Corda: Winemaker Doug Neal’s passion for Burgundy and reverence for traditional Australian styling is etched in his Corda cuvée, meaning ‘hearts’. It draws on the legacy of the great Maurice O’Shea and his parade of ‘Australian Burgundy’, blending 70% Pinot Noir with 30% Shiraz. It is translucent of hue, red fruited, savoury of personality, diaphanous of texture and succulent from attack to its persistent glide, long across the palate. Think red cherry, damson plum, bergamot and Asian five-spice. Each glass sees the wine shape-shift, becoming juicier, suave and richer in time. The trajectory for ageing is prodigious, although it is difficult to stop after tasting the first bottle!
'it is clear that Neal’s new domain is stamped with the postcode of ‘cult in the making’.'
- Ned Goodwin MW
Supple and flavoursome, this old-fashioned Australia red ‘burgundy’ unfolds a pretty, floral perfume of sweet raspberries, cherries and redcurrants backed by suggestions of beetroot, cola and a whiff of pine needle. It’s medium in weight, with a long, smooth drive of sour-edged Morello cherries, dark plum and licorice underpinned by a drying, dusty spine. Wrapped in a vivacious acidity, it’s gentle to the touch but powerful in its delivery. Certain to flesh out further.
94 points (February 2019)
