Ridgemill Estate "The Spaniard" Tempranillo 2009

Ridgemill Estate "The Spaniard" Tempranillo 2009

  07:17    Stu.

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Berry fresh by way of dark and sour cherry, a hint of plum and the addition of a herby/ bouquet garni element.  Light on entry, with more fruit elements coming through - lending juicy feel to proceedings.  

The juiciness is a good counterpoint to a slight stalky bitter edge and good gravelly, fine tannin.  Little acid to speak of - as befits the variety.  Matters do come a conclusion somewhat abruptly, there's a sudden rush of flavour before a finish of moderate length.  A good Tempranillo.  Enjoy.  88 - Good

Source: Swap

Price: $30

Alcohol:13.5%

Closure: Screwcap

Website: http://ridgemillestate.com/

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Karra Yerta Bullfrog Flat Eden Valley Shiraz 2008

Karra Yerta Bullfrog Flat Eden Valley Shiraz 2008

  21:01    Stu.

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From quite possibly Australia's most idyllic sounding wine region comes this small production - only 32 dozen produced -  wine, and there's plenty to tempt even the most resolute individual here.

Inviting aromatics, fresh and lifted: orange peel, berry fruit and just a touch of background oak detected.  It's freshness is really appealing.

Smooth, flow with hints of chocolate and a touch of mint.  Fine tannin with a touch of twiggyness as it leans into the final proceedings.  Good length - much to tempt a man indeed.  92 - Very Good

Source: Gift

Price: $30

Alcohol: 14.5%

Closure: Screwcap

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

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Hahndorf Hill "The Blueblood" Blaufränkisch 2010

Hahndorf Hill "The Blueblood" Blaufränkisch 2010

  13:12    Stu.

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Synesthesia is an interesting study area.  I'm not suggesting I know anything about the subject, it's just that, with this wine a common theme for me was the smell 'blue'.  Can something smell of a colour?

It really is a delightful perfume.  Wild flowers, violets and bluebells - and more than once I was thinking of an English summer meadow; a cornucopia of fruits in the red and blue spectrum.  Further, a background hint of coffee - a consistent element from the 2009 version of this wine, augmented by some dried apricot.

Supple in the mouth, a mix of the aforementioned fruit; acid along the 'rails' and toward the back of the mouth, many a hint to the supposed shared lineage with Gamay.  It's a complex little number, yet tannin seems a little pared back this time, although the length is quite exquisite, bound up with a great acid line.  94 - Outstanding

Source: Sample

Price: $35

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Screwcap

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

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Cape Barren Native Goose GSM 2010

Cape Barren Native Goose GSM 2010

  21:00    Stu.

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Part of the joy of trying to assess a wine critically is seeing how it changes over time.  Whilst this is fundamentally at odds with the way the vast majority of wine is consumed, it does afford a glimpse as to how a wine may develop over time, a potential gauge as to cellarability. 

This wine posed a an interesting conundrum: initially very bright aromatics, the profile coming from the Grenache: strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and black cherry - over time the lighter elements taking a back seat to the darker fruit coming to the fore.

Initially juicy and fruit-laden in the mouth, a soft textural feel, hints of cinnamon rounding things out.  But again with time this profile changed, feeling fuller, more glycerol - showing its alcohol a little more - with the acid settling, allowing the acid to step forward; the whole proceedings augmented by the perfume of red fruit flowing - filling the roof of the mouth.  The finish, long, gentle gliding length - i noted that it felt like a "slower version of the Star Wars opening intro".  91 - Very Good

Source: Sample

Price: $20-22

Alcohol: 14.8%

Closure: Screwcap

Website: http://www.capebarrenwines.com

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

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