Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2016

Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Oak seems somewhat raw and intrusive on initial showing. Thick, heavy set, a decent portion of new one adds; (Twenty months in 50% new French oak. 85% cabernet sauvignon, 15% shiraz). 

Licorice, black fruit - at least present here, after being dominated on the aromatics. Has a somewhat curranty vibe to it. 

The palate provides a minerally, graphite structure - of fine bones about which the wine will develop further. Even at five years it still feels undeveloped, infantile - yet has both the presence and pedigree to suggest a life ahead of it. 2022-2030 92+ 

Tasted on: Thursday 12th March
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 14.7%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Bremerton Special Release Fiano 2019

Bremerton Special Release Fiano 2019

  16:00    Stu.

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Florals, almond paste - it's seemingly the type of wine that shifts, offering something further with each appraisal - adding a light citrus vibe. 

Delicate lemon citrus, soft acids, just ebbs along; soft and rounded, missing a touch of drive and penetration on this showing. 89 

Tasted on: Thursday 24th January 
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bremerton.com.au/

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Main Ridge Estate Half Acre Pinot Noir 2012

Main Ridge Estate Half Acre Pinot Noir 2012

  08:30    Stu.

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A Cellar Door purchase back in 2014 on a trip to the Mornington with some legends. Oh how different the world was back then; personally, societally.

An earthen Pinot Noir, hints of mushroom and a little mulch. Suggestions of what seem a little residual oak linger, chai spice nuances add to the overall aromatic picture. It's subtle, deep and complex. 

Finesse, the wine flows across the palate, still remnants of fine tannin glide across. There's a deep and long lasting carry of flavour - without being over-wrought. Exquisite. 94 

Tasted on: Sunday 9th February 
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $75ish
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://mre.com.au/

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Altus/ Rise Wildlight Chardonnay 2019

Altus/ Rise Wildlight Chardonnay 2019

  16:00    Stu.

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Stonefruit, sandalwood, hints of ginger and mace.

The palate showing white pepper, green melon, all delivered on a line of tangy citrus.

Reasonable effort for an entry level Margs Chardonnay. 87 

Tasted on: Wednesday 22nd January 
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://altusrise.com.au/

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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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