Brash Higgins SM/R Semillon Riesling 2012

Brash Higgins SM/R Semillon Riesling 2012

  05:52    Stu.

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A field blend of the two varieties, that is, both are picked together and fermented at the same time. Shows a pea and green bean character, backed up with some lemon and herbal freshness along with a briny, sea breeze character. 

You can take yourself away to McLaren Vale with this wine, enjoying its pleasures, imagining yourself overlooking the Gulf of St Vincent. Simple pleasures can be derived, perhaps just sitting in the car park adjacent the Star of Greece, looking over Port Willunga Beach.

Light on entry, shows neither the razor sharp or lazer like acid of its constituent parts. Instead, it possesses a rather delightful waxy texture and feel. 

It provides the core of the drinking experience and backs it up with a little key lime and fruit salad. Not the greatest of length, but the freshness and texture define it. 91 – Good

Tasted on: Sunday 4th January, a Root Day
Source: Retail, Grand Central Cellars
Price: $37
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://brashhiggins.com

[This post was edited at 17:50 on 25th January 2013 to correct a geographical error in relation to the beach you would be looking at if in the car park adjacent to the Star of Greece]

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Between 5 Bells White Blend 2011

Between 5 Bells White Blend 2011

  21:02    Stu.

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Striking, innovative, impressive.  Superlatives equally applied to the inventive packaging, but try as you may you cannot drink a label.  It's what's inside that counts, and you wouldn't be disappointed here.

A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Meunier in almost equal components. 

It’s the Chardonnay that shows on the nose, with stonefruit and toasty characters being ably supported with a little Riesling derived lime brulee. 

Entry shows a wine of substance and texture – slippery with a lush velvet feel.  There’s body and depth too, with spicy nuances adding extra interest. 

It’s one for the acid-hounds, the wine clearly identifying itself as a product of a cool and damp vintage.  In no way does this detract from its joy, but forewarned is forearmed.  92 - Very Good

Tasted on: Monday 7th January, a Flower Day 

Source: Gift

Price: $29.50

Alcohol: 12.8%

Closure: Screwcap

Website: http://betweenfivebells.com

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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Quealy Friulano 2011

Quealy Friulano 2011

  21:06    Stu.

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Friulano is a variety native to the Gironde region of South-West France. There it's known as Sauvignonasse, but it's never been widely cultivated.  Instead, transported across France to Italy's North-East, Friuli in fact, as Tokai, in the early 19th century it appears to have fared considerably better.  It took on the name Friulano after a move by the Hungarians to protect their Tokaji wines.  Confused?  I just recommend drinking some.

Lovely golden-straw colour. Hints of flax, florals and stonefruit. Wonderful texture, layered complexity, with a mineral feel early on, backed up with almond meal and cereal.

Has a sense of weight in the mouth, the layering provides that element. Further, hints of grass and pea are backed up with excellent acids. 

Good phenolics too, a little drying grip toward the wine’s finish. Texture – that word again – to conclude, and good length. 90 Good 

Tasted on: Tuesday 1st January, a Leaf Day

Source: Retail, Craft Wine Store
Price: $27
Alcohol:12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.quealy.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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Mad Men of Riesling 'Devolution' 2012

Mad Men of Riesling 'Devolution' 2012

  21:32    Stu.

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My photo doesn't do the gorgeous onion skin-meets-bronzing-ball-application colour of the wine. Considered an 'orange' or extended skin contact wine, additional time on 'skins' imparts this lovely hue to the wine.

Gentle hints of citrus with bruised apple character, hints of stonefruit and pear. I thought I spotted some gentle spritz on entry, but I'd say it's more of an assertive mineral, nigh metallic, quality. Great texture from that extra time on skins, a lovely width across the palate.  

Feels lively, vibrant, with plenty of nervous energy in the mouth. Slight cidery aspect to the wine - a positive - damn interesting, different.

Deliciously dry, phenolics very evident, generous length too. Length, not in Rieslings rapier like manner, it's there - present, rather than focal.  91 - Very Good

Tasted on: Wednesday 2nd January, a Fruit Day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: http://www.xabregas.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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