Huntington Estate Semillon Chardonnay 2019

Stonefruit, melon, grapefruit citrus.

Zip and slide. Textural feel on entry with a racy acidity brimming along. Delivers length and flow. Feels quite short, but some of the rides can be like that.

For me, on a night with 77% humidity, sometimes that's exactly what you need. 89 

Tasted on: Wednesday 19th February 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.4%
Closure: Sample
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Hastwell and Lightfoot Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Chocolate, cedar, spice. Classic, rich, robust Cabernet from the maritime influenced McLaren Vale. 

Soft, fleshy, touches of grilled nut against violet florals, cassis, moderate eucalypt. It's soft and inviting, nigh sensuous across its length. Good going. 91 

Tasted on: Friday 27th March 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://hastwellandlightfoot.com.au/

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Tahbilk Marsanne 2019

By their own admission, Tahbilk - in Victoria's Nagambie Lakes - has the world's largest single holding of Marsanne, including plantings dating back to 1927. 

Opens with a nigh musky, husky accent over softer florals and stonefruit. Delicate palate, subtle textural roundness that calming envelopes the palate. 

A gentle phenolic rub that casts a fine shadow across the palate, conveying citrus tinged with tropical fruit hints. Not quite packing the depth and intensity that it can - at this early juncture - it has the pedigree to age well. 90 

Tasted on: Tuesday 3rd March
Source: Retail
Price: $12.99
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.tahbilk.com.au/

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Chateau Paul Mas Coteaux de Languedoc Clos des Mures 2018

Classic GSM blend from the Languedoc. Possibly a Dan Murphy's exclusive in Australia.

Scorced earth and old leather, more of that savoury bent for sure. 

Palate showing a modicum of fruit, seeming a touch tired, tho the back palate does come through with quite a juicy, acidic presence - not bad considering it's 14.5% alcohol. 88 

Tasted on: Sunday 12th April 
Source: Sample
Price: $20.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://www.paulmas.com/
Sample courtesy of: https://www.palatepr.com/

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XO Wine Co Game Night Single Vineyard Riesling 2019

A vibrant and zesty offering from old mate Clackers (winemaker Greg Clack); initial aromatics suggest something mute and sullen - it sure challenges that on the palate with a riot of citrus, apple and musky spice.

A hint of phenolic grip marks this out as somewhat different from more renowned Riesling growing regions of note further North, adding palate presence to the zip and zing of acidity that ricochets about the place. 92 

Tasted on: Thursday 26th March
Source: Retail
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://xowineco.com.au/

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Yangarra King's Wood Shiraz 2018

The evolution of what was originally a whole bunch Shiraz, that over time incorporated use of large format oak (foudré). With time a single block started to reveal itself in a style suited to that which was sought, to become the King's Wood.

Deep and dark Plum and Mulberry notes, spiced nuances around the periphery before a descent into a palate that shows its finesse. 

Hints of bunch and spice caress across the palate, where an ultra fine grain of tannin makes itself known, asserting its dominance - in a very even handed way - toward the finish. 

For all its flavour and texture, the wine is incredibly composed and assured. Unhurried, seemingly perpetual. 94 

Tasted on: Friday 1st May 
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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Paul Mas Marsanne 2018

Quite unsure how this can be pumped out, exported and retailed for under ten bucks - particularly when it - at least - smells varietal. 

It's a soft and sensuous blend of florals, smatterings of stonefruit and a little confectioners creme. 

Yes it's a little devoid on the palate in interest terms, but offers up  a delicate texture married to a subtle acidic carriage. 

Light carry of stonefruit nectar across the finish. There's balance and a gentle persistence. You could do far worse for your money. 87 

Tasted on: Tuesday 3rd March 
Source: Retail
Price: $9
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.paulmas.com/

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