The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

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This Australian wine blog was formerly known as thewinewankers.com

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Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Aglianico 2013

  20:35    

Geoff Hardy uses fruit from across a number of regions in Australia to craft this Aglianico.

 On opening, it took me back to the Northern Hemisphere, specifically an aroma redolent of conkers, that autumnal seed, beloved of children. Woody, herbal notes, sweeter gum and sap, a little briney note too.

 On the palate an initial darkness, backed up by a briskness and liveliness; good body, texture, threads of silken tannin through to the finish.

 Savoury, more-ishly so, good to go now and will server will for up to 7-8 years (if you can refrain from drinking it that is). 92

 Tasted on: Tuesday 5th May, a 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.handcraftedbygeoffhardy.com.au/

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Wirra Wirra Original Blend 2014

  10:40    

In 1972, the original Wirra Wirra Church Block (review of 2013 here) was a blend of Grenache and Shiraz, over time becoming the blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot it is today.

 As a tribute to that 'original blend', Wirra Wirra now releases the Original Blend wine, a mix of Grenache and Shiraz (70/30% respectively).

 Coffee-mocha, raspberry, redskins, roses and milk chocolate - inviting aromatics here.

 Chocolate fudge, red berry fruit, earth and lavender. Shows moderate tannin, nicely embedded in the wine. Reasonable length, off course, all that pales when you consider how easily consumed this wine is, the ultimate accolade. 90

 Tasted on: Saturday 2nd May, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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Wirra Wirra Church Block 2013

  10:40    

Wirra Wirra's Church Block remains a go-to wine that has delighted legions of wine drinkers over the decades it has been produced. Of course, over its life its composition has morphed to settle on the blend of Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot that it is today.

 The Cabernet leads - and shows its hand here: cassis, mulberry, a flash of cedar, violets - a very purple/blue profile.

 Fruit carries through to the palate, chocolate too - almost a regional flag-bearer. Seems so medium bodied; plum, lush and easy-going with a fair bit of juice - no doubt would appear to the wino and the average 'punter' possibly looking for a step-up.

 That it is comparatively easy on the pocket makes it a compelling proposition, the fact it tastes darn good and is so approachable only adds to that. 92

 Tasted on: Saturday 2nd May, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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Monday, 6 July 2015

Cook's Lot Rosé 2014

  20:07    

Shiraz based Rosé from Mudgee winemaker Duncan Cook, who has drawn on fruit from the Orange wine region to craft a Rosé of some character.

 Pale rhubarb in appearance - an allure, prettiness aromatically: strawberry and Turkish Delight.

 Zip, mineral about the palate initially, buoyed by some good red fruit presence that segues to textural nuances. 

 Finishes well, showing more character and guts than some of the insipid examples out there. Another fair value wine from the Cooks Lot portfolio. 90

 Tasted on: Saturday 2nd May
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.cookslot.com.au/

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Redbank King Valley Prosecco 2014

  07:16    

Redbank's King Valley Prosecco has now moved to a crown seal with this 2014 release (see the 2012 here), a smart move in my opinion.

 Fresh baked pastry, white florals, pear and green apple. Seems there's a little custard apple and vanilla in the mix too.

 Mineral, quite an open feel to the wine with a loose palate structure. Shows some sherbet zing, a semblance of nuttiness with a coarser back palate.

 Good dry finish with citrus hints to further enliven. 88

 Tasted on: Saturday 2nd May, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $21.95
Alcohol:
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: http://www.redbankwines.com/

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Wednesday, 24 June 2015

Stockman's Ridge Savagnin 2013

  10:00    

Pale green wine of moderate intensity; aromatics of honeydew melon, kiwi fruit and citrus.

 Buttery, butter-menthols, some semblance of green fruit that carries through, but is held up against a slightly hard back palate. Overall a balanced wine, just a bit terminal.

 Texture and spice on the finish - somewhat difficult to get my head around. 88

 Tasted on: Saturday 2nd May, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.stockmansridge.com.au/

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Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Rusden Black Guts Shiraz 2012

  09:28    

An interesting composition, but composed and assured it is.

 Dry, dusty earth aromatics - baked in the sun, not stewed. A little sweet spice, cinnamon, with a handful of dried grass and herb thrown in for good measure.

 Full of body, yet trim and light. Not unctuous, a juicy proposition - acid present, tart fruit, a little satsuma plum freshness. Good grain of tannin that adds up to that overall package.

 Good perfume on the finish, herb and fruit. Oh and the name? Let's just say wait until the morning after. 93

 Tasted on: Friday 1st May, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $85
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.rusdenwines.com.au/

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