We were very excited to receive 90/100 for both Baldrick Shiraz 2011 and Babiana 2009 from Wine Advocate reviewer Neal Martin. For the complete review of wines tasted, visit https://www.erobertparker.com/newSearch/th.aspx
2011 Vondeling Wines Baldrick Shiraz 90/100
The 2011 Baldrick Shiraz is blended with 9% Mourvedre and 1% Viognier and is matured in used barrels to reduce wood influence. It has a well-composed nose of raspberry, hot gravel and white pepper that is harmonious and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, silky smooth tannins. It is understated with a feminine, fleshy finish that is finely tuned. This is certainly a level up on previous vintages – a “Baldrick” a little more intelligent that his on-screen incarnation! Drink now-2017.
2009 Vondeling Wines Babiana 90/100
The 2009 Barbiana is an improvement on the 2008. A blend of 51% Chenin Blanc, 28% Viognier, 17% Chardonnay and 4% Grenache Blanc, it has a very attractive bouquet of light honey, dried pineapple and Germanic, petrol notes. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, well integrated creamy oak and very good weight on the finish. This is very refined with great length and persistency. Drink now-2016.
2009 Vondeling Wines Chardonnay 87/100
The 2009 Chardonnay, which also see seven months lees contact, has a tightly-wound nose of grass clippings, lime cordial and a touch of quince that is well defined, with well-integrated oak. The palate is well balanced with generous mandarin and quince notes on the entry. It might lack a little finesse and tension, but it does offer satisfying weight and a pleasing tropical-tinged finish. Drink now-2016.
2008 Vondeling Wines Erica Shiraz 87/100
The 2008 Erica Shiraz is blended with 4.5% Carignan, 4.5% Grenache, 4% Mourvedre and 1% Viognier, has an elegant bouquet with notes of blackberry, soy, white pepper and a touch of raspberry. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe red berry fruit that is missing some complexity and finesse towards the finish. This is just a little conservative, but should age nicely over several years. Drink now-2018.
2011 Vondeling Wines Sauvignon Blanc 85/100
The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, which sees no oak but seven months lees contact, has a light herbaceous nose that would I feel needs more intensity. The palate is crisp and citric on the entry but it fails to deliver the weight of fruit towards the tapered finish. Drink now.
2007 Vondeling Wines Sweet Carolyn 86/100
The 2007 Sweet Carolyn is a straw wine, a pure Muscat de Frontignan that I feel is missing some definition on the nose. The palate compensates in part with some attractive apricot and lemon curd notes and the finish is simple but fresh. Drink now-2016.
