherglen, Victoria

2004 Rutherglen Estates Nebbiolo, Rutherglen, Victoria

Appearance: darkish red-purple colour with slight orange rim.

Nose: spicy ‘Christmas cake’ nose, i.e. dried cherry and cranberry fruit, cinnamon, clove and other spices, but also a tar or smoky smell reminiscent of Piemontese Nebbiolo. Good oak.

Palate: showed the characteristic high acidity of the grape, lovely fruit, softened spiky tannins and high balanced alcohol. Good length too.

Conclusion: we liked this wine a lot and will drink this bottle over a number of days (in the end, it was over three days and the wine got better each day). Capable of further ageing. Available from Gelipu for RMB 108.

Rating: 18/20 [could be higher]

Labels: 2004, Australia, Gelipu, Nebbiolo, red, Rutherglen, Rutherglen Estates, Victoria