Tim Adams Aberfeldy Shiraz 2015

A mix of French and American oak has left its mark here: rich, deep and nutty. Black fruit seems almost secondary to the oak, but its presence is felt nonetheless.

Caramel and dark chocolate, and I tried this alongside some 85% cocoa to test it out, tannin is grainy and assertive. There's yet a finesse, a line of assuredness, once you get beyond the initial oak bluster. It will age well, of that I have no doubt. 93 - 2023-2038 

Tasted on: Tuesday 17th September, a Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 14.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.timadamswines.com.au

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Pirate Cru Dante Gabriel Montelpulciano 2014

Montelpulciano is an expressive beast. This example, at five years of age, from the Barossa's Vine Vale sub-region is no exception. 

Plum, violets, hints of rose and black cherry; subtle it necessarily isn't, a full frontal aromatic assault from the get go, yet balance could well be one of its watchwords. The palate speaks of dark spice, backed up by black fruit and garrigue like herb. 

Even at five years it's still expressive, bright and vital. Acid and tannin still carrying an offering. This was paired with a fennel sausage ragu, more than equal to each other. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 15th September, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $27.95
Alcohol: 14.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.piratecru.com.au

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Fermented in 600L French oak demi-muids, then on full solids in the same for 8m.

Sauvignon Blanc re-thought. Conveys vanilla creme and almond paste, elements of herb remain, subtle - the considered hand of Xavier Bizot ironically writ large here. The time on full lees is evident through the substantive palate presence. 

Aromatics flow through on the palate, the creamy aspects a force here. A guiding frame of acid provides the structure for the wine to hang off. An impressive finish, subtle and yet generous to a tee. Sauvignon Blanc to a new level. 95 

Tasted on: Friday 4th October, a Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Harewood Estate Porongurup Riesling 2019

Stonefruit over citrus. Minerally, semblance of texture and weight, as if to give the impression of sweetness - yet it's dry. Barrel fermentation has added depth and complexity here.

Further stonefruit makes its way to the palate, supplemented by notes of melon. Gives and aids length, finishing long. Quality wine. 93

Tasted on: Thursday 3rd October, a Leaf day 

Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.harewoodestate.com.au
Sample Courtesy Of: https://www.singlevineyards.com

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Moppity Vineyards Crafted Grenache Shiraz 2018

Slight hints of yeasty funk, sitting over the top of succulent red fruit. Raspberry in the main, hints of wild strawberry dominating - the Grenache, unmistakeable.

It's medium bodied, the depth of fruit alluding to the contribution of the Shiraz. Riven with spice: black pepper, clove and a suggestion of anise. Concludes on a savoury line, at stark odds to the prime fruit presence that came before it. 91 

Tasted on: Sunday 8th September, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://moppity.com.au

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Alkoomi Jarrah Syrah 2012

Released at 7y of age, almost hedonistic in its fudgey, toffeed manner. The oak remnants still hanging strong here.

Black fruit, licorice, hints of coffee bitters - concentrated, and intense. In spite of those years under the belt, it gives the impression that it will serve well for many years to come. I'm not even sure it's ready now. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 3rd September, a Root to Flower day 

Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.alkoomiwines.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Brash Higgins MCC 2017

A blend of Mataro (50%, all whole bunch), Cinsault (30%, all whole bunch), and Carignan (20%, whole berry).

Deliciously light, airy - it comes across herbal, tomato leaf, juicy in feel and offer. Light and lithe, fine and filigree tannin without so much substance. Aspects of cherry and plum add to the overall package. 

Light and crunchy, airy in feel. Good midweek option clocking in at a mere 12.5%. 89 

Tasted on: Wednesday 11th September, a Root day 
Source: Winery Purchase
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.brashhiggins.com

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac