Fruit is bought from Bungawarra towards the Northern end of the region, four barrels - 50% new and the balance being first and second fill. These things matter - there are some that believe they don't - for when you place that most sensitive of organs, and yes I mean your nose, into the glass you'll see that new oak readily apparent. 
A 6 barrel blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon - 80/20 - from the heralded 2014 vintage that honours the 3 generations of Puglisis that have contributed to what the Ballandean Estate represents today. 
A chance to re-appraise this, some six months on from first review. It was included as part of a tasting pack procured for an online tasting, and boy has it grown - this feels - and tastes - a very different wine to that tasted back in November 2019.
Pouring a delightful subtle bronze colour. Offering aromas of just ripe Nashi pear, subtle spice hints, a suggestion of toast (although that could be me having a stroke or the neighbour burning theirs!).
It's not the variety that springs to first association with the region, but here this example leads with a varietal expression of sour cherry, backed up with a deeper earthen aspect.
White "bitsa" blend of Sauv Blanc (45%), Vermentino (24%), Chardonnay (16%), Semillon (12%), White Muscat (3%). Semillon on full solids, added texture over sugar. 
Not too many examples of Sparkling Vermentino that I can recount. This being GG's second stab at the style. Experimental, but also also from a business perspective ties up opportunity for some time given it is released as a two year old. 
Tranquillo Rosso, or peaceful red, a blend of Durif (40%), Malbec (33%), Nero d'Avola (18%) and Barbera (9%). 
All natural ferment in tank, with elevage in 1 and 2 year old French barriques for eight months.
A whiff of the overflowing ashtray married to some deep Plum and black cherry aromatics. 
Winemaker Ray Costanzo has absolutely nailed this release. Packaging refresh in 2019.
The Costanzo family founded Golden Grove Estate back in 1990. In more recent years son Ray has taken on the winemaking reigns, honing and establishing the core range, before pushing on to somewhat more alternative varieties, and subtly tweaking things. 
A tribute to the patriarch of the Costanzo clan, and the man that winemaker (son) Ray Costanzo credits with being a pioneer of alternative varieties: Sam Costanzo. Respect.
A hale and hearty red, the grape variety being named after Dr Durif who “created” it through crossing Syrah with the rather less known Peloursin. One of its positives is that it is resistant to downy mildew, a boon in the Granite Belt which can suffer with summer storms.
Joven-style Tempranillo from the Granite Belt, and budding master of the "Strange Bird" Ray Costanzo. Sees 15% whole bunch and then 3-4 year old oak for 6m rest.
