Juniper Crossing Shiraz 2017

Hal Bibby, Juniper Distribution and Marketing Manager, is a generous soul and good for a yarn.

The accompanying info for the sample pack this wine was included in was preceded by a great summary (though perhaps that word itself undersells it) of the vintage conditions in Margs.

Behold, to the wine in question, and from the get-go it truly is a riot of berry derived aromatics that sits over an underlying edge of spice, a nod to the 10% whole bunch inclusion.

Even unto the palate, it's a soft and succulent wine initially, before more of that spice character makes itself very well know, with an assertiveness that almost masks some fine tannin on a decent tail of flavour.

Margs Shiraz is overlooked with its more famous Bordeaux influenced friends, on this showing the crowd may well think differently. 91

Tasted on: Friday 29th March
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.juniperestate.com.au/

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Hastwell & Lightfoot Montepulciano 2017

"Wines made for eating", nice tagline from the Hastwell and Lightfoot crew - a brand name I feel I've known for an age. 

Initially deep and dark, before the onset of lighter and brighter fruit sitting at its core. It's boysenberry, perhaps a suggestion of raspberry in the frame too. 

I'd paired this with some kebabs that we'd liberally introduced to some oregano, so that herbal - and Mediterranean - association ran long. 

The tannin feels a little gruff, almost ferrous; the wine itself carrying an air, a lightness as it springs across the palate. 89 

Tasted on: Friday 15th March, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://hastwellandlightfoot.com.au

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Shaw Estate Riesling 2018

Beautifully fragrant from Canberra District's Shaw Estate here. It's all manner of things, ranging from crisp green apple and kaffir lime, to a little bath salt and delicate soft tropical fruit.

I'd personally be looking to harness those aromatics and marry to some spice, think Thai green mango salad or such, pack some heat, add some scallops even - for an Aussie take on a classic.

At 5g residual it's not sweet, but there's a little unfermented in there and that adds to the texture and body. Doubly adding to its case as a screamer for some chilli, in my humble.

Tasted on: Wednesday 13th March
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://shawwines.com.au

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Harewood Estate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2018

Grassy, citrus, over a milky sage like aroma. Certainly speaking of its lead component. Assertive acidity combined with the tropical nuances provide the wines initial energy.

The passionfruit essence giving way to an amalgam of spice and flint-like notes. Good blending here, fine wine. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 2nd March
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.harewoodestate.com.au/

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Alkoomi White Label Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Alkoomi's White Label range offers some of the best value wines amongst their respective varieties. This Sauvignon Blanc no exception, offering what the variety does from the cool Frankland River region in Western Australia's South-East corner.

Exuding the grassy, herbaceous notes for which the variety is oft associated. The pungency is not lost on the palate, subtle tropical nuances aid that further, on the back of a pleasing acidic length. 88

Tasted on: Saturday 2nd March, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.alkoomiwines.com.au

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Bremerton Fiano 2018

Plays a strong aromatic hand; by way of creamy apple, fresh podded pea and a citrus meets vanilla aspect.

The aromatics are where its strengths lie, there's a textural fullness to the wine, but seemingly at the expense of further flavour and presence. 

Pulling up a little short, it sits proudly in a position as something of a summer quaffer. Pair with a creamy seafood pasta to kick an evening off! 88

Tasted on: Friday 15th February, a Root to Flower day 

Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au

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Barossa Boy Lifeblood Shiraz 2016

From 6th generation winemaker Trent Burge, honouring the region and the variety for which it's renowned. 

Deep set, plum, evocative, richly expressive. Hints of nut, coconut even - not so much swathed or swaddled in oak, but that's there too with its come hither coffee and vanilla ways. Framed, perhaps is how one sees it. 

Thick, rich, upfront fruit presence, before fine - yet firm - tannins sweep across the palate. Has a presence, length, and certainly possess the presence and structure to suggest it will age well. Length is flowing, the gentle ebb of spice across the palate. 94 

Tasted on: Sunday 10th February,  a Leaf Day
Source: Sample
Price: $80
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: DIAM
Website: www.barossaboywines.com.au

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