2020 Halliday Wine Compnaion
2020 Halliday Wine Companion
Every year the release of Halliday's Wine Companion draws a lot of attention and excitement and the release of the 2020 edition is no exception.
This year Oakdene has 6 wines rated 94 points or above and retained a 5 red star rating for the sixth year running keeping Oakdene in the top echelon of Australian producers.
Here is a snapshot of our scores and reviews.
95 points, 2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard William Shiraz
Hand-picked, wild yeast fermented in small open vats with 15% whole bunches, matured in French barriques (30% new) for 16 months. Oakdene has decided to go for it in this spectacular vintage, and has got off to a flying start with this sumptuous wine. Picked at a modest baume level, it has the power more commonly found in the Barossa or Eden Valley at 14.5%-15% alcohol. This also has fine-grained tannins in best cool climate style.
95 points, 2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard Bernard's Cabernets
71% merlot, 16% cabernet franc, 13% cabernet sauvignon. Fine and elegant, the varieties complement each other with redcurrant, plum, cedary spice and pencil shavings amongst the aromas you can pick up on the bouquet, and a suite of similar flavours on the palate. It's long and supple with enough grip to encourage cellaring.
94 points, 2018 Oakdene Single Vineyard Jessica Sauvignon
Hand-picked, crushed, pressed to French barriques (15% new) for cultured yeast fermentation and 8 months maturation. High quality estate fruit, matched by skilled winemaking. This is a wine of real quality and stamina, its citrussy acidity driving the long palate and aftertaste.
94 points, 2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard Liz's Chardonnay
Wild-fermented in new and used French barriques. Attractive and generous in an open-hearted fashion, with white and yellow peach fruit, citrussy acidity and cashew/oak. Good overall balance and length.
94 points, 2017 Bellarine Peninsula Pinot Noir
Estate-grown, fermented in small open fermenters, matured in new and used French oak for 11 months. A highly expressive bouquet reflects the vinification (some French oak in particular), and the underlying quality of the fruit. The palate is plump, rich and textured. There's lots on offer here, now or in 10 years time.
94 points, 2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard Peta's Pinot Noir
Wild-fermented with some whole bunches to build spicy notes on the bouquet and palate, matured for 12 months in new and used French barriques. The bouquet is fine, the palate needing time to settle down (which it will do).
94 points, 2018 Oakdene Late Harvest Riesling
Probably not quite what is expected of a late harvest style in 375ml packaging, that being more typical of a luscious dessert wine. The water-white colour is an indicator. Following that there's ripe and aromatic riesling character on the bouquet, and a palate which is certainly sweet, but light on it's feet with crisp acidity escorting it all the way. Drink now and enjoy I'd say.
91 points, 2018 Bellarine Peninsula Pinot Grigio
Shows some skins/lees type savoury characters on the bouquet, along with the usual ripe pear aromas of the variety and a hint of apple pie with cinnamon. Nicely textured palate, quite mouthfilling, and offering sweet fruit flavour and lively youthfulness. It has reasonable acidity but it's basically soft and forward in style, so drink now is the way to go.
91 points, 2018 Bellarine Peninsula Rose
Made from whole bunch pressed pinot noir. Lifted aromas of strawberry, fresh and inviting, and there's a 'vinosity' of aroma that can sometimes be missing with rose. Flavours are light but attractive, red berries leading the way with rose water and watermelon in addition. Finishes well with a pleasantly astringent twist.
91 points, 2017 Bellarine Peninsula Shiraz
Estate-grown, open-fermented, matured in French barriques for 11 months. Excellent hue and depth. Well made, with a crosscurrent of red and black cherries on one hand, some muted savoury/leafy notes on the other. The overall balance is good, as is the length.
89 points, 2018 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Sauvignon Blanc
Generous fruit, mostly in the riper spectrum for the variety, although there's a background of more herbal characters and some evidence of the post-ferment time on lees. The flavours are fresh and juicy, just lacking the intensity for a higher score but there'll be few complaints from the customers.
2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard William Shiraz - 93 points
"From the Bellarine Peninsula comes this fragrant and ethereal shiraz with pink peppercorn and cranberry notes. Spice and herb accents run through the wine, and it is deliciously lemony on the finish."
Toni Patterson, The Real Review 18 February 2019
2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard Jessica Sauvignon - 95 points
“No-frills winemaking throws all the focus onto the fragrant bouquet and highly expressive palate. Has thrived in the cool vintage, and created something special, tropical/lemongrass notes – unusual bedfellows that have clearly been well satisfied by their union.” Drink by 2021
James Halliday, Halliday Magazine April/May 2018
www.winecompanion.com.au
2016 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Shiraz - 94 points
“Something about the savoury, spicy nature of Geelong Shiraz. Shows a good shake of black pepper, whiffs of briar, ripe plum, dark cherry. The palate has an appealing smoothness and good length, and a lip smacking finish of pepper and plummy fruit seals the deal. There’s an elegance here that appeals greatly too.”
Mike Bennie, WBM, May/June 2018
www.wbmonline.com.au
2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard William Shiraz - 93 points
“Smells great. Meaty, spicy, peppery, mainly dark fruited Shiraz here, with maybe a bit of chocolate. Medium-bodied, spicy, grilled meat, red berries in the mix, a bit of sap, lovely acidity, richness but restraint, smooth dense tannin, and full on charm. It’s let down a little by its somewhat diffuse finish, just needs a bit more oomph and tightening of the nuts, otherwise most excellent. Some chicory-like bitterness in the aftertaste.” Drink 2018-2024
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 10th October 2018
www.winefront.com.au
2016 Oakdene Single Vineyard Bernards Cabernets - 92 points
Single vineyard blend of merlot (63%), cabernet franc (23%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (14%) from the Bellarine Peninsula side of the Geelong region.
Mid-weight, well composed, fluid red wine. Everything is in good order and in good measure. Flavours of mulberry, boysenberry and blackcurrant glide into bay and subtle chocolate. Fine tannin; not a lot, but enough. It’s drinking well now but it should mature handsomely.
Drink 2019 - 2025
Campbell Mattinson, The Winefront
2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard William Shiraz - 93 points
Deep, dark red/purple/black colour, with a smoky, peppery, char-oak and spice nose, which has a background hint of reduction. The wine is big and juicy, rich and fruit-sweet, with lovely ripe fruit flavours and amplitude. A very smart cool-climate syrah style, with a touch of graphite on the finish. Impressive stuff. Drink 2019 - 2032
Huon Hooke, The Real Review, January 2019
2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard Peta's Pinot Noir
2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard Peta's Pinot Noir has been awarded Gold at the prestigious Sydney Royal Wine Show.
2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard Peta's Pinot Noir - 92 Points
I used to quite fancy actress Peta Toppano when I was a young lad. Just saying.
Some sappy whole bunch action, but not too much, just a seasoning, over raspberry and cherry, cinnamon and brittle toffee. It’s medium-bodied, soft and sweetly fruited, but with some savoury interest from oak and bunches, plus some of the region’s earthiness. Finish has gentle powdery tannin, a juiciness, and decent length. It’s easy to get along with.
Drink by 2019 -2024
Gary Walshe, The Winefront
2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard William Shiraz - 93 points
You’d rarely be called William in Australia. G’day Bill. I know, I get Gazza and all kinds of things. Thank heavens quite a few people just call me ‘GW’.
Smells great. Meaty, spicy, peppery, mainly dark fruited Shiraz here, with maybe a bit of chocolate. Medium-bodied, spicy, grilled meat, red berries in the mix, a bit of sap, lovely acidity, richness but restraint, smooth dense tannin, and full on charm. It’s let down a little by its somewhat diffuse finish, just needs a bit more oomph and tightening of the nuts, otherwise most excellent. Some chicory-like bitterness in the aftertaste.
Drink by 2018 -2024
Gary Walshe, The Winefront
Success at the 2018 Rutherglen Wine Show
Excellent results at the 2018 Rutherglen Wine Show in the following categories:
Gold Medal - 2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard Peta's Pinot Noir
Silver Medal - 2017 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Pinot Noir
Silver Medal - 2017 Oakdene Single Vineyard William Shiraz
2016 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Shiraz - 90 Points (Silver)
Spicy, savoury and peppery, but with black fruits to the fore. No more than medium-bodied, and the question is will the fruit stand the test of time?
Drink by: 2029
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2015 Yvette Bellarine Peninsula Pinot Noir Chardonnay - 91 Points (Silver)
A 50/50% blend, 24 months on lees, dosage 3g/l, disgorged Aug '17. Reflects the cool maritime climate in a positive way, with grainy acidity and fruit pith and zest providing length and a brisk finish.
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2017 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Rose - 91 Points (Silver)
Hand-picked pinot noir, whole-bunch pressed with minimal skin contact, cool-fermented in stainless steel, 2 months on lees. Light, clear magenta; fresh strawberries poached for 30 seconds and finished with crisp, faintly citrus, acidity.
Drink by 2019
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2016 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Pinot Noir - 93 Points (Silver)
Estate-grown, open-fermented in small pots, matured in new and used French barriques for 11 months. There's no doubting its cool grown origins, the bouquet perfumed by red flowers and fruits, the palate an encore bringing in drums to tattoo the spicy/savoury notes.
Drink by: 2026
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2014 Oakdene Matilda Macedon Ranges Blanc de Noirs - 93 Points (Silver)
100% pinot noir, 36 months on lees, dosage 8g/l, disgorged Aug '17. The pale grey-pink is what English wine writers used to describe as partridge eye. The cold continental climate of Macedon (and some assured winemaking) guarantees a wine that will flourish with several more years under cork, its red berry pinot varietal base becoming ever more flowery and regent.
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2017 Bellarine Peninsula Pinot Grigio - 94 Points (Silver)
Estate-grown, hand-picked, crushed, cool-fermented in stainless steel, 3 months on lees. The yield isn't shown, but must surely have been low to produce such a concentrated wine given the straightforward vinification. It has unexpected texture, and a precocious display of pear-accented flavours.
Drink by: 2021
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2016 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Chardonnay - 94 Points (Silver)
Destemmed, pressed to French oak (10% new) for fermentation with cultured yeast, matured for 10 months. An unexpectedly complex bouquet, doubtless reflecting the fermentation in barrel on solids. The fruit flavours span citrus to stone fruit, meeting seamlessly in the middle, and giving rise to a juicy character that has as much to do with mouthfeel as flavour.
Drink by: 2036
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2017 Bellarine Peninsula Sauvignon Blanc - 95 Points (Gold)
No frills winemaking throws all the focus onto the fragrant bouquet and highly expressive palate. Has thrived in the cool vintage, and created something special, tropical/lemongrass notes - unusual bedfellows that have clearly been well satisfied by their union.
Drink by: 2021
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2017 Oakdene Ly Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Pinot Gris - 95 Points (Gold)
100% fermented, and matured for 18 months, in French barriques (15% new). Pinot gris doesn't get much more complex or serious than this. It's a wine-drinker's wine, not for amateurs.
Drink by: 2019
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2016 Oakdene William Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Shiraz - 95 Points (Gold)
Hand-picked, destemmed, wild yeast open-fermented with 15% whole bunches, matured in French barriques (30% new) for 16 months. This is a cool climate shiraz that is full-bodied, rich and complex notwithstanding its cool origins. The black and red fruits are upholstered with studs of licorice, spice and pepper, not allowing you to drop your eyes for a moment. Ripe tannins and quality oak complete a grand picture.
Drink by: 2036
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2017 Oakdene Jessica Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Sauvignon - 95 Points (Gold)
Estate-grown, hand-picked, crushed straight to French barriques (15% new) for fermentation with cultured yeast and 8 months maturation. The use of Sauvignon' (dropping blanc') is European (particularly French, more particularly the Loire Valley). The barrel fermentation and maturation reflects Robin Brockett's experience on the Bellarine Peninsula, and the quality of the vineyard's terroir.
Drink by: 2025
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2016 Oakdene Peta's Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Pinot Noir - 95 Points (Gold)
Wild-fermented with some whole bunches, matured for 12 months in new and used French barriques. The pure cherry/plum bouquet leads into a palate that easily picks up the fruit promised by the bouquet and adds spicy savoury notes augmented by the whole bunches. The overall fruit/oak/tannin balance can't be faulted.
Drink by: 2029
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2016 Oakdene Liz's Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Chardonnay - 95 Points (Gold)
Wild yeast-fermented in new and used French barriques, matured for 12 months. Green-gold, it stops well short of going OTT with its compendium of stone fruit flavours of all kinds, balanced and lengthened by firm acidity.
Drink by: 2026
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2016 Oakdene Single Vineyard Bernards Cabernets - 4.5 Stars
“This three way bland of Merlot, cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, is a Bordeaux blend. And like the west coast of France, these same varieties clearly love the coast of southern Victoria as well. Redolent with blackberry, blackcurrant/cassis and dark plum flavours and aromas, pure to the core, and juicy with just enough tannin in the finish to promise 5-10 rears cellaring future.”
Tony Love, Herald Sun Taste, Tuesday 26th May 2018.
2016 Oakdene Bernard's Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Cabernets - 96 Points (Gold)
63% cabernet franc, 23% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot co-fermented and matured for 16 months in French barriques (30% new). A co-fermented blend of these three varieties is unusual, with different ripening patterns, but made to look oh so easy here. It is full of juicy fruit, the new clones of merlot Q45-14 and 8R making a disproportionate contribution to the intense flavours. The tannin structure is immaculate, the oak contribution likewise. Something special, the cabernet franc happily accepting the support of the lesser quantities of the other varieties.
Drink by: 2036
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2019
2016 Oakdene Single Vineyard Liz's Chardonnay
“Pitch-perfect medium weight chardonnay with a breezy freshness on its side. Scents of green apple, stone fruit and pears, whiff of vanilla cream oak. A strong start. The palate has a brightness and vitality. Feels compact but flavoursome and exits on the sweet fruit flavour. Nailed the brief.”
Mike Bennie, WBM, May/June 2018
2016 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Shiraz - 94 points
“Something about the savoury, spicy nature of Geelong Shiraz. Shows a good shake of black pepper, whiffs of briar, ripe plum, dark cherry. The palate has an appealing smoothness and good length, and a lip smacking finish of pepper and plummy fruit seals the deal. There’s an elegance here that appeals greatly too.”
Mike Bennie, WBM, May/June 2018
2016 Oakdene Single Vineyard Bernards Cabernets - 93 points
'This belnd of 63% merlot, 23% cabernet franc and 14% cabernet sauvignon has a deep red/purple colour and a bouquet of sweet ripe berry fruits. The flavourt is generous and balanced. The tannins are very soft, the texture highly agreeable and the wine has excellent drinkability despite it's youth.'
Drink now to 2024
Huon Hooke, The Real Review
www.huonhooke.com
2016 Oakdene Single Vineyard William Shiraz - Campbell Mattinson
“Shiraz from the Bellarine Peninsula (Geelong). Wild yeast, some whole bunches, French oak.
There’s a whole lot to like here. The sweet, ripe, black cherried fruit, the white pepper, the subtle infusion of smoky oak, the drift of meaty, twiggy herbs. The florals. It’s so neat it’s immaculate; it’s so polished it feels smooth. From just about every angle it’s a beautiful wine; my only hesitation is the slight bitterness to the aftertaste. It’s not a deal breaker and time will probably shuffle it out. But it’s there. I’d still reckon the positives here are far in the ascendancy. Just needs time.”
Drink by 2020-2030
Campbell Mattinson, The Winefront
2016 Oakdene Single Vineyard Liz's Chardonnay - 95 Points
“An intensely bright and vibrant chardonnay with energy and fruit restraint. Subtle nutty, biscuity complexity. The palate is long, refined and highly satisfying. It has room to grow so buy a few bottles to drink now, and some others for the cellar.”
Drink now to 2024
Toni Patterson MW, The Real Review 6th Dec 2017
www.huonhooke.com
2016 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Shiraz - Campbell Mattinson
Character writ large. Indeed you don’t get this level of style and character at this price level all that often. Kudos. It’s a dry, meaty shiraz with black pepper and dark cherried fruit flavour adding both character and flesh. There’s a slight trace of bitterness but it’s not overt and it has so many other positives that you’ll hardly notice. It’s cool climate shiraz, done well, at an affordable price.
Drink 2019 - 2024 Plus
Campbell Mattinson, The Winefront
2016 Oakdene Single Vineyard Liz's Chardonnay - Campbell Mattinson
Straw-yellow colour and it’s all good from there.
Few varieties make quality look as effortless as chardonnay does when it’s on song. Exhibit A. Peach and pear, infusion of oatmeal barley sugar, sweet cedar-spiced oak and a slippery-soft aspect to the texture. It races along in general but it feels and tastes good/generous as it goes. Pitch perfect.
Drink 2017 - 2021
Campbell Mattinson, The Winefront
2015 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Chardonnay - 94 points
“Destemmed and pressed direct to French barriques for fermentation with cultured yeast, matured for 10 months. Fermentation of full solids in a doubtless deliberate edge of funky complexity. The palate is bright, fresh and direct, with white peach to the fore, citrussy acidity lengthening the finish. “
Drink by 2023
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
2016 Oakdene Single Vineyard Peta's Pinot Noir - Campbell Mattinson
Wild fermented with some whole bunches. Pinot noir from the Bellarine Peninsula.
It smells pretty and varietal, it has ample complexity, the texture is pleasing and there’s a good kick of spice-riddled flavour through the finish. Ticks in lots of boxes. The mid palate dips slightly, the finish then rearing up from it, but there’s little doubt we’re in good territory here.
Drink 2018 - 2023 Plus
Campbell Mattinson, The Winefront
Gourmet Traveller Wine October 2017 - 2017 Ly Ly Pinot Gris, 91 points Huon Hooke
'The colour is very light bronze/pink, the bouquet intense and pungentwith mulled wine spiciness. It's full and rich in the mouthwith breadth of flavour and softness of texture. There are unusual malt and honey nuances plus a hint of sweetness. A riper style.'
Huon Hooke, GT Wine
2016 Oakdene Ly Ly Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Pinot Gris - 94 points
“Robin Brockett doesn’t fool around – this had the treatment usually reserved for top-end chardonnays (crushed and pressed, fermented and matured for 8 months in French barriques, 15% new). The result is a wine with an exterior shell of barrel ferment notes, it’s inside full of juicy tropical fruits.”
Drink by 2019
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
2015 Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Shiraz - 95 points
“Hand-picked, destemmed, open-fermented in small vats with cultured yeast, pressed to French oak (10% new), matured for 11 months. Deep crimson-purple; takes you on a roller coaster ride as its red, purple and black fruits take turns to capture your attention, likewise juicy freshness and firm tannins, the latter on the aftertaste.”
Drink by 2030
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
2015 Oakdene Bernard’s Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Cabernets - 95 points
“47% merlot, 40% cabernet franc and 13% cabernet sauvignon, destemmed and co-fermented in small open vats with wild yeast, matured in French barriques (30% new) for 16 months. Luscious and mouthfilling, yet fresh and focused, the seeming contradiction explained by the unusual co-fermentation of the three varieties - a positive step made feasible by the normal ripening gap being compressed by the vintage, everything ripening together. Climate change - bring it on!”
Drink by 2030
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
2015 Oakdene Peta’s Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Pinot Noir - 95 points
“Hand-picked, destemmed, 10% whole bunches, open-fermented with wild yeast, matured in French barriques (30% new) for 12 months. Very good depth to the bright colour; at the fuller end of the pinot noir spectrum, with a garland of spice strung around the red and black cherry fruit of the bouquet, a theme effortlessly picked up by the intense palate. Savoury/earthy nuances add further interest Gold medals Vic Wine Show and National Wine Show '16.”
Drink by 2025
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
2015 Oakdene William Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Shiraz - 96 points
“Hand-picked, destemmed, 15% whole bunches, fermented in small open vats with wild yeast, matured in French barriques (30% new) for 16 months. Excellent colour; a powerful cool grown shiraz with black fruits (cherries and berries) on the medium to full-bodied palate. The tannins are firm but ripe and balanced, the oak precisely judged; great length and balance.”
Drink by 2035
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
2015 Oakdene Liz’s Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Chardonnay - 95 points
“Destemmed, pressed to French oak (30% new) for wild fermentation, minimal mlf and 12 months maturation. Bright, light straw-green; while the wine is complex, its cornerstone is its effortless elegance and semi-hidden power. The fruit spectrum is somewhat left field, white peach sharing the field with apple and pear before citrussy acidity joins the game. Its claims can't be ignored.”
Drink by 2023
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
Oakdene Single Vineyard Jessica Sauvignon Blanc - 96 points, Winner Best Sauvignon Blanc
“Hand-picked, crushed, fermented in French oak (15% new) with cultured yeast, matured for 8 months. The bouquet is perfumed, rare for sauvignon blanc, and the palate has great precision and drive, the overall complexity compelling. The barrel fermentation has worked like a charm, making me reluctant to spit the wine out - unheard of. If entered in wine shows it should sweep the field, the length amazing.”
Drink by 2020
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2018
Oakdene Bellarine Peninsula Sauvignon Blanc - 95 Points
“No-frills winemaking throws all the focus onto the fragrant bouquet and highly expressive palate. Has thrived in the cool vintage, and created something special, tropical/lemongrass notes – unusual bedfellows that have clearly been well satisfied by their union..”
Drink by 2021
James Halliday, Halliday Magazine April/May 2018
Halliday Wine Companion 2016 - Oakdene Rates Well!
2016 Halliday Wine Companion has been released and what an amazing edition it has been for Oakdene Wines. Out of the 14 wines that we produce, 9 have been awarded 91 points or higher, 2 of the award winning wines have been sold out. Our highest rated wine is the, 2013 William Single Vineyard Shiraz, receiving an awesome 97 points and one of the best within its variety.
Other winners were: Liz's Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2013 - 95 points, Ly Ly Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2013 - 95 points (SOLD OUT), Peta's Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 - 95 points, Bernard's Single Vineyard Cabernet 2013 - 95 points, Single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2014 - 94 points (SOLD OUT - 2015 now available), Jessica Single Vineyard Sauvignon 2014 - 94 points, Ly Ly Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2014 - 93 points (SOLD OUT) and Single Vineyard Pinot Grigio 2014 - 91points.
2009 Oakdene Matilda Sparkling - 94 Points
Steely grey with a pink hue, plush vibrant red berries are laced with game meats, musk and citrus zing. A fine mousse and bold fruit weight create an excellent palate structure. A long and vibrant and balanced finish.
WINE GENIUS 94 POINTS, May 2015
2013 Oakdene Bernard's Cabernet - 95 Points
James Halliday has awarded 2013 Oakdene Bernard's Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Cabernets 95 points. This is an outstanding wine.
Tasting Note
A crimson purple 58/30/12% blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon, wild yeast-fermented and matured in new and used French barriques for 16 months. Yet another Oakdene '13 to over deliver, flush with cassis, red current and plum fruit given complexity by cedery oak and ripe tannins. 12.9% alc.
James Halliday June/July 2015
2013 Oakdene William Shiraz - 94 Points
Multiple gold medal and trophy winner. 100% Geelong shiraz.
It’s not hard to see why. It’s an opulent expression of a cool climate shiraz. It has the spice and the cherried fruit, but it has layers of blackberry, toast, musk and clove flavours. It makes an impression. A good one. And keeps that impression going through a long, finely tannic finish. 94 POINTS
Campbell Mattinson
2013 Oakdene Peta's Pinot Noir - 91 Points
Wild yeast, small amount of whole bunches, 11 months in new and used French oak. Grown on a single Bellarine Peninsula vineyard.
More than a little seductive. Sweet raspberry and cherry with musk and sweet spice. Perfumed and inviting. It has many savoury elements but they only have a feathery influence; this generally swings sweet and ripe though the mouth. Drinkability is high. 91POINTS
Campbell Mattinson April 2015
2014 Oakdene Single Vineyard Pinot Grigio
They’ve done a pretty good job here. Tastes good, has textural interest, and drinks well. Tick tick tick. Boom. Nashi pear, light chalky texture, fruit sweetness pared back with some earth and dried herb flavours, and a clean finish of good length – some perfume and grip to close. Excellent.
Gary Walsh,
Tasted Mar15
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2013 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD JESSICA SAUVIGNON 94 Points
"Estate-grown, 100% fermented in French barriques (15% new) and held in barrel for 8 months. The term sauvignon is well chosen, pointing more to France than Marlborough; has great mouthfeel and fruit balance; the back label suggestion of 4 years cellaring is far from fanciful". Drink by 2017
James Halliday, Wine Companion Magazine Oct/Nov 2014
2014 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 3 1/2 out of 5 stars 'Decent Drop'
"The Bellarine Peninsula, south of Melbourne, is well tempered by the southern seas, which helps this pop star variety to settle down and gather a little more depth to its palate, here with notes of cinnamon spice sprinkled on nectarine, and brown-sugared grapefruit. For a bit more power again, the Jessica 2013 Sauvignon ($28) is a fuller, barrel fermented and matured style."
Tony Love, National Wine Writer, 6th January 2015
2012 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD LIZ'S CHARDONNAY 94 Points
"Formerly labelled 'Elizabeth'. Whole bunch-pressed to French puncheons (40% new) for wild yeast fermentation, thereafter stirred daily for 20 days, the wine spontaneously going through mlf; 679 dozen made. It has remarkable grip and texture, increasing its capacity to match almost all food." Drink by 2020
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2015 Edition
2012 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD PETA'S PINOT NOIR 91 Points
"Part destemmed, 15% whole bunches, wild yeast ferment, the wine then spending 11 months in new (30%) and used French puncheons. Moderately deep crimson-purple; red fruits dominate, and there are spicy whole bunch notes on the palate; good balance and length." Drink 2018
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2015 Edition
2013 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD WILLIAM SHIRAZ 92 Points
"Brilliant deep red/purple colour, and a richly smoky, meaty charcuterie and spice bouquet, the palate medium to full-bodied and grainy-textured, with lots of graphite tannins and smoky oaky characters. It finishes with a touch of bitterness. Concentrated and youthful and needs time." Drink 2018 to 2034
Huon Hooke, December 2014
2012 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD LIZ'S CHARDONNAY 92 Points
"Quite forward with a buttercup yellow colour and mellow butter and roast hazelnut aromas, including yeast lees overtones. Rich and full in the mouth, its generous and open, but seems to be developing quickly." Drink over 3 years
Huon Hooke, 100 Top New Releases, Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Aug/Sep 2014
2012 OAKDENE 'WILLIAM' SHIRAZ 92 Points
"Geelong is so often overlooked for its Shiraz offering, though Oakdene continue to make a fairly compelling argument as to why that is folly. Pure, medium bodied, a whiff of dried herbs and the saline acidity famed from the region all conspire in this delicious, upmarket bistro red style".
Mike Bennie, Wine Business Monthly Magazine July 2014
2011 OAKDENE BELLARINE PENINSULA PINOT NOIR 91 Points
''Light colour and body, but a good outcome for '11, with fragrant red cherry fruit on the bouquet and delicate palate; has suprisingly good mouthfeel, and is not green. Open-fermented, then in French oak puncheons for 10 months." Drink by 2016
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2014 Edition
2012 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD WILLIAM SHIRAZ 92 Points
"This has earth, light sulphide and meaty touches with a mixed berry varietal character. The palate has fine dry tannins and a current tang at the end. Drink 5 years +."
Ralph Kyte Powell, The Age Epicure, 5th August 2014
2012 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD BERNARD'S CABERNETS 93 Points
"Sip to sip this wine feels elegant, which could be the medium bodied weight or the glossy integration of tannin, fruit and acidity. The wine feels smooth, supple, trimmed with fine chalky tannins, touch of leafiness but pretty, pure, cassis fruit underlying. Light on feet."
Mike Bennie, Wine Business Monthly Magazine June 2014
2013 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD JESSICA SAUVIGNON 94 Points
"Estate-grown; 100% fermented in French barriquees (15% new) and held in barrel for 8 months. The term sauvignon is well chosen, pointing more to France than Marlborough; has great mouthfeel and fruit balance; the back label suggestion of 4 years cellaring is far from fanciful." Drink by 2017
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2015 Edition
2012 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD WILLIAM SHIRAZ 96 Points
"Hand-harvested, largely destemmed, but some whole bunches; wild yeast-fermented in small open vats, then pressed to French oak (30% new) for mlf and 16 months maturation; gold medal Geelong Wine Show, and three trophies Ballarat Wine Show '13. Deeply coloured, it has exceptional black cherry and blackberry fruit laced with spice and pepper; perfectly ripened tannins and quality French oak complete a very classy wine." Drink by 2032
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2015 Edition
2012 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD BERNARD'S CABERNETS 90 Points
"A 43/28.5/25.5% blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon, hand-picked and co-fermented with wild yeast, then matured for 16 months in French barriques (30% new); 342 dozen made. Four-year old vines have produced vibrant red fruits spanning cherry through to raspberry and plum, supported by silky tannins. A bronze medal at the Geelong Wine Show '13 did the wine faint justice." Drink by 2016
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2015 Edition
2010 OAKDENE ‘YVETTE’ VINTAGE SPARKLING 93 Points
“Half Chardonnay, half Pinot Noir, all from Geelong. Spends two years on lees. There’s some brioche and marzipan complexity, brisk acidity and a touch of baked apple sweetness. Delightful sparkling showing interest and complexity”.
Mike Bennie, Wine Business Monthly Magazine May 2014
2012 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD ‘WILLIAM ‘ SHIRAZ 96 Points
“Hand-harvested, largely destemmed, but some whole bunches; wild yeast-fermented in small open vats, then pressed to French oak (30% new) for mlf and 16 months maturation; gold medal Geelong Wine Show, and three trophies Ballarat Wine Show ’13. Deeply coloured, it has exceptional black cherry and blackberry fruit laced with spice and pepper; perfectly ripened tannins and quality French oak complete a very classy wine”. Drink by 2032
James Halliday, Wine Companion Magazine June/July 2014
2012 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD ‘WILLIAM ‘ SHIRAZ 93 Points
“A fair display of whole bunch spice and meaty funk, pepper, black fruit, licorice, subtle oak. Medium bodied, yet stalky and full in the mouth, with blackcurrant, earth and dark chocolate. Firm sure tannin, even acidity and an earthy twiggy finish of good length. Not my thing really, but likely to find plenty of love from those who hanker for the full bore Geelong Shiraz experience.” Drink 2015 - 2020+
Gary Walsh, Wine Front, 17th April 2014
2012 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD ‘JESSICA’ SAUVIGNON 95 Points ‘Best of the Best’
“Barrel-fermented in French oak (20% new) and kept in that oak for eight months' maturation. It works well, because the fruit was (and remains) intense, with grapefruit, passionfruit and citrus all in play on the very long and intense palate. Will develop well”. Drink by 2017
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2014 Edition
2011 OAKDENE SINGLE VINEYARD ‘BERNARD’S’ CABERNETS 94 Points
“A 37.5/37.5/25% blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot wild yeast-fermented and matured for 16 months in new and used French barriques. The colour is light (although bright) and this, coupled with 13% alcohol, suggested there might be a lack of balance, but in fact it is a very attractive light- to medium-bodied wine with a display of red fruit flavours and excellent mouthfeel”. Drink by 2017.
James Halliday, Wine Companion Magazine Oct/Nov 2013