The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

An Australian Wine Blog

This Wine Blog

This Australian wine blog was formerly known as thewinewankers.com

I'm a wine drinker, and this blog is about wine, not just Australian wine.

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An Australian Wine Blog

Monday, 28 February 2011

Mirabella Vineyards Shiraz 2009

  09:22    

Opened up quite reductive - a slight sulphurous aroma that can mask fruit characteristics -  at first, but some time in glass shook off that cloak. Aromas of freshly milled pepper and some pencil shaving cedary oak are immediately apparent.  Entry delivers...

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Sunday, 27 February 2011

Open That Bottle Night Dinner

  11:37    

The Open That Bottle Night (OTBN) concept was created by two US journalists back in 1998.  The idea being simply to gather some friends and share some special bottles of wine (special being a phrase open to interpretation by the host).  The concept lost some momentum with the departure from Wall Street by the two in question.  Fast forward to Australia in 2011 where, with the blessing...

  

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Seppelt Jaluka Chardonnay 2008

  11:16    

This was the only wine that I took any notes for from those consumed at the Open That Bottle Night dinner I hosted.  For no other other reason than I snuck a sneaky glass whilst cooking! I bought this wine along with the 2007 vintage back in 2009, it has remained...

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Friday, 25 February 2011

Massena Tasting, Bar Barossa, Brisbane

  09:55    

I'm often guilty of attending tastings more for the people present as much for the wines available on taste.  That statement might also be subtext for "I enjoy the wines too much".   I liked the cut of the jib of this Jaysen Collins fellow.  Together with business partner, Dan Standish, the two have crafted some excellent wines that you wouldn't exactly call out as from your standard...

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Wednesday, 23 February 2011

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

Barolo Tasting at Il Centro, Brisbane

  15:48    

Way back when, when I had a gem of an idea to get together with some friends and drink some good booze and post them up on this site, one of the styles of wine I had in mind was Barolo. Thanks to a bit of networking on the social networking site Twitter, and a bit of a cheeky self-invitational, I found myself at top-tier eatery Il Centro along with Jim McIlwain, Keira McIntosh and Lachlan McIntosh.   Much...

  

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Monday, 21 February 2011

Tuesday, 15 February 2011

Monday, 14 February 2011

De Bortoli Riesling Kabinett 2010

  12:40    

I'm loving what De Bortoli is doing at the minute.  They seem to be at the cutting edge of many good vinous happenings in Australia at present.  To me its like a three engined beast, purring perfectly on all of its many cylinders. De Bortoli Chief Winemaker Steve Webber is widely regarded for establishing an excellent culture of innovation.  Sarah Fagan, Winemaker with responsibility...

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Thursday, 10 February 2011

Symphony Hill Tempranillo 2007

  13:22    

Opens brightly with a fruit laden profile; raspberry and a touch of violet, with some supporting oak and slight earthen note.  Little presence in the palate, leading to drying tannins and a hint of cloves.  It delivered little beyond this except a fairly lengthy finish, which then faded...... Source: Retail, The Wine Emporium Price: $23 Closure: Screwcap Website: http://www.symphonyhill.com.au/ Follow...

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Wednesday, 9 February 2011

Tuesday, 8 February 2011

Bathe Wines Moscato 2010

  13:27    

Moscato always strikes me as a 'fun' wine.  This particular example from new kid on the block Bathe Wines is a blend of Orange Muscat, White Frontenac and a dash of Chardonnay.   Pale straw in colour, the aroma is redolent of a bellini, lovely peach...

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Monday, 7 February 2011

Riesling: The Wine Everyone Loves But Nobody Buys*

  09:05    

This was originally meant to appear in a local wine newsletter.  That didn't happen so I thought I'd use it for my own benefit.  The brief was 300 words on a wine related topic that could appeal to both consumers and those in the wine community.  - ~ - Yes, Riesling, the sweet German white - favoured tipple of Aunts the world over during the 70’s. The same wine that many, in and...

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Friday, 4 February 2011

Australian Wine Trade Flood Relief Raffle

  08:16    

Well respected Queensland wine scribe Tyson Stelzer, with the generous support of the Australian wine community, has put together an amazing raffle to raise funds for those hit by recent tragedies. The prize lists reads like a who's who of the Australian Wine Community.  The aim is to try and raise over $1m through sales of raffle tickets. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased via...

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Tuesday, 1 February 2011

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