The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

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This Australian wine blog was formerly known as thewinewankers.com

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Sunday 13 December 2015

Kreglinger Vintage Brut 2006

  07:42    

A fine bead, moussey strands that connect together. 

Bready, leesy, yeasty notes - time on lees adds this substantive depth. Suggestion of macerated strawberry. A wine of substance, of volume, and presence. Creamy, honeyed hints, biscuit, nougat and apple strudel. 

An impressive wine: power and finesse. The finish - long and dry.  93

 Tasted on: 9th December 2015
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://kreglingerwineestates.com/

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Coriole Picpoul 2015

  07:01    

Great to see this variety being produced in Australia now. This is the first commercial bottling of the variety I am aware of. The vines were imported in 2008, planted in 2011. This, the second vintage of the wine, the first in 2014 saw a mere 40L made and in 2015 that was increased to 150 dozen.

 Rock melon, ripe pear, a little stonefruit kernel, alpine glade/ resin. 


Palate sees a little fleshiness, acidity (variety famed for), mineral, segues to a little white pepper; fresh and refreshing. Arm yourself with half a dozen bottles (if it wasn't sold out!) and gather round a table to share with friends.

Good finish, length, dry. A fantastic addition to the Australian wine scene. 92 

 Tasted on: Wednesday 2nd December: Leaf to Fruit
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.coriole.com

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Saturday 12 December 2015

Signature Wines Reserve Range Sauvignon Blanc 2015

  08:44    

The Reserve shows more of the hallmark gooseberry and passionfruit here, defined tropicals - the herbaceous present, yet taking more of of a back seat. Somewhat easing, or reclining into the wines profile.

Acid present, yet dialled down; fruit character more prominent here, a little texture, more in balance

Classical length, a wine that leaves a memory of what came before. 90/1



Tasted on: Monday 30th November: Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.signaturewines.com.au/

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Friday 11 December 2015

Yelland & Papps Sete di Vino 2014

  11:02    

A wickedly delicious blend of Primitivo (78% ) and Barbera (22%) from the Barossa. Continues in the same vein as its cousins from former years (reviews).

Black fruited: kirsch-like, plum brandy. Rich, heady, concentrated. Palate is mid to full, juicy, good acid balance; plum follows on the palate, spice and tannin too. Hints of citrus. 

Shows a satsuma plum on the finish. Good length - If not overtly generous. Juicy, satisfying style - can easily pop this lover in the fridge for 20-30 mins to take the edge off on a stinking summer's day. 89 

 Tasted on: Thursday 5th November, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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Tuesday 8 December 2015

Champagne Brimoncourt Blanc de Blanc NV

  17:45    

Pretty impressive wesbite from Brimoncourt, a somewhat new negociant Champagne house, in the process of acquiring its own holdings. 


Its raison d'être is: "to get back to the original DNA of champagne, to the time when it was a light and joyful wine, a wine that was drunk with friends, a wine for meeting with people but not at all formal".


Certainly in its presentation and presence in the bottle it appears to achieve that. Delicate, suggestive of quince, stonefruit, a little biscuit. Lean, tight, acid feels quite hard, green apples and citrus; powdery/ chalky. 


It's light, a little tang, has you yearning for more - very easy to drink. Puts you in the frame of mind, or certainly suggestive of, a great entree fizz. Set the scene. 
Creaminess pervades, citrus concludes. 92 

 Tasted on: 28th November, a Fower day
Source: Sample
Price: $78
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://brimoncourt.com/en/

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Tuesday 1 December 2015

Signature Wines Estate Range Sauvignon Blanc 2015

  13:16    

Carries the signature (excuse the pun) of both region and variety - in that order too. Cut grass, a little nettle, fleshy and open tropicals - yet managing to eschew the overt characters many are afflicted with.

Zesty, with lively acidity, a little chalky pucker - adds additional character and provides a textural counterpoint to the sharpness of acid.


Carries a little bitter citrus at its conclusion, reasonable length to boot. Summer days are here. 89

 Tasted on: Monday 30th November: Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.signaturewines.com.au/

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Monday 30 November 2015

Voyager Estate Chenin Blanc 2014

  10:07    

Ah Chenin Blanc. When executed well it can be a heavenly nectar. But all too often it can seem over extracted, lots of estery characters. Fortunately here, Voyager Estate have set out to deliberately make this example in an earlier drinking, softer, approachable style. 

Per that guidance, it carries clear hints of tropical fruit, stonefruit, bath salts; the palate fresh, lightly textured, fruity - fruit sweetness balanced against unforced acidity. 

Perfect cleansing style, at 20 yams a great way to start to an afternoon. For me, a welcome addition on a sultry, stormy Brisbane afternoon. 91

 Tasted on: Sunday 29th November: Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.voyagerestate.com.au/

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Thursday 26 November 2015

Cook's Lot 'Lot 333' Riesling 2015

  10:00    

On song, as good as I've seen it, a stellar release from Duncan Cook down in Orange.

 A fine, floral feast on display here: magnolia, white florals, vanilla and slight musky tones.

 Suggestive of a little leading spritz, an awakening that delivers a fresh, zippy, zesty experience - citrus cut and thrust all the way.

 Good length, eager to please - yes, the best I have seen it look personally. 92

 Tasted on: Tuesday 8th September, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.cookslot.com.au/

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Wednesday 25 November 2015

Lark Hill Viognier 2015

  17:21    

Winemaker Chris Carpenter has a firm hand on the tiller of this engimatic variety. Not easy to get right, here Carpenter has picked a little early to retain some acidity with sacrificing trademark stonefruit and spice.

 You can almost imagine biting into the delicate, fuzzy, softness of a barely ripe Apricot as you lower the olfactory organ into this one.

 Like its stonefruit counterpart, it's fleshy; the initial introduction shows a wine of textural substance, segueing to experience enhancing ground ginger. There's a little grip and acidic tingle on the back palate. It's one you want to judge the temperature right with, a 'Goldilocks' - not too cold, not too warm. Excellent wine. 92

 Tasted on: Wednesday 25th November, a Fruit transitioning to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.larkhillwinery.com/

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Taylors Promised Land Chardonnay 2014

  11:51    

Represents as something akin to a Chardonnay/ Sauvignon Blanc hybrid, with green tropicals, gooseberry and a touch of tangy citrus.

 Carries that acidity well into the palate, balanced against what shows as a little mid-palate sweetness.

 From a personal preference, it's not one for me, but doesn't disgrace itself. 86

 Tasted on: Tuesday 8th September, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $13.95
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.taylorswines.com.au/

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Thursday 19 November 2015

Daosa Blanc de Blanc 2011

  10:00    

A lively effervescence: persistence of bead, yeasty autolysis top notes, complexity from 51 months on lees.

 Citrus tang, a swathe of acid cutting a minerally line - yet softened sufficiently from time both sur lie and bois. A little biscuit depth, persistent acid. Glorious length, a fine tail. 93

 Tasted on: Friday 4th September, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 11.9%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://daosa.com.au/

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Wednesday 18 November 2015

Kalleske Plenarius Viognier 2014

  20:49    

Honey, apricot, ginger - intoxicating, alluring - not least that russety, amber colour from spending some an extended maceration period on its grape skins.

 Full on, for what is ostensibly a white wine, bristling and humming with flavour, great phenolics and trim acid.

 Dry, juicy with a little tang - a wine that has you yearning for more for sure. 92 

 Tasted on: Monday 31st August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.kalleske.com/

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Thursday 12 November 2015

Lark Hill Riesling 2015

  13:17    

Green apple, pithy citrus/sherbet character; suggestive tropical fruit notes (not as prominent as prior - cooler - vintage).

Crunchy acid, citrus flourishes more akin to lime, a little honeyed note perhaps (golden delicious oxidative hint). Good length, not just a line merchant, has a little swing and seam to the armoury too. 

Sustained flavour reaching into the farthest recesses of the palate, a memory of what came before and a reminder to reach for the glass again. 93 

 Tasted on: Tuesday 10th November, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.larkhillwinery.com/

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Tuesday 3 November 2015

Zonin Prosecco NV

  11:49    

I've purchased this Prosecco before - a very cost effective input into a home made Aperol Spritz - so I was quite happy to receive a bottle for review.

 It's a Woolworths exclusive (the Pinnacle Liquor reference a dead giveaway) so you'll only find it in the likes of BWS. At $11 it's not the most complex of its style, but is a great afternoon refresher, a gateway to the evening, or - as I've indicated - perfect for an Aperol Spritz.

 Opens with pear drop aromatics, citrus and a little almond grove. It's a fresh little Prosecco made from the Glera grape in Italy's North East.

 In the mouth: full, moussey, the congregation of bubbles joining en masse to provide a substantive experience. There's more pear and citrus present here and the finish, whilst dry, carries a little fruit sweetness for refreshment. An effective summer cleanser. 87

 Tasted on: Sunday 1st November, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $10.99
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.zoninprosecco.com/

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Friday 23 October 2015

Faux Pas Grenache 2014

  09:00    

Meshes primary red fruit with savoury nuances delivered from the inclusion of stems. Lends it an altogether more serious, savoury air.

 Spicy, savoury, smooth - silken threads meander around the palate, delivering savoury licks and spicy kicks.

 Good line of flavour, lasting carry, a little bitterness lingers. Adds, rather than detracts. 91

 Tasted on: Monday 24th August, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.fauxpaswines.com.au/

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Thursday 22 October 2015

Topper's Mountain Bricolage Blanc 2014

  14:45    

Second release of this interesting white blend (2013) and a 'sister' to the 'Red Earth Child'.

 Musk and rose water clear on the nose provide clues as to the presence of Gewürztraminer here. Residual hints of vanilla, creamy almond and cashew provide further hints, a little stonefruit suggestive of Viognier.

 A wine of texture, substance - a little phenolic tug, good width and all round shape. Reminiscent of white rhone blends, in feel if not flavour. Good length - an impressive follow up to its debut. 92 

 Tasted on: Monday 31st August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.toppers.com.au/

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Cooks Lot Orange Rosé 2015

  09:00    

Lovely berry derived aromatics, supplemented with hints of floral (lavender?) and spice. Touch of strawberries and cream latterly, a little savoury top note rounding things out.

 Layered texture, cascading fruit, persistence of flavour. There's a little chalky dryness - ostensibly dry with a little retention of fruit, overall well balanced.

 Length to boot - impressive shift to dryer territory. 91

 Tasted on: Saturday 22nd August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.cookslot.com.au/

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Wednesday 21 October 2015

B3 Barossa Valley Chardonnay 2012

  18:18    

Not entirely sure why you'd grow Chardonnay in the Barossa...

 Toast and oak, shows signs of advanced development: a touch figgy with residual citrus curd hints. Flat palate profile, oak and and sour fruit. Retains some length, a bout its only redeeming feature - priced accordingly. 84

 Tasted on: Wednesday 26th August, a Fruit day
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $8
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.b3wines.com.au/

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Rogers & Rufus Grenache of Barossa Rosé 2015

  17:47    

One of the stalwarts from the revolution that threatened to propel dry, savoury and textural rosé into the mindset of the Australian drinker. Think and drink pink sadly seems to have been overlooked by the pervasive talk dry, think sweet mindset.

 Made by winemaker Sam Wigan (see also Running With Bulls) and of course a Yalumba/ Hill Smith Family Vineyard brand. The wine in question sees 1-2 hours in a press (colour) and 50% is sent off to barrel for wile yeast fermentation, with fortnightly for 2 months (think texture).

 Cool red berry aromatics, a little spice and seasoning. Crisp and dry, a little chalky phenolic pucker. The battonage is evident with width, hold the  wine (if at all possible) for more of that tangy cranberry and raspberry.

 Length = generous, a little bite. Cracking example. 92

 Tasted on: Saturday 22nd August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $17.95
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.rogersandrufus.com/

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Friday 16 October 2015

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

  10:00    

Perfectly pitched oak framing red and black fruit over a little menthol and seasoning. Possesses a subtlety, an allure...

 Medium bodied, succulent texture, fantastic structure. Fruit, oak, seasoning, excellent carriage of flavour. Good to go now, but would like to see it as it integrates and takes on more of a savoury mien. 92+

 Tasted on: Thursday 20th August, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $63
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.leeuwinestate.com.au

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Thursday 15 October 2015

Alkoomi Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

  19:57    

Red berry fruit framed up with adroitly handled oak, seasoning and leaf.

 Medium bodied, firm, yet powdery, tannin, good solid core with eucalyptus and layers of savoury flavour. Shows some aniseed too - somewhat unusually.

 Structure, could do with a little more fruit, yet has the legs for the long haul. 91

 Tasted on: Thursday 20th August, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $ Screwcap
Alcohol: 14.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.alkoomiwines.com.au/

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Tuesday 6 October 2015

Pewsey Vale Prima Riesling 2015

  09:00    

I often seek out medium-dry (a Riesling that carries some retained sugar, not necessarily overtly sweet in style) Rieslings to accompany dishes with a little extra spice.

 Pewsey Vale's Prima is executed well. Seeing the retention of around 24-25 g/l of residual sugar, yet doesn't come across as too sweet, cloying and not at the expense of fruit.

 The wine still sees plenty of lemon/lime fruit, preserved lemons in the mix too. There's good carry of flavour. Certainly one to seek out - caveat emptor it's not a dry Riesling. Touch and go for a point higher 91

 Tasted on: Tuesday 18th August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 9.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.pewseyvale.com

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Monday 5 October 2015

Out of Step Wine Co Malakoff Nebbiolo 2014

  14:30    

A very different guise to the 2013 - somewhat more serious, no less delicious. Indeed, from the producer's website: "A very different cat to our 2013 Nebbiolo from the same site. Some similarities in that the fruit was once again spectacular (the John family truly are great growers) & that there were no additions other than sulphur dioxide once the wine was through malo. But picked a little later for extra weight".

 Shows tar and old leather, florals - good varietal intro. The palate see a fresh acid structure with a good grain of tannin. There's fruit to boot - a little spiced red fruit, but ultimately savoury.

 It offers damn good drinking - a familial line to that earlier vintage reviewed - and concludes on an excellent savoury length.

 Tasted on: Monday 17th August, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.outofstepwineco.com/

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Yalumba Galway Malbec 2012

  07:22    

Dusty, dusky hints, a little smokey violet and lavender on show.

 Iron, blue fruit, licorice - varietal. Good carry of chalky tannin on the finish, a finish that lingers. 

 Good start point for those unfamiliar with the variety. 89

 Tasted on: Saturday 15th August: a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $18.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.yalumba.com/

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Friday 25 September 2015

Heggies Eden Valley Riesling 2015

  09:00    

Lots of life here: spritzy, gorgeously aromatic with tangy lime over some tropical edges. Bath salt energy pervades too.

 More tangy lime on the palate, crunchy acid that reaches into the far corners of your mouth, as if seeking a place to hide. Not just a line merchant, has spread, texture - easy drinking. 92

 Tasted on: Friday 14th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $23.95
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.heggiesvineyard.com/

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Thursday 24 September 2015

Fox Creek Vixen NV Sparkling Red

  07:20    

A blend ofShiraz (74%), Cabernet Sauvignon (16%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Pours a vibrant purple edge, lively, a good bead.

Aromatics of it's constituent parts: chocolate, cherry - heady. On the palate it's rounded, soft, enticing - poured this for some avowed non-sparkling red drinkers who were wone over by its graceful charms.

Not wanting for character, it also shows a little spice and a glorious dark tail through to its conclusion.

 Tasted on: Wednesday 12th August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.foxcreekwines.com/

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Tuesday 22 September 2015

Yelland & Papps Second Take Roussanne 2014

  09:00    

Quite possibly one of the most colourful additions to the Australian winemaking scene of recent years, hotly following on the heels of both 2012 and 2013, comes this stellar release.

 Pours a familiar cloudy, opaque, cidery form - indeed it even shows those apple and pear qualities. Spice, florals, textural nuances.

 Looking back over those previous releases, you see familial traits, yet with the ebbs and flows of vintage, of the winemakers guiding hand, you see difference.

 Celebrate the wine for what it is, damn drinkable without sacrificing complexity of interest, and not just a curio. 93

 Tasted on: Wednesday 29th July 2015, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 11.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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Monday 21 September 2015

Hither & Yon Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

  14:45    

There's just something about the Hither & Yon wines, be it visual appeal, relative ease on the pocket, approachability without sacrificing varietal character. Consistent. That too.

 Cherry ripe-esque: mass of fruit over chocolate, without eschewing varietal character.

 Per the Hither & Yon style, a wine of easy going nature; medium-bodied elegance, suggestion of blueberry and bright fruit in general.

 So easy - and pleasurable - to drink, not an easy feat to achieve. 90

 Tasted on: Wednesday 12th August 2015, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: ?
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hitherandyon.com.au/

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Oakvale Ablington Chardonnay 2014

  10:00    

Golden, cashew, nougat oak - where's the fruit as Manu might say - a little residual grilled nectarine.

 Oak, honeyed - citrus acidity - doesn't feel quite so cohesive. A case of Arthur or Martha. Leaves me pondering - will it come together? A questionable: 87

 Tasted on: Tuesday 11th August 2015, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $33
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.oakvalewines.com.au/

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Sunday 20 September 2015

Pipers Brook Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

  20:05    

I was unsure whether to add an apostrophe to Pipers or not, the winery seems to omit doing so, so I shall follow suit. The grammatical dilemmas of a blogger (albeit one with a casual grasp of the English language at best).

 Stunning Chardonnay that only serves to reinforce Tasmania's credentials as a home for world class, cool-climate wines. Indeed, redolent of the cool - exhibiting peachy top notes with underlying briny hints, a little creamy cashew oak.

 Green apple acidity, indicative of no, or at least partial, malolactic fermentation. Mineral, crunch of good acid and driving good length. One for the acid-heads here. Those short on enamel need not apply. 92

 Tasted on: Tuesday 11th August, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $34  
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://kreglingerwineestates.com/cellar-door/pipers-brook-vineyard/

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St Mary's Shiraz 2013

  08:41    

Situated 15 kilometres west of Penola, outside the boundaries of the Coonawarra GI. The Mulligan family has owned the property since the 30s, establishing a vineyard in 1984. The first vintage was in 1990.

 Curiously smells a little like Mortein on opening, with blackberry, leather and nuts lurking behind.

 Mint on a medium bodied entry, slick and silken. Pippy black fruit about the place with a seam of fine tannin. Lots to like here. 91

 Tasted on: Sunday 9th August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://stmaryswines.com/

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Tuesday 8 September 2015

Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Shiraz 2013

  15:30    

Employs the appasimento technique, whereby some of the fruit is dried prior to fermentation, for extra concentration and richness. Additionally the wine sees 35% whole bunch inclusion, adding depth structure.

 Techniques employed show their hands here: concentrated black fruit, with a tail of Eden Valley elegance.

 Silken smooth, glossy, concentrated; pastille like, generous in its flavour and execution. For all that ripeness, it's a wine of balance, depth and perfect for a cool evening with its all encompassing manner.

 Deceptive black fruited length just seals the deal. 93

 Tasted on: Saturday 8th August, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.torzimatthews.com.au/

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Taylors Promised Land Shiraz 2014

  10:30    

An approachable Shiraz that will please many, and leave you with plenty of change from a twenty. 

 Slightly jammy lead-in: compote and vanilla. Has a fair measure of crowd-pleasing appeal.

 Juicy, medium bodied, generous in a fruit-driven style. Simplicity well executed, a little spice adds interest. 86

 Tasted on: Thursday 6th August, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $13.95
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.taylorswines.com.au/

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Monday 7 September 2015

Ferngrove Orchid Dragon Shiraz 2012

  14:00    

Black fruit, bramble, hedgerow, a little dried grass.

 Smooth, medium bodied; sweet spice and sweet red fruit, touches of vanilla led by fine tannin.

 Long, elegant finish... 92

 Tasted on: Wednesday 5th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.ferngrove.com.au

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Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2012

  10:00    

Toasty oak, spice; mulberry, plum and blueberry - a little caramel and vanilla pudding in the mix too.

 Feels pretty tight, coiled - good medium bodied texture. Fruit is bound up with the oak, pleasant enough, but it needs to throw the shackles and loosen up a little.

 Works well, nicely integrated fruit/tannin/spice, just lacks a bit of wow for now. 91+

 Tasted on: Monday 3rd August, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $36
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.leeuwinestate.com.au/

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Sunday 6 September 2015

Out of Step Wine Co. Lusatia Park Sauvignon Blanc 2014

  10:00    

Throws a steely line on initial introduction, fruit aromas are present as supplementary top notes of citrus, grapefruit and lime.

 Sees some new wood (25%), the balance being second use etc. It really is a remarkable wine, the palate showing width and incredible length. Inherent texture without sacrificing line and length through acid. Such focus and tension, exemplary. 93

 Tasted on: Monday 3rd August, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.outofstepwineco.com/

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Pewsey Vale Riesling 2015

  07:13    

Opens with pithy citrus, bath salt and talcum aromatics. 

 Finger lime and grapefruit acidity abound. Impressive length and drive, yet not linear, has sufficient texture, shape and flow to balance the acid.

 As a good Riesling should, reels you back in for more. Freshness exemplified. 92

 Tasted on: Friday 7th August, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.pewseyvale.com/riesling

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Saturday 5 September 2015

Running With Bulls Barossa Tempranillo 2014

  13:42    

Perfect with Tapas! So it says on the label, a bit of a broad statement, but yes, it would pair very well with certain dishes.

 Love the blue fruit that pervades here. That juicy, almost sour blueberry over a little charcuterie and spice.

 Good energetic palate profile, zips about the place, refreshing. Nice and fresh, joven style. 92

 Tasted on: Saturday 1st August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.runningwithbulls.com.au/

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Saturday 29 August 2015

Angullong Fossil Hill Sangiovese 2013

  06:37    

Cherry leads supplemented with a little earth and licorice root.

 Good juice laden body, moderate intensity; red fruit tinged with a little woody spice. Finishes on a good length - all present and correct Sir! 90

 Tasted on: Saturday 1st August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.angullong.com.au/

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Thursday 27 August 2015

Redbank Emily Brut Cuvee NV

  10:00    

A little quince here, and in the wrong glassware smells sweeter than one anticipates.

 Fine moussey texture, marmalade citrus - in a normal stem it's actual coarser in texture - bready with some yeast autolysis character. A decent fizz for the price. 88

 Tasted on: Saturday 1st August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $14.95
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.redbankwines.com/

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Wednesday 26 August 2015

Mitchell Harris Fumé Blanc 2014

  10:00    

Always a classy addition to the Sauvignon Blanc scene, a world away from the overt fruit of many examples on the market.

 Familiar passionfruit - sans the grass - augmented with a little pineapple. Feels rounded, textural and savoury - but doesn't quite reach the heights scaled in previous vintages.

 Good length, a little grip, some vanilla/creme on the finish adds to the overall package. 91

 Tasted on: Saturday 1st August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: mitchellharris.com.au

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Tuesday 25 August 2015

The Lane Block 10 Sauvignon Blanc 2015

  10:00    


Passionfruit, a little nettle, Hendricks and cucumber G'n'T - clean and cool.

 Fleshy, showed a bit of texture - interesting given it's tank fermented - carried by a sharp line of acid. Impressive achievements given it sees no oak, a thorough approach to picking achieves the same.

 Good length, generous, perfect for the onset of the warmer months ahead. 91

 Tasted on: Tuesday 28th July, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.thelane.com.au/

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