Description
Duane Coates is one of the quiet achievers of the Australian Wine Scene ( Masters in Oenology and an MBA from Adelaide University & soon to become a Master of Wine). His winemaking philosophy is simple: the highest quality fruit from sustainable vineyards (some organic), harvest when properly ripe and a natural winemaking approach (minimal intervention – wild yeasts, unfined, no additions of tannin, enzyme and acid).
Huon Hooke said: “Every wine I’ve tasted of McLaren Vale’s Duane Coates has been excellent…” Highly impressive wines – a style that bridges the gap between fruit driven Australian style and savoury complex wines of old world Europe. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, from leading international website erobertparker.com said – “..a breath of fresh air in this area where a lot of producers seem to be following the herd down that incredibly ripe and sometimes over-ripe path that has caused not a few producers to come unstuck in heat-wave and drought conditions. These are superbly-crafted, well-priced wines that are wholeheartedly recommended.”
Duane’s love of Vintage Port is no secret. He did a sabbatical in Portugal at The Fladgate Partnership in vintage 2003 which gave him an insightful look into Port production at Quinta de Vargellas (Taylors), Quinta do Roeda (Delaforce, Croft) and Quinta do Panascal (Fonseca) and Taylor’s Quinta do Nogueira.
This is powerful, complex, yet elegant Vintage Port style. Picked at 14.9 baume to retain a vibrant balance of flavours in the elegant Douro style (alot of Australian vintage ports are often picked too late with overripe raisin characters and broad structure). Duane’s aim is for all of the elements (spirit, acidity, tannin, sugar and flavour) to be in balance – when balance is achieved there is a poise, delicacy and harmony that rival any of the world’s great wines.
Foot-trodden in the Portuguese manner. Wild yeasts followed by fortification with grape spirit and 22 mths maturation in old oak.
Savoury licorice notes over berry fruit. Long finish, with super-fine tannin. This is extraordinary now and will reward further cellaring for 20 years.
91 points, Josh Reynolds, Vinous “Deep red with a bright rim. Fresh, precise red berry and cherry aromas are underscored by lively minerality. This is supposed to be a vintage port style but it shows wine-like energy and clarity today, with only a hint of sweetness to its dark berry flavors. Gains weight and depth with air, finishing with very good cling and length. A very nicely balanced wine that would be good with rich cheeses.”
RRP: $38 Our Special 3 bottle or more buy $30.99 a bottle
