Hither & Yon Aglianico 2014

Hither & Yon Aglianico 2014

  08:30    Stu.

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Savoury, of ash and bloodstock, liquorice; there's florals in the mix too, wild herbs.

Light, airy, has the pumice stone lightness often seen in volcanic reds; red fruit, raspberry and cherry, juicy flowing length. 

Such a delicious consistency to this portfolio. Beautiful to drink. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 6th September, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hitherandyon.com.au/

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Old Jarvie 'The Charitable' Nero d'Avola Aglianico Rosé 2016

Old Jarvie 'The Charitable' Nero d'Avola Aglianico Rosé 2016

  08:00    Stu.

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Interesting colour - almost twilight/dusky pink, veering to garnet red. Striking.

Underlying musk, touch of pomegranate, cherry and raspberry. 

Good balance: texture, chalky mouthfeel, perky acid that washes across the palate leaving a trail of flavour to follow up. Gives good length: red fruit derived in its essence. 90 

Tasted on: Tuesday 6th September, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.oldjarvie.com.au/

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Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Aglianico 2013

Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Aglianico 2013

  20:35    Stu.

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Geoff Hardy uses fruit from across a number of regions in Australia to craft this Aglianico.

On opening, it took me back to the Northern Hemisphere, specifically an aroma redolent of conkers, that autumnal seed, beloved of children. Woody, herbal notes, sweeter gum and sap, a little briney note too.

On the palate an initial darkness, backed up by a briskness and liveliness; good body, texture, threads of silken tannin through to the finish.

Savoury, more-ishly so, good to go now and will server will for up to 7-8 years (if you can refrain from drinking it that is). 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 5th May, a 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.handcraftedbygeoffhardy.com.au/

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Hither & Yon Aglianico 2013

Hither & Yon Aglianico 2013

  14:30    Stu.

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Licorice root, amaro/bitter wood and herb - deliciously savoury with a dark undercurrent.

Yet, for that darkness, it squarely fits the H&Y profile of producing deliciously appealing wines. Fruit, by way of cherry and plum, with a moreish tang and juiciness. 

That black edge reappears on the back palate - a little licorice root against the lighter touch of raspberry over spice. Conclusion? A possibly conservative 90

Tasted on: Saturday 18th April, a Leaf transitioning to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 12.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hitherandyon.com.au/

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Vinteloper UWP Red #1 2013

Vinteloper UWP Red #1 2013

  12:35    Stu.

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The next installation from the David Bowley curated Urban Winery Project, and as Bowley puts it: "hundreds of people have helped foot stomp, basket press and tranfer this wine to oak for maturation, tasting it along the way. Now complete, a wine by the people, for the people".

Quite possibly one of the most drinkable wines I have come across. A curious mix of Aglianico, Shiraz, Barbera, Graciano, Sangiovese and Pinot Noir - it opens with an eclectic mix of strawberry, raspberry, Mediterranean herbs before segueing to a little black olive - exhibiting savoury depth juxtaposed against a juicy personality.

Schizophrenic in some respects, on entry it reveals itself to soft and spicy: juicy, gummy, touches of whole berry/ carbonic effects; a little bucolic on the middle - licorice, touches of woody tannin, cinnamon sticks with fresh and more-ish acid.

Whether I've called this correctly is in many regards neither here nor there. There is so much going on that I would hazard we'd all see this differently. 91 - a bloody drinkable proposition but probably lacks formal structure and the true length that would be sought to make it a higher scorer. 

Tasted on: 23rd April, a Root Day 
Source: Winery Purchase
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.vinteloper.com.au/

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