Charles Cimicky" St.C" 2000

"St C" is a label made to commemorate the founder Carl Cimicky who started the winery in 1973. Situated in Lyndoch, Barossa Valley the beautifully manicured grounds and impressive building looking much like a medieval castle, is well worth a visit if you are passing through the area.

Rarely seen in New Zealand, Cimiky wines are in a class of their own and if you are lucky enough to stumble upon any, grab them, you will be rewarded with top class structure and flavours. This particular wine was presented at a dinner party numbering 14 so unfortunately a taste was all we got, but all agreed that seconds or thirds would have been ordered if another bottle or two had been on hand.

Decanted and served at room temperature, the wine though inky black, was finely structured and balanced, with hints of raisins showing through much in the style of an amarone. At 7 years old, it was still quite youthful and probably would have continued to develop to its peak for another 5 years at least. Although we enjoyed a number of fine wines that night, this was the wine of the night for me.