Tag Archives: 2002

Australia, Mount Barker, Shiraz, Western Australia, Wine Tasting Notes

2002 Galafrey Frankland River Shiraz

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While sorting through my chaotic wine fridge, I came upon this bottle from winemaker Galafrey which was at least 4 years older than most of the others.  Being 11 years old and not noted by the wine maker as a cellaring wine, I was sceptical about opening it at dinner that night.

It was a pleasant surprise when the wine was decanted and a good deep earthy red colour gave way to a pleasant but not powerful aroma.

On tasting there were light berry flavours with a hint of spice. It was very easy to drink with light tannins and a soft finish. There was no hint of it being past its date and I suspect it could have stayed in the wine fridge for a few more years. All told I was very happy with it.

\Galafrey Galafrey Shiraz

Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley, South Australia

2002 Jim Barry The Benbournie Cabernet Sauvignon

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Jim BarryThis evening we carefully decanted a bottle of Jim Barry “The Benbournie”, a very nice Cabernet Sauvignon from the excellent Clare Valley region in South Australia.

This quality red wine provided us with a very pleasing bouquet – a solid plum, blackcurrant and a hint of spices.  Given the age (with about 6 years of cellaring), this 13 year old Cabernet had matured well in the bottle.

In respect of the age and quality, we decanted the entire bottle into a Riedel decanter and let it breathe for over an hour before serving.  We used Riedel Cabernet glasses from the VInum series.

We especially liked the tapered aftertaste, which lingered on the palate making for a most pleasing drinking experience.  Nice ruby red colour and medium to light bodied finish.

Another excellent release from Jim Barry wines, we’re adding it to the stellar list of vintages, lead by their flagship ‘The Armagh’ Shiraz.

The 2002 vintage is drinking now and for at least 4-6+ years, possibly longer.

You can also review the winemaker’s tasting notes for this vintage here.

Benbournie Jim Barry Benbournie