Castel Firmian Teroldego Rotaliano Superiore Riserva 2019

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 of bright acidity. It's a well rounded package, versatile and comely, inviting and moreish - yet with enough structure to hold up to a broad range of foodstuffs. Good gear! 93

Tasted on: Tuesday 16th October
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

St Hugo GSM 2022

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 overall. Drink to ten years. 92

Tasted on: Saturday 16th September
Source: Sample
Price: $54.99
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.sthugo.com/

Cellier des Dauphins Val Soléu IGP Drôme Organic Rosé 2022

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. 92

Tasted on: Monday 9th October
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Nomacorc PlantCorc™
Sample courtesy of:  https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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

(c) Courtesy of d'Arenberg

Years 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 since.

To this 2022, it's been a while between d'Arry's for me - and of course not forgetting we farewelled Frances d'Arenberg Osborne just last year - respect.

The Grenache sings here, with that signature McLaren Vale deep set red fruit, over earthen chocolate notes. Mid to full weight on the palate, succulent fruit popping its head up again, with a spice tinged finish.

What's not to love? 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 10th October
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: darenberg.com.au

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Feudo Arancio Quèto Nero d'Avola 2021

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. Fine grain of tannin set against the warming presence against the baked red fruit that re-emerges through the mid-final third. 91

Tasted on: Monday 9th October
Source: Sample
Price: $TBC
Alcohol:TBC
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Berton Vineyard Alfresco Vermentino 2022

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 balance and length. Multi-faceted, of its many parts. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 29th June
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.bertonvineyards.com.au/

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