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This Australian wine blog was formerly known as thewinewankers.com

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Sunday 4 February 2024

Harewood Estate Great Southern Riesling 2023


This is the one that generally leads me down the nasal path to Thai Basil, spiced blossoms, citrus oils.

It's not as obvious on the palate as the Single Vineyard offerings, you have to go looking. It's perhaps a more straightforward affair: lemon balsam, a little passionfruit and guava like note. Not overt. On a reasonable finish, a good-ish length. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 18th January
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample c/o: https://www.singlevineyards.com/ 

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Wednesday 1 November 2023

Foggy Hill Vineyard Definitus Pinot Noir 2021


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 on a series of tasting and dinners to celebrate this milestone.

Whilst the Definitus wasn't part of that tasting, opportunity afforded to review it post. The Definitus is akin to a block level wine, the Definitus strip being a sub-ridge formed where ferruginuous sandstone comes close to the surface. It also marks a delineation between two rows of two Bernard Clones (115 and 117, planted in 2003). Winemaker code for: "I think I've something rather special here".

A darker manifestation, of blackberry with some Rosella like relief. Slightly sapid hints, not whole bunch, of depth and intensity.

A delicacy on entry, a light hand, seemingly at odds with the darker elements that introduce the wine. A burst of flavour that reminds of the pop of aromatic from a freshly pierced orange skin - atypical Pinot in my frame if reference, but there nonetheless.

Through the finish a pop of cassis like brilliance, bright and prime with a long tail of flavour through fine and persistent tannins. At turns it feels youthful, yet with a position that suggests longevity. 95

Tasted on: Tuesday 24th October
Source: Sample
Price: $90
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022


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 - pepper and Chinese five spice - linger in the background, supplementing the initial brighter aromatics with added depth.

The palate is deep, rich - with a balance of tight and fine tannins, with a freshening acidity in the mix. Finishes long, with an appealing mineral like pucker. Offers finesse, elegance, yet without sacrificing depth of flavour - there's longevity here for sure, if you can keep your mitts off that is. 94

Tasted on: Sunday 22nd October
Source: Sample
Price: $60
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Wednesday 18 October 2023

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/

Monday 16 October 2023

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/

Sunday 15 October 2023

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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Thursday 12 October 2023

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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