wineries tanunda for friday

[FishingRick04]

Hi

I'm taking the wife to the Jacobs Creek Retreat for our anniversary.

Gonna spend Friday going to a few wineries and wanted some feedback on the better ones to go too.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as obviously there are a few there and sometimes the bigger aren't the better.

thanks

Rick

 

[RussellEbertHandball]

Rockfords is a must and St Hallets are worth a visit and are a couple of kms apart.

As you are travelling along Barossa Highway to get to Jacobs Creek Retreat, the next intersection after your turn off is St Hallets Rd on the left and the winery is 500m on the right. On the otherside of the intersection is Krondorf Rd. Rockfords is about 2km down on the left.

If you go another couple of kms after that on the right is Charles Melton. That's not a bad little winery.

 

[bomberclifford]

In addition to the wineries, drop into Apex Bakery in Tanunda for all your preservative free bakery needs.

The pies and pasties are divine as are the buns and cakes. Great for the drive home.

In terms of wineries, Peter Lehmann's is pretty damn good.

 

[RussellEbertHandball]

Oh and Saltram Estate is pretty good, especially for thier Peterjack, Mamre Brook and No.1 Shiraz range of reds and their restaurant Salter's is a pretty good place for lunch. I've had lunch as late as 3 there. I think its open all day. Saltram's is just before Angaston town centre on Nuriootpa Road.

IIRC Malibu#27 lives in the Barossa so he should have some good tips.

 

[Macca19]

Id go the extra k's and drop by Clare personally


If youre after some good wine then id steer well clear of the big names and highly recommend going to places like Elderton, Kaesler, Langmeil, Kies Family Wines, Whistler, Turkey Flat.

As REH says, Saltram Estate, St Hallett and Rockford are good for some bigger names. Peter Lehmann would be by far the best of the big boys.

Id also go to Pewsey Vale and Henschke in the neighbouring Eden Valley

 

[FishingRick04]

Id go the extra k's and drop by Clare personally


If youre after some good wine then id steer well clear of the big names and highly recommend going to places like Elderton, Kaesler, Langmeil, Kies Family Wines, Whistler, Turkey Flat.

As REH says, Saltram Estate, St Hallett and Rockford are good for some bigger names. Peter Lehmann would be by far the best of the big boys.

Id also go to Pewsey Vale and Henschke in the neighbouring Eden Valley

So how many wineries do you think I could realistically go to on a friday and do it justice?

How much money should I take on acquiring assets?

 

[RussellEbertHandball]

Budget for $25 to $30 a bottle as that should allow for some lower cost and higher cost wines.

 

[Macca19]

So how many wineries do you think I could realistically go to on a friday and do it justice?

How much money should I take on acquiring assets?

Im a classic over spender when it comes to wineries so I wouldnt ask my advice

Depends what your budget is and what youre looking for. REHs 25-30 a bottle is a pretty good guide. You should be able to find some very nice wine for ~$20 a bottle and under and that should allow you to splurge on some premium keepers around the $50 mark.

Time spent at a winery can range depending on how much you like the place, how nice the wine is and how well you get along with the cellar door staff, so anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. Generally 30-45 minutes to try the wines, have a chat, have a look around etc. Getting a map pre trip and planning where to go helps in keeping things 'linear' as opposed to going back and forth across the valley. If you get there at 10-10:30 or so when the first wineries open then you should be able to get to anywhere from 4-8 wineries including lunch. 2 or 3 pre lunch and 2 or 3 post lunch should be pretty achievable and allow for enough time to get the feel of each place.

Make sure you report back here where you went and what you thought of the wines too!

 

[FishingRick04]

Im a classic over spender when it comes to wineries so I wouldnt ask my advice

Depends what your budget is and what youre looking for. REHs 25-30 a bottle is a pretty good guide. You should be able to find some very nice wine for ~$20 a bottle and under and that should allow you to splurge on some premium keepers around the $50 mark.

Time spent at a winery can range depending on how much you like the place, how nice the wine is and how well you get along with the cellar door staff, so anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. Generally 30-45 minutes to try the wines, have a chat, have a look around etc. Getting a map pre trip and planning where to go helps in keeping things 'linear' as opposed to going back and forth across the valley. If you get there at 10-10:30 or so when the first wineries open then you should be able to get to anywhere from 4-8 wineries including lunch. 2 or 3 pre lunch and 2 or 3 post lunch should be pretty achievable and allow for enough time to get the feel of each place.

Make sure you report back here where you went and what you thought of the wines too!

yeah will do. Might try the Clare suggestions and the St Hallet on Thursday.

I hope I can find a Shiraz that beats my Fav JJ Hann

 

[Macca19]

All the ones I mentioned were Barossa. If you are up for a couple of days and are thinking of heading by Clare I can suggest some places to go there.

 

[RussellEbertHandball]

I hope I can find a Shiraz that beats my Fav JJ Hann

Rockfords released their 2007 Basket Press Shiraz to Stonewall members in October last year. I bought my 6 bottle allocation last year. I know they released the Basket Press to the public in March after the Stonewall members had the opportunity to take their allocation. It cost $51.00. It's a great shiraz but really should be cellared for 10 years. So it might still be available to public.

If you get to Charles Melton, up the road from Rockfords, the Nine Popes is their signature red, a Grenache Shiraz blend at $50. They also have the Voice of Angels Shiraz and Grains of Paradise Shiraz both at $50.

At St Hallett you can try their Old Block Shiraz, the 2006 is about $80 and they go back to 97 or 98 for about $200.

 

[Macca19]

St Halletts Blackwell is nice as well. Teusners Albert Shiraz would be my favourite Barossa Shiraz, but to go there you need to give them a call beforehand. Turkey Flats 07 is very good. Peter Lehmanns 1885 Shiraz is always nice as well.

 

[FishingRick04]

All the ones I mentioned were Barossa. If you are up for a couple of days and are thinking of heading by Clare I can suggest some places to go there.

are they, opps, misread your words there, I get ya though, you are saying clare better

 

[FishingRick04]

Ok Schedule is done.

ganna Do Jacobs Creek on Thursday seeing we are there. 1918 for dinner

Friday
The St Hallet 10:30
Turkey Flat 11:30 booked a tasting $15/hd
Saltram Estate at 1pm and lunch
Whilstler 2:30
Henschke 4:00

Then doing the 5 courses and 5 wines at Jacobs Creek on Friday night for annivesary.

Will tkae some pics too, cheers for the tips.

 

[Macca19]

SO Rickster how did you go? What did you think of the wineries, what did you buy etc?

 

[FishingRick04]

SO Rickster how did you go? What did you think of the wineries, what did you buy etc?

Hey, don't want to do a feeble write up so will do a proper one later but loved it. Spent $1,300 on wines, with turket Flat and Rockford being the main beneficiaries.

Can I post pics here?

I have so much to say on the wineries it ain't funny, all the tips were good, so stay posted.

 

[RussellEbertHandball]

Good news that you got to Rockford's Rick. Did the girls at St Hallet convince you to go there and adjust your schedule?

Owner and winemaker Robert O'Callaghan is a good Port Adelaide man to boot.

 

[FishingRick04]

Good news that you got to Rockford's Rick. Did the girls at St Hallet convince you to go there and adjust your schedule?

Owner and winemaker Robert O'Callaghan is a good Port Adelaide man to boot.

No they did, you guys suggested and the fella at Turkey Flat.

First and foremost Jacobs Creek Retreat is a must for anyone who is in a relationship, but saying that as a single guy I would go there again. The Owner is the chef there and also designed the whole complex and does his own wine. All I can say is fantastic.

The rooms are small but bathroom are large enough to comfortable house a nice size shower and 2 person spa, with a king size bed in the other room. The Gardens are perfection and tranquility plus serenity is a given. It's a part of Australian paradise, situated 4 KMS before Tanunda towards the Hill off of Krondorf Rd.

We did the Degustation on friday night, starts at 3 courses and 3 wines for $115, we did the 5 courses for $145. The food was immaculate. we had an oyster with a ginger sauce, I eat Kilpratick, never had raw sinse 17, but it was devine, which was served with their Sparkling Shiraz. We were then presented with a Chardonay and Mullet with a vinegaratte. The Mullet was raw (Suchi) again something never eaten but once again, my wife and I were blown away.

Thrid course was Quail with the Moorooroo Shiraz. The Shiraz was very Bold, like it alot, again his own wine from his own vines.

Fourth was Lamb, with potatoe, Asparagus and roasted onion with a red wine sauce. My lord that was the most succelent lamb I have ever eaten, it melted in my mouth. Mel doesn't like bloodied meat and she ate it and loved it. However their Moorooroo Cab Sav at $58.00 a bottle is an absolute steal. Smell is fruity but taste is subtle but strong, whereas I found the Shiraz a bit too bold.

Last was desert which was a Paletta I believe with strwaberries with a desert wine. again lovely, Mel looked like she was getting to much pleasure from desert which made me feel insignificant lol

But if anything, if you haven't been here please go, the whole package is worth the money, they do wine tasting there also and if you are loaded they do a $1,200 wine tasting, food meal

 

[FishingRick04]

The wineries.

Well we got confused with where we are staying with the Jacobs creek Visitor centre. we it was a very cold place with no much service. Looked good but I would say meh. So we left looking for our retreat but were early so we went to Grant Burge.

I have to say, scenic is an under statement I thought the grounds were impeccable. The old Cellar with the Grape Vine Roof beautiful. Their wines were ok. To me the standout was their Sav Blanc for about $25. The aroma just punch me in the face when I breathed and the taste was subtle. So I bought a bottle and it was the stand out white for the weekend, was gonna go back and get more but got distracted and spent too much. We also bought two 10 year old Ports. I am not a Port drinker but there were also too good to refuse at $25 a bottle.


Overall I would rate the winery 8/10 and wines 6.5. I didn't find there wines mature enough for my liking with their mid range reds (which is my drink of choice) being same old same old and their top end $60+ just not doing enough.

 

[FishingRick04]

Friday came and breakfast gone, it was sampling time. St Hallet was first cab off the block. a young fella was behind the counter and a nice guy. Chatted to him for awhile and sampled his wines. I found the old Block for $80 again wasn't mature enough, my definition of maturity I guess is it has lost that watery texture which is generally found in the cheaper wines and it should be smooth on the way down. So I wasn't happy paying $80 for their high end wines.

However the Rose was lovely and enticing, so we took one of those and their two wines theEden Valley $30 and Blackwell $40 had great smells and flavour for the price and would definitely recommend.

Winery itself 4/10, wines 6.8/10.

We had time so we went to Kellermeister. View of the hills was lovely and cellar door looked nice. People are power fans too and their shirts for $30 look very similar to Power tops. That's where it stopped for me.

Their wines were alot of blended wines which doesn't suit my pallet. Most wines were in the low $20 mark and to be honest tasted ordinary. Whites were not very nice either and their top end was not available for tasting, I ain't spending $70+ without trying, sorry but that's me. Most of their selection was on the lower end anyway and customer service was average.

Winery 4/10 Wine 3/10

 

[FishingRick04]

It was getting close to our time, so we headed to Turkey Flat. (Near Bethany). Lovely winery, presents well when driving in. Cellar door nice and sampled a white that I didn't like and chatted to the young fella. Then I remembered I had booked the cheese tasting here. $15 sample 5 of their wines which they match to cheese. My lord, best decision I have made. Went into their back room. The other couple sampling at the same time heard of what we were doing and were keen. They only do by bookings so we invited them onto our table.

90 mins later it was finished. The guy really invested his time (I hope it was Will, I think so). Spoke about his family, the winery, their philosphy, wines, their challenges including the big boys and the Gov't.

However sympathy aside their wine stood on it's own legs and for it's price is blow ya away material. The Sparkling chardony was average IMO. But the Sparkling Shiraz was lovely at $40 a bottle couldn't go past it, so I grabbed 2 .

But their staple is the Grenache, Cab Sav and Shiraz. We sampled their 2002 year. They had a package of all three for $160. Unreal value. I don't like Grenache, but it was nice to good, the Cab Sav was mind blowing, great aroma again but taste was delightful, I would get the next vintage closest to 02, he didn't know what years they had left, but mel and I bought 2 of their last 3 packs and the other couple bought the other. Yes he could have been shitting me to get a sale, but he didn't seem like that and not to mention i would have bought it anyway. If I like it, I will get it.

1:30 we left there and $560 lesser but some beautiful wine to take with us.

Winery 9.5/10 Wine 9/10 Must go and Must sample cheese offer IMO.

 

[FishingRick04]

Leaving Turkey Flat I noticed Mel was getting tipsey, she advised moreso, I told her to spit, but she couldn't, didn't help she drank my wine sample after I tired plus hers lol.

So we went to Saltram Estate, heard Restaurant plus cellar good. Again presented lovely, but custoemr service was clinical and not very personalised. Most wines for tasting were cheap eg $20-$30 range and the few sampled were very average and raw, didn't help they were up against such a good winery before them.

So we left. I started to realise and work out what you guys were saying. The big ones aren't that good. But they aren't that good because they lack touch and emotion that the smaller wineries provide. really wine is about people putting their personaility into their product as much as the product itself. The large companies don't present the sincerity and therefore lack that touch to me as a customer, plus the cheaper wines seem the be on bulk show.

 

[FishingRick04]

So we screamed from there and went to Kesler. Lunch was nice there.

Cellar door was lovely and beautiful, as was the whole grounds.

The wines didn't set me on fire here however. Again, a bit raw for my pallet, top wines not on show but we didn't like their Port at around $20 a bottle, so we got two. Plus their 2007 Old Vine Shiraz for around $40 was good value for money and will stash that away for a few years.

Winery 8/10 Wine 7/10.

Nearing the end of a long day, mel's head starting to struggle as was my stomach as I didn't spit enough and it was getting acidic.

winery 9.5/10 Wine 7.2/10

But we made it to Whistler. Love their grounds, great for kids, they have theme days and the ladies were lovely, loved their wine.

The 2007 Cab Sav for around $30 was of a good quality, very enjoyable. The White called Audrey May was also very aromatic and fruity tasting and worth picking up. I had a detailed discussion with the owner about their two Shiraz's. I found her $70 top line Shairaz peppery and "sharp" for a wine at that price and thought her 2008 shiraz at $30 was much better value and was more subtle and less raw/peppery. Obviously she tasted. She disagreed (Obviously) but could see my point.

 

[FishingRick04]

Last stop, drop Mel off at home, sh could handle now more, it was 4pm. So I went Solo to Rockfords. Little bit farmy but a quaint cellar door, like and old farms house.
tried their 2005 Semillion, lovely, couldn't fault, not as nice as the grant Burge, but for around $20 had to get one.

I also pruchased a 2007 Cab Sav, again for the $40 ish price range it's a great value for money wine, drink now or store for later.

However we hit my bug bear. On the list the sig wine for $62 said not for tasting. I looked at the young fella and said mate how can I buy without a try. He said sorry not for tasting, but you have to take my word for it. I said hmmm don't know if I can but I do believe you, but if it's as good as you say, open one and I will buy.

So he did

It's the 2002 Shiraz VP. It's unusual Shiraz as it's heavily fortified with Brandy. So normally when ya smell these Shiraz's you smell the different fruits in them, however this Shiraz is all brandy. Smell knocks ya socks off. Supposedly because of this too it will story for century if desired.

So anyway, swich, smell, sample. MY lord, the taste, thicker, syrupy, smooth, i could taste the wine, but i could taste a liquer, it was like a hybrid. So i wouldn't call it a a Shiraz od the purist kind but it's Dynamic, so I bought three,one to drink, 2 to store. This has to be bought if you love wine and haven't tried. Call em and get delivery. I will get more no doubt.

Winery 7/10 Wine 9.8/10

Without a doubt best holiday I have been on and I can't believe I left the Barossa for so long. I am sure I will find many more wineries of this Ilk, but so Far Turkey Flat and Rockfords for me were to of choice.

As for Standout Wins

Moorooroo Cab Sav 2004 at $58 a bottle, buy it now and drink or store, you won't got wrong, great value for money.
Rockford Shiraz VP 2002 $62 a bottle
Turkey Flat Cab Sav 2002, no longer exist at cellar door at $55.

Grant Burge Sav Blanc white of choice.

I hope you enjoyed the read and too much to spell check and grammer, sry, you guys no my laziness by now. feel free to pm if you have questions

 

[Macca19]

Sounds like you had a lot of fun. Glad you liked Turkey Flat and Whistler. Im actually drinking a Saltram Mamre Brook 04 Cab Sauv at the moment.

Its understandable how you said a lot of the expensive wines werent mature enough. Most flagship wines like that arent ready to be drunk for minimum 5 years and sometimes 20+ and all youre getting when tasting it young is the big oak and big acid structure that will make it age wonderfully, but will make it quite unpleasant to drink when young.

Youll have to come up to clare next time and come in and say gday.