Shaw + Smith Shiraz 2017

Savoury, briary, stemmy, of hedgerow - unsure as to exact percentage - of whole bunch for sure. Throws a fair offering of both black fruit, and with a fine and minerally structure.

Structurally sound, a freshening acidity, giving both length and focus. That said, it did feel somewhat less wholesome and together than in previous vintages. 91 

Tasted on: Saturday 2nd November, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $49
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.shawandsmith.com/

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Harewood Estate Denmark Riesling 2019

Wasn't too fussed with the 2018 version of this, pleased to say that in 2019 it's certainly hitting the  spot. It's all lemons, hint of bath salt adding its hand to the aromatic profile.

Lemon sherbet with a thrust of minerally acidity, it's of the style that at once both puckers and enlivens, dancing its way energetically across the palate.

That said it's fairly languid across the finish, as if sauntering to its end at its own pace. 93 

Tasted on: 2nd October 2019
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.harewoodestate.com.au/

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Taylor's Estate Shiraz 2018

The Taylor's (outside of Australia AKA Wakefield) Estate range has been in rather good form of late, blending succulent blue fruit with a savoury mien backing this up. Exuding the air of cooler climes, with a suggestive pitch of oak framing things up.

Seasoning, blue fruit, hints of white pepper - all aiding and abetting length. Subtle structure. Whilst aimed at drinking now, will happily cellar in the short term. 90 

Tasted on: Friday 27th September, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $19.99
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.taylorswines.com.au/

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I Am George Shiraz 2017

I Am George being a Pernod Ricard brand that honours pioneer of the Aussie wine industry, George Wyndham.

Smattering of black fruit over vanilla oak; dusky cocoa nibs, succulent cassis and hints of licorice root, Mediterranean herb. Not exactly hiding from its 14.5% alcohol I add.

Tasted on: Wednesday 25th September, a Leaf day

Source: Sample
Price: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.iamgeorge.com.au/

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Moppity Vineyards Escalier Shiraz 2015

Escalier (meaning staircase) and representing the Browns' continuous quest for improvement.

It's a single block wine, this vintage being block 7, the vintage prior was block 8. Intended to only be made in the very best years, it would seem that fortune is looking kindly on Moppity, this being the third consecutive release.

Offering subtle aromatics, of dusky violets and smatterings of black fruit. Partial whole bunch inclusion with a cold soak, prior to fermentation - the small inclusion of co-fermented Viognier.

It's silken, slight, subtle and lithe; there's a beguiling subtlety to the wine, yet it also manifests itself in a depth and intensity of flavour.

Cloven spice and black pepper, yet augmented with black fruit. It's a wine of depth, subtlety and balance. Worthy of the many accolades it has a massed. 94

Tasted on: Saturday 28th September, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $130
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://moppity.com.au/

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Pirate Cru William Hunt Old Vine Mataro 2015

WIlliam Hunt, in the words of Chief Pirateer Dirk Pettigrew: "Bearded Christian pugilist, a realist and traditionalist with an enquiring eye for natural beauty found in the detail." Old vines, planted back in the Victorian era, and hence a nod to the artisans of the day. A time of a search for reform and improvement, of fighting against the church.

To the wine in question, the stawart Mataro, from a small block of dry grown, old vine Mataro in the Barossa's Vine Vale sub-region. 

At four years it's redolent of what might be considered the markers of old Vine Mataro: of blue fruit and subtle licorice hints. 

Medium bodied, fine grained tannin, yet it grows in stature across the palate. Blueberry and Mulberry, primarily, form the predominant flavour across the palate. Initial fruit hints borne of the Blueberry and Mulberry deliver a subtle pop of flavour that delivers - generously. 92 

Tasted on: Saturday 28th September, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: www.piratecru.com.au

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Patina Jezza 2016

A blend of Merlot, Cabs Franc and Sauv; blend unknown. Made only in the best years (and the first such release I'm aware of in some 8-9 years of knowing the brand/label).

Certainly more oak dominant on the nose, deep and heavy, suppressing the fruit initially. Beyond that, it's an attractive offer of roast capsicum, green leaf, veering to violet and something like choc-mint.

Palate reflects a similar bent, deep and heavy set; a suggestion acidity for added freshness, but really built for the long haul. Impressive structure and framing, nice to see a wine (not billed as such) in a reserve moniker and the quality matching the same. This will live long. 95

Tasted on: Wednesday 30th October, a Leaf day

Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://patinawines.com.au/

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