Updated: 01st July 2002
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NJAL (SPARKY) & SARAH MARQUIS
a full-range portfolio tasting
celebrating the first anniversary of
THE PALATE CONSULTANTS PTE LTD
27th June 2002
The husband & wife team of Sparky & Sarah are contract winemakers for many well-known labels. In conjunction with Greg Corra of Inland Trading, The Palate Consultants presented a range of 26 wines from their stable of wine labels for this celebratory trade tasting.
The labels featured were - Marquis Philips, Parson's Flat, HENRY'S DRIVE, Kilikanoon, Te Kairanga & Dutschke.
Top of the line, Henry's Drive range of vintage Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon did not disappoint. The tasting featured the 1998, 1999 & 2000 vintages of both varietals plus the Reserve bottlings. Unfortunately, the only bottle of 1999 Cabernet was corked & had to be withdrawn. The other bottles showed intensity of fruit, good balance in a medium frame that did not go over the top. An unlisted & exclusive sample of the 2001 Cabernet Reserve barrel sample showed new heights that is being achieved by this single exceptional vineyard.
The other wine that impressed was the Marquis Philips Sarah's Blend 2000. This was created by Sarah, perhaps, for women drinkers looking for soft lushness & a hint of sweetness in the entry. The blend is of ripe Cabernet, Merlot & Shiraz. A sweet entry was welcoming indeed. On the palate, the various lush varietal characteristics played out with intense fruit flavours on a bed of soft tannins. The wine was not overwhelmingly heavy & will allow me to finish a full bottle on my own - no problem.
The Kilikanoon Riesling 2000 was refreshing immediately after coming in from a very hot day. A fine balance of good acidity & ripe fruit lifted the palate & helped cool me down.
The Marquis' foray across the Tasman Sea brought two very appealing Chardonnays from the Te Kairanga estate. I enjoyed the subtle oak treatment of the non-reserve Chardonnay 2001 while reserving the more oaky Reserve style for some substantial white meat dishes.
I cannot agree with James Halliday on the samples of Te Kairanga Pinot Noirs 2001 served here. I found them without much character but well made. A little shy on the fruit with some acidity. Perhaps, if I had more time, I should have returned to them after allowing them time to breathe.
Overall, an excellent showing of wines in various styles from one winemaker.
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