Altus/ Rise Wildlight Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Altus/ Rise Wildlight Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2019

  08:43    Stu.

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A Margaret River blend of 75% SB / 25% Semillon.

Skewing toward the fresher and more tropical side of the blend, a classic example of a regional style: Passionfruit, lychee, hints of kaffir and lemongrass.

More of the same on the palate, a roundness to it, giving some volume as you naturally roll it across the palate, as if to contemplate: what next? 

Subtle rasp and herbal twitch across the finish. It's certainly fresh and on a stinker of a Brisbane day certainly did what was asked of it. I'd originally identified this as something to pair with a crispy skinned snapper fillet and mango Salsa. Except it's seemingly hard to find skin on. At least the wine did not fail to deliver. 89

Tasted on: Wednesday 22nd January 
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://altusrise.com.au/

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Castle Rock Porongurup Riesling 2019

Castle Rock Porongurup Riesling 2019

  16:00    Stu.

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Grapefruit, bath salts, a tropical periphery: think guava, a suggestion of Passionfruit perhaps.

Grapefruit acidity presents itself early, lemon barley even. Takes me back to watching Wimbledon as a kid that does. Acidity a touch nervy at this early juncture, one suggests it will settle. 

It's tense, poised, as if walking a razor wire tightrope - nervous tension like. I like it. A lot. 93

Tasted on: Friday 7th February 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://castlerockestate.com.au/

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d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2018

d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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Dark, earthen, hints of soy in the frame. Less about the fruit. Firmish tannin against some bright acidity. Semblance of fruit on the palate - again darker manifestation thereof - more tilled earth. 

Good carry of flavour, oak present, not obtrusive. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 11th February 
Source: Sample
Price: $29
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.darenberg.com.au/

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Bremerton Battonage Chardonnay 2018

Bremerton Battonage Chardonnay 2018

  13:58    Stu.

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Citrus and a hint of curd, slight cheesey note with subtle spice from a touch of wood.

Variously slick and glossy, a generous textural spread laying a swathe across the palate. Feeling rich yet with a clip of flinty like acidity that sets the rhythm. Always in proportion, a well balanced and generous example from the vintage. 92 

Tasted on: Tuesday 21st January 
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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Altus Rise Wildlight Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Altus Rise Wildlight Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

  07:10    Stu.

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Milk chocolate, cedar, wild herb and garrigue like notes. Glimpses of vanilla when first opened.

Latterly hints of damson and plum, sitting in front of darker char and earth. Carries itself well, the most complex of the Wildlight releases, if still missing the depth to elevate the wine further. 89

Tasted on: Monday 3rd February 
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://altusrise.com.au/

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Pewsey Vale Prima 23GR Riesling 2019

Pewsey Vale Prima 23GR Riesling 2019

  16:00    Stu.

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Fleshy tropical fruits, mango pulp; smells as a Weiss bar tastes.

Palate shows something approaching a red apple, stonefruit and citrus mix, both in flavour and also with a textural and fleshy width married to some citrus derived length. 

At 23/gr it's borderline medium sweet, compared to a more off-dry offering around 14/15. The distinction is important, yet the beauty of this style is the ability to lap up heat of (very generic, I know) South-East Asian cuisine. 92 

Tasted on: Thursday 16th January
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 9.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.pewseyvale.com/

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Jacquart Mosaique Brut NV

Jacquart Mosaique Brut NV

  08:30    Stu.

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Stonefruit, apricot marmalade, hints of brioche/ Danish pastry; there's an umami - savoury in a sweet spot - like hint lurking in the background - adding depth.

Green apple, grapefruit, citrus and stonefruit. Fine minerally acidity, on the back of a good length. Toast and nuts across the palate too. Good complexity here, with an inherent drinkability. 93 

Tasted on: Friday 24th January
Source: Sample
Price: $70
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://www.champagne-jacquart.com/
Sample courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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