Raidis Estate - New Releases - Tasting Notes

Raidis Estate - New Releases - Tasting Notes

  15:41    Stu.

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Steve Raidis, principal/winemakerof Coonawarra's Raidis Estate was in town recently on some trade visits. I took the opportunity to catch up with Steve, along with a few like minded souls to take a look at some new and current recent release wines over a spot of dinner*

Steve, first generation Aussie, along with wife Emma and parents Chris and Fran own and operate Raidis Estate, self-titled 'new kids' in Coonawarra. 

Chris Raidis migrated to South Australia age 3. Growing up in and working he vineyards of Coonawarra. They opened Penola Strawberry Farm and their own taverna, the Greek Charcoal Grill. Dreaming of owning vineayrds, they were eventually persuaded to rip out the strawberries where they planted Cabernet Sauvignon in the famous terra rossa soils.

2013 'The Kid' Riesling

Fruit drawn from Southern Coonawarra, cooler and greater influence from the coast,

Attractive - apple blossom, faint tropicals: paw paw, lime. Mineral, harder edge; slightly gin and tonic mineral feel to it. Decent length. 89 $20 12.5%

2014 'The Kelpie' Sauvignon Blanc 

Spends a little time on skins, giving the wine little bit of 'bronzing ball' blush colour to it. Florals, crushed candies, musk and a little fleshy melon. Textural nuances - that word again,fleshy - mineral and acid. Nice little phenolic edge. Enjoyed this. 90/91 $20 12%

2014 'Cheeky Goat' Pinot Gris 

Spends four days on skins, deeper colour - almost bronzed and veering to onion skin. The only Gris grown in Coonawarra (not sure what that says).

Varietal: poached pear, apple, spice - good allure from the off with this one. Sees more spice, peach/stonefruit. Textural too - the time on skins giving that little edge to it too. 92 $20 13.6%

2013 'Wild Goat' Shiraz

I first tasted the 2012 at 'Game of Rhones' mid-late last year. In its youth then, as were the vines, but the class and quality were obvious. Roll on one year and it's no different, proving it no fluke. Floral, pretty - crushed berries and florals; youthful, vanilla/residual oak. Sees berries, spice on the palate; incredible smooth, oak here again, gives a bit of tannin too. Depth, chocolatey, cassis on the finish. An absolute pleasure from start to finish. 92 $28

2012 'Billy' Cabernet Sauvignon
Made from the vines planted on the original Raidis property, where those strawberries once resided on the famous Terra Rossa. Lovely complex nose here, with tobacco leading over that regional Eucalypt. Earth, pencil shavings and black berries. Nicely structured. 92/93 $28

Tasted on: Thursday 29th January, a Root day
Source: Private Tasting
Website: http://www.raidis.com.au/

* For the avoidance of doubt, the wines were supplied by Raidis Estate and attendees paid their own way with respect to the food we shared in great company.

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O'Leary Walker Watervale Riesling 2014

O'Leary Walker Watervale Riesling 2014

  18:35    Stu.

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Expressive little number here: bath salts, kaffir lime, citrus blossom.

Has the focus and precision, the lazer-beam acidity cutting a clinical line through the palate. Yet, for all that, it has an easy-going moreishness to it.

Citrus derived length, proportions generous. A perennial winner. 93

Tasted on: Thursday 8th January, a Leaf to Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://olearywalkerwines.com/

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Voyager Estate Chardonnay 2011

Voyager Estate Chardonnay 2011

  08:38    Stu.

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Has that stonefruit, citrus, seasoned oak and a sprinkle of vanilla bean thing going on. One of the most alluring combinations known, and the hallmarks of good quality Chardonnay.

Cut of grapefruit acidity, well integrated seasoned oak on the palate. It was a wine I preferred more as it warmed a little: textural nuances highlighted further, all round a balanced and well rounded proposition. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 6th January, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.voyagerestate.com.au/

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Willow Bridge Estate Solana Tempranillo 2013

Willow Bridge Estate Solana Tempranillo 2013

  06:27    Stu.

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Tempranillo for me, when executed well, is a thing of beauty. I have laid bare my issues against Australian Tempranillo in the past, not so here with this offering from Willow Bridge Estate in Western Australia's Geographe region.

Coffee bean, chocolate and blueberry - little tart bundles of juicy goodness and a background of vanilla bean.

The palate shows what is so good about the better examples of the variety: blue fruits, even suggestions of stonefruit, it's a wine that straddles tart and juicy with soft aromatics. Tannin is fine grained and powdery, an excellent vehicle for the wine's flavour. We see a little anise on the back palate and overall a dark cherry manifestation.

For what is an in-depth wine, it yields an incredible freshness - in tandem just downright smashable, and yet also serious, contemplative. Bravo Mr Burnell! 93

Tasted on: Sunday 4th January, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 13.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.willowbridge.com.au

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View Road Wines 'Picked by My Wife' Tempranillo 2013

View Road Wines 'Picked by My Wife' Tempranillo 2013

  06:25    Stu.

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The specs: wild ferment, plunged twice a day for five and a half weeks, twelve months in old French oak. From Yakka Paddock vineyard in Kuitpo (southern end of the Adelaide Hills), planted in 2001.

Good aromatics here, blue fruits in the main initially. Doesn't quite flow through on the palate. Big wine - impact statement - manages to avoid the heat, but cannot shake the stewed fruit character.

No issues with balance - just devoid of the character I expect, somewhat truncated finish. 87

Tasted on: Sunday 4th January, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 15.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.viewroadwines.com.au/ {Under Construction}

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Wirra Wirra Lost Watch Adelaide Hills Riesling 2014

Wirra Wirra Lost Watch Adelaide Hills Riesling 2014

  08:34    Stu.

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Riesling from the Adelaide Hills tends to be a little overlooked. As a variety it is overshadowed by those two classic Riesling producing regions to the north: Clare and Eden Valleys; within its own region it doesn't get much of a guernsey compared to the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc produced there.

Apple, a touch of blossom and bath salts. A very Spring like aromatic profile - refreshing the olfactory organ long before you've taken your first sip.

Loaded with lemon and lime, a punchy acidic line, beautiful aromatics, clean-up-your-palate acidity and a decent enough length to have you refreshed and yearning for at least a second glass. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 4th January, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 12.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

  14:23    Stu.

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I'm not prone to call favourites - but if I were, amongst the d'Arenberg icons, then the Coppermine Road could possibly hold the position of first amongst equals.

Plum, damson and notes of damp earth. Heady you might say. Chocolate and wafery oak only add to what is an already inviting package.

It needs a little time, opening up to reveal spice: clove and a touch of pepper; leaf - savoury notes, licorice twists - fruit, present, but secondary. That chocolate - some might say, regionality - depth comes on more over a second day at the expense of licorice and spice.

Excellent bassy resonance, enveloping you in a warm and wintery fuzziness. Top drawer. 94

Tasted on: Saturday 3rd January, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.darenberg.com.au/

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Knappstein Enterprise Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Knappstein Enterprise Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

  08:20    Stu.

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Winemaker Glenn Barry is achieving some great things at Knappstein, pushing the envelope a little with with varieties like Riesling, whilst at the same time over-delivering on classics like this Cabernet, a snip at $20.

Closed initially - give it some time, air and slowly it starts to reveal a savoury, woody core at its very heart. Cedar, chocolate, gum leaf and latterly tobacco mark this out to be classically structured Cabernet.

Initially it delivers some soft red fruit character; woody, savoury notes, licorice and grippy tannin soon take over. Drying, long chains of tannin that link through the palate, the vehicle for carrying flavour, the structure for providing growth ahead of it.

Long on the finish, there is excellent value here. 92

Tasted on: Saturday 3rd January, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.knappstein.com.au

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Willow Bridge Estate Bookends Fumé Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013

Willow Bridge Estate Bookends Fumé Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013

  07:55    Stu.

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"Old friends, 

old friends 

sat on their parkbench 

like bookends"

~ Simon & Garfunkel, Old Friends

Creaminess imbued with a little smoke tells you much about how the wine was handled. And also tells you that the Fumé moniker is genuine and not some marketing gimmick.

Smooth, tang of citrus to freshen; textural, fresh - adding that little extra to the wine - very well made. Seasoned, adds depth, length and life. 

Generous in length, has something ahead of it for sure. 92

Tasted on: Friday 2nd January, a Root day

Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.willowbridge.com.au

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Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2013

  07:54    Stu.

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On the grassier side here - with hints of blackcurrant, cream and spice - all adding up to an exciting introduction.

Dilute blackcurrant cordial lead-in, delicate and fresh. A nimble, yet sure-footed, representation; clean and precise, it picks its way around the palate in an assured manner. Touches of lime and stonefruit add to the package, supplemented with the spice and cream aforementioned.

Much to recommend here - an excellent example. 93

Tasted on: Friday 2nd January, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $29
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.leeuwinestate.com.au/

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Wirra Wirra Hiding Champion Champion Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Wirra Wirra Hiding Champion Champion Sauvignon Blanc 2014

  05:20    Stu.

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No mistaking the variety or the region here. Interplay of tropical fruit with a little nettle/grassy twang. Leads to lemongrass with lemon thyme.

Fair mouthful of flavour - passionfruit with a chalky pucker, acidic freshness that certainly delivers.

Good length, the wine here delivers through to the finish what it opens with. Something that cannot be said for too many examples of the variety. 91

Tasted on: Friday 2nd January, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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Chateau Rieussec Grand Cru Sauternes 1989

Chateau Rieussec Grand Cru Sauternes 1989

  14:33    Stu.

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Classified as a Grand Cru estate in the great 1855 Classification. Since 1984, Ch.Rieussec has been owned by the Domaines Baron de Rothschild, the owners of Chateau Lafite. This vintage was the first produced in the new winery funded as part of that acquisition.

At 25, it's just hitting its stride. Honeyed, apricot, caramel edges. Smells dense, aged, and most of all inviting.

Offers more of the same on the palate, yet in concentration. Dried apricot, honey, toffee. A superb wine that's dense, length in abundance and concludes on that toffee note. In short: amazing. A true experience. 94

Tasted on: Thursday 1st January, a Fruit to Root day 
Source: Gift
Price: £17 p/b approx (Auction price in 2005)
Alcohol: ?
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.lafite.com/fr/les-chateaux/chateau-rieussec/

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Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz 2012

Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz 2012

  05:18    Stu.

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For an 'icon' wine, it's going for place rather than presenting itself as an overt manifestation of the guiding hand of the winemaker. It's medium-just touching full-bodied.

Blue fruit, choc-mint, latterly a bit of spearmint; blackcurrant, touches of herb and bramble.

Structure is excellent, flavour in carriage. The anti-thesis of what you may think of as your full throttle Shiraz, light - perhaps nimble on its feet. Sit back in admiration and contemplative fashion. Great length, excellent wine, can't lose. 94 

Tasted on: Wednesday 31st December, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $70
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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Old Plains Mistura Touriga Amarelo Cão 2014

Old Plains Mistura Touriga Amarelo Cão 2014

  07:22    Stu.

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As a child, family summer holidays were often taken in Portugal, a delightful little town called Sesmarias, some way outside of the package holiday hotspot of Albufeira.

One of the restaurants we used to dine at was called Torre Velha (literally Old Tower) where - as part of a cover charge - they used to bring a small ceramic pig to your table. 

This little pig had a flattened back, with bars across the top from each side to the other, forming a grill. The 'belly' of the pig was part filled with some spirit and there, at the table, they grilled these delightfully smoky, spicy sausage - a linguiça - a Portuguese form of Chorizo. In my early teens, I loved the 'theatre' of those little sausages being grilled on my table, the occasional flame dancing above the grill of the pig's back.

Those linguiça were often my favourite part of the meal, and I recall the disappointment I felt that they weren't available as a menu option. I mention that little story for, I just wanted to have my own little ceramic pig with some grilling sausage and this wine to smash down with it.

Beautiful smelling wine - really fresh, get yourself a handful of plums and cherry and squish them between your palms - then you might get the idea. It's just so attractive, enticing.

Joven in style, a juicy little sucker, light of body and a touch tangy. Spice, fruit - blue and black - sufficient to hold its own with a bit of a chill, how I preferred it actually.

Dom Torzi, you've done it again. And thank you for that brief return to a time gone by. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 30th December, a Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.oldplains.com/

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Bakkheia United & Undaunted Mourvédre Shiraz 2013

Bakkheia United & Undaunted Mourvédre Shiraz 2013

  08:30    Stu.

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Plum - square on the nose; slight edge of wild herb, of violets and lavender.
Brambly, woody spice, savoury becomes the dominant profile.

Inky, licorice, black fruit and spice - warms the gums, radiates through the palate and lingers. Reasonable length. 89

Tasted on: Monday 29th December
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bakkheia.com.au/Bakkheia/Welcome.html

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Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2010

Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2010

  18:36    Stu.

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Exquisitely varietal, unequivocally regional. Bay, bush and cedar - the latter a wonderful seasoning to the wine's aromatic profile. Cocoa dusted, dusky violet and a little earth.

Elegantly medium bodied, sees black olive, capsicum and a little herb. A good framework to the wine - a gentle acidic freshness, fine tannin - all indicative of a good life ahead.

Really enjoyed how well the oak has integrated here - noticeable, not dominant - for the wine spends 19 months in 50% new French. A pleasure. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 28th December, a Flower to Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $70
Alcohol: 13.65
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.voyagerestate.com.au/

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Inkwell Black and Blue Fortified Late Harvest Zinfandel 2012

Inkwell Black and Blue Fortified Late Harvest Zinfandel 2012

  09:00    Stu.

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Beautiful bottle here (alas no image), like a large...inkwell.

Black and blue. Smells as its name suggests. Of Muscatels, rum and raisin, spice; black and blue fruit -  a little of that rancio, caramel aroma.

Thick, black, layered, delicious depth  - molasses and licorice. Then, of cherry, spice and fruitcake. Whilst it may have been 30+ degrees over Christmas here in Brisbane, this was a more than adequate substitute for a Christmas pudding for me.

Has the spirited burn - sweet, candied fruit, again fruitcake, plum pudding, sticky pudding depth and hedonistic pleasure. Mr Brown, you've done it again. 93

Tasted on: Saturday 27th December, a Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 21.5%
Closure: Diam
Website: http://www.inkwellwines.com/

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Blue Poles Teroldego 2009

Blue Poles Teroldego 2009

  16:01    Stu.

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One of only two producers of Teroldego - that I am aware of - in Australia. The cuttings from which the Blue Poles vines were planted came from ex Cape Mentelle winemaker Rob Durham. You can read a bit about the background to the variety and Blue Poles own history with the variety over on an archive edition of their excellent monthly report (well worth signing up to if you're keen to follow the monthly rhythms of a small scale owner-manged property).

A bit of time in bottle has seen his example settle. Straddles a line between savoury, wood and spice against floral notes that flitter in the background. Florals that sway toward a soapy, pot pourri prettiness.

Soft, velvet cushioned entry here - tannin still present, somewhat tamed with some air. Woody, hints of licorice root, drying and deliciously savoury. Structure is maintained and the wine's drying tannin gives length, compelling you to drink more.

Unforced feel, still-fresh acid, woody, savoury, black licorice and latterly beefy (indeed I felt taken to note that latterly it started to take on the aroma of a simmering ragu). If you've any of this in the cellar, it's looking very good now. 93

Tasted on: Friday 26th December, a Root to Flower day
Source: Own Cellar
Price: $25 (long since sold out)
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bluepolesvineyard.com.au/

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O'Leary Walker Wyebo Shiraz 2012

O'Leary Walker Wyebo Shiraz 2012

  21:20    Stu.

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Adding to the collective capital of Shiraz/ Syrah from the Adelaide Hills comes this example from O'Leary Walker.

Opens with a medley of red fruits that only grows in stature with time. Touches of latent spice and cool-ish pepper.

Medium bodied, soft and easy going. Very attractive, the perfect partner to OLW own Clare valley Cabernet from the same year. With time here, brambly fruit pulls through, more black than red.

Time sees it sharper, juicier, length that gives. Preference here for the wine on day two. Give this some time in the cellar, or if you just must drink it now, do so with a good decant. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 25th December, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://olearywalkerwines.com/

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Wild Duck Creek Springflat Shiraz 2004

Wild Duck Creek Springflat Shiraz 2004

  07:52    Stu.

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Back in the days when Australia was the darling of Bob "The Nose" Parker, a run of spectacular reviews delivered Wild Duck Creek into the minds of those who hung on his Bobness' every word.

Read Campbell Mattinson's excellent "Why the French Hate Us" for more on that period and on the Estate itself.

For a wine at ten years old, still shows some degree of fruit character on the nose, largely black fruit, ripe and forward. There's creamy, residual notes of American oak - it spent 19 months in 45% new American and French.

It's full bodied, high octane, black fruited sweetness; slick, full and slippery glycerol with hints of licorice and pepper.

There's length, more like burn from the alcohol, as opposed to a glorious tail from better wines. Did I tackle it too early? Or as the fruit has faded, does the wine have very little else to offer? 89

Tasted on: Thursday 25th October, a Root day
Source: Personal Cellar
Price: $77.99
Alcohol: 15%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.wildduckcreekestate.com.au/

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O'Leary Walker Clare Valley McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012

O'Leary Walker Clare Valley McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012

  08:07    Stu.

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A 70/30 blend of Shiraz from Clare Valley and McLaren Vale. 

Cherry and the skin of plums, a sprinkle of cedary spice, fresh sage. A little vanilla comes through over red fruits, that latterly show their hand to be more in the redcurrant spectrum.

Medium bodied, solid black fruit at the core. Contrasting to the aromatic introduction. Black tangy fruit, black olive and a little bitter twist moving towards the back palate. 89 

Tasted on: Thursday 18th December
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://olearywalkerwines.com/

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Equipo Navazos I Think Manzanilla En Rama

Equipo Navazos I Think Manzanilla En Rama

  20:26    Stu.

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You may be deceived in thinking this a sherry for the i generation. But whilst, aromatically at least, it shares something with that i-prefix everything lifestyle technology company, the "I Think" is so named after the phrase scrawled by Charles Darwin on one of the pages of the notebook that went on to inform his famous works "The Voyage of the Beagle" and "On the Origin of Species".

There is an excellent book entitled 'Manzanilla' authored by Christopher Fielden and Javier Hidalgo that discussed at length the name Manzanilla. Reference to that book, whilst a poor attempt to make me look well read, is also a vehicle for referencing two of the principal aromas leading this wine. For Manzanilla is the Spanish word for camomile, and some also suggest the diminutive form for manzana, the apple.

Beyond that rather contrived introduction, the wine carries that sea-spray on the wind and oxidative, nutty complexity.

It's dry, a touch of caramel and spice; a peaty - whisky-like slow burn on the back palate follows. Generous of length, a length somewhat masked by the food I paired with it (pan fried chorizo, prawns and chick peas - if you're wondering). Refreshing, worthy of a second glass for sure. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 25th December, a Root day 
Source: Retail, Cru Bar
Price: $25 
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.equiponavazos.com/en/inden.htm

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Inkwell Infidels Primitivo 2013

Inkwell Infidels Primitivo 2013

  08:48    Stu.

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Considered winemaking here from Dudley Brown. Sees a total production of 3000 bottles; declared inclusion of 8% Shiraz, use of 30% new American oak - the only wine for which Inkwell uses American oak.

It stands out like the proverbial chippie's thumb here - and it works. A seasoned mix of black fruit - cherry in the main - wrapped up with that vanilla creme anglaise thing happening.

Gentle - for what is quite a high ABV - easy on the palate. Medium bodied, unforced, easy to ingest. Tannin here is of a powdery nature, further adding to the wine's easy going nature.

Length is very good to boot - unforced a word I kept returning to, just sitting there, idling, easing itself in for a long road ahead. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 21st December, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.inkwellwines.com/

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Grant Burge Kraft Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Grant Burge Kraft Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2014

  11:55    Stu.

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Shows good restraint for the variety. Leads with citrus, almost a lemon sherbet lead-in with faint tropicals supplementing the view.

Fails to back this up on the palate. Distinct muteness by comparison, a little tropical fruit and candy expression coming through to save the wine from being a totally insipid manifestation. 86

Tasted on: Sunday 14th December, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $24.75
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.grantburgewines.com.au/

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Grant Burge Thorn Riesling 2014

Grant Burge Thorn Riesling 2014

  09:25    Stu.

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Typical Eden Valley lime entree, added to which is a soft tropical fruit profile.

Mineral and acid, generosity of flavour, yet without the laser precision of many a Riesling. Enough flavour to be interesting. Decent length. Riesling's a tough market at the full tote price, selective shopping can see this picked up sub-$20. 90

Tasted on: Friday 12th December, a Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $24.75
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.grantburgewines.com.au/

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Wirra Wirra Mrs Wigley Rosé 2014

Wirra Wirra Mrs Wigley Rosé 2014

  12:10    Stu.

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Lurid pink - the pale 'n' dry revolution is over. This is Australian Rosé.

Raspberry, hints of crunch cranberry, creamy custard top notes.

Juicy red fruit, tang and tart cranberry, crunch of acid, a little phenolic chew. Residual fruit sweetness - refreshing, more-ish. Devilishly so.

Carries a latent citrus hint on the tail. Good length here, loving its berry derived delivery. Summer. 91

Tasted on: Monday 22nd December
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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K1 by Geoff Hardy Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2012

K1 by Geoff Hardy Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2012

  07:40    Stu.

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I'd hang my hat on there being a small % of Viognier in this - but I couldn't find anything to confirm or deny that addition.

Stonefruit, seville orange freshness - lovely aromatic expression. This has a different aromatic profile to the '10, which in itself I consider a very good wine.

Elegant, restraint, a delightful expression of Shiraz from the Southern part of the Adelaide Hills. They do seem to get fine, delicate tannin from the K1 site. This just seem s so easy to drink. A fine cool representation of Shiraz. 92 - touch and go a point higher.

Tasted on: Sunday 7th December, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.k1.com.au/

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Yelland & Papps Devote Roussanne 2013

Yelland & Papps Devote Roussanne 2013

  13:20    Stu.

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The third consecutive vintage of the Y&P Devote Roussanne, so consistent.

Florals, white peach, almond and a little chicken stock.

Textural beauty, creamy feel and notes of creamy and cashew too. There's a touch of spice back end to add extra detail. Oddly, I preferred without food on this occasion. 92

Tasted on: Monday 15th December, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.yellandandpapps.com/

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Grant Burge Summers Chardonnay 2012

Grant Burge Summers Chardonnay 2012

  13:06    Stu.

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Butter on warm toast with a side of grilled peaches.

Cream and vanilla, a little stonefruit panacotta. Acid a touch high for my liking - picked a touch too early. Despite that it manages to refrain from being too skinny. Moderate on the finish. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 14th December, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.grantburgewines.com.au/

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Grant Burge East Argyle Pinot Gris 2014

Grant Burge East Argyle Pinot Gris 2014

  13:00    Stu.

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Hints of apple and so provide the calling card for the variety and style.

Shape and texture, some semblance of flavour on the fore and mid-palates but lacking in the final third. I appreciated the sotto voce style and mouthfeel here. 87

Tasted on: Sunday 14th December, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $24.75
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.grantburgewines.com.au/

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Willow Bridge Estate Solana Rosé 2014

Willow Bridge Estate Solana Rosé 2014

  09:07    Stu.

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"Got any salmon? -- sorted

Ya ha ha ha ha"

~ The Shamen, Ebeneezer Goode

An attractive individual, has that russet-salmon thing going on, creates a powerful allure. I was actually hankering for a beer, one of those rare apparent temps around the high-30s in Brisbane, this proved a more than adequate substitute.

Summer fruit salad of raspberry, cranberry and a touch of citrus - latterly discovered that there's a smidge over 10% of Semillon in here - with a light dusting of spice. An underlying hint of straw/ dried grass - taking me back to long, hot Iberian summers.

It's tangy and spicy with a gentle phenolic wash of texture. Savoury, but not bone dry, although it's close enough. Wonderful aide de refreshment. 89

Tasted on: Thursday 11th December, Leaf
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.willowbridge.com.au

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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