By David Ellis from vintnews.
Rymill Coonawarra’s unusually-named The Dark Horse range takes its moniker from one of Judy Rymill’s favourite nags, Adlai whose lively and colourful history included bucking a senior Victorian Police Commander off at a public parade, resulting in him being condemned to death and a horrible end in a knackery.
It was only Judy’s intervention that saved Adlai – who with her care and understanding actually went on to be chosen in Australia’s equestrian team at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
A Rymill 2014 The Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon that’s just recently been released honours Adlai in appropriate form: it’s a young, lively and memorable drop, offering buyers a wine that’s all about juicy dark, and full-on blackcurrant, mulberry and dark cherry flavours, suggestions of chocolate and a hint of mint.
Maker, Sandrine Gimon likes to think of it as a “modern twist on Cabernet Sauvignon,” and at $25 it’s certainly value-buying and a rewarding drinking now – we’d suggest with roast duck and cherry sauce – or for popping away in the cellar for around another five years of age and flavour development.
One to note: Shaw Vineyard Estate’s owner/winemaker Graeme Shaw reckons he’s able to hold the price of his excellent Winemakers Selection range to a very reasonable $16 through what he calls “little tricks that keep down time and materials costs.”
Whatever those tricks are, they certainly don’t impact on the quality of this range, with a 2015 Estate Winemakers Selection Semillon Sauvignon Blanc a ripper white to enjoy with a whole range of seafood or lighter-meat based dishes. Predominantly Semillon with just 10% Sauvignon Blanc, it’s interesting that Graeme’s Murrumbateman vineyards carry more Semillon than the rest of the whole of this area near Canberra combined.
One to truly enjoy with this easy $16 price-tag.
