Terre a Terre Crayeres Vineyard Wrattonbully Shiraz 2015

Smokey, meaty manifestation of the Shiraz here. Black cherry and pepper, even hints of juniper perhaps. A complex offering - one that delights at every turn. 

At odds to - perhaps in spite of - that complexity, it's deliciously medium bodied, elegant even. And yet a contrast to that aromatic introduction and silken nature is a long tail of spice. More of that peppery manifestation drawing a line long across the palate. 

Could quite happily see this go now, or how it would look in fifteen. 94  

Tasted on: Thursday 21st September, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Shiraz 2016

Boy it smells juicy. Its a riot of fruit: blackcurrant, raspberry and redcurrants, very expressive and inviting. 

Deliciously medium bodied, juice and fresh up and about you acidity. There's a tangy presence, my take on judicious picking, and enough tannin to carry the the wine on its journey across the palate. 

Jeez its a fresh and at you style. Love it. 91  

Tasted on: Monday 11th September, a Fruit to Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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Yelland & Papps Vin de Soif 2016

A blend of Grenache/ Mataro/ Carignan on this one.

Soif by name,
Soif by nature

A wee touch of the lift here, sitting over the Grenache that leads the charge on this year's 'Soif'. Macerated strawberry, herbal twists and tinges and perhaps a little cream of tomato soup (oddly).

Good level of spice on the palate, gives more of a savoury intent over the inherent fruit that sits beneath. Nice play of tannin, the elements combining together to more than deliver on the name. There's a deft touch that the Y&P crew exhibit, and this wine is no exception. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 5th September
Source: Sample
Price: $
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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BK Wines Pet' Nat' Chardonnay 2017

It's fresh, lemon balm over a bready, yeasty character. Not the strongest aromatic game.

But the fun happens on the palate. It's a lively, big bubbled mouthful of fun - to me therein lies the charm of the Pet Nat style. It enlivens, encourages and has you yearning for more. And more is what you find yourself doing. Drinking that is. 

Straightforward appeal, inherent drinkability. 90 

Tasted on: Sunday 10th September, a Fruit day
Source: Retail, Craft
Price: $25
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: http://bkwines.com.au/

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De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2017

For a wine that tops out at sub-$15 (if you want, this can be picked up for $11 at Liquorland) this smells like reasonable Pinot. Carries a little meat, briar, seasoning. Not particularly, or expressly, aromatic - yet certainly varietal. 

Squarely medium of body, it enters the palate well and conveys a semblance of fruit: think cherry in the main. The gentlest rub of tannin to provide some structure. 

The De Bortoli team has thrown the winemaking book at this, including cold maceration prior to fermentation, inclusion of whole bunches and warm fermentation to produce a decent example of the variety. 

Topping out at $15 is impressive. 89 

Tasted on: Sunday 10th September, a Fruit day
Source: Retail, Ashgrove Wine Room
Price: $15
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: debortoli.com.au

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Tim Adams Riesling 2017

Classic Clare aromatics: lime, apple blossom, bath salt lift. It's vibrant, energetic if you will.

Zippy, zesty, lively acid with a little crunch and phenolic grip. Clare chalky profile, exquisite freshness to boot. 

Great line and length and exquisite freshness. 91 was almost tempted to go a nudge higher.  

Tasted on: Monday 11th September, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.timadamswines.com.au

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Terre à Terre Cabernet Franc 2015

Good to see more varietal Cab Franc on the market. Typically a pretty thing, light and airy. Here bright, crunchy and pippy blackcurrant, even a little blueberry. It's very evocative in the blue spectrum. 

Wickedly medium bodied. Lovely crunchy tannin and a slick of acidity whipping through the wine. Bright, juicy, straddling fruit and savoury with briar and earthen notes. Good length. 93 

Tasted on: Sunday 3rd September, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au

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