Fat 'n' Skinny Pinot Grigio 2018

Soft and ripe pear, hints of what feels like flaked almond. Gentle florals adding to the overall package. 

Quite generous across the palate, texture and a crispness of acidity and spice. Balanced, varietal, not sure what more one could want or ask of the variety.

You'd not be disappointed here, perhaps showing the advantage an extra year in bottle brings (2018, released in 2020). 90 

Tasted on: Wednesday 24th June
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://hastwellandlightfoot.com.au/

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Langmeil Blockbuster Shiraz 2017

A dense Plum and Mulberry mix of fruit, consistent across both aroma and palate. 

On a cool Autumn eve, this paired well with a simple pan fried grass fed Sirloin, both providing the comfort that such a night demanded.

The palate also conveys a succulence, a fine thread of silken tannin that pulls along a subtle frame of oak in support. It's an oft written cliché that a generous red can be like sinking into a favourite easy chair, yet the soft palate and gentle oak frame of this wine convey just that. 89

Tasted on: Monday 25th May
Source: Retail
Price: $25
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.langmeilwinery.com.au/

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La Violetta Ü Röck Döts 2018

A blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Grauburgunder. 

Rosewater and muskiness of the Gewürz leads, and certainly flows through to the palate too. I specifically chose this to match the heat of some fresh chilli in a Thai Curry - boy is it more than up for the task! 

Even with what feels like lavish texture with the extra sugar, there's still a finesse and a mineral quality across the palate. It's co-fermented in large format oak, I'd suggest that further aids texture and body, and coupled with quality fruit gives driving length. 

Bloody good wine, even better pairing for the bird's eyes liberally applied. 94 

Tasted on: Wednesday 24th June 
Source: Retail
Price: $44
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://laviolettawines.com.au/

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Yelland and Papps Vin de Soif 2017

It seems there's been a subtle shift in the release strategy of Yelland & Papp's Vin de Soif. From previous reviews (notes here) it was typically released some 18 months post-harvest, now something approaching three years. Observation, nothing more.

The blend, being Grenache, Mataro and Carignan, is consitent. The wine itself opens with the fresh, less-is-more, allure of bright, fresh and crunchy Grenache derived red fruit. 

Light, open and airy on initial taste, giving way to depth - there's approimately 38% whole bunch used - and crunch on the palate. Jeez, it's been a while between drinks for myself and the 'Soif', yet the thirst remains strong.

This wine is a testament to the quality of fruit and winemaking, freshness personified, released as a 3yo you'd easily be forgiven thinking it a fresh, nouveau style 2020 release. Impressive. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 25th June 

Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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