The 2009 RGS wines


Overview

This report from the ABC’s Country Hour this week and the thoughts of my mate Mark McKenzie just about sums up the situation in the Australian wine industry at the moment. 

The wine industry has hit a new low, as grape prices plummet. Grape suppliers to major companies Constellation, Fosters and Orlando Wines have been told they face a cut of about 30 per cent to contracts for next vintage. The change affects more than 1000 growers in inland regions, accounting for about-two thirds of Australia's total production.
 
Mark McKenzie from Wine Grape Growers Australia says prices are now so low, that growers will be forced out of the industry.
 
"To put it in context, we had a 30 to 50 per cent fall in grape prices for major varieties and I'm talking there Chardonnay for white, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet in reds, last year," he says. "We're now facing a further 30 per cent fall the 2010 vintage so the real position for growers now is becoming quite desperate."


Add to that the appalling state of the Murray and the Lower Lakes, the amount of wine swilling around in the supermarket dominated retail outlets and the fact that you can get a carton of premium beer with a dozen wines with a name you recognise for less than $100 - there is little wonder that the outlook for some is bleak. And let’s not mention wonderful Copenhagen!


Having said that, let me say this. All the RGS Wines on offer this year have been offered to you before. If you liked them when you drank them the first time, you’ll no doubt enjoy them again ..and Ann has been cellaring them for us – so enjoy.    

Tasting Notes 

<click the bottles for a close up of the label>

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 RGS Cross Cut Cabernet Sauvignon

2004            
2006            
2007            

 

 

 

 

 

 
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RGS Grower Shiraz

2005      
2006      
2007      

 

 

 

 

 



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 RGS Adze Malbec

2004        
2005 

 

 
 

 

  

 


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 2008 Verdelho

Another serious drop from the Bleasdale stable. If you enjoyed the 2007, you’ll like this one as well. If you’re an ABC drinker (Anything But Chardonnay), you’ll enjoy the tropical fruit salad with excellent depth of peach, melon and ripe pineapple flavours, combined with balanced acidity. Drink it now, drink it chilled and drink it often we say. It’s a great summer drop ready to go right now. 


 

 

  


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Please complete the RGS ORDER FORM and fax, email or post it to:

Ann at Calliope Vintry, 
PO Box 39 
Langhorne Creek SA 5255 
(ph/fax:  08 8537 3113) ASAP. 
When it’s gone – it’s gone. If possible, please use the credit card facility. It keeps the cost down. It won’t be processed until after the wine is sent. We hope this finds you and yours well and that you have a great year.

 

 

>> Download 2009 Tasting Notes as a PDF

>> CLICK HERE to see 2008 wines

>> CLICK HERE to see 2007 wines 

>> CLICK HERE to see 2006 wines