Clandestine Vineyards Mourvedre Rosé 2022

Single vineyard Rosé of Mataro. From McLaren Vale. It evokes summer days, of warmth on an evening breeze.

Summer berrys, rose petal, warmth on dried earth, baking spice.

Crisp and snap to attention palate profile, leading and guiding through the length and finish. Mouth-watering acidity positively gets the 'rails' of the palate going, reeling you back in for more.

This is both daytime smashability or setting sun lead-in to an evening ahead. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 11th September
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://clandestinevineyards.com.au/

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Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2018

Cassis and plummy fruit dominate here, fresh and primary.

Tannins across the palate are fine, almost silty. Fresh acidity has you salivating, yearning for more - exhibiting what will enable it to cellar well.

It feels a touch more comely, rounded in profile - the result of a warmer year - yet with a dried herb and subtle anise in the frame adding to the complexity. 94

Tasted on: Monday 10th October
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Clandestine Vineyards Break Free Deux Rebelles Rosé 2022

Can only assume the two rebels here refers to vintners Trudy and Nick Stacy, at first I was thinking it might be the grape varieties forming the make-up of the wine - but it's 100% Shiraz. With a few tricks - and some skins from Viognier, Gewurz and Riesling - employed to deliver something a little different.

Unfiltered, pouring a hazy and dusky pink. Watermelon husk and a touch of under-ripe strawberry in the mix - here. I'm less about the flavour(s) than the body and texture - there's a generousity about it that has you thinking afternoons around the barbecue. Bring it on El Nino. 90

Tasted on: Friday 28th October
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://clandestinevineyards.com.au/

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Huntington Estate Nouveau 2022

A youthful blend of Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Shiraz. Percentages unknown.

Frankly it smells like Pinot Noir, with the red fruit primary - yet supported by a just there savoury edge to frame the wine so.

Vibrant, juicy, red fruits abound - exuding a pastille like smoothness across the palate. Very much in the modern vogue, clocking in at a very modest 12.8%. You can go too wrong here. 90

Tasted on: Friday 7th October
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 12.8% 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Rotari Gran Rose Millesimato Brut 2016

Deeper salmon hued, 3 years on lees gives the secondary autolytic characters. Stonefruit and red fruits add a softer aspect.

The palate has a soft roundness, almost crispy - yet with a crisper, harder edge. A latent edge of fruit sweetness perks things up again, as if to provide a secondary movement for the wine. Decent bubbles. 91

Tasted on: Friday 4th November
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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The Little Wine Company Sangiovese 2019

Cracking Sangio from the Hunter here. It's a fruity vibe with just enough of a savoury pitch for interest.

Soft and supple on entry, a barely there throw of tannin gains a modest amount of presence to coat the mouth and leave a lasting presence.

Lingering acidity for freshness and to clean up the palate and whatever you choose to pair with it. Cliched as it may seem, Pizzas worked well at Chateau Vinsomniac. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 19th October
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.thelittlewinecompany.com.au/

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Huntington Estate Special Reserve Shiraz 2018

Soon to be released - 2017 still available on the web as at November 2022.

Heavy set cloak of oak sets out this wine's stall firmly. This is Mudgee Shiraz, with its milk chocolate / mud cake ways over prime black fruit.

Classic Mudgee tannins in a package of restraint - beautifully worked within its 13.2% alcohol. Drink 2024 - 2035. 94

Tasted on: Monday 31st October
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Robert Stein Dry Riesling 2022

Mudgee Riesling from vines planted in 1976 - some pedigree. Indeed, such is the demand - and quality of - these Robert Stein Rieslings that they have recently undertaken a 2.5 hectare expansion of plantings.

As ever an expressive number , it's an aromatic riot of lemons and limes, with floral notes adding their presence.

Tangy, with an initial softer mango like note. It flattens out a bit from there, a steely and bracing acidity that hales over and draws the wine long across the palate. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 3rd November
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 11% 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.robertstein.com.au/

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Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2020

Cabernet dominant (81%) with the balance of Shiraz.

Black fruit prime here, at least on first showing, for it morphs and shifts - revealing layers amidst the intrigue.

Herbal - think thyme, fennel - and savoury notes supplement that. Whilst it feels coiled at this juncture, it's presence, shape and structure assure of its longevity.

Brickish tannins dominate the finish in a classy manner. 94

Tasted on: Thursday 20th October
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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