2023 ~ The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

An Australian Wine Blog

Wednesday, 1 November 2023

Foggy Hill Vineyard Definitus Pinot Noir 2021

14:51 Stu.

November 1st 2023 sees the release of this wine - along with the accompany Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2021.On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of the Foggy Hill vineyard, winemaker Brian Croser - accompanied by wife Ann - embarked...

2021 / Fleurieu Peninsula / pinot noir

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

14:38 Stu.

Foggy Hill is Brian Croser's latest (albeit one twenty years in the making) passion project, down on the Southern tip of the Fleurieu.Cool, maritime influenced, the site for this stunningly consistent Pinot. Leads with a floral, rose-raspberry mix over Sage. Spice...

2022 / Fleurieu Peninsula / pinot noir

Wednesday, 18 October 2023

Castel Firmian Teroldego Rotaliano Superiore Riserva 2019

07:26 Stu.

Black cherry, blackcurrant, touch of cocoa in the mix, with an underlying musky hint - a little like your favourite Uncle's after shave (don't mind me!).Delightful palate that all at once is tender, yet robust - offering both generosity of fruit, fine tannins and flashes...

2019 / Italy / Rotaliano / Teroldego

Monday, 16 October 2023

St Hugo GSM 2022

11:49 Stu.

Black and red fruit against savoury, nutty oak. Some warmed earth in the frame.There's a freshness, both of fruit - with freshening acidity to cleanse across its length. A biscuity, roasted/ caramel edge adds an extra dimension to the final flourish. An excellent package...

2022 / Barossa Valley / grenache / Mataro et al / Shiraz

Sunday, 15 October 2023

Cellier des Dauphins Val Soléu IGP Drôme Organic Rosé 2022

09:17 Stu.

Orange peel, strawberry, watermelon - evocative of summer, hot air on a breeze.Kiss of peachy stonefruit and kernel on the palate, drying phenolic coating the mouth; drying length with a pucker of acid. Flowing on a length. Evokes Summer in a glass. 92Tasted on: Monday...

2022 / Provence / Rosé

Thursday, 12 October 2023

d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Grenache Shiraz 2020

11:59 Stu.

(c) Courtesy of d'ArenbergYears ago, wine personality (I think that the right label) Matt Skinner published his book "Heard It Through the Grapevine" in which he gave a recommendation for bangers 'n' mash paired with d'Arry's Original. It's a pairing I've trusted in...

2020 / grenache / McLaren Vale / Shiraz

Wednesday, 11 October 2023

Feudo Arancio Quèto Nero d'Avola 2021

12:17 Stu.

Baked raspberry, warm earth, chocolate mud cake vibes. That's not intended to make it sound simple, rather convey the comely aromatics that emanate.Mid to full weight on the palate, touch of warmth, baking spices - palate presence building, the wine growing in stature....

2021 / Nero d'Avola / Sicily

Tuesday, 10 October 2023

Berton Vineyard Alfresco Vermentino 2022

09:09 Stu.

Green apple, ripe pear, waxy citrus.There's a lovely texture on initial entry, but it soon yields to a minerally acid spread before a phenolic pucker. The acid might be a touch perky for some, but after its initial blaze is does gently ebb towards its conclusion. Lovely...

2022 / Riverina / Vermentino

Monday, 3 July 2023

Tapanappa Tiers Chardonnay 2022

16:13 Stu.

Another "near perfect" vintage remarks Brian Croser in the notes accompanying the release. Slightly warmer than 2021, but like that vintage it's considered spot on - compared to the run of warmer years in the decade from around the 2010s.Exquisite oak on presentation...

2022 / Adelaide Hills / Chardonnay

Friday, 30 June 2023

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Adelaide Hill Shiraz 2021

08:00 Stu.

From the cool of the Hills, but in a somewhat warmer bodied guise.Blood plums, hints of violet, touch of oak - older - framing and supporting, adding depth. A supple, easy-going approach to the body. Yielding to some meaty depths and on a very good length. A multi-faceted...

2021 / Adelaide Hills / Shiraz

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022

08:00 Stu.

Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide Hills fruit - made by the Barossa Valley based winery Kaesler.Classic Hills grassy, passionfruit, fresh vibe on offer here. Citrus bent on entry to the palate, a thrust of acid that curves its way across the palate. Fleshy rock...

2022 / Adelaide Hills / Sauvignon Blanc

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Pinot Noir 2021

08:00 Stu.

For those who don't know, Saint & Scholar is a secondary label of Barossa based Kaesler.Here Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir, fruit drawn off a single vineyard, clocking in a very respectable 13.5%. Fruit at the lighter end of the red Berry spectrum: strawberry, raspberry...

2021 / Adelaide Hills / pinot noir

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Chardonnay 2022

08:00 Stu.

Creamy vanilla creme patisserie on offer here, nougat and cashew.Further oak presence - by way of mouthfeel and spice - on the immediate palate, leading to a moderately creamy palate. Chardonnay on the money. 89Tasted on: Thursday 13th April Source: Sample Price: $25 Alcohol:...

2022 / Adelaide Hills / Chardonnay

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Pinot Gris 2022

08:00 Stu.

Hills Gris here, exuding the hallmark qualities of the style at a textbook 13%.It's all poached pear, quince, with a trailing edge of patching spice. Faint textural edge, but I personally prefer to see more width and breadth in the style. Somewhat redeemed through a generous...

2022 / Adelaide Hills / Pinot Gris

Thursday, 29 June 2023

Berton Vineyard Alfresco Barbera 2021

17:03 Stu.

Looks good, tastes good, has enough presence of fruit to take a chill, clocks in at a moderate 12.5% - what's not to like?Barbera from the Riverina - light cherry and strawberry crunchy vibe, counter-balanced with a darker depth of flavour. There's a herb and spice...

2021 / Barbera / Riverina

Wednesday, 28 June 2023

Harewood Estate Flux V Pinot Noir 2022

07:51 Stu.

Plum and sour cherry vibe here - cool rendition of Pinot Noir from Denmark, in Western Australia's Great Southern region.Veers towards a dark fruit profile on the palate: tight, dense tannin profile. Delivers an excellent length, but one suggests the enjoyment factor...

2022 / Denmark / Great Southern / pinot noir

Tuesday, 27 June 2023

Berton Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022

15:30 Stu.

Passionfruit and lemon balm nose, good aromatic game - a little herbal twist without being over done.Balanced palate, drive of fruit with some glacé pineapple in the frame. A little zest and drive of acidity. Well produced Sauv, not often you hear me say that! 91Tasted...

2022 / Padthaway / Sauvignon Blanc

Yalumba Homefulness Shiraz 2021

08:30 Stu.

A collaborative effort between leading family owned winery Yalumba and housing charity Forage Built.This Shiraz builds on the success of the Grenache of a year or two back, which to date has seen Yalumba donate $60,000 to the charity. Whilst I never reviewed that wine,...

2021 / Barossa Valley / Shiraz

Monday, 26 June 2023

Colmar Estate Block 2 Chardonnay 2021

16:00 Stu.

Chardonnay from the cool of Orange, where tropical fruit notes have come to the fore to express themselves.Citrus, ruby grapefruit, vanilla oak. It's delicate and balanced - not a slap you in the face style. Spiced oak across the palate, intertwined with a suggestive...

2021 / Chardonnay / Orange

Yalumba The Cigar 2019

08:00 Stu.

A delightful, dense black fruited mass is what greets you here. Suggestive oak lurks furtively, framing not dominating.The palate shows a lick of black licorice, a slick and glossy feel shows it gliding across the palate. It feels composed, graceful in how it presents...

2019 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Coonawarra

Sunday, 25 June 2023

Feudo Arancio Nero d'Avola 2021

11:55 Stu.

Classic Sicilian variety at a very friendly price.Plum and kirsch notes with a herb and savoury edge. The palate is supple, lithe, hints of baked raspberry across the palate. True tannin profile, with a roughish edge that gives grip across the final movement through the palate. 90Tasted on: Saturday 24th June Source: Sample Price: $20 Alcohol: 13% Closure: ScrewcapSample courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/ Follow...

2021 / Italy / Nero d'Avola / Sicily

Sunday, 11 June 2023

Tolloy Pinot Grigio 2021

10:26 Stu.

Stewed pears with a little soapy floral in the frame.The palate shows an initial burst of fruit, before a sterner, minerally edge takes over. It's actually the better for it, giving it something of a chalky phenolic that carries across the palate. Good line of acidity...

2021 / Alto-Adige / Pinot Grigio

Saturday, 10 June 2023

Castel Firmian Pinot Nero 2020

13:36 Stu.

Pinot Nero from Trentino.Conveys a dark cherry with something like a choc coated aroma - altogether rather pleasant.The palate is familiar in that respect too, the addition of a grilled nut character makes this the perfect accompaniment for the cooler months, with the nights...

2020 / Italy / pinot noir / Trentino

Monday, 5 June 2023

De Bortoli Wood Fired Grenache 2021

08:40 Stu.

An initial soft and sensuous palate yields to depth of fruit: satsuma plum, blueberry compote.It's a pretty straight-down-the-line affair, a fine grain of tannin adds some structure to the palate profile. Good level of sustain to the finish - steady effort here. 90Tasted...

2021 / grenache / heathcote

Monday, 29 May 2023

Mayfield Vineyard William Pinot Noir 2022

08:40 Stu.

One year old Pinot from Orange. 285 dozen produced.Speaks to a somewhat deeper and darker representation of Pinot: briar, dark cherry, blue fruit and florals. The palate is a mid to full weight, a generous palate presence with a pitch of acidity against a blue/black fruit mix. For the ask, I'd like to see more depth, presence and barrel time. That said the fruit quality does shine through. 92Tasted...

2022 / Orange / pinot noir

Thursday, 23 March 2023

Break Free Enfant De Lune Syrah 2021

15:26 Stu.

Single Vineyard wine, fruit from the Frankland River region. “Child of the Moon", or born of the moon. Harvested in the cool, by moonlight. Ten days on skins, unfiltered and unfined. Just fermented juice it would appear. Juicy fruit nose, like the blackcurrant pastille...

2021 / Frankland / Syrah

Monday, 27 February 2023

Téssera Wines Middle Child Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

11:47 Stu.

McLaren Vale Cabernet is - in my view - an oft overlooked pleasure. Shiraz stands tall, attempts have been made to garner Grenache as the hero variety - and that's without mentioning the strong Italian roots in the region that have seen Montepulciano and Sangiovese...

2020 / Cabernet Sauvignon / McLaren Vale

Friday, 17 February 2023

Mayfield Vineyard Backyard Riesling 2022

12:45 Stu.

It's been a while between drinks from Mayfield. This the first of a trio of reviews from the label since acquisition by the Eastham family in 2021.Expressive Riesling from the Orange region: passionfruit, sour apples, suggestion of under-ripe banana in the mix too....

2022 / Orange / riesling

Wednesday, 15 February 2023

Cellier des Dauphins Les Dauphins Côte du Rhone Rosé 2020

16:00 Stu.

Strawberry and husk, a little watermelon and rind.Textural with a slightly broader palate profile. Citrus running fresh across the finish. Flash of fresh herb in the frame too. A pleasing, somewhat no-nonsense style of Rosé. 88Tasted on: Saturday 29th October Source: Sample Price: $20 Alcohol: 12.5% Closure: Screwcap Website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/ Follow me: http://twitter.com/Th...

2020 / Cotes du Rhone / Rosé

Huntington Estate Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

09:24 Stu.

I had the opportunity to re-appraise this at the Huntington Winemaker's Lunch (a great event if you get the chance - disclosure, I have been fortunate to be invited as a guest of the winery on occasion).On that second tasting, it was reinforced how it is so a wine...

2016 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Mudgee

Tuesday, 14 February 2023

Lapis Luna Zinfandel 2020

14:34 Stu.

Char and toast, bold aromas, certainly not subtle. It's Zinfandel - a staple of Northern California,here specifically the North Coast/Mendocino region, the wine sees a mix of French and American oak, a small portion (10%) new.A lightness on the palate, sweeter...

2020 / Mendocino / North Coast / Zinfandel

Harewood Estate Great Southern Riesling 2022

08:29 Stu.

This is the entry level Riesling from Harewood Estate - a producer that explores a range of sub-regional Riesling to such excellence.Lime pith, green melon, a floral note - steely reserve under that initial aromatic introduction. Quite austere, yielding little. There's a length and generosity of intent - but hard to nail its colours to the mast when I find such expression elsewhere in the range. 90+Tasted...

2022 / Great Southern / riesling

Monday, 13 February 2023

Break Free Petite Blancs 2022

08:22 Stu.

Swan Valley Chenin Blanc with Margaret River Chardonnay and Frankland River Gewurztraminer.Unfiltered, giving it a Barley water-esque haze - something I don't mind in a wine, but shits me no end in a beer. Plenty of interest mind: musky aromatics, pear juice dribbling across...

2022 / Chardonnay / Chenin Blanc / Gewürztraminer / Western Australia

Sunday, 12 February 2023

De Bortoli Ti Amo Fiano 2022

11:01 Stu.

Fiano from across plantings in both the King Valley and Rutherglen, making this a 'Wine of Victoria'.Lemons and a briny whiff on immediate introduction. Certainly smells the part.The palate conveys a freshness, by way of nashi pear, creamy nuts, with a harder aspect of...

2022 / Fiano / Victoria

Thursday, 9 February 2023

Robert Stein Half Dry Riesling RS15 2022

08:52 Stu.

Fruit from neighbouring GI Orange is used to make this off-dry Riesling from Mudgee based Robert Stein. Apple, mango, citrus - all combine on the nose and provide the lead in to a palate with a moderate sweetness. A minerally vein gives the wine greater presence...

2022 / Off-Dry / Orange / riesling

Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Tessera Peggy Sue Sparkling Pinot Noir NV

08:42 Stu.

Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir fizz, made in the Charmat (tank fermented) method. From husband and wife negociant team who source across the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale regions.You can't call a wine Peggy Sue and not expect a "pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty" reference thrown in! A delicate blush in glass draws the eye, the nose lead-in with a kiss of summer berry. Creamy mouthfeel, coarser effervescence...

Adelaide Hills / NV / pinot noir / Sparkling

Tuesday, 7 February 2023

Huntington Estate Special Reserve Grenache 2022

10:05 Stu.

Floral and berry lead Grenache on offer here, a little warmed earth beneath, in an attractive package clocking in at sub-14% alcohol.A suppleness on entry, barely there tannin that talks to minimal extraction. It's polished and feels somewhat slick as it glides across...

2022 / grenache / Mudgee

Monday, 6 February 2023

Yalumba Eden Valley Chardonnay 2020

08:24 Stu.

Grapefruit and lemon-citrus lead-in. Feels familiar on the palate, with an expansive and textural feel.Residual old oak hint, a minerally suggestion on a generous length. A good all-rounder. 90Tasted on: Friday 18th November Source: Sample Price: $28 Alcohol: 13% Closure: Screwcap Website: Yalumba.com Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomn...

2020 / Chardonnay / Eden Valley

Friday, 3 February 2023

Angullong Fossil Hill Montepulciano 2021

12:45 Stu.

Bright perfume, of cherry and blueberry - supplemented with a darker heart.The palate conveys that brightness of fruit, a fine tannin - on a length that seems unyielding. A testament to the quality of the wine, overlooking minor spikes of warmth. Much has been said about...

2021 / Montepulciano / Orange

Thursday, 2 February 2023

Sunlight by Oxford Landing Shiraz 2021

08:39 Stu.

35% lower in alcohol and calories than the standard Oxford Landing Shiraz. Reflecting a general trend toward lower alcohol consumption. Berry fruit, dark chocolate, touch up of oak. Solid Shiraz credentials on aromatics alone.Slick feeling across the palate, seems...

2021 / Riverland / Shiraz

Wednesday, 1 February 2023

Amigo de La Tierra 2021

12:49 Stu.

Organic Grenache and Tempranillo blend from a broader 'Wine of Spain' designation.Dark Berry fruit with something like a balsamic edge. It's deep and showing its warmer clime origins in spite of that 13.5% alcohol.Slick, full bodied feel, yet with a lightness across the...

#Organic / 2021 / grenache / Spain / Tempranillo

Tuesday, 31 January 2023

Harewood Estate Chardonnay 2019

14:45 Stu.

Smells golden, like sunshine - supplemented by stonefruit, citus. Slick, slippery palate - it glides across the tongue. There's a rougher edge at its conclusion, phenolics and remnants of French oak. Seems of its parts for now, would expect it to come together...

2019 / Chardonnay / Great Southern

Wednesday, 25 January 2023

La Sorda Rioja 2020

08:56 Stu.

Baked raspberry over earth warmed by a summer sun. Remnants of oak - in a supporting role - with bay and woody herb.Lovely powdery, drying tannins here - still with a freshness and vitality across the length. Delivers in spades, all too often Rioja can come across as tired...

2020 / Rioja / Tempranillo

Tuesday, 24 January 2023

Apricus Hill Chardonnay 2021

15:30 Stu.

Rich, ripe peach, French oak, citrus. Cracking elements of a Chardonnay.Grapefruit across the palate, there's a generosity and weight to it - a certain palate presence. It needs a little time to come together, smooth some of the edges. Give it six to twelve months,...

2021 / Chardonnay / Great Southern

Angullong Fossil Hill Sangiovese 2021

10:04 Stu.

Sangiovese literally translates to something like "Blood of Jove", and sometimes - like here - a good example carries just a faint metallic whiff and edge of bloodstock.That said, it's savoury edge gives way to a briary aspect - bolstered with blueberry fruit, violets...

2021 / Orange / sangiovese

Monday, 23 January 2023

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc Shiraz 2019

12:08 Stu.

I recently (January 2023) had the opportunity to re-visit this wine, and in doing so noticed I had neglected to post this original note from February 2022. Note below is primarily from the original tasting, minor supplementals from the re-appraisal.It's a 68/32 split of...

2019 / Cabernet Franc / Shiraz / Wrattonbully

Friday, 20 January 2023

Angullong Fossil Hill Rosé 2022

08:53 Stu.

It sings Sangiovese!Rose petal, dried raspberry - a touch of tart cranberry. Freshness personified on aromatics; dry and minerally across a long palate. There's a broad appeal about this wine: both to be supped languidly, or raced through with ease and to demand a second...

2022 / Orange / Rosé / sangiovese

Thursday, 19 January 2023

The Little Wine Company Vermentino 2022

08:58 Stu.

Chalky citrus, saline whiff - like warm sun on sea kissed rocks.Citrus, pithy, minerally edge - with an orange twist coursing through the finish. A summery delight. Give it a crack with some Oysters, or fried Whitebait. 92Tasted on: Tuesday 29th November Source: Sample Price:...

2022 / Hunter Valley / Vermentino

Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Castle Rock Porongurup Riesling 2022

08:50 Stu.

Tropical lead-in with this crafted Riesling from Great Southern and the hands of Rob Diletti.Lemons, Yuzu, subtle blossoms all offer up an aroma that is sure to delight and satisfy. Bracing acidity against a pithy edge; cascading waves of refreshment deliver and entice...

2022 / Great Southern / Porongurup / riesling

Tuesday, 17 January 2023

La Sorda Rioja Reserva 2015

08:47 Stu.

At seven years of age it maintains a presence, one that balances a Fruit freshness - albeit fading - against the savoury depths, of oak and age.The palate throws a lingering lick of vanilla over blue fruit; cocoa powder tannin sworls, filling the expanse of the oral...

2015 / Rioja / Riserva

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