Te Whare Ra Gewürztraminer 2010

Te Whare Ra Gewürztraminer 2010

  21:20    Stu.

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Low-input, small scale producer based in the Marlborough sub-region of Renwick. Some of the earliest plantings within the Marlborough region can be found here, and the vines for this Gewürz date from 1979.

Fairly exotic aromatics: turkish delight and rose, a hint of marzipan in the mix. Softer fruit elements by way of some tropicals: lychee, a hint of citrus.

Luscious and layered, textured on entry. Ginger, spice - gives persistence, power and concentration of flavour. Hints of orange oil present on the palate too.

Finishes in a similar manner: luscious, persistent and with a touch of weight. 92 - Very Good 
 
Tasted on: Monday 25th February, a Fruit Day
Source:Retail, Stewart's Wine Co
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.twrwines.co.nz/

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Yelland & Papps Devote Roussanne 2012

Yelland & Papps Devote Roussanne 2012

  22:15    Stu.

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This wine had me thinking of meadows, of sunlit kissed fields. It smells golden, of early morning light, florals. Walking through a field, flowers gently swaying in a breeze, or at the touch of a hand. 

Up front, it's gently honeyed, some background tropical notes. Key here is delicacy, not overt-smack-you-in-the-face aromatics.

Flaked almond, a slight creamy touch, a suggestion of spice. Drying, a gentle phenolic tug. Finishes well, combination of florals and fruit characteristics. A gentle end to a stroll through a meadow. 93 - Very Good 




Tasted on: Sunday 24th February, a Leaf Day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.yellandandpapps.com/

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Lustau Solera Reserva Dry Amontillado "Los Arcos" NV

Lustau Solera Reserva Dry Amontillado "Los Arcos" NV

  21:55    Stu.

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Sherry is Sexy. A learning exercise for me here: basically Amontillado is a Fino Sherry whereby the yeast the wine is fermented under - flor - dies off and the wine is exposed to oxygen.

Resultant wine, in this case, shows a nutty complexity with hints of candied citrus. The palate is somewhat at odds with this aromatic profile. Lighter and drier than I was certainly expecting. Shows a touch spirity towards the finish, provides a second wind and finishes long and nutty. 89 - Good

Tasted on: Sunday 24th February, a Leaf Day
Source:Retail, Stewart's Wine Co
Price: $?
Alcohol: 18.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.lustau.es

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Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

  21:40    Stu.

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Loved how this morphed over time in the glass. Evolution, its expression changing, frequent refamiliarisation reveals something more. Leaf, dust, a hint of chocolate and a generous portion of fruit by way of damson and plum.

Long, savoury, tannin is evident and backed up with a little coffee-ish hint. The body shows a little depth. Good drinking. 91 - Very Good 

Tasted on: Sunday 17th February, a Fruit Day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol:14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.chapelhillwine.com.au/

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Egly-Ouriet Vignes de Vrigny 1er NV

Egly-Ouriet Vignes de Vrigny 1er NV

  21:48    Stu.

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Non-vintage premier cru juice from 100% Pinot Meunier fruit, vines approaching their half-century. Bready, yeasty with a hint of marmite, background stonefruit and meal.

Bold and intense, mineral quality evident, full and rounded with a creamy palate. Dry, only 3g/l dosage, shows the power and depth of Pinot Meunier - and possibly why it is normally a component of a blend. Lacking a little finesse.

Length is moderate to long, pretty bold. 90 - Good

Tasted on: Thursday 14th February, Leaf Day (sadly not a Root Day)
Source: Retail, Champagne Gallery
Price: $85
Alcohol:?
Closure: Cork
Importer Website: http://www.bibendum.com.au/Egly-Ouriet/

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O'Leary Walker Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

O'Leary Walker Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

  21:34    Stu.

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I often find Cabernet too austere in youth, preferring examples with a few years under their belt. Here, the Clare Valley - and O'Leary Walker - have produced a fantastic example in youth. If anything, I preferred this on day 2 and yet it was pretty compelling drinkable on day 1. Me likey.

Powerful cassis note, hints of gum, power and elegance. Concentrate, fine tannin present hroughout. Generous, yielding, fruit character in abundance on the palate, glimpses of savoury, a touch of licorice perhaps.

Moderate finish, drying tannin at its conclusion, it builds from the introduction on the palate. Shows a slight twiggy/ spicy note at its termination. Quite happily pop a few of these away. 92 - Very Good

Tasted on: Sunday 10th February, a Root Day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://olearywalkerwines.com

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Ballycroft Small Berrys American Oak Shiraz 2010

Ballycroft Small Berrys American Oak Shiraz 2010

  21:23    Stu.

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Charry, sweet, coconutty oak over black fruit compote. Black inky depth with fruit to match, a little chocolate augmenting the fruit and oak profile.

Thick, glycerol mouthfeel, licorice, blueberry. A wedge of oak riven through the wine - it works, supporting the wine and providing a framework to work around. Good length, black fruit and pepper aound, sweet-ish fruit concludes. 90 - Good 

Tasted on: Friday 8th February, a Fruit Day
Source: Sample
Price: $?
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.ballycroft.com/

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