d'Arenberg The Mind Palace Sangiovese 2022

d'Arenberg The Mind Palace Sangiovese 2022

  07:49    Stu.

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Such an enjoyable Sangiovese: black cherry, slight ferrous earthiness.

Palate, juicy with a dark vein threading across the palate. Pop of acid to cleans things up, carrying you home.

Italians look away now, but with some lamb ragu pallardelle this came up a notch. A yes here. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 20th August
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.darenberg.com.au/

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d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original 2021

d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original 2021

  08:00    Stu.

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Classic Grenache/ Shiraz blend from McLaren Vale's d'Arenberg.

It's seen some moderate price rises over the years but still great value at $22 - especially for a wine that's shown impressive cellar-worthy pedigree beyond its price-point.

Leads with the Grenache earthiness over subtle baked raspberry. A modicum of chocolate in the frame too.

There's an initial sweetness to the wine, prominent in entry - it settles into itself with some air and time. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 18th August
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.darenberg.com.au/

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d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Grenache Shiraz 2020

d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Grenache Shiraz 2020

  11:59    Stu.

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(c) Courtesy of d'Arenberg

Years ago, wine personality (I think that the right label) Matt Skinner published his book "Heard It Through the Grapevine" in which he gave a recommendation for bangers 'n' mash paired with d'Arry's Original. It's a pairing I've trusted in since.

To this 2022, it's been a while between d'Arry's for me - and of course not forgetting we farewelled Frances d'Arenberg Osborne just last year - respect.

The Grenache sings here, with that signature McLaren Vale deep set red fruit, over earthen chocolate notes. Mid to full weight on the palate, succulent fruit popping its head up again, with a spice tinged finish.

What's not to love? 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 10th October
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: darenberg.com.au

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Téssera Wines Middle Child Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Téssera Wines Middle Child Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

  11:47    Stu.

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McLaren Vale Cabernet is - in my view - an oft overlooked pleasure. Shiraz stands tall, attempts have been made to garner Grenache as the hero variety - and that's without mentioning the strong Italian roots in the region that have seen Montepulciano and Sangiovese championed amongst the reds.

Here, a Cabernet Sauvignon with classic dark chocolate and coffee grounds aromas - those deep and dark compounds slowly reveal blue and black fruits within.

The palate is soft, rounded, approachable - oak tannin remnants married to a resurgence of fruit and associated freshness. Acid works in tandem to deliver a generous length - and satisfaction. Go now to 2028. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 26th February
Source: Sample
Price: $26.66
Alcohol: 14.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tesserawines.com.au/

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Clandestine Vineyards Mourvedre Rosé 2022

Clandestine Vineyards Mourvedre Rosé 2022

  17:00    Stu.

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Single vineyard Rosé of Mataro. From McLaren Vale. It evokes summer days, of warmth on an evening breeze.

Summer berrys, rose petal, warmth on dried earth, baking spice.

Crisp and snap to attention palate profile, leading and guiding through the length and finish. Mouth-watering acidity positively gets the 'rails' of the palate going, reeling you back in for more.

This is both daytime smashability or setting sun lead-in to an evening ahead. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 11th September
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://clandestinevineyards.com.au/

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Yangarra Rosé 2020

Yangarra Rosé 2020

  16:00    Stu.

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Whole berry, basket pressed; wild yeast Ferment, lees maturation and battonage. Rosé shown some love, the Yangarra way. 

Touch of Turkish Delight and rose petal, softly accented, to entice. 

Crisp, clipped, has a cool approach - in that it feels punchy across the palate. Spiced nuance moving through the final third, driving length. 

Rivals the best of any, so-called, Provençal style Rosé. 93

Tasted on: Friday 4th September 
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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Yangarra Noir 2019

Yangarra Noir 2019

  08:30    Stu.

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Grenache, 62%; Mourvedre, 12%; Shiraz, 15%; Carignan, 6%; Cinsault, 3%; Carignan, 6%.

A true Southern Rhone blend beyond the usual suspects of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre; each component handled separately, prior to final assemblage. 

Smells a touch rooty on opening, again I stress there's no bunch component, yet 50% whole berry. 

It's light, slick and racy across the palate - a juiciness that cannot be escaped and fails not to freshen. A light rub of tannin, gentle maceration ensuring a fine extraction and delivering length. 

No artifice, all expression of fine fruit and the winemaker's craft. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 10th September
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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Wirra Wirra Woodhenge Shiraz 2018

Wirra Wirra Woodhenge Shiraz 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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Big and bold, plenty of oak on show too - both French and American, 40% of which is new, the latter seemingly dominating - what more would you want from 'Woodhenge'? 

For that heft and brawn, it's fairly supple across the palate, initial remnants of oak subside to give way to softer red fruits, raspberry and the like. 

It's soft and approachable yet with a depth and firmness, as good as I recall Woodhenge being in recent years. Good to go now, or rewarding the patient 2030. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 1st September 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://wirrawirra.com/

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Geoff Merrill Reserve Chardonnay 2017

Geoff Merrill Reserve Chardonnay 2017

  12:20    Stu.

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Oak remnants, grilled nectarine, creamed corn. It's listed as 94% McLaren Vale Chardonnay, the balance being Coonawarra fruit.

Richness across the palate, some additional time has softened acids, building texture. There's a creamy, almost mealiness, with stonefruit depth of flavour.

Generous to a tee. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 15th June
Source:Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.geoffmerrillwines.com.au/

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Geoff Merrill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Geoff Merrill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

  08:30    Stu.

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A blend of McLaren Vale (53%) and Coonawarra (47%) fruit.

Released with the age on it, still retaining an element of youth, vigour and freshness.

Plummy, damson, blackcurrant notes on the nose. The palate conveying an acidic freshness, tannin is firm and somewhat robust still now. Gives a firmness and provides length and depth of flavour.

Somewhat older school in its presentation, an observation - nothing more. Matched this a medium reverse seared rib fillet on the bone, the tannin/protein match-up a perfect pairing to highlight the depth and even of a touch of char in the oak.

In the zone now, yet still with plenty ahead of it. Bottle August 2017 after a whopping 36m in a mix of French and American oak. 94

Tasted on: Saturday 5th June
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.geoffmerrillwines.com.au/

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d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Marsanne 2020

d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Marsanne 2020

  16:27    Stu.

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Honeysuckle, flowering Jasmine - a very spring like vibe here in this Hermit Crab, even if suggestively it's hibernating for the next couple of months perhaps.

Nice mid-weight, acid a touch sharp and seems out of focus - compared to that lovely aromatic intro. 88

Tasted on: Wednesday 24th March
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.darenberg.com.au/

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d'Arenberg d'Arry's Grenache Shiraz 2018

d'Arenberg d'Arry's Grenache Shiraz 2018

  21:17    Stu.

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Grenache the hero here, deep raspberry compote aromatics with black fruit adding depth and a layered aspect.

The palate is similar in profile, with the additional of typical McLaren Vale earth. Good release, good value. 90

Tasted on: Saturday 27th March
Source: Sample
Price: $21
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.darenberg.com.au/

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d'Arenberg The Anthroprocene Epoch Mencia 2019

d'Arenberg The Anthroprocene Epoch Mencia 2019

  08:30    Stu.

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On aromatics alone it's a good rendition of a Ribeira Sacra, with a dense core of red fruit amidst a savoury, almost smokey - but not quite rubbery (an oft sighted quality in this appelation) - background

It's soft, gentle, with a fine and tight tannin structure. Seemingly a wine of contrast: fruit and savoury; gentle and grainy. It's all the better for it, approachable and yet cerebral. 

Well made, also perhaps a nod to vines hitting their straps. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 10th December 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol:
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.darenberg.com.au

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Wirra Wirra Amator Nouveau 2020

Wirra Wirra Amator Nouveau 2020

  18:18    Stu.

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A new - to me - release from Wirra Wirra, although the 'Amator' range appears to have been around since the 2014 vintage at least. It's a blend of Grenache (60%), Shiraz (20%) and Touriga (20%).

Amator being the origins of amateur, one who participates in sport for no payment. Here Wirra Wirra co-opts the term to reflect the labour of love in tending to the vines that contribute to the wines. 

Light on fragrance, yet a wickedly delicious palate that conveys freshness. There's an acidic line that curls across the palate, a delicate tannic crunch. The greatest surprise is I managed to refrain from consuming this in a single sitting. On day 2 it was certainly more in that youthful vogue, the palate is brighter and crunchier, with a delightful vein of acidity. 

Light and bright, touches of Plum and blackcurrant.  91

Tasted on: Wednesday 26th August 

Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14% 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://wirrawirra.com/

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Wirra Wirra Mrs Wrigley Rosé 2020

Wirra Wirra Mrs Wrigley Rosé 2020

  16:30    Stu.

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Kiss of berry fruit on the nose, soft and succulent, by way of strawberry and a touch of raspberry. 

Flowing through onto the palate, with a crisp delight, that both arrests the fruit flavour and aroma, yet also seeks to allow the same to gently tug along the finish. 

There's certainly a carry of flavour here, gently persistent on a quietly generous finish. 92 

Tasted on: Wednesday 26th August 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.wirrawirra.com

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Yangarra Blanc 2020

Yangarra Blanc 2020

  16:30    Stu.

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Pretty much a first in Australia, from what I can ascertain, being a take on a Southern Rhone/ CNDP white blend. Some very interesting varieties here. The blend in question being: Grenache Blanc 62%, Clairette 10%, Roussanne 17%, Picpoul 8%, Borboulenc 3%.

White florals, subtle herbal inflections, hints of green apple. The palate is magic, a touch honeyed, balancing great texture and acidity, the latter natural, and the former aided by fermentation in 675l ceramic eggs and older French oak. 

Maturation in the same vessels plus regular stirring building a palate of interest and complexity. 92 

Tasted on: Saturday 5th September, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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Yangarra PF Grenache 2020

Yangarra PF Grenache 2020

  08:30    Stu.

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Seemingly a new addition to the Yangarra range. The Shiraz version of this preservative free (PF) wine

has long been a go to at Chateau Vinsomniac, so the Grenache version was hotly anticipated. 

Pouring a bright, vibrant, magenta hue - positively radiant. It opens with a slight yeasty funk on initial pour, it's also quite primary in its offer of a fruits of the forest mix. 

Succulent palate, buoyant and lively; savoury hints with a stemmy and sapid follow through, though no whole bunch was part of the actual wine's make-up. Delivers across the finish with a crunch of sandy tannin, spice on the length. Impressively moreish. 91 

Tasted on: Monday 7th September, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 14% 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yangarra.com/

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Vanguardist Blewitt Springs Grenache 2019

Vanguardist Blewitt Springs Grenache 2019

  08:30    Stu.

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The bottle comes adorned with a textile label, if nothing more it serves as a very tactile introduction to the wine as you extract the capsule from the bottle. 

The aromatics, nuanced, awaiting time to unfurl. Yet delve unto the palate, it's as if you're taken to an altogether higher plain. 

From the go it has a penetrative capacity, a piercing rapier like spine of thrust from which a dark core of fruit just bursts forth and positively envelopes the palate. 

The structure is present too, assertive and persistent. It's fresh, approachable and yet totally something to give yourself unto. Sublime. 96 

Tasted on: Saturday 8th August 
Source: Retail
Price: $55
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.vanguardistwines.com/

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Hastwell and Lightfoot Fat n Skinny Picker's Choice Shiraz Tempranillo Barbera 2017

Hastwell and Lightfoot Fat n Skinny Picker's Choice Shiraz Tempranillo Barbera 2017

  21:19    Stu.

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An unusual blend one must say, and it feels like every part of that mix; dark plummy depths and woodsy spice, with a playful middle providing a counterpoint to the two.

A lighter touch across the palate, a subtle rub of tannin, flowing to a moderate finish. Dark chocolate hints with a slight bitter twist. Playful, enjoyable blend. 90

Tasted on: Friday 5th June
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://fatnskinny.com.au/

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Battle of Bosworth Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Battle of Bosworth Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

  21:35    Stu.

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McLaren Vale Cabernet has long been a personal guilty pleasure. Yet it seems overlooked - certainly, historically at least, compared to Shiraz and more recently 

with emerging varieties perhaps gaining a foothold. 

A: Battle of Bosworth have been long regarded, both within the region, and more broadly in Australia. An early adopter of organic principles - converting back in 1995 - the winery logo of Soursobs part of that commitment.

Bay and cedar. Inviting from the off. It carries both a seasoning and set to a subtle fruit freshness. 

That's a freshness that carries across the palate. Not without tannin, it possesses structure with fruit presence to make it a compelling proposition. 91 

Tasted on: Friday 29th May
Source: Retail
Price: $10
Alcohol: 14.5% 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.battleofbosworth.com.au/

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