Yileena Park 2010 Pinot Noir
Regular readers of Essentials will know that I’m a bit partial to the great luscious reds wines of the boutique Yarra Valley label Yileena Park. It has been recognised though that Yileena’s pinots were somewhat amply endowed in body, perhaps not quite delicate enough for those who want something lighter than the regular big bold red.
Now however, I am excited to report that with the new 2010 release, Yileena Park’s pinot noir has finally come of age: this vintage is perfectly balanced in weight, and the flavour profile has developed considerably.
Presenting in the glass with a bright red cherry colour, its fabulous expansive nose of cherries, violets, mushroom, forest floor, cloves and a hint of dark chocolate is one huge giant leap forward for Yileena. The palate is mid-to-light in weight and silky soft in the mouth. Gentle fine tannins and a hint of oak round out the mid-palate so it finishes long and well balanced. If you must partner it, sample this wine with some washed rind cheese, nuts and fruits; nothing more. It’s a great drop to enjoy on its own, naked in its own truth – a winning wine!
Yileena Park 2010 Cabernet
Although I was sent a sample bottle of 2005 Reserve Cabernet, an outstanding, beautifully aged quality new release, I want to extol the virtues of the non-reserve 2010 Cabernet.
As is often the result with Yileena Park, compare a younger non-reserve cabernet with its fancy big brother and you’ll be hard-pressed to tell much difference. Both are fat, silky and fragrant deluxe wines; both just keep giving in terms of length of palate. If I have to differentiate between them I’d suggest that the front palate of the non-reserve wine is a little brighter in flavour with hints of juicy cherries playing a part. The development of the tannins is also less advanced in terms of fine-grained flavour and textural integration – but these are seriously nit-picking details!
Now I’ve said it before, but save your pretty pennies and leave the expensive flagship wines such as Penfolds Grange for the dull-as-hell ‘we don’t buy it to drink’ investor buyers. If you want superb wine at a far better price, wine you can drink before the nurses wheel you away to bed, this is your winning ticket.
Inky deep in colour and with a rich, all-encompassing, sophisticated nose of black berries, cherries, prunes, dark chocolate and tobacco – it’s a hands down fat ’n’ sexy red. Soft, round and rich with deep tones of blackberry and plum, it’s well balanced throughout. Fine chalky tannins are a little grippy, but that’s a sign of good things to come.
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