Mitchell Sevenhill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Released as a 8yo, from an interesting vintage: New Year heatwave caused some issues and arrested development. But, a vintage from which a classic Clare Cabernet has been produced.

Still fresh in the face of that age, carrying more of the Clare mintiness than perhaps the varietal hallmarks of Cabernet. 

A smooth and elegant wine in body, cassis coming to the fore with a cedary composition that rounds out the profile. A superb cellar release, go now or continue to cellar. This has the fruit and the suggestion of longevity for either. 92 

Tasted on: Tuesday 1st August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 13.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.mitchellwines.com/

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Toolangi Yarra Valley Syrah 2015

Offering something else with each re-appraisal. Variously savoury, meat juices, meets stem. Then, almost in defiance, sweeter edges, a glimpse of almond paste. 

Spending 11 months in oak, this is a gloriously medium bodied wine, with subtle red fruit that bobs gently along. I feel it's put its energy into that aromatic smorgasbord, feeling somewhat flat in comparison. 

Barely there tannin, a savoury reprise on the back palate. Pleasant, if not entirely compelling. 89 

Tasted on: Tuesday 11th July, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.toolangi.com/

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Terre à Terre Rouge 2015

From Wrattonbully, a blend of Shiraz (44%), Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Cab Franc (20%).

You could be forgiven for thinking a plainly labelled 'rouge' is perhaps a simple offering. Gives rise to this plummy, mulberry aroma - deep set, there's a suggestion of herb and seasoning in the mix. Inviting, comforting. 

Savoury on intro, a subtle double helix of fruit the contrast to this. It's medium bodied, fine - gentle tug of chalky tannin spreading its way across the palate. 

Provides a comforting presence across the palate, something to savour and captivate, before you consider the generosity of body and length. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 21st July, a Root to Flower day

Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au

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Mitchell Harris Shiraz 2015

Looks a bit like this,
except more 2015

So, with 25% whole bunches and 2% Viognier. Has the vibe of a wine at ease with itself, that whole bunch making itself known, presence felt. Viognier an after-thought, present nonetheless. Plummy, hints of purple florals, black/blue fruit in the mix - almost veering to the tartness of the blueberry. 

Light, airy - on entry at least - darker elements make themselves known, black fruit, a suggestion of licorice, a grind of pepper. Lovely inherent balance and sheer damn drinkability on offer. A yes from me. 92 

Tasted on: Monday 24th July, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: mitchellharris.com.au

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Shaw + Smith Shiraz 2015

A glorious vivid, vibrant visual outer, a stark contrast to its dark, nigh impenetrable, core. At its heart, aromatically, the presence of the inclusion of stems is noted. Together with gamey notes, and cloven spice. 

Brisk as it moves through the palate, energetically carrying its powder-fine tannin. There's a touch of cool herb, remnants of red fruit amongst the more savoury elements. 

Finishes seemingly a little short, as though that energy brought it home to a conclusion all too rapidly. Be thankful there's at least another glass in the bottle mind. 93 

Tasted on: Thursday 6th July, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $46
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawandsmith.com/

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Ballycroft Old Oak Durif

Somewhat raw, almost bloody steak territory, plum and beetroot. Eschews the creosote of higher alc Durif, Winemaker Joe Evans has crafted a fresher take on what is - ordinarily - a higher alcohol variety.

That was my original view on the matter, subsequently having caught up with Joe he admits to picking a touch prematurely, this being his first stab at the variety. In future releases he opined that he'll look to make the wine more in the house style.

Still Joe, I think you've done alright here by this one.

Light, nimble-footed, almost delicate, juicy. There's a suggestion of oak, gentle wash of fine-firm tannin across the palate. Yeh, goes alright. 91.  

Tasted on: Wednesday 10th May, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.ballycroft.com/

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Wirra Wirra Church Block 2015

A quite wonderful release of the Church Block. Cabernet clearly leading the charge here. Black currant with background savoury, cedary and leafy elements mixing it up in the background. 

Black fruit, liberally seasoned, smudge of oak and a nice curl of tannin that holds a definite line. Freshens up across the back like, just making it deliciously more-ish. 92 

Tasted on: Wednesday 10th May, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.wirrawirra.com/

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