Out of Step Wine Co. Willowlake Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016

Out of Step Wine Co. Willowlake Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016

  14:30    Stu.

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"Pinot has long been on the agenda. We certainly drink a bit of the stuff. But it’s a challenging variety to make & site plays an enormous part in its expression. So there’s been no rush until the right opportunity presented itself."

Black cherry, wild strawberry, the Berry aromatics have it all going on here. Initially feels substantive in the mouth, almost chewy, perhaps a by-product of a slightly warmer year. A liveliness then takes over, has a vibe that makes one think of a more natural bent, with some minor bunch inclusion.  

Excellent length, giving. Minerality, fine and powdery tannin that urges the wine on further. Downright drinkability on offer here. A fantastic debut foray into a PN release under their own label. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 30th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $33
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.outofstepwineco.com/

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Rock of Wisdom Shiraz Viognier 2016

Rock of Wisdom Shiraz Viognier 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Always the more serious proposition within the RoW portfolio to my mind. Dark, earthen, leathery, perhaps a touch pruney. Spice accents sit atop, as if to provide a seasoning to the wine. There's more than a hint of creamy vanilla that gently, with some glass time, emanates from glass. 

At odds to that is a medium bodied palate, at turns minerally-graphite in feel with slick fruit, juicy. A wine at ease and carrying itself with good conviction. 

Interestingly I feel the Viognier shows its hand more toward the back palate. Good wine, again. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 29th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://rock-of-wisdom.myshopify.com

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Old Jarvie The Saviour Tempranillo Monastrell Garnacha 2016

Old Jarvie The Saviour Tempranillo Monastrell Garnacha 2016

  12:30    Stu.

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Temp leading the way: classic Berry driven aroma, a suggestion of rhubarb. Bright and inviting. 

Succulent middle, fruit singing; bolder towards the final third with the Mataro adding depth and spice. Plenty of flesh on the bones too, delicious, juicy and moreish. Dangerous trifecta. 91  

Tasted on: Sunday 27th August, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.oldjarvie.com.au/

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Jacobs Creek Classic Riesling 2017

Jacobs Creek Classic Riesling 2017

  08:30    Stu.

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I shit you not, a bottle of wine purchased for a touch under 6 clams. It speaks well aromatically - pronounced lime, hints of florals, 

Citrus and zest on the palate, quite sharp and severe - though I do have to remind myself it's sub $6 a bottle. It's vaguely varietal, in that crisp, fresh manner. Fairly linear, short. Would you regret drinking it? No, not by a long-shot. $6, I ask you. 86 

Tasted on: Sunday 27th August, a Flower day
Source: Retail (Dan's)
Price: $5.90
Alcohol: 11.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.jacobscreek.com/

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Bernard Baudry Les Granges Chinon 2015

Bernard Baudry Les Granges Chinon 2015

  12:30    Stu.

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Opens with what I can best describe as bucolic aromas: unspoiled, leading to gamey hints. The palate at odds to that: light, lithe, supple and juicy. A hint of the savoury and of the rustic in the mix. 

Good length, of spice and fruit. Interesting getting my eye in to vins, somewhat, nature. 88 

Tasted on: Friday 15th December, a Flower day
Source: Retail, Frenchie 
Price: $25 approx.
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://bernardbaudry.com/en/

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d'Arenberg Bonsai Vine GSM 2015

d'Arenberg Bonsai Vine GSM 2015

  08:30    Stu.

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A new one for me, but it appears to have been around some time. Of course the Ironstone Pressings is d'Arenberg's premium GSM, not a bad older sibling to look up to. 

Good and generous mix of red fruit aromatics on offer here. Soapy hints, red frogs, veering to earthen hints. Medium bodied, supple - classic tannin profile, moderate grain, good structure. Little carry of macerated fruit through the middle. But really just a bloody good all round drinking package. 90 

Tasted on: Friday 1st December, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $29
Alcohol: 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.darenberg.com.au

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Mino & Co A Growers Touch Shiraz 2016

Mino & Co A Growers Touch Shiraz 2016

  12:30    Stu.

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New producer to me, not entirely sure how they came across my doorstep mind. Lovely packaging and concept, honouring the growers that deliver the fruit that make up the wine.

Carries the leather and earthen elements of Shiraz, combined with floral hints (lavender, violets) with spirity top notes.

Medium bodied. Has a soft, open and airy feel to it. Berry fruit sweetness and juicy to boot. Light and easy. 86 

Tasted on: Sunday 3rd December, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://minoandco.com.au

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