Hither & Yon Aglianico 2014

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. Beautiful to drink. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 6th September, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hitherandyon.com.au/

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

Zonte's Footstep Doctoressa Di Lago Pinot Grigio 2016

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 adding to its nasal cut n thrust.

That flows through to the palate too, where the citrus take on a bitter lemon bent. Touch of cut herb, even some lemon grass and thyme. 

Unsure where this ladies gib is from, but I like her cut. 89 

Tasted on: Monday 5th September, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.zontesfootstep.com.au/

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

Mount Avoca Estate Chardonnay 2015

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. 89 

Tasted on: Monday 5th September, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $32.50
Alcohol: 13.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://mountavoca.com/

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

Hither & Yon Tempranillo 2016

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 this balance between downright simplicity, with a little dark underbelly.

Would easily handle a summer-necessary chill. 90  

Tasted on: Tuesday 6th December, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hitherandyon.com.au/

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

Ridgemill Estate Riesling 2016

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 razor sharp. Damn fine for slaking a thirst, one of Riesling's primary functions.

Finishes well, talcum and an underlying stony platform. 90 

Tasted on: Wednesday 30th November, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 11.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://ridgemillestate.com/

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

Trends, Listicles and a Market Outlook for 2017

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 produced, and blithely bought;

4) Listicles and ‘trends’ will still exist; and hopefully

5) One day somebody might produce some serious analysis into the various consumer types and personas that exist in the the wine buying industry. 

http://blog.thewinegallery.com.au/four-wine-trends-every-wine-lover-should-know/

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