Hither & Yon Tannat Grenache 2012

Hither & Yon Tannat Grenache 2012

  16:11    Stu.

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This is the second wine from the Leask family's Hither & Yon label I've tasted. After first introductions via the Nero d'Avola, there seems a theme emerging from those limited forays into the portfolio: stylishly packaged, not too hard on the pocket, and - perhaps most...

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Mitchell Harris Sabre 2010

Mitchell Harris Sabre 2010

  16:58    Stu.

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The 2008 Sabre from Mitchell Harris was a sparkling addition to the portfolio. They skipped a vintage in 2009 and bring to market this fine boned example from 2010. Delicacy, stone-fruit and a glimpse of red fruits coming through, supplemented with a little...

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Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay 2013

Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay 2013

  14:50    Stu.

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Amongst the supermodels of Australian Chardonnay, the Shaw & Smith M3 in its 2013 guise is more Kate Moss than Claudia Schiffer (references that show my age more than anything). Lean, stonefruit, citrus and cream. There's racy acidity intertwined with spicy oak and...

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Alkoomi White Label Shiraz 2011

Alkoomi White Label Shiraz 2011

  12:54    Stu.

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A modicum of black fruit, more charry than anything. Pretty similar on the palate, lacks form and depth. Fine tannin provides a bit of redemption, but pulls up short of a length.  There's better quality and value further up the Alkoomi portfolio. 86 Tasted on:...

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K1 by Geoff Hardy Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2010

K1 by Geoff Hardy Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2010

  12:02    Stu.

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Sensed that this is just waking from a slumber, unravelling, unfurling, revealing itself. Pencil shaving oak, spice, black fruit with a touch of dried herb in the mix too. Possesses a medium bodied elegance, a mineral coolness that also supports black fruit...

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Xabregas Mount Barker Shiraz 2011

Xabregas Mount Barker Shiraz 2011

  08:50    Stu.

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Dusky black and red fruits here, touch of smoked bacon with a little sawdust oak lurking around the back. Smooth entry, approachable, easy-going - an almost glass like feel on the palate. Black fruit abounds, steeped in kirsch. Tannin fine, concludes with a savoury,...

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Pertaringa Understudy Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Pertaringa Understudy Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

  16:49    Stu.

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More than enough quality here to be the lead, not just the Understudy. Of course the name refers to a time when fruit from McLaren Vale was often included in wines of renown, without necessarily being declared as such. Now that the region performs under the lights...

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Pertaringa Rifle & Hunt Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Pertaringa Rifle & Hunt Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

  16:32    Stu.

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The Pertaringa Cellar Door is located at the junction of Rifle Range and Hunt Roads in McLaren Vale, and that junction lends its name to this fine Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit for the wine is drawn from the broader Adelaide GI. Opens with choc-plum-mulberry character with...

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Terre à Terre Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Terre à Terre Sauvignon Blanc 2013

  17:02    Stu.

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The fourth release (2009, 2010, 2012 and this) of this serious Sauvignon from the Terre à Terre team of Xavier Bizot and Lucy Crosier. A mere 800 dozen produced, up there at $40 per bottle. It's not your cougar juice - and I feel somewhat dirty mentioning that in the context...

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