Hither & Yon Tannat Grenache 2012

This is the second wine from the Leask family's Hither & Yon label I've tasted. After first introductions via the Nero d'Avola, there seems a theme emerging from those limited forays into the portfolio: stylishly packaged, not too hard on the pocket, and - perhaps most importantly - a gorgeous drinkability.

Black earth with floral lift, dried leaf matter, spice, sweeter accents coming through latterly from the Grenache.

Full, yet - in a somewhat contradictory manner - a light, loose and open feel to the wine. Dark spice, savoury, dreadfully moreish. There's a little grainy tannin, latent red fruit pulls through and a little citrus twist adds freshness. Length is OK, spot on for a solid 89/90

Tasted on: Monday 21st July
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 15.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hitherandyon.com.au/

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

Mitchell Harris Sabre 2010

The 2008 Sabre from Mitchell Harris was a sparkling addition to the portfolio. They skipped a vintage in 2009 and bring to market this fine boned example from 2010.

Delicacy, stone-fruit and a glimpse of red fruits coming through, supplemented with a little almond biscotti. It's Chardonay dominant (75%, Macedon) with the balance being Pyrenees Pinot Noir.

Delicate, fine boned, but a good frame on which to put some weight. There's a little mineral, biscuit through the finish which is on a persistent good length. Lasting presence. Nice and dry aperitif style with a mere 5g/l dosage. 92

Tasted on: Sun 20th July, a Fruit Day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: DIAM
Website: http://mitchellharris.com.au/

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

Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay 2013

Amongst the supermodels of Australian Chardonnay, the Shaw & Smith M3 in its 2013 guise is more Kate Moss than Claudia Schiffer (references that show my age more than anything).

Lean, stonefruit, citrus and cream. There's racy acidity intertwined with spicy oak and hints of flinty mineral. A little creaminess skirts around the edges, balancing against the acid somewhat. You'd be hoping it softens further, fills out a little.

The fruit has carry, long on an excellent finish. It is this indicator that shows the wine as one that will benefit from a little additional time in bottle. 92+

Tasted on: Sunday 13th July, a Fruit transitioning to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawandsmith.com/

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

Alkoomi White Label Shiraz 2011

A modicum of black fruit, more charry than anything. Pretty similar on the palate, lacks form and depth.

Fine tannin provides a bit of redemption, but pulls up short of a length. 

There's better quality and value further up the Alkoomi portfolio. 86

Tasted on: Sunday 20th July, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: alkoomi.com.au

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

K1 by Geoff Hardy Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2010

Sensed that this is just waking from a slumber, unravelling, unfurling, revealing itself.

Pencil shaving oak, spice, black fruit with a touch of dried herb in the mix too. Possesses a medium bodied elegance, a mineral coolness that also supports black fruit by way of plum and cherry with a little lift of blue fruit.

In many respects its a wine of subtlety, of elegance. It finishes elegantly, effortlessly, tannin is present, not an overt presence - more a fine coating to conclude. 92

Tasted on: Saturday 12th July, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.k1.com.au/

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

Xabregas Mount Barker Shiraz 2011

Dusky black and red fruits here, touch of smoked bacon with a little sawdust oak lurking around the back.

Smooth entry, approachable, easy-going - an almost glass like feel on the palate. Black fruit abounds, steeped in kirsch. Tannin fine, concludes with a savoury, meaty touch. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 24th June, a Fruit transitioning to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.xabregas.com.au/

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

Pertaringa Understudy Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

More than enough quality here to be the lead, not just the Understudy.

Of course the name refers to a time when fruit from McLaren Vale was often included in wines of renown, without necessarily being declared as such.

Now that the region performs under the lights and glare of those onlookers, the Understudy is a playful reference to times when the region was less well known.

Mulberry, black fruit compote. Immediately more approachable than fellow board-treader the 'Rifle and Hunt', Made to be more approachable now, the palate sees violets, possesses a brighter fruit profile, more fruit driven; softer, mid-weight and mid-grain tannin.

A touch more alcohol here - a minor consideration - and concludes at a moderate length. 91

Tasted on: Monday 23rd June, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.pertaringa.com.au/

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