Ballycroft Small Berry French Oak Shiraz 2018

Ballycroft Small Berry French Oak Shiraz 2018

  21:55    Stu.

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Dare I say, but perhaps the least obvious rendition of the French small berry Shiraz I've had the pleasure of sampling, certainly compared to the overt and brazen American counterpart. 

Conveys a blueberry compote over chocolate aspect, and for all its depth there's a freshness and youthful presentation to it. 

As the vines with age impart their own mark on the wines of increasingly assured winemaker Joe Evans, there's a meeting of the minds with respect to their presentation. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 13th January 
Source: Sample
Price: $ 49
Alcohol: 14.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.ballycroft.com/

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Wirra Wirra Amator Nouveau 2020

Wirra Wirra Amator Nouveau 2020

  18:18    Stu.

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A new - to me - release from Wirra Wirra, although the 'Amator' range appears to have been around since the 2014 vintage at least. It's a blend of Grenache (60%), Shiraz (20%) and Touriga (20%).

Amator being the origins of amateur, one who participates in sport for no payment. Here Wirra Wirra co-opts the term to reflect the labour of love in tending to the vines that contribute to the wines. 

Light on fragrance, yet a wickedly delicious palate that conveys freshness. There's an acidic line that curls across the palate, a delicate tannic crunch. The greatest surprise is I managed to refrain from consuming this in a single sitting. On day 2 it was certainly more in that youthful vogue, the palate is brighter and crunchier, with a delightful vein of acidity. 

Light and bright, touches of Plum and blackcurrant.  91

Tasted on: Wednesday 26th August 

Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14% 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://wirrawirra.com/

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Domaines Paul Mas Vignes de Nicole Viognier 2019

Domaines Paul Mas Vignes de Nicole Viognier 2019

  16:30    Stu.

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I think these may be Dan Murphy's exclusive imports into Australia.

Chicken stock and stonefruit, soft and inviting. 

Luscious, a textural interplay across the palate, veering towards a viscosity that pulls forward stonefruit juice. Moderate length of flavour, pleasurable enough wine. 89 

Tasted on: Friday 18th September 
Source: Sample
Price: $16.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.palatepr.com/

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Gartelmann ‘Wilhelm’ Shiraz 2017

Gartelmann ‘Wilhelm’ Shiraz 2017

  08:32    Stu.

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Plum, blackcurrant, elements of hedgerow that lend a savoury edge. Latterly, sand and earthen notes, lending something like a sweet spiced air. 

The palate follows that through with an air of conviction, soft and succulent - just carrying a suggestion of residual fruit to add to the carry of flavour. 

The finish is steady, sweet accented fruit notes carrying long across the finish. I actually preferred this on day 2, far more expressive and generous in its presence. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 7th August 
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.gartelmann.com.au/

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Campos do Viento Tempranillo 2019

Campos do Viento Tempranillo 2019

  16:30    Stu.

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Carries the air of earth and baked raspberry - like you'd find in a baked muffin; fruit, yet not sweet. 

Feels lighter across the palate, at least initially, before a darker manifestation sets in. Suggestions of black pepper and clove, a carry of decent length. Pretty rugged, gutsy, not without conviction. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 18th August 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample Courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com

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Angullong Merlot 2018

Angullong Merlot 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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Earth, gamey vibes, latterly the suggestion of tobacco emerges - lending a smokey air. 

Feeling fresh across the palate, youthful and with something like an olive skin vibe. The structure bolsters the youth and vitality of the wine. 

Well made, another claim for the re-emergence of Merlot, in cooler climes and in the right hands. 91 

Tasted on: Wednesday 5th August 
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.angullong.com.au/

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Wirra Wirra Mrs Wrigley Rosé 2020

Wirra Wirra Mrs Wrigley Rosé 2020

  16:30    Stu.

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Kiss of berry fruit on the nose, soft and succulent, by way of strawberry and a touch of raspberry. 

Flowing through onto the palate, with a crisp delight, that both arrests the fruit flavour and aroma, yet also seeks to allow the same to gently tug along the finish. 

There's certainly a carry of flavour here, gently persistent on a quietly generous finish. 92 

Tasted on: Wednesday 26th August 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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