Rusden Full Circle Mataro 2012

Rusden Full Circle Mataro 2012

  19:20    Stu.

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I first wrote on the 2009 vintage of Rusden's Full Circle Mataro back in the early days of 'Project Mataro'. Whilst that particular initiative has lost a little focus as varietal wines became more ubiquitous, it's still nice to get the chance to reacquaint oneself with one of the early players.

A little lift: stylistic pursuit combined with Vine Vale elegance - lies over the inherent cherry compote aromatics, supplemented with a little woody spice.

Sour cherry, herbal/ garrigue savoury notes, each weaving their way through the palate. Freshness to the wine, a hallmark of Rusden's Mataro is its lightness - a comment-worthy aspect of that 2009 mentioned earlier.

Good length here too. Producer first, variety second, region third. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 26th July, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.8%
Closure: DIAM
Website: http://www.rusdenwines.com.au/

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d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

  14:23    Stu.

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Red fruit, herb, oak - hints of cedar can be seen peeking through - but it is a very different Coppermine Road this year, of its time for sure.

Savoury - wood and spice, fruit present - but a minor part of the mid-composition. Structure is good, tannin is fine. An enjoyable release, if not quite scaling the heights of where the wine can often be seen soaring. 91

Tasted on: Monday 20th July, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 14.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.darenberg.com.au/

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Esperanza Monastrell 2013

Esperanza Monastrell 2013

  20:04    Stu.

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I reviewed the 2010 debut release of Wirra Wirra's 'Esperanza' (Spanish for hope) a few years back. Since then, the range has expanded to include a Tempranillo and, more recently, a varietal Touriga Nacional.

Still shows that heavenly mix of briar, black fruit - particularly blackcurrant for me - tilled earth, licorice and sweet oak seasoning.

Juicy, medium bodied, slick and silken - indeed it races across the palate faster than Juan Manuel Fangio used to take corners. Has a fine, gossamer-like structure, the sort that keeps reeling you in, back and forth, each sip accompanied by another. Dangerous territory. What more does one need to say when a wine does that to you? 91

Tasted on: Saturday 25th July, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://wirrawirra.com/

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Patrick Sullivan Jumpin' Juice Raz Ultra NV

Patrick Sullivan Jumpin' Juice Raz Ultra NV

  14:23    Stu.

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"Jumpin' juice Raz, it's a gaz gaz gaz..."

This is winemaker Patrick Sullivan's winter take on the Jumpin Juice wine produced. He describes it as "just for drinking...an introduction". Primarily Shiraz (hence the raz) and intended to be consumed with friends.

Savoury, shows some stems and sap, a little meaty funk, some lift - not one for the technocrats.

Lean, light and juicy - fresh with bright acids. Giggle juice for sure. Juice on the finish - fresh, lures you in repeatedly. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 19th July, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Retail, The Wine Emporium
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: DIAM
Website: http://patricksullivan.com.au/

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TarraWarra Estate Pinot Noir 2013

TarraWarra Estate Pinot Noir 2013

  09:23    Stu.

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Caveat emptor: The wine tasted was leftovers from a day being poured in the trade, as such I cannot confirm how long the wine had been open. The tasting note below reflects how I see the wine.

Blue/black fruited, lovely aromatic profile: sour cherry, blueberry, florals - violets, peonies perhaps - in the mix too.

The palate doesn't quite carry the intensity that the aromatics would suggest: cherry, musky, fine tannins - albeit with good flow, persistence and carry of flavour. Subtle, a good line. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 16th July, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Leftover trade samples
Price: $28
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.tarrawarra.com.au/

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TarraWarra Estate Chardonnay 2013

TarraWarra Estate Chardonnay 2013

  17:19    Stu.

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Caveat emptor: The wine tasted was leftovers from a day being poured in the trade, as such I cannot confirm how long the wine had been open. The tasting note below reflects how I see the wine.

Whole bunch pressed direct to barrel, wild yeast fermented, some portion of tank fermentation and seeing about 10 months on lees for added body.

Beautifully golden, florals, frangipani; sweet oak, melon and creamy cashew.A wine of finesse, segueing to spice and toast; excellent length and intensity - such poise here. 

To say that the wine ticks all boxes really undersells it - yet it has balance, seems effortless and does indeed have something for everyone. 94

Tasted on: Thursday 16th July, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Leftover trade samples
Price: $28
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.tarrawarra.com.au/

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Bremerton Special Release Graciano 2013

Bremerton Special Release Graciano 2013

  17:09    Stu.

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Woody, herbal, hints of almond and cherry - in fact there's more than a suggestion of cherry bakewell about it.

Lightness, assumed elegance - soft, woody, cherry with spice and anise. Touch of texture present too, lots going on, much appeal. 90

Tasted on: Tuesday 14th July, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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