Topper's Mountain Bricolage Blanc 2013

Topper's Mountain Bricolage Blanc 2013

  13:29    Stu.

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Curious blend, a partner to the Red Earth Child - interestingly bricolage means DIY, or "construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things". Appropriately here we have a mix of Chardonnay (60%), Gewürztraminer (20%), Petit Manseng (10%) and Sauvignon Blanc (10%).

Gewürz takes the lead here: rose, musk and turkish delight 'softness'; pear, mashed banana, a little honeyed note back it up.

Textured, a little honeyed, gentle phenolics with a good carry of flavour. Has a presence - nicely weighted - and balanced, not necessarily overtly dominated by any of its constituent parts. Tart citrus offered up toward the back palate.

On a decent length, finish is OK, but for me, it's more about the mid-weight and textural presence. 90

Tasted on: Friday 14th November, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://toppers.com.au/

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Mitchell Harris Sabre 2011

Mitchell Harris Sabre 2011

  21:33    Stu.

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I had the pleasure of tasting this sparkler (from that vintage) whilst the good lady was putting up the Christmas tree, an occasion that heralds - for our family, as no doubt it does many - the start of the festive season. 

A 60/40 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that spent 3yrs on lees. Fresh, all butter croissant; autolysis derived top notes - baked goods - the yeasty goodness of an oven fresh loaf; a touch of quince with baking spice. 

Fine with a quartz-mineral, a driving acid that propels the wine on. And on. Delivers a lingering citrus derived freshness that simply has you yearning for more. 94 

Tasted on: Sunday 30th November, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://mitchellharris.com.au/

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Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

  12:34    Stu.

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The house style on show here: intoxicating pull of black fruits - the aromas have me, pulling me in like the smell of a new lover.

Earthy, ferrous, mix of black fruit and oak with a touch of kalamata olive. The finish see dusty, powdery - nigh chalky - tannin. One last sniff, yes. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 13th November, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.chapelhillwine.com.au/

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Chapel Hill Parsons Nose Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Chapel Hill Parsons Nose Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

  12:30    Stu.

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An oh-so-attractive black fruit leaps from the glass here, pure damson and mulberry - makes me want to place my head in a vatful and 'motorboat' with it. 

My own proclivities aside, the palate here is somewhat at odds against that playful, inviting aroma - cushioned entry, before you get to chew on a chocolate coated licorice root. Concludes with a touch of fine tannin, on a good length. Touch and go a point higher. 89

Tasted on: Thursday 13th November, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $16
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.chapelhillwine.com.au/

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Leaping Lizard Cabernet Merlot 2012

Leaping Lizard Cabernet Merlot 2012

  14:00    Stu.

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Much preferred this over the Shiraz out of the same portfolio. 

Plum, oak/mocha, cassis and blackcurrant - in short a very attractive co-variety introduction here.

Flow-on to the palate, firm and drying tannin - a wine that offers balance, integrity and decent length. 86/7

Tasted on: Thursday 13th November, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://leapinglizard.com.au/

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Leaping Lizard Shiraz 2012

Leaping Lizard Shiraz 2012

  13:57    Stu.

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Attractive mix of fruit, a waft of vanilla, veering to a little mocha.

Smooth entry, touch of blackcurrant pastille that moves to an unattractive back bite. Reasonable length, composition not quite pulling together for me. 84

Tasted on: Thursday 13th November, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://leapinglizard.com.au/

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Angullong Fossil Hill Shiraz Viognier 2013

Angullong Fossil Hill Shiraz Viognier 2013

  21:16    Stu.

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Possesses a vibrancy, a pretty good lure when in glass. The attraction doesn't end there. A harmonious mix of fruit supported by a frame of oak.

Oak, plums, nutty hints on the palate; a powdery coating of tannin. Length adds further allure, tannin holding a good line. give it a couple of years and cellar for up to ten. Very good example. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 13th November, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.angullong.com.au/

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