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This Wine Blog

This Australian wine blog was formerly known as thewinewankers.com

I'm a wine drinker, and this blog is about wine, not just Australian wine.

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Wednesday, 15 January 2025

The Little Wine Co Albarino 2024



Fresh release of Albarino from Broke Fordwich (Hunter Valley) based The Little Wine Co. Fresh as it's both 2024 vintage, but also personified in its aromatic representation. Its all manner of peach nectar, summer florals, speaking to Summer days spent outside, around the table.

A lick of texture across the palate, against a grace of acidity - both lending itself to a range of foodstuffs. Seafood Paella an acceptable nod to Albarino's homeland Spain.

Personally I'd happily quaff this post-dip in the pool, the condensation rolling down the bottle as the water rolls down your face. That spine of acidity and lingering spice on the finish bringing refreshment, both. 92

Tasted on: Saturday 23rd November
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.thelittlewinecompany.com.au/

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Tuesday, 14 January 2025

Huntington Estate Dry Rosé 2024


A drop positively brimming with sunshine and energy, of strawberry, raspberry and rose.

It is what it says on the bottle, dry - a mineral tinged edge to the wine and a spine of dazzling acidic energy. Dried herb presents itself and that edge of austerity yields to a broader, almost creamy aspect to the wine. Lovely Rosé - a welcome addition to any table. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 12th January
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 13.36%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Monday, 25 November 2024

Slow Wine Co Reserve Pinot Noir 2021


Grown at 960m, fruit from vines established in 1990. Vines of some pedigree and at the margins of what is considered cool climate viticulture.


Satsuma plum, baked raspberry, certainly on the leaner side of the red fruit spectrum. There's a lingering freshness to the periphery, a bright and vibrant halo - so to speak.

An elegance and freshness personifies the wine on entry. Fine tannins on a persistent length, balanced acid with a lovely carriage of flavour. Top tier Pinot Noir. 94

Tasted on: Thursday 19th September
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 14.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://slowwineco.com.au/

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Friday, 22 November 2024

Stockman's Ridge Rider Cabernet Sauvignon 2022


Chocolate, cedary oak, Bay seasoning.

Creamy red fruit palate, soft and sensual - it's delicate frame of 13.1% sets the wine up. Easy going and representing good value.

Nicely structured, finishes on a medium to firm grain of tannin, moderate acids to clean things up. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 20th October
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://stockmansridge.com.au/

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Friday, 11 October 2024

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2023


Beautiful expression of Pinot Noir and of Foggy Hill, of course.

Plum, dark cherry, a lingering undertow of spice, a dab seasoned oak adding its signature.

The palate is exquisitely framed: darker fruit presence, it feels polished, a suggestion of newer oak here. Lovely firming tannins, on an excellent length. Lovely depth of flavour, black tea building through the finish. Quite reserved at this juncture, excellent promise ahead. A yes here. 94

Tasted on: Tuesday 8th October
Source: Sample
Price: $60
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Thursday, 3 October 2024

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2022


It's a release that needs some time, from the get-go it's somewhat shy and reserved.

Slowly it begins to unfurl, offering red and black fruit. Mineral and earthen glimpses, graphite. Something that manifests, broods even, like gunoil - deep in its core.

A slow burner, from a cool vintage. And one that marks 20 years since the establishment of the Terre à Terre brand under Xavier and Lucy Bizot. 93

Tasted on: Monday 23rd September
Source: Sample
Price: $59
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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Thursday, 12 September 2024

St Hugo Riesling 2023


Lime and Kaffir lime, veering to an element of browning apple as a segue to pithy grapefruit.

Lively, zesty, with a minerally vibe through the middle and final flourish.

Good bracing acidity that propels a generous length. Quality wine. 93

Tasted on: Wednesday 29th May
Source: Sample
Price: $39.99
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.sthugo.com/

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