d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2013

d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2013

  08:30    Stu.

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d'Arenberg's 2013 icon releases have been a stunning return to form. Whilst previous releases (see: Ironstone Pressings, Coppermine Road, Dead Arm) have been good, they - for me - have not quite nudged the Very Good/ Excellent realms. I've oft wondered - and as excellent as the initiative is - what impact Scarce Earth bottlings may have had on these icon releases.

This is good, very good. Ironstone, earth; sanguine, plum, blackcurrant, herb inflected, ferrous - almost wild. The tannin structure - impressive, dominating from the middle third. Oak is present, carrying licorice to its conclusion. Just give it time. 94 

Tasted on: Wednesday 2nd November, a Leaf day

Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 14.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.darenberg.com.au/

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Huntington Estate Semillon 2016

Huntington Estate Semillon 2016

  14:30    Stu.

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Lemon sherbet/barley aromatics, dried grass/straw. Semillon's calling card. 

Quite a subtle interpretation. Yes there's acid on the back, not quite the electrifying, battery acid oft seen in many examples. 

There's a little textural nuance through the middle, a little freeness, flow, and form. Length is decent, doesn't set the palate afire, but suitably freshens. 88 

Tasted on: Monday 21st November
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 11.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava Heredad

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava Heredad

  08:30    Stu.

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Wingara was formed in 1967 and is the Parent company of brands like famed Coonawarra producer Katnook. Wingara is itself owned by Spanish producer Freixenet, the world's largest sparkling winemaker!

This Reserva - resplendent in a Gothic inspired bottle - sits on lees for two and half years, it pours a pale straw, with decent focal bead and a light mousse. Pear, citrus, autolytic character. 

Somewhat firm palate, hard minerality, dry, grapefruit acidity. Long on the finish, would perhaps look for greater finesse at the asking price. 91  

Tasted on: Wednesday 2nd November, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://www.wingara.com.au/

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Hither & Yon Shiraz 2016

Hither & Yon Shiraz 2016

  18:57    Stu.

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McLaren Vale Shiraz with a cheeky 6% Malbec - the first crop for the H&Y team after planting a hectare back in 2014 - added in to the equation.

Very expressive, leaps from the glass in a very 'purple' explosion of flavour: cassis, violets, veering to a little choc-wafer expression (I oft think of those little complimentary wafers you get on the side of a coffee).

Interesting palate, a curious combination of a squeeze of liquid smoke over mulberry and blackberries. Earth, cloven spice, twists of cracked pepper. You can see the impression that a mere 6% Malbec has made on the wine.

Very Hither & Yon, very McLaren Vale. Terroir indeed. 91

Tasted on: Monday 6th December
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hitherandyon.com.au/

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d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

  08:30    Stu.

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Oft been my pick of the d'Arenberg icons, tho' I think the impressive Ironstone Pressings may have pipped it in this release (even if the scores are in the same ballpark).

Has the usual mix of the cedary oak, but overriding - and really not able to escape from - the swathes of red fruit. It's backed up with tannin - and this combination of fruit, oak and the tannin suggest this will be in the realm of a 20+ year cellaring proposition. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 30th October, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 14.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://darenberg.com.au/

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Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc 2013

Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc 2013

  10:09    Stu.

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A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, 56/44 respectively; spends 20m in Oak, all French and, of which, 90% is new.  

Why do I tell you this? Because, yes, the oak is here - 90% new French couldn't be avoided. It supports black cherry, mulberry, throws a coffee note. 

It's lighter of than body than you'd expect, given the oak and barely sub-15 abv, but it's no slouch. Tannin builds, it's a substantive wine, with the fruit and flavour a riot, charging through to the finish. 

Expansive wine, seriously impressive, reinforces its status as one of Australia's upper echelon offerings. Shows what Merlot and Cab Franc can do, in the right terroir, the right hands. 95 

Tasted on: Sunday 30th October, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $79
Alcohol:14.8%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au

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Shaw Vineyard Estate Cuvée Sparkling 2015

Shaw Vineyard Estate Cuvée Sparkling 2015

  16:39    Stu.

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No variety or blend composition listed, but I couldn't escape the pungent aroma of the grassy, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc emanating from the glass. Creamy citrus softens the blow, adding an extra dimension here. [So much for my Sav-dar, it's all Semillon - tho I thought Cuvée to mean 'blend'. ]

The palate is initially soft, citrus - again - segueing to a loose flow with a sweetened edge.  Offers decent refreshment across the middle. Fresh, citrusy. 87

Tasted on: Sunday 30th October, a Root to Flower day

Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 10.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.shawvineyards.com.au/

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