June 2016 ~ The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

Monday, 27 June 2016

Tapanappa Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2012

14:30 Stu.

Classic Aussie blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz (64/36% respectively); oak is all French, of which 70% is new.

And what oak it is: Lavish , providing a blanket around a depth of black fruit; brawny, muscular. Aniseed, choc-mint, lavish. The oak is unsubtle, tannin is firm and the length long.

It's a wine of significance, unsubtle - almost brutish in its composition. Qualities that you'd expect to see it live long. A, no doubt conservative view on this wine for now, 91+

Tasted on: Thursday 19th May, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 15.1%
Closure: Cork
Website: tapanappa.com.au

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2012 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz / Wrattonbully

Terre á Terre Crayeres Vineyard Shiraz 2014

11:27 Stu.

Elegant aromatics, soft red berry fruit; spice and seasoning - plenty of cracked pepper, a little clove.

Elegant - again that word, recurring throughout - soft, savoury spice and pepper; it's hard to get a handle on: there's a little fruit, but really more about the seasoning. Elegance personified - yet with the edge.

I love it for the very fact it's challenging: it has an ease, an air about it, yet the savoury depth and spice change the dynamics of the wine. Superb. 93

Tasted on: Thursday 19th May, a Root to Flower
Source: Sample
Price: $39
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: terreaterre.com.au

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2014 / Shiraz / Single Vineyard / Wrattonbully

Sunday, 26 June 2016

Turkey Flat White Blend 2015

08:51 Stu.

A blend of Marsanne (63%), Viognier (19%) and Roussanne (18%).

Scents of white florals, suggestive stonefruit and of a little vanilla creme patisserie.

Honeyed nuances, a little nougat, under-ripe mandarin segments; zest and gentle spice. Early - judicious - picking has given a line of acid about which layers of texture hang, like mille-feuille of flavour and mouthfeel.

Good length, carried about acid, a little toastiness. Enough about it to make it one to both seek to consume and to savour. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 25th June, a Root to Flower day
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.turkeyflat.com.au/

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2015 / Barossa Valley / Marsanne / Roussanne / Viognier

View Road Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2013

07:31 Stu.

A recent move found this lurking at the back of the cupboard...

Nutty, funky, yeasty - great aromas here. A year in bottle suggests it's fleshed a little, having taken on depth of colour in glass.

Great depth of flavour: a little caramel, baked citrus and furtive spice lurking in the background, rounding out the palate. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 19th May, a Root to Flower
Source: Sample
Price: $37
Alcohol: 13.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://viewroadwines.com.au/

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2013 / Adelaide Hills / Chardonnay / Single Vineyard

Saturday, 25 June 2016

Seppeltsfield Grenache 2015

16:00 Stu.

Zero oak, all about primacy of fruit, Joven Grenache if you wish. Looked the goods at Cellar Door, but failed to light me up when back home.

Red berry fruit initially on offer, followed by subtle spice. Sees no oak, it's about purity of expression, no encumbrance.

More of the same on the palate, segueing to savoury notes, spice and a little freshening acidity. Good medium body, mouthfeel and a fine rub of tannin.

Does the job, but doesn't quite announce itself. 89

Tasted on: Weds 18th May, a Flower day
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $27
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.seppeltsfield.com.au/

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2015 / Barossa Valley / grenache

Leeuwin Estate Shiraz 2013

12:30 Stu.

Very attractive proposition: florals, stonefruit; meatier foundations reveal themselves beneath - a foundation for the wine.

Blue fruits, a little cherry and chocolate; savoury, twig and a little leaf matter, spice. Needs a little more fruit at the back end, the savoury twigginess overwhelms. Decent length though.

Good for a 5-10 stretch in the cellar 90+

Tasted on: Monday 16th May, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $37
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: leeuwinestate.com.au

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2013 / Margaret River / Shiraz

Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2013

10:30 Stu.

Fudgey, compote, Earth, residual old wood. Soft aromatics, calming, nothing assaulting the senses - a sense of ease.

Simplicity - a little back palate bitterness forms the dominate character here; entry sees a little black fruit before that dominating character.

Persistence of that dominating character. Lacks finesse - or true quality. Drinks well, lacks markers of anything more than a decent quaffer. 88

Tasted on: Thursday 21st April, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.yalumba.com

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2013 / Barossa Valley / Shiraz

Boireann Mourvédre 2015

07:39 Stu.

Mourvédre from leading Granite Belt producer Boireann. Quite possibly the first time they've produced this varietal Mataro in 5-6 vintages.

Meaty, a little funk, reduction; stewed plums, sweet spices, sweet grasses, (suggestive of perhaps some whole bunch).

Medium bodied, juicy acidity; black cherry, plum, gentle rub of tannin. Good balance of fruit, acid, texture and flavour. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 22nd May
Source: Retail, Craft Wine Store
Price: $37
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.boireannwinery.com.au/

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#ProjectMataro / 2015 / Granite Belt / Mataro et al

Friday, 24 June 2016

d'Arenberg Pollyanna Polly NV

15:26 Stu.

Lemon butter, biscuit, brioche; citrus lift and quince.

Citrus tang, grapefruit acidity attacking the rails, travelling through and across the palate; quince, kumquat. Good balance - if not the most complex. Remember the good times for sure. 89

Tasted on: Saturday 23rd April, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 11.7%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.darenberg.com.au/

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Adelaide Hills / NV / Sparkling

Brash Higgins 'SHZ' Shiraz 2014

08:30 Stu.

Sweet accented fruit, spiced hints: cinnamon, nutmeg; florals, crushed candies, citrus.

Cushioned entry, firm and meaty - something like wagyu bresaola; spice - licorice. It's long on flavour, juicy and fresh. Lovely balance of fruit, spice, subtle earth. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 24th April, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Gift
Price: $37
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.brashhiggins.com

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2014 / McLaren Vale / Shiraz

Thursday, 23 June 2016

Deviation Road Pinot Gris Riesling 2013

12:30 Stu.

Was unsure whether to write this up: a case of cellar palate? Tasted on a root day? Or just a bad bottle? Loved this at Cellar Door, sufficiently so to bring a bottle home with thoughts of pairing with spicy prawns or some such...

Basically the genesis of the wine is that a portion of Pinot Gris was kept back for 12 months for further development, with about 30% early picked Riesling added for freshness, drive and to give the wine a spine which to hang off.

However: smells flat, dried grass, a touch of barnyard.

Yes, there's a little tangy citrus and pineapple syrup; textural - yet beyond that initial burst of fruit it offered little. Curious. 86

Tasted on: Thursday 28th April, a Root day
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $?
Alcohol: ?
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.deviationroad.com/

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2013 / Adelaide Hills / Pinot Gris / riesling

Rusden Driftsand GSM 2014

10:30 Stu.

A G/S/M in proportions of 45/45/10 respectively. Florals, aromatic spice - carries that lighter, elegance often associated with the Driftsand and the sandy soils of (Barossa Valley sub-region) Vine Vale.

Light, supple, an elegance; black cherry, a little blackberry compote. Has a good natural freshness to it too.

It's long on the finish: fruit in abundance. It somewhat feels like the onset of summer when the first fruit becomes available. Savoury nuances serve to complete the picture. Delivers in spades, and at $20 does so impressively. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 28th April, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.rusdenwines.com.au/

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2014 / Barossa Valley / grenache / Mataro et al / Shiraz

Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Bremerton Tempranillo Graciano 2014

12:30 Stu.

Since sold out ex-Cellar Door. Woody, oak, vanilla; some glimpses of blue fruit, mainly toasty oak with a little herbal inflection.

Dark, dusty, bitter chocolate; berries and toastiness. Nicely pitched - a little sharp red fruit towards the end. 90

Tasted on: Friday 15th April, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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2014 / Graciano / Langhorne Creek / Tempranillo

Hahndorf Hill 'Zsa Zsa' Zweigelt Rosé 2015

10:31 Stu.

I tried to research the etymology of the grape name, as to my (admittedly schoolboy) German, it would literally mean two (zwei) and money (gelt).

Therefore I wondered if historically it either yielded twice, or - more likely - was used in two different fashions: as a red and as a Rosé (saignee or such). The things you ponder.....

Website reports as 'Sold Out' now - shame, great drinking and a sure thing for the warmer months that seem some way ahead, as I write this in June.

Toffee apple, Turkish delight; soft, rounded berry aromatics. Good bracing acidity, afore softer red berry elements - consistent, tangy cherry and a little spice.

Good length - lovely balance of fruit, textural fullness and savoury nuances. 91

Tasted on: Monday 25th April, a Leaf day
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hahndorfhillwinery.com.au/

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2015 / Adelaide Hills / Rosé / Zweigelt

Vinteloper 'Adelo' Red Blend 2013

09:19 Stu.

A somewhat unusual - unless you're David Bowley of Vinteloper that is - blend of Touriga Nacional (62%), Shiraz (28%) with a splash of Grenache and Pinot Noir for good measure. Predimantly 90% Langhorne Creek (Touriga Nacional, Shiraz I'd hazard) with the balance from McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills (my guess).

Immediately savoury, showing tobacco and leaf, dry woodland undergrowth, mossy.

Silken, soft and juicy on entry, - a textural marvel - segueing to savoury, bramble notes. There's fruit meandering through, for sure, but it's the woody and savoury elements that really define this wine, and reflect it's composition.

Tannin is fine; a little bitter chocolate at the conclusion. 92

Tasted on: Friday 15th April, a Leaf day
Source: Retail, Melbourne Hotel
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.vinteloper.com.au/

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2013 / Langhorne Creek / Shiraz / Touriga Nacional

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

Wirra Wirra Original Blend Grenache Shiraz 2015

12:30 Stu.

The sweet red fruited accents of Grenache are on show here, coulis-like raspberry hints, macerated strawberry.

Soft, approachable, medium-bodied goodness; red fruit in abundance, soft and chewy tannins resolving to dryness, spice and depth - Shiraz showing its hand.

It's the show pony this time around, up front fruit, sweetness. Drinks very well in its languid, easy-going way. 90

Tasted on: Tuesday 12th April, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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2015 / grenache / McLaren Vale / Shiraz

Wirra Wirra Church Block 2014

08:30 Stu.

A blend of Cab Sauv (51%), Shiraz (37%) and Merlot (12%) - spends 18 months in oak, 70% French and 30% American.

Heady, swirling aromatic mix on show here - smells powerful: deep, dark fruit - a little red jostling for position; it's more damson/mulberry at this stage, oak, a little chocolate, savoury/seasoning.

Full bodied, sweet fruit emanating, a little dusting of bitter cocoa, powdery tannin; touch of acid for balance - composed.

Finishes powerfully: surge of fruit and toasty oak and drying tannin. Still feels quite tight at this stage. Drinks better with some time 89+

Tasted on: Tuesday 12th April, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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2014 / Cabernet Sauvignon / McLaren Vale / Merlot / Shiraz

Monday, 20 June 2016

St Hallett Black Clay Shiraz 2015

08:30 Stu.

Black fruit, lighter notes, pastille- like blackcurrant; a little mintiness that segues to the palate.

It's soft, juicy, some good drying tannin that is certainly not out of place; gives a little firmness to the soft introduction. There's spice, sweeter edged. Moreish to boot. Excellent value given the price. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 10th April 2015, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $16
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.sthallett.com.au

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2015 / Barossa Valley / Shiraz

Sunday, 19 June 2016

Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2015

11:54 Stu.

Vanilla, apricots - good aromatics, avoiding the ‘Shrill’ that poorly made Viognier can be afflicted with

A little bite, mineral and acid; carries some of the ginger/spice that Viognier can be known for. Not exactly a wine of subtlety, it’s pretty full and drying; if you’re seeking guile, go elsewhere - for value, this can’t really be overlooked. 88

Tasted on: Sunday 10th April 2015, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $13
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.yalumba.com

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2015 / South Australia / Viognier

Rusden Christine's Vineyard Grenache 2014

10:30 Stu.

Lighter aromatics: Vine Vale to a tee. Spice is on show - delicate - cinnamon, nutmeg.

Smooth, silky, pastille like entry: transitions to an initial savoury hit. Good acidic freshness, semblance of fruit. Spice makes a secondary appearance toward the back palate, fine tannin in support, length. And some.

Licorice, black fruit. Bold, yet at the same time, it's light. How do they do it? 92

Tasted on: Sunday 15th May, a Fruit day

Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.9%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.rusdenwines.com.au/

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2014 / Barossa Valley / grenache

Saturday, 18 June 2016

Huntington Estate Late Harvest Semillon 2015

12:11 Stu.

Ten tonne of fruit was left on the vine to ripen, with about 30% to be affected with botrytis. Here's the result.

Lemon, apricot, cut marmalade; honeyed citrus. Lemon, lime, fresh and tangy; full on citrus assault. Sweet and unctuous, texturally lavish. Brimming with life and freshness.

Paired this with a baked lemon cheesecake. Winning. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 15th May, a Fruit day

Source: Sample
Price: $36
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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2015 / Botrytis / Mudgee / Semillon

Friday, 17 June 2016

St Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

08:30 Stu.

Dusty, leafy, the dried red earth, dark chocolate and malty, bright oak. Not the strongest aromatically…somewhat shy.

Bold flavours: leaf, capsicum, tapenade. Tannin is fine, powdery - kinda cocoa powder bitterness. It’s backed up with generous spiciness - possesses a good deal of fruit too, balanced.

In a little slumber at present, hence the + sign: 91+

Tasted on: Saturday 14th May: Leaf to Fruit
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 14.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.sthugo.com/

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2013 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Coonawarra

Thursday, 16 June 2016

Bremerton Special Release Malbec 2014

09:30 Stu.

Malbec from the Langhorne Creek GI, where Bremerton seem to have a good handle on this somewhat neglected variety.

Gamey, dusky violets initially, but a little too much new oak on show for my liking;

Redeems itself on the palate - a tour de force of black and blue fruits that initially flood the senses, before sensibly holding back and washing across the palate. Nice touch of bouquet garni herb that holds up the back palate and gently eases the wine to a conclusion.

Licorice twists provide a final flourish, along with some firm and fine tannin. Good wine. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 14th May: Leaf to Fruit

Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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2014 / Langhorne Creek / Malbec

Wednesday, 15 June 2016

Bloodwood Cabernet Franc 2014

08:00 Stu.

Varietal Cabernet Franc from the Orange GI - more please.

Cherry compote with a little of the leafy aromatics oft associated with the variety. It’s certainly attractive in its aromatic proposition.

Medium bodied, cracked pepper inflected blackcurrant; savoury initially morphing to more black fruit in its profile. An interesting mix, a wine that veers from fruit-to meat- to savoury and then spiced. Complex, yet also with a languid and easy going appeal. It somehow pulls that off with ease.

A yes from me. 92

Tasted on: Saturday 14th May, a Leaf to Fruit
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bloodwood.biz/

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2014 / Cabernet Franc / Orange

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Bremerton Bâttonage Chardonnay 2014

10:37 Stu.

Citrus, cream, barrel ferment, flaked almond. Worked - creamy, citrus, grapefruit acidity; complex, nicely balanced.

Toast and spice on the finish. Good length, a balance of fruit and the winemaker's hand on show here. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 15th May, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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2014 / Chardonnay / Langhorne Creek

d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2013

08:30 Stu.

Satsuma plum, sweet edged blackcurrant, very approachable.

Medium to full, fine and powdery tannin, chocolate, bags of red fruit.

Happy days, solid wine, if not my personal favourite of the 'classics'. 88

Tasted on: Friday 13th May, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 14.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.darenberg.com.au/

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2013 / McLaren Vale / Shiraz

Monday, 13 June 2016

Tom Shobbrook Making Space Pet' Nat' Shiraz Riesling 2015

14:04 Stu.

Bottle image 'half inched'
from drnks.com

Primary, red fruit, a little rhubarb.

Lively on the palate palate, bristling and energetic. Mineral, sour red fruit, suggestive of citrus tang. Fresh, freshening. Finishes clean, something you want to drink. Lots of love. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 15th May, a Fruit day
Source: Retail, Craft Red Hill
Price: $32
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: Dunno

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2015 / Pet Nat / Petillant Naturel / riesling / Shiraz

Out of Step Wine Co 'Margin Walker' White Field Blend 2015

08:30 Stu.

I've written before of the desire of the Out of Step crew to "hopefully chipping away at making Sauvignon Blanc at least just a tiny bit cool again...", and whilst this 'field blend' doesn't specify the cépage, the Sauv Blanc is evident, to seek to understand what else may be within somewhat defies the ethos of the wine.

The Out of Step crew describe it thus: "This is not a wine about variety. This is a wine about a place…..and a winemaking ethos. Only 264 bottles were produced from a very special patch of fruit on the Lusatia Park vineyard in the upper Yarra Valley. Wine from the fringe…..the Margin Walker."

A quality offering, clearly from the aromatics: grapefruit, vanilla, gravel and pebbles.

Grapefruit appears on the palate - a little cut grass gives hint as to what may be within. There's oak - smokey, cedary; it out Bordeaux blancs a Bordeaux Blanc. It's smooth, polished, pure; has length and then some. Exemplary and seems too good to even consider rating. That said: 95

Tasted on: Saturday 11th June, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.outofstepwineco.com/

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2015 / Sauvignon Blanc / Yarra Valley

Sunday, 12 June 2016

Rob Hall Pinot Noir 2015

13:26 Stu.

Rob Hall - variously grape-treader, photographer - seeks to capture a moment in either a bottle or an image. For around ten years Rob was the winemaker at Mount Mary, before going solo. Producing from Yarra stalwarts, here a very approachable and affordable Pinot Noir.

Savoury, dark fruit: cherry, plum sauce, seasoning. Lightness, an airyness, yet with good depth and flavour and freshening acidity. J

Judicious picking one suggests: a blend of three vineyards. Willowlake (cooler southern end of the valley), Nenagh Park (the warmer northern end) and Rob's own vineyard (south of Healesville). Freshness, vitality, varietal. Go now. 91

Tasted on: Friday 10th June, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.robhallwine.com.au/

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2015 / pinot noir / Yarra Valley

Voyager Estate Chardonnay 2013

08:30 Stu.

Stonefruit ahoy! Perfectly ripe nectarine, freshly cut, supported by an exquisite oak framework: honey, vanilla, a little spice.

Fruit suits on the front palate, peach segments with a little citrus, generous zippy acidity and a little almond and nougat framing things up. Back end lime, tangy. 93

Tasted on: Friday 13th May: Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.voyagerestate.com.au/

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2013 / Chardonnay / Margaret River

Saturday, 11 June 2016

Yalumba Y Series Riesling 2015

16:54 Stu.

Citrus edge, light florals; more of the same on the palate.

A little phenolic edge. Not the most defined flavour, or carry, but it's there. Reasonable length. Certainly easy drinking and no quibbles at the price. 87

Tasted on: Friday 13th May: Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $12.99
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yalumba.com/

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2015 / riesling / South Australia

Mitchell Harris Mataro 2013

09:45 Stu.

Spicy, sappy - redolent of judicious use of whole bunches in the ferment. It's like a savoury core surrounded by depths of plummy fruit.

The palate is at odds to that: lithe, light - for the variety - chalky tannin; good fruit presence, with lingering spice. It's fresh, elegant, a cooler take on the variety. Herbal twists offer up a final element for this well rounded package. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 19th May, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://mitchellharris.com.au

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#ProjectMataro / 2013 / Mataro et al / Pyrenees

Thursday, 9 June 2016

Angullong Crossing Reserve Shiraz 2013

11:09 Stu.

Sometimes regurgitating a press release is acceptable:

"The Angullong Crossing Reserve block sits within aged red / brown loamy top-soils, a result of the volcanic origins of Mount Canobolas. This gives way to sandy clay and shale subsoils with a limestone base ensuring good aeration and drainage. The result is relatively low vine vigour and low yields.

“The new Crossing Reserve is a limited release wine with only two hundred cases produced. Whilst 2013 is the first vintage, we have made small parcels from 2014 and ensuing vintages.

"The wine was matured for 12 months in French oak and then 18 months in bottle before release."

Beautiful red fruit, summery berry pudding, with vanilla accents from quality French oak. Perfect seasoning with a nuttiness and delicate spice.

Fine, elegant; tannin is fine-grained, graphite structured that conveys composure. There's not as much fruit conveyed on the palate, but it has length in spades. Give it some time. 93

Tasted on: Monday 6th June: Root to Flower
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.angullong.com.au/

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2013 / Orange / Shiraz / Single Vineyard

Tuesday, 7 June 2016

Shaw Vineyard Estate Winemakers Selection Cabernet Merlot 2012

14:30 Stu.

Cedar, seasoning, fruit still prominent aromatically.

Medium-full, powdery tannin that resolves to a little black tea bitterness. Semblance of cassis and plum moving to a savoury back palate. Drinks well - the clincher, and key to value - good persistence.

Lacking depth, but depth isn't something you'd necessarily seek at the price point. 88

Tasted on: Thursday 12th May: a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $16
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawvineyards.com.au/

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2012 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Canberra District / Merlot

Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay 2014

08:30 Stu.

Grilled peach, barrel ferment and a little toasty oak funk.

Vanilla panna cotta, segueing to stonefruit afore enlivening citrus acidity. The sum of its parts pulling together beautifully to create a wine of focus and persistence.

There's a delicate powdery, chalky feel to the finish - just adds to an excellent length of flavour. Consistently excellent, upper echelon, Australian Chardonnay 93

Tasted on: Wednesday 11th May: Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawandsmith.com/

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2014 / Adelaide Hills / Chardonnay

Monday, 6 June 2016

Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Tempranillo 2014

08:30 Stu.

Blue fruits, florals, dusky dark chocolate/cocoa; a little red fruit, suggestive of macerated raspberry.

Medium bodied, palate enlivening acid, citrus tang; chocolate and blue fruit, cracked pepper and a good rasp of tannin. Length: tannin has staying power for the wine to linger long. 89

Tasted on: Monday 9th May: Root to Flower
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.winesbygeoffhardy.com.au/

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2014 / Adelaide Hills / Limestone Coast / Tempranillo

Sunday, 5 June 2016

d'Arenberg High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

19:19 Stu.

Calling card of both variety and region here: leaf, mulberry and some Sellick's fudge.

Medium bodied, somewhat thin on the palate. Nice grip, but cassis gives way to bitterness that dominates here. Given the price, varietal correctness can be forgiven.

Drinks well and has a track record that generally suggests moderate cellarability. 88

Tasted on: Monday 9th May: Root to Flower
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 14.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.darenberg.com.au/

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2013 / Cabernet Sauvignon / McLaren Vale

La La Land Malbec 2015

10:00 Stu.

Juicy, nigh jubey, good fruit driven aromatics - clearly fulfilling a winemaking brief for accessibility and approachability.

Medium bodied, soft and rounded; segues to a little spice and gummy fruit flavours. A little back end chocolate bitterness - great counterpoint to the fruit, resurgent spice.

Winning at $16. Delivers in spades at its price point, knocking wines double its price into touch. 89

Tasted on: Tuesday 10th May
Source: Sample
Price: $16
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.lalalandwines.com.au/

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2015 / Malbec / Murray Darling

Saturday, 4 June 2016

Ridgemill Estate 'The Lincoln' Shiraz Viognier 2013

13:26 Stu.

A new grandson for Ridgemill Estate owner Martin Cooper is honoured with a wine named in his honour - tough that the wee tacker has to wait 'til his 18th to taste this little beauty.

Plum, mulberry, cherry, a little stonefruit and floral lift; well handled oak in support.

Black fruit, medium bodied and juicy; has a playful elegance that morphs into a little savoury twist, providing the intro to a wine of good length. 91

Tasted on: Wednesday 11th May: Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://ridgemillestate.com/

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2013 / Granite Belt / Shiraz / Viognier

Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

12:56 Stu.

Powerful black fruit supported by a frame of oak; there's leaf, chocolate - all up bold and firm, forward.

Pretty full, considering its 13.5%, slippery and silky. Tannin is fine - segues to chocolatey and berry flavours. Doesn't strike me as the most composed I've seen this wine, pretty full on. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 8th May: Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $67
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://leeuwinestate.com.au/

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2012 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Margaret River

Friday, 3 June 2016

Terre á Terre Crayeres Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2014

18:26 Stu.

New release from the Terre à Terre crew, a varietal Cab Franc that is the result of 26 day ferment in open top fermenter. Spends 18m in French oak (30% new) and about ten minutes in your glass before proclaim: "gee that's a cracker, pour me another", or words to that effect. No filtration, and a light fining.

Leaf, grass, underlying red fruit, yet savoury in its outlook. Beautifully seasoned: spicy oak setting this off. Medium bodied: intense flavour, powdery tannin, red currant and strawberry long on the finish

Spice, a little cinnamon perhaps, sweet spice on the tail; glorious like of flavour and a wine that lingers long in the memory. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 8th May: Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $39
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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2014 / Cabernet Franc / Wrattonbully

Wednesday, 1 June 2016

Yalumba Y Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

18:32 Stu.

Blackcurrant with a little savoury seasoning overlaid; leaf and capsicum.

More of the same on the palate, add in a little cheap oak, somewhat thin and dilute. Seems Cabernet is a tough ask at this volume/ price point. 86

Tasted on: Saturday 7th May: Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $12.99
Alcohol: ?
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yalumba.com/

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2014 / Cabernet Sauvignon / South East Australia

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