Steven Spurrier tastes Mischa Wines

Steven Spurrier

Steven Spurrier is founder of both the Academie du Vin and the Christie's Wine Course and he is consultant editor for Decanter. Steven has one of the most respected palates in the trade

Tasting of Mischa Estate Wines.

Mischa Merlot 2007.

Fine blackcurrant red, fine expression of crushed red-black berry fruits, good freshness, quite fleshy and also quite spicy Merlot, good velvety middle, but a bit raw still around the edges and tannins and alcohol quite present, but very fresh, quite crunchy fruit, good acidity, probably young vines but both appealing and classy, better in 6 months. 2009-13.

Mischa Shiraz 2007.

Deep black-red with purple rim, fine, quite controlled aroma of black fruits, black cherry jam (dense, not sweet) fine purity of expression of rich, ripe fruit on the palate, fleshy and lightly spicy, good fruit tannins and enough acidity to hold the fruit, a polished Shiraz, quite elegant, more forward than the Merlot, but more depth of fruit. 2009-15.

Mischa Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.

Fine black cherry red, just a little paler on the rim, attractive crushed fruit nose, elegant with good ripeness veering towards jamminess, same impression on the palate, nice natural tannins and oak blended in to add a little firmness, good Cabernet Sauvignon directness of flavour, fruity, quite forward style, nicely balanced. 2009-14.

Eventide Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.

Good deep blackcurrant red, nice expression of crushed black berry fruit, quite ripe and open, just a hint of Cabernet’s leafiness on the nose and also has a leafy, slightly green

finish after quite a fleshy middle palate, oak seems to be tightening it up and better to drink this before it tightens up any further. 2009-10.

Eventide Shiraz 2006.

Rich blackcurrant red, black berry fruit, slightly smoky nose, well-defined and less spicy than is usual from Shiraz, smooth and fruity, nice approachable style, possibly a little sweet (for me) in the easy, open rather blackcurrant jam style, natural tannins and acidity perk it up on the finish, an agreeable, straightforward wine. 2009-11.

Summary.

The striking thing about these wines is the purity of fruit, quite open, quite vibrant and quite expressive. The 2007s have more depth than the 2006s and especially the 2005, and the style of wine is very attractive. They are also reasonably priced.