Maxime Graillot Equinoxe Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Maxime Graillot Equinoxe Crozes-Hermitage 2010

  06:54    Stu.

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A joy to drink and drink you must - one for now, not the cellar.  Proof that good Northern Rhone can be had at a reasonable price.  Needs a good decant first - just to air it out shake off a little reductive note.

On the nose a delightful mix of briary fruits and white pepper; a savoury and smoky mix too.  Smooth and medium bodied - a mere 13% stated alcohol - with that mix of fruit coming to the fore.  Seems effortless to drink.

The finish: a spicy, peppery and fruit driven cocktail flowing to a moderate length.  Enjoy.  90 - Good

Source: Retail, The Wine Emporium

Price: $36

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Screwcap

Website: http://rhone.vignobles.free.fr/pagesgb/graillot.htm

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O'Leary Walker Polish Hill River 2011

O'Leary Walker Polish Hill River 2011

  11:26    Stu.

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Riesling - so undervalued.  This classic Clare Riesling from the Polish Hill River sub-district can be found for around $18; it's mightily fine now, yet will easily reward the patient drinker over 10-20 years.

Honeysuckle, lime aromatics, a nod toward the tropical fruit spectrum with some guava, and citrus in the form of lemon, and orange peel.  In the mouth it offers a tart, concentrated, mineral body with a backbone of acid that provides focus and intensity. 

Delivering a short burst - a mini-explosion of flavour - before its fine line and length deliver chalky minerality through the finish.  93 - Very Good 

Source: Sample

Price: $22

Alcohol:12.5%

Closure:Screwcap

Website: http://olearywalkerwines.com/

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Chapel Hill Foundation Chardonnay 2011

Chapel Hill Foundation Chardonnay 2011

  05:33    Stu.

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Changing a successful formula can represent a big risk for a brand, on one hand it  says: we're not resting on our laurels;  and yet on the other potentially risks alienating a legion of loyal customers.

Personally I don't have the history with this particular wine to comment, but wanted to provide a frame of reference for this 2011 incarnation of Chapel Hill's Chardonnay. First conceived in 1990, somewhat against the prevailing trend, as an unwooded Chardonnay, the decision was taken to commence the introduction of oak as of this vintage.  A portion of the wine, around 14% was fermented in a mix of 3-5 year old French oak.

Fruit is 82% McLaren Vale and 18% Adelaide Hills; free-run juice and gentle pressing fractions; no fining agents or copper added.   

Green banana, white peach and mineral with a definite citrus mien.  The barrel work shows itself in the form of a weighty, textural mouth-feel.  Some nougat/ nutty oak, a glimpse of mineral, acid framework evident.  Somewhat mouth-filling, this defines the finish; the complexity weaved in through the work applied.  My only gripe is the finish is a little coarse - but it seems rather churlish to pick holes in a wine that drinks this well at $16.  88 - Good

Source: Sample

Price: $16

Alcohol:12.5%

Closure: Screwcap

Website: http://www.chapelhillwine.com.au

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Murray Street Vineyards Black Label Mataro 2010

Murray Street Vineyards Black Label Mataro 2010

  21:24    Stu.

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Aromatically complex, akin to driving up a mountain pass, something different greeting you at each turn: chocolate coated black cherries, a baked crumble of red and black fruits; then the savoury elements - coffee compounds, beef consomme, Bovril, a faint whiff of violet.

Smooth on entry, showing itself to be a wine of substance - palate weight filling the mouth; shape across the palate - a tarry, black fruited core concluding with the now familiar liquorice of Mataro.

There's length too, slowly fading to a conclusion, showing moderate tannin, Szechuan spice and resurgent black fruit.  92 - Very Good.

Source: Sample

Price: $25

Alcohol: 14.5%

Closure: Screwcap

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blacklabelmurraystreet

Website: http://www.murraystreet.com.au

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

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