2006 Rutherglen Estates Single Vineyard Nebbiolo

In its native appellation of Piedmont, Nebbiolo is renown for the production of Barolo and Barbaresco. Whether the name of the grape refers to its 'foggy' bloom - the Italian 'nebbia' - or to its 'nobile' origins is a moot point that could be argued over a glass or three of this aromatic, earthy red.

Nebbiolo has slowly started to get a foothold in the Australian wine landscape and there are some excellent examples around now despite early failures and the variety's reputation as a problematic grape to cultivate.

Aged for four years in old French oak to help balance the tannins and acid, this Rutherglen expression is crimson red to brown in colour with a bouquet of forest floor, tobacco, spice and leather. Somewhat tarty initially, the soft, medium bodied palate has loads of dark sour cherries, a hint of chocolate and oaky vanilla to bolster the firm tannic grip. The long, spicy finish is an invitation to pair with either a winter casserole or aged cheese.

There isn't the usual tar and roses complexity associated with an aged Nebbiolo but this is still a really good version of this emerging variety with the potential for a further 5-7 years cellaring. 

Source: Winery Purchase. Rating: 88 Points.  Website: www.rutherglenestates.com.au