Syrahmi Grenache 2017

Adam Foster, Chef turned Vigneron, now of Heathcote but honed his craft in the early years with four vintages in the Rhone. And a resultant love of Grenache ensued. 

Exquisitely perfumed, strawberry and raspberry, a hint of that Provencal garrigue, the florals adding to the perfume. Then, unexpectedly, a whiff of cordite in the mix, a flinty and harder edge to the softness of the berries. 

Those softer elements flow - mellifluously - onto the palate. A slight crushed rock, powdery earth, phenolic rub. Generous and flowing length on a silken backbone. Jeez, Heathcote Grenache, who'd a thunk it? 93 

Tasted on: Tuesday 25th June
Source: Retail
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://adamfoster.com.au

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Harewood Estate Mount Barker Riesling 2018

Pithy citrus, lemon and grapefruit in its prime. It feels cool, almost hard in how it represents. 

Soft palate than the aromatics suggest, a lively zestiness on the front palate. Tang, thrusting and probing acidity gives drive and energy. Harewood Estate get Riesling right, a delightful exercise in terroir across their range. 93

Tasted on: Monday 20th May, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.harewoodestate.com.au/

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Zonte's Footstep Baron Von Nemesis Shiraz 2017

Seemingly reductive initially, or rather being reductive in nature. Naturally, some oxidative exposure sees that blow off, so to speak, allowing that Plummy Barossan fruit to start to shine. 

It's somewhat meaty in manifestation, a plump and succulent presence of a wine, it's smooth and generous to a fault. Unequivocally Barossan, that just so sweet and spice accented fruit seeing you home. 90 

Tasted on: Thursday 16th May, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.zontesfootstep.com.au

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Chaffey Bros Evangeline Eden Valley Syrah 2015

This is an exquisite Syrah for $25. Eden Valley is probably better known for its Whites (Riesling), yet in the right hands its reds are just as sublime. Lighter, softer, than its regional neighbour, the better examples also possess this citrus, orange oil mien that can simply captivate. 

Light, soft aromatic profile, blackcurrant pastilles meets stonefruit making an appearance, following through on the palate, morphing into an orange oil thread drawing long. 

Tannin is ultra-fine, minerally, threading and married to the fruit that courses long across the palate. Superb. 94 

Tasted on: Saturday 6th July, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Retail, Spiros
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: chaffeybros.com

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Tim Adams Riesling 2019

2019 seemingly a cracking Clare vintage for Riesling (low Sample set, granted). It's expressive, of brown lime and preserved lemons meet floral aromas. Giving rise to that sense of Spring, an aromatic lift from the oppression of cooler months.

A minerally dance across the palate, a fine phenolic pinch - even though it free run juice only. A gentle and persistent citrus presence, a fine length cascading to a conclusion. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 5th July, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.timadamswines.com.au

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Golden Grove Joven Tempranillo 2018

Joven-style Tempranillo from the Granite Belt, and budding master of the "Strange Bird" Ray Costanzo. Sees 15% whole bunch and then 3-4 year old oak for 6m rest.

It leads with fruit, yet carries a savoury bent from the get-go. It's about the cherry and plum initially, yet that savoury depth is adding to that bright introduction. It doesn't default on the palate either, a crunch of tannin adding to the length and being carried by an acidic wave. 

Finishes strong, a subtle savoury bitterness providing a twist. Just provides what I'd consider a seasoning to the wine. Proving Joven does not equate to simple. 93 

Tasted on: Monday 8th July, a Fruit to Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.goldengroveestate.com.au/

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Apricus Hill Pinot Noir 2018

Has an immediate appeal, primary fruit, of cherry and strawberry (in fact it immediately had me recalling something like a Cherry Danish). Yet, for that primary fruit, lurking furtively are more savoury elements, dried leaf matter something piney, nigh evergreen forest resinous. 

Generous acidic presence, gives cut and thrust across the palate. Semblance of fruit, again with savoury nuances. It's not necessarily speaking of anything in particular. It has presence, volume and definite persistence of flavour. 

A wine of presence, place, personality. 92 

Tasted on: Wednesday 15th May, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.apricushill.com.au

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