The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

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Friday, 26 November 2021

Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Chardonnay 2020

  16:30    

Figgy kind of Chardonnay here, suggestion of citrus.

Palate shows more of a nutty, marzipan and spice character - that could be the secondary influence of the whisky barrels. Regardless, there's an appealing nature - even an offer of orange peel - to this wine.

Perhaps not the greatest of depth and length of flavour, but a well balanced and rounded proposition. 88

Tasted on: Thursday 4th November
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.jacobscreek.com/

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Patina Pinot Noir 2018

  08:30    

Even at 3y of age it still feels youthful and primary. Berry fruit with a slight sour edge lurking beneath.
It's light on entry - yet with a soft, sensuous and pillowy approach through the middle of the wine.

A line of cool climate acidity threads its way across, forming the wine's spine. There's a lasting finish, tugging further, creating a lingering memory.

It feels deceitful, in a good way: youthful, yet with a suggestion of maturity that is its destiny and what awaits further. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 17th November
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://patinawines.com.au/

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Thursday, 25 November 2021

Harewood Estate Porongurup Riesling 2021

  16:00    

Lemongrass, citrus, an undercurrent of salinity sitting gently beneath. 

The delicate fragrance not quite in tune for a Riesling packing a punch and tang of flavour.

A zest and minerality performs a lively dance across the palate, down the spine and through to a fine finish. Porongurup is certainly a sub-region to watch, the Harewood Rieslings generally too. 93

Tasted on: Wednesday 13th October
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://harewood.com.au/

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Tuesday, 23 November 2021

Yangarra Rosé 2020

  16:00    

Whole berry, basket pressed; wild yeast Ferment, lees maturation and battonage. Rosé shown some love, the Yangarra way. 

Touch of Turkish Delight and rose petal, softly accented, to entice. 

Crisp, clipped, has a cool approach - in that it feels punchy across the palate. Spiced nuance moving through the final third, driving length. 

Rivals the best of any, so-called, Provençal style Rosé. 93

Tasted on: Friday 4th September 
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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Monday, 22 November 2021

Blue Pyrenees Bone Dry Rosé 2020

  16:00    

I had to double check that I'd not already reviewed this, for my tasting experiences show Rosés typically tend to be released in the same year as declared vintage, not here it would seem!
Strawberry, watermelon, touch of dried herb in the mix.

It's dry as, with a wicked crunch through the length of the wine. It's delicate, with a fine veneer on initial entry and following through on a tight phenolic pinch. It has it all: aromatics, flavour, length and a touch of texture. A yes from me. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 17th November
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://bluepyrenees.com.au/

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Ballycroft Small Berry Mataro 2017

  08:30    

2.1t hand harvested on 20th April 2017. Spending18m in shaved out American oak.

The residual oak - from the 18m in re-purposed American - is evident on both the aromatics and across the palate. 

It feels right, and deep, and with the warmth of its alcohol and oak vessel. 

Fennel pollen on the nose; fruit is present: plum and black cherry depths - for which the variety is renowned - succeed in drawing the imbiber in. It still feels young, even at 3y of age. 

Over time it settles, becoming a more composed wine, at ease with itself. The back end sees the addition of Dutch liquorice, adding its mark across the finish. 91

Tasted on: Monday 5th October 
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.ballycroft.com/

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Sunday, 21 November 2021

Tim Adams Riesling 2020

  16:30    

Classic lemons and limes - not you'd expect anything else, or want more in a classic Clare Riesling. 

More lime across the palate, classic profile, touch of citrus zip, zing and zest - albeit with the dial turned down a touch. Still, refreshment personified. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 26th September 
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.timadamswines.com.au/

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Domaines Paul Mas Vignes de Nicole Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2019

  08:30    

Fine and powdery - cocoa like - tannins here; savoury with a smattering of fruit. 

There’s faint touches of old and drying tobacco, olive skins, and it veers toward to something cocoa like. Seeming somewhat devoid of personality and interest, yet without fault. 

The finish is dry, firm, with a residual and persistent length. 87

Tasted on: Tuesday 22nd September
Source: Sample
Price: $16.99
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.palatepr.com/

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Saturday, 20 November 2021

Blue Poles Amato Vino Marsanne 2020

  16:00    

Fruit from the Blue Poles 'Osmington' vineyard is whole bunch basket pressed by surf loving winemaker

Brad Wehr of Amato Vino. A portion is fermented in amphora, to accentuate the slippery and skinsy feel of the Marsanne. 

Opens with something like honey drizzled pear, but throw away the aromatics - where this absolutely delights is across the palate. 

Take the flavour dial, turn it up to ten, and prepare to have your taste buds assaulted. It's intense pear married to this incredibly slick mouthfeel, riding along on this electrifying acidic line that positively jolts the palate to life.  94

Tasted on: Thursday 3rd September 
Source: Retail
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://amatovino.com.au/

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Angullong Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

  08:30    

Tasted this some 6m back when it felt somewhat hollow, time has fleshed it out - a wine for the times,
when extended Covid isolation has led to more sedentary lifestyles and anecdotal tales of weight gain. I digress. 

Cedar, Bay, hints of tomato leaf. Chocolate appears in the frame occasionally, shifting in and out with the ebb and flow of aromatics. 

The palate is fine, with tannins to suit, touch of fleshier fruit in profile to broaden the wine to the finish. 90

Tasted on: Friday 7th August 
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.angullong.com.au/

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Friday, 19 November 2021

Golden Grove Vermentino 2021

  16:00    

Back to Estate fruit for this vintage. It sees 20% Barrel fermentation left on lees for 2 months and 9% being fermented on full skins for 10 days.

A beautifully aromatic wine, florals and with more than a throw of stonefruit in the frame.

An initial textural spread upon entry gives way to a zesty minerality. It's fresh and refreshing, on a generous length of acidity that flows and that peachy subtlety is just refreshment personified. Superb. 93

Tasted on: Saturday  9th October
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.goldengroveestate.com.au/

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Harewood Estate Denmark Pinot Noir 2021

  08:30    

It's a Pinot in a youthful and fruity vibe, with raspberry, cherry, satsuma plum and a cassis-like air about it.

The palate is light, with a delicate chewy complexion. Barely there tannin profile abuts what seems like a spritz adding energy, vitality and length.

It's not the most complex offering, but for a wine that's brimming and energetic it serves well. 89

Tasted on: Wednesday 10th November
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol:
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://harewood.com.au/

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Thursday, 18 November 2021

Chateau Yaldara Moscato NV

  15:01    

Fresh on approach: Subtle rose water, pear and green apple skins. Slight sorbet like zestiness to proceedings. I'd perhaps unfairly - snobbishly - left this in the sample pile.

There's a gentle spritz, a certain mid-palate sweetness, a tickle of citrus. 

The sugar is certainly there, in excess of 50g residual, yet it has a balance to it. Depending on your preference, this could either go as a gentle afternoon cleanser, or as some prefer pair with a contrasting cheese. 89

Tasted on: Thursday 10th September 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 9$
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.1847wines.com/

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Angullong Fossil Hill Tempranillo 2019

  08:30    

I picked the bottle up, recording the price and stated alcohol - standard practice - and upon seeing its 14.5% wondered where it might sit stylistically in comparison to old world examples. But why? Why would I feel the need to compare an example from a region 10,000 odd kilometres away to (what arguably is) the benchmark region?

Orange, as a wine producing region, is defined by an altitude, only vineyards above a certain altitude on Mt Canobolas - an old volcano - are allowed to be declared from the region of "Orange, NSW".

To the wine in question: Blueberry, chocolate, cherry - perhaps even in that order.

There's a freshness and vitality across the palate, feeling youthful and energetic in initial entry. Wickedly medium bodied, belying that stated alcohol that served as an intro to this note, with a plushness.

Fine, meshed tannins. Chocolatey richness with a residual lick of fruit through to the finish. A delight. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 2nd September
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.angullong.com.au/

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Wednesday, 17 November 2021

De Bortoli Blue Pinot Gris 2020

  16:30    

I didn't read the accompanying PR at first and expected this to actually be blue with some adjunct. 


So why blue: as the press release actually states:"Blue evokes feelings of calmness, trust and confidence, paired with the dragonfly and butterfly which symbolise hope, change and freedom. That is what De Bortoli’s new BLUE Pinot Gris is all about." 

Very aromatic offering here: ripe pear, apple skins and florals - all giving aromatic lift and presence.

Textural, a generosity of weight to the palate. The pear is prominent, spice, phenolics adding a drying conclusion to the finish. Good spring drinking. 89

Tasted on: Thursday 2nd September
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: debortoli.com.au

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Yangarra Noir 2019

  08:30    

Grenache, 62%; Mourvedre, 12%; Shiraz, 15%; Carignan, 6%; Cinsault, 3%; Carignan, 6%.

A true Southern Rhone blend beyond the usual suspects of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre; each component handled separately, prior to final assemblage. 

Smells a touch rooty on opening, again I stress there's no bunch component, yet 50% whole berry. 

It's light, slick and racy across the palate - a juiciness that cannot be escaped and fails not to freshen. A light rub of tannin, gentle maceration ensuring a fine extraction and delivering length. 

No artifice, all expression of fine fruit and the winemaker's craft. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 10th September
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Pizzini Riesling 2021

  16:36    

Riesling was the first variety planted by the Pizzini family back in 1978, serving to remind of their deep and long connection to the region and industry.

Pure and nigh glacial, a cool and crisp representation of the variety from the King Valley.

There's a subtlety to the fruit, a light tang of citrus that casts a fine shadow through to the finish.

Acidity is present, but manages to move beyond the linear and battery acid like examples of elsewhere. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 21st September
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.pizzini.com.au/

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Golden Grove Sangiovese 2021

  08:30    

Vibrant and juicy style of Sangiovese here. Unsure what the Sangiovese/ Chianti equivalent of a 'Joven' style is - but I'd offer that this is it personified.!

It's delicate, fruit forward and with the merest hint of tannic crunch. It's a loose and 'open weave' style of wine, free and easy in its style. 91

Tasted: Saturday 9th October
Source: Sample
Price: 35
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Sample

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Monday, 15 November 2021

Alkoomi White Label Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2021

  16:27    

Passionfruit, citrus, rock melon. It's a fruity, tropical number that provides refreshment from the go.

Pithy citrus across the palate, touch of bittering in there too - a useful counterpoint.

It's really about up front refreshment, not so much through the finish. Will serve well ice cold, on a blistering day. 88

Tasted on: Tuesday 9th November
Source: Sample
Price: $21
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.alkoomiwines.com.au/

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Wirra Wirra Woodhenge Shiraz 2018

  08:30    

Big and bold, plenty of oak on show too - both French and American, 40% of which is new, the latter seemingly dominating - what more would you want from 'Woodhenge'? 

For that heft and brawn, it's fairly supple across the palate, initial remnants of oak subside to give way to softer red fruits, raspberry and the like. 

It's soft and approachable yet with a depth and firmness, as good as I recall Woodhenge being in recent years. Good to go now, or rewarding the patient 2030. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 1st September 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://wirrawirra.com/

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Wednesday, 10 November 2021

Pizzini Arneis 2021

  16:00    

Delightfully fragrant example: white florals, stonefruit - and dripping with juice - hint of white pepper in the mix too, somewhat unexpectedly.

Light and dry; open, airy and inviting kind of wine with just a powder puff suggestion of grape tannin across the middle.

This would kick-off a lunch superbly, perhaps zucchini flowers or fritters maybe? Something light, to match the sense of being of the wine. 92

Tasted on: Friday 5th November
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.pizzini.com.au/

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Tapanappa Definitus Pinot Noir 2018

  08:30    

For a fuller background description as to the origins of the Definitus, please refer to the 2017 review.

A very expressive example from the off. Wonderful aromatics, yet cast that aside and take delight in the sheer power and depth across the palate.

Tight and minerally tannin is bound up on the palate, supporting an initial fruit presence that yields to the Asian spice that penetrates long across the middle. 96

Tasted on: Sunday 14th March
Source: Sample
Price: $90
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Tuesday, 9 November 2021

Edenflo Lemon Krush 2021

  16:00    

Eden Valley Semillon and Chardonnay with extended skin contact. Creates a lightly cloudy wine, almost lemon barley like in appear. Krushing it.

Grapefruit, dried ginger, preserved lemons. Fresh style - yet I'd suggest the palate is where the real excitement is.

A textural deliciousness married to a minerally zing, a three-way unison with a spine of acid carrying this one through the finish.

There's a savoury edge to the wine through its final third, you think you have its mark, and yet it delivers something more. At turns it's an ultra-refreshing wine, a textural wunderkind, then overall a wine of class and refined length. Big fan here. 93

Tasted on: 17th June 2021
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://edenflowines.com.au/

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Dalrymple Cottage Block Pinot Noir 2019

  08:30    

Captivating aromatics: hibiscus, violets - floral and with subtle res/ black/ blue fruit mix.

Soft, sensuous, betraying the stated alcohol content. Tannin is fine, structured,  with freshening acidity that speaks to both cooler climes and an ability to cellar.

The epitome of ethereal; fine boned, delicate and almost haunting as to its conclusion. 94

Tasted on: Friday 30th July
Source: Sample
Price: $64
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.dalrymplevineyards.com.au/

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Monday, 8 November 2021

Blue Pyrenees Rosé NV

  16:30    

Pale bronze/ copper skinned wine on pour. Bright in glass, light strawberry wafting. 

Touch of fruit sweetness on taste: strawberry, raspberry - certainly in that red berry spectrum,with red apple skins supplementing. 

Gentle bubbles cascade across the palate. Balanced, but narrow in profile. Decent length about it too, on a dry length. Good Midweek sparkler - as tasted at The Vinsomniac HQ. 89

Tasted on: Thursday 10th September 
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://bluepyrenees.com.au/

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Lambert Estate First Chapter Shiraz 2019

  08:30    

Classic Barossa Shiraz in profile. Deep plum, Mulberry, kiss of oak just there.

The palate shows a sweetish fruit profile, firmish grain of tannin and a lick of - well - licorice through the finish. Solid Barossan Shiraz, a crowd pleaser all the way. 90

Tasted on: Saturday 28th August
Source: Sample
Price: $TBC
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.lambertestate.com/

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Sunday, 7 November 2021

Huntington Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2021

  16:36    

Has beautiful visual appeal, I'm sure it would entice on looks alone. It pours a pale dusky pink, the kind
seen on a Summer's fading sun.

It conveys a floral and confectioner's berry aroma, a sensation that flows onto the palate.

It's consistent in its presentation, with a bold profile. There's hints of red apple, strawberry, citrus and even veering to what seems a tropical bent to it. Summer personified. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 4th August
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 12.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Thursday, 4 November 2021

DAOSA Natural Reserve 4th Release NV

  21:11    

This wine made me stand up and pay attention, even now some 48 hours later it continues to haunt me and make me re-appraise it.

Initially autolytic characters with wholemeal bread in the frame dominate. Stonefruit, Quince - for those fruit characteristics it throws more of a savoury bent.

A tangy lemon/lime citrus greets you on entry, it's minerally with a somewhat coarse nature across the palate. It's of generous length, a firm spine of acidity provides the frame about which the wine hangs. 

If serving this in one sitting, it may actually benefit from a decant, doing so will see some of the efferevescence subside, but bring forward more of a saline/ sherry like character. It's a wine that will likely develop. It's youthful now, yet possessing the pedigree to come together. 94+

Tasted on: Wednesday 3rd November
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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Sunday, 17 October 2021

Geoff Merrill Reserve Chardonnay 2017

  12:20    

Oak remnants, grilled nectarine, creamed corn. It's listed as 94% McLaren Vale Chardonnay, the balance being Coonawarra fruit.

Richness across the palate, some additional time has softened acids, building texture. There's a creamy, almost mealiness, with stonefruit depth of flavour.

Generous to a tee. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 15th June
Source:Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.geoffmerrillwines.com.au/

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Sunday, 8 August 2021

Tim Adams Riesling 2021

  08:30    

So it would appear 2021 is being lauded as a stellar vintage in Clare, at least something of potential has come from what has been quite a troubling period.

Bath salts, lavender, suggestion of lemon grass and lime juice.

There's a sharp and focal intensity to the wine, geared around citrus, possessing drive through to the finish.

It fades on that length, lingering sufficiently to leave a lasting presence on the palate - before the next glass that is. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 28th July
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.timadamswines.com.au/

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Saturday, 7 August 2021

Jules Taylor Pinot Noir 2020

  13:54    

Firmer, meatier style of Pinot Noir from the Marlborough region and the hand of Jules Taylor.

Dark fruit, oak seasoning and tilled earth on offer. Stylistically it's medium to full bodied, dark fruits represent and segue to a firm - yet fine - tannin profile that carries a dark and firm line through the finish. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 29th July
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.julestaylor.com/
Sample courtesy of: Single Vineyard Sellers  

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Tuesday, 3 August 2021

Parish Vineyard Coal River Valley Riesling 2020

  22:20    

Tasmanian Riesling from the Coal River Valley, some 30KMs north-east of Hobart.

It's of a prominent citrus bent, a little marmalade, green mango and apple - add some freshening sea spray on the nose and you're pretty much there.

The palate is fresh, tangy, hint of salinity flowing through - seemingly adding both length and width. The backbone to the wine is long, with a finer length than - say - the bristling acidity of an example from Eden Valley, where proprietor Robert Hill-Smith and winemaker Louisa Rose ply their trade.

This calls for a dozen, freshly shucked and with a simple squeeze of lemon to compliment. That briny edge just matching the Oyster shell for me. 93

Tasted on: Monday 2nd August
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.hsfv.com/

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Saturday, 12 June 2021

Calabria Three Bridges Grenache 2019

  08:30    

Three Bridges named after the three weigh bridges built adjacent to the original winery.

The brand is now multi-regional, here sourcing premium Barossa Grenache.

Dense and plummy, as much about region.as variety. It's succulent on initial entry, cushioned and supple across the palate.

Latently there's a darker edge, almost blackcurrant like, and with a licorice and spice edge that adds a deeper complexity to it. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 9th May
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.calabriawines.com.au

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Friday, 11 June 2021

Geoff Merrill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

  08:30    

A blend of McLaren Vale (53%) and Coonawarra (47%) fruit.

Released with the age on it, still retaining an element of youth, vigour and freshness.

Plummy, damson, blackcurrant notes on the nose. The palate conveying an acidic freshness, tannin is firm and somewhat robust still now. Gives a firmness and provides length and depth of flavour.

Somewhat older school in its presentation, an observation - nothing more. Matched this a medium reverse seared rib fillet on the bone, the tannin/protein match-up a perfect pairing to highlight the depth and even of a touch of char in the oak.

In the zone now, yet still with plenty ahead of it. Bottle August 2017 after a whopping 36m in a mix of French and American oak. 94

Tasted on: Saturday 5th June
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.geoffmerrillwines.com.au/

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Thursday, 10 June 2021

Tapanappa Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2020

  21:13    

Very Hills and Tapanappa in profile, citrus and nectarine with a smattering of oak (one third new) in support: there, yet allowing the fruit to shine.

Decent length here, a fine line with a just there acidity. It's all about the balance.

Something like a grapefruit tang through that length, leading to a somewhat straightforward package overall (in the context of its brethren within the portfolio). 91

Tasted on: Sunday 23rd May
Source: Sample
Price: $39
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Wednesday, 9 June 2021

De Bortoli Melba Amphora Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

  07:30    

Cabernet from the Yarra Valley doesn't normally spend 150 days on skins in 1000l  amphora, being then pressed off and sent to older French oak. On this showing perhaps it should.

It's less about the aromatics, as perhaps is logical given from the techniques employed in its making.

It's both silken, velvet smooth, switching to a fine and tight grain of tannin that acts as a vehicle for a wine of depth to emerge through to its finish.

It's deep, classy and displaying a persistence of flavour through to its lengthy conclusion. A worthy inclusion in any cellar. 94

Tasted on: Wednesday 26th May
Source: Sample
Price: $80
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: DIAM
Website: debortoli.com.au

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Tuesday, 8 June 2021

Castle Rock Estate Pinot Noir 2019

  20:26    

Castle Rock is an excellent producer under the watchful haze of winemaker Rob Diletti, churning out exemplar wines across Riesling, Chardonnay, and reds through Shiraz and here Pinot Noir.

It's cool, savoury - reflecting its maritime location - leading with sour cherry, herbal inflections and even a touch of sarsaparilla in the mix.

The palate is delicate, softly structured with a fine emery tannin. There's a length - subtle at first - building and growing in stature.

A Pinot Noir that will grow with time - if you can keep your hands off. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 3rd June
Source: Sample
Price: $34
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://castlerockestate.com.au/

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Sunday, 18 April 2021

d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Marsanne 2020

  16:27    

Honeysuckle, flowering Jasmine - a very spring like vibe here in this Hermit Crab, even if suggestively it's hibernating for the next couple of months perhaps.

Nice mid-weight, acid a touch sharp and seems out of focus - compared to that lovely aromatic intro. 88

Tasted on: Wednesday 24th March
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.darenberg.com.au/

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Wednesday, 14 April 2021

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

  08:30    

Sour cherry and dark fruit profile, touch more of the savoury - almost hedgerow, stem like - than I necessarily recall.

For that depth of aromatics, it carries a lightness to itself; silken in its flow across the palate and not sacrificing length nor depth of flavour.

Tannin is exemplary: both fine and minerally. A quiet achiever, needs time or cellaring. 93+

Tasted on: Saturday 6th March
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Tuesday, 13 April 2021

d'Arenberg d'Arry's Grenache Shiraz 2018

  21:17    

Grenache the hero here, deep raspberry compote aromatics with black fruit adding depth and a layered aspect.

The palate is similar in profile, with the additional of typical McLaren Vale earth. Good release, good value. 90

Tasted on: Saturday 27th March
Source: Sample
Price: $21
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.darenberg.com.au/

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Tuesday, 16 February 2021

Wirra Wirra Lost Watch Riesling 2020

  16:30    

Subtle lemongrass and kaffir lime notes here, supplemented with a touch of citrus across the palate. 

There's a touch more texture, a fleshy suppleness with a chalky phenolic pucker. A lemon/ lime acidic line adds a spine and precision to the finish. It may be perceived as quite lean in style, yet has much to offer. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 25th August 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://wirrawirra.com/

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Amigo de la Terra Organic Tempranillo Syrah 2018

  08:30    

Organically farmed Tempranillo and Syrah from the high Plains of Northern Syrah, a vino de Espana. 

Earthy core with black fruit accents that act as a counter to that initial aroma of the land. 

Plum and blackcurrant vibes across the palate. Soft, fleshy and yet with an edge of spice at the finish. Reasonable. 88

Tasted on: Wednesday 19th August 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com

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Monday, 15 February 2021

Angullong Shiraz 2019

  20:00    

Opens with what might be variously interpreted as a char and bacon fat/ meat aroma, or a mercaptan
(onions or such) vibe.

The palate is a touch softer, fleshier, black fruit abounds - almost blackcurrant pastille like. A touch of residual fruit sweetness offsets the more savoury intro. 

Tannin is fine, persistent, carrying long across the palate. Definite carriage of flavour leaves a finish that bookends its somewhat more playful middle. An altogether enjoyable package. 90

Tasted on: Thursday 6th August 
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.angullong.com.au

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Tuesday, 9 February 2021

Henty Farm Riesling 2019

  16:30    

Curry leaves and Fenugreek - certainly a Riesling on the more interesting side of the aromatic spectrum. 

It's cool and crisp, yet somewhat lighter in flavour and texture. Henty is certainly cool, on the more marginal fringes of Australian viticulture and this excellent Riesling reflects that, with a somewhat austere - nigh Germanic take on things. 92

Tasted on: Saturday 21st November 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Ballycroft Small Berry Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

  08:30    

Dusky black fruit over pencil shavings and rolling tobacco. 

It's on the fuller side for Cabernet Sauvignon, which is exactly where winemaker Joe Evans likes the variety. 

Tannins are ultra-fine, a combination of graphite and cocoa. Latterly the wine reveals its power and potency, overt in nature. This is as good as I've tasted a Cabernet from the producer. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 22nd November 
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.ballycroft.com/

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Monday, 8 February 2021

Huntington Estate Tim Stevens Signature Shiraz 2017

  18:01    

Alongside its Cabernet/Shiraz [link] counterpart, the Tim Stevens Signature Shiraz represents the upper echelon of the Huntington portfolio. 

From the off it's rich and somewhat hedonistic. A deep, intense wine, yet it does so whilst letting fruit and region sing. Oak is present, yet a part, not the lead in this particular scene. 

Milk chocolate and sage lead, segueing to a palate that shows intensity of blue and purple fruits. 

Latent spice asserts a presence too, amidst this body of fruit and chocolate. Tannins are substantive, whilst this feels good to go it will only improve over mid-term. Drink to 2038 94

Tasted on: Sunday 31st January 
Source: Sample
Price: $100
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Thursday, 4 February 2021

Edenflo Quincy J 2020

  08:30    

A delicious skinsy blend of Eden Valley Gewürz, Riesling and Viognier.

Eden Flo is Andrew Wardlaw and sidekick (dog) Quincy Jones. Andrew was at pains to express how to best sample his wines - attention to detail a boon - advising to avoid excess cold and allow time and air for fuller expression. 

Pouring a somewhat hedonistic golden colour, and immediately redolent of florals, Quince and stewed apple. 

The palate conveyed an immediate nuttiness, followed by lavish texture and generous spiced nuance across the finish. 

Respecting the winemaker's wishes, after 24 hours the skinsy, Quincey vibe is more pronounced on the nose. Across the palate, ginger is pulled forward and caressed by quite a lavish textural throw. The spice is really quite prominent now, seemingly adding to the sustain of the wine's finish. 

A rather exquisite wine of detail, texture and interest. 94

Tasted on: Sunday 31st January 
Source: Sample
Price: $33
Alcohol: 
Closure: Cork
Website: https://edenflowines.com.au/

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Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Clandestine Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2020

  16:30    

Fresh and bold, Passionfruit, pear and herb - more like the illicit offspring resulting from a vineyard tryst between Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. 

Cut and thrust of acidity, gentle phenolic rub across the palate. Can't escape the fact that this seems more akin to Hills savvy. 89

Tasted on: Monday 7th December 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://clandestinevineyards.com.au/

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d'Arenberg The Anthroprocene Epoch Mencia 2019

  08:30    

On aromatics alone it's a good rendition of a Ribeira Sacra, with a dense core of red fruit amidst a savoury, almost smokey - but not quite rubbery (an oft sighted quality in this appelation) - background

It's soft, gentle, with a fine and tight tannin structure. Seemingly a wine of contrast: fruit and savoury; gentle and grainy. It's all the better for it, approachable and yet cerebral. 

Well made, also perhaps a nod to vines hitting their straps. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 10th December 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol:
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.darenberg.com.au

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Tuesday, 2 February 2021

Barossa Boy Young Wisdom Mataro 2018

  17:57    

Diam sealed, pretty serious intent coming in a heavy set - deep punted - bottle. 

Initially sullen, Mataro needs some air  - IMNSHO - to reveal its true colours. 

This example itself to be tightly coiled, fine grain of tannin, heft of a wine - subtlety and guile not necessarily the calling cards on first show. That said there's a depth and penetration of flavour, length creeping. 

It has the hallmark, needs to open up further. 91++

Tasted on: Wednesday 16th December 
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 15%
Closure: DIAM
Website: www.barossaboywines.com.au

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Monday, 1 February 2021

Ubertas Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2020

  16:30    

It's a fruitier expression of Chardonnay here, the winery seeking to express character of the variety over
oak. Picked a little earlier, with a somewhat moderate 12.5% alcohol, fermented in tank before half sent to 2nd year French barrels. 

Notes of pineapple and melon in the main. Segues to a citrus derived juiciness, dare I suggest it as lime, running long across the palate. 

Lacking perhaps the depth and substance of other examples that might score higher, it's freshness and clarity will win many over. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 31st January 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ubertaswines.com.au/

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Huntington Estate Merlot 2019

  08:30    

Image to follow
"2019 has been characterised by intensely dry heat spells followed by short, heavy rainfall. We picked our
fruit very early to beat the heat and secured stunning, evenly ripened fruit with clean, restrained acids." 

This 2019 has been released before the 2017 and 2018. Sitting in the spot within the portfolio where the Grenache normally would (2019 Grenache sold out, none made in 2020).

Initially bright perfume of cherry on initial pour, settles nicely into more familiar plum and typical black fruit profile. 

The palate shows every inch of its early picking, light and bright with a tangy acid profile across the palate and through the finish. 

A delicious lick of spice curls across the back palate, delivering length to boot. Do not underestimate its lower alcohol profile, the freshness makes this a marvellous supping wine for consumption in youth. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 9th January 
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 12.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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