Wills Domain Cuvée d'Elevage Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV

Wills Domain Cuvée d'Elevage Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV

  17:30    Stu.

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Brioche hints with red apple and macerated strawberry. Subtle stonefruit adds to the profile. 

Citrus and zest, a liveliness across the palate. Semblance of texture and weight, after the initial verve and swagger. Loses some urgency, but makes for a subtle style of fizz. On this showing, the least impressive of the Wills Domain sparklers. 88 

Tasted on: Sunday 25th August, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $39
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au

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Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Shiraz 2016

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Shiraz 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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The 2016 releases are in exquisite form, the Shiraz no exception. Wines of finesse, gentle, not overwrought. 

It really is about remarkably fine tannin, seemingly endless and bringing with them an array of flavour. 

Hints of blackcurrant, it feels rather boorish to list specific descriptors, with fine oak in support. Elements of violet, savoury nuances suggestive of briar, even graphite. Truly excellent releases. 93 

Tasted on: Sunday 25th August, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au

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Shaw Wines Rosé 2019

Shaw Wines Rosé 2019

  17:30    Stu.

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A curious wine, and one that I have no doubt will please many, in refreshment we trust. Opens with a red berry mix, subtle blackcurrant - it's delicate, a balanced aromatic offering. 

The palate was tart and tangy, almost sherbet like in its initial presence. It certainly makes itself known - and there is the draw - the refreshment factor is high. 

Critically I'd suggest it unbalanced, the acid forming the dominant aspect, but also acknowledge it will be sure to please many, particularly with its ability to slake a thirst on a hot day. 85  

Tasted on: Wednesday 14th August, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://shawwines.com.au

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Juniper Estate Chardonnay 2017

Juniper Estate Chardonnay 2017

  08:30    Stu.

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Whole bunch pressed to barrel; wild ferment, with early battonage to build texture; 10m in French barriques (of which 45% new). 

Almost reads as a textbook for well worked, premium Chardonnay. Oak and seasoning the dominant characteristic. Something like a peppery note over a smattering of stonefruit, the juices of tinned fruit and juicy, pithy grapefruit character. 

The worked portion shows its hand early; textural, with width and weight - flesh about the bones of the spine of acidity. Oak again makes itself known with a persistent finish. It's quality Chardonnay, appealing now and with time ahead of it to develop further. Drink to 6 years. 93 

Tasted on: Monday 2nd September, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.juniperestate.com.au

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Wills Domain Mystic Spring Shiraz 2018

Wills Domain Mystic Spring Shiraz 2018

  17:30    Stu.

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All manner of red fruit pervades here: plum, mulberry, smattering of raspberry; darker earth, tar and meaty vibes follow. Certainly comes across as cool climate, I think I'd perhaps pick this as a Hills Shiraz. 

Hints of violet and maybe some vanilla oak in the mix. Grilled meats a more than ample bed fellow. 88

Tasted on: Thursday 22nd August, a Fruit day 

Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://willsdomain.com.au/

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Ottelia Riesling 2018

Ottelia Riesling 2018

  07:30    Stu.

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Riesling from the deep south here, instead of Bayous and tropical humidity, instead think a cool maritime influenced climate, moderated by the Great Southern Ocean. 

Florals in the main, lavender and jasmine notes over citrus, thyme, perhaps a touch of rosemary (certainly fragrant woody herb).  

Bracing acidity certainly softens the drinker up, a minerality that performs its merry jig across the palate, lemon pith and zest. It's certainly an up and at you style, laps up food equal to its verve swagger and zing! 94 

Tasted on: Wednesday 28th August, a Flower to Leaf day 
Source: Retail
Price: $24
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ottelia.com.au

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Clovely Estate Saperavi 2016

Clovely Estate Saperavi 2016

  17:30    Stu.

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Saperavi, an interesting one, seemingly finding a home in Queensland two recognised GIs. 

Dark fruited with a savoury undertow, spice tinged and that all manifests itself on the palate. 

Somewhat large tannins, good structure, the kind of wine that demands a red protein, perhaps in a lavish sauce to counter that tannin. 

Mouth-coating and palate filling. Certainly true to variety and gives the impression of conveying the rich South Burnett soils too. For $25 an excellent addition to an ever shifting vinous landscape. 90 

Tasted on: Tuesday 27th August, a Flower day
Source: Winery Purchase
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://clovely.com.au

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