K1 by Geoff Hardy Grüner Veltliner 2016

Don't serve too cold - a very different wine once it opens up. Initially: hints of barely ripe Packham pear, a delicate seasoning of white pepper; allowed to express itself it suggests hints of the vegetable crisper, a little citrus rind. 

Minerally, even spread of texture slowly makes it's way across the palate. A secondary movement of flavour makes its presence felt: green apple, blossom of the same - carried by an acid backbone. 

Chalky feel provides further substance. A framework for the flavour to hang off. 91 

Tasted on: Monday 8th August, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.winesbygeoffhardy.com.au/

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Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2013

Barrel ferment clearly evident here: toasty, vanillin and a little creamy cashew. Lots of oak on show - but simply oozes class.

Toast, flinty mineral, lime and honey. A wine of substance and power, and yet at the same time offers restraint. There's spice derived flavour a-plenty here - yet you wouldn't say it's spicy. 

Poised, balanced, you feel it's primed, ready to unleash itself onto the unsuspecting. Exemplary. 96 

Tasted on: Sunday 7th August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $93
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: leeuwinestate.com.au

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Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Adelaide Hills Fiano 2016

Florals, melon, citrus rind, a little cream patisserie, flaked almond. An aromatic delight.

Lovely textured palate: feel that cascades across, grip to anchor itself in the mouth and a suggestion of crisp acidity that adds extra drive. Seems to really have it all in this release.

Flavour isn’t shy either: the gift that keeps on giving. Lemon, a little stony river pebble. Go on. 92

Tasted on: Saturday 6th August, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.winesbygeoffhardy.com.au/

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Pipers Brook Gewürztraminer 2015

Unequivocally, unmistakably, undoubtedly Gewürztraminer. Carries that beautiful mix of delicate Turkish delight and rose. There's a little musk, but rather it's more about the delicate floral perfume. 

Crisp, rather than textural, onset of spice that spreads across the palate. A line of citrus makes itself present, but is wanting for more depth of flavour. 

Lingers long, but could benefit from a little more presence for me. 91  

Tasted on: Thursday 4th August, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://kreglingerwineestates.com/

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Huntington Estate Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Dusty, stern oak, quite austere in its aromatic profile; dried leaf matter, cut grass and Earth. 

Clearly medium bodied: acid threads extend long through the palate. A line about which hangs a little sweet fruit - cassis - tannin is fine. Length is reasonable, gently cascading across the back palate. 

Classy Cabernet. 91 

Tasted on: Wednesday 3rd August, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Old Jarvie The Widowmaker Tannat Petit Verdot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Not much of real note on the nose here given the constituent parts: tomato leaf, plum, even a little Worcestershire. 

Grilled meats, a little mid-palate sweetness; malty, sweet oak. Not much wrong, but little to excite. 

Short in length. Misses the mark for me - particularly given the pedigree within the portfolio. 86 

Tasted on: Tuesday 2nd August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.oldjarvie.com.au/

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Rock of Wisdom Mataro 2014

Smells lighter than Mataro oft does; shows meatiness, a little cured, fermented meat. Savoury, herbal, the presence of some stem inclusion noted. 

It's light, juicy, medium-bodied - possesses that airy, open-weave style that is inviting, and is just deliciously moreish. Offers a touch of depth with some chocolate that courses through the palate. 

Modern interpretation of the variety - and an example that furthers the cause of Mataro as a varietal. A yes from me (I know I know, it's Mataro) 92 

Tasted on: Friday 26th August, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://rock-of-wisdom.myshopify.com/

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