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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Quartz Hill Pyrenees Shiraz 2014

Bit of a stink on opening: reductive in nature with a bit of meaty pan juice action. Medium bodied. Any palate weight is overlooked with the assault of flavours that are presented immediately. Clove, anise, pepper - a classic marker of the cool Pyrenees. 

Inherently savoury in its bent, there are subtle inflections of well meshed black fruit, but the persistent undertow of savoury character just positions the wine. Tannin sits very well, a subtlety at first that simply grows in stature. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 17th May, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.quartzhillwines.com.au/

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Old Jarvie The Enforcer Shiraz Mataro Malbec 2016

The Mulberry and Plummy signature of the leading red varieties sing here. Twists of herb, florals, a suggestion of anise.

Medium bodied veering to full with a chewy, chocolatey body. Subtle cocoa powder tannins coat the mouth, providing a guide for a decent length of flavour. Fairly linear progression, no nonsense, flavour packed. 90 

Tasted on: Saturday 6th May, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.oldjarvie.com.au/

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Gartelmann Diedrich Shiraz 2014

Interesting one here. From the famed/ regarded/ insert superlative of choice, Hunter 2014 vintage, yet they winery saw fit to supplement things with the addition of a some Clare fruit. Not the first Hunter to appreciate some of Clare's charm I'm sure.

Carries some grunt, mint, leather and gamey notes. That's not to say fruit is missing from equation: black cherry, blackcurrant, and sugar plum. 

It's lightweight in the mouth, smooth - the black fruit consistent throughout. Spicy depths, and a gorgeous tail of light-on tannin. 91 

Tasted on: Thursday 4th May, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.gartelmann.com.au

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Quartz Hill Mencia 2016

Good to see the number of producers of Mencia in Australia on the increase.

Not the strongest aromatic game here, not from a fruit perspective at least. Then, Mencia is like that. If anything, watermelon, again not the strongest fruit aromatically. 

Aromatics not its strength. Instead, it's really a bone dry offering, flecks of white pepper - Pyrenees terroir on hand - powder fine phenolics. Does come across as a little lean and hard. Its best months - the warmer ones - are ahead of it. 88 

Tasted on: Thursday 25th May, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.quartzhillwines.com.au/

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