2017 ~ The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

Tuesday, 28 November 2017

Rock of Wisdom Superfly Shiraz 2017

08:30 Stu.

Rock of Wisdom wines each come with their own little guidance note, a pearl of wisdom if you like. This is perhaps the only wine in which I disagree with the said guidance note: "This is a wine that will make you want to strut (you know you want to)".

Whilst it's all primary, with a suggestion of funk and yeasty top notes sitting up there, it's also raw -purple in colour, unadorned by little.

Medium bodied, supple and lithe - and that's why I disagree with it's own 'user instruction', for I found it so easy going in nature that I just wanted to settle back with it, enjoy it's company in a casual setting, get to know it a little further.

A little chew of tannin, black fruits in support. It's an open and loose vibe to this wine, offering little resistance as it makes its way down the hatch. 89

Tasted on: Thursday 2nd November, a Leaf day

Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: ?
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://rock-of-wisdom.myshopify.com/

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2017 / Barossa Valley / Shiraz

Monday, 27 November 2017

Heartland Spice Trader Shiraz 2014

08:30 Stu.

Classic Shiraz here from the Langhorne Creek, offers up a profile that is sure to please. There's oak in the mix, blended up with a cornucopia of red and black fruit.

The palate reveals a wine at once lavish, chewy and riven with spice. A fine coating of tannin spreads and makes itself at home in the farthest recesses of the mouth.

Your lasting memory could well be of peppery length and you'll no doubt be congratulating yourself on a good purchase given its sub-20 ask. 89

Tasted on: Tuesday 21st November, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $16.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://heartlandwines.com.au

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2014 / Langhorne Creek / Shiraz

Sunday, 26 November 2017

Chateau Yaldara Retro Collection Shiraz 2015

21:12 Stu.

Offers up a mix of stewed fruits, residual (older) oak and a spade full of dried earth. A latent top, spicier hint leaves a lasting presence. Curious.

Gentle introduction, given what is quite a substantive wine. Packs a punch with a brown spice core, over a plummy heart. Tannin is fine grained and initially swamped by alcoholic heat before returning on a good length. 88

Tasted on: Tuesday 14th November, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://1847wines.com/

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2015 / Adelaide Hills / Shiraz

Wednesday, 22 November 2017

Rowlee Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2016

08:30 Stu.

Whole-bunch pressed, wild yeast and aged in French oak 30% new for 8 months.

Good citrus punch on this one, segues to a little almond and white peach. Clear cut Chardonnay, if at times a tad mute, aromatically.

Doesn't hold back on the palate where it has good presence and a little grip. More of that citrus lapping things up, cleaning up with a generous line of acid. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 16th November, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.rowleewines.com.au/

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2016 / Chardonnay / Orange

Tuesday, 21 November 2017

Gartelmann Petit Verdot 2014

19:41 Stu.

Small berries meets seasoning and Mudgee choc- fudge mud. Offers a full gamut of aromas, from the fruity top notes down to savoury depths.

Medium bodied, there's a savoury, leathery, balsamic edge through the middle - not quite in line with the aromatic profile. Ok, passable 87

Tasted on: Thursday 9th November, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.gartelmann.com.au

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2014 / Mudgee / Petit Verdot

Friday, 17 November 2017

Rymill The Yearling Rosé 2017

08:30 Stu.

Lovely intro that offers a hint of fruit with underlying savoury aspects. There's a suggestion of rhubarb, seasoning by way of cracked Coriander seed. It's attractive, light and approachable.

More than a savoury mouthful, adroit handling has given a light grip in the mouth, carriage of acid and a savoury herbal element as if to provide some seasoning. Lovely line and spread. All the more remarkable for a $16 proposition. 90

Tasted on: Monday 30th October, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $16
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.rymill.com.au/

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2017 / Coonawarra / Rosé

Thursday, 16 November 2017

Shaw Vineyard Estate Riesling 2017

19:47 Stu.

Hints of lime, lime leaf. Background hints that are somewhat more fruitsome: blackcurrant leaf, possibly passionfruit.

Good punch of flavour and persistence of acid. It's all about the lime and little else. The juice working in tandem to deliver a Refreshing wine - if a little linear. 90

Tasted on: Saturday 28th October, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawvineyards.com.au/

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#RieslingRevival / 2017 / Canberra District / riesling

Friday, 3 November 2017

Wirra Wirra Mrs Wigley Grenache Rosé 2017

08:30 Stu.

As usual, nigh LOL-worthy release notes from Wirra Wirra MD Andrew Kay on how one review from 2016 (I checked, it wasn't mine) called out as Mrs Wigley as a sweet Rosé on the basis of its colour alone. So, to 2017, it's a vibrant colour on pour, reminiscent of something like a blackcurrant cordial.

Florals and red fruit in abundance. A mix of raspberry, splash of cranberry too. Initial hints of fruit make way for a dry palate, spice and a suggestion of the florals too. For the record, it is dry, and the fruit does perhaps give an association of sweetness. 90

Tasted on: Saturday 30th September, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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2017 / grenache / McLaren Vale / Rosé

Thursday, 2 November 2017

Bridge Road Sentio Chardonnay 2106

08:30 Stu.

Here's an interesting one: a wine, made like a beer, by a brewer, deliberately inoculated with a strain of Brettanomyces.

Pours with a pronounced turbidity, a peach-ish hue. Certainly a funk to the nose, not that which I'd call out as Brett (deliberate innoculation of a particular strain), possibly more of a sweaty cheese thing.

The palate is interesting, a slight petillance, more like a funky cider. Citrussy with a sharp acidic profile, it is exceptionally dry - but not an altogether unpleasant experience to this palate.

Not Rated

Tasted on: Tuesday 19th September, a Fruit day
Source: Retail, Saccharomyces
Price: $6.50 (330ml)
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: Bridge Road Brewers

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2016 / Chardonnay

Monday, 30 October 2017

Rock of Wisdom Superfly Rosé 2017

08:30 Stu.

Highly perfumed and bone dry Rosé here from the rock of wisdom crew. Walks a line from florals to something spicy like sandalwood, a slice or two of meat and even pencil shavings. Aromatically complex we'll perhaps thus describe it as.

Whole bunch pressing and extended time on lees has given the wine a textural presence that provides whole mouth experience. Good phenolic, fine - almost powdery feel - tannin, giving the crunch and extending length of presence. It really is a superb dry Rosé. 92

Tasted on: Friday 27th October, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://rock-of-wisdom.myshopify.com/

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2017 / Barossa Valley / Rosé

Sunday, 29 October 2017

Lowe Wines Jodie Wilbetree 2017

08:30 Stu.

Slight dusky pink with a shimmer.

Balances a hint of musk with some fruit. A moderate petillence, manifesting itself latterly as a minerally bent. Its that sensation that lends the wine an additional kick, moving the wine on a degree.

There's a bit of crunch through the middle and some balancing apple and strawberry, yet not sweet. Good length, driving and subtle. 90

Tasted on: Saturday 30th September, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 11.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: lowewine.com.au

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2017 / Petit Verdot / Semillon / Sparkling

Saturday, 28 October 2017

Lowe Wines PF500 Shiraz 2017

08:30 Stu.

No, not a Spartan sequel with Gerard Butler, instead it's an organic Shiraz grown at 500 metres and coming in a rather gluggable 500ml bottle.

Organic Shiraz from Mudgee. Unfiltered, unfined (or unrefined as the collar info label states). Smells primary, pretty raw, loaded with black fruit - kinda like the topping you get on a blueberry cheesecake.

Light, juicy, small amount of unresolved co2 sits nicely, giving a gentle minerality and spritz to proceedings. Good going, not the most complex of wines, 'soif' in its presentation. Enjoyable. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 1st October, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $17 (500ml)
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: lowewine.com.au/

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#Biodynamic / #Organic / #Vegan / 2017 / Mudgee / Shiraz

Friday, 27 October 2017

Alkoomi White Label Riesling 2017

12:13 Stu.

Fragrant Riesling on the go here, more than a passing resemblance to flavours one might associate with Thai cuisine: kaffir lime, throw of lemon and indeed lemongrass. Veers more toward the apple and citrus spectrum and gives hints to a sweeter aspect within.

Brown lime, a bit of palm sugar sweetness, a gentle sherbety-minerality bang in the middle. Decent length of fruit derived flavour, if not a classic dry Riesling. 89

Tasted on: Tuesday 3rd October, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.alkoomiwines.com.au/

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#RieslingRevival / 2017 / Great Southern / riesling

Tim Adams Aberfeldy Shiraz 2013

08:30 Stu.

Woah, bring on the toast. I've not had the pleasure of the Aberfeldy before, and 24m in American hogsheads has sure left its mark and certainly harks back - for me - to a different time and place.

Certainly a wine of its style. Weaves toasty coconut oak in with a creamy, herbal element. The palate is thick, chewy, lavish - with blackcurrant fruit adding its own dimension.

The tannin profile sits nicely, adding a rasp across the middle and final thirds, carrying the wine long across the finish. For a generous wine, it also pulls off a subtlety. Accomplished well. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 1st October, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.timadamswines.com.au

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2013 / Clare Valley / Shiraz

Thursday, 26 October 2017

Chateau Yaldara Foundations Grenache 2016

15:17 Stu.

Muskiness that sits under a rose and berry aromatic core. Sweet spices add another

dimension, subtle - not always the Yaldara watchword - further evidence of its evolution in progress.

A lightness on entry, easy going in its approach. Soft, almost squishy, berry fruit lends a sweet edge to proceedings. There's a darker edge towards the final third, bolder fruit, a suggestion of licorice with a twist of pepper.

Good wine. Many facets and a gentle length that gives. 91

Tasted on: Monday 2nd October, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 15%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://1847wines.com/

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2016 / Barossa Valley / grenache

Wednesday, 25 October 2017

Spinifex Luxe Rosé 2017

14:27 Stu.

Exceptional Rosé here a blend of Mataro (51%), Grenache (38%) and Cinsault (11%).

Winemaker Peter Schell explains, "Luxe is selected from only those (rosé) parcels that have particular aromatic and textural complexity - we are drawn to sections that display what we call secondary fruit - fresh and dried flowers, herbs, spice, minerality, white and green tea-like aromatics - rather than primary fruit - fresh berry fruits etc." It is, therefore, little surprise that the wine is rich in savoury Mataro fruit.

This is a wine that invites on colour alone, that it delivers in spades is testament to its quality. Produced only in exceptional years, this 2017 instance opens with aromas that seem to shift between cassis, pomegranate, with provencal herbs.

The palate is lean and long. Suggestion of citrus peel, white pepper, coriander seed even. It's complex, yet beautifully poised and balanced, a testament to the terroir and winemaker's hand.

It's a wine of delicate, almost unyielding, length - of the savoury, of dried herb (had me thinking of oregano and thyme). More please. 94

Tasted on: Thursday 12th October, a Flower day
Source: Retail
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.spinifexwines.com.au/

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2017 / Barossa Valley / Cinsault / grenache / Mataro et al / Rosé

Tuesday, 24 October 2017

Delinquente Wine Co. Weeping Juan Pet' Nat' 2017

08:30 Stu.

Not sure who Juan is in the context of this wine, but i'd suggest there's no need for the waterworks.

Scant detail on the actual composition of this pretty number from the Riverland's Delinquente Wine Co. I'd hazard that there's perhaps at least a splash of Nero d'Avola or such in the mix - though I'd perhaps also suggest that actual composition is of scant relevance once you clap your laughing gear around its charms.

Pours a blush pink in the glass, the petillence evident from the off. A slight turbidity too. A little muskiness, macerated strawberry and raspberry. Joyous.

Fine on entry with a rambunctious minerality that bolsters credentials through the middle. Feels quite rounded, sitting nicely in the mouth, yet a tickle of bubbles cascades across the palate. The fruit not afraid to make itself known across the final third. Good drinking. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 22nd October
Source: Retail, Camp Hill Cellars
Price: $25
Alcohol:
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: http://www.delinquentewineco.com/

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2017 / Pet Nat / Petillant Naturel / Riverland

Monday, 23 October 2017

Rock of Wisdom Superfly Grenache Mataro 2017

08:30 Stu.

"To be Superfly is to be overtly confident and that's the drive behind this wine. We couldn't wait and we didn't want you to either."

Superfly is Pete (Rock) and Sof's (Wisdom) playful side to their main Rock of Wisdom label. The Mrs could be in for a treat with this one I tell ya, for "This is a wine for making love with the lights on". Sorry. Couldn't resist.

An 80/20 blend of Grenache and Mataro co-fermented. It's great to see a red released at 9-10 months old and the new (but old) vogue for a Barossan red to weigh in at a stated 13.5% alcohol.

It smells fresh and primary, playful. Red fruits in abundance with something a little more savoury lurking just underneath (that would be the Mataro, it's a bit like that). The palate is a joy to behold too. Slurpy, juicy and with the lightest of touches.

There's something like a little nimble crunch through the middle, a perky spiciness too. Put that lot together and i reckon the bottle will be gone before I get a chance to get into the bedroom. A session in the lounge perhaps? A bloody steal at $20. I'm in. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 21st October
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://rock-of-wisdom.myshopify.com

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2017 / Barossa Valley / grenache / Mataro et al

Sunday, 22 October 2017

Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz 2015

08:30 Stu.

Wirra Wirra's flagship Shiraz is in fine form with this release from 2015.

Deep, dark, nigh on impenetrable at first. Blends a whiff tobacco with the blue/black fruit mix so present in McLaren Vale Shiraz. A glorious combination.

Full bodied and the fruit presence is strong here. Not jammy, more jam packed one would suggest. The fruit is backed up with spicier elements giving the body an excellent one-two with respect to fruit-savoury nuances. A little perky toward the back palate, freshening things up a little. Good form. 93

Tasted on: Saturday 20th October
Source: Sample
Price: $70
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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2015 / McLaren Vale / Shiraz

Saturday, 21 October 2017

Mitchell McNicol Shiraz 2007

12:10 Stu.

Winemaker Andrew Mitchell honours his Father Peter McNicol Mitchell with this impressive cellar aged Shiraz from the Clare Valley.

Showing the colour of a wine with a bit of age on it, the bright vibrant reddish hues giving way to the more subdued, losing their brightness and sheen.

Aromatically it remains strong, a Shiraz from a warm year - the plum and residual oak elements combining to form an attractive profile, luring the drinker in.

Medium bodied. The fruit retains enough of a presence and combined with integrated oak delivers a proposition that all at once is spicy, savoury with that retained fruit presence just rounding the palate profile out. Soft, elegant and long on the finish. Patience has been rewarded, and yet still good for at least ten i'd suggest. 93

Tasted on: Saturday 21st October
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.mitchellwines.com

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2007 / Clare Valley / Shiraz

Thursday, 19 October 2017

Wirra Wirra The Absconder Grenache 2016

08:30 Stu.

Insightful release notes from (Wirra Wirra MD) Andrew Kay accompanying this, even if the AFL references were somewhat lost on this import.

Strong aromatic game on this premium Grenache from the Wirra Wirra team. Florals abound, red fruits-a-plenty and redolent of this grenadine cordial and old housemate used to import from France. I suppose you had to be there for that. All up, soft and inviting with a sweet fruit accent.

Elements that all lead onto the palate. That initial gloss and sheen of fruit makes way for perhaps a touch of warmth through the middle.

Tannins are a little tea-like in their initial presentation, segueing into a gentle rasp across the back palate. Much to enjoy here, no shortage of joy factor. 93

Tasted on: Tuesday 17th October, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $70
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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2106 / grenache / McLaren Vale

Wednesday, 18 October 2017

Out of Step Wine Co. Malakoff Estate Vineyard Shiraz 2016

12:34 Stu.

Jeez this site produces some good booze from its dirt, all the more impressive given the vines are barely a touch over ten years old. I think Malakoff is a vineyard that will be spoken of in reverent terms in the not so distant future, if it isn't already so. It goes without saying that kudos goes also to the guiding hands of Dave and Nath over at Out of Step for this one.

The Shiraz leads with the cool, nigh-caramelised, sappy note that alludes to some judicious use of stem in the ferment (50%).

Positively brimming. Marries a roasted meat character to something akin to liquorice root. Manifestly savoury, minerally and raspy tannins that lend just an extra je ne sais quoi.

Not devoid of fruit either, black forest berry fruit married to that inherent savoury quality. And all just about at medium body. Onto a good thing here. 94

Tasted on: Tuesday 3rd October, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $ 32
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.outofstepwineco.com/

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2016 / Pyrenees / Shiraz

Tuesday, 10 October 2017

Margan Semillon 2017

15:33 Stu.

Semillon's ability to awaken the senses and positively enliven the palate is second to none, well perhaps Riesling may have some skin in that game - I digress.

This cracking example from Andrew Margan and a cracking 2017 vintage carries itself and is redolent with lime, lemongrass and lemon balm.

It's fresh with a real acidic zip that will serve it well in the coming years. That, for $20 too, you can have something raring to go now or, given some time and patient cellaring, will develop into something else never ceases to amaze. Good drinking here. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 10th September, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.margan.com.au

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2017 / Broke Fordwich / Hunter Valley / Semillon

Saturday, 23 September 2017

Terre a Terre Crayeres Vineyard Wrattonbully Shiraz 2015

10:06 Stu.

Smokey, meaty manifestation of the Shiraz here. Black cherry and pepper, even hints of juniper perhaps. A complex offering - one that delights at every turn.

At odds to - perhaps in spite of - that complexity, it's deliciously medium bodied, elegant even. And yet a contrast to that aromatic introduction and silken nature is a long tail of spice. More of that peppery manifestation drawing a line long across the palate.

Could quite happily see this go now, or how it would look in fifteen. 94

Tasted on: Thursday 21st September, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au

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2015 / Shiraz / Wrattonbully

Friday, 22 September 2017

Yelland & Papps Shiraz 2016

12:00 Stu.

Boy it smells juicy. Its a riot of fruit: blackcurrant, raspberry and redcurrants, very expressive and inviting.

Deliciously medium bodied, juice and fresh up and about you acidity. There's a tangy presence, my take on judicious picking, and enough tannin to carry the the wine on its journey across the palate.

Jeez its a fresh and at you style. Love it. 91

Tasted on: Monday 11th September, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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2016 / Barossa Valley / Shiraz

Wednesday, 13 September 2017

Yelland & Papps Vin de Soif 2016

14:30 Stu.

A blend of Grenache/ Mataro/ Carignan on this one.

Soif by name,
Soif by nature

A wee touch of the lift here, sitting over the Grenache that leads the charge on this year's 'Soif'. Macerated strawberry, herbal twists and tinges and perhaps a little cream of tomato soup (oddly).

Good level of spice on the palate, gives more of a savoury intent over the inherent fruit that sits beneath. Nice play of tannin, the elements combining together to more than deliver on the name. There's a deft touch that the Y&P crew exhibit, and this wine is no exception. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 5th September
Source: Sample
Price: $
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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2016 / Carignan / grenache / Mataro et al

BK Wines Pet' Nat' Chardonnay 2017

08:30 Stu.

It's fresh, lemon balm over a bready, yeasty character. Not the strongest aromatic game.

But the fun happens on the palate. It's a lively, big bubbled mouthful of fun - to me therein lies the charm of the Pet Nat style. It enlivens, encourages and has you yearning for more. And more is what you find yourself doing. Drinking that is.

Straightforward appeal, inherent drinkability. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 10th September, a Fruit day
Source: Retail, Craft
Price: $25
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: http://bkwines.com.au/

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2017 / Adelaide Hills / Pet Nat / Petillant Naturel

Tuesday, 12 September 2017

De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2017

14:30 Stu.

For a wine that tops out at sub-$15 (if you want, this can be picked up for $11 at Liquorland) this smells like reasonable Pinot. Carries a little meat, briar, seasoning. Not particularly, or expressly, aromatic - yet certainly varietal.

Squarely medium of body, it enters the palate well and conveys a semblance of fruit: think cherry in the main. The gentlest rub of tannin to provide some structure.

The De Bortoli team has thrown the winemaking book at this, including cold maceration prior to fermentation, inclusion of whole bunches and warm fermentation to produce a decent example of the variety.

Topping out at $15 is impressive. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 10th September, a Fruit day
Source: Retail, Ashgrove Wine Room
Price: $15
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: debortoli.com.au

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2017 / King Valley / pinot noir / Victoria / Yarra Valley

Tim Adams Riesling 2017

08:30 Stu.

Classic Clare aromatics: lime, apple blossom, bath salt lift. It's vibrant, energetic if you will.

Zippy, zesty, lively acid with a little crunch and phenolic grip. Clare chalky profile, exquisite freshness to boot.

Great line and length and exquisite freshness. 91 was almost tempted to go a nudge higher.

Tasted on: Monday 11th September, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.timadamswines.com.au

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Monday, 11 September 2017

Terre à Terre Cabernet Franc 2015

14:30 Stu.

Good to see more varietal Cab Franc on the market. Typically a pretty thing, light and airy. Here bright, crunchy and pippy blackcurrant, even a little blueberry. It's very evocative in the blue spectrum.

Wickedly medium bodied. Lovely crunchy tannin and a slick of acidity whipping through the wine. Bright, juicy, straddling fruit and savoury with briar and earthen notes. Good length. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 3rd September, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au

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2015 / Cabernet Franc / Wrattonbully

d'Arenberg The Dry Dam Riesling 2017

08:30 Stu.

Sub-11% Riesling with fruit sourced from across McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. Bath salt aromatics with hints of citrus. Sure tantalises the nasal cavity.

Palate is cleansing, a mineral tickle on entry. Profile is somewhat broader, use of a bit of residual sugar to balance against natural acidity, both from the variety and earlier picking.

Fairly lean profile, quite simple in flavour profile but certainly does what you need from a Riesling. 88

Tasted on: Sunday 3rd September, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 10.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: darenberg.com.au

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#RieslingRevival / 2017 / Adelaide Hills / McLaren Vale / riesling

Sunday, 10 September 2017

Mr Mick Rosé 2017

16:00 Stu.

Gentle berry intro, strawberry, cranberry and a little muskiness thrown in for good measure. It's a dusky pink in glass too, with something akin to a metallic hue.

The palate is soft and sensuous, the faintest of chalky pucker giving some body. Clean and dry for sure, it carries a good line of fruit through the finish - good wine. 89

Tasted on: Tuesday 5th September
Source: Sample
Price: $17
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://mrmick.com.au

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Out of Step Wine Co CatBird 2017

12:00 Stu.

I wasn't entirely sure what this was prior to opening. A good approach, take no pre-conceived ideas with you. Pouring with a slight turbidity, the winemaker's hand evident before you've taken a sip. On approach, the variety itself shows itself: unequivocally Sauvignon Blanc.

"Sauvignon blanc fermented as whole bunches, pressed to old oak (2/3 after five days of fermentation, 1/3 after ten days) & gravity bottled under cork via hand without fining, filtration or sulphur dioxide".

It carries more of the grassy, herbal, even nettle and green tea aromas. Citrussy to boot, lemon balm - without waxing lyrical about the excess of flavoids within, it is a complex offering. Textural with a prick of acid, running crunchy, dry and long. Lots going on. And more with each sip. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 6th September, a Flower day

Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: DIAM
Website: http://www.outofstepwineco.com/

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2017 / Sauvignon Blanc / Yarra Valley

Thursday, 7 September 2017

Rymill The Yearling Shiraz 2016

14:30 Stu.

Great nose here, carries all that lovely black fruit - think of plum, blackcurrant with a sprinkle of seasoning. There's almost a fudgey aspect to proceedings. One that invites.

The black fruit is present on the palate - not to the same degree as yet aromatics suggest. Doesn't place a foot wrong, just doesn't walk with the same conviction of better quality examples. It's a little thin, and short on length.

Fifteen bucks for a Coonawarra Shiraz that, for this scribe, carries itself with more than enough conviction when paired with some home-cooked lamb meatballs with pasta. 88

Tasted on: Thursday 25th May, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 14.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.rymill.com.au/

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2016 / Coonawarra / Shiraz

d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 2016

08:30 Stu.

Apricots sing clear on this one. It's a pretty thing, that stonefruit in tandem with florals offering an attractive intro.

Sadly the palate comes across a little odd, missing definition and shape, in fact comes across initially as quite sweet followed by a dryness. The Hermit Crab is clearly looking for a new home on this outing.

Back palate bitterness is the lasting memory. Scuttle back into your shell on this occasion. 85

Tasted on: Saturday 27th May, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 13.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: darenberg.com.au

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Wednesday, 6 September 2017

Deakin Estate Shiraz 2016

14:30 Stu.

Fruit drawn from the broader 'Victoria' regional designation.

You really cannot go wrong here for ten bucks. Berries on display that naturally flow onto the palate. It's smooth, rounded, even a little plumpness. Vanilla in the mix - at the price you can't be asking for that to be truly oak barrel derived.

Who cares? At its price point or more than delivers and will have the dollar watching consumer more than merry. 89

Tasted on: Thursday 18th May, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $10
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.deakinestate.com.au/

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2016 / Shiraz / Victoria

Seville Estate Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2016

08:30 Stu.

I'm pretty rubbish at remembering which melon is which, especially as they have different names betwixt the UK and Aus. All of which is somewhat of a contrived way of saying this smells of melon. Melon with a lemon barley overlaid. Lends it an incredible freshness, a springlike air.

There's more of the same on the palate, with the addition of some subtle oak toast and spice derived from the same. Gentle phenolic tug across the mid-back palate, textural waves through the final third.

Good line of acidity brings the wine together, an excellent wine of poise and delightful balance. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 28th May, a Flower Day
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.sevilleestate.com.au/

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2016 / Chardonnay / Yarra Valley

Tuesday, 5 September 2017

Ballycroft Small Berry Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

14:30 Stu.

1972 plantings; just over a tonne harvested (1082kg); pumped over four ties a day, basket pressed; 36m in shaved out French oak.

Hefty alcohol on this one Joe! Smells like turbo-charged Cabernet, but Cabernet it is nonetheless. Carries the cedar and bay with doughy hints from the time spent out in the shaved out oak.

It’s oaky, there are hints of fruit peeking through, but oak leaves a big impression. That and the resinous hints, touches of aniseed. That all said, it’s smooth as it’s slides across the palate. It’s initial presentation is quite short, a burst that then gently ebbs away.

There’s no doubting it, this is a wine of heft. But somehow Joe has crafted something quite smooth out of a Cabernet clocking in at a high-octane 16.2% 90

Tasted on: Sunday 14th May, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $33
Alcohol: 16.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.ballycroft.com/

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2013 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Langhorne Creek

Heggies Vineyard >500m Chardonnay 2016

08:30 Stu.

Made by Teresa Heuzenroeder, the winemaker of one of my favourite Yalumba Whites, the FDW Chardonnay. Captures the imagination with its mix of stonefruit and quince framed up with some nougaty oak. Fair tickles the nostrils

Stonefruit freshness with something approaching a limey tang across the mid-back palate really enlivens the senses. A guidewire of acidity snaps things back into focus. Finishes on this lemon barley citrus vibe. Fresh and about you style of cool clime Chardy. 90

Tasted on: Friday 9th June, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.heggiesvineyard.com

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2016 / Chardonnay / Eden Valley

Monday, 4 September 2017

d'Arenberg Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

14:30 Stu.

The icon on song.

The richness: the cedar and bay hints; the fruit: all blackcurrant and a little mulberry; it’s varietal and also offers up chocolatey elements bound up with that fruit.

Immediately noticeable is the tannin, the grain is fine and also substantial, it coats the mouth and maintains a presence. Dark fruit almost seems like an after thought, once that tannin has actually receded: it’s a core of dark fruit, added to which is a little hint of aniseed.

Towards the back palate is a burst of acid, a brightness amongst the darkness of fruit and the depth and presence of tannin. This is an excellent release. 95

Tasted on: Sunday 14th May, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 14.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: darenberg.com.au

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2014 / Cabernet Sauvignon / McLaren Vale

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