Wirra Wirra 12th Man Chardonnay 2019

Wirra Wirra 12th Man Chardonnay 2019

  16:30    Stu.

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Adelaide Hills Chardonnay here, barrel fermented, lending a complexity to the aromatics. 

It's soft and inviting across the palate, dripping with stonefruit as radiant as a setting sun. A dribble of citrus acidity across the finish adds freshness, serving to act as punctuation to a textural pleasantry across the middle of the wine. 

This is fresh, textural, possessing depth too - a welcome addition to any table. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 27th August 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://wirrawirra.com/

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Ochota Barrels the price of silence Gamay 2020

Ochota Barrels the price of silence Gamay 2020

  08:30    Stu.

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Had the pleasure of the company of both the wife and Mother-in-Law recently at the local wine bar, this leapt off the list and into my glass. New release - and already out of stock ex-winery - it's a single vineyard offering, from the same vineyard as the (Mark of Cain) Pinot Meunier, for those familiar with the range from Ochota Barrels.

Bottle 499/ 800 produced. It's such an expressive wine, conveying a beautiful perfume on initial opening. It's a riot of cola, cranberry and raspberry, such expression of aroma. 

The palate has the same initial expression, supplemented with herbaceous notes, a fair portion of whole bunch one suggests. A fine mineral edge of tannin, something like a peanut brittle lead in to the finish. Exquisite. 94 

Tasted on: Friday 28th August 
Source: Wine List
Price: $72
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://ochotabarrels.com/

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Pyramids Road Chardonnay 2019

Pyramids Road Chardonnay 2019

  16:30    Stu.

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Fruit is bought from Bungawarra towards the Northern end of the region, four barrels - 50% new and the balance being first and second fill. These things matter - there are some that believe they don't - for when you place that most sensitive of organs, and yes I mean your nose, into the glass you'll see that new oak readily apparent. 

There's toast, over something like a lime brulee character. The palate is slick and glossy, a rounded presence with a minerally edge. 

It has a depth and persistence of flavour that is quite beguiling. It might feel somewhat awkward at this early juncture, but only in respect to the fact that you know it will develop and integrate further. Impressive. 92 

Tasted on: Monday 31st August 
Source: Cellar Door
Price: $45
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://pyramidsroad.com.au/

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[This post was edited 04.09.2020 14:20 to reflect that fruit is brought in, not Estate fruit].

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JaJa Shiraz 2019

JaJa Shiraz 2019

  09:30    Stu.

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JaJa is owned by the family behind leading online wine retailer Winestar - and maintained as a separate concern. The brand has been going for nearly twenty tears, first opportunity to taste and review on these pages.

A fairly thrill throttle manifestation of Barossa Shiraz, yet one which hides the extent of its stated 15% alcohol very well. 

It's meaty on initial opening, giving way to redcurrant and sweeter fruit accents of sugar plum. The palate at stark contrast to that, conveying a silken threaded gloss that easily slides towards the finish. 

It's a very well balanced wine, not often you always get to say that with these higher octane examples. Very well played. 93 

Tasted on: Wednesday 2nd September, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 15%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.jaja.com.au/

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Yelland and Papps Devote Shiraz 2017

Yelland and Papps Devote Shiraz 2017

  12:30    Stu.

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Fairly rich, sumptuous wine, yet still clocking in at a modest 13.5%. 

Plummy depths of a very Barossan Shiraz. Soft, barely there tannin registering across the palate, bringing with it fruit subtley accented with oak remnants. 

Waves of flavour hit you, as though immersing yourself under a cascading waterfall of it, seemingly relentless. 93

Tasted on: Friday 3rd July
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.yellandandpapps.com/

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De Bortoli Grenache Wizardry Grenache Blanc 2020

De Bortoli Grenache Wizardry Grenache Blanc 2020

  16:30    Stu.

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For me, personally, the pick of the Grenache Wizardry range from De Bortoli, also comprising a Rosé and Grenache Noir.

This example coneys a touch of honey, with straw, grapefruit and zest. 

The palate is fresh and lively, general citrus zip and freshness to it. Latterly an element of what I can best describe as soy wax/ candle comes forth, bringing with it a pithy finish of driving length. 

Fleshy, textural, flavoursome. A big yes from me. Could drink this for days. 92 

Tasted on: Thursday 30th July 
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Closure: Screwcap
Website: debortoli.com.au

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Heartland Spice Trader Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Heartland Spice Trader Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

  08:30    Stu.

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As I sit in a suburban setting in one of Brisbane’s inner suburbs, a  cool and somewhat damp day, there’s just something about this wine that allows the imbiber to perhaps be transported elsewhere. 

Upon opening, the wine with earthen notes, topped with dark fruit and a smattering of mint for freshness remind of a walk through an evergreen plantation.

The palate, even at five years, still possesses a freshness and vitality to it, bolstering the mood, lifting the spirits and providing a comely sensation across a spice tinged finish. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 28th June
Source: Sample
Price: $17
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.heartlandwines.com.au/

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