UK Agent: Bibendum
A fairly new arrival on the Aussie wine scene, Chain of Ponds has
created quite a reputation since their first commercial vintage in
1993. There are around 150 acres of vines, planted in 1988, and at an
altitude of 300400 m, this is a relatively cool climate region. My
verdict? While these wines are consistently very good, the Riesling,
Sauvignon/Semillon and Semillon didn't quite hit the spot for me.
Perhaps they need a year or so to open out? My pick of the bunch was
the delicious Shiraz, followed by the intense Chardonnay. Prices
should be hovering around the £10 mark for most of these.
Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Riesling 2000
Fresh, bright citrussy nose leads to a nice fruity palate. This is
very lively and shows good concentration. Very good.
Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2000
Showing lush fruit, this is a ripe, modern wine with a boiled sweets
edge to the nose. Good/very good
Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Semillon 2000
An easy drinking Semillon with a bright, fresh nose and lush, ripe
fruit on the palate. Good/very good
Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Corkscrew Road Chardonnay 2000
Fermented and matured in a mixture of 30% new/70% old French oak, and
spends 9 months on the lees. Rich, toasty, nutty nose with some new
oak evident. Palate is concentrated, nutty and figgy, with lean,
savoury fruit. Very good+
Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Ledge Shiraz 1998
Shows a pronounced, minty, menthol-edged nose. The cool-climate palate
is rich and minty, with eucalyptus-tinged fruit. Lovely stuff. Very
good/excellent
Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Amadeus Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Restrained, leafy blackcurrant fruit on the nose: this is very cool
climate in character. Rich fruit on the palate with some tannins
underneath. Very good