Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 2018

Intoxicating. Perhaps the laziest descriptor there is. Yet, it conveys the allure of premium Adelaide Hills, the stonefruit and citrus aromatics supported by the nuances of premium oak that served - or stored - it so well.

Initially subtle, of guile, yet it soon blossoms - nigh balloons - across the palate. Subtlety of flavour, married to a fine vein of acid, the omnipresent oak and with a certain presence that conveys quality. 

Seemingly a hard one to pin down, undoubted quality, yet I kept coming back to that initial subtlety as it introduces itself. Poised, balanced, and before you know it, it's made itself at home and you've consumed a glass. 95

Tasted on: Wednesday 6th November, a Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $90
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Wirra Wirra Mrs Wigley 2019

Pretty, pot pourri like perfume, musk, wild berries and crushed candies.

Crisp and phenolic, delicate powdery feel, juicy acidic presence, gives and pushes boundaries. Berry pitch continues long on the finish, the acid flow generous and yet refreshing. 91 

Tasted on: Thursday 31st October, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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DAOSA Natural Reserve NV

The 2017 tirage by numbers: Pinot Noir (82%) and Chardonnay (18%), from 2017 (81%) and older reserve wines (19%), so MV or non-vintage wine by technical definition. Here's the 2016 by comparison.

Citrus, baked Quince, subtle oak remnants. Suggestions of something blackcurrant leaf (unusually), rather more likely the berry driven goodness from the Pinot Noir.

Biscuity oak hints, minerally, acidity casts long and glacier like. Fine, beautifully poised, exquisite Hills fizz. 94 

Tasted on: Thursday 31st October, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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d'Arenberg Stephanie The Gnome With Rose Coloured Spectacles Rosé 2019

Pouring a darker hue than the trend, as is Stephanie's wont. Cranberry, hints of toffee apple.

Dry with an immediate punch of acid, as if to clear the palate for the modicum of fruit that sweeps across the palate; macerated strawberry and hints of citrus oil give the impression of freshness. 

A textural roundness gives some volume, but it is found wanting in other areas, feeling a little disjointed. 86 

Tasted on: Saturday 26th October, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.darenberg.com.au/

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Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Chardonnay 2019

A zesty, grapefruit and pith driven number. Lemon sherbet in a manner, fresh and at you, latterly stonefruit hints. It's all rather a come hither and fresh style.

Zesty mineral, prickling across the palate, more of that lemon sherbet freshness. Not the lengthiest wine, the burst of freshness delivering here instead. 88 

Tasted on: Tuesday 29th October, a Flower to Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.wirrawirra.com/

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d'Arenberg The Dry Dam Riesling 2019

Sadly there's more than a few dry dams around Queensland at present.

Kaffir lime, lemongrass, browning lime juice - strong aromatic showing.

A generous citrus driven acidic thrust, clean and glass like across the palate. Has plenty of zip and zesty presence, but perhaps a touch linear. Good Riesling, slakes a thirst with ease. 90 

Tasted on: Saturday 19th October, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 10%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.darenberg.com.au/

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Juniper Estate Fiano 2019

Canteloupe melon, Nashi pear, Vanilla and creamy nougat hints adding to the appeal. Spiced nuances, a fleshy fruit presence that positively grows in stature across the palate. 

There's a briny edge, citrus acidity that flows and carries the fruit long across the palate. An excellent example of the variety, has it found a new home in Margaret River? 93 

Tasted on: Tuesday 26th November, a Flower to Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.juniperestate.com.au/

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