The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

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Monday, 30 June 2014

Ferngrove King Malbec 2011

  10:13    

Vibrant in the glass, leaping out, encouraging you in.

Violets, lavender, blackberry compote. An alluring aromatic array. Underneath that lies a savoury edge, a little earth and dried grass.

Has Malbec's graphite edge - as I see it - black fruit bordering and backed up with some clove derived spice. Good length of flavour, if lacking a little detail on the finish. 92


Tasted on: Saturday 21st June, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.ferngrove.com.au/

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Sunday, 29 June 2014

Meerea Park Alexander Munro Shiraz 2009

  08:13    

A wine with plenty in the tank and one that seems to rise and grow in stature in front of your very eyes.

Earthen, chocolate oak, black fruit and perhaps a suggestion of some savoury notes pulling through by way of a touch of black olive skin.

Powdery tannin, perky acid, black fruited. There's a darkness lurking at the black palate, a touch of licorice. Gives the impression it's still quite a pup, bright - but yet hinting at that darkness. The savoury years ahead. A quite magnificent wine with excellent cellaring potential. 95


Tasted on: Sunday 15th June, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $75
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.meereapark.com.au/

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Thursday, 26 June 2014

Printhie MCC Riesling 2013

  11:57    

No, nothing to do with the venerable Marylebone Cricket Club, instead here MCC references the Mount Canobolas Collection, a tier of the Printhie wines' portfolio, effectively a reserve range.

 Pale gold with a lime tinge. Apple, blossom, mandarin - backed up with some bath salt minerality.

 Feels open, loose, a little sweetness against some crab apple sour acidity. This worked well with chilli salt and pepper king prawns that I happened to be eating.

 Overall the palate structure felt lacking in shape or focus, but that's not to say it was wanting, for it was a wine of length, of persistence rather than intensity or depth. 91

 Tasted on: Friday 13th June,  Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.printhiewines.com.au

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Wednesday, 25 June 2014

Ferngrove Symbols Cabernet Merlot 2011

  13:24    

Attractively packaged, solid contents, delivers well at its price-point.

 Bay, tapenade, touch of pencil shavings - essentially savoury with a mere suggestion of underlying black fruit.

 A little graphite quality, grainy tannin, little fruit presence on the palate. Touch astringent toward the back palate, short-moderate length. 87

 Tasted on: Tuesday 10th June, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $16.50
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.ferngrove.com.au/

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Angullong Fossil Hill Tempranillo 2012

  12:24    

Quite an attractive wine with mocha, blue fruits, florals on intro. Fairly acidic, light and juicy, citrus and cranberry acidity. Interesting for a variety that isn't necessarily known for its acidity.

 That said, it was an enjoyable to consume, and I would be inclined to do so when the wine young. Lacks a little length and depth. 88

 Tasted on: Monday 9th June, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $ 24
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.angullong.com.au/

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Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Nanny Goat Vineyard Super Nanny Pinot Noir 2013

  12:49    

Plenty of forward black fruit on offer here - if that's your 'thing' you'll love this. That fruit is supplemented with a touch of spice and the palate sees more of the same with the addition of a fair rub of tannin.

 It's a fair mouthful of flavour and the aroma and palate lead-in give the indication of what to expect from the wine. Has a good carry of flavour. It's big, but for me seems a little unbalanced. 90

 Tasted on: Monday 9th June, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $45 ish
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.nannygoatvineyard.co.nz/

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Lerida Estate Cullerin Pinot Noir 2013

  12:40    

Odd releases from Lerida Estate, odd in that their Chardonnay was anaemic and treading thinly at a mere 11%, whereas this Pinot Noir thunders in at just a touch under 15%.

 Cherry, mulberry and some cedary oak and spice. Full figured, scorched earth spice - reasonable length. Little to wax lyrical about. 86

Tasted on: Monday 9th June, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.leridaestate.com.au/

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Lerida Estate Lake George Pinot Noir 2011

  12:31    


Feels dilute, like weak blackcurrant cordial. Aromatics beyond that are somewhat muted - denying Pinot Noir its voice if you like.

 Dry, fine tannin - little flavour to boast of here. What you do get it some decent length, spice derived - but that's pretty much about it. Not a struggle to drink, but not overly pleasurable. 85/86

 Tasted on: Monday 9th June, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $26.5
Alcohol: 12.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.leridaestate.com.au/

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Monday, 23 June 2014

Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012

  15:46    


This one had me guessing, open for three days and I am none the wiser as to where I think it will settle. It's a quality release, don't get me wrong, but the plus sign could equally be a +/-.

 Fresh, primary plum, and damson with a smoky, almost meaty approach to it. With time it seems fresher, more floral. Tannin is exquisitely fine, so much so it feels like a carbon/graphite laden structure.

 Blue fruits slowly reveal themselves with time in glass/bottle, as do suggestive choc-chicory bitterness. A complex little beast. I'm still a little unsure how I feel about it. I've opted for the upper score I wrote down. 91+

 Tasted on: Sunday 15th June, a Fruit to Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap 
Website: http://www.chapelhillwine.com.au/

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Sunday, 22 June 2014

Pertaringa Sauvignon Blanc 2014

  13:45    

A touch simpler than its K1 stablemate, but in many ways that's what many might look for in a Sauvignon Blanc.

For me, it was suggestive of warmer months ahead. Clean and fresh, it carries a bit of 'punch' towards the back end. Opening with more pronounced tropicals: lychee, guava, a lick of passionfruit - I was thinking simply grilled prawns accompanied with a little mango salsa.

Wine can do that to you, yes I may have a soft spot for this wine, but affinity can be one of wine's many allures. Concludes with a touch of grip, more than just a simple savvy. 88


Tasted on: Sunday 22nd June, a Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample 
Price: $18
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.pertaringa.com.au/

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K1 by Geoff Hardy Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2014

  13:39    

Good aromatics, bearing the hallmarks of the region. Grass with forward tropicals and touches of herb making up the fresh allure of Sauvignon Blanc.

 The palate is cut with citrus, again tropical notes are present, the wine finishes a touch drier, concluding with a swathe of zest and zing. A lively one. 90

 Tasted on: Sunday 22nd June, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.k1.com.au/

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[This post was updated at 10:00am on Monday 23rd June to include a bottle image]

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Lowe Wines Nullo Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2013

  12:44    

Beautifully packaged wine with fruit coming off of a biodynamic-in-conversion vineyard in Mudgee sitting at a lofty 1180m elevation.

I struggled with what was within. Aromatically akin more to a sweet, dessert, botrytis wine with buttery honeyed notes.

Thick and textural plate, again like a sweet wine, yet without the sweetness or richness that makes that style pleasant. Lacking in definition and detail. Not something I would recommend and at $30 that's a big ask. 83


Tasted on: Sunday 22nd June, a Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample 
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.lowewine.com.au/

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Bakkheia Different Drummer Fumé Blanc 2013

  10:30    

A slight step up in quality here for the 2013 release. I first tasted this wine with the 2012, and as with that release the over-riding feel here is of a wine in balance with a textural feel. At the price point, it more than stakes its claim as a good drinking proposition.

 Capsicum, suggestions of cream and barrel work. Textural, richness, touch of acid on the back palate that acts as a counter-point to the texture. Good reach, length, and a touch of chalky phenolics. 91

 Tasted on: Sunday 22nd June, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $14
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bakkheia.com.au/

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Thursday, 12 June 2014

Eden Road The Long Road Pinot Noir 2012

  15:32    

Hints of savoury stem, woody spice - made with 50% whole bunches - and red berry fruit. In a bracket of Pinots this gave the impression of being fuller - with respect to palate weight. 

 Spice loads up on the palate, little by way of pure fruit - perhaps a modicum of juicy cranberry/ tart acidity. 

 Fine sandy tannin. Decent length, but little to get truly excited about. Nonetheless a decent wine. 88

 Tasted on: Monday 9th June, a Root transitioning to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://edenroadwines.com.au/

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Wednesday, 11 June 2014

Caledonia Australis Reserve Pinot Noir 2009

  13:02    


Allure of red fruit, touch of woodland and spice for an additional layer of interest. In summary: very attractive savoury bent.

 A lightness, ethereal, somewhat at odds to the expected depth. Moving to intense spice, tight-fine tannin structure. Impressive length and depth, flashes of mineral and red fruit. An impressive release. 92

 Tasted on: Monday 9th June, Root to Flower day 
Source: Gift/ Sample
Price: $38 ($228/6 pack)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://southgippslandwinecompany.com/

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Cooks Lot Pinot Noir 2013

  12:45    

Bit green and herbal, touch of leafiness there. Touch of acid on the palate, stemmy twang, spice.  Tannin is nice and fine, gives way to red fruit by way of cherry, wild strawberry.

Finishes a little short, drink now. 87


Tasted on: Monday 9th June, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.cookslot.com.au/

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Tuesday, 10 June 2014

Stonier Pinot Noir 2013

  15:40    

I found the Mornington Peninsula a difficult place to get my head around, hard to find my bearings back on a visit there in January. In a region where the pursuit of making wines from single vineyards in emerging sub-regions, its almost refreshing to find a wine that offers a composite of the region through drawing fruit from an array of sites across the peninsula.

 It's a solid wine, not from the perspective of body, or as in sturdiness, rather in that it is dependable. Good 'pinosity', delightful balance and - to my mind - an inherent moreish quality.

 Strawberry, cherry, florals and a little spice. Medium of body, a base of tight-grain tannin. There's fruit, a touch of silken texture, acid - balance - that's the key. I say solid - and I don't want that seen as a pejorative statement - and that's essentially what it is. Good length, a pleasure to drink. 91

 Tasted on: Monday 9th June, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.stonier.com.au/

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Ferngrove Frankland River Shiraz 2011

  05:57    

Not ashamed to say that I called this wine incorrectly on first taste. It seemed very simple, almost shut down, suffice to say I promptly returned it to the fridge for re-evaluation the next day.

 Behold! Hasn't the young fellow grown up - or my own senses have reawakened? 

 Black fruited, compote aromatics - pretty in a sense. Medium bodied, sweet black fruit with a touch of fennel present. Lacks a little length, but other elements make up for it.

 My issues would be, at $20, was the bottle on first opening representative of how it would appear to average Joe ripping the lid off and consuming with gusto? For it is a much better wine after a day (IMO of course). 88

 Tasted on: Friday 6th June, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.ferngrove.com.au

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Ferngrove Dragon Shiraz 2011

  05:49    


Kicks off with a little oak that very readily makes its way for background black and red fruits. Moves to a little cherry, perhaps cola.

 Squarely medium bodied, more savoury than fruit-driven, sees graphite/mineral qualities, yes there's a little fruit on the palate and over a day or two retains freshness.

 Lacks a little length in the true sense, seems to grow in stature with some time, would suggest a short stint in the cellar would do no harm. 91+

 Tasted on: Friday 6th June, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: 

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Monday, 9 June 2014

BK Wines Sparks Grenache 2013

  08:26    


Scant information available on the production, other than 100% whole bunch. That much is apparent on introducing one's self to the wine, with stemmy/sappy elements immediately making themselves known. Background fruit in the mix, nested with a little spice and cherry bakewell character.

 On entry, it's light and lithe before chalky tannin dominates. Drying the mouth out before moving to raspberry and a suggestion of darker, black fruit and a pop of cranberry acidity.

 Intriguing tannin structure, dominating initially, subsiding with a little time - the wine was tasted over two days as per house rules - allowing fruit to express itself to a greater degree. It's an interesting approach to McLaren Vale, and Blewitt Springs Grenached, with the use of whole bunch overlaid on the light and elegant fruit present. 91+

 Tasted on: Saturday 7th June, 
Source: Retail, Grand Central Cellars
Price: $50 ish
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://bkwines.com.au/

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Yelland and Papps Second Take Grenache 2013

  06:56    

The Grenache is the pick of the '13 Second Pick releases for me - a case of Primus inter pares' rather than it standing head and shoulders above stable mates Roussanne and Shiraz.

 Enticing aromatics from the get go, moving to a composed palate, silken threaded, elegant. Milk chocolate, coffee grounds, sugar plum, blue fruits and florals. It's complex without being over-bearing, engaging and a delight to drink from the off.

 Elegant palate structure, a sense of ease and perpetual flow. Acid is present, in the sense of refreshment, it aids to balance and presence. Finishes with length, a gentle flow of flavour. 94

 Tasted on: Thursday 5th June, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.yellandandpapps.com/

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Sunday, 8 June 2014

Foster é Rocco Sangiovese Riserva 2009

  11:40    

Adam Foster and Lincoln Riley (aka Rocco - I think it's because he looked an adult movie star of the same name). Bottle strokers (Foster ex-Somm of the Lakehouse in Daylesford; Riley current purveyor of booze at Stokehouse).

 Deep garnet in colour, cheery, hints of almond, dried herb segueing to savoury woody notes,

 It's the palate where the joy happens. Ultra-smooth, cherry, boysenberry with acid still present and freshening. I'd suggested this is good for another 6-7 years at least.

 Tannin is fine, drawing a savoury line of substantive length showing cherry, touches of earth and spice. Up there in price granted. 92

 Tasted on: Sunday 1st June, a Flower Day 
Source: Retail, Grand Central Cellars
Price: $50 ish
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://fostererocco.com.au/

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Friday, 6 June 2014

Dodgy Bros Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2012

  12:09    


The winemaker, the viticulturist and the grower. 

 Wes Pearson: amateur ice-hockey player, skateboarder, winemaker and now Sensory Analyst for AWRI is a long way from where he originally called home. Canada to Willunga is not exactly the path frequently travelled, oh and let's not forget the stint at Léoville Les Cases in St Julien, Bordeaux.

 Peter Bolte, the original Dodgy Brother, has completed 35 vintages as a viti in McLaren Vale - he may know a thing or two about its sites, rhythms and seasons.

 Peter Somerville, sounds like a fella who likes a laugh. Sounds like a bloke who grows some decent fruit. Sounds like a bloke who, with the aid of the aforementioned Dodgy Brothers, might know how to turn out a pretty decent wine.

 Well, the only thing that's dodgy here is the upside down label. Branding is an essential part on what's on the outside, but what's within also has to stack up. This blend leads with 50% Cabernet Franc, with Cabernet Sauvignon (32%) and Petit Verdot (18%) making up the numbers.

 The lead shows its hand clearly. Cassis, blackcurrant leaf, raspberry leaf and dusky florals. Faint cedar, a little herb - but it's more about that that attractive lead in from the Cabernet Franc.

 It's medium bodied, excellent intensity of flavour from the off; sandy-grain tannin, black fruits, suggestion of grilled meat here too. It does present itself, not necessarily as the sum of its parts, but as a manifestation of each of them individually. Three virtuoso performances that are pretty tight together.

 Finishing with excellent travel of flavour, sustained intensity; all up - for me - it's a performance of composure, balance. A delight have to sampled. 93 

 PS Brisbanites keen to try this wine can find it at Cru Bar and Cellar, James Street.

Tasted on: Tuesday 3rd June, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $29
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.dodgybrotherswines.com/

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Thursday, 5 June 2014

Hill-Smith Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2012

  12:17    

Tasted blind in a bracket of eight Chardonnays, all Australian, a mix of vintages and regions represented. 

 Stonefruit up front, supporting framework of subtle wood in support.

 Textural, worked example through battonage, wild ferment. Spicy oak present, delightful balance here of fruit/acid/oak. 91

 Tasted on: Sunday 1st June, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://hsfv.com/

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Alkoomi Frankland River Chardonnay 2012

  12:12    

Tasted blind in a bracket of eight Chardonnays, all Australian, a mix of vintages and regions represented. 

 Opens with a little sour milk, bran and wheat. Palate shows a clear nutty, spicy oak mix - good balance, ably supported by presence of fruit. 

 Length is pretty fulfilling. All up, a good package. 88

 Tasted on: Sunday 1st June, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://alkoomiwines.com.au/

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Wednesday, 4 June 2014

Patina Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2008

  20:53    

Tasted blind in a bracket of eight Chardonnays, all Australian, a mix of vintages and regions represented. The bracket largely showing anaemic, skinny Chardonnays - as seems the current vogue with the variety.

 In such a bracket, a wine with 5+ years on it stood out like the sore thumb. 

 The colour shows a wine that is developed. Aromatically showing toasty character, stonefruit and suggestion of lime brûlée.

 The palate is fuller (comparatively), toasty oak and yet demonstrating good balance. Melon and lime show on the palate adding some subtlety to the power. Good length, a pleasure to drink. 91

 Tasted on: Sunday 1st June, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 11.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.patinawines.com.au/

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Lerida Estate Lake George Chardonnay 2012

  20:43    

Tasted blind in a bracket of eight Chardonnays, all Australian, a mix of vintages and regions represented. The bracket largely showing anaemic, skinny Chardonnays - as seems the current vogue with the variety.

 Very pale straw in colour, more Sauvignon Blanc-esque in appearance than Chardonnay. Citrus, flashes of oak, wheatgerm. Insipid on the palate - touches of grapefruit/ citrus acidity. Short in length and largely devoid of flavour. Picked early - too early one suspects. 83

 Tasted on: Sunday 1st June, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $24.50
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.leridaestate.com.au/

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Wirra Wirra The 12th Man Chardonnay 2013

  11:14    


Tasted blind in a bracket of eight Chardonnays, all Australian, a mix of vintages and regions represented. The bracket largely showing anaemic, skinny Chardonnays - as seems the current vogue with the variety.

 Pale, with tinges of green 'n' gold. Citrus, touches of cheesecake base/ toasty oak.

 A bit of texture and weight, no obvious alcohol, acid a touch nippy. Citrus at the core, mineral on the finish, moderate length - flavour starts to to reveal further with a bit of time. 89

 Tasted on: Sunday 1st June, a Flower day

Source: Sample
Price: $31.50
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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Eden Road The Long Road Pinot Gris 2013

  10:31    


Interesting wine this, quality obvious and inherent, varietal character clear. Classic poached pear with a little spice, suggestions of under-ripe mandarin.

 Lavishly textural, spice and mineral that give way to a little pickled ginger and phenolic bitterness. The wine spends time on skins, some 6 months, accounting for the blush - or paleish bronze - hue. Good quality, but finish dominated by the phenolics. 90

 Tasted on: Saturday 31st May, a Flower Day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://edenroadwines.com.au/

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Wirra Wirra Woodhenge Shiraz 2012

  06:10    

The inky blackness within is what is first noticed, the aromatics of blue fruit, cherry, chocolate and florals next. Cedary spice and a little toasty oak - it sees 17 months in wood, 35% of which is new.

Smooth, lithe and medium-full in body - a surprise at its lightness, for a 'Woodhenge' carries a certain, expectation perhaps, of a weighty wine - with blueberry, black fruit and cherry. There's latent spice, a touch of fruitcake, and cedar rounding out the palate.

Tanning is fine, wrapping up a wine of substance, persistence. Will go well in the cellar too, 8-10 years easily. 93


Tasted on: Monday 26th May, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.55
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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Tuesday, 3 June 2014

Wirra Wirra 'Catapult' Shiraz 2012

  12:02    


The late Gregg Trott succumbed to cancer in March 2005, but his legacy lives on in many of the (oft hairbrained) ideas and pipedreams that he set about turning from vision to reality. Many now adorn the the labels of Wirra Wirra wines, the winery he founded with cousin Roger in 1969.

 A visit to the Wirra Wirra cellar door, a pretty special place in my opinion, is like stepping into the over-active imagination of R.G.Trott - the visitor greeted by the rather large redgum carved cricket ball on arrival. Turn right into the tasting room, make your way over to the counter on the left and start tasting your way through the range of wines that now themselves bear witness to Trott's lust for life and sense of fun.

 The 'Catapult' was so named for the 'siege engine' that Trott wanted to build, ostensibly to 'bomb' neighbouring wineries with wine in the hope they would return the 'favour'.

 In the past, this wine also bore the variety Viognier, that white grape is still present in this wine (1%), noticeable for a little 'prettiness' brought to the party and by way of the vibrant rim of the wine in glass.

 Vanilla, plum, black fruit initially - before a little savoury meatiness. Smooth, polished; pepper anis and five-spice. The wine has a slippery feel, a velvet-textured delight, fine-tannin wine with good intensity of flavour.

 Persistent, possessing depth with dutch licorice forming the spine of flavour here. It's a wine for now, a pleasure to drink from the off, but no harm will come for a short stay in the cellar if you're so inclined. 91

 Tasted on: Monday 26th May,  a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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Sunday, 1 June 2014

Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva 2008

  14:25    

Rioja when on song truly enthrals. A silken slip of a wine with a curious combination of savoury elements and primary fruit. You've got to have pretty deep pockets to make it, for a Reserva - as this - has to be aged for three years prior to release and at least a year of that is in oak. So three years before you see any return.

That's pretty serious investment. Good job it tastes so good.

Enticing perfume: vanilla, cherry, blueberry, touches of cola before segueing into woody spice. Secondary notes of black fruit, red cherry and a little polish.

Enticing, yes. Intoxicating, enveloping - I could happily give myself  up to it. Beautifully weighted, glass like feel, fine tannin - carries flavour: cherry, suggestions of almond, blue fruits and coffee grounds. Finishes well, good carry of flavour - length, if not necessarily of intensity. Then subtlety here seems the calling card, guile and grace over aggression. 92


Tasted on: Sunday 25th May 
Source: Retail, Cru Bar & Cellars
Price: $50ish
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.bodegasmuga.com/

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