Zonte's Footstep Scarlet Ladybird Rosé 2019

With Spring just around the corner, a Berry laden Rosé was just the ticket as overnight lows start to climb and lead us to humidity. 

And with those thoughts came so many musical excerpts, thoughts of summer breezes (makes me feel fine), and listening to the wind (of my soul, where I'll end up only God only knows), not sure where those thoughts took me, or what the answer is (the answer my friend is blowing in the wind). 

Those berry notes certainly evoked such thoughts, and those same notes consistent across the palate too. Beauty can often lie in simplicity, here the generosity takes this beyond the purely simple. 

A delightful start to warmer months, with its kiss of fruit sweetness. 88 

Tasted on: Monday 26th August, a Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.zontesfootstep.com.au

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Silkwood Estate The Walcott Chardonnay 2018

Full, creamy cashew, wheaten, stonefruit - almost nectar like.

More of the same on the palate, peach nectar; some hints of oak and toasty Ferment, but somewhat overshadowed by the fruit. Stylistically not my personal jam, but it'll be sure to have its fans. 88 

Tasted on: Monday 19th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.silkwoodestate.com.au

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Wills Domain Mystic Spring Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Dark chocolate and cocoa nibs, coffee grounds in the frame too, subtle herb and cedary inflections round things out.

Black fruit meets fine and powdery tannin, reasonable length on the back of slight bittering cocoa notes. Palate consistent with aromatics, the grounds and mocha elements lingering. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 18th August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au/

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Gartelmann Jonathan Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Sees 14m in a mix (new/old) American and French oak. It's a bold and powerful wine, oak remnants with seasoning - by way of herb, cedar. Fruit is not forgotten, blackcurrant with a touch of violet in the frame too.

Acid is fresh and at you, tart Blueberry like, bright in how it comes across. Tannins pucker. Up nicely, delivering flavour long in the palate. Drink to 2030. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 16th August, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.gartelmann.com.au

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Silkwood Estate The Walcott Shiraz 2017

The kinda Shiraz you want to sink into from the off: plum, blue fruit hints, sweet spice kiss of oak. 

Doesn't disappoint on the palate, subtle powdery tannin hints that carry flavour across the palate, providing a frame for the fruit to make a resurgent appearance. I offer that I doubt you'll be disappointed here. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 13th August, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.silkwoodestate.com.au

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Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2016

28m in French Oak barriques (25% new). From Wrattonbully, close planted vines in Terra rossa soil over limestone. A mere 1200 bottles produced.

Enticing from the get go: succulent red fruit, by way of redcurrant and perhaps a suggestion of cranberry. Oak frames it up, adding depth and seasoning to the red fruit. Fruit takes on a darker form with some time, the oak becoming more prominent with it. 

Medium bodied, powder-fine tannin. A wine of exquisite structure. A freshness of acidity provides a focal spine and carries length. It's a framework about which the fruit hangs, and it comes with a subtlety. It's a quality wine for sure. Haunting, almost, in how it lingers long on the memory. 95 

Tasted on: Sunday 18th August, a Flower to Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au

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Castle Rock Estate Skywalk Porongurup Riesling 2019

Muskiness, bath salts, lemon sherbet, Passionfruit, perhaps even a smattering of mango. 

Softer, rounded feel, acidity not missing, just broader in profile. It fills the palate, delivering length, width and a joyous refreshment. Hint of powdery phenolics just add to the overall whole.

It grows in stature with some time, yet another impressive release from this winery. 92 

Tasted on: Sunday 18th August, a Flower to Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://castlerockestate.com.au

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Morris of Rutherglen Classic Liqueur Topaque NV

Topaque - the artist formerly known (in Australia) as Tokay (a name now verboten outside of Hungary). Made from Muscadelle - a white grape variety.  

Here manifesting itself as a deep, rich, toffeed wine - molasses like in aroma.

Unctuous, multi-layered, hints of coffee and toffee. Caramelisation, perhaps hints of cinder toffee in the frame too. Finishing dry and generous, with a length of nuts and raisins. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 24th August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 17.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.morriswines.com/

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Jansz Vintage Cuvee 2014

Bakers amongst you would immediately recognise the almost damp, heady, just baked bread aroma that leads here. Hints of nut, showing a touch biscuity.

Softer palate than that intro might suggest, hints of green apple acidity, a gently effervescent wine, of finesse. 

Line of citrus follows the spine of acidity still present, a subtle pop of red berry, as if to accentuate the finish. An excellent vintage release. 92 

Tasted on: Monday 12th August, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $47
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.jansz.com.au

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A Couple of Ideas for Father's Day

The good folks at Sauce Communications and De Bortoli wines were kind enough to send a few samples to tie in with Father's Day (1st Sunday in September in Australia), so here's a few options for what to buy Dad (or the person you call Dad, or who acts as your Dad but may actually be your Mum).

De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2011

For those of you unfamiliar with the term Botrytis, it is essentially a fungus that attacks the grapes, dehyradating them and leaving behind concentrated sugars.  In the right conditions and with good winemaking, that is an excellent conditional set to make sweet and concentrated wines, as with De Bortoli’s Noble One.

Aromatically it’s all honeyed, honeysuckle with touches of quince. Whilst those descriptors may have you immediately thinking dessert, the Noble One is also more than a match with some selected cheese. Go on, treat Dad and splash out on some deliciously ripe blue such as Milawa (a friend way back convinced me to match mould and botrytis with mould in cheese - a winner!). Equally, if Dad is sweet tooth inclined, knock up a batch of these Souffle l’Orange. 93 

De Bortoli Old Boys 21 Barrel Aged Tawny NV

If Dad prefers something a touch darker after dinner, then this non-vintage Tawny will be sure to appeal. With its boozy Christmas cake like aromas - I could be describing Nanna there - in a good way I add, it's certainly rich and luscious.  

Layered, silken and velvety in its approach across the palate. It's a mix of dried fruit and nut, with hints of dark chocolate. Toffee is in the frame too. Sit Dad down in his favourite chair, some dark chocolate in hand, a glass of this and allow him to enjoy the moment. 93 

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Castle Rock Estate Porongurup Shiraz 2017

Has the air of cool climate Shiraz, a meat and pan juice aroma, peanut husks to boot. Violets, Plum, more of that savoury mien flowing through. Somewhat bold and firm, in a good way. 

Tannin is fine, long and provides generous carry of flavour. The length is quite something, seemingly giving and giving, yielding to none. Whilst it might feel young now, give it some ten years easily to meld together. An excellent wine. 94 

Tasted on: Wednesday 14th August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://castlerockestate.com.au/

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Silkwood Estate The Bowers Chardonnay 2018

Straightforward Chardonnay from Pemberton in Western Australia.

Creamy citrus nose, elements of stonefruit. Flows through on the palate, crisp acidity, touch of flintiness. Decent length on a zesty finish. 90 

Tasted on: Sunday 11th August, a Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.silkwoodestate.com.au

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Coulter Wines C3 Pinot Noir 2018

From a single vineyard in Balhannah in the Adelaide Hills, MV6 Clone - for those that way inclined. It's 100% Whole Bunch, sees a 3 day carbonic maceration, and is bottled unfined with a small addition SO2.

A plethora of red fruits waft from the glass, fruit at the core, with savoury glimpses appearing around the edge. The whole bunch adding depth and spice from the off.

Bright and juicy, freshening and cleansing acidity - focussed across the palate's length. Possesses a lightness, ethereal one might say, if it wasn't for the twin presence of fruit and stemmy goodness. Fine tannins just completing the picture. Bloody fresh and inviting. 92 

Tasted on: Wednesday 14th August, a Root day 
Source: Winery Direct
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.coulterwines.com/

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Jansz Single Vineyard Blanc de Blanc 2014

A limited release wine, single vineyard, from a specified block, bottled in clear glass - aiming to mirror some of the premier brands from that appellation in France's North East. 

The first such release was the 2007 vintage, which was released in 2013. Since then Jansz has produced the following vintages: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and now this  2014.

Brioche, stonefruit, subtle red Berry hints. Delicate bead, substantive across the palate; golden nigh wheaty, creamy hints. 

The time the wine has spent on lees is evident, veering to oak spice remnants - adding to the substance. Fine length, minerality. Actually feels younger than it's 5 years suggests, indicative of time ahead. 93 

Tasted on: Tuesday 13th August, a Fruit to Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: www.jansz.com.au

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De Bortoli Deen Master's Blend Vat 184 2015

A blend of Shiraz, Durif, Petit Verdot - realised to coincide with Father's Day, and timed so to honour De Bortoli patriarch, Deen De Bortoli. 

Ripe and sturdy aroma here, a generous tribute to its namesake. A mix of black fruit aromatics, subtle licorice notes.

Themes familiar and flowing through the palate. Fine tannin, definite line of black fruit, again that licorice, with subtle fennel notes. Well blended wine, perfectly approachable. Just like he which it honours? 90 

Tasted on: Saturday 24th August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $17.50
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.debortoli.com.au/

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Heartland Spice Trader Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Damson, Plum, a kiss of sweet edged oak to frame things up. You think you have its measure - another glimpse - cedar, a sprinkle of herb, seasoning. 

Succulent fruit guides, leading to a dark chocolate tinged body. Fruit again, bolstering the middle third, pumping things up a little. 

A vein of cocoa runs along the finish, intertwined with the fruit, a tandem dance to the end. 90

Tasted on: Monday 12th August, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $17
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.heartlandwines.com.au

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Wills Domain Cuvee d'Elevage NV

Darker salmon hued sparkler here, from Wills Domain in Margaret River. Somewhat unusually made from 100% Merlot.

Fine mousse, light bead, subtle strawberry, giving way to something akin to a more confected Berry aromatics. Slight bready hint accompanies warmed through stonefruit notes.

Kiss of fruit sweetness on entry, drawing the same long across the palate. It's light, vibrant, a youthful energy shuffling across to a generous finish. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 18th August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $39
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au

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Silkwood Estate The Walcott Pinot Noir 2018

Good smelling Pinot on offer here, a riot of the usual manner of red-black fruit, in a vein of sour cherry, hints of plum and wild strawberry. 

Doesn't quite have the palate presence the aromatics might suggest. That said, it's light and spicy, a good acidic presence. Lacking structure, but the flavour is generous enough to compensate. 89 

Tasted on: Sunday 11th August, a Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://silkwoodwines.com.au

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Wills Domain Mystic Spring Rosé 2019

Strawberry, Turkish Delight, pink grapefruit, rose petal - pretty in pink for sure, pouring that pale salmon in glass.

Crisp and clipped acidity, kiss of fruit across the palate,  blue/black fruit hints. Little pop of citrissy acid at the wine's conclusion - thus not entirely surprised to learn of 15% Sauvignon Blanc forming the wine, the balance being Shiraz. 88 

Tasted on: Friday 16th August, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au

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Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Citrus, chalky/powdery hint here, not so overt as some examples - a good thing. Subtle passionfruit/blackcurrant on the nose.

Easy going citrus, dialled back acidity, softer and inviting. Not the most complex example and it doesn't purport to be so. 87 

Tasted on: Saturday 10th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $17
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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Silkwood Estate The Bowers Merlot 2017

Sampled this early in the morning and then revisited some hours later when it was absolutely singing. 

Merlot, so maligned, yet here it's such a varietal expression - as befits the cool of Pemberton - all tobacco, green olive and peppercorn. 

Soft, inviting, a medium bodied example, tannin fine and expressive. It carries an air of freshness, an acidic line on a tail of expressiveness. A joyous wine. 91. Drink to 2027

Tasted on: Wednesday 7th August, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.silkwoodestate.com.au

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Jansz Late Disgorged 2011

An 8yo Tassie sparkler. Vanilla notes waft gently from this one, soft and inviting. 

Soft, sensuous, time one lees and in bottle has added depth and weight, age has softened the palate to the point it almost weightless. 

Lively bead, generosity of flavour and intent, without having sacrificed complexity. Simply put, a superb wine. 94 

Tasted on: Friday 9th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $53
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: www.jansz.com.au

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Bremerton Betty & Lu Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Citrus, grass, Gooseberry, with a hint of Passionfruit just rounding out the profile.

Sharp citrus on a line of acid, tangy lemon drives this one home. Refreshment plus here, you could happily smash this down with some salty whitebait drizzled with lemon. Bingo. Summer's here! 88 

Tasted on: Saturday 10th August, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au

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LS Merchants Whole Bunch Mataro 2019

Stem and spice, 100% Whole Bunch clearly showing its hand. Mataro, a late ripening variety, showing well in a somewhat cool and maritime region. Beneath that spice lurks a juice laden palate. 

The blue/black fruit mix not evaded here, a grain of tannin that supplements and buoys the succulent profile. Latently savoury, hints of licorice - as befits the variety - generous and long on the finish. 91 

Tasted on: Friday 9th August, a Leaf day
Source: Retail
Price: $42
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: DIAM
Website: www.lsmerchants.com.au

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Ballycroft Small Berry Mataro 2016

Winemaker Joe Evans replaced the headboards on these Barrels, essentially old oak, with a touch of new. Savoury notes, something grassy, sitting over that glorious deep Plum and black cherry Mataro fruit. 

That's where I Succumb to the depth of Mataro and its come hither ways. It possesses a nutty, licorice, blue and black fruited manner, here perhaps stronger than I would even yield to. Some, perhaps, may seek to find fault, rather I embrace the darkness and the persistence of flavour on offer here. 92 

Tasted on: Wednesday 7th August, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.ballycroft.com

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Barossa Boy Cheeky Tilly Riesling 2019

Browning lime, lemongrass, veering to a white pepper aspect that certainly tickles the olfactory organ. Fair width about it (I served first pour at about 10°), texture and phenolics as if worked to a degree. 

Classic Eden slatey minerality, and a focal length of acidity. Lingers longer, lemon and lime tartness popping up its head, the sunshine and zing providing refreshment plus. 91 

Tasted on: Thursday 8th August, a Flower to Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.barossaboywines.com.au

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Bremerton Coulthard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

What a cracker for $22 of your finest!

Black cherry, chocolate, subtle herb. It's inviting from the go, making you feel comfortable in its presence, embraced even. 

A lick of sweet blackcurrant curls across the palate, a darker toasted oak and coffee edge - perhaps the wake up that the palate needs. Fine tannin, generous in length. A win and certainly one for now. 92. 

Tasted on: Monday 5th August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au

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Bremerton Special Release Malbec 2017

Classic Malbec here, and as good as I've seen from the label, slightly smokey with an undertow of dusky violets. Has me hankering for a burger just writing about it!

It's the kind of wine, with some time in glass that reels you in again and again, and you find something new at each look. Veering to a sweeter fruit accent, almost cassis like, aromas at odds to the palate. 

Medium bodied palate, veering to spiced hints, fine tannin structure. This is really very good. Length in spades. 93 

Tasted on: Thursday 1st August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au

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Gartelmann Stephanie Pinot Gris 2018

Something like pear slices meets cottage cheese, or such. Touch of honey, baking spice.

Acidity pricks it minerally dance across the palate, before the textural flourish, viscous.  It's the acidity that gives drive, energy - and gentle carry of flavour. 89 

Tasted on: Friday 26th July, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.gartelmann.com.au

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Highgate Pinot Noir Chardonnay NV

Pours a delightful golden hue, offers bready brioche hints, sweeter stonefruit accents - reminds of an apricot Danish, or such. 

Mousse and bead not so much to comment on. The palate lively, generous, toast and an acidic citrus presence cutting a line across the same. Hints of green apple a subtle conclusion to the wine. 

A good toast, a way to start proceedings. Happy to go here. 89 

Tasted on: Monday 5th August, a Root day 

Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Sample Courtesy Of: www.singlevineyards.com

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La La Land Pinot Gris 2018

Ticking the boxes Pinot Gris here. The usual pear, supplemented with some stonefruit aromatics. Nice zip of acidity that closes with a touch of spice. Easy going. 87

Tasted on: Thursday 18th July, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wingara.com

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Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz 2017

A grilled meat and pan juice aroma on initial introduction. An array of blue'black fruit - consistent across the wine, and some white pepper lift.

Bremerton make some cracking wines across the board, and here in their 'Signature' range. 

Latently violet and blue/black fruit mix, more of the same appearing on the palate too. Tannin, that seems somewhat gruff initially, yields to the dark core. Solid. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 27th July, a Fruit to Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au

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Jim Barry Florita Riesling 2016

First experience of the Florita, infanticide some might say, yet it's exhibiting some signs of aromatic development, throwing the petroleum like notes that Riesling in an Australian context shows. 

Perhaps some air time, or simply the nature of the beast, and lemongrass, preserved lemons show their hand. Piercing acidity cuts and thrusts, an almost sour tang to it really awakens the senses. It's all lemons and limes up front, with a stone and pebble length carried long on that acidity. 

Aside from that initial aromatics, you could think this a new release. So good. 94 

Tasted on: Wednesday 31st July, a Flower to Leaf day 

Source:Gift
Price: $50
Alcohol: 11.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.jimbarry.com

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Andevine Reserve Hilltops Shiraz 2018

Cited as being sourced from the "Kylmorn" vineyard in Young (typically Hilltops & Young are co-referenced as the GI). 

Andevine is Andrew Leembruggen (ex McWilliams, Drayton), a winemaker with a passion for both the Hunter and the cooler NSW high country.

Blackcurrant pastille fruit, sweeter accented red in the mix, twists of black pepper the seasoning. Cool, graphite-like tannin, subtle cassis and a modicum of violet. It's fine, cool and dark-fruited. 

Hints of black peppercorn, touch bramble spice. A solid cool climate Shiraz here, effortless in its delivery. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 21st July, a Flower day 

Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.andevinewines.com.au

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Mr Mick Pinot Grigio 2018

Winery website shows the 2019 as now available, so unsure if this one just slipped to the back of the pile or what.

Lemons, Limes, Pear - it's almost perfectly like a Clare - although fruit is from Limestone Coast - take on the Grigio! 

Simple lick of flavour through the middle, a nice flourish of acid - not overdone. Perfectly clean, and crisp, if not particularly exciting. 87 

Tasted on: Wednesday 17th July, a Fruit to Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $17
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: mrmick.com.au

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Bremerton Tamblyn Cabernet Blend 2017

Red blend from Langhorne Creek's Bremerton, being comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Shiraz (38%), Malbec (11%) and Merlot (6%).

Coffee and mocha oak, comes and goes, fits and starts. Initially on opening it was softer, darkening - seemingly - after a small amount of air time. 

Look deeper within, coffee creme, hints of Plum and maraschino. The palate soft, lush, velvety initially. Seemingly a wine of contrast, that softness giving way to powdery, chalky tannin. Decent length, giving, just ticking along. Doubt you get a better bang for $18 than this! 90

Tasted on: Friday 26th July, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au

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Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2019

It's a vibrant one, exuding lemon zest pink grapefruit and hits of Passionfruit in the mix. Aromas that are certainly not shy in coming forward.

Upon entry, it's citrus and minerally tickle are. Jostling, making themselves known, yep for all that initial vibrancy it certainly seems to settle into itself.

It's "pick me, pick me" initial fervour subsiding to gentle, generous and persistent length. What can I say, other than it's a bloody impressive release. 93 

Tasted on: Tuesday 30th July, a Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $29
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.shawandsmith.com

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Gartelmann Joey Merlot 2015

Robust Merlot from Orange, clocking in at over 15% it's not exactly what you'd call subtle. Generic dry red territory, not so subtle hints of Plum, vanilla oak and spice. 

There's actually a fine lick of flavour across the finish, it's just not in tune with the other components of the wine. 86

Tasted on: Thursday 1st August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 15.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.gartelmann.com.au

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Andevine Reserve Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2018

I get knocked down, but I get up again. The resurrection of Aussie Chardonnay, away from the largesse of the buttery and oaky numbers, to the subtlety and crafted guile of examples, the establishment of cooler areas for same - where it belongs. 

Cool and creamy, subtle toast and spice from (20% new) quality French oak. 

The perfect prelude to a focussed palate, well pitched, subtle citrus and stonefruit. A little more acid wouldn't go amiss for my liking. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 23rd July 
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 12.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.andevinewines.com.au

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