Tasting Notes: Gartelmann 2002 Wilhelm Shiraz
The last time I visited the Hunter Valley, I picked up a mixed half dozen bottles from Gartelmann winery in Lovedale. I picked up two bottles each of 2004 Ambrossia, 2003 Chardonnay and 2002 Wilhelm Shiraz.
I decided to open one of the Wilhelm Shiraz bottles to have with a rich gravy beef pie. The 2002 Wilhelm Shiraz (13.5 % vol.) is made from hand picked shiraz grapes that are grown on a high trellis system for maximum ripeness. This wine won a silver medal (4th Place) at the 2003 Hunter Valley Wine Show.
The vivid red colour of this wine is appealing to the eye and I found it’s palette ranging from cherry to blackberry with a touch of vanilla. It also has a lovely hint of oak and spice and its tannins are very well controlled and soft. I think this wine would also go very well with Tuna steaks on the grill.
This is a very good Hunter red and I think it is up there with some of the more well known Hunter reds. I recommend the 2002 Wilhelm Shiraz highly and at $22 a bottle, I can’t wait to go back and get some more (and to also try the 2003 vintage).