2016 ~ The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

An Australian Wine Blog

Sunday, 11 December 2016

Hither & Yon Aglianico 2014

08:30 Stu.

Savoury, of ash and bloodstock, liquorice; there's florals in the mix too, wild herbs. Light, airy, has the pumice stone lightness often seen in volcanic reds; red fruit, raspberry and cherry, juicy flowing length. Such a delicious consistency to this portfolio....

2014 / Aglianico / McLaren Vale

Saturday, 10 December 2016

Zonte's Footstep Doctoressa Di Lago Pinot Grigio 2016

08:30 Stu.

The title of this one reminds of the Manic Street Preacher's "La Tristesse Durera", one of those odd little glimpses into how my mind works. Or doesn't. And there's certainly no holding back here, an aromatic (Nicky) Livewire! Smells like a pear sorbet, florals, citrus...

2016 / Adelaide Hills / Pinot Grigio

Friday, 9 December 2016

Mount Avoca Estate Chardonnay 2015

08:30 Stu.

Odd aromatics: Stonefruit with something green and vegetal, asparagus meets snow pea. Underlying bed of oak derived cream, vanilla Full bodied, somewhat toasty, hints of pepper. Certainly complex. Back of a good length, vanilla, toast and spice. Can see the appeal....

2015 / Chardonnay / Pyrenees

Thursday, 8 December 2016

Hither & Yon Tempranillo 2016

16:42 Stu.

Delicious Joven style: jubey, juicy, fruits of the forest mix. The kinda wine you want to sink your head into: cooling, calming, intriguing, inviting. There's a darker edge to the palate, a light rub of tannin. Medium bodied, a twist of aniseed - lush fruit. Strikes...

2016 / McLaren Vale / Tempranillo

Ridgemill Estate Riesling 2016

16:38 Stu.

Delicate florals - not as prominent as in prior vintages - and I'd declare this vintage seems primarily about citrus: pithy lemon, bitter, grapefruit sharpness. Tangy, lively, balanced. Has a suggestion of texture, broader in shape, sense of acid without being...

2016 / Granite Belt / riesling

Tuesday, 6 December 2016

Trends, Listicles and a Market Outlook for 2017

12:08 Stu.

Inspired by a pointless 'trend' list (link below), I've produced my own Market outlook for 2017. Happy boozing. 1) People will still buy wine and a great number will do so from the big box multiples (gotta be a reason why Dan Murphy's has 215 stores nationwide and 24% market share); 2) People will likely buy on price - the race to the bottom can be nasty; 3) Sauvignon Blanc will still be cynically...

2017 / lists / trends

Tuesday, 29 November 2016

David O'Dea Preservative Free Organic Shiraz 2016

14:59 Stu.

The bottle reminds me that I need to book an eye test. Quite raw, primary, the purity of fruit singing here. Black fruit, mulberry and plummy hints A Wine of contrast: at once both substantive and chewy, yet with an incredible lightness to it. This wine resonates,...

#Organic / 2016 / Central Ranges / Shiraz

Deviation Road Altair Brut Rosé NV

08:31 Stu.

It could well be said that Kate Laurie has bubbles coursing through her veins, having - at the tender age of 19 - decided that winemaking was to be her chosen passion and promptly headed off to study at the Lycée Viticole d’Avize in Champagne. This cracking fizz...

Adelaide Hills / Chardonnay / NV / pinot noir / Sparkling

Monday, 28 November 2016

Pig in the House Sauvignon Blanc 2015

08:30 Stu.

Organic Sauvignon Blanc from Cowra (better known as the site of a PoW camp in WWII, from which there was a mass breakout - a little bit of Aussie military history for you there) in New South Wales. There's a stand of lantana at the local markets i attend of a Sunday, this...

#Organic / 2015 / Cowra / Sauvignon Blanc

Mount Avoca Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2015

08:30 Stu.

Had me yearning for that classic entree: melon and prosciutto, a particularly association if I do say so. There's a drizzle of honey in the mix too. That doesn't quite carry through to the palate, it is fresh and racy with a little lime and lychee. 87 Tasted on: Saturday...

2015 / Pyrenees / Sauvignon Blanc

Wirra Wirra Hiding Champion Sauvignon Blanc 2016

08:30 Stu.

The Adelaide Hills and Sauvignon Blanc are a winning combination - typically offering a up a grassy, pungent manifestation of the variety. In the right hands it works well and The Hiding Champion is typically a solid offering. There's hints of raspberry leaf and...

2016 / Adelaide Hills / Sauvignon Blanc

Mount Avoca Moates Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2015

08:30 Stu.

Fairly neutral once you pop the old olfactory organ in there (not to be confused with the organ that the Queensland MP popped into his Cabernet Sauvignon). A touch Riesling-esque: lime, hints of latent tropical fruit. Clean, crisp, a little jarring acidity on...

2015 / Pyrenees / Sauvignon Blanc

Bremerton Betty & Lu Sauvignon Blanc 2016

08:30 Stu.

"A wine who’s name is quite simply derived from the nicknames we (Rebecca and Lucy Willson) have always called each other!" If I were a winemaker, I could think of many other varieties that I would put my name too! That said, it's playful, fresh and zesty - I cannot comment...

2016 / Langhorne Creek / Sauvignon Blanc

Saturday, 26 November 2016

Wirra Wirra 12th Man Chardonnay 2015

16:30 Stu.

Stonefruit, a suggestion of wheat, cashew and bready hints - subtlety, not exactly singing aromatically for me. Offers much more in the palate where the stonefruit is prominent also. Grapefruit acidity spikes up toward the back end, Offering up a volley that the spice...

2015 / Adelaide Hills / Chardonnay

Pipers Brook 9th Island Chardonnay 2014

12:12 Stu.

Lemon cream, slight sour/saline edge to proceedings. Rounded entry, segues to tangy citrus acidity, even a little green apple. Sharpness as its focal point and conclusion, you've got to understand/enjoy that to get on here. 87 Tasted on: Sunday 4th September,...

2014 / Chardonnay / Tasmania

Grande Vignes 100% Groslot Vin de France 2015

08:30 Stu.

"Groslot" is a play on the grape variety known officially as Grolleau Noir. Produced by the Vaillant family (a brother and Sister team), it's lo-fi in production without any SO2 added. This was just one fantastic example of a natural wine that could...

2015 / Anjou / Grolleau Noir / Loire / Natural

Friday, 25 November 2016

Rock of Wisdom Shiraz Viognier 2014

16:00 Stu.

Dark, leathery, meaty and clove spice - it's the broodiest of the three aromatically, and it doesn't disappoint. But like its portfolio brethren its light, juicy - a little sweeter mind. A little stonefruit sweetness gives an indication as to the Viognier's presence. Good...

2014 / Barossa Valley / Shiraz / Viognier

Gartelmann 'Stephanie' Orange Pinot Gris 2016

11:30 Stu.

Pear sorbet, lime zest, lemongrass; fresh and freshening - like a summer slushie. Pear drops, a semblance of texture, palate presence - but fundamentally clean and linear. Straddles a Gris/gio line, a little fruit presence. Little to excite, nothing to...

2016 / Orange / Pinot Gris

Cush & Cush Heathcote Vermentino 2016

08:30 Stu.

Ultra-fresh, fragrant - fresh herbs (Rosemary, thyme), a little citrus perhaps, over dry stones. Soft, elegant - a little stonefruit, with a drying undertow, zestiness and phenolics for added appeal. Pretty complete package, balanced and a long drying finish that...

2016 / heathcote / Vermentino

Thursday, 24 November 2016

Alkoomi Black Label Riesling 2016

12:30 Stu.

Lime, sour citrus, Granny Smith Apple acidity, has the jowel standing to attention and snapping a crisp salute as the wine enters the mouth. Good, even spread of texture - much more than a line or length merchant. Fabulous length, exquisite purity of flavour,...

2016 / Frankland River / Great Southern / riesling

Alkoomi White Label Riesling 2016

12:00 Stu.

Lemons and Limes, florals - frangipani, attractive aromatic proposition. Clean, light citrus, lacks the intensity that the nose suggests. A clean wash otherwise. Reasonable length, but somewhat like a dilute cordial. 87 Tasted on: Tuesday...

2016 / Great Southern / riesling

Hentley Farm Eden Valley Riesling 2016

08:30 Stu.

Ooooh crisp green apple, blossom, lemongrass and lime. It's fresh and exactly what you want from a youthful, pristine Riesling. Crunchy, zesty, razor like acidity - cut, thrust, jab as it probes every crevice of the palate. Has some powdery texture, talc-like....

2016 / Eden Valley / riesling

Wednesday, 23 November 2016

St Hugo Barossa Shiraz 2013

12:30 Stu.

Black fruit swaddled in oak: cassis, mulberry - this reeks of old school Barossa. Thick, chewy presence as it enters the mouth; slick, glycerol, oak, black fruit, licorice and clove. Tannin slowly reveal themselves once the wash of oak clad fruit has passed. You've...

2013 / Barossa Valley / Shiraz

Zonte's Footstep Scarlet Ladybird Rosé 2016

05:35 Stu.

Red berry, boiled lolly, very cranberry-esque in how it presents itself. Suggestive of a little higher seasoning Berry driven entry, quite a substantive wine, full volume, fair bit of residual sweetness balanced against tart, lemony acid. Might smash alright...

2016 / Fleurieu Peninsula / Rosé

Tuesday, 22 November 2016

Lerida Estate Cullerin Pinot Noir 2014

08:35 Stu.

Faint whiffs of citrus, cinnamon, red fruit crumble. Smooth, soft entry - lacks the finesse of good Pinot, manifesting itself as a somewhat generic, dry red. There's reasonable spice riven length here, lacks overall. 87 Tasted on:Monday 22nd August, a Leaf to Fruit day Source: Sample Price: $35 Alcohol: 14.2% Closure: Screwcap Website: http://www.leridaestate.com.au/ Follow...

2014 / Canberra District / pinot noir

Monday, 21 November 2016

Cush & Cush Grenache Mataro 2016

16:30 Stu.

Bright, vibrant, berry driven goodness. Stylistically right up my alley, is it classically good or great? No. Is it the sort of wine that's perfect for quaffing with gay abandon? Abso-ding-dong-lutely. Medium-bodied, something pure, unadulterated - like drinking...

2016 / grenache / Mataro / McLaren Vale

Montalto Pennon Hill Chardonnay 2015

12:30 Stu.

Cracking aromatics: a little funkiness interspersed with stonefruit, florals and a little citrus. Sees a small portion of new oak, and that sensitive input is still noted, offering a suggestion of cream and toast that lingers long through the finish. Avoids both...

2015 / Chardonnay / Mornington Peninsula

Robert Stein Semillon 2015

08:30 Stu.

Hints of cut Apple, a little cut grass and citrus. Tight, offers little. Citrus and acid. As a wine in glass it doesn't offer too much, yet it smacked a spicy coconut milk poached fish out of the park. That acid will see it long lived. Does it have enough...

Sunday, 20 November 2016

Torzi Matthews Vigna Cantina Sangiovese 2014

16:30 Stu.

Black cherry, suggestion of oak, coffee, a little mint; slick, glossy representation. Fair same on the palate, fruit sweetness, savoury hints, pitch of acid. It's medium bodied, fairly rounded, a little grainy tannin. Finishes ok - more about fruit...

2014 / Barossa Valley / sangiovese

Mount Avoca Limited Release Pinot Grigio 2015

12:00 Stu.

A visually appealing copper tinged wine on pour, bookended with hints of spice and stonefruit kernel that give the wine drive and length, lingering long on the finish. The sensory feast doesn't stop with the visuals: stonefruit, segueing to a delicate suggestion...

2015 / Pinot Grigio / Pyrenees

Cape Jaffa 'Samphire' Skin Contact White 2015

08:29 Stu.

A blend of Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer, Viognier that spent six months on skins with a further six months in barrel. It's a textural monster, full, lavish. Dry, chalky tannin, a little bitterness on the back palate, white pepper. It's not the strongest aromatically:...

2015 / Chardonnay / Gewürztraminer / Limestone Coast / Viognier

Saturday, 19 November 2016

Montalto Estate Chardonnay 2015

12:30 Stu.

Stonefruit, a liberal sprinkling of toasted spice - that carries through to the palate, with a delicate lemon essence. It's powdery, chalky form clings to your cheeks - before a resurgence of citrus and stonefruit. At times lean, a quickening of pace before it develops...

2015 / Chardonnay / Mornington Peninsula

Donkey & Goat Grenache Noir 2015

07:32 Stu.

Donkey and Goat is Jared and Tracey Brandt, a couple who ply their trade from that hotbed of social activism, Berkeley. Making their wines in what could be considered a 'natural' manner, and in their own words: "a term that covers both the vineyard and the cellar. That...

2015 / El Dorado / Fair Play / grenache / Sierra Foothills / USA

Tuesday, 8 November 2016

Bremerton Special Release Vermentino 2016

04:50 Stu.

Lemon, with a husky note, melon, sea-spray, chalky. Dilute citrus, fresh, green snow pea and chalk. Doesn't feel quite as accomplished as in prior years. 88 Tasted on: Thursday 13th October, a Flower Day Source: Sample Price: $24 Alcohol: 12% Closure: Screwcap Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/ Follow...

2016 / Langhorne Creek / Vermentino

Saturday, 5 November 2016

Toolangi Yarra Valley Rosé 2016

08:03 Stu.

Pretty serious Rosé here from the Toolangi crew. Made from Syrah, 300 dozen made, crafted at Dominique Portet. Well Summer appeared to have started in Brisbane - so a Rosé was the perfect antidote to a sultry day. Pours a gorgeous coppery hue - veering to...

2016 / Rosé / Syrah / Yarra Valley

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

Yelland & Papps Pinot Blanc 2016

08:30 Stu.

From memory, a first for Y&P, a varietal Pinot Blanc. They've used the grape previously, as a blend with Gris (previous tastings). CORRECTION: this includes 19% Pinot Gris. Ooooh hello. Touches of marzipan/almond paste, bananay esters, under-ripe apple, fleshy tropical touches. Possesses a fullness, a fleshy, nashi pear like texture, positively rolls around the tongue, not quite...

2016 / Barossa Valley / Pinot Blanc

Tuesday, 1 November 2016

Segura Viudas Reserva Cava NV

14:30 Stu.

I'm sure plenty of you will be tucking into the fizz as this gets published! A Reserva Cava, made in the methode traditionelle, from the Penedes region just outside Barcelona. A blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada and 15% Xarel-lo. Delicate. Bread dough, citrus,...

Macabeo / NV / Parellada / Sparkling / Xarel-lo

Murray Street Vineyards Rosé 2016

08:30 Stu.

Plenty of red fruit on offer here: strawberry, raspberry, a little cherry essence. You get the feel of the wine on aromatics alone. Yes, there’s a suggestion of sweetness on offer, more fruit based. Fruit in abundance on the palate, some drying powdery tannin that bolster the palate profile and give it greater length and presence. Good balance of fruit presence, palate texture and a little sweetness....

Monday, 31 October 2016

Murray Street Vineyards White Label Viognier Marsanne 2016

08:30 Stu.

A 70/30 split of the two varieties. MSV have long been producing using the 'other' Rhone white varieties. Long may it continue. Honey and honeysuckle initially, with time - and warming a little in glass - it's more about a vanilla creme, perhaps a stonefruit pana cotta The...

Sunday, 30 October 2016

Alkoomi White Label Sauvignon Blanc 2016

13:30 Stu.

Certainly of its variety, with citrus leading ahead of tropical undertows. Hints of Chinese Gooseberry, citrus, grapefruit acidity. Loses a little in the final third - I wouldn't be quibbling at the price. Such an impressive range for $15. FBit of lingering...

2016 / Great Southern / Sauvignon Blanc

Wirra Wirra The Lost Watch Riesling 2016

09:15 Stu.

Lime, lemon sherbet - all about the citrus. Lively bath salt aromatics. Bit of apple skin about it too. Fresh, refreshing - penetrating acid that shakes the palate up. Kinda finishes with an apple pie creaminess. Enjoy. 91 Tasted on: Thursday 6th October,...

2016 / Adelaide Hills / riesling

Friday, 28 October 2016

Murray Street Vineyards Black Label Mataro 2015

16:11 Stu.

Blood plum, dark bitter chocolate, fresh tea leaves, a bit of beef/bonox perhaps. Medium to full, thick and chewy, something to roll and roll around the palate. More of that plummy character, spirited towards the back palate. Mahogany/chestnut/dark wood. Decent...

#ProjectMataro / 2015 / Barossa Valley / Mataro et al

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