Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz 2014

Unequivocally McLaren Vale, undoubtedly the sum of itself from that region. Speaking of

place and varieties: black fruit, that HB pencil like graphite quality and - of course - chocolate notes to round out and provide richness. 

In the mouth it has feel and flow, oak in support for - not only structure - but flavour and assured longevity. The acid is there - albeit a little spiky towards the back end - but you cannot deny it's quality. Bravo! 92

Tasted on: Saturday 29th October, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $70
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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Shaw Vineyard Estate Reserve Merriman Shiraz 2014

Carries red fruit, spice, delicate oak - in tune with itself. 

Medium bodied, smooth, silken-threaded, elegant. Not the most complex, but composed, I feel drawn to that word: elegant - again. Has a sense of flow, finesse and flavour. Spike of cola derived flavour towards the finish, then a long tail. 

Good wine. 91 

Tasted on: Saturday 29th October, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawvineyards.com.au/

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Yelland & Papps Shiraz 2015

New addition to the Y&P 'Butcher's Paper' range.

Picked pretty early - Feb - de-stemmed, though I was sure of some whole bunch inclusion, hence herbal, touches of cola, tea. Cinnamon, baking spice, grilled meat even. 

Savoury, Peppery, suggestion of assertive tannin against a largely black fruit profile. Persistent black fruit, touches of soy. 90 

Tasted on: Thursday 27th October, a Fruit to Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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Vinteloper Park Wine White 2015

I was in two minds as to whether to write this wine up, for it somehow seems against the intent of the wine, but as some marketing blurb for the wine goes: "no pretension, no rules", so bugger it, I'll do what I want. 

Comes in 500ml hand grenade; spends 14 days on skins, is unfined and unfiltered.  Still dunno where it's from mind, there's no region listed on the label.

It's funky, perfumed, something like pineapple cubes meets an explosion of tangerine with a yeasty/Cider bent

Loose, open weave, with a decent textural spread. More of that pineapple, citrus meandering across the palate. And with that - perhaps in spite of - it finishes dry, delicately spiced. 

Lingering presence on the finish, drying. 90 

Tasted on: Sunday 19th February, a Leaf day
Source: Retail, Spiros Paddington
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: http://www.vinteloper.com.au/

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Trossen Spätburgunder Rosé 2015

Funky, yeasty, barnyard meets toffee Apple, wild strawberry. Certainly on the more interesting of where you often find Rosé.

Soft and delicate, it springs a surprise with a burst of berry energy and spike of acidity. There's a minerally, quartz-like energy to the wine, leaving it humming along in the mouth.  

Certainly carries a fine delicacy, a prettiness that graces the palate. 92 

Tasted on: Sunday 12th February, a Fruit day
Source: Retail, Cru Bar
Price: $50
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: http://www.trossenwein.de/index_e.html

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d'Arenberg Ironstone Pressings GSM 2013

As per the wine's title, a blend: Grenache (67%), Shiraz (28%) and a cameo from Mataro (5%). A cracking return to form.

Earth, sweet crusted red fruit, cinnamon. Medium-full bodied, significant presence of red fruit, deeper bassy note (go Mataro!); powdery, chalky tannin that is substantive in its presence. 

Significant depth of flavour. Rhone-esque. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 28th October, a Root day
Source: Sample 
Price: $65
Alcohol: 14.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: darenberg.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Sete Di Vino 2015

A blend of Primitivo (59%) and Barbera 51%. 

Savoury, roasted nuts, meat, fennel - certainly Italianate.

Medium-full, juicy, soft and cushioned in the mouth, a fair gobful of mixed berries backed up with a dark, savoury vein. Plummy hoi sin, black cherry - a riot of flavour. Good drinking. 90 

Tasted on: Wednesday 26th October, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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Bremerton Coulthard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Classic cassis, mulberry, a dusting of seasoning lifting proceedings. 

Full bodied, has the plushness of fruit bound up with Oak. Classy entry level Cabernet without breaking the bank. 89 

Tasted on: Monday 24th October, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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Wirra Wirra The Absconder Grenache 2015

Pure, fresh - Cherry, raspberry prime centre. It gives suggestion to the style that will present itself. 

Light, elegant, free from artifice. Red fruit, juicy acidity, fine-grained and sandy tannin that provides the structure. 

Gentle length, finishes savoury. Moreish, the last sip is never enough to satisfy. 93 

Tasted on: Sunday 23rd October, a Leaf Day
Source: Sample
Price: $70
Alcohol: 14.%%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard 1.5m Chardonnay 2015

2003 Saw the removal of some part of the Tiers vineyard, to be replanted to Bernard clones 95 and 96 with close planting of 1.5m, the fruiting wire just 0.5m above the ground. Just 200 dozen made.

Florals, citrus, quince, ripe stonefruit. Mealy with a suggestion of elevated spice in the background. 

Full on, intense flavour on immediate entry. Stonefruit, citrus, perhaps grapefruit acidity. Bold, certainly not lacking in flavour. Leesy derived texture, fullness of palate.  92+

Tasted on: Sunday 23rd October, a Leaf Day
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 13.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: tapanappa.com.au

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Wirra Wirra The Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

This is a superb release, even in youth where it's still somewhat jangly, it still brims with positivity and intent, and you can just see how the beautiful fruit will integrate over time.

Smells beautiful from the get go: a very blue and purple release backed up with savoury hints of nutmeg and even a little beefy bonox character.

Medium to full, it's a fair riotous mouthful of flavour, carried by that acid mentioned beforehand. It's not all about the fruit though, there's still more meat and savoury intent. Lovin' it. 93

Tasted on: Saturday 22nd October, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $70
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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Yaldara Ruban Pinot Gris 2015

The very word Chateau immediately conjures up images of the Loire Valley or the distinguished maison of Bordeaux. We oft overlook some of the stunning historical architecture that Australian wineries call home. 

Yaldara - meaning 'sparkling' in the local Aboriginal dialect - is one such property, seeing is believing.

A cracking vintage in the Adelaide Hills, delicate pear and hints of fig carry the wine from the glass into your senses. The wine manages to avoid the overworked nature that afflicts many examples, yes there's a little textural spread, and it comes before a fantail of spread that spreads across the back palate.

Hints of honeydew melon, apple, and fig - again - had me yearning for a little blue cheese, walnut, fig and pear salad. Like for like, glass for glass, bite for bite. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 12th February, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://1847wines.com/

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d'Arenberg The Peppermint Paddock Sparkling Chambourcin NV

Historically a varietal Chambourcin, but now includes a splash of Shiraz and Graciano.

Plenty on the nose: hibiscus, strawberry, cherry - plenty of red fruit. 

That carries through to the palate, it doesn't hold back, the strawberry if anything more prominent. 

It's quite simple, but pretty compelling. One of those wines that I cannot shake an historical association with either. 90  

Tasted on: Saturday 22nd October, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: http://www.darenberg.com.au/

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La Bise 'Le Petite Frais' Rosé 2016

'La Bise' (French for the kiss) is Tash Mooney's (ex-Fox Gordon) solo project.

I can't avoid the temptation to talk of the kiss of strawberry (fraise) that leads here, fresh and fun in the glass. Delicate hints of spice waft from the glass, providing a little tickle for the olfactory organ. 

The palate is where the wine comes into its own: more spice evident, red berries - by virtue of cranberry, a little macerated  raspberry - and a drying, chalky texture that delicately coats the cheeks. 

There's a touch more fruit sweetness than your typical Provençale rosé, and perhaps that textural crunch. But mate, this is the Adelaide Hills meets the Tuscan Hills (Sangiovese), Rioja (Tempranillo) with a little textural Pinot Gris for good measure. Don't think, drink, a let yourself be transported to whichever destination you choose. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 11th February
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: labisewines.com.au

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Tim Adams Mr Mick Rosé 2016

Pretty, floral, underlying hint of musk. Berries, aromatic spice. Has an appeal, a pleasant come unto me way. 

Clean, fresh, raspberry cordial; good reach of acidity. Pleasant. 88 

Tasted on: Wednesday 21st September, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 11.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://mrmick.com.au/

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Deakin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Delicate on the aromatics here, a rarity with the oft overt, pungent variety. Suggestion of honeydew, under-ripe citrus, snow pea hints - akin to a Vermentino even.

Tropical fruits abound on the palate, maintains a balance between fresh and tart, with a little phenolic edge. Good work, even more so given the price. 89

Tasted on: Saturday 11th February
Source: Sample
Price: $10
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.deakinestate.com.au/

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Angullong Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Previous vintages have been well received on these pages, Angullong being a pretty keen player in the Orange region with the variety.


Fresh and really leaping out of the glass here. This one slipped to the back of the sample pile, so whilst the winery has moved onto the 2016 instance, here's a 2015 where the aromatics haven't really budged.

Kiwi fruit, citrus, grassy elements. Hints of these carry through to the palate, where acid is still present. Phenolic presence adds a chalky mouth-feel to proceedings, a long lingering presence. 89

Tasted on: Saturday 11th February
Source: Sample
Price: $19
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.angullong.com.au/

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d'Arenberg 'Broken Fishplate' Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Having avowed Sauv Blanc lovers over for dinner affords a great opportunity to clear a backlog of Savvies that may reside on the bench. 

Gooseberry, balancing underlying tropicals with that that grassy, herbal twang. Gives a bit of a nasal twitch, that almost spirited nasally assault that you often see in the variety.

More of the same flavours appear on the palate, faint gooseberry and even a hint of blackcurrant. There's a little bitter phenolic edge, which - for me - enhances the wine. Back palate citrus, almost like a bitter lemon, the early picked style. Goes pretty well. 88

Tasted on: Saturday 11th February
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 11.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: darenberg.com.au

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Wirra Wirra Mrs Wigley Moscato 2016

Quite delicate on the aromatics. Touches of florals, pomegranate seed.

Carries the sweetness on entry you'd expect. Citrus, mineral, elements of spritz. 

OK length. Better quality than most Moscato 89 

Tasted on: Saturday 22nd October, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 4.5%
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz 2014

Plum, pepper, hints of meats.

Thick, chewy, layered palate. Berry fruit, spice - Good honest Shiraz, if seemingly simply in its compote-like approach. Pretty generous in length mind. Good job. 89 

Tasted on: Thursday 20th October, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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Murray Street Vineyards 'The Barossa' GSM 2014

A blend of Barossa Grenache (47%), Shiraz (30%) and Mataro (23%).

Chocolate, malt, Black Forest gateaux-esque Kirsch. 'The Barossa' by name, by nature. 

Thick, chewy, touch of milkshake in consistency. Mid-palate warmth, spice, choc-berry goodness. Sets out what it intends to do, given that regional flag bearing. 

Decent length, cascading, gentle. 90 

Tasted on: Tuesday 17th October, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.murraystreet.com.au/

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Pertaring 'Scarecrow' Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Certainly more in the tropical spectrum than it's stablemate the 'K1 by Geoff Hardy'. This one just had me thinking of those soft, fleshy tropical fruits - thinking Papaya, green mango, a little citrus for added refreshment.

Somewhat lively, zesty, minerally palate - almost sorbet like in its ability to cleanse and freshen. Papaya, paw paw - a veritable fruit salad.

Soft on length, this comes across as a wine to get things going, awake the senses ready for what lies ahead. 89

Tasted on: Friday 3rd February, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.winesbygeoffhardy.com.au/

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K1 by Geoff Hardy Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Softer, gentler representation from the region of this much maligned variety. There's a little of the underlying herbal twang, but that's offset with a mix of gooseberry, fresh citrus, passionfruit and even a suggestion of blackcurrant leaf. Gentle hands.

Bolder palate that the aromatics suggest, the passionfruit and citrus have been dialled up a notch, acid perks things up a little too - perhaps a little too much for my liking.

A little phenolic rub adds some texture, gives length, carried by the boldness of fruit and acid. 90

Tasted on: Friday 3rd February, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.winesbygeoffhardy.com.au/

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Bremerton Special Release Mourvédre 2014

Brambly, hints of florals - violets - redolent of purple and blue. Touch of baking spice in the background. 

Palate is polished, carrying a bit of new oak sheen. Savoury, spicy - it builds beyond the entry to reveal a wine somewhat more substantive than it initially portrays. 

Has a finesse, a silken threaded charm. 91 

Tasted on: Thursday 20th October, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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Bremerton Special Release Lagrein 2014

Leathery, leafy, background plum and mulberry - wrestling for position behind the soft, comforting, sweet-spicy oak.

It's a riotous, joyous mix of black fruit, seasoning, spice. Has inherent depth, juxtaposed against an ease, a no-nonsense-just-drink-me-please sense.

Good length to boot. With food? 91 

Tasted on: Sunday 16th October, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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Murray Street Vineyards Semillon 2016

Citrus, lemon butter, a little white floral.

Gentle citrus on entry, before a sharp acidity. It's really all about the lemon, gentle length on this one - drying on the length. 

A great luncheon wine, perfect entree. 90 

Tasted on: Friday 14th October, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.murraystreet.com.au/

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Pertaringa ‘Rampart’ Vintage Fortified 2015

A blend of Shiraz and Grenache from McLaren Vale that just exudes these dense, heady choc-cherry-raspberry aromatics, the kind that you want to just want to just sink your head into, seeking solace and comfort as its aromatics envelope you.

It’s like liquid black forest gateau: black and red berry fruit, liquid ganache - yes it’s sweet, unctuous, layered velvet cascading across the palate.

Its spirited body retreats slowly, putting a little fire into your hearth. A lingering memory of what came before. 92 

Tasted on: Sunday 2nd October
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 19.8%
Closure: DIAM
Website: http://www.winesbygeoffhardy.com.au/

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Lerida Estate Lake George Pinot Noir 2014

Sour Cherry, dark and mulchy, smoky oak and seasoning. Good Pinosity.

Juicy, acidic, the aromatics don't flow on the palate in the manner one would hope. Seems somewhat flat, dry. Lacks the finesse of what would be a better example. 87 

Tasted on: Thursday 29th September, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $26.50
Alcohol: 14.1$
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.leridaestate.com.au/

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Gartelmann 'Benjamin' Hunter Valley Semillon 2016

Herb and citrus rendition of this Hunter Valley  stalwart. There's a little something sweeter in the background too. 

Energetic citrus on the onset of the wine, the requisite acid of this early picked variety that will serve it well in years to come. Calms down a little, fading Gently. 

Really about the citrus. A little textural ebb and flow across the back. Enjoyable. 90 

Tasted on: Thursday 29th September, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 11.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.gartelmann.com.au

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Tonic Wines Mataro 2015

Tonic Wines is a little side label of love for industry pros Glenn Barry and Dan Coward. Both hold senior roles within their respective companies, and their paths crossed at Lion/ Fine Wine Partners. This Mataro - long since sold out ex-winery - sits well within a growing portfolio.

Unmistakably Mataro: redolent of liqueur soaked black fruit with a more than liberal sprinkling of herb and spice. 

Medium-full bodied, carries an elegance before a sense of rustic charm. Tannin is well composed, fine and beautifully meshed into the wine. Brambly fruit, a slight rub of powdery pucker, a gentle tang on its finish. 

Cracking length, gentle and persistent. The kind of wine you savour, forget you've actually swallowed it and find yourself reaching back for the glass. And repeat. 93 

Tasted on: Wednesday 1st February, a Leaf day
Source: Retail, Bests Cellars
Price: $39
Alcohol: 13.7%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://tonic-wines.com/

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Gartelmann 'Wilhelm' Hunter Valley Shiraz 2014

Underlying savoury hints, with a black fruit topping sitting nicely over things. Hints of vanilla oak add a final layer. 

Medium bodied, sweet fruit tinged, a juicy representation. 

Perfect mid-week libation. 90 

Tasted on: Tuesday 27th September, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.gartelmann.com.au

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Tim Adams Mr Mick Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2014

Ripe sweet plum, juicy blackberry, gum leaf.

Smooth, sweet, a little menthol rolls around the palate - its easy going, black fruited ways all backed up with a little pastille hardness. 

Good going, nothing complex, en point for the price. Solid. 88  

Tasted on: Friday 23rd September, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $17
Alcohol: 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://mrmick.com.au/

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