2005

Vineyard Blend

James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2008 Edition

4 1/2 glassesRating 90/100
Quite aromatic, ripe blackberry and plum offset by spicy/savoury notes on the medium-bodied palate, all 3 varieties contributing at various stages but without tripping over each other. Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Tempranillo. Screwcap. DRINK 2012

Sally Gudgeon & Ralph Kyte Powell, The Age ‘Uncorked - The Wine Guide’s Top 90 Wines for Summer’, 18th September 2007.

BEST RED WINE ($15 - $25) - Pondalowie Vineyard Blend 2005
5 stars Here, shiraz, cabernet and tempranilo are co-fermented to make up this Bendigo blend. It is plump and luscious, with dark berry and plum characters and firm tannins. Food: Barbecued quail. Ageing: Drink now to 2010

Jane Faulkner, The Age, October 27, 2007

Now let's see - is there a better value red with loads of ripe, juicy, tangy fruit yet plenty of savouriness alongside tannins and decent structure to last more than one drinking season? Doubt it. A beaut blend of shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo each adding, not dominating with a hint of cassis from cabernet, then fragrant savoury tempranillo notes coming to the fore.

JeniPort, 'Central Victorian Supplement', The Age, September 15, 2007
"MUST HAVE WINE"

Reflecting Dominic and Krystina Morris' Portuguese associations, this wine is a blend of traditional Australian shiraz cabernet with Tempranillo, the latter lifting the wine with a dimension of spiciness, cinnamon, nutmeg, plums and grainy tannic structure. Try too their unwooded and fleshy, juicy 'MT' Tempranillo.

Paddy Kendler, "City Style" The Herald Sun, July 10, 2007

This Bridgewater winery has quietly earned a minor cult following in recent years as well as a five-star rating in James Halliday's Wine companion. Red wine is the core business at Pondalowie, as it is for most Bendigo region wines, and the medium bodied Vineyard Blend is a fine example of the brand. The shiraz component provides essential blackberry and plum flavours, the cabernet adds a dry note and a gentle tannin grip, wile the Tempranillo contributes a certain mystique.