Yangarra Blanc 2020

Yangarra Blanc 2020

  16:30    Stu.

---

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/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Coriole Picpoul 2015

Coriole Picpoul 2015

  07:01    Stu.

---

Great to see this variety being produced in Australia now. This is the first commercial bottling of the variety I am aware of. The vines were imported in 2008, planted in 2011. This, the second vintage of the wine, the first in 2014 saw a mere 40L made and in 2015 that was increased to 150 dozen.

Rock melon, ripe pear, a little stonefruit kernel, alpine glade/ resin. 

Palate sees a little fleshiness, acidity (variety famed for), mineral, segues to a little white pepper; fresh and refreshing. Arm yourself with half a dozen bottles (if it wasn't sold out!) and gather round a table to share with friends.

Good finish, length, dry. A fantastic addition to the Australian wine scene. 92 

Tasted on: Wednesday 2nd December: Leaf to Fruit
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.coriole.com

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Benjamin Darnault Picpoul de Pinet 2011

Benjamin Darnault Picpoul de Pinet 2011

  15:15    Stu.

---

It's back!  The new vintage of the delightful Picpoul de Pinet from Benjamin Darnault.  And the bottle image depicts exactly how I'll be consuming this stunner: by the pool-load AND by the pool.

Pretty similar to the 2010. Fresh aromatic profile with with honey, lemon, a hint of white florals.  But again, it's much more than that.

Zing, tingle; snap, crackle and pop.  It just tastes alive, exciting and this time out I see more waxy textural mouth-feel too.  A little fuller than the '10 but still with that beautiful, cut 'n' thrust, long acidic line.  Why this would not fly off of the shelves, into folks' glasses and evaporate is beyond me.  Wake up people - this is Summer .  93 - Very Good    

Source: Retail, Grand Central Cellars

Price: $23

Alcohol: 12.5%

Closure: Screwcap

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Benjamin Darnault Picpoul de Pinet 2010

Benjamin Darnault Picpoul de Pinet 2010

  10:30    Stu.

---

From one of the few French ACs that is varietally named.  The Picpoul-de-Pinet appelation of the Couteaux de Languedoc in France's South-West has experienced a resurgence of late thanks to a new breed of producers and stunners like this.

Picpoul, or Piquepoul, means 'lip-stinger' on account of the acidity of its must.  The variety is not - as yet - grown in Australia, the Granite Belt's Symphony Hill did have some planted but have grubbed it up - retaining the source material.

A delightful pale green-gold, on the nose there's hints of bruised apple, a touch of lemon - but it's not necessarily about the aroma.  Taking the wine into the mouth, your mouth becomes alive - the tingle of acid immediately apparent; palate weight and texture add further interest.  The zesty, fresh full on acid is simply brilliant.

Bone dry on the finish, it stays with you a long time - if you can refrain from taking another sip.  It just keeps hauling you back in for more.  Would pair excellently with Oysters and oily fish eg Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines.  Brisbaneites can find this at Grand Central Cellars and at Spring Brisbane.  92 - Very Good

Source: Grand Central Cellars

Price: $23

Alcohol: 12.5%

Closure: Screwcap

Website: http://benjamindarnault.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

UK Wines - Part 1

UK Wines - Part 1

  21:07    Stu.

---

I'm currently on holiday in the UK for a friend's wedding. I'm using it as an opportunity to catch up on - primarily - some old word wines. I'm going to try pop some notes up from those wines tasted on my travels - drinking permitting.

Benjamin Darnault Picpoul de Pinet 2010 12.5% £9.99
A new variety for me, an introduction I'm glad I've made  Pleasantly aromatic - apple and melon - crisp, almost zesty. Minerality through finish, generous acidic backbone, pleasantly dry.

Campo Viejo Rioja Crianza 2007 13.5% £5.24
Raspberry and cherry aroma, dusty earthiness. Silken and smooth, fruit (berry) finish, spicy.

Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 2006 13.5% £10.99
More refined than the Crianza. Baking spices, depth, cigar box.  Silken, smooth palate flowing through to a moderately lengthy spice laden finish.

Yalumba FDR1A Shiraz Cabernet 2006 14% £20.75
Distinctly Cabernet aroma: leafy, dusty, cedary. Through the middle it delivers both plushness and power, the Shiraz adding oomph to the Cabernet's structure. Unmistakably Australian, deliciously divine.

 

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More