Citadine Gruyere Syrah 2010

Citadine Gruyere Syrah 2010

  14:34    Stu.

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I'm sure many have developed a fondness for the good stuff after a stint at that renowned seat of learning Cambridge University, but I am unsure as to how many have entered the wine industry after sequencing yeast genomes. Kirby Simering fits this pattern, and cites winemakers...

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Reviews: Low and Zero Sulphur Wines

Reviews: Low and Zero Sulphur Wines

  09:50    Stu.

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The subject of Sulphur in wine is an interesting one. Some consumers seek wine with minimal, or no, Sulphur additions for health reasons. Sulphur exists naturally and is present to some degree in all wines. Some producers seek to minimise the amount of additional Sulphur added – it’s a preservative for the wine – from a philosophical view point. Whatever your stance, here are a few wines that sit...

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Mandalay Road Shiraz 2009

Mandalay Road Shiraz 2009

  11:24    Stu.

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Forty-eight hours later and I am still a little clueless.  Each time I go back to the wine I see something else.  For that reason alone, it's thoroughly enchanting.  It's in balance, drinks well - very well - if a little schizophrenic in appearance. Initially...

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A.Retief Gundagai Shiraz 2009

A.Retief Gundagai Shiraz 2009

  21:33    Stu.

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Aromatically alluring from the off.  Pepper, florals, choc-mint - complexity, further  enhanced by peppery Hunter Stew, all interwoven with fruit character. Smooth and fluid, a generous medium bodied version of the variety.  Blackcurrant and spice with...

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Meerea Park XYZ Shiraz 2010

Meerea Park XYZ Shiraz 2010

  10:57    Stu.

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XYZ is a sub-brand of Hunter winemakers par excellence Meerea Park.  The brand is intended to represent a more modern take on the Hunter style. 10% of the Shiraz portion was left as whole bunches, the wine also saw inclusion of 4% Viognier co-fermented.  Spends...

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Taylors Estate Clare Valley Riesling 2012

Taylors Estate Clare Valley Riesling 2012

  13:18    Stu.

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Fresh. lemon and lime sorbet.  Not much to shout about aromatically but things liven up where it counts.  A richer palate, fuller, zesty with pithy lemon.  Full - again that word - rather than racy and linear like many a Riesling.  Citrus moves toward...

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Cook's Lot Mudgee Riesling 2010

Cook's Lot Mudgee Riesling 2010

  08:30    Stu.

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Aromatically showing some signs of development with toasty, petrol hints - background citrus and light tropicals add to the picture. On the palate there's honeysuckle and zesty, lively, zippy acid - together with good mineral resolve it adds an extra dimension to the...

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Yarran Pinot Grigio 2012

Yarran Pinot Grigio 2012

  21:13    Stu.

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The fresh crunch of green apple, hints of florals, a little hint of banana lollies and gentle tropical fruits serve as the aromatic introduction. There's a touch of palate weight here, mineral and (perceived) fruit sweetness.  A little cloying, hints of texture...

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Best's Bin 0 Shiraz 2000

Best's Bin 0 Shiraz 2000

  12:49    Stu.

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It had sat in the fridge for a while, each time I looked in there it whispered a gentle reminder for us to get together.  A birthday - mine - seemed an appropriate occasion to open it, to entrust in the cork gods, and hopefully revel in its beauty. I decanted...

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Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache 2010

Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache 2010

  05:43    Stu.

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Sometimes it's easier to describe something by virtue of what it isn't, than what it is.  Too often Grenache in Australia can be a confected, sweet mass of raspberry jam.  This isn't like those Grenache. Savoury and sweet edges.  Black and red fruits,...

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Wente Vineyards Small Lot Sonata 2007

Wente Vineyards Small Lot Sonata 2007

  21:09    Stu.

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The Livermore Valley AVA is located South East of San Francisco, approximately 30 miles drive.   Quite an historical region, boasting a grape growing heritage back to 1760, Wente is one of the oldest wineries in the region, dated to the 1880s. The blend of Cabernet...

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Yarran Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012

Yarran Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012

  21:07    Stu.

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A new label to me, operating from out of NSW's Riverina region.  The Brewer family have been growers for over 30 years, when son Sam undertook a winemaking degree at CSU the decision was taken to make some wine under their own label. Sam has gained significant experience...

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Sam Coverdale: Polperro & Even Keel Wines

Sam Coverdale: Polperro & Even Keel Wines

  21:53    Stu.

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"So where does the Polperro name come from?" I asked winemaker Sam Coverdale.  I secretly hoped he'd reference the Cornish town of the same name, a fantastically idyllic old fishing village, perched on a hillside,  fisherman's houses tightly packed in next to...

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Tscharke 'The Master' Montepulciano 2011

Tscharke 'The Master' Montepulciano 2011

  12:40    Stu.

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Montepulciano the grape, not to be confused with Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, a Tuscan wine made from Sangiovese. Black cherry, rose/ florals, violets - an attractive aromatic proposition.  Shows a deftness in the mouth, spicy - pepper, licorice - with a herbal...

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Yalumba Y Series 2011 Reds

Yalumba Y Series 2011 Reds

  21:47    Stu.

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Y Series Shiraz Viognier 2011 Viognier self-evident, adds attraction sitting afront cherry and berry aromatics.  Juicy on the palate, hints of pepper and apricot tinged blue and black fruits.   Spice coursing through the palate and finishes with hint of...

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Matison Wines Riesling 2011

Matison Wines Riesling 2011

  12:20    Stu.

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I don't tend to see that much Riesling from Orange, but when I do I am generally impressed.  Notwithstanding the grape's perennial role as the underdog, beloved of Sommeliers and those in the trade, yet seemingly a struggle to shift off shelves, I think Riesling...

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