Brave New Wine Hercules & Sunshine Riesling 2019

Sees some skin contact before being pressed off to a ceramic egg and a new French oak barrel for maturation on lees.It's floral and spice tinged, quite unlike other Riesling from within, and without.

Layered, textured, cascading in waves across the palate. As pretentious as that sounds, instead see it as saying: f**king delicious. I make few apologies for the profanity.

Some residual spiced nuance - indicative of that use of some portion of new barrel - just adds depth to the layering. 91 

Tasted on: Saturday 9th May
Source: Retail
Price: $35
Alcohol: 12.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://bravenewwine.com.au/

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Mottura Primitivo del Salento IGT 2018

Woodsy, touch of milk chocolate, fennel tops/ licorice. Straddling that savoury vibe, with hints of fruit. 

Supple and lithe palate, medium bodied, with a milky and creamy blackcurrant and plum fruit presence. Tannins are fine grained, carrying that aforementioned savoury/fruit mix along. 90 

Tasted on: Wednesday 13th May 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: DIAM
Sample courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com 

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Jeanneret Big Fine Girl Riesling 2019

Riesling is typically regarded as the cash cow of the wine industry, able to get from Vine to bottle in anywhere from around 2-4 months. Not so here, where this example - picked over two days in early March 2019 - spending over 200 days on lees.

Strong lime game, that time on lees if anything has turbo charged the aromatics. Apple skins, lemon zest and subtle tropical edge making up the mix. 

The palate is generous, rounded, textural; the pronounced citrus flowing through to the palate. There's a natural zip of acidity that briskly urges things along. 93 

Tasted on: Sunday 26th April 
Source: Retail
Price: $22.99
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.jeanneretwines.com/

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Hughes & Hughes Dornfelder 2019

Germany's most widely planted red variety, establishing itself on the Apple Isle via the brothers Hughes.

It's mostly whole Berry with a small (5%) amount of whole bunch. It's fresh and youthful, with that rawness of youth coming through on the palate.

Yes there's a riotous mix of berry fruit asserting itself, but it's really about the fine and smokey-minerally tannins that entice. Weighing in a a mere 12.6% it's a great luncheon option, something lightish, perhaps duck rillettes with a little red cabbage for good measure. 92 

Tasted on: Monday 18th May
Source: Retail
Price: $40
Alcohol: 12.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://mewstonewines.com.au/

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Nick O'Leary Riesling 2019

Riesling from the cool of Canberra District in NSW. It opens with notes of florals and browning lime, it feels cooler in its offer and aromatic approach.

Palate possesses a zip and zing about it, a citrus zestiness providing the main thrust of flavour in tandem with granny Smith apple, and that almost powdery sensation that brings with it. Bracing acidity across the length of the finish certainly cleanses the palate. 92 

Tasted on: Saturday 25th April 
Source: Retail
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://nickolearywines.com.au/

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Konpira Maru Finca Malbec 2017

Konpira Maru, seemingly based out of Victoria, yet named after a Japanese fishing trawler, and with links to Queensland. As you were. 

Oh, and this wine was made by the crew in Argentina's Uco Valley in Mendoza. On board? 

Brambley nose, semblance of fruit. Undoubtedly Malbec with its savoury and nigh sinewy ways. Dusty, powdery, fine and classy tannins - yet it  conveys that edgey, natural vibe. 91 

Tasted on: Friday 17th April 
Source: Retail
Price: $39
Alcohol: 14.4%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://konpiramaruwinecompany.com/

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Gerler Riesling 2019

Slightly different vibe to the Classic Clare profile, undeniably Riesling, yet with something more like a floral and talcum vibe. There's the unmistakable citrus/sherbet hints in the mix.

The palate is a racy acidic and zesty number. If anything it feels cooler clime than Clare, perhaps Canberra or even Tasmania. Generous cut, thrust, and probe of acidity - a gentle phenolic presence. 90 

Tasted on: Friday 17th April
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.gerler.com.au/

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Silkwood Estate The Bowers Pemberton Shiraz 2018

Simply a wicked mix of blue and black fruit aromatically. Touch of milky chocolate going about it. The palate is soft and succulent, a fine twist of tannin, more of that pastille like black fruit. 

Good finish, generous and with a touch of fruit. 89 

Tasted on: Friday 24th April
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.silkwoodestate.com.au/

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Jules Taylor OTQ Sauvignon Blanc 2019

OTQ represents Jules Taylor's slightly out there takes on varieties. This example rendering the Sauv more akin to Chardonnay, touches of new creamy oak and a cream laden palate.

On that, it carries some of that vanilla and cashew aspect across the palate. With that in mind, one suggests barrel Ferment and a fair portion of new oak in the mix. Regardless, it's a quality wine. 92 

Tasted on: Tuesday 28th April 
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.julestaylor.com/

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Feudo Arancio Riserva 2015

Nero d'Avola, from the varieties home in Sicily. Of the finished wine, 30% is aged in steel to preserve the complex character of ripe red fruit, while the remaining 70% ages for 8-10 months in French oak barrels to soften the tannins and to add structure to this elegant wine. 

The components are then blended to age a little longer together, first in steel and then in the bottle for an additional 12 months.

Shy initially, a touch of oak char and woodsy spice set to black fruit. It's Plummy, mulberry like fruit set makes itself present across the palate. 

Tannin is fine, minerally and providing good carry. I'd suggest it needs protein to complement the tannin profile. Finish is moderate, touch of acidity for added freshness, feel and flow. 92 

Tasted on: Wednesday 6th May 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Terre à Terre Down to Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Subtle Gooseberry, underlying passionfruit with a creamy mien - seems to be firming up as the favoured and terroir driven style.

Gentle rounded and textural feel on entry - that's not to say it's without the sharp acidity for which the variety can be known. There's a touch of cut herb and fennel top about it to. Straddles a fine balance between creamy texture and acidic drive. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 28th April 
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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Yangarra Estate Ovitelli Grenache 2018

Ovitelli I suggest being some reference to the 657l ceramic eggs the wine is fermented in - the Portuguese for egg being ovo, variations exist thereof in other countries where Latin forms the major root of the language. I latterly learned it's a is a portmanteau of ‘ovi’ and ‘vitelli’ meaning ‘egg’ and ‘life’ respectively.

Hand picked, mechanically sorted, 100% destemmed, 158 days on skins in the eggs, pressed off and then a further 6m in the eggs! 

Silken, gossamer threaded palate, ultra-fine tannins that compel continued re-appraisal. Suggestions of dark fruit slowly unfurling - suggesting this one needs a little time - revealing themselves to the exposure to air. 

The passing time sees a thread of spice coming to the fore, a crunch of harmonious acidity adding to the overall, an utterly compelling proposition. 95

Tasted on: Sunday 26th April 
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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Feudo Arancio Tinchité Rosé 2019

Delicate berry and floral nose, a subtle pot pourri, nothing overdone. 

A minerally acidic presence casts its shadow across the palate, drawing with it as it goes a chalky and light berry presence, as if flowing over crushed candies. Good crunch on a generous finish. 90

Tasted on: Tuesday 5th May
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.feudoarancio.it/

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Blue Pyrenees Richardson Shiraz 2018

Named in honour of former Blue Pyrenees Fine Wine Director, the late Colin Richardson. 

Sent as a pre-release wine, representing the best parcels of wine to bear the name. Its fermented in a 50/50 mix of American and French oak, balanced across new and first/second use. 

Deep, rich, though feeling somewhat tight and reserved at this early juncture. A day later and it's a very different wine: lighter, more expressive, more in a red fruit, rose hip and cranberry vibe. 

The palate fine, yet bound up in micro-tannin, points that will serve well over the longer term. The depths of black fruit slowly revealed themselves with time in glass. Developing further, the tannin and acid structure still excellent, great depth and length of flavour. The red fruit presence is quite unusual - to my knowledge - for a cool climate Shiraz. Different in this case is good. 92+ 

Tasted on: Saturday 20th June 
Source: Sample
Price: $72
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.bluepyrenees.com.au/

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Hill-Smith Estate Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Off an eight hectare vineyard in the Eden Valley, texture being the name of the game, and an intent to tame same of the acidity that the variety can be known for, through use of 1-4 year old oak - plus a small (5%) portion of new. 

Faint tropicals added to textural width and a creamy aspect that convey a considered approaching to winemaking. A fine line of spice draws across the finish, just tugging this one along to its conclusion. 91 

Tasted on: Friday 24th April
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.hillsmithestate.com/

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Ballandean Generation 3 Shiraz Cabernet 2014

A 6 barrel blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon - 80/20 - from the heralded 2014 vintage that honours the 3 generations of Puglisis that have contributed to what the Ballandean Estate represents today. 

I too am honoured to have been gifted this wine as a wedding gift and drink it shortly after the occasion of 1st anniversary. 

A wine of intensity and depth, new oak lingering long on the nose. It matures in 100% new French oak brrels, is minimally filtered and fined.

Viscous legs allude to the alcohol and intensity of flavour. Black fruit and minerally tannins combine with peanut husk like flavoids, it's a wonderfully harmonious wine, and for all its heft it feels more medium bodied than one might anticipate. 

A incredible depth of flavour that truly represents the contribution of the generations that make this family owned winery what it is. 94

Tasted on: Thursday 23rd April 
Source: Gift
Price: n/a
Alcohol: 14.1%
Closure: Pro Cork
Website: https://www.ballandeanestate.com/

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Highgate Chardonnay 2019

Fine cool climate Chardonnay here from Orange in NSW. Opens with requisite stonefruit and a mealy like character.

The palate has a nice line of grapefruit acidity, fleshed out with fruit and a touch of toasty oak. It's nicely balanced, poised - nothing over-wrought. Decent through the finish, just a touch of spice like character. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 22nd April 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Gerler The Fog 2019

A blend of Touriga, Montepulciano, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Nero d'Avola.

Just like the blend from which it's formed, the aromatics are a riot of flavour, drawing from citrus, to juicy red and black Berry. Perhaps the point being not to explicitly state specific aromatic descriptor, but rather to convey the mix of pleasures one derives from this unusual blend. 

The palate shows more of that mix, with the added complexity of what comes across as something like a desiccated coconut addition (kinda reminding a little like a lamington - I shit you not). 

Tannins are fine, the flavour persistent, the final drive of black fruit driving this wine on further. Unusual, but bloody compelling. 92 

Tasted on: Monday 6th April
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $26
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.gerler.com.au/

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Nomad's Garden Skin Contact Field Blend 2019

Nomad's Garden, a sub-brand of El Dorado road, from memory a labour of love to restore a much neglected vineyard in Beechworth, in Vic's NE.

This field blend being a Viognier and Marsanne co-ferment. Has that unmistakeable, skinsy (270 days thereon) vibe: Citrus peel, Jasmine, hints of bergamot

Slippery textured number, sliding across the palate, it's lighter in flavour that the aromatics initially indicate, clicking in at sub 10% explains that. Regardless, it's a harmoniously textured slip of a wine. 92 

Tasted on: Tuesday 14th April 
Source: Retail
Price: $25
Alcohol: 9.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.nomadsgarden.com.au/

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Zonte's Footstep Chocolate Factory Shiraz 2018

Chocolate, grilled hazelnut, latterly opening up to something kirsch - and deep black fruit - like. 

The black fruit runs deep, sweet accented, with fine - nigh silty - tannins; depth and penetration of flavour that builds with stature. An assured release that speaks to house, vintage and region. 92 

Tasted on: Thursday 18th June 
Source: Sample
Price: $27.50
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://zontesfootstep.com.au/

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Home Hill Estate Pinot Noir 2018

Such an expressive wine from the off. A somewhat warmer vintage 2018, it has given the wine something of a freedom of expression. Conveying cherry and a suggestive pop of blueberry. 

It's a sense that continues on the palate, a length of flavour that flows, seemingly perpetually. You'd not suggest it intense, for its Pinosity lends it a subtlety. Rather, it's quite incredible in its flow and persistence. 

The tannins are fine and silken, aiding that length of pure flavour. Flowing as freely as the superlatives in this tasting note. Quite a remarkable wine. 96

Tasted on: Friday 12th June
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.homehillwines.com.au/

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Spinifex Papillon 2019

A double header of sorts, with the 2018 reviewed earlier here. Unsure of the specific blend this vintage so I'll go with what 2018 stated, being Grenache (78%) and Cinsault (22%).

Strength seems to be in a fresh and elegant palate intro that soon gives way to a deeper, tighter middle with a very grain of tannin. 

This wine - compared to the 2018 - feels that year younger at this juncture, the vintage was somewhat of a challenge, albeit with exceptional quality and reduced yields. The initial freshness overcomes that youth. However, I'd still consider it a wait proposition at this stage. 91+ 

Tasted on: Wednesday 20th May
Source: Retail
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://spinifexwines.com.au/

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Spinifex Papillon 2018

Papillon, from the French for butterfly, a Grenache (78%) and Cinsault blend from Pete Schell and Magali Gely, whose family up until recently were vignerons near Montpellier. Pete himself has worked six vintages across Provence, the Languedoc, Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Soft and subtle, it's black fruit ways wafting gently, supplemented with what would appear to be something like cola cube aromatics. Gentle on entry, a flash of fruit and acid enlivens the palate. 

Supple, with a very generous nature that just reels you in. There's a mix of herb, spice and fruit - all bound up in a succulent medium bodied package. 92 

Tasted on: Saturday 16th May
Source: Retail
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://spinifexwines.com.au/

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Blue Pyrenees Bone Dry Rosé 2019

Predominantly a blend of Pinot Noir (74%), Merlot (19%), Chardonnay and a splash of Pinot Meunier for good measure.

Toffee apple, Turkish Delight, gentle hints of strawberry wafting from glass. For that flavour and fruit on aroma, the palate does exactly what it asserts itself to be, that being bone dry, albeit with a slightly fuller textural profile from 6m on lees. 

White pepper hints, a gentle phenolic rub across the palate, dry and long on a generous finish. Very good rosé. 92 

Tasted on: Wednesday 10th June
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.bluepyrenees.com.au/

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Lenton Brae Lady Douglas Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Shop wisely and on a dozen buy you can find this sub-$25 on a dozen buy. 

Lenton Brae of Wilyabrup, the soon to be declared sub-region of Margaret River, the heart of the region and just off the arterial Caves Road. Quasi-medical references not lost on me with regard to a region that was founded by those in the profession. 

Having given this a good decant, its evocative and alluring aromas were emanating from the glass. Rich, warming, classic cedar, plum, cassis and chocolate in profile.

The palate is exquisitely structured, you'd expect this on something double the price. Tannins are fine, persistent, and still convey a freshness that will all but assure longevity and cellarability. It's good to go now, just give it some time to open up to truly express itself. 94 

Tasted on: Thursday 28th May 
Source: Retail
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.lentonbrae.com/

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Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio 2019

Luscious ripe pear, almost dripping is how I sense this wine.

The palate crisp, minerally, a resurgence of the fruit flowing on a wave of that drive and touch of acidic presence. 

The finish is of a good length, generous and feeding that fruit with a tinge of spice. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 21st April 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.mezzacorona.it/

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Taylor's Jaraman Shiraz 2018

Perhaps the least impressive of the Jaraman range tasted, that perhaps says more to the strengths of the others in the range than any deficiencies of this. 

It offers sufficient black fruit presence, wrapped in a medium bodied presence. Touch of oak, spice, creamy and rounded palate. Decent finish. 89 

Tasted on: Friday 10th April 

Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.taylorswines.com.au/

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Silkwood Estate The Bowers Pemberton Chardonnay 2019

Deliciously creamy Chardonnay, subtle stonefruit tinges.

Creamy and rounded, subtle oak depths. It's a no nonsense offering, barely putting wrong, if perhaps merely treading a safe path. Finishes gently, ebbing along on a good length. 89 

Tasted on: Thursday 23rd April
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.silkwoodestate.com.au/

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Angullong Fossil Hill Tempranillo 2018

Sweet spice atop a blue/black fruit medley.

The palate shows moderate oak hints, cocoa fine tannin structure. Charcuterie like nuances linger. A decent Temp. 90 

Tasted on: Friday 10th April 
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.angullong.com.au/

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Yangarra Roux Beaute Roussanne 2018

Single block wine, hand picked. Half of which was destemmed and sent off to 675l ceramic eggs, on skins for 193 days. 

Final blend of the finished wine was 40% of the batch on skins and 60% of the other half of the batch. As you'd expect from the final make up of the wine, it's a textural affair (it's a textural affair), subtle skinsy vibe with a fine phenolic pinch. The aromatics speak more of a subtle spice and stem. 

Length is persistent, feeling a touch firmer then, a rigid spine to serve as a framework for the wine, guiding it long across the palate. 93 

Tasted on: Friday 17th April
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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Schwartz Wine Co. Rosé 2019

A wine destined to remain in the memory, for it was my first wedding anniversary - in lockdown. Thank goodness that I was able to access this from the local wine store and celebrate an amazing year. 

Pouring a very attractive onion skin colour, a touch of translucent shimmer for added appeal. It was the perfect counter to the light Autumnal rains that were falling.

Strawberry and watermelon, husky hints too. The palate crisp and brisk, subtle spice hints adding a layer to the finish. 

Persistent and generous of length. 93

Tasted on: Saturday 18th April
Source: Retail
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.schwarzwineco.com.au/

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Taylor's Jaraman Chardonnay 2018

The Unison of Margaret River and Adelaide Hills fruit. Creamy presentation, ripe and dripping stonefruit, citrus hints, deeper touch of figgy like oak.

There's a toast and spice aspect that immediately greets on the palate, providing a spike of intensity that gently subsides across the palate. Toasty and tasty Chard. 91 

Tasted on: Sunday 5th April 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.taylorswines.com.au/

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Silkwood Estate The Bowers Pemberton Pinot Noir Rosé 2019

Silkwood Estate Winemaker Michael Ng originally knew more about data centre racks than racking wine off, originally having complete a Bachelor of Information systems before subsequently undertaking a viticultural science degree. 

This Pinot based Rosé is a classic of the style, hints of cherry blossom and blackcurrant leaf lead. 

It's dry, with just enough of residual fruit presence to bolster the middle. Delivering through the palate on a crisp finish, there's also enough texture to bolster the palate with width and weight. 90 

Tasted on: Tuesday 21st April 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.silkwoodestate.com.au/

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Feudo Arancio Inzolia 2019

Citrus, stonefruit, and the kernel to boot! Fragrant, with an underlying minerally hint that adds a harder edge to softness of the fruit.

A more savoury edge, slight fruit tinge, touch of honey and citrus. Reminds more of something like Marsanne - certainly textural, as such.

Line of acid providing carriage of flavour, on a wicked length. 92 

Tasted on: Tuesday 5th May
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.feudoarancio.it/

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Harvest Syrah 2019

Harvest is a range of wines by Brendan and Laura Carter (AKA Unico Zelo) in collaboration with growers, where profits are split 50/50 between producer and grower. 

Pouring a vibrant purple, a leading indicator to what may be ahead. The palate soft and succulent, a fine thread of tannin that delivers length. Very much in the nouveau vogue, yet with a wicked line of cardamom spice on the finish. 91 

Tasted on: Thursday 16th April
Source: Retail
Price: $22.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.unicozelo.com.au/

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Yangarra Roussanne 2019

Stonefruit, hints of mace like spice providing a tickle to the nasal cavity.

The palate is that veluptuously textured feel, nigh suede like - or peached cotton - in how it gently brushes across the same. Carrying weight, substance, yet still brimming with a thin vein of acidity through a generous finish. 93 

Tasted on: Wednesday 15th April
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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Gartelmann Georg Petit Verdot 2016

Often the bridesmaid, never the bride - except here, in this ripe and robust offering from Rylstone - an unofficial sub-region of Mudgee region. 

Petit Verdot is often considered the 'bridesmaid' of what might be considered the Bordeaux varieties. Here it's presented as a stand alone single varietal, in a rich and ripe guise. Dark and vibrant fruit, hints of oak remnants, associated spice. 

The fruit presence is what makes the wine stand out, for all its ripeness it's still in balance. Good wine 91. 

Tasted on: Thursday 9th April 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 15.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.gartelmann.com.au/

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Terre à Terre Summertown Vineyard 2018

Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir from the hand of Xavier Bizot. It's of an exquisite perfume, firmer and fuller Pinot from a warmer year, representing as sour cherry and plum, with a trickle of spice bolstering the wine.

It feels fuller, creamy in the way it evolves across the palate. Flavoursome and fulsome, whilst somewhat riper it's certainly good to go now, but has the wherewithal to develop further. 93+

Tasted on: Saturday 28th March 
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.4%
Closure: Sample
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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Hastwell and Lightfoot Fiano 2019

Hastwell and Lightfoot have nailed the texture on these whites (there's a Vermentino too), feeling quite quite slippery across the palate, without being overwrought or excessively unctuous. 

There's a touch of balancing acidity on the backbone too. Aromatics on intro offering a subtle sandalwood spice, something exotic to entice. 

Layered citrus palate offers delicate waves of flavour, fresh herbs along with spice and a nuttiness adding to the overall proposition. 90 

Tasted on: Friday 27th March 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://hastwellandlightfoot.com.au/

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