Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2018

I perhaps thought the alcohol level on this had been dropping a little over time, a quick check of the Vinsomniac archives reveals that to not be the case.

The Sommelier's friend, many a case of this has been shifted over a few sessions for those that lunch. And Shaw + Smith seem to get it so right each year, so you can see how it is a perennial fave.

From the off it has an allure, encompassing a tropical spectrum that takes the imbiber to warmer places by way of passionfruit, lime and pithy grapefruit citrus.

The palate sees more of the same somewhat writ large, packing much into its condensed frame. Green apple acidity for length and a little Canteloupe melon for added width. It really is a complete package. Go here. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 20th September
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.shawandsmith.com

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Wirra Wirra Hiding Champion Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Smells like a Sauv Blanc, looks like a Sauv Blanc, heck it even says so on the label.

Aromatics of passionfruit married to squeaky Gooseberry. Has the pithy, grapefruit citrus sitting in the mix too.

Has some zest, verve and swagger about it on the palate. Some zip and phenolics (what we wine bods see as mouth feel, a bit like tannins in reds - if you care?).

Good lasting and penetrating finish. Lingers long with an acidic presence. A great place to be for a lover of the Sav Blanc. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 20th September
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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Heartland Spice Trader Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

This is an absolute ripper for its suggested price of $17.

Smelling like conclusion of a great evening on the back deck, that being a wedge of dark chocolate and a fat Cuban for company. Or you could have it in liquid form by way of this classic Aussie red. 

Plum, cassis, hazelnuts in the frame too. The aforementioned chocolate is more than present too. Add in some freshening acidity and at sub-$20 you have an attractive, ready to go drinking proposition from the Heartland team and Langhorne Creek. 90

Tasted on: Tuesday 11th September
Source: Sample
Price: $17
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://heartlandwines.com.au/

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Alkoomi White Label Riesling 2018

This wine wasn't showing the greatest from the off. Yes there was a beautiful profile of lime, lemon grass and talcum. Hitting the right aromatic notes from the off. 

But those flavours don't necessarily mesh well on the palate, where it actually seemed somewhat out of sorts. 

A day later it presented well. A good acidic line - it's Riesling - and a sense of citrus based flavour started to take shape. 

It's not a bad wine, just initially seeming somewhat hollow and bereft of what I expect from the brand, which normally over-delivers at the price point. Given the majority of this will be consumer straight from the off, it doesn't show itself best straight away. 86 

Tasted on: Thursday 13th September 
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.alkoomiwines.com.au/

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Heartland Directors' Cut Shiraz 2015

A wine very familiar to me from a previous life in the UK, indeed Heartland Wines in general always had a fantastic presence in that great off-licence chain, Oddbins. Until they themselves lost their way a little.

Good deal of oak on show here, all heavily toasted (80% French, 20% American), as nutty as number 45, the incumbent President. Comes across as lavish, powerful and polished. A little time shows Shea's coconut butter - I think you get the picture. 

No relenting on the palate, it's big and bold here too, in line with with everything you see on the nose. Certainly one that wears it heart on both sleeves. 

A lingering finish, substantial in frame and presence. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 7th September
Source: Sample
Price: $33
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://heartlandwines.com.au/

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Margan Breaking Ground Albarino 2018

Marginally less to offer in 2018, compared to its 2017 guise.

Playful thing, offering up a citrus tinged aroma that just - for me - evokes Mediterranean summers. 

Clean, crisp, good level of acidity given a spine to the wine. About it hangs a semblance of flavour, fine and not over-done, offering more by way of refreshment and satisfaction, than necessarily a profound drinking experience. 

Drink it pretty chilled, was enjoyed round these parts with a chicken and pea risotto. 88 

Tasted on: Tuesday 11th September
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.margan.com.au/

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Huntington Estate Shiraz 2014

Sweet accented fruit sits over the top of a core that can only described as Huntington Estate's Mudgee in a meeting of the minds with the oak that nurtured the wine.

Medium bodied, it's awash with blue-purple fruit, chocolate accented depths and bringing up a fine tannin profile. 

It's silken profile caries a wave of flavour across a length of generosity flecked with spice. 91

Tasted on: Monday 10th September
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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