Harewood Estate Chardonnay 2019

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 over time, as those burrs soften. 91

Tasted on: Friday 25th November  
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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La Sorda Rioja 2020

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 and dusty, not so here. A tidy offering. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 26th November
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.26%
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com 

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Apricus Hill Chardonnay 2021

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, where I suggest its best window is 2023-2030. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 27th November
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://harewood.com.au/

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Angullong Fossil Hill Sangiovese 2021

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 and the freshening acidity thereof through the palate.

There's much interest here, soft tannins delivering a generous , moreish length. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 22nd January
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://angullong.com.au/

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Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc Shiraz 2019

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 the two, being Cabernet Franc and Shiraz respectively.

It's fine boned, the emphasis being on a structure, not over-worked or extracted. The degree of finesse what stood out when re-tasted per the introduction.

Yes there's the requisite markers of red fruit and a little chocolate in the mix, but exquisitely fine tannins,  a generosity of flavour and a finesse are the stand out qualities. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 6th February
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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Angullong Fossil Hill Rosé 2022

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 bottle. Good gear.

92

Tasted on: Thursday 19th January
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.angullong.com.au/

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The Little Wine Company Vermentino 2022

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. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 29th November
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.thelittlewinecompany.com.au/

Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/  

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Castle Rock Porongurup Riesling 2022

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 successively - creating great drive and length. Refreshment plus! 93

Tasted on: Thursday 29th December
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol:11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://castlerockestate.com.au/

Sample Courtesy of: https://definewine.com.au/   

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La Sorda Rioja Reserva 2015

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 cavity - before concluding on a gentle, ebbing length. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 29th November
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: TBA
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of:  https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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