Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Auld Family Wines


From time to time, I will introduce new and less well known wineries. The Auld Family has been involved with wine for many generations, but the current brothers are taking a fresh approach. The Wilberforce and Strawbridge brands straddle the Barossa and Langhorne Creek. I am not quite sure what the point of two brands is, given they are new and the price points are similar.

The 2019 Wilberforce Riesling from the Eden Valley delivers attractive citrus and apple flavours on the front palate. The experience is a full mouthfeel with balanced acidity, but the finish is a bit sweet and plump (88 points).

The 2016 Strawbridge Cabernet Sauvignon from Langhorne Creek shows good varietal character with red and blackcurrant flavours. There is some smokiness as well (maybe not a good term to use right now?). The fruit is slightly overwhelming on the finish, but then dry tannins deliver a strong grip at the expense of elegance (89 points).

The 2015 Wilberforce Cabernet/Shiraz hits the palate with concentrated dark berry fruit. Eucalypt  and some earthy notes add to the complexity. There is some sweetness in the wine, and the coarse tannins lead to a firm finish (89 points). 

The 2017 Strawbridge Shiraz displays concentrated blood plum fruit and toasted oak. I find the tannins quite astringent. They lead to a long, but slightly alcoholic finish (86 points). 

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