Out of Step Wine Co. 'Syme on Yarra' Chardonnay 2013

Out of Step Wine Co. 'Syme on Yarra' Chardonnay 2013

  06:19    Stu.

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Tasted in amongst a bracket of other whites. Fairly rapid tasting - tasting note as written. 

I provided a bit of background to the two gents behind Out of Step on a note of their Sauvignon Blanc, thus I'll refrain from repeating myself too much here.

Aromatically it shows hints of lime brulee, caramel, melon. There's a bit of struck match complexity - complexity is a good word. There's much going on here to please.

Spice, minerality -  in the sense of a sparkling, dancing feel to the palate. Grapefruit acidity freshens and guides. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 2nd March, a Flower transitioning to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.outofstepwineco.com/

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Nanny Goat Chardonnay 2012

Nanny Goat Chardonnay 2012

  06:18    Stu.

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Tasted in amongst a bracket of other whites. Fairly rapid tasting - tasting note as written. 

Good aromatic introduction of creamy oak over stonefruit kernels, almond skins flecked with a little citrus. 

The palate is quite full, textural width gained from time on lees. Retains good acidity but I'd like to see some of that channelled into more preceise length - a stlyistic preference. Still, a good Chardonnay - one I went back to for a second glass post-tasting. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 2nd March, a Flower transitioning to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.nannygoatvineyard.co.nz/

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Grant Burge Moscato Frizzante 2013

Grant Burge Moscato Frizzante 2013

  15:02    Stu.

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Tasted in amongst a bracket of other whites. Fairly rapid tasting - tasting note as written. 

Rose water, turkish delight, crushed candies and sweet florals. You know what you're letting yourself in for as you soon as you introduce yourself to it.

A light spritz, cloying sweetness - akin to sugar syrup - with a chalky crunchy feel. It's not for me, but if you want low alcohol and like it sweet then it may be so for you. 85

Tasted on: Sunday 2nd March, a Flower transitioning to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $15.95
Alcohol: 7.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.grantburgewines.com.au/

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Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Sauvignon Blanc Blend 2013

Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Sauvignon Blanc Blend 2013

  14:24    Stu.

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Tasted in amongst a bracket of other whites. Fairly rapid tasting - tasting note as written. 

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier from the 'Adelaide' super-region. Hints of citrus, melon and a flash of tropical fruit. Has an aromatic appeal, the Semillon and Viognier have reigned in the Sauvignon's natural up and at 'em tendency.

Still, it's unmistakably Sauvignon dominant - grassy meadow wafts up. On the palate we see grass, herb all carried by delightful citrus-fresh acidity with Viognier adding a little flesh. Even better at only $15. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 2nd March, a Flower transitioning to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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Alkoomi Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Alkoomi Sauvignon Blanc 2013

  14:13    Stu.

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Tasted in amongst a bracket of other whites. Fairly rapid tasting - tasting note as written. Grassy, hints of lemon/ lemon balm with faint tropicals offering support. The sort of Sauvignon Blanc that I find too 'spirited' with the alcohol vapours tickling the tops of my nostrils. 

Quite bitter and acidic on the palate, shows a bit more textural width than other examples. Spends a bit of time on skins to aid that - still i cannot escape the astringent elements on the palate. 86

Tasted on: Sunday 2nd March, a Flower transitioning to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://alkoomiwines.com.au/

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Thomson Estate Back Blocks Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Thomson Estate Back Blocks Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

  11:49    Stu.

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Bottle image for 2008 Back
Blocks Cabernet Sauvignon

Three years on from what was, for many, a challenging vintage, I feel over the need to talk about the 2011 vintage.

Except, when you come across a wine, from a region where it was cool and wet, made from a grape variety - thick skinned and a late ripener - you feel the need to call it out, to make reference to it.

Here we have wine that is black fruited, dense, of tapenade and with an edge of cedar. Shows a hint of Clare with some eucalypt at the edges. No suggestions of unripeness or lacking in body.

On the palate, it's medium bodied with soft, powdery tannin; we see suggestions of plum, chocolate and choc-mint in an understated way. That in many respects is the joy of Clare Cabernet, layered and unforced. Finishes delicately persistent, not forced, a pleasure to drink. 91  

Tasted on: Monday 27th January, a Leaf Day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.byrnevineyards.com.au/

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Rocland Estate 10 Years Tawny

Rocland Estate 10 Years Tawny

  07:09    Stu.

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It's often handy to have a fortified number to call on to pair with an appropriate dish - me, I love nothing more than a glass with some good quality dark chocolate.

Here we have sticky date/ toffee pudding - another great match - walnuts ad fruitcake with hints of spice in the mix. Touches of burnt orange dance around in the background.

Palate is plush, showing the richness of age, with a spiciness that lingers. The palate is rich with a good balance of fruit and spice character. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 26th January, Flower to Leaf Day 
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 19.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.roclandestate.com/

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