Konpira Maru Finca Malbec 2017

Konpira Maru Finca Malbec 2017

  08:30    Stu.

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Konpira Maru, seemingly based out of Victoria, yet named after a Japanese fishing trawler, and with links to Queensland. As you were. 

Oh, and this wine was made by the crew in Argentina's Uco Valley in Mendoza. On board? 

Brambley nose, semblance of fruit. Undoubtedly Malbec with its savoury and nigh sinewy ways. Dusty, powdery, fine and classy tannins - yet it  conveys that edgey, natural vibe. 91 

Tasted on: Friday 17th April 
Source: Retail
Price: $39
Alcohol: 14.4%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://konpiramaruwinecompany.com/

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Liv Zak Malbec 2018

Liv Zak Malbec 2018

  20:40    Stu.

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Rose, damson, smattering of new oak in the mix. More of a lightness on entry, with a spike of acidity; a real openness and airy kinda vibe. Yarra Valley Malbec - as a single varietal - is not a common occurrence, part of a blend - yes.

Token black fruit hints, touch of pastille about it, but not quite the full picnic for mine. Just feeling a touch hollow. 88 

Tasted on: Wednesday 19th February 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://warramundaestate.com.au/

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Ridgemill Estate Malbec Mourvèdre 2019

Ridgemill Estate Malbec Mourvèdre 2019

  08:30    Stu.

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Somewhat unusual blend, I can't recall too many examples where these two are bedfellows. On this showing - as a young, fresh and crunchy style - there should be more of it. Roughly 60/40 split of the two, I joked to winemaker Peter McGlashan that on aroma alone it was worthy of a second date! 

Has that inviting feel, something like bramble and plum with a meaty undertow. Seems to shift and alternate between a savoury bent, and with a more primary offering.

The palate is succulent and juicy, yes unusual bed fellows these may make, but a long and fulfilling relationship - perhaps - on this showing. You can but be charmed by itsjuicy come hither ways, yet with that savoury angle serving as a juxtaposition. A big yes from me. 92

Tasted on: Monday 11th November, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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Tim Adams Cabernet Malbec 2016

Tim Adams Cabernet Malbec 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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A lively one here, both full bodied and yet also with softer black fruit and violet aromatics. It's deep and intense - to a degree - cedar and oak seasoning adding an aromatic lift, but also present on the palate giving length. 

Tannin is generous, a nice firm counter to the succulent blackcurrant fruit that flows long across the palate. Touch of chalky pucker to conclude. 

Generous to a fault, you'd happily go here now, but also be richly rewarded with a stint in the cellar. Drink to 2028 92 

Tasted on: Tuesday 15th October, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.timadamswines.com.au/

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Alkoomi Blackbutt Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Alkoomi Blackbutt Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

  08:30    Stu.

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Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (73.3%), with Malbec (21.5%) and Cabernet Franc (5.2%).

Again, I probably offer, or remark on this release strategy each time of the asking, 8 years old on release. 

And for that, there's still a fair throw of fruit primacy, deep and dark, bolstered by oak, framing it up, seasoning to the mix. Savoury, against the fruit. 

Appearance wise it is talking on some of those brickish tones around the edge. It still remains youthful and vibrant in entry, yet as the tannins kick in it is developing well, secondary elements making up the back end of the wine and delivering savoury hints long onto the finish. 

Black fruit, milk chocolate, herbal notes - Bay, a little Sage - add and aid length. It's certainly a wine of substance and yet, finesse. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 29th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $62
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.alkoomiwines.com.au/

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Juniper Small Batch Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Juniper Small Batch Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

  18:00    Stu.

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Whole bunch pressed to French barriques (of which 20% new) for 15 months. It's predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), with small additions of Malbec (5%), Merlot (5%), and Petit Verdot (4%) in the blend.

Intentionally made in a juicier and earlier drinking style of Margaret River Cabernet. The vineyard from which the fruit was harvested was planted in 2008, it lies on Metricup Road in Wilyabrup.

Fresh and fragrant, black and red fruit mix with a subtle savoury line extending from the initial aromatic play.

Soft and inviting, delicate tannin; latent hint of cocoa bitterness sit square and extends length through to a twist of pepper, anise even. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 28th August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.juniperestate.com.au

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Bremerton Special Release Malbec 2017

Bremerton Special Release Malbec 2017

  17:30    Stu.

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Classic Malbec here, and as good as I've seen from the label, slightly smokey with an undertow of dusky violets. Has me hankering for a burger just writing about it!

It's the kind of wine, with some time in glass that reels you in again and again, and you find something new at each look. Veering to a sweeter fruit accent, almost cassis like, aromas at odds to the palate. 

Medium bodied palate, veering to spiced hints, fine tannin structure. This is really very good. Length in spades. 93 

Tasted on: Thursday 1st August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au

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Bremerton Tamblyn Cabernet Blend 2017

Bremerton Tamblyn Cabernet Blend 2017

  08:30    Stu.

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Red blend from Langhorne Creek's Bremerton, being comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Shiraz (38%), Malbec (11%) and Merlot (6%).

Coffee and mocha oak, comes and goes, fits and starts. Initially on opening it was softer, darkening - seemingly - after a small amount of air time. 

Look deeper within, coffee creme, hints of Plum and maraschino. The palate soft, lush, velvety initially. Seemingly a wine of contrast, that softness giving way to powdery, chalky tannin. Decent length, giving, just ticking along. Doubt you get a better bang for $18 than this! 90

Tasted on: Friday 26th July, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au

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Golden Grove Tranquillo Rosso 2017

Golden Grove Tranquillo Rosso 2017

  12:30    Stu.

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Tranquillo Rosso, or peaceful red, a blend of Durif (40%), Malbec (33%), Nero d'Avola (18%) and Barbera (9%). 

A soft and gentle red, subtle fruit betwixt elements of savoury. 

The palate shows a youthful acidity, assertive in how it meanders its way across the palate. In that nouveau vibe, it has that air of nonchalance that has the casual drinker reeled in glass after glass. 

Posesses a reasonable generosity of spirit and intent and yet is Tranquillo in its flow to its conclusion. 89 

Tasted on: Wednesday 10th July, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Zonte's Footstep Violet Beauregard Malbec 2016

Zonte's Footstep Violet Beauregard Malbec 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Fairly juicy for a Malbec, lighter than expected. Doesn't sacrifice body and tannin for that. 

Violet by name, Violet by nature - both in hue, and aroma. Hints of Blueberry add to that juicy palate. For all that juice it naturally comes with a freshening acidic presence. Fun wine. 90 

Tasted on: Tuesday 21st May, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $27.50
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.zontesfootstep.com.au

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Bremerton Batonnage Shiraz Malbec 2017

Bremerton Batonnage Shiraz Malbec 2017

  17:30    Stu.

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Bremerton are making a bit of a name for themselves with the Malbec variety, a pursuit which has led to the creation of this Shiraz/ Malbec blend.

Plummy Shiraz notes married to elements of purple. Fruit and florals of Malbec. Sweet, almost sugar accented, fruit.

Carries through to the palate. Soft, supple, good carry of dark fruit. Tannin is of good grain. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 3rd February, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au

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Tim Adams Cabernet Malbec 2015

Tim Adams Cabernet Malbec 2015

  08:30    Stu.

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Jeez they did this well at Tim Adams, a succulent red blend at that mid $20s asking price. Be it this Cabernet Malbec, or something like The Fergus.

Here it's all Plum, Mulberry, hints of mint. Chocolate, violets, plum on the palate - has that deep and chewy body, all manner of blue and black juicy fruit. 

Decent finish, persistent, tannin in balance. 91

Tasted on: Wednesday 5th December 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.timadamswines.com.au

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Tim Adams The Fergus 2015

Tim Adams The Fergus 2015

  18:30    Stu.

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Black cherry, veering to raspberry top notes. Juicy appearances bolstered by oak nuances adding depth. 

Cherry makes a reappearance on the palate, add to that something like an almond paste and it has me thinking along the lines of a Cherry Danish or such. 

A persistent and definite line of flavour that yields for nothing. Fine tannins, delicate spice - supplementing the riper fruit elements, giving them further lift. 91

Tasted on: Wednesday 1st May, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.timadamswines.com.au

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Bremerton Malbec 2016

Bremerton Malbec 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Blue fruit, bramble, hedgerow - aromatically intriguing, alluring. Of interest for sure.

Smooth, silken (maceration/skin s?), fine tannins. Dusky violets, cassis - in the realm of baked blue fruit - where it loses sweetness, retaining 'fruit' preserve. Good length, unforced 90 

Tasted on: Sunday 18th November 
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au

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Silkwood Estate The Walcott Cabernet Malbec 2015

Silkwood Estate The Walcott Cabernet Malbec 2015

  19:54    Stu.

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Not the best release, bretty, giving the appearance of raw and untreated wood. Palate-wise, it's a silken slip of a thing, pitched seasoning - cedar and black pepper, freshly milled. 

Black, briar fruit, violets. Tannin is fine, Just the issues with the aroma. 84 

Tasted on: Wednesday 31st October 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.silkwoodestate.com.au/

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Bremerton Tamblyn 2016

Bremerton Tamblyn 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Bordeaux with a little South Australia thrown in, being a blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Shiraz, 12% Malbec and 7% Merlot.

Sure packs in a bit for its $18, with Cabernet off the bat and providing the framework around which the rest hangs. Red berries with that lick of cassis and unmistakable lift of Malbec in the mix.

Soft and fleshy with fine tannins. You'd happily go here for $18. 90

Tasted on Saturday 29th September
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: 

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Ferngrove King Malbec 2016

Ferngrove King Malbec 2016

  19:26    Stu.

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I was all too ready to dismiss this, it seemingly offering a reductive, sulphurous pong on first opening. It was meaty, gamey - smelling more like a Pinotage.

This was just in need of some air. From the reductive to the sublime, now more like an old school Grenache, singing its delicious Berry coulis tune. 

Seduction becomes its play, the soft texture bringing with it the red currant and nigh-raspberry flavour married to a graphite like tannin. 

What a transformation! 91 

Tasted on: Monday 24th September 
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.ferngrove.com.au

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Ferngrove Black Label Malbec 2016

Ferngrove Black Label Malbec 2016

  09:18    Stu.

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Deep purple (smoke on the water...) fruit here, like a Plum or Mulberry jam, almost straddling the blue spectrum.

Fruit carries through, a list dusting of spice. Fine, powdery tannin coats the mouth here - persistent in their presence and character. 

Brings - and leaves - more of a savoury mien about it, a pleasant contrast to the initial fruit foray. 88 

Tasted on: Wednesday 1st August, a Flower to Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.ferngrove.com.au

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Higher Plane The Messenger 2012

Higher Plane The Messenger 2012

  08:30    Stu.

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This blend from Margaret River (50% Cabernet Sauvignon 24% Malbec, 12% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot) offer the full range of what are considered the traditional grape varieties of Bordeaux. 

At 6 years of age, it's certainly expressive, offering a cocktail of seasoned black fruit, olive skin, cedar and a suggestion of something like anise. 

It's subtle, elegant, the tannin densely structured. It still feels a touch restrained, opening up in the glass with time. There's a floral, almost lavender feel and sense to it. Subtle, enough to make itself known without being over-bearing. 

Just has this graceful air and length to it. Excellent wine. 93 

Tasted on: Thursday 17th May, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.higherplanewines.com.au

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Heartland First Release Malbec 2016

Heartland First Release Malbec 2016

  07:22    Stu.

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Despite the name, this is actually the second release of the wine from Heartland. Six Barrels, 100% Malbec, all new French oak

Shy initially, taking its own sweet time to begin to unfurl. It's 100% Malbec from Langhorne Creek and it's home prior to bottling was 100% French new oak, not that you'd necessarily know - for it seems to have totally soaked it up. 

Yes, the wood is present, more as a seasoning to the violets, dried rose and black fruit hints that are in a curious interplay with what is, otherwise a wine of savoury intent. 

The palate is slick, having a slight glycerol feel, the new oak further giving that silken and racy texture. Black abounds, a dark and inky blackness. Tannin is fine, length is good. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 17th April, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap 
Website: https://heartlandwines.com.au

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