Yalumba Y Series Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Sauv Blanc such a maligned - and abused - varsity, yet it sells by the bucketload. 

This entry level example from Yalumba’s bargain brilliant ‘Y’ series aromatically speaks of zesty grapefruit with some tangy lemon in support. Subtle tropical hints add some aromatic flesh to the citrus zip.

The palate shows quite narrow, a focussed line offering a clean line of acidity. Hints of green melon and subtle herb - and in Sauvignon Blanc that is a good thing - add to the overall equation.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to a cost cautious fancier of the variety. Subtle, yet still carrying flavour, can be found easily for $10-12. 88 

Tasted on: Thursday 16th January
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.yalumba.com

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Oakridge Merlot 2013

Yarra Merlot at 7y, fleshy and meaty; juxtaposition of Plum and damson like fruit amongst that.

Slick, almost glycerol like, oak remnants - on a 7y old - spice and touches of black olive across the palate. Finishes strong, assertive and yet balanced. 92 

Tasted on: Saturday 8th February
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.oakridgewines.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Mesh Classic Release Riesling 2014

Billed as a 'Classic Release', released at 5/6 years of age. 

Classic, as in showing the typical development of Riesling with some age, being that petroleum and lanolin character - the latter more often associated with aged Semillon, but also a sheep's wool descriptor.

Lemon butter and nuances, the acid has certainly softened, perhaps butter menthol like elements in the mix. There's a quartz and mineral like acidity to the finish, it's certainly not subsided - softened perhaps, yes - and speaks volumes of its ageworthy potential. 93

Tasted on: Saturday 11th January
Source: Sample
Price: $38
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.meshwine.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Bremerton Special Release Grenache 2019

Not particularly common as a single varietal in the Creek. On this showing I'd suggest that we should.

Sees one third whole bunch. The whole bunch certainly shows its hand, lending an elegant spice and sappy edge to the briar and black fruit notes. The palate, soft and elegant, carries a framework of spice with a fine and succulent tannin. 

It certainly is an elegant wine, showing Grenache in its Pinot-esque guise - and I'm not afraid to draw the comparison between two otherwise very different varieties - as it can be given the right treatment. 92 

Tasted on: Thursday 24th January 
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Pewsey Vale Riesling 2019

Clare and Eden, two perfect names for daughters that may never come to be - sharp of wit, and longevity. Contrived, maybe. But nonetheless two Powerhouse regions - being Clare and Eden Valleys of course - when it comes to Riesling in an Australian context

This Pewsey Vale, part of the broad Yalumba/ Hill-Smith portfolio, from the get go enticing and of an alluring perfume. Floral, more by way of Jasmine and with a scent of lavender in the mix, typically I think lime for Eden Valley, yet I’m not seeing so much of that here. Shows how lazy one could be tempted to be with regional identifiers.

Unmistakable acidic profile, sharp and probing into the various reaches of the palate - the citrus certainly evident here, preserved lemons along with grapefruit acidity certainly freshening things up. Has a slippery feel to things too, again an observation and a differentiator to the many line and length, zip and zest offerings that can be found. Perfect Summer drinking. Seared scallops with preserved lemon all day long. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 10th January 2020
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.pewseyvale.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Castle Rock Estate Porongurup Pinot Noir 2018

Who doesn't love picking strawberries? One for you, one for the basket? A glass for you, a glass for me. Yes, it conveys strawberry in both aroma and taste - unmistakably so. 

Take it unto oneself, it's succulent with a vein of acidity that represents the wine's nervous system, about which all else hangs. 

The fruit, threading a savoury mien, casting a fine minerally tannin. Castle Rock wines just possess an inherent balance, here that fruit/savoury proposition hanging nicely. 93 

Tasted on: Friday 7th February 
Source: Sample
Price: $34
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://castlerockestate.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Smith & Hooper Pinot Grigio 2019

Pear drops, green apples, floral elements. Spiced, textural nuances - veering to more Gris like territory, straddling a fine line. 

Wrattonbully can do this, cooler and marginal maritime, leads to a slightly fuller and riper style. Give it 3-4 years if you like (but let's face it, you're going to drink it tonight, eh?).

Regardless of nomenclature - for want of a better word - it's a good quality wine. 91 

Tasted on: Saturday 11th January
Source: Sample
Price: $19
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.smithandhooper.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac