Heartland Spice Trader Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Damson, Plum, a kiss of sweet edged oak to frame things up. You think you have its measure - another glimpse - cedar, a sprinkle of herb, seasoning. 

Succulent fruit guides, leading to a dark chocolate tinged body. Fruit again, bolstering the middle third, pumping things up a little. 

A vein of cocoa runs along the finish, intertwined with the fruit, a tandem dance to the end. 90

Tasted on: Monday 12th August, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $17
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.heartlandwines.com.au

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Wills Domain Cuvee d'Elevage NV

Darker salmon hued sparkler here, from Wills Domain in Margaret River. Somewhat unusually made from 100% Merlot.

Fine mousse, light bead, subtle strawberry, giving way to something akin to a more confected Berry aromatics. Slight bready hint accompanies warmed through stonefruit notes.

Kiss of fruit sweetness on entry, drawing the same long across the palate. It's light, vibrant, a youthful energy shuffling across to a generous finish. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 18th August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $39
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au

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Silkwood Estate The Walcott Pinot Noir 2018

Good smelling Pinot on offer here, a riot of the usual manner of red-black fruit, in a vein of sour cherry, hints of plum and wild strawberry. 

Doesn't quite have the palate presence the aromatics might suggest. That said, it's light and spicy, a good acidic presence. Lacking structure, but the flavour is generous enough to compensate. 89 

Tasted on: Sunday 11th August, a Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://silkwoodwines.com.au

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Wills Domain Mystic Spring Rosé 2019

Strawberry, Turkish Delight, pink grapefruit, rose petal - pretty in pink for sure, pouring that pale salmon in glass.

Crisp and clipped acidity, kiss of fruit across the palate,  blue/black fruit hints. Little pop of citrissy acid at the wine's conclusion - thus not entirely surprised to learn of 15% Sauvignon Blanc forming the wine, the balance being Shiraz. 88 

Tasted on: Friday 16th August, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au

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Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Citrus, chalky/powdery hint here, not so overt as some examples - a good thing. Subtle passionfruit/blackcurrant on the nose.

Easy going citrus, dialled back acidity, softer and inviting. Not the most complex example and it doesn't purport to be so. 87 

Tasted on: Saturday 10th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $17
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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Silkwood Estate The Bowers Merlot 2017

Sampled this early in the morning and then revisited some hours later when it was absolutely singing. 

Merlot, so maligned, yet here it's such a varietal expression - as befits the cool of Pemberton - all tobacco, green olive and peppercorn. 

Soft, inviting, a medium bodied example, tannin fine and expressive. It carries an air of freshness, an acidic line on a tail of expressiveness. A joyous wine. 91. Drink to 2027

Tasted on: Wednesday 7th August, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.silkwoodestate.com.au

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Jansz Late Disgorged 2011

An 8yo Tassie sparkler. Vanilla notes waft gently from this one, soft and inviting. 

Soft, sensuous, time one lees and in bottle has added depth and weight, age has softened the palate to the point it almost weightless. 

Lively bead, generosity of flavour and intent, without having sacrificed complexity. Simply put, a superb wine. 94 

Tasted on: Friday 9th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $53
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: www.jansz.com.au

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