Angullong Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Very much of a tropical bent, of Passionfruit and Guava. Creates an inviting aroma that certainly would real the imbiber in.

Has a certain amount of zest and swagger on entry, combined with the aromatics it creates an attractive proposition from the get go. Sensitively handled, avoiding the overt - and over extracted - examples that, for me, give the style a bad rep. 91 

Tasted on: Thursday 16th January
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.angullong.com.au/

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d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Grenache Shiraz 2017

McLaren Vale Grenache leads clearly here, raspberry and mulberry establishing fruit primacy; hints of earth warmed by the summer sun, oak remnants.

Darker at its heart than aromatics initially suggest, more of the earthen notes, suggestions of liquorice and spice - black pepper, clove - adding depth through the middle. 

Length to boot, all coming together in what appears a fine release. 91 

Tasted on: Monday 10th February 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.darenberg.com.au/

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Opawa Pinot Noir Rosé 2019

Pretty, inviting; hints of cassis, strawberry and raspberry elements. Touch of residual sweetness and a brisk clip of acidity racing across the palate. 

Finishes dry and with a reasonable length of flavour. Good Pinot based Rosé. 89 

Tasted on: Sunday 12th January 
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.opawawine.com/

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Yalumba Y Series Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Sauv Blanc such a maligned - and abused - variety, yet it sells by the bucketload. 

This entry level example from Yalumba’s bargain brilliant ‘Y’ series aromatically speaks of zesty grapefruit with some tangy lemon in support. Subtle tropical hints add some aromatic flesh to the citrus zip.

The palate shows quite narrow, a focussed line offering a clean line of acidity. Hints of green melon and subtle herb - and in Sauvignon Blanc that is a good thing - add to the overall equation.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to a cost cautious fancier of the variety. Subtle, yet still carrying flavour, can be found easily for $10-12. 88 

Tasted on: Thursday 16th January
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.yalumba.com

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Oakridge Merlot 2013

Yarra Merlot at 7y, fleshy and meaty; juxtaposition of Plum and damson like fruit amongst that.

Slick, almost glycerol like, oak remnants - on a 7y old - spice and touches of black olive across the palate. Finishes strong, assertive and yet balanced. 92 

Tasted on: Saturday 8th February
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.oakridgewines.com.au/

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Mesh Classic Release Riesling 2014

Billed as a 'Classic Release', released at 5/6 years of age. 

Classic, as in showing the typical development of Riesling with some age, being that petroleum and lanolin character - the latter more often associated with aged Semillon, but also a sheep's wool descriptor.

Lemon butter and nuances, the acid has certainly softened, perhaps butter menthol like elements in the mix. There's a quartz and mineral like acidity to the finish, it's certainly not subsided - softened perhaps, yes - and speaks volumes of its ageworthy potential. 93

Tasted on: Saturday 11th January
Source: Sample
Price: $38
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.meshwine.com/

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Bremerton Special Release Grenache 2019

Not particularly common as a single varietal in the Creek. On this showing I'd suggest that we should.

Sees one third whole bunch. The whole bunch certainly shows its hand, lending an elegant spice and sappy edge to the briar and black fruit notes. The palate, soft and elegant, carries a framework of spice with a fine and succulent tannin. 

It certainly is an elegant wine, showing Grenache in its Pinot-esque guise - and I'm not afraid to draw the comparison between two otherwise very different varieties - as it can be given the right treatment. 92 

Tasted on: Thursday 24th January 
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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