Tapanappa Tiers Chardonnay 2022

Tapanappa Tiers Chardonnay 2022

  16:13    Stu.

---

Another "near perfect" vintage remarks Brian Croser in the notes accompanying the release. Slightly warmer than 2021, but like that vintage it's considered spot on - compared to the run of warmer years in the decade from around the 2010s.

Exquisite oak on presentation here, nougat and seasoning, a drizzle of honey, framing the introduction to the wine.

There's an intensity to the wine on initial intro, grapefruity acidity that positively threads through the palate. Texture fills the cavity adding breadth to the exquisite length. Hints of lime, grapefruit add up to this excellent release. 95

Tasted on: Saturday 18th February
Source: Sample
Price: $110
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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

Read More

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Adelaide Hill Shiraz 2021

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Adelaide Hill Shiraz 2021

  08:00    Stu.

---

From the cool of the Hills, but in a somewhat warmer bodied guise.

Blood plums, hints of violet, touch of oak - older - framing and supporting, adding depth.

A supple, easy-going approach to the body. Yielding to some meaty depths and on a very good length. A multi-faceted wine of many parts that doesn't fail to surprise at its many turns. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 30th March
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://saintandscholar.com.au/

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

Read More

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022

  08:00    Stu.

---

Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide Hills fruit - made by the Barossa Valley based winery
Kaesler.

Classic Hills grassy, passionfruit, fresh vibe on offer here.

Citrus bent on entry to the palate, a thrust of acid that curves its way across the palate. Fleshy rock melon notes had me thinking of warmer months gone. Solid, Savvy. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 23rd April
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://saintandscholar.com.au/

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

Read More

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Pinot Noir 2021

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Pinot Noir 2021

  08:00    Stu.

---

For those who don't know, Saint & Scholar is a secondary label of Barossa based Kaesler.

Here Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir, fruit drawn off a single vineyard, clocking in a very respectable 13.5%.

Fruit at the lighter end of the red Berry spectrum: strawberry, raspberry - perhaps even a playful twist of pomegranate getting in on the action.

A light hand on the tiller across the palate, cooler clime Hills spice starts to come to the fore mid-palate, asserting itself through the finish. Decent Pinot, with a play to all hands. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 23rd March
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://saintandscholar.com.au/

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

Read More

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Chardonnay 2022

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Chardonnay 2022

  08:00    Stu.

---

Creamy vanilla creme patisserie on offer here, nougat and cashew.

Further oak presence - by way of mouthfeel and spice - on the immediate palate, leading to a moderately creamy palate. Chardonnay on the money. 89

Tasted on: Thursday 13th April
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://saintandscholar.com.au/

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

Read More

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Pinot Gris 2022

Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Pinot Gris 2022

  08:00    Stu.

---

Hills Gris here, exuding the hallmark qualities of the style at a textbook 13%.

It's all poached pear, quince, with a trailing edge of patching spice.

Faint textural edge, but I personally prefer to see more width and breadth in the style. Somewhat redeemed through a generous length to it. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 23rd April

Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://saintandscholar.com.au/

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

Read More

Berton Vineyard Alfresco Barbera 2021

Berton Vineyard Alfresco Barbera 2021

  17:03    Stu.

---

Looks good, tastes good, has enough presence of fruit to take a chill, clocks in at a moderate 12.5% - what's not to like?

Barbera from the Riverina - light cherry and strawberry crunchy vibe, counter-balanced with a darker depth of flavour.

There's a herb and spice twist in the game, carried by a freshening acidity - the hallmarks of a good Barbera. It's all bound up in an attractive mid palate freshness. Solid all rounder - much to commend. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 27th June
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.bertonvineyards.com.au/

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

Read More