Ridgemill Estate Pinot Noir 2018

Ridgemill Estate Pinot Noir 2018

  09:00    Stu.

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A chance to re-appraise this, some six months on from first review. It was included as part of a tasting pack procured for an online tasting, and boy has it grown - this feels - and tastes - a very different wine to that tasted back in November 2019.

Opening with a melange of delicious, black, bramble fruit. There's a subtle savoury hint, married to the inherent fruit. 

The palate shows succulent and juicy fruit presence, over a fine tannin profile that delivers exquisite length to the wine. That missing x-factor I'd previously mentioned has certainly appeared. 93 

Tasted on: Wednesday 8th April 
Source: Tasting
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Pinot G 2019

Ridgemill Estate Pinot G 2019

  16:30    Stu.

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Pouring a delightful subtle bronze colour. Offering aromas of just ripe Nashi pear, subtle spice hints, a suggestion of toast (although that could be me having a stroke or the neighbour burning theirs!).

The palate shows a touch of weight against a crisper presence - you can easily see why so named, neither Gris, nor there - suggestions of spice and slight phenolic edge giving a counter to the texture. 

Adroitly negotiated variety and stylistic interpretation thereof. 91 

Tasted on: Wednesday 8th April
Source: Tasting
Price: $28
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Pinot Noir 2018

Ridgemill Estate Pinot Noir 2018

  08:00    Stu.

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It's not the variety that springs to first association with the region, but here this example leads with a varietal expression of sour cherry, backed up with a deeper earthen aspect.

The palate is succulent, juicy, more by way of wild strawberry here, raspberry in the mix too. Balanced and supple, latent depth of flavour appears, giving some length. 

Only quibble would be a missing x factor that would propel this further in qualitative stakes. That said, it's well made, and its easy going manner would no doubt have you seeing this off in a session. 90

Tasted on: Saturday 9th November, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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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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Ridgemill Estate The Lincoln Shiraz Viognier 2017

Ridgemill Estate The Lincoln Shiraz Viognier 2017

  17:30    Stu.

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The vibrant rim gives a clear indication of Viognier's presence in the blend. For mine it doesn't necessarily convey its presence aromatically, instead that consistent earthen presence, consistent with my thoughts on the 2016 (link) release. 

Deep and dark fruits convey their presence on the nose, yet - somewhat paradoxically - the softer fruit elements, perhaps even a little of Viognier's stonefruit, being present in the palate. 

Soft, seductive and sensuous, it's silken threaded tannins cascade across the palate. A resurgence of fruit provides some extra drive through the final third. A generous wine, though perhaps Joshua has the edge on Lincoln this year! 92 

Tasted on: Monday 17th June, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Joshua's Pup Shiraz Grenache 2017

Ridgemill Estate Joshua's Pup Shiraz Grenache 2017

  08:30    Stu.

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Ridgemill have gone to town on the Rhone components in this vintage, whilst badged as a Shiraz Grenache, it also contains portions of both Viognier and Mourvedre (Mataro). 

It opens with the allure of warmed fruits, akin to a summer pudding; darker vibes - most likely from the Mataro - by way of plummy hints and earth. 

Medium bodied, it's a style - with accompanying spice - that the region does so well. The balance of sweet accented fruit with savoury depth creates a drinking proposition to weaken even the most resistant. This graphite meets black fruit marriage through the middle is compelling. 

A fine rasp of tannin completes the picture, a seasoning of black pepper just adding an accent to the wine. Superb stuff. 93 

Tasted on: Monday 17th June, a Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com

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Ridgemill Estate 'The Czar' Saperavi 2016

Ridgemill Estate 'The Czar' Saperavi 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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I love wine for many reasons, its obvious inherent joy of consumption and sharing in its experience - but also its ability for me to learn. For in the sampling of this gem, I learned that Teinturier is a term used for when grapes have both red juice and flesh (the majority of red grapes having only red skins, with the juice being white and taking their colour from extended contact with the skin).

Saperavi, a grape of Georgian (former USSR/Soviet Union, not US Deep South) origin that is gaining some traction here in Australia, from regions as diverse as McLaren Vale to the high country in Victoria's North-East, to Queensland's Granite Belt and this example from Ridgemill Estate - sadly now sold out ex-winery!

Firm, dense and purple nose - there's oak at its heart and a plethora of blue/black fruit. Full bodied, weighty and with depth and penetration that just gives and gives, yielding to none. 

For all its initial bustle and brawn, it's plush and silken threaded leading to a firmer tannin profile. A kaleidoscopic wine of many parts. 93

Tasted on: Tuesday 14th August, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate the Lincoln Shiraz 2016

Ridgemill Estate the Lincoln Shiraz 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Dense black fruit presenting itself here, it's almost fudge-like with a little oak framework and seasoning of pepper and baking spices. 

You cant escape the medium-bodied frame that is quintessentially Granite Belt, that combined with that fine, graphite tannin and texture. 

It's that tannin that really give the wine presence, gentle length. With time it becomes a little more expressive, some sweeter fruit accents - adding to the generosity. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 6th June, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $TBC
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Semillon 2017

Ridgemill Estate Semillon 2017

  14:30    Stu.

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Severnlea's Ridgemill Estate joined a - slowly - growing group of winemakers producing a Semillon up on Queensland's Granite Belt region.

Here, delicate grassy and citrus overtones, perhaps even a little nettle and even kiwi fruit.

It's (winemaker) Peter McGlashan's homage to a Bordeaux blanc style, sees a little barrel ferment, lending texture and feel. Citrus is deliciously present, as is the acid - but don't come expecting the battery acid you might be familiar with from many examples.

I feel the barrel ferment could have been... longer? Certainly more pronounced (if that's the intent) 90

Tasted on: Thursday 10th May, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: TBA
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Joshua's Pup Shiraz Grenache 2016

Ridgemill Estate Joshua's Pup Shiraz Grenache 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Grenache appears the dominant aromatic component here, at odds to its second billing, here leading with that robust raspberry coulis like note, bolstered by black cherry. There's a smidge of earth and oak, as if to provide a framework for supporting the aromatics. 

Nicely weighted entry, before generous black pepper spice tones make their presence known. It's an assault of flavour, tannin and a latent spike of acidity. 

Generous in length, the tannin gains in substance, growing in stature. It's a balanced combination of those elements that came before, and simply had me yearning for more. An excellent addition to the Ridgemill stable. 93 

Tasted on: Wednesday 23rd May, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Riesling 2017

Ridgemill Estate Riesling 2017

  15:37    Stu.

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Winemaker Peter McGlashan: "My first Riesling was in 2013 [review], I have been playing around with yeast and treatments for Riesling, while they have been quite good in the QLD context of Riesling, I thought it has potential to be so much more. In the past they have carried about 6g/L of R.S. (Residual Sugar) and they were enjoyable. 2017 the crop of Riesling was big. So i had a play with a small portion leaving it over night in the tank press on skins".

Both portions sent to tank for a slow cool ferment, on light lees for approximately a month before bottling. 

Lime and lemon barley, lemon butter. Expressive citrus. 

Lends a little width and weight, an even spread, oozing its way across the palate. There's texture, along with length, carrying a line of citrus derived flavour.  Length is generous. 91 

Tasted on: Friday 4th May, Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate 'The Lincoln' Shiraz Viognier 2014

Ridgemill Estate 'The Lincoln' Shiraz Viognier 2014

  14:30    Stu.

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Delightful aromatics here: florals, underlying apricot hints - subtle, the watch word. All this is backed up with a little spice, added depth to what it is quite a gentle wine, of subtlety.

Smooth, barely medium bodied wine on entry. You don’t initially notice the fine carriage of return, subtly it creeps up on you, fine-grained and persistent.

It seems only 6 months back that I was reviewing the inaugural, 2013, release of this wine. I’d suggest that it’s quite possibly going to emerge as one of Ridgemill Estate’s stars: consistent. 92

Tasted on: Friday 9th December, a Leaf Day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: 

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Ridgemill Estate Eloise Sparkling Brut Rosé 2014

Ridgemill Estate Eloise Sparkling Brut Rosé 2014

  08:30    Stu.

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A Brut Rosé companion for Eloise, a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; Cognac dosage. Pours a delightful copperish hue. 

Cumquat marmalade, macerated strawberry; suggestion of stonefruit brioche. 

Lively, minerality, positively effervescent. Flavour presents more of the same on the palate, the liveliness carrying the flavours. There's something like burnt citrus oil on the back palate - curious. But not unenjoyable. 87 

Tasted on: Monday 5th December, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: DIAM
Website: ridgemillestate.com

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Ridgemill Estate WYP Chardonnay 2015

Ridgemill Estate WYP Chardonnay 2015

  14:00    Stu.

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WYP = Wet Your Pants, an alternative descriptor for 'Reserve' wine.

Sees no new oak, half the fruit was fermented in barrel (one one year old and another two year old). We see that by way of a delicate struck match funkiness. Stonefruit, Lime, green apple, a faint nuttiness, nougat oak.

Textural, broader flow across the palate, more languid in its approach: versus racy acidity. No new oak to bolster, instead it's a flatter, almost waxy style. Citrus, mixed nuts, creamy cashew almost. 

Waxed Meyer lemon bobs along the back palate. Exquisite balance. You’d suggest that winemaker McGlashan has got this where he wants the style to be. 93

Tasted on: Tuesday 6th December, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate 'The Czar' Saperavi 2014

Ridgemill Estate 'The Czar' Saperavi 2014

  12:08    Stu.

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Saperavi is a relatively obscure variety, of Georgian (former Soviet, not Southern US, state) origin that is making a bit of a name for itself in the hands of a few brave warriors - in this case Ridgemill's Peter McGlashan.

Rich, chocolatey, florals, blue fruit, spice. Certainly plenty going on, all in check, nothing shouty or jockeying for prime position. 

Smooth, silken, fair glides across the palate. Substantive wine: remnants of tobacco, plum liquor, Asian spice. 

Certainly not shy, gently ebbs along, a lingering presence in the mouth. 93 

Tasted on: Friday 20th January, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Mourvèdre 2014

Ridgemill Estate Mourvèdre 2014

  08:37    Stu.

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Varietal Mataro from Queensland's Granite Belt GI. Bit of a rare individual, on this showing it's something you'd certainly hope to see more of - in the right hands, of course.

Expressive individual: blue fruit, spice laden, subtle oak influence lends support. Certainly an attractive proposition.

Mid-full weight, easy going and yet backed up with generous spice. Soft, nigh powdery tannin coats the palate; fruit in spades, blue/black spectrum. Generous length, Spice to the end. 92 

Tasted on: Sunday 1st January, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Riesling 2016

Ridgemill Estate Riesling 2016

  16:38    Stu.

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Delicate florals - not as prominent as in prior vintages - and I'd declare this vintage seems primarily about citrus: pithy lemon, bitter, grapefruit sharpness. 

Tangy, lively, balanced. Has a suggestion of texture, broader in shape, sense of acid without being razor sharp. Damn fine for slaking a thirst, one of Riesling's primary functions.

Finishes well, talcum and an underlying stony platform. 90 

Tasted on: Wednesday 30th November, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 11.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate 'The Lincoln' Shiraz Viognier 2013

Ridgemill Estate 'The Lincoln' Shiraz Viognier 2013

  13:26    Stu.

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A new grandson for Ridgemill Estate owner Martin Cooper is honoured with a wine named in his honour - tough that the wee tacker has to wait 'til his 18th to taste this little beauty.

Plum, mulberry, cherry, a little stonefruit and floral lift; well handled oak in support. 

Black fruit, medium bodied and juicy; has a playful elegance that morphs into a little savoury twist, providing the intro to a wine of good length. 91 

Tasted on: Wednesday 11th May: Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Cabernet Malbec 2010

Ridgemill Estate Cabernet Malbec 2010

  16:00    Stu.

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Leads with a funky edge, slightly herbal, bit of black olive, damp undergrowth. 

Soft, supple, rounded black fruit profile. Gentle tannin, almost velvety in texture. It's barely medium bodied, spice disarms, a little licorice. 

Seemingly yields each more each subsequent visit. Mouth coating feel. A delight. 89 

Tasted on: Wednesday 2nd March: Leaf Day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Jacquez

Ridgemill Estate Jacquez

  14:30    Stu.

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Interesting variety is old Jacquez, for the wine nerds amongst you it's not a variety from the species vitis vinifera - that is the species from which the common wine grapes hail.

Instead it's a hybrid, a bitsa, a mongrel, the chance outcome from a random vineyard liaison some way back. There you go, it's not all check lists of descriptors round here.

Dark fruit aromatics, a little savoury lift, smells a little weedy, herbal and of florals, violets specifically. Dense, chewy palate with lots of savoury character. Reasonable length - lacks good structure to propel the wine into very good territory. Pairs nicely with appropriate food options: think osso buco, stews and casseroles. 88

Tasted on: Thursday 24th September, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://ridgemillestate.com/

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