Meerea Park Alexander Munro Semillon 2009

Meerea Park Alexander Munro Semillon 2009

  08:19    Stu.

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At five years of age, this 2009 release of Meerea Park's Alexander Munro Semillon is starting to take on the colour of its advancing year, a glorious honeyed gold with pale green hints. That this wine can be bought, ex-winery and under screwcap for $36 is a boon for the consumer. That it will cellar well for another 10+ years makes it all the more a compelling purchase decision.

Straw, wool, lanolin offer themselves up, supported with a honeyed edge. It's providing glimpses of where it's heading, yet retains primacy of youth and a gorgeous line of acidity that will provide the backbone for further ageing.

Curd notes are showing, further it's a little plumper around the midriff, but as noted maintains freshness and energy. Excellent finish, a little chalky dryness. One to stand up for and salute. 95

Tasted on: Saturday 2nd August, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $36
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.meereapark.com.au/

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Oakvale Abington Vineyard Semillon 2014

Oakvale Abington Vineyard Semillon 2014

  08:03    Stu.

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Some interesting inputs here: fermented in a mix of stainless steel (40%), concrete eggs (40%) and old french oak (20%). Wild yeast fermented, obviously aiming for a less-is-more approach, but I don't think it necessarily carries for what I seek in a Hunter Semillon in its primacy of youth.

Opens with a light spritz, a little distracting initially, although it dissipates with time. Aromatically its all about lemon grass, citrus, nigh fruit salad-esque - without being blousy and overblown.

The spritz provides some life to the palate, there's zest, but the driving core of acid I would seek in a youthful Semillon is not there. I actually found it improved with a little time, more lemon and lime brulee character pulling through. Interesting, even if I remain entirely unconvinced. 89

Tasted on: Saturday 2nd August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 10.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.oakvalewines.com.au/

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Meerea Park Hell Hole Semillon 2013

Meerea Park Hell Hole Semillon 2013

  07:03    Stu.

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Hints of green on appearance. Aromatically of hay, citrus and with suggestions of tropicals wafting out of the glass.

Acid is prominent, provides an experience in the mouth that's alive, dancing around the tongue. Gives great length too and longevity. Will age well. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 2nd August, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.meereapark.com.au/

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James Estate 2013 Reserve Semillon

James Estate 2013 Reserve Semillon

  12:57    Stu.

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2011 bottle image

An excellent opener in a bracket of 5 Hunter Valley Semillon.

Lemon, sherbet, a briny/ oyster shell/ saline hanging in the breeze aroma. Fresh, one that invites, tickles the nasal cavity.

The palate shows a wine in glorious youth: racy, zesty and with an excellent acid line coursing through, with a fuller citrus supporting.

Good burst of flavour on the back palate, length and a little texture showing what may come. 92

Tasted on: Saturday 2nd August, a Root Day 
Source: Sample
Price: $23 (cheaper via winery website)
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://jamesestatewines.com.au/

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Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2012

Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2012

  09:04    Stu.

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From the Grant Burge 'Vineyard' range, with fruit drawn from the vineyard of the same name.

Vivid, meaty, savoury - of wood, earth and black fruit. Smooth, slippery feel in the mouth, nice strands of tannin. Liquorice, woody spice, with a latent bitterness. 

Lacks a bit of fruit stuffing towards the back and the acid feels a bit hard. Downsides to what was otherwise a rather pleasant experience. Price is up there. 89

Tasted on: Monday 28th July
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.grantburgewines.com.au/

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Well Mannered Wine Co Hilltops Shiraz 2013

Well Mannered Wine Co Hilltops Shiraz 2013

  18:59    Stu.

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"I love you, yes i do

'cos i know that you love me too

I love you, yes i do

gonna spend all my money on you"

~ Bad Manners, Special Brew

Dense, heady - plum, cherry and blueberry. Black fruit, white pepper. Lovely contrast there. Full, florals (violets), black fruit, some wafery oak. Good intensity.

Finishes excellently, there's definition and intensity to it: gorgeous length and a tail of flavour providing memory. Excellent introduction - for I - into the wines of this new (ish) producer. 93

Tasted on: Saturday 26th July, a Flower transitioning to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wellmanneredwine.com.au/

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Cook's Lot Shiraz 2013

Cook's Lot Shiraz 2013

  13:04    Stu.

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I've had the opportunity to taste across a range of wines from Duncan and Amber Cooks 'Cook's Lot' wines now and from a range of - different - vintages. I've always found the wines approachable, honest and of their place.

This Shiraz, from the warm and dry 2013 vintage, shows black fruit, sandy earth, a touch of cool mineral graphite composition and some residual malty oak tones.

Medium to full, it carries the earthen line into the palate, supplemented with black pepper and clove spice. Latent fruit adds to the experience, a little oak too - overall balanced and of interest.

Moderate length, it holds up well over 24-36 hours of drinking. With time I noticed the acid to be a little more prominent, afore chocolate and powdery tannin. Commendable. 90

Tasted on: Friday 25th July, a Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.cookslot.com.au/

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