Golden Ball Gallice 2006

Golden Ball Wines is located in Beechworth, Victoria. The property, and then winery, was named after the favourite London hotel of the original Englishman granted the land in 1857. Now the estate consists of 53 acres planted to Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Malbec. With all wines grown, vinified and bottled on the property, Golden Ball wines represent a true and pure expression of the terroir of the Beechworth wine region.

Typically the blend comprises 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Malbec, however slight adjustments are made to these ratios in some years. 2006 was a strong vintage with slow and even ripening. The 2006 Gallice is a medium-bodied, silky-feel red blend, with a touch of tannic grip at the finish. There is a strong presence of the menthol, eucalypt notes typical of Cabernet, and a hint of green capsicum. This is well-balanced against a good measure of fruit sweetness - cooked plums, cherry. Drink now.

"Chunky wine. Big hit of blackcurrant and blueberry with eucalypt making a prominent appearance. Tannin falls over itself through the finish. Not big in alcohol but a liqueur-like flavour profile. Warm and beefy with a curranty core. Gamey/earthy/leathery debelopment just starting to show." - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front