Wills Domain Mystic Spring Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Certainly an expressive individual is our Sauvignon Blanc, no mistaking the variety here. Guava, passionfruit, blackcurrant leaf all present - and correct - here.

Succulently playful fruit flows generously. There’s hint of spice, cedar, a gentle phenolic rub lifts the palate beyond the ordinary, adding some substance to style.

Suffice to say I think this a well worked example. 89 

Tasted on: Sunday 8th September, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au

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Alkoomi Blackbutt Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (73.3%), with Malbec (21.5%) and Cabernet Franc (5.2%).

Again, I probably offer, or remark on this release strategy each time of the asking, 8 years old on release. 

And for that, there's still a fair throw of fruit primacy, deep and dark, bolstered by oak, framing it up, seasoning to the mix. Savoury, against the fruit. 

Appearance wise it is talking on some of those brickish tones around the edge. It still remains youthful and vibrant in entry, yet as the tannins kick in it is developing well, secondary elements making up the back end of the wine and delivering savoury hints long onto the finish. 

Black fruit, milk chocolate, herbal notes - Bay, a little Sage - add and aid length. It's certainly a wine of substance and yet, finesse. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 29th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $62
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.alkoomiwines.com.au/

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Zonte's Footstep Excalibur Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Suffice to say that this one is a tad easier to retrieve from the wine rack than the sword from which it takes its name.

Gooseberry, pithy and zesty grapefruit hints - hints of custard apple in the frame too. Rampant acidity cutting a swathe across the palate, like its namesake. Dry, a little phenolic edge that aids and gives extra life.

A generous and bracing style that could perhaps bring the driest of occasions to a happy conclusion. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 8th September, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.zontesfootstep.com.au

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Moppity Vineyards Cato La Pendenza Sangiovese 2017

'Cato' is the banner under which Moppity Vineyards has chosen to explore winemaking with, what may be considered, alternative varieties. 

Bottled in a high shouldered 'Malbec' bottle (more correctly designated as an "ACI Reverse taper Chateau BVS"), and what's in the glass is pretty as a picture, pouring a shimmering magenta, translucent as if to bare its soul to the approaching imbiber.

Cherry, subtle tobacco, over a light caramelisation and mint. Redolent of drying woodland after a long and hot summer.

Light and noble on the palate, cherry in the main, with subtle woodland spice. Faint tannin, a gentle touch from the winemaker exhibited in this manner. A delicate thing, nigh fragile, yet with a gentle kick-on. Quite superb. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 6th September, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://moppity.com.au

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Juniper Small Batch Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Whole bunch pressed to French barriques (of which 20% new) for 15 months. It's predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), with small additions of Malbec (5%), Merlot (5%), and Petit Verdot (4%) in the blend.

Intentionally made in a juicier and earlier drinking style of Margaret River Cabernet. The vineyard from which the fruit was harvested was planted in 2008, it lies on Metricup Road in Wilyabrup.

Fresh and fragrant, black and red fruit mix with a subtle savoury line extending from the initial aromatic play.

Soft and inviting, delicate tannin; latent hint of cocoa bitterness sit square and extends length through to a twist of pepper, anise even. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 28th August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.juniperestate.com.au

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Alkoomi Melaleuca Riesling 2017

Produced from a single block of Riesling, vines that will soon be celebrating their half century in a couple of short years (1971 plantings). 

Lemon and lime, touch of development about it. Butter menthol, lemon balm, thyme. Aromatically complex. It's pressed off in the cool of the morning, being left on lees to allow that complexity to develop,

A tartness on the finish, length through acid. There's a texture to it too, the complex aromas seen here in the palate too. Initially there's a touch of Bickford's cordial about it, minerally twists. It offers much: textural, flavour in abundance, generous spine of acidity and thrusting length. Bravo! 94

Tasted on: Saturday 31st August, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.alkoomiwines.com.au

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Zonte's Footstep Shades of Gris Pinot Grigio 2019

"One man on a lonely platform

One case sitting by his side

Two eyes staring cold and silent

Show fear as he turns to hide

Aaah, we fade to Gris..."

Ripe nashi pear, something tropical - rock melon and stonefruit - what seems like estery notes (certainly those mini banana lollies at any rate). 

Width, weight and palate sweetness. Dry it's not, and doesn't purport to be so. Carries a decent length to it, but certainly one for this seeking a bit of fruit sweetness. 89 

Tasted on: Wednesday 4th September, a Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.zontesfootstep.com.au

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