Hither & Yon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Hither & Yon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

  08:30    Stu.

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Blackcurrant, gum, cedary and some nougat. Complex, yet puts you at ease. 

Cherry, blackcurrant, making way to a herbal bitterness. Fruit doesn't seem to quite hold up and the mid-palate gives way to some sharpness of acid. Feels somewhat of balance - a bit arms and legs. 

There's some decent length, indicative of the underlying quality, yet it does seem at odds with itself. An uncertain 87 

Tasted on: Monday 18th July, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hitherandyon.com.au/

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Shaw Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Shaw Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

  15:30    Stu.

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Highly perfumed, black and purple fruits, minty eucalypt. Attractive proposition. 

Medium bodied, what flows out of the glass in aroma, follows on to the palate. Black fruit and mint in abundance - checked, in balance. 

More fruit than savoury character - moderate tannin. Not the most compelling Cabernet, but it works as a fruity, forward red that slips down. Easy drinker - reasonable length. 88 

Tasted on: Thursday 14th July, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawvineyards.com.au/

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O'Leary Walker Polish Hill River Riesling 2016

O'Leary Walker Polish Hill River Riesling 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Lemongrass, lemon thyme, lime, hints of talc, florals and blossom. It's inviting: makes me want to get a Tom yum on the go and commission a gathering. 

Woah there Nekky! Fair crackles across the palate. It has this turbo charged, palate assaulting, lime-tinged acidity that races (raves?) it's way. Line, lime, like. 

Beyond that it tenses, showing its taut cut; chalky tinged, superb. 94 

Tasted on: Sunday 7th August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://olearywalkerwines.com/

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Hentley Farm Zinfandel 2015

Hentley Farm Zinfandel 2015

  15:00    Stu.

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Rich, chocolatey, suggestion of vanilla, malt (oak), toffee, flowers - complex, lots on, inviting. 

Rounded, soft and cushioned mouthfeel; Has the cacao richness and plushness from the aromatics, segueing to spice for depth. 

Pretty lavishly textured, a Mille-feuille of layers cascading over the back palate. Savoury nuances that gently fade with time. 91 

Tasted on: Sunday 10th July, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $39.50
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.hentleyfarm.com.au

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Old Jarvie 'Even Hand' GSM 2015

Old Jarvie 'Even Hand' GSM 2015

  10:55    Stu.

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Stalwart blend of Grenache (57%), Shiraz (22%) and Mataro (21%).

Dark fruit, spice, a splash of Brandy over Grandma's Christmas cake. There's a meaty undertow, some dark pan juices to boot. 

Lightness, a spicy edge, fine tannin - coffee and coffee essence. Spice and a freshness of acidity. Good boozing. 90 

Tasted on: Sunday 10th July, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.oldjarvie.com.au/

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Huntington Estate Methode Traditionelle NV

Huntington Estate Methode Traditionelle NV

  22:06    Stu.

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A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (60/40 respectively). A glorious deep golden hue, light bead. Strawberry, stonefruit and baked goods on offer - like something from one of those utterly delicious, visual feasts of a patisserie you see in any French town of substance. 

A little autolysis derived complexity, minerally  depths, more red fruit here. Not the most profound in terms of complexity of flavour but has enough assertive length to bring it up. 88 

Tasted on: Sunday 10th July, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $29
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Hently Farm 'The Old Legend' Grenache 2015

Hently Farm 'The Old Legend' Grenache 2015

  12:38    Stu.

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Red fruits a-leaping (10 ladies dancing, 9 pipers piping), red currant and cranberry. Certainly conveys the colour red, of bright and vibrant juice.

A lightness, an ease, vibrant and juicy. An underlying darker edge, the dark core of the wine, yielding a savoury mien against that initial fruit. Fifty days on skins - said to bind up and polymerise the tannin - has given the wine long silken threads of flavour and tannin. 

Excellent wine - allow it to linger if you can. 93 

Tasted on:Saturday 9th July, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $62
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.hentleyfarm.com.au

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