I am not sure whether it’s for the preservation of a wine’s integrity, it’s marketability or just plain elitism, but in the Australian wine industry, it’s relatively rare for a winemaker to blend grapes of the same style from different territories. But the aversion to regional blending might be a thing of the past given the bold step taken by Lindeman’s to recently launch their “Regional Series” which blends grapes from different, but complementary regions.
There’s a Pinot Noir Chardonnay bubbly from the Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills and a Chardonnay blended from Hunter Valley and Adelaide Hills fruit, but it was the Cabernet crafted from the harvest of the Padthaway and Clare Valleys that really caught my attention.
I’ve always been fond of the Clare Valley Cabernet, but never really developed a taste for its Padthaway cousin, but apparently, they work very well as a team.
The 2012 “Regional Series” will settle with time and for now, it probably needs to sit for half an hour after opening. There’s a savoury earthiness on the nose that becomes fragrant brambly fruit and licorice across the palate (although with perhaps a slight olive, cedar and aniseed edge that will probably become less evident with time).
The real strength of the latest edition to the Lindeman’s stable is its finish which is balanced, well supported by tannin and lusciously lingering.
At around $20 a bottle, it’s sure to be a popular addition to the Lindeman’s range.
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