The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

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Thursday, 16 April 2020

d'Arenberg The Olive Grove Chardonnay 2019

  18:12    

Always a bargain, rarely a chore.

Stonefruit, doughy oak hints; figgy, Fuller of body, spiced hints, vanilla cream and stonefruit. A gentle phenolic edge add textural width add body. 

I've seen it better in recent years, but still a steal at the price. 87 

 Tasted on: Monday 10th February 
Source: Sample
Price: $16
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.darenberg.com.au/

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Monday, 13 April 2020

Liv Zak Syrah 2018

  10:31    

Certainly conveys a cooler climate take on the variety, and certainly worthy of the Syrah distinction.  Of stem and sap, brown spice and black pepper. 

Lighter of body, slight ferrous tannin, spike of acidity for drive and length. Certainly of savoury bent, and very much in the modern vogue. Delicate and balanced offering. 92 

 Tasted on: Sunday 16th February 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://warramundaestate.com.au/

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Thursday, 9 April 2020

Huntington Estate Barrel Ferment Chardonnay 2019

  16:00    

I had the pleasure of spending a couple of nights in Mudgee post Christmas - an absolutely delightful region (and the town itself), more on that later. 

Tim and Nicky Stevens - proprietors of Huntington Estate - had a devastating 2020 vintage, not looking to dwell on the bad, they sent a few samples showcasing the great quality of their whites from the prior vintage.

In addition to the textural width - and pleasure - that barrel fermentation lends Chardonnay, a little toasty augmentation is also derived. 

Here, citrus and stonefruit are married to such, certainly creating an inviting proposition. 

It's long been a fave at Chateau Vinsomniac (a grander illusion than reality). The palate offers a somewhat slicker and fuller feel, creamed nuances with moderate citrus lime of acidity. Generous as ever. 91 

 Tasted on: Saturday 22nd February 
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Liv Zak Pinot Noir 2018

  08:30    

Approachable, hints of forest floor, as if to season the fruit/savoury elements at the wine's core.

Mid-weight, succulent, fruit presence and a fine vein of acidity through the middle. 91 

 Tasted on: Sunday 16th February 
Source: Sample
Price: $36
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://warramundaestate.com.au/

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Wednesday, 8 April 2020

Liv Zak Rosé 2018

  16:00    

Liv Zak being the second label of the Yarra Valley's Warramunda Estate. 

This Pinot based Rosé is certainly pretty in pink, pouring both a delightful hue, offering a Berry accented aroma to the imbiber. 

The palate crisp and clipped, a smart snap of acidity that brings with it a gentle edge of texture, finishing long and dry. Gentle length that tugs along, bringing the carry of berry fruit with it. 89 

 Tasted on: Thursday 13th February 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://warramundaestate.com.au/

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Out of Step Wine Co Malakoff Vineyard Nebbiolo 2018

  08:30    

A maelstrom of red berries at its core, sitting prime and centre, imbued with a savoury edge. Epitomising the competing juxtapositions of this wine, indeed it pours with the slightly brickish edge Nebb can have, yet in glass it's bright and vibrant. 

Complexity could be the watch word for sure, the fruit yielding to toasted nuts, roasted pan juices and dark. Chocolate. The palate continues that approach, savoury and yet with a wicked line of juicy acidity that energetically propels the wine - seemingly perpetually. 

Deliciously complex, simply moreish, quite compelling. 94 

 Tasted on: Wednesday 12th February 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwap
Website: http://www.outofstepwineco.com/

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Tuesday, 7 April 2020

Terre à Terre Piccadilly Valley Rosé 2019

  16:00    

Berry driven aromatics lead, the wine is derived from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay initially destined as base for DAOSA sparkling wine. There's a subtle spice edge - with a floral lift, elevating the wine further. 

Delicately rounded textural palate, persistence of flavour, it's hard to pin down with respect to specific flavours. It conveys a nuttiness, something almost agave like - complex, fine, multi-faceted. 

It's exquisitely executed, composed and poised in how it presents itself. 93 

 Tasted on: Wednesday 25th March 
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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