Alkoomi White Label Rosé 2016

Alkoomi White Label Rosé 2016

  10:46    Stu.

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Made from Petit Verdot - opens with fresh, fruity, almost bubble gum aromatics, some florals. Good lead-in. 

Clean, crisp, dry - almost chalky - some good underlying fruit presence (without being fruity, or sweet). Happy days indeed at 15 sheets, such good value in this white label range. 89 

Tasted on: Saturday 10th September, a Leaf transitioning to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.alkoomiwines.com.au/

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Yelland & Papps Vermentino 2016

Yelland & Papps Vermentino 2016

  12:29    Stu.

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On a steamy Brisbane Summer day, an apparent temperature of 38 degrees - this is what I would turn to. Florals, citrus, has a sorbet-like freshness, some Granny Smith (apples, not real grannies) greenness. Aromas that waft in and out, make their presence known. 

Clean and fresh, an open weave, a biting acidity on the back palate brings back into focus. There's a bit of texture play. Flavour's not as bold as I've known it. More about the freshness. Keep it cool. 88 

Tasted on: Wednesday 26th October, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Mourvèdre 2014

Ridgemill Estate Mourvèdre 2014

  08:37    Stu.

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Varietal Mataro from Queensland's Granite Belt GI. Bit of a rare individual, on this showing it's something you'd certainly hope to see more of - in the right hands, of course.

Expressive individual: blue fruit, spice laden, subtle oak influence lends support. Certainly an attractive proposition.

Mid-full weight, easy going and yet backed up with generous spice. Soft, nigh powdery tannin coats the palate; fruit in spades, blue/black spectrum. Generous length, Spice to the end. 92 

Tasted on: Sunday 1st January, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://ridgemillestate.com/

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Ballycroft Langhorne Creek Montepulciano 2016

Ballycroft Langhorne Creek Montepulciano 2016

  18:32    Stu.

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Very different offering from the Ballycroft stable. Almost the anthi-thesis of what i've tasted before. Never stop surprising me Joe!

Bright and vibrant, Jubey almost, attractive stone fruit  and florals. Savoury elements too - possible minor bunch inclusion with a minerally core and Italianate twiggy elements.

Bright, juicy, good rub of powdery tannin across the palate. Sour cherry, plum - on a good length too. 92.

Tasted on: Sunday 18th December, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.ballycroft.com/

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Out of Step Wine Co Lusatia Park Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Out of Step Wine Co Lusatia Park Sauvignon Blanc 2015

  08:30    Stu.

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Funky edge derived from barrel fermentation. There's passionfruit, grass, a little asparagus, root veg.

Palate defies any descriptor of Sauvignon Blanc i've tasted: it's quite thick, nigh chewy, having a substantive presence. Possesses something like a creme brulee, with a trailing minerality. 

Sublime. 94 

Tasted on: Friday 9th September, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.outofstepwineco.com/

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Zonte's Footstep Excalibur Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Zonte's Footstep Excalibur Sauvignon Blanc 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Excalibur, the famous sword of Arthurian legend - the wine so named for the swath it cuts through your nostrils with its overlying tropical with an undertow of fresh herb. 

The palate a mix of the same carried by a mix of lively acidity. It's a bit jumpy to be honest, but it certainly gives good carry. Dry on a length. Goes alright. 89

Tasted on: Friday 9th September, a Leaf day

Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.zontesfootstep.com.au

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Hentley Farm Rosé 2016

Hentley Farm Rosé 2016

  15:45    Stu.

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Happy New Year - i s'pose this blog doesn't write itself now...

Lurid pink in glass, like grannie's lipstick (un)gracefully applied before planting a smacker with her pruney lips. 

All about the red fruit (unsurprising given it's made from Grenache), of raspberry, a little cranberry and some creaminess. 

It's quite tart on entry, that cranberry tang making its presence felt. It's drying, a chalky pucker before flashes of bright acidity followed up by a little residual fruit sweetness. 88 

Tasted on: Thursday 8th September, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $21.50
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.hentleyfarm.com.au

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