Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2006

OMG this wine has me captivated.  First up, I've always taken the piss out of the "funky forest" descriptor - yet I find it here in bags. I'd always thought would be rather an off-putting aroma, on the contrary. I cannot get enough of it.  

In the mouth it has some back palate kick, the finish is quite long, staying with you for some time. It's lingering gift is a slight smokiness with a bit of sour dark cherry.  I'm entranced by it. Sadly I know that it will finish and all I'll be left with is this note - and an urge to buy more.

Source: Retail
Price: $46
Score: 94

Tar & Roses Nebbiolo 2006

Woah, OK I knew that Neb was the listerine of wines but I wasn't quite prepared for this.  To me an earthy, almost gamey nose. Doesn't really hint too much as to what's within. I'm fairly new to the style so am sure the olfactory senses will pick up more over time.

The palate is all about grippy tannins that cling to the whole of the mouth, yet I also wondered if there was a slight touch of mintiness at the end of the taste.  

This was consumed as a glass thus I won't bother with source/ cost.

Red Heads Back Shed Shiraz Grenache 2006

Back in about 2006 I bought a case of this from a wine club (Lathwaite's) in the UK. It was, then, a massive 16% but I don't recall it being so.

On to 2009. Driving through McLaren Vale I happened to spy the Red Heads Studio; a prompt about turn led to a wander round the back where some of the crew were preparing for vintage and more than happy to indulge me.

Cutting a long story short, the crew were more than happy to oblige me and relieve me of some dollars. I was able to make it's acquaintance again! It's made for Laithwaite's - the proprietor of which apparently provided some capital for the Red Heads Studio - and this vintage has seen the alcohol drop toward the 15% mark to reduce the tax it attracts in the UK.

The nose shows some of the earthy aromas of the Grenache within; the palate is full of plenty of sweet fruit from the Shiraz. It's not the most complicated wine. It's good straight down the line Shiraz Grenache.  On first purchase I used to love this wine. As my palate has started to mature I can see beyond it's fairly one-dimensional approach; I can still appreciate it for what it is: a good sweet fruit driven style.

Source: Winery
Price: $13 ish
Score: 89

Majella Musician Cabernet Shiraz 2008

I love the stories behind wine. The legends, the relationships, the inspirations. 

This wine has a story but it isn't one of the happier ones. The wine is a tribute to the Lynn's son whose life was tragically cut short in an accident. The Musician is a tribute to that Musician whose promise will sadly never be fufilled. 

To the wine: it has a wonderful, dusty, dried herb nose; the palate to me is quite subtle although there is a gentle bitterness approaching the finish. 

I really enjoy this wine. I probably didn't do it justice with pizza - but it was open and had been in the decanter for about 24 hours. 

It's a drinker rather than a keeper and I'll happily do so.

Source: Winery
Price: $18 (ish)
Score: 90

Cullen Mangan Malbec Petit Verdot '04

Right-o. This to me is just pure and simply about red fruits. I mean berries, redcurrants.  There's a smidge Of tannin but it is well handled.

The finish is neither short, nor long. If I was a bowler this would be a decent length, the line immaculate.  But not quite a Glenn McGrath metronomic delivery.

It wasn't what I was expecting from a Malbec dominant blend. Still the surprise was a pleasant one.

I'd like to acquaint myself with a more recent vintage where the addition of Merlot should change the proposition altogether.

Source: Retail
Price: $44
Score: 91

And...

Well it seems that when you do finally try and get around to organising something, not all individuals you approach are interested. Alright admittedly one of them thinks I'm after his Campbells Merchant Prince Rare Rutherglen Muscat - and there may be some truth in this.

So, it may be down to me to fight the good fight, pour a good pour and drink the good drink alone.