July 2016 ~ The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

Wednesday, 27 July 2016

Montalto Estate Pinot Noir 2015

08:30 Stu.

A very attractive floral perfume: rose, hibiscus with deep set black-red fruit: cherry, a little oak seasoning. It's silken, smooth, slips across the palate; briary fruit, a semblance of depth, a little sour tang. Effortless length, elegance, ease; fantastic...

2015 / Mornington Peninsula / pinot noir

Tuesday, 26 July 2016

Mitchell Harris Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

08:00 Stu.

Slightly herbal, green, touch of mint and bay, the oak is quite stern. It's medium bodied, the tannin fine and long - fine threads connecting across the palate. Black fruit reveals itself slowly, making its presence known. Feels quite reservedly classy. 91 Tasted...

2013 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Pyrenees

Monday, 25 July 2016

En Soleil Shiraz by Cape Jaffa 2014

08:30 Stu.

Biodynamic wine, grapes grown by the Koch family and vinified by Anna Hooper. Red and black fruit medley just hanging in the glass, doing its thing, slowly wafting out. With time, a little dried earth emanates, sweet edged oak in play too. Sensuous, seductive, spicy - characterful wine that possesses a fine, powdery tannin structure. There's a little chocolate in the mix - not necessarily...

2014 / Shiraz / Wrattonbully

Sunday, 24 July 2016

Rymill The Yearling Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

12:09 Stu.

Colour me surprised to see a $15 sticker on this mid-week ripper, I'm not suggesting its a cellar-worthy addition to your purchasing, rather its darn good, easy going drinking and fantastically positioned price wise. Sweet cassis, a little flaked chocolate, dusty...

2014 / Cabernet / Coonawarra

Friday, 22 July 2016

Chafffey Bros Wine Co Evangeline Syrah 2014

08:30 Stu.

From the winery website: "Fermented in a 6 tonne open fermenter with 7 days skin contact and twice daily pump-overs. Matured in shaved, seasoned (two to five year old) french oak hogsheads for 11 months" "Single Vineyard Eden Valley Syrah from a dry-grown vineyard set...

2014 / Eden Valley / Syrah

Thursday, 21 July 2016

Alkoomi Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

08:00 Stu.

Cherry like aromas, cedar and bay; good aromatics - with a little mint added In - on show here. Cool, minty, has a big boned elegance; drying, with long and moderately assertive tannin. Needs a couple of years under its belt to bring some of the elements together, and...

2014 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Frankland River / Great Southern

Wednesday, 20 July 2016

Ministry of Clouds Mataro 2014

15:55 Stu.

Ministry of Clouds are Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood, both with lengthy - and illustrious - careers in wine before jacking all that in to go it alone; she the Sales Manager for Woodstock wines also with stints prior at Red+White, he the long-time Sales Manager at Wirra...

#ProjectMataro / 2014 / Mataro et al / McLaren Vale

The Lane Block 1 Cabernet Merlot 2013

12:00 Stu.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%) and Merlot (13%) - good aromatics on show, tobacco and green olive; oak is on show and a good portion of new it would seem. Plenty of cherry and plum on show here. Strikes this lovely balance of vibrant fruit...

2013 / Adelaide Hills / Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Alkoomi White Label Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2014

08:30 Stu.

Black fruit, spice - somewhat mute like its prior vintage brethren. More of the same on the palate, black fruit, freshening acid; bitter tannin lets the package down - drying, hard, misses a beat compared to the '13. The White Label range offers excellent...

2014 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Great Southern / Merlot

Monday, 18 July 2016

Millon Estate The Impressionist Shiraz 2014

14:24 Stu.

Cherry, Mulberry, earthen, gamey - flecks of pepper. Smooth, medium bodied - an elegance if you like. Spice, gives depth; possesses a savoury depth - that belies the price point. Spice derived length, not the most complex or compelling but it delivers...

2014 / Eden Valley / Shiraz

Double Header: The Lane Vineyard Block 3 Chardonnay 2014 and 2015

08:30 Stu.

One producer, two wines, consecutive vintages. 2014 Melon, nougat, pistachio. Lean, clean, hints of cream. Nicely balanced, mid-weight Chardonnay. Uncomplicated, a suggestion of oak influence here - a little barrel ferment action gives some flinty mineral...

Sunday, 17 July 2016

Alkoomi White Label Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2013

17:39 Stu.

A little plum and black olive - not the strongest aromatically. Fares better on the palate where cassis and milk chocolate form the backbone of the wine's flavour, providing good carriage. Tannin is a little clunky, a little bitter tea coming through. Drinks...

2013 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Great Southern / Merlot

Millon Estate The Impressionist 2014 Chardonnay

09:00 Stu.

Doughy oak sitting over stone fruit and citrus. Tangy citrus, marmalade-esque; spice and a little depth. Fairly balanced palate, if uninspiring - nothing wrong, not putting a step out of place, just treads lightly. Reasonable finish - good at the price. 86 Tasted...

2014 / Chardonnay / Eden Valley

Saturday, 16 July 2016

d'Arenberg The Feral Fox Pinot Noir 2014

09:30 Stu.

Upon arrival in this country, this was one of the wines that turned my eyes to the stocks of wines that I rarely got to see in the UK. Not looking its best on this release mind. Blackcurrant, cassis like aromas, fairly forward, fruity Fairly thin, a little bitterness,...

2014 / Adelaide Hills / pinot noir

Friday, 15 July 2016

Torzi Matthews Vigna Cantina Tempranillo 2014

16:00 Stu.

Aromatics waft out of the glass: black fruit, spice. Touches of dark chocolate, 70% cocoa - you know. Adds depth to the brightness of perfume. Easy going, medium bodied - sure to appeal. No slouch though, fore palate sees easy going fruit make way to refreshing...

2014 / Barossa Valley / Tempranillo

Cape Jaffa La Lune Shiraz 2013

08:30 Stu.

Exclusive to winery club members, approximately 200 dozen made. Ripe, rich, almost porty. Sweet oak, fruits of the forest jam. It settles with some time and air. More of the same on the palate. Dense, chewy; intensity of flavour here for sure. Length. There's...

#Biodynamic / 2013 / Limestone Coast / Shiraz

Thursday, 14 July 2016

Katnook Estate Founder's Block Shiraz 2015

14:30 Stu.

Plummy - a solid black fruited aroma, little beyond that. More of the same on the palate: solid, nothing wrong, not a foot out of place. Where you'd want to go for a midweek glass of something approachable. 88 Tasted on: Monday 13th June, a Fruit to Root...

2015 / Coonawarra / Shiraz

Signature Wines Moscato 2015

08:00 Stu.

Fresh, floral, fragrant; smells sweet, a little of the crushed candies often seen in the variety. Actually quite fine on the palate, the sweetness not seen on the palate as the aroma suggests. Yes, it's sweet, not cloying. Mineral, fine. 89 Tasted on: Saturday...

2015 / Adelaide Hills / Barossa Valley / Moscato

Wednesday, 13 July 2016

Montalto Estate Shiraz 2014

14:00 Stu.

First 'Estate' Shiraz for Montalto: a Single vineyard wine from 'Teurong', it's warmest site. One hundred dozen made. Black Cherry and Plummy depths, mulberry, with cracked pepper seasoning. Lots going on: persistent pepper and general spice hints; tannin...

2014 / Mornington Peninsula / Shiraz

Montalto Estate Pennon Hill Pinot Noir 2015

08:30 Stu.

Plenty of love for the Pennon Hill range from Montalto Estate over the years. The Pennon Hill range represents a regional composition and also a philosophy with intent to produce bright and fresh wines. All about the cherries, kirsch; expressly aromatic as is often...

2015 / Mornington Peninsula / pinot noir

Tuesday, 12 July 2016

Pertaringa Over the Top Shiraz 2014

18:31 Stu.

Oft well received on these pages over the years (reviews). Blue/black fruit, toffee-ish fudge notes; savoury notes appear with suggestion of anise. Sure punch of flavour, with intense, concentrated fruit. It's full, silky with fine powdery tannin. There's a freshening...

2014 / McLaren Vale / Shiraz

Windowrie Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2015

08:30 Stu.

Good red berry aromatics, a suggestion of meats, sensitive oak for seasoning. Fresh and juicy, albeit with a sour tang about it. No denying the quality of the fruit exuded here - seemingly perpetual length provides that. It's herbal, packed with flavour...

2015 / Orange / pinot noir

Monday, 11 July 2016

Yelland & Papps Devote Old Vine Grenache 2014

08:00 Stu.

800 bottles produced. Just great to see Barossa Grenackers recorded at sub-14%. Bravo. There's this dark, moist, earthen element here - kinda like a fresh bag of potting mix. Add in kirsch - a good pour - dried florals, and season liberally. No doubting the quality. Michael...

2014 / Barossa Valley / grenache

Sunday, 10 July 2016

Chaffey Bros Wine Co Zeit Punkt Riesling 2015

13:30 Stu.

Floral, fragrant, classic lime with hints of jasmine, bath salts. Lemon, lime, all the citrus; stony mineral, loose and open, approachable. Line of energetic acid drives the wine, pulsing across the finish, bringing with it flavour a-plenty. 92 Tasted...

2015 / Eden Valley / riesling

St Hugo Cabernet Shiraz 2013

09:30 Stu.

Leafy, minty Cabernet over prime red fruit. Aromatic unison of the two components. Fairly drying, mint/choc-mint palate; tannin is firm, again drying, seems lacking in fruit suggestive on intro. Long and dry, but lacking in filler for me. 91 Tasted on: Tuesday...

2013 / Barossa Valley / Cabernet / Coonawarra / Shiraz

Hither & Yon Rosato 2016

09:15 Stu.

This will featuring high on the summer Rosé rotation round these here parts. Kinda comes across as a touch like a Gewurz where the winemaker has applied the bronzing balls. Delightfully pale onion skin in colour, musk and Turkish delight waft out. Cool, crisp,...

2016 / McLaren Vale / Muscat Rouge à Petits Grains

Saturday, 9 July 2016

Rusden 'The Chook Shed' Zinfandel 2014

13:30 Stu.

Intense purple fruit, smoke, ash; oak, milk chocolate, oyster sauce. An initial elegance, afore bold blackcurrant. It's richly spiced, Asian spice, aniseed and leather. Complex, without being over done. Balanced, poise, bold and powerful. Finishes well,...

2014 / Barossa Valley / Zinfandel

Sassy Pinot Noir 2013

08:00 Stu.

Spice, earth, cherry and wood; medium bodied, good level of juice, if not the keen level of flavour the aromatics suggest. Very drinkable - if little to excite. 88 Tasted on: Tuesday 31st May, a Flower to Leaf day Source: Sample Price: $30 Alcohol: 13.5% Closure:...

2013 / Orange / pinot noir

Friday, 8 July 2016

Stockman's Ridge Rider Shiraz 2014

18:44 Stu.

Savoury, bitter coffee oak, black fruit: blackcurrant, mulberry. Light, juicy, a fair twist of the pepper grinder. Tangy citrus acidity. Not the most complete picture - just missing a beat in the middle. 88 Tasted on: Wednesday 24th May, a...

2014 / Orange / Shiraz

Torzi Matthews Vigna Cantina Rosato di Sangiovese 2015

08:30 Stu.

Not the strongest aromatically: suggestive of rose, Turkish delight, savoury hints in the background, of dried leaf matter and wood. Cranberry, juniper, gentle acidic crunch, a little grip; delicate, light, gentle in how the flavours meld together. Concludes...

2015 / Barossa / Rosé / sangiovese

Thursday, 7 July 2016

Yelland & Papps 'Devote' Greenock Shiraz 2014

08:00 Stu.

Rich, ripe, toasty oak - tastes American at that, with prominent coconut. Black fruit is very prominent: blackcurrant, black cherry. It's toward the lighter end of where you'd expect Barossan Shiraz. Tastes light, vibrant and juicy - good to see Shiraz at 13.3%. Vibrant,...

2014 / Barossa Valley / Shiraz

Wednesday, 6 July 2016

Lino Ramble Tom Bowler Nero d'Avola 2014

08:30 Stu.

Lino Ramble is Andy Coppard and Angela Townsend, both plying their respective trades via day jobs at Kay Bros in McLaren Vale. Redcurrant jelly - deeper, darker savoury elements, cured meat and a little balsamic - bucolic you might say. Medium bodied, hoi sin, plum;...

2014 / McLaren Vale / Nero d'Avola

Tuesday, 5 July 2016

Rob Hall Petit Verdot 2015

08:30 Stu.

Somewhat unusual varietal from the Yarra Valley, as a variety PV is rather expressive and this example is no exception. Pretty, floral top notes, blueberries - sitting over an underlying smokey platform. Blue fruit presents itself with aplomb, a little lavender...

2015 / Petit Verdot / Yarra Valley

Monday, 4 July 2016

Kalleske Zeitgeist Shiraz 2016

15:01 Stu.

noun the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time. Raw, primal, suggestion of black fruit compote; mute. Juicy, tangy, sweet-sour, even orange citrus. Loose-knit, open, easy going, easy-drinking. Highly...

2016 / Barossa Valley / Shiraz

Langmeil Mataro 2012

08:30 Stu.

Immediately meaty/gamey, woody, smells deep, dark and dense: the Mataro abyss! Mataro's spice, lovely balance against fruit sweetness - of blue fruits, plum and mulberry; good structure, leaves a lasting impression. Finishes well: tannin, bold flavour...

#ProjectMataro / 2012 / Barossa Valley / Mataro et al

Sunday, 3 July 2016

Yelland & Papps Devote Roussanne 2015

11:04 Stu.

Honey, honeysuckle, vanilla cream; florals and citrus - aromatic complexity, yet subtle, inviting. Mid-weight, textured, lemon curd; languidly saunters across the palate: spiced, vanilla - old oak mind - stonefruit and tropical fruit elements. Complex, yet not...

2015 / Barossa Valley / Roussanne

Chapel Hill The Parson Shiraz 2015

08:30 Stu.

Rich, plummy, a little choc-toffee. Rich and robust, generous in the mouth. Flaked chocolate, berry compote, suggestion of tannin. Good lingering finish A little acidic pitch to freshen. Simple, yet of substance. 89 Tasted on: Wednesday 24th May,...

2015 / McLaren Vale / Shiraz

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)