Windows Estate is known by locals as the one to try. The little cellar door is more shed than plush restaurant and serves tastings of wine as well as cheeses that have recently come on display. This vineyard focuses on fruit and simple making.
The 2014 chardonnay presented pineapple and a hint of creamy oak. It was light on the palate and almost sweet. I made the mistake of trying it after cheese.
The 2013 cabernet merlot was basket pressed (so that the juice is extracted without the harsh tannins of the seeds and skins) with 55% cabernet and 45% merlot. It held a beautiful ripe strawberry scent. Tannins were not overpowering, fruit was of cherries with a hint of pepper. This wine was balanced and good for drinking now. This was my favourite of the Windows Estate wines.
The 2012 cabernet sauvignon was made from fruit from the 1999 vines. It was dark red with a slight dustiness on the nose. Dark blackberries, this was bolder than the blend with more tannins too. The finish was of cigar then a creamier end as it lingered in the palate. This was a nice wine with stronger fruit, but I preferred the cabernet merlot for drinking now.
The 2012 shiraz was even darker and described as being like a northern Rhone syrah. This was tannic and again too young.
The 2014 Moelleux was a sweet wine with a fresh fruity nose of fresh green grapes (similar to what one would expect for sauvignon blanc). It was made with chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc and Semillon.
The 2014 chardonnay presented pineapple and a hint of creamy oak. It was light on the palate and almost sweet. I made the mistake of trying it after cheese.
The 2013 cabernet merlot was basket pressed (so that the juice is extracted without the harsh tannins of the seeds and skins) with 55% cabernet and 45% merlot. It held a beautiful ripe strawberry scent. Tannins were not overpowering, fruit was of cherries with a hint of pepper. This wine was balanced and good for drinking now. This was my favourite of the Windows Estate wines.
The 2012 cabernet sauvignon was made from fruit from the 1999 vines. It was dark red with a slight dustiness on the nose. Dark blackberries, this was bolder than the blend with more tannins too. The finish was of cigar then a creamier end as it lingered in the palate. This was a nice wine with stronger fruit, but I preferred the cabernet merlot for drinking now.
The 2012 shiraz was even darker and described as being like a northern Rhone syrah. This was tannic and again too young.
The 2014 Moelleux was a sweet wine with a fresh fruity nose of fresh green grapes (similar to what one would expect for sauvignon blanc). It was made with chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc and Semillon.