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Box Stallion ***** 64 Tubbarubba Road, Merricks North, VIC 3926. Region: Mornington Peninsula T (03) 5989 7444 F (03) 5989 7688 W www.boxstallion.com.au Open: 7 days 11-5 Winemaker: Alex White Est.: 2001 Cases: 9000 Vyds: 16 ha Box Stallion is the joint venture of Stephen Wharton, and Garry Zerbe, who have linked two vineyards at Bittern and Merricks North, with 16 ha of vines planted between 1997 and 2003. What was once a thoroughbred stud has now become a vineyard, with the Red Barn (in their words) 'now home to a stable of fine wines'. Exports to the US, Canada, Japan and China. Box Stallion Sauvignon Blanc 2008 A fresh and clean bouquet with gently tropical fruits, then a crisp, lively and immaculately balanced palate; this is subtle rather than in-your-face, with good length and deserving its gold medals. Screwcap. 13% alc. Rating 94 To 2010 $20 Box Stallion Tempranillo 2006 A mix of bright fruits and darker, savoury nuances; has particularly good balance and mouth feel, with a supple texture and good flavour. Very good tempranillo. Diam. 15% alc. Rating 94 To 2015 $40 Box Stallion Gewurztraminer 2008 Rose petal, bath power and spice aromas lead into a relatively light but positively flavoured palate; good varietal expression. Screwcap. 13.1% alc. Rating 90 To 2013 $25 Box Stallion Red Barn Chardonnay 2005 Still very youthful; obvious citrusy overlay to the stone fruit flavours courtesy of early picking, but has exemplary length in a quasi-Chablis mode, and a clean finish. Screwcap. 12.6% alc. Rating 90 To 2015 $20 Box Stallion The Enclosure Chardonnay 2004 Very potent and funky, the fruit aromas and flavours bordering on the aggressive so intense are they; demands food, but will repay faith. Diam. 14% alc. Rating 90 To 2012 $25 Box Stallion Dolcetto 2006 Light, but bright, fuschia-crimson; scented red fruits, then a mix of strawberry and morello cherry on the fine palate. Drink soon. Screwcap. 14.3% alc. Rating: 90 To 2013 $20 Box Stallion The Enclosure Pinot Noir 2006 Similar colour and savoury, spicy, forest floor flavours to Red Barn, but with a little more persistence and length. Diam. 14% alc. Rating: 89 To 2010 $30 Box Stallion Arneis 2008 Quite fragrant lemon blossom and honeysuckle aromas; some hints of honeycomb on the palate; older vines giving more character than previously? Screwcap. 14.3% alc. Rating 87 To 2011 $20 Box Stallion Red Barn Pinot Noir 2006 Light colour; simply too light, although it has pleasant soul boil savoury flavours and fair length. Diam. 14% alc. 87 To 2009 $20 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2010 Edition |
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