Feudo Arancio Nero d'Avola 2018

Feudo Arancio Nero d'Avola 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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In 2000 Gruppo Mezzacorona recognised the untapped potential of Sicily and invested in replanting and rebuilding two estates along the ventilated Southern coast of the island. A significant producer from the island.

I gave this a good decant prior. On pouring it's deep, dark, sullen - with woody spice adding to that. Somewhat like dipping into Grandpa's rolling baccy pouch whilst sitting in front of a log fire that crackles away. 

Touches of fennel add an aromatic lift; the palate is plush and nigh sensuous with a chewy tannin profile that you feel compelled to roll around the palate. It certainly carries a relaxing vibe to it; languid, unhurried. 91 

Tasted on: Monday 18th May
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.feudoarancio.it/en-gb
Sample Courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com

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La Violetta Patio Pet Nat 2020

La Violetta Patio Pet Nat 2020

  16:30    Stu.

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Riesling and Moscato form a union here for this Pet Nat from the hands of AJ Hoadley in WA's Great Southern. 

Offering Quince, bready hints - apricot Danish style, - with a subtle muskyness to boot. Aromas transform into flavour across the palate. A lively petillence carrying the wine further, leaving in its wake a flavour akin to something florally from Nana's wardrobe circa 1982 (yeah I'm that old). 

It's fresh, fragrant, and dangerously Smashable. A BIG yes from me. 91 

Tasted on: Thursday 28th May
Source: Retail
Price: $30
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Crown Seal 
Website: http://laviolettawines.com.au/

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Hastwell and Lightfoot Fat ‘n Skinny ‘The Red Fury’ Tempranillo Garnacha 2018

Hastwell and Lightfoot Fat ‘n Skinny ‘The Red Fury’ Tempranillo Garnacha 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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Cherry and Plum vibes here, feels a touch cooler - with an associated freshness - than McLaren Vale fruit often conveys. 

The palate is succulent, fresh, yet with a generous rasp of tannin that adds body and conviction. 

A cracking pairing with food, it's versatile - think beyond pasta (although that's where it worked for me) and pizza - the tannins a match for many proteins. 

Perhaps even consider traversing the Pyrenees - from Spain, where its component varieties originally hail - and think about something like Cassoulet. Particularly in these immediate cooler months. 90 

Tasted on: Wednesday 27th May 
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://hastwellandlightfoot.com.au/

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Feudo Arancio Accussi Extra Dry NV

Feudo Arancio Accussi Extra Dry NV

  16:30    Stu.

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It's 100% Sparkling Grillo from Sicily. Unsure what that should be like from a varietal perspective, yet it offers a generous serve of Stonefruit with a suggestion of almond paste imbued across the palate.

The palate shows a gentle bead, a delicate apple and pear flavour with a trickle of citrus. Whilst I know it originates from Sicily, I can certainly feel a Mediterranean vibe about it: Gentle waves crashing against a rocky shoreline, sending a fine saline spray into the air. Good aperitif style. 89 

Tasted on: Thursday 14th May
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Cork
Website: https://www.feudoarancio.it/en-gb
Sample courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com

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Angullong Fossil Hill Sangiovese 2018

Angullong Fossil Hill Sangiovese 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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Angullong seems to have developed quite an affinity for these, so called, alternative varieties - though we've considered them that for over a decade now in many cases. However so collectively referred should no detract from the continued success they've had in crafting fine examples across red and white grape varieties, to the point where they are well anticipated  across the tasting bench when the opportunity arises. 

Subtle woodsy spice gives way to a deeper fruit manifestation in the cherry and raspberry spectrum. For that initial brightness is settles back into a more savoury rhythm. A touch of brighter acidity brings things back into focus, providing a guiding line across the finish. 

Powdery tannin leaves a decent conclusion. Interestingly it was one I preferred on its own, my chosen food pairing of creamy pork and fennel pasta not providing the best match on this occasion. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 15th April 
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.angullong.com.au/

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Out of Step Wine Co Lone Star Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Out of Step Wine Co Lone Star Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2018

  16:30    Stu.

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Grapefruit, citrus, lemon barley kinda vibe to proceedings here. More of that citrus cut and thrust across the palate, a skinsy phenolic feel that adds presence and breadth to the acidic line.

It pours cloudy, again reminding of that aforementioned lemon barley, carries suggestions of a tropical air through its conclusion. Smashing drink. 93 

Tasted on: Tuesday 31st March
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.outofstepwineco.com/

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Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2018

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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Cool site, warm year, as Brian Croser pitches it in the accompanying letter - detailed, and insightful as ever - with the sample.

An expressly aromatic take on Pinot Noir: Chinese five spice, sandalwood, something Plum like, a touch of Goji Berry even. Exquisite, haunting, certainly captivating.

Supple, lithe - certainly initially so on entry - before a slight firmness and fine grain of tannin sweeps across the palate. A persistent line of flavour carries, seemingly perpetually. Haunting - a word I wanted to introduce, save for the fact I'd already done so. 93/94 

Tasted on: Wednesday 27th May 
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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