Yelland & Papps Devote Old Vine Grenache 2012

Yelland & Papps Devote Old Vine Grenache 2012

  05:08    Stu.

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Black cherry, kirsch, spiced oak wafts out. A comforting familiarity. Red and black fruits back this up on the palate, s touch of liqueur - but, more than that it's medium-full bodied, spiced...moreish. 

Quenching, tangy acid, fine threads of tannin segueing to a savoury finish, of creeping length with a touch of licorice. 

My preference was to the wine on day one. I'd suggest no more than a mid-term stint stint in the cellar, drink to 2019. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 3rd August, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.yellandandpapps.com/

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Terre à Terre Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Terre à Terre Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

  13:10    Stu.

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A magnificent example from Wrattonbully. Powerful blue/black fruit aromatics reel you in, supplemented with cedary spice, dried herb a little char and black olive.

Power and reach with an elegant framework, excellent structure that will provide for a long road ahead. Graphite mineral and exquisite grained tannin. 

Length does not do justice to the wine. It's reach is exemplary: effortless, flowing, elegant - yet just darned drinkable. If only it were all like this. 95

Tasted on: Saturday 2nd August, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: terreaterre.com.au

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The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson: Terre à Terre Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

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Stonier Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2013

Stonier Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2013

  12:46    Stu.

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I arrived home later than normal. The children were already in bed. "Dinner's in the kitchen" stated the Mrs, "it's yummy". Basically 'flaky' fish pie, a Delia Smith special - with a few mods to try and get some vegetables of note into the kids. They're not daft those two, can spot such an attempt a mile away.

Chardonnay. That's what I wanted.

Golden with a green hue. Stonefruit, sits atop some oak. Nicely pitched. It's more about the fruit, you know there's some wood underneath.

Good weight, eschews the anaemic Chardonnay so in vogue; toasty, lime/citrus - a little cream and vanilla. Length is OK, intensity is moderate. It'll flesh out one suspects, put on a little filling. Note the plus sign here. 90+

Tasted on: Thursday 7th August, a Leaf transitioning to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.stonier.com.au/

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K1 Adelaide Hills Vintage Sparkling 2010

K1 Adelaide Hills Vintage Sparkling 2010

  17:11    Stu.

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K1's second successive vintage sparkling wine produced. It's Pinot Noir dominant (80%), with a residual amount of Chardonnay. 

Price wise it's pitching itself in pretty serious territory, it is a quality offering, but one wonders how it's viewed by consumers against the perpetual price wars of marque Champagne by the large format retailers?

Of a peachy golden hue, opens with sourdough, baked goods, hints of marzipan, red apple pulling through at the back.

A wine that's fine on entry, segueing to a little depth and structure. Interesting contrast between that finesse and leesy, yeasty depth going on. It's generous, long and fairly persistent. Good depth going on here. 91

Tasted on: Wednesday 30th July, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: DIAM
Website: http://www.k1.com.au/

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Alkoomi Frankland River Riesling 2013

Alkoomi Frankland River Riesling 2013

  14:05    Stu.

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The 2013 release of Alkoomi's Frankland River Riesling is looking better than I have ever seen it.

Wet pebbles, citrus, zest, blossom and bath minerals. Aromatics are spot on and further enhanced with a suggestion of green tropicals hanging around the back.

Acid punches you from the off, reaching into the furthest corners of the mouth. It's tangy, sour acidity and backed up with with a little kaffir lime freshness. Length is excellent, carries on and on. Beautiful now, will age gracefully. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 3rd August, a Root transitioning to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 12.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://alkoomiwines.com.au/

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The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson: Alkoomi Frankland River Riesling 2012

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A special relationship...

A special relationship...

  12:13    Stu.

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This post marks the beginning of a special non-commercial partnership between thevinsomniac.com, wineries and independent retailers.

From today, as they have in the past, readers will be able to buy wine directly from wineries and retailers.

I am excited that readers might seek out wines that appear on these pages and hope that they are too.

{This post is written slightly tongue in cheek, and as a not so subtle dig at a 'special relationship' between a regarded news publication and a big box format retailer owned by Woolworths: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac/status/496451423572213761/photo/1}

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Shaw & Smith Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Shaw & Smith Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2014

  13:47    Stu.

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A release that further cements Shaw & Smith's reputation as one of Australia's leading producers and of this much maligned varietal.

Tropicals, grass and nettle undertow with a little fresh herb and citrus.

Citrus, mineral, a citrus twang gives the palate life and vitality. A palate of life and energy with a touch of textural presence. Concludes on an excellent length, one of persistence and presence. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 3rd August, a Root transitioning to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawandsmith.com/

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