Azahara Sparkling Rosé NV

Azahara Sparkling Rosé NV

  16:30    Stu.

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Bargain bubbles to get the party in your mouth started! Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from the Murray Darling region near Mildura, in Victoria's North-West.

Subtle bready hints, touch of berry. Same on the palate before a very assertive bead that forces its way across the palate. Goes OK as an aperitif style. 86 

Tasted on: Friday 8th November 
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.wingara.com.au/Our-Brands/Azahara

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Deakin Estate Shiraz 2018

Deakin Estate Shiraz 2018

  17:30    Stu.

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Briary, meaty - beefy pan juices. 

Sweet lick of fruit initially across the palate, confected - perhaps - yet it certainly delivers for its value, something Deakin consistently does. 

If a bargain is your bag, this could well be your destination. 87 

Tasted on: Monday 24th June, a Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $10
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.deakinestate.com.au

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Azahara Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV Sparkling

Azahara Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV Sparkling

  17:41    Stu.

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Predominantly Chardonnay (89%) with the balance of Pinot Noir.

Banging bargain bubbles here. Don't come looking for the refinement of a Champagne, instead appreciate what you get for the dollar. Opens with wholemeal bread and malt notes with freshening citrus hints.

The palate is lively, offering more of the freshening and cleansing citrus, a subtle creaminess in tandem with acidity. A solid all round package. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 4th February, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: www.wingara.com.au

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Deakin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Deakin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2015

  15:30    Stu.

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Delicate on the aromatics here, a rarity with the oft overt, pungent variety. Suggestion of honeydew, under-ripe citrus, snow pea hints - akin to a Vermentino even.

Tropical fruits abound on the palate, maintains a balance between fresh and tart, with a little phenolic edge. Good work, even more so given the price. 89

Tasted on: Saturday 11th February
Source: Sample
Price: $10
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.deakinestate.com.au/

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La La Land Malbec 2015

La La Land Malbec 2015

  10:00    Stu.

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Juicy, nigh jubey, good fruit driven aromatics - clearly fulfilling a winemaking brief for accessibility and approachability. 

Medium bodied, soft and rounded; segues to a little spice and gummy fruit flavours. A little back end chocolate bitterness - great counterpoint to the fruit, resurgent spice. 

Winning at $16. Delivers in spades at its price point, knocking wines double its price into touch. 89 

Tasted on: Tuesday 10th May
Source: Sample
Price: $16
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.lalalandwines.com.au/

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Deakin Estate Shiraz 2015

Deakin Estate Shiraz 2015

  10:40    Stu.

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A little funk, reduction, fermented meats; savoury. 

Savoury, touches of fruits of the forest. Well made, not confected - avoids all the pitfalls of wine at this price point. 88

Tasted on: Thursday 5th May: Leaf to Fruit day

Source: Sample
Price: $10
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.deakinestate.com.au/

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La La Land Tempranillo 2015

La La Land Tempranillo 2015

  10:34    Stu.

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Great aromas! Berry, cherry and plum leap from the glass here. It has that sense of juiciness, of inviting you in. Great start. 

Medium bodied, good juice on offer, a bit of raspy tannin - sure it's not the most complex wine, doubt it purports to be at 16 sheets. Enough about it to take a chill. Not looking to denigrate it when I suggest a great pizza or tapas option. 

Happy here at $16. 89 

Tasted on: Wednesday 4th May, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $16
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.lalalandwines.com.au/

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