2020 ~ The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

Saturday, 12 December 2020

Wirra Wirra Amator Nouveau 2020

18:18 Stu.

A new - to me - release from Wirra Wirra, although the 'Amator' range appears to have been around since the 2014 vintage at least. It's a blend of Grenache (60%), Shiraz (20%) and Touriga (20%).

Amator being the origins of amateur, one who participates in sport for no payment. Here Wirra Wirra co-opts the term to reflect the labour of love in tending to the vines that contribute to the wines.

Light on fragrance, yet a wickedly delicious palate that conveys freshness. There's an acidic line that curls across the palate, a delicate tannic crunch. The greatest surprise is I managed to refrain from consuming this in a single sitting. On day 2 it was certainly more in that youthful vogue, the palate is brighter and crunchier, with a delightful vein of acidity.

Light and bright, touches of Plum and blackcurrant. 91

Tasted on: Wednesday 26th August

Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://wirrawirra.com/

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2020 / grenache / McLaren Vale / Shiraz / Touriga Nacional

Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Domaines Paul Mas Vignes de Nicole Viognier 2019

16:30 Stu.

I think these may be Dan Murphy's exclusive imports into Australia.

Chicken stock and stonefruit, soft and inviting.

Luscious, a textural interplay across the palate, veering towards a viscosity that pulls forward stonefruit juice. Moderate length of flavour, pleasurable enough wine. 89

Tasted on: Friday 18th September
Source: Sample
Price: $16.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.palatepr.com/

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2019 / France / Pays d"oc / Viognier

Gartelmann ‘Wilhelm’ Shiraz 2017

08:32 Stu.

Plum, blackcurrant, elements of hedgerow that lend a savoury edge. Latterly, sand and earthen notes, lending something like a sweet spiced air.

The palate follows that through with an air of conviction, soft and succulent - just carrying a suggestion of residual fruit to add to the carry of flavour.

The finish is steady, sweet accented fruit notes carrying long across the finish. I actually preferred this on day 2, far more expressive and generous in its presence. 92

Tasted on: Friday 7th August
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.gartelmann.com.au/

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2017 / Hunter Valley / Shiraz

Sunday, 20 September 2020

Campos do Viento Tempranillo 2019

16:30 Stu.

Carries the air of earth and baked raspberry - like you'd find in a baked muffin; fruit, yet not sweet.

Feels lighter across the palate, at least initially, before a darker manifestation sets in. Suggestions of black pepper and clove, a carry of decent length. Pretty rugged, gutsy, not without conviction. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 18th August
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample Courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com

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2019 / La Mancha / Spain / Tempranillo

Angullong Merlot 2018

08:30 Stu.

Earth, gamey vibes, latterly the suggestion of tobacco emerges - lending a smokey air.

Feeling fresh across the palate, youthful and with something like an olive skin vibe. The structure bolsters the youth and vitality of the wine.

Well made, another claim for the re-emergence of Merlot, in cooler climes and in the right hands. 91

Tasted on: Wednesday 5th August
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.angullong.com.au/

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2018 / Merlot / Orange

Saturday, 19 September 2020

Wirra Wirra Mrs Wrigley Rosé 2020

16:30 Stu.

Kiss of berry fruit on the nose, soft and succulent, by way of strawberry and a touch of raspberry.

Flowing through onto the palate, with a crisp delight, that both arrests the fruit flavour and aroma, yet also seeks to allow the same to gently tug along the finish.

There's certainly a carry of flavour here, gently persistent on a quietly generous finish. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 26th August
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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2020 / grenache / McLaren Vale / Rosé

Highgate Shiraz 2016

08:30 Stu.

Subtle hints of char, offsetting deep and dense plum and mulberry fruit.

Mudgee is known - rather, renowned - for its deep and flavoursome wines, this no exception. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 29th July
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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2016 / Mudgee / Shiraz

Friday, 18 September 2020

Entropy Wines Chardonnay 2019

16:30 Stu.

Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay, rich and powerful from the off. There's a slight saline and reductive note, more so than the presence of fruit.

The palate is variously - and impressively - creamy, toasty, flinty and on a saline length. Add in a touch of phenolics that are well judged, adding to that overall impression of power and depth.

Green apple and citrus wrap up on the finish, yet for all that flavour and assertion it still gives an impression of delicacy and balance. Australian Chardonnay is in such an interesting place right now. 96

Tasted on: Tuesday 18th August
Source: Retail
Price: $45
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.entropywines.com/

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2019 / Chardonnay / Mornington Peninsula

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2018

08:30 Stu.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Shiraz (37%) and a small addition of Cabernet Franc (1%) in mainly old oak (79%), the balance being new.

Palate presence wins this one out, classy tannin profile as ever, fine and with a mouth coating presence. It's for the long haul, the presence and sustain long across the palate.

In need of a good decant, or ideally stint in the cellar, it takes a while for the aromatics to unfurl. Slowly, they do, yielding blackcurrant with a smokey, graphite like profile.

Latterly black peppercorn makes itself known. Superbly structured is perhaps how best described. Pop it away for at least five years is my recommendation, then settle in for a masterclass in the power of the quintessential Aussie blend. 94

Tasted on: Thursday 3rd September
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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2018 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz / Wrattonbully

Thursday, 17 September 2020

Yangarra Blanc 2020

16:30 Stu.

Pretty much a first in Australia, from what I can ascertain, being a take on a Southern Rhone/ CNDP white blend. Some very interesting varieties here. The blend in question being: Grenache Blanc 62%, Clairette 10%, Roussanne 17%, Picpoul 8%, Borboulenc 3%.

White florals, subtle herbal inflections, hints of green apple. The palate is magic, a touch honeyed, balancing great texture and acidity, the latter natural, and the former aided by fermentation in 675l ceramic eggs and older French oak.

Maturation in the same vessels plus regular stirring building a palate of interest and complexity. 92

Tasted on: Saturday 5th September, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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2020 / Borboulenc / Clairette / Grenache Blanc / McLaren Vale / Picpoul / Roussanne

Gartelmann Wines Diedrich Shiraz 2016

08:30 Stu.

Orange representing for Hunter Valley based Gartelmann Wines, and its 2016 release of the Diedrich; Diedrich being the Grandfather of Jorg Gartelmann.

Seemingly thick set wine, purely on aromatic intro. It's a heady mix of fruit, supplemented with oak in the mix.

It's a typical pattern for the Diedrich, one that works well, offering both an invitational aspect and serving well over a ten to fifteen year time frame in the cellar.

Powder fine tannin, an assertion across the back palate by way of freshening acidity, hiding the heft of its 15%. A well executed wine. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 9th August
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 15.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.gartelmann.com.au/

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2016 / Orange / Shiraz

Wednesday, 16 September 2020

Brave New Wine Magical Animal Chardonnay 2019

16:30 Stu.

A Single Vineyard Chardonnay from Porongurup in Western Australia's Great Southern.

Has that mealy vibe, generous in its offer, hints of grilled stonefruit. Complexity to boot, adding grilled nuts, a drizzle of citrus too.

The palate is a riot too, a crackle of spice and something like a buttery popcorn, remnants of oak adding depth. It's lavish, layered and possessing an intensity and power of flavour that's seemingly perpetual.

It literally unfurls in the glass before your eyes. A truly multi-faceted wine. Quite exceptional. 95

Tasted on: Monday 17th August
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.bravenewwine.com.au/

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2019 / Chardonnay / Great Southern / Porongurup

Harewood Estate Shiraz Cabernet 2018

08:30 Stu.

Aclassic Aussie blend. It's seemingly a riot of ripe fruit, smatterings of bay and cedar about it. It feels like a warmer year rendition, from the maritime cool of the Great Southern region.

Chocolate, spiced touch. Medium bodied and fine tannins across an expansive palate. Darn nice wine - especially given the asking price. 91

Tasted on: Friday 31st July
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 14.%
Closure: Screwcap
Website:

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2018 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2019

16:30 Stu.

Whole bunch pressed; 2m cold settling in steel then off to 6 old (unsure how old) 600l French oak dwmi-muids. Then 8m on full lees, no Battonage, racked back to stainless before bottling. 400 doz made.

An excellent wine, one of focus, precision and texture.

Complex and heady mix, approaching peach and something like frangipane. There's a residual oak hint that bolsters the aromatics, segueing to the palate.

Oak is present, adding texture and tannin, acid is fresh and driving across the finish providing focal length.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe the mantel of Australia's finest Sauvignon Blanc has been accepted. 94

Tasted on: Tuesday 4th August
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 13.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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2019 / Sauvignon Blanc / Wrattonbully

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Reserve 2016

08:30 Stu.

Barrel selection of Cabernet Sauvignon (68%) with the balance being equal components of Cabernet Franc and Shiraz.

Sullen on initial opening, the oak (average 84% new) being more prominent and masking the profile of the fruit.

The palate is tight, a firm and coiled tannin profile speaks volumes as to the wine's quality, potential and longevity.

Slowly the wine begins its long reveal, red and black berry fruit is drawn long across the palate, a freshening length working in tandem with oak and tannin to create a lasting sensation that lingers long in the memory. An exquisite, harmoniously balanced wine. Assured of a bright future. 96

Tasted on: Sunday 9th August
Source: Sample
Price: $90
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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2016 / Cabernet Franc / Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz

Monday, 14 September 2020

Harewood Estate Flux I Shiraz 2016

21:00 Stu.

Fair throw of oak redolent here, new at that, dominating the palate. Light on the palate, as befits its 12%,oak remnants present and lending a sheen and gloss to the wine.

Tannins are powder fine, almost cocoa like in profile, yet firmish and penetrating through the finish. Curious, certainly of interest. 93

Tasted on: Tuesday 28th July
Source: Sample
Price: $ 35
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.harewoodestate.com.au/

Sample Courtesy of: http://www.singlevineyards.com/

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2016 / Great Southern / Shiraz

Sunday, 13 September 2020

Yalumba Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2019

15:46 Stu.

Yalumba branches out to the Limestone Coast to bring this wild ferment Sauvignon Blanc to the table.

Whilst offering that initial aromatic calling card of the variety - think passionfruit, lychee and a touch of cut grass - it also has a slight underlying flinty, mineral quality that adds extra appeal and definition.

A lively mineral acid cuts a swathe and brings carry of flavour across the palate. Seems a touch harsher on the finish, but will surely quench the most stubborn of thirsts. 89

Tasted on: Tuesday 18th August
Source: Sample
Price: $ 26
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yalumba.com/

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2019 / Limestone Coast / Sauvignon Blanc

Blue Pyrenees Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

09:28 Stu.

Plum, Mulberry - notes of vanilla, Chocolate, cedar, even a touch of mint that cascades onto the palate.

Quite light on regards the remainder of the palate. Subtle tannin profile, more of the mint. Very easy going, a disappearing kind of wine! 89

Tasted on: Saturday 4th July
Source: Sample
Price: $ 28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.bluepyrenees.com.au/

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2017 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Pyrenees

Saturday, 12 September 2020

Pikes The Assemblage SMG 2017

08:16 Stu.

Opens with a reductive, meaty note - seemingly befits what is ostensibly a 'Rhone' blend, Shiraz

dominant.

Supple, medium bodied wine, a fine rasp of tannin with black pepper nuances spread across the palate.

Easy going all up, more for now, although one suggests it will deliver over 3-4 years: drink to 2024. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 16th August
Source: Retail
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.pikeswines.com.au/

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2017 / Clare Valley / grenache / Mataro et al / Shiraz

Friday, 11 September 2020

Jules Taylor Grüner Veltliner 2020

16:30 Stu.

Strong intensity here, can't have been in bottle too long. It's varietal, at least, a primary offering of white

pepper, white florals, suggestions of herb, red apple skins.

Intense acidity immediately apparent on the palate, some palate texture, width and weight following shortly thereafter.

Just loses a touch of that presence through the finish. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 9th September 2020
Source: Sample
Price: $ 25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.julestaylor.com/

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2020 / Grüner Veltliner / Marlborough / New Zealand

Yangarra PF Grenache 2020

08:30 Stu.

Seemingly a new addition to the Yangarra range. The Shiraz version of this preservative free (PF) wine

has long been a go to at Chateau Vinsomniac, so the Grenache version was hotly anticipated.

Pouring a bright, vibrant, magenta hue - positively radiant. It opens with a slight yeasty funk on initial pour, it's also quite primary in its offer of a fruits of the forest mix.

Succulent palate, buoyant and lively; savoury hints with a stemmy and sapid follow through, though no whole bunch was part of the actual wine's make-up. Delivers across the finish with a crunch of sandy tannin, spice on the length. Impressively moreish. 91

Tasted on: Monday 7th September, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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2020 / Biodynamic / grenache / McLaren Vale

Thursday, 10 September 2020

Harewood Estate Flux III Chardonnay 2018

16:30 Stu.

A Chardonnay to get stuck into, mealy and minerally with toasty oak supplementing stonefruit, a suggestion of grapefruit citrus and creamy, almost custard apple like, character. In short: dive in.

Hints of oak on entry, fine lines of acidity that run the length of the palate. Both calm, assured - yet paradoxically - with an energy to it.

Just a bloody good all-rounder, to borrow from cricketing parlance. 93

Tasted on: Wednesday 29th July
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.harewoodestate.com.au/

Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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2018 / Chardonnay / Great Southern

Tim Adams Schaefer Shiraz 2014

08:30 Stu.

Aged in 100% new French for 24 months - and boy does it show. It's released as a 4 year old, so additional

bottle time. The Schaefers were the original growers, their vineyard subsequently purchased by Tim Adams.

The time in oak is immediately apparent, lending that wooden cloak to the black fruit that lurks, sullen and deep - yet it is there.

Fine powdery tannin makes itself known, yet also carrying a freshness otherwise masked by the oak remnants. There's a subtle toast and char to the wine. Whilst each component seems to make itself known, each comes back to complete the whole. I think sufficient fruit to cellar to 2034. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 19th July

Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.timadamswines.com.au/

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2014 / Clare Valley / Shiraz

Wednesday, 9 September 2020

Adelina Refusal to Lie Chardonnay 2018

16:30 Stu.

Leads with green apple, a very strong - almost confected note thereof - aroma. It's not over powering, just firm in its presentation. Supplement that with citrus and you might just get the suggestion as to how this presents itself.

Creamy across the palate, perhaps even custard apple like in texture. No real oak presence to speak of - it's fermented in concrete tanks - primarily of fruit. Gentle zip to things, adding a touch of brace. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 12th August
Source: Retail
Price: $23
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://adelina.com.au/

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2018 / Adelaide Hills / Chardonnay

Blue Pyrenees Richardson Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

08:30 Stu.

Touch of gum leaf, choc-mint-eucalypt, over cassis and blue fruit. It's fragrant, yet seemingly reticent to come forward initially.

Soft, silken and sensuous is how one might describe the palate. A fair throw of fruit seems to dominant the palate, youthful more than it may initially suggest. Tannin structure is quite coarse, nigh raw, and casting a long shadow across the finish. It's acidic freshness against that rawness will ensure a longevity. 93+

Tasted on: Wednesday 22nd July
Source: Sample
Price: $72
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.bluepyrenees.com.au/

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2018 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Pyrenees

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Cobaw Ridge Skinsy Chardonnay 2018

16:30 Stu.

Not sure that 'Skinsy' is its actual name, but we'll go with that for now. 100% Estate grown, biodynamic and organically grown fruit. One half fermented on skins prior to pressing after 3 weeks and then matured in old oak for 2 years. The second portion left on skins for a total of 737 days prior to draining and blending with the first. Zero additions or fining/filtration just (a tiny amount) sulphur prior to bottling.

With colour that seems more akin to a fine single malt, yet redolent of marzipan, the fine spice of a fruit cake and a touch of glacé ginger. It's certainly a game change - and head turner - in the world of Australian Chardonnay.

It possesses a slick and glossy feel across the palate, with that it carries a fine array of tropical nuanced fruit, yet without being fruit driven. There's a fine phenolic carry, providing additional mouthfeel to the slick skinsy carry. Sublime wine. 95

Tasted on: Thursday 6th August
Source: Retail
Price: $58
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.cobawridge.com.au/

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2018 / Chardonnay / macedon

Vanguardist Blewitt Springs Grenache 2019

08:30 Stu.

The bottle comes adorned with a textile label, if nothing more it serves as a very tactile introduction to the wine as you extract the capsule from the bottle.

The aromatics, nuanced, awaiting time to unfurl. Yet delve unto the palate, it's as if you're taken to an altogether higher plain.

From the go it has a penetrative capacity, a piercing rapier like spine of thrust from which a dark core of fruit just bursts forth and positively envelopes the palate.

The structure is present too, assertive and persistent. It's fresh, approachable and yet totally something to give yourself unto. Sublime. 96

Tasted on: Saturday 8th August
Source: Retail
Price: $55
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.vanguardistwines.com/

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2019 / grenache / McLaren Vale

Monday, 7 September 2020

Golden Grove Rosé Brose 2020

16:30 Stu.

I tasted two separate bottles over consecutive weeks, taking notes on each, for no other reason than I could.

Challenging vintage conditions in his home region saw winemaker Ray Costanzo source fruit from the Chalmers Vineyard out at Mildura to create this Rosé, it being crafted from Sagrantino and Vermentino.

A bright, floral, quite evocative perfume. It smells of warmer days ahead, of breezes flowing through a Summer garden, strawberries on a summer berry pudding.

It's the palate that really captures the imagination, the Sagrantino - a variety known for tannins - has been well handled, providing a light phenolic rub. It's a talcum like feel that provides an initial presence, further enhanced by a lemony tang of acidity brought by the Vermentino.

Served cool, harnessing the textural components, providing focus for the citrus tinged zip - from the Vermentino component one would hazard.

Line and focus, a phenolic chalky addition supplements that profile, radiating out across the palate. It's well worked, expertly judged and more than poised to feature heavily in my drinking repertoire over the Summer ahead. 93

Tasted on: Monday 17th and Monday 24th August

Source: Cellar Door
Price: $26
Alcohol: 12.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.goldengroveestate.com.au/

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2020 / Mildura / Sagrantino / Vermentino

Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

08:30 Stu.

Something more of a fruit forward Cabernet; Plum and damson notes sitting over cedar and hay.

Fine, dry, powdery tannins cast across the palate. Dark fruit backing up in reserve. Feels youthful, yet classy and restrained. Tannins latterly reassert in a chalky manner. Quality wine, all the more so given the asking price. 91

Tasted on: Friday 3rd July
Source: Sample
Price: $19
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.heartlandwines.com.au/

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2017 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Langhorne Creek

Sunday, 6 September 2020

Harewood Estate Denmark Chardonnay 2018

16:30 Stu.

The Great Southern wine region is one to watch, tucked somewhat remotely in Western Australia's South East corner - that sentence there laying claim to the most compass references in a review opening!

Grapefruit and lemon sherbet notes here; fresh, vibrant and zesty. Seemingly a touch fuller - clocking in at 14% - for what is a cool and Maritime region.

That said the palate shows a light and focal citrus touch, gently coasting across, not as defined in profile as perhaps the aromatics might initially convey. Well made, refreshing, gentle in its conviction. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 5th August
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.harewoodestate.com.au/
Sample courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com

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2018 / Chardonnay / Denmark / Great Southern

Heartland Directors' Cut Shiraz 2017

08:30 Stu.

Deep Langhorne Creek fruit is married to quality oak that frames things up.

Plum, Mulberry, subtle hints of cassis. There's fine tannin presence, casting a long shadow across the palate. Dried herb, oak remnants. Fine wine, delivered on a good length. 93

Tasted on: Saturday 4th July
Source: Sample
Price: $33
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.heartlandwines.com.au

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2017 / Langhorne Creek / Shiraz

Saturday, 5 September 2020

Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc 2019

16:30 Stu.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - certainly in my mind - comes with such pre-conceived notions. Yet it’s arguably the region - and the associated stylistic connotations - that defined a new world style.

Yet, then along comes a producer such as Jules Taylor, perhaps looking to redefine a standard, or at least seek to alter the narrative.

It’s certainly an attractive proposition, in that tropical and herbal way. Yet - as with Jules’ other wines - it’s somewhat more restrained in its approach. Possessing a mineral presence that fair dances its way across the length of the palate.

It’s a sensation that leaves more than a lasting memory. Well made and persistent. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 18th August
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.julestaylor.com/
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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2019 / Marlborough / New Zealand / Sauvignon Blanc

Campos du Luz Garnacha 2019

08:30 Stu.

Plum and white pepper lead, guiding the drinker to a palate that then conveys more of a bitter and savoury palate.

For all that it feels light through the middle, offering up an airy and bouncy tannin profile.

Has a good level of carry of flavour - a good marker of quality - that tugs along that tannin and dark earth, savoury character. Hard one to judge. Serve with spicy grilled sausage, such as quality Chorizo or Luganega. 90

Tasted on: Tuesday 25th August
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample Courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com

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2019 / Cariñena / grenache / Spain

Friday, 4 September 2020

Wirra Wirra 12th Man Chardonnay 2019

16:30 Stu.

Adelaide Hills Chardonnay here, barrel fermented, lending a complexity to the aromatics.

It's soft and inviting across the palate, dripping with stonefruit as radiant as a setting sun. A dribble of citrus acidity across the finish adds freshness, serving to act as punctuation to a textural pleasantry across the middle of the wine.

This is fresh, textural, possessing depth too - a welcome addition to any table. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 27th August
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://wirrawirra.com/

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2019 / Adelaide Hills / Chardonnay

Ochota Barrels the price of silence Gamay 2020

08:30 Stu.

Had the pleasure of the company of both the wife and Mother-in-Law recently at the local wine bar, this leapt off the list and into my glass. New release - and already out of stock ex-winery - it's a single vineyard offering, from the same vineyard as the (Mark of Cain) Pinot Meunier, for those familiar with the range from Ochota Barrels.

Bottle 499/ 800 produced. It's such an expressive wine, conveying a beautiful perfume on initial opening. It's a riot of cola, cranberry and raspberry, such expression of aroma.

The palate has the same initial expression, supplemented with herbaceous notes, a fair portion of whole bunch one suggests. A fine mineral edge of tannin, something like a peanut brittle lead in to the finish. Exquisite. 94

Tasted on: Friday 28th August
Source: Wine List
Price: $72
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://ochotabarrels.com/

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2020 / Adelaide Hills / Gamay

Thursday, 3 September 2020

Pyramids Road Chardonnay 2019

16:30 Stu.

Fruit is bought from Bungawarra towards the Northern end of the region, four barrels - 50% new and the balance being first and second fill. These things matter - there are some that believe they don't - for when you place that most sensitive of organs, and yes I mean your nose, into the glass you'll see that new oak readily apparent.

There's toast, over something like a lime brulee character. The palate is slick and glossy, a rounded presence with a minerally edge.

It has a depth and persistence of flavour that is quite beguiling. It might feel somewhat awkward at this early juncture, but only in respect to the fact that you know it will develop and integrate further. Impressive. 92

Tasted on: Monday 31st August
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $45
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://pyramidsroad.com.au/

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[This post was edited 04.09.2020 14:20 to reflect that fruit is brought in, not Estate fruit].

2019 / Chardonnay / Granite Belt

JaJa Shiraz 2019

09:30 Stu.

JaJa is owned by the family behind leading online wine retailer Winestar - and maintained as a separate concern. The brand has been going for nearly twenty tears, first opportunity to taste and review on these pages.

A fairly thrill throttle manifestation of Barossa Shiraz, yet one which hides the extent of its stated 15% alcohol very well.

It's meaty on initial opening, giving way to redcurrant and sweeter fruit accents of sugar plum. The palate at stark contrast to that, conveying a silken threaded gloss that easily slides towards the finish.

It's a very well balanced wine, not often you always get to say that with these higher octane examples. Very well played. 93

Tasted on: Wednesday 2nd September, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 15%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.jaja.com.au/

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2019 / Barossa Valley / Shiraz

Wednesday, 2 September 2020

Yelland and Papps Devote Shiraz 2017

12:30 Stu.

Fairly rich, sumptuous wine, yet still clocking in at a modest 13.5%.

Plummy depths of a very Barossan Shiraz. Soft, barely there tannin registering across the palate, bringing with it fruit subtley accented with oak remnants.

Waves of flavour hit you, as though immersing yourself under a cascading waterfall of it, seemingly relentless. 93

Tasted on: Friday 3rd July
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.yellandandpapps.com/

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2017 / Barossa Valley / Greenock / Shiraz / Single Vineyard

Friday, 28 August 2020

De Bortoli Grenache Wizardry Grenache Blanc 2020

16:30 Stu.

For me, personally, the pick of the Grenache Wizardry range from De Bortoli, also comprising a Rosé and Grenache Noir.

This example coneys a touch of honey, with straw, grapefruit and zest.

The palate is fresh and lively, general citrus zip and freshness to it. Latterly an element of what I can best describe as soy wax/ candle comes forth, bringing with it a pithy finish of driving length.

Fleshy, textural, flavoursome. A big yes from me. Could drink this for days. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 30th July
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Closure: Screwcap
Website: debortoli.com.au

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2020 / Grenache Blanc / heathcote

Heartland Spice Trader Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

08:30 Stu.

As I sit in a suburban setting in one of Brisbane’s inner suburbs, a cool and somewhat damp day, there’s just something about this wine that allows the imbiber to perhaps be transported elsewhere.

Upon opening, the wine with earthen notes, topped with dark fruit and a smattering of mint for freshness remind of a walk through an evergreen plantation.

The palate, even at five years, still possesses a freshness and vitality to it, bolstering the mood, lifting the spirits and providing a comely sensation across a spice tinged finish. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 28th June
Source: Sample
Price: $17
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.heartlandwines.com.au/

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2015 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Langhorne Creek

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