Harewood Estate Frankland River Riesling 2019

Harewood Estate Frankland River Riesling 2019

  16:30    Stu.

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Kaffir lime, lemongrass, stonefruit, suggestions of Passionfruit; Certainly of tropical bent.

Generous line of zippy acidity, phenolic pinch adding depth to the length. Generousity - certainly a consistent theme - of fruit intensity, subsiding somewhat with honeyed and lemon peel notes. Subtle spice, lingering, following on the Asian theme from the aromatics. 93 

Tasted on: Tuesday 1st October, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.harewoodestate.com.au/

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Moppity Vineyards Crafted Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Moppity Vineyards Crafted Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

  08:30    Stu.

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The Moppity 'Crafted' are crafted from specific blocks or rows of fruit that exhibit certain characteristics. This 2017 from the vineyards block 2, and identified for "an ideal juice to tannin ratio which we knew would result in a wine with great structure and generous varietal flavour".

A subtle example of Cabernet Sauvignon on initial presentation, a soapiness. Being light, lithe, possessing a suppleness - stonefruit strangely - then veering towards cassis. Fine, nigh powdery, tannin - barely there - ethereal - quite unusual for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Fine structure, something else; Franc like prettiness, Merlot like fine structure. 93 

Tasted on: Tuesday 17th September, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: Screwcap
Closure: 14%
Website: https://moppity.com.au/

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Campo Vieja Rioja Reserva 2014

Campo Vieja Rioja Reserva 2014

  20:24    Stu.

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Reserva classification, meaning it must be aged for a total of three years, with at least one year in oak barrels and at least six months in bottles.

Slightly reductive, meaty; neither of fruit or particularly savoury bent - at least aromatically.

Light of body - certainly in an Aussie context - yields to Blueberry with vanilla accents. Fine grained, almost silty tannins, mouth coating and carrying generosity. Good quality wine, particularly the $20 ask. 91 

Tasted on: Thursday 26th September, a Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: DIAM
Website: www.campoviejo.com

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S.C.Pannell Basso Garnacha 2018

S.C.Pannell Basso Garnacha 2018

  16:00    Stu.

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Spice and Berry driven Grenache from the considered hand of Stephen Pannell and the lands of McLaren Vale. 

Light, supple, medium bodied with a crunch of acid and tannin. Black fruit intertwined with smatterings of red. Times like these (you learn to live again) you suspect the flow and feeling of greater importance than defining a particular Berry presence. 

Generosity and presence a contrast to the lightness on the palate. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 20th September, a Root day 
Source: Retail
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://pannell.com.au/

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Moppity Vineyards Cato Nebbiolo 2015

Moppity Vineyards Cato Nebbiolo 2015

  08:30    Stu.

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Of cherry and herb; a similar bent on entry, yet with an immediate powder fine tannin to follow. Good acidic freshness, more by way of morello cherry. 

Black fruit and a savoury aspect, akin to tobacco and smoked oak shavings. It all comes together: fruit, tannin and acid to create a harmonious, balanced wine. 91 

Tasted on: Wednesday 11th September, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://moppity.com.au/

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Heartland Sposa e Sposa 2016

Heartland Sposa e Sposa 2016

  16:00    Stu.

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A mix of Lagrein and Dolcetto and an early attempt at future proofing (2003 first vintage), winemaker Ben Glaetzer: "it looked ideal for SA (specifically the Creek) because it has very good natural acidity, thick skins and dense, hardy canopy meaning that it remains fresh with good acid balance and the canopy prevents sunburn and the cooked/stewed flavours that can result.".

An unholy union of varieties under Italian DOCG laws, they Permissible under slightly more liberal Australian Grape growing rules. Italianate herbal vibe, black fruit, hints of licorice.

Black fruits on the palate, fine tannin and a savoury edge, moderate acid providing a freshness. 89 

Tasted on: Tuesday 1st October, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $19
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.heartlandwines.com.au/

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Schloss Volrads Volrats Riesling Trocken 2016

Schloss Volrads Volrats Riesling Trocken 2016

  09:57    Stu.

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Lychee and pulpy tropical fruit. It's an odd feeling for a palate used to - primarily - Eden and Clare Valley Riesling, to not see the lime and apple florals so redolent in those examples. 

Still debates about terroir would be far shorter if everything were homogenised. Minerally palate, a delicate tingle, long and bringing with it a sense of fruit sweetness, yet it's assuredly dry (Trocken). 

I'd wager it's stronger game is one the palate, the aromatics a little subdued for me. Green apple, hints of peach and pithy citrus. Very interesting, and piquing interest further in German Riesling. 91 

Tasted on: Sunday 15th September, a Leaf day

Source: Retail
Price: $18.99
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.schlossvollrads.com/

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