Blue Pyrenees Estate Shiraz 2017

Blue Pyrenees Estate Shiraz 2017

  08:30    Stu.

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Throws a solid aroma of blue/black fruited mix, eucalypt accents and solidified with oak, to frame it all up. Medium to full bodied, carries a fine line of powdery tannin that feathers out across the palate. 

The flavours here are familiar with that experienced on the aroma. Blueberry and Chocolate make an appearance, subtle vanilla in the mix too, all flowing on a generous length. Don't feel ashamed in ripping into this now, or if patience is your game then reward with a stint in cellar, up to 8 years. 91 

Tasted on: Thursday 18th June
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.bluepyrenees.com.au/

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De Bortoli Grenache Wizardry Rosé 2019

De Bortoli Grenache Wizardry Rosé 2019

  16:30    Stu.

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Highly perfumed, pot pourri floral aromatics. A savoury lurks underneath, a suggestion of woodsy spice supplementing the initial brightness.

Across the palate its wickedly dry, a snap and crackle of acidity with a chalky pucker serve as a soccer player's 1-2, as if to cleanse and yet reel you back in further.

Finishes with a spicy tickle, enhancing the experience a step further. Cracking release. 92 

Tasted on: Monday 27th July
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: debortoli.com.au

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Tim Adams Lidera Tempranillo 2016

Tim Adams Lidera Tempranillo 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Single Vineyard planting of Tempranillo from the original winery site on Wendouree Rd. Spends two years in new and used (1-2y) oak, comparable to Crianza (check?) in old Rioja money.

The presence of the newer portion of oak is unmistakeable, and yet Tempranillo is a variety that seemingly has an inherent ability to lap it up, to take it in its stride. It provides a support, a comfort blanket that ushers the wine into place. 

The wine itself, unto the palate, is a cherry and cola like manifestation that flows long across the palate. Generous in flavour an intent, its supplemented by a tannin that seemingly straddles both fine, yet with a minor coarseness. 

Seemingly it manages to covey youth and freshness, juxtaposed against what might appear savoury and sterner qualities. Really quite impressive. 94 

Tasted on: Wednesday 8th July 
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.timadamswines.com.au/

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Yelland and Papps Second Take Shiraz 2019

Yelland and Papps Second Take Shiraz 2019

  16:48    Stu.

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Numbers: Whole bunch (100%), wild ferment; 100% old French for 11m.

Plum and Mulberry depths supported by the delicious whole bunches, that lend spice and savoury nuance to the aromatics. 

Subtlety of fruit carries long across the palate, prime Barossan fruit that is allowed free reign to express itself, unsullied by the shackles of new oak. 

Tannin is fine, a gentle and fulfilling coating across the breadth of palate - you'd suggest some extended maceration here. A very fine release. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 26th June 
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.yellandandpapps.com/

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Heartland Spice Trader Shiraz 2015

Heartland Spice Trader Shiraz 2015

  08:30    Stu.

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A 5yo Shiraz for sub-$20, impressive. Oak remnants, deep plum set fruit. Leafy remnants. 

The palate conveys a freshness, again the oak is present, giving a gloss and sheen - feeling quite fresh, yet solid, for its years. 

Finishes aplomb with some great depth, jeez you'd sure be happy here for the asking price. 89 

Tasted on: Friday 26th June

Source: Sample

Price: $17
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.heartlandwines.com.au/

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Hastwell and Lightfoot Fat n Skinny Picker's Choice Shiraz Tempranillo Barbera 2017

Hastwell and Lightfoot Fat n Skinny Picker's Choice Shiraz Tempranillo Barbera 2017

  21:19    Stu.

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An unusual blend one must say, and it feels like every part of that mix; dark plummy depths and woodsy spice, with a playful middle providing a counterpoint to the two.

A lighter touch across the palate, a subtle rub of tannin, flowing to a moderate finish. Dark chocolate hints with a slight bitter twist. Playful, enjoyable blend. 90

Tasted on: Friday 5th June
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://fatnskinny.com.au/

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Yelland and Papps Second Take Vermentino 2019

Yelland and Papps Second Take Vermentino 2019

  16:30    Stu.

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Envelope purchasers as ever, this Vermentino spending a whopping 313 days on skins, and then successfully engaging the kids press it off. Good engagement.

Beautifully skinsy feel and vibe to it, redolent more like a soured beer - another style I sink readily with pleasure - with something like floral hints supplementing. The palate pervades with a lushness, textually silken, cascading across the palate. 

It contains an edgy acidity, and whilst I personally love that, I suspect it will likely polarise. Yet bring on more divisive styles, forego the foursquare and the vanilla. Celebrate the artisans, the pioneers, the boundary pushers. Bravo! 94 

Tasted on: Tuesday 30th June
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://yellandandpapps.com/

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