Tallavera vs Tallawanta: 2010 Pepper Tree Tallavera Shiraz & the 2010 Pepper Tree Coquun Shiraz

Two single vineyard wines from the Hunter Valley. Similar in name, but quite different in nature.

Tallavera is in the Mount View sub-region, and the 15 year old vines at this site are growing roots in red soils and limestone. It’s a site of significant potential. Tallawanta, on the other hand, is of proven pedigree. Planted in 1920 on a red soil site just off Broke Rd, it produces beautiful old vine fruit.

2010 was a decent but not great vintage for Shiraz in the Hunter, but through vineyard care and intelligent winemaking, Jim Chatto has allowed these two vineyards to sing.

2010 Pepper Tree Tallavera Shiraz ($45) – A beautiful medium-bodied Hunter Valley Shiraz. It has a bright expressive nose of cherry and spice with the oak nicely tucked in. To drink it shows plenty of poise and length. Lovely acidity and fine tannins frame the wine nicely. It should age very nicely. 4 Stars +

2010 Pepper Tree Coquun Shiraz ($45, Tallawanta vineyard) – there is just a bit more stuffing and a bit more latent complexity with the Coquun as compared to Tallavera, with that old vine fruit strutting its stuff. There’s also a bit more obvious oak input as well. A seductive nose of cherry, spice, creamy oak, and just a hint eucalypt. As with the Tallavera there is a refined line and length of flavour, but it’s a bit more than medium bodied with some lovely choc-cherry flavours, and hints of that classic Hunter earthiness. Once again, this should age very nicely. 4 Stars +

With a bit of air both wines can be enjoyed now, but really both should be put in the cellar, and I plan to revisit them both at ten years of age.
 
 
Red