Kemenys Hidden Labels Uncovered

Scratch the surface for some great wine bargains

Kemenys sells a range of 'Hidden label' wines at very attractive prices. These are commercial wines made under their makers' labels as well, not made for Kemenys. Some of these list reviews from people like James Halliday and Nick Stock, and with a bit of detective work on Google it's possible to find the real label. That's what we've done with 12 of these.

Hidden Label Clare Valley Riesling 2010, $10 – this is in fact

Knappstein Hand Picked Clare Valley Riesling 2010, was $15 but is no longer available.

95 from James Halliday. Great year. Just opened a bottle: nose is a bit closed, intense citrus fruit on the palate, shortish finish but still very young. Needs time to open up.

Hidden Label Hunter Valley Semillon 2006, $12. This one turns out to be

McWilliams Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon 2006 Cellar release, $16

Top Gold Sydney Wine Show 2007. More gongs since. 95 points from JH. Not my cup of tea but a super bargain if Hunter Valley Semillon from this maker is yours.

Hidden Label Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2011, $13 – this wine is

Stella Bella Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2011, $19

Only 92 points from JH but this is a top Margaret River winery so it should be good value

Hidden Label Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2008, $14 - this wine is in fact the
Stuart Wines Cahillton Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2008, $20

I don't know this wine, JH gives it 94 and says: 'Bright colour; spiced pear and grilled walnut bouquet; fresh on the palate, with vibrant acidity and nutty complexity drawing out the finish.'

Hidden Label Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2010, $11 - this turns out to be Yering Station Little Yering Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2010, $17

92 points from Halliday, featured in his top 100. Fresh, light and fruity Pinot Noir

Hidden Label Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 KHL 1697, $11. This is in fact

Capel Vale Regional Series Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $18

Gets 94 points from JH, The Winefront and Andrew Graham (www.ozwinereview.com.au ) – remarkable consistency. I'm the odd man out here: this is a pleasant, medium bodied red but it has less depth of flavour than its deep red colour and the legs on the side of the glass suggest. Can't see it improve either. Still, it's a good drink now wine for $11.

Hidden Label McLaren Vale Uncut Shiraz 2010, $13. This wine is none other than

Gemtree Uncut Shiraz 2010, $17

95 points form JH, 95 from Nick Stock as well. Gold at Small Winemaker’s Show 2011.

Hidden Label Barossa Shiraz 2009, $15 - this wine is
Elderton Shiraz 2009, $22

Halliday gives this 90 points, Mattinson gives it 91+. I don't know it.

Hidden Label McLaren Vale Shiraz Grenache 2010, $13. This wine turns out to be

Paxton AAA Shiraz Grenache 2010, $17

65% Shiraz, 35% Grenache. 95 from JH and a big wrap, 91 from Nick Stock. I was closer to Nick on this, and didn’t recommend it at $17. At $13 I would – it’s a very well-made, modern McLaren Vale red.

Hidden Label Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $18 - this is the Leconfield Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $27

95 points from Huon Hooke, 97 from Ray Jordan. 2010 was a top vintage for Coonawarra. A steal at $18, I suspect

Hidden Label Special Reserve Chardonnay 2007 KHL 2434 $30. It's a big ticket price, but it's for Hardy’s Eilleen Hardy Chardonnay 2007 $60, which is no longer available

97 points from JH, and 3 golds, but be warned – at 12.1%, this is most likely a lean, acid cool climate Chardonnay – JH talks about ‘the rapier-like acidity provides marvellous intensity and drive from start to the almost elegant conclusion.’ You've been warned.

You can find all of these and more hidden labels are here - https://www.kemenys.com/go.jsp#!class=Product&spn=1089812

Please note: I have no association with Kemenys of any kind. They just happen to have some of the best bargains in town.

Kim