88
points
McLaren Vale Premium Wines 2004 III Associates Renaissance Red (McLaren Vale)
-
$20
A blend of 63% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot, the wine is medium-full in the mouth, with a feel that’s juicy and soft for the most part—there are some wooly, woody tannins here, too. Its has a plum and red cherry core, with a slight sour bite at the finish. Enjoyable; drink over the next three years. Imported by Aussie Imports.
— D.T.
(8/1/2006)
85
points
McLaren Vale Premium Wines 2002 Associates Chardonnay (McLaren Vale)
-
$13
Opens with thick honey, butter and mango-papaya aromas; the thickness doesn’t let up on the palate, either, where there’s bright peach flavors and a dense, heavy mouthfeel. It’s pleasing though a little simple—its heavy fruitiness reminded us a little of lollipop, or canned tropical fruit.
— W.E.
(7/1/2004)
85
points
McLaren Vale Premium Wines 2000 III Associates - The Third Degree Red (McLaren Vale)
-
$17
A compelling wine from a marketing perspective: The label says that the Associates won’t tell you what’s in it, but fully expect “the third degree by our refusal to comment,” hence the wine’s name. From a taste perspective, though, this is an odd wine: It has both meaty, green pepper flavors and ripe, juicy plum fruit, with stewy, grapy aromas on the nose.
— D.T.
(5/1/2004)