peregrination :: “The Universe”
25 Nov 04
Another bus trip today, this time around the famous Barossa Valley. Turns out, I could have travelled with the same bus driver as yesterday but I picked his mate and had easily as much fun – another raconteur and a Monty Python fan!
First stop on the bus trip was at the Whispering Wall dam. Apparently, you can whisper at one end of the dam wall and be heard clearly at the other end because of the acoustics of the dam wall face. Then back in the bus to visit Lyndloch, a small village at the southern end of the Barossa. Everyone piled out for the obligatory coffees and traditional German beesting cake. I ordered and paid for a cappucino but it was terrible. Typical!
Favoured wines here were:
- “Freedom” Shiraz
- NV Sparkling Shiraz Cuvee
Off to our first winery, Langmeil – home of the Barossa’s oldest vines – 161-year-old shiraz vines. They are still producing, although only relatively lightly. From these fruits, they produce the “Freedom” Shiraz, and it is gorgeous. At $60 a bottle, its a steal equalling Grange in taste and development. Also tried a sparkling Merlot and it was pleasant but I’m still not convinced.
Favoured wines here were:
- “Old Vine” Shiraz – beautiful!
- “W.O.M.S.” – would go with dark chocolate
- (untasted) “Old Bastard” Shiraz
Back in the bus and up to Mengler Hill for a view of the whole valley before travelling to the Kaesler Winery. Here they make the “Old Bastard” Shiraz. Unfortunately, it’s not available for tasing but I didtry the “Old Vines” Shiraz (apparently very similar) and was lovely. The “WOMS” – “Weapons of Mass Seduction” was very exciting.
We had lunch at the Kaesler and I got talking with a couple of guys from London. They were travelling around and were convinced they would come back to Australia again.
Favoured wines here were:
- 2001 Heritage Release Cabernet Sauvignon – fruity, light, drink now, great price
- 2002 Grey Label Shiraz – smooth, chocolatey
- 2002 Grey Label Cabernet Sauvignon – Eucalyptusey, minty
- 2000 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz – smooth, but lost after Grey Label Cab Sauv; long lasting palette.
Another bus ride, this time to the final winery – Wolf Blass. This was a winery on a different scale – a huge place with wines made from grapes from all over Adelaide wine regions. Paid for the “Premium” tastingg and discovered the Grey Label range. The Shiraz is beautiful and the Cabernet Sauvignon has a unique minty/eucalyptus flavour that is quite remarkable.
The bus ride home included singing the Philosopher’s Song with the bus driver! Weird, huh! A great finish to phase 2 of the trip.
Other photos
