2009 Domaine Tournon Landsborough Valley Shiraz, M Chapoutier
In 1997, distinguished biodynamic Rhône producer, Michel Chapoutier, true to his pioneering spirit, set out to explore the terroirs of Australia. Having worked with Jasper Hill and Beechworth in Victoria, in 2002 he bought his own vineyards (Shays Flat and Landsborough) in the Victorian Pyrenees and set up the fully-owned Domaine Tournon – whose name comes from the old town opposite Tain l’Hermitage in the Rhône Valley. These are remarkable wines of great value and deserve collectors’ attention, hailing from “one of the most fascinating and compelling personalities in the entire wine world, and one dedicated to the highest quality”
(Robert Parker, 2011).
Deep red in colour, the nose is intense, heady, expressive and spicy, with notes of black pepper, clove and graphite beneath the ripe plum, black cherry and floral aromas. The palate is full-bodied, sleek and savoury with fine tannins supporting the complex flavours of fresh blackcurrant, chocolate and delicate smokiness, leading to a very fine earthy finish. A terrific wine that shows great promise, with a noticeable Hermitage character.