Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir 2013

Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir 2013

  13:43    Stu.

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Has a vibrancy in glass, a shimmering energy.

Cherry, pomegranate/ grenadine, a lovely perfume - florals abound - good level of spice present too.

Silken, gossamer threads; spice that creeps up you and holds its line; drying tannin - simply put, a beautiful wine. 93

Tasted on: 4th October 2014, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://montalto.com.au/

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Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir 2012

Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir 2012

  13:39    Stu.

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In reviewing the 2013 I established that I'd utterly failed to write up the '12. So remedying that, here's a belated note on that earlier vintage with current release to follow.

Attractive, delicate nose with prime red fruit sitting forward of a little herb and spice.

Lithe, supple, silken threads of tannin. Nice tangy fruit, a nip of acid, ready to go. Good finish - sustained - touch and go for a point higher. 90

Tasted on: 4th January 2014, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://montalto.com.au/

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Shaw and Smith Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2013

Shaw and Smith Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2013

  08:05    Stu.

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Certainly of its place, with 2013 a riper vintage compared to 2012. Suggestive of a small inclusion of whole bunch, though I couldn't confirm that. Bramble, spice, earthen hints and an underlying caramelised root veg sweetness are all present.

Medium bodied, fine-grained tannin; florals - of violets - blue/black fruit mix, raisins and a little rhone-like meatiness. Depth and persistence of flavour round out the experience, a little latent resurgence of spice. Another excellent S&S Shiraz. 93

Tasted on: 2nd October, 
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawandsmith.com/

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Yelland & Papps Vermentino 2014

Yelland & Papps Vermentino 2014

  07:41    Stu.

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Chalky, florals, citrus, a little nashi pear and skins thereof.

Citrus, a racy bit of sherbet zip - whoa we've a lively one here lads. Grapefruit acidity, but with a balancing anchor of a little waxy texture.

Fresh and fulfilling for a Summer's day. Saw this off with some pork and prawn rice paper rolls. 90

Tasted on: 30th September, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.yellandandpapps.com/

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Bremerton Vermentino 2014

Bremerton Vermentino 2014

  07:34    Stu.

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Good to see Langhorne Creek, and Bremerton, adding to the nation's capital when it comes to Vermentino. It's a variety I do enjoy, a variety that has the ability to sculpted in a fashion of its maker's choosing.

Citrus, orange blossom and sea spray. Fresh little number here - chill and be still.

It's not loaded with flavour on the palate, but carries a good nip of refreshing grapefruit acidity. Backed up with a little mandarin, phenolic rub and on a reasonable length. 88

Tasted on: 30th September, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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Willunga 100 Grenache Rosé 2014

Willunga 100 Grenache Rosé 2014

  07:28    Stu.

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No pale 'n' pink number here, fuchsia hued, red berry sweetness. Touch of boiled lolly with an underlying creaminess.

For me, the least appealing of the Grenache tasted from Willunga 100. A little leading berry fruit, then a bitterness with a little phenolic tug.

Short on the finish, faired better with some produce off of the barbecue. An acceptable 86

Tasted on: 27th September, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://willunga100.com/

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Charteris Wines Hunt Vineyard Riesling 2013

Charteris Wines Hunt Vineyard Riesling 2013

  09:37    Stu.

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PJ Charteris, ex-Brokenwood winemaker, still of the Hunter Valley except when he's popping over the 'dutch' to make exceptional wines such as this.

Lovely aromatics: florals, citrus and zest - suggestive of a little chalkiness. Light, loose and open - zesty, lemon with a hint of apple.

A little retained sweetness provides inherent balance against the natural acidity, the perfect foil for the chilli prawns I smashed down with it. Excellent focus and shape on the finish. Prima! 93

Tasted on: Friday 26th September, a Root transitioning to Flower day
Source: Retail, Craft Red Hill
Price: $28
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://charteriswines.com/

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