Vinoculation

There is a cat amongst the pigeons. A sexy, sleek, sophisticated and surreptitious cat. The peace has been disturbed and people will be angry. Angry that such a premium and exceptional quality wine could appear on the market for less than $20. There’s a shiraz. There’s a cabernet. There’s a cat and some pigeons.

Both of these wines are full of 100% Barossa Valley estate grown nutritional goodness. The fruit is sourced from vineyards in Greenock, Tanunda, Marananga and Lyndoch by a winemaking partnership of Mark Jamieson and Peter Gajewski. Mark Jamieson - somewhat of a ghost winemaker - consults for a myriad of different producers in South Australia and spent time with Irvine (Australia’s merlot specialist). Peter Gajewski is ex Penfolds where he was a senior winemaker. Both men still supply fruit from their vineyards to Penfolds (Southcorp), but they now have the chance to isolate some special parcels for release under their own label.

 The 2006 Cat Amongst The Pigeons “Nine Lives” Shiraz is opaque. Damn is it dark, with purple bubbles frothing at the meniscus as I pour a liberal glass. The 40% French oak input is hardly obtrusive (thanks to ageing in older barrels), in fact it’s barely apparent, with aromas of star anise, mocha, kirsch and blackberry gaining a foothold. The silky mouthfeel gently ushers in soft berry palate fruit that maintains an elegant demeanour before snowballing to a rich, gobsmacking, sweet tannin finish. With structure to burn thanks to complementary acid and mouth-paint tannins, this tank sample is indicative of future grandeur.

The 2006 Cat Amongst The Pigeons “Cat Walk” Cabernet is exactly that. Some cute, curvy pussy cat striding down the catwalk, full of charm and personality. Some Barossan cabernets can lose their way, especially when it comes to varietal identity, so it’s somewhat captivating to discover this piece of work boldly bucking the trend. Tobacco, tomato leaf, musk perfume and caramelised blackcurrants contribute to an uplifting bouquet. On the palate it’s fleshy - which I love - finishing warm and cuddly with one helluva taste-sensation finish and very, very good length. Slightly more forward than the shiraz, the Cat Walk is a cabernet with immediate appeal.