The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson: Margaret River

Showing posts with label Margaret River. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Margaret River. Show all posts

Monday, 15 June 2020

Lenton Brae Lady Douglas Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

08:00 Stu.

Shop wisely and on a dozen buy you can find this sub-$25 on a dozen buy.

Lenton Brae of Wilyabrup, the soon to be declared sub-region of Margaret River, the heart of the region and just off the arterial Caves Road. Quasi-medical references not lost on me with regard to a region that was founded by those in the profession.

Having given this a good decant, its evocative and alluring aromas were emanating from the glass. Rich, warming, classic cedar, plum, cassis and chocolate in profile.

The palate is exquisitely structured, you'd expect this on something double the price. Tannins are fine, persistent, and still convey a freshness that will all but assure longevity and cellarability. It's good to go now, just give it some time to open up to truly express itself. 94

Tasted on: Thursday 28th May
Source: Retail
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.lentonbrae.com/

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2018 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Margaret River

Thursday, 11 June 2020

Taylor's Jaraman Chardonnay 2018

16:30 Stu.

The Unison of Margaret River and Adelaide Hills fruit. Creamy presentation, ripe and dripping stonefruit, citrus hints, deeper touch of figgy like oak.

There's a toast and spice aspect that immediately greets on the palate, providing a spike of intensity that gently subsides across the palate. Toasty and tasty Chard. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 5th April
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.taylorswines.com.au/

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2018 / Adelaide Hills / Chardonnay / Margaret River

Sunday, 5 April 2020

Altus/ Rise Wildlight Chardonnay 2019

16:00 Stu.

Stonefruit, sandalwood, hints of ginger and mace.

The palate showing white pepper, green melon, all delivered on a line of tangy citrus.

Reasonable effort for an entry level Margs Chardonnay. 87

Tasted on: Wednesday 22nd January
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://altusrise.com.au/

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2019 / Chardonnay / Margaret River

Altus/ Rise Wildlight Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2019

08:43 Stu.

A Margaret River blend of 75% SB / 25% Semillon.

Skewing toward the fresher and more tropical side of the blend, a classic example of a regional style: Passionfruit, lychee, hints of kaffir and lemongrass.

More of the same on the palate, a roundness to it, giving some volume as you naturally roll it across the palate, as if to contemplate: what next?

Subtle rasp and herbal twitch across the finish. It's certainly fresh and on a stinker of a Brisbane day certainly did what was asked of it. I'd originally identified this as something to pair with a crispy skinned snapper fillet and mango Salsa. Except it's seemingly hard to find skin on. At least the wine did not fail to deliver. 89

Tasted on: Wednesday 22nd January
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://altusrise.com.au/

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2019 / Margaret River / Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon

Saturday, 28 March 2020

Altus Rise Wildlight Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

07:10 Stu.

Milk chocolate, cedar, wild herb and garrigue like notes. Glimpses of vanilla when first opened.

Latterly hints of damson and plum, sitting in front of darker char and earth. Carries itself well, the most complex of the Wildlight releases, if still missing the depth to elevate the wine further. 89

Tasted on: Monday 3rd February
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://altusrise.com.au/

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2018 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Margaret River

Sunday, 9 February 2020

Altus Rise Wildlight Shiraz 2018

08:30 Stu.

Plum, Mulberry, hint of coffeed oak.

Succulent, medium bodied, mulberry and plum; fruit turns a touch jammy towards the back end. Pretty simple, straightforward wine. Moderate rub of tannin bolsters that.

Decent medium-full Shiraz from Margaret River 87

Tasted on: Thursday 30th January
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.altusrise.com.au

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2018 / Margaret River / Shiraz

Thursday, 6 February 2020

Juniper Crossing Chardonnay 2018

16:00 Stu.

It spends 9m in French Oak, of which 15% is new.

Stonefruit, leesy, bready notes; the 2018 guise saw an extra 5m on lees to build complexity. Fairly solid and voluminous wine, of generosity and substance; Stonefruit, tropical fruit hints, subtle spice. Lees stirring post-ferment has built texture.

It's of moderate length, more for now I'd suggest, perhaps for short term cellaring only, to 4 years. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 26th November, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 135
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.juniperestate.com.au/

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2018 / Chardonnay / Margaret River

Juniper Crossing Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2019

08:30 Stu.

It's a 52/48 blend of the two respectively. A small portion of the Semillon (5%) was fermented in barrel. Additionally there was stirring of the lees to build extra texture.

Well it's certainly an expressive number: Citrus, grass and herb, veering toward a suggestion of Gooseberry over blackcurrant leaf and passionfruit for some fruit relief.

The texture on the palate evident, giving a fullness and feel, softening the acids without sacrificing altogether. A phenolic pinch on the back palate adds to the memory of the wine and delivering length. It's a very well worked wine. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 28th November, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.juniperestate.com.au/

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2019 / Margaret River / Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon

Wednesday, 5 February 2020

Altus Rise Ascension Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

08:30 Stu.

Altus Rise is a relatively new label - at the time of writing the website doesn't even seem operational - with fruit sourced primarily from vineyards in the Yallingup sub-region of Margaret River. I think it fair to say that that wines are a work in progress at this early juncture, the promise is there mind - particularly in this 'Ascension' range.

Classic Margs profile, offering plump and inviting red/black fruit, dark chocolate and a spiced cedary aspect.

Certainly some body about it, fine and powdery tannins coat the mouth, strong fruit comes on - darkly. Needs some time to settle, the flash of acidity suggests that time will be kind, but for now it's somewhat youthful and ungainly. The promise is there. 91+

Tasted on: Saturday 1st February
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://altusrise.com.au/

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2018 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Margaret River

Tuesday, 14 January 2020

Juniper Small Batch Tempranillo 2018

16:30 Stu.

Inclusion of 5% Shiraz; spends 15m in oak, no new. A darker manifestation of inky blue fruit: blueberries, cassis, smattering of violets.

Feels light on entry, fleet of foot, before powder fine sweeps across the palate. Nigh chalky in feel, it feels as though it morphs in the palate, expanding first and then contracting to a fine length.

Persistent in nature, latent black fruit intertwined with savoury structure. 91

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

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2018 / Margaret River / Single Vineyard / Tempranillo

Friday, 6 December 2019

Juniper Estate Fiano 2019

16:00 Stu.

Canteloupe melon, Nashi pear, Vanilla and creamy nougat hints adding to the appeal. Spiced nuances, a fleshy fruit presence that positively grows in stature across the palate.

There's a briny edge, citrus acidity that flows and carries the fruit long across the palate. An excellent example of the variety, has it found a new home in Margaret River? 93

Tasted on: Tuesday 26th November, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.juniperestate.com.au/

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2019 / Fiano / Margaret River

Wednesday, 11 September 2019

Wills Domain Mystic Spring Sauvignon Blanc 2019

17:45 Stu.

Certainly an expressive individual is our Sauvignon Blanc, no mistaking the variety here. Guava, passionfruit, blackcurrant leaf all present - and correct - here.

Succulently playful fruit flows generously. There’s hint of spice, cedar, a gentle phenolic rub lifts the palate beyond the ordinary, adding some substance to style.

Suffice to say I think this a well worked example. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 8th September, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au

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2019 / Margaret River / Sauvignon Blanc

Monday, 9 September 2019

Juniper Small Batch Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

18:00 Stu.

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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2016 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Malbec / Margaret River / Merlot / Petit Verdot

Friday, 6 September 2019

Wills Domain Cuvée d'Elevage Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV

17:30 Stu.

Brioche hints with red apple and macerated strawberry. Subtle stonefruit adds to the profile.

Citrus and zest, a liveliness across the palate. Semblance of texture and weight, after the initial verve and swagger. Loses some urgency, but makes for a subtle style of fizz. On this showing, the least impressive of the Wills Domain sparklers. 88

Tasted on: Sunday 25th August, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $39
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au

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Chardonnay / Margaret River / NV / pinot noir / Sparkling

Thursday, 5 September 2019

Juniper Estate Chardonnay 2017

08:30 Stu.

Whole bunch pressed to barrel; wild ferment, with early battonage to build texture; 10m in French barriques (of which 45% new).

Almost reads as a textbook for well worked, premium Chardonnay. Oak and seasoning the dominant characteristic. Something like a peppery note over a smattering of stonefruit, the juices of tinned fruit and juicy, pithy grapefruit character.

The worked portion shows its hand early; textural, with width and weight - flesh about the bones of the spine of acidity. Oak again makes itself known with a persistent finish. It's quality Chardonnay, appealing now and with time ahead of it to develop further. Drink to 6 years. 93

Tasted on: Monday 2nd September, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.juniperestate.com.au

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2017 / Chardonnay / Margaret River

Wednesday, 4 September 2019

Wills Domain Mystic Spring Shiraz 2018

17:30 Stu.

All manner of red fruit pervades here: plum, mulberry, smattering of raspberry; darker earth, tar and meaty vibes follow. Certainly comes across as cool climate, I think I'd perhaps pick this as a Hills Shiraz.

Hints of violet and maybe some vanilla oak in the mix. Grilled meats a more than ample bed fellow. 88

Tasted on: Thursday 22nd August, a Fruit day

Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au/

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2018 / Margaret River / Shiraz

Monday, 2 September 2019

Wills Domain Cuvée d'Elevage Blanc de Blanc NV

12:30 Stu.

Biscuit notes, citrus, a touch of pepper perhaps. Citrus, more by way of a lemony tang, green apple acidity, tickle of mineral. Quite assertive across the palate, reasonable generosity of intent and persistent flavour here. 89

Tasted on: Wednesday 21st August, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $39
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au

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Chardonnay / Margaret River / NV / Sparkling

Sunday, 1 September 2019

Mystic Spring Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2019

08:30 Stu.

The unmistakeable aroma of Sauvignon Blanc here; it's grassy, Gooseberry, touch of Passionfruit ways dominating proceedings.

Piercing citrus acidity on the palate, textural glossiness added to that. Refreshingly sharp in a sorbet like way. 88

Tasted on: Tuesday 20th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au/

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2019 / Margaret River / Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon

Saturday, 31 August 2019

Wills Domain Mystic Spring Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

08:30 Stu.

Dark chocolate and cocoa nibs, coffee grounds in the frame too, subtle herb and cedary inflections round things out.

Black fruit meets fine and powdery tannin, reasonable length on the back of slight bittering cocoa notes. Palate consistent with aromatics, the grounds and mocha elements lingering. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 18th August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au/

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2018 / Cabernet Sauvignon / Margaret River

Sunday, 25 August 2019

Wills Domain Cuvee d'Elevage NV

12:30 Stu.

Darker salmon hued sparkler here, from Wills Domain in Margaret River. Somewhat unusually made from 100% Merlot.

Fine mousse, light bead, subtle strawberry, giving way to something akin to a more confected Berry aromatics. Slight bready hint accompanies warmed through stonefruit notes.

Kiss of fruit sweetness on entry, drawing the same long across the palate. It's light, vibrant, a youthful energy shuffling across to a generous finish. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 18th August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $39
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au

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Margaret River / Merlot / NV / Sparkling

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