d'Arenberg The Anthroprocene Epoch Mencia 2019

d'Arenberg The Anthroprocene Epoch Mencia 2019

  08:30    Stu.

---

On aromatics alone it's a good rendition of a Ribeira Sacra, with a dense core of red fruit amidst a savoury, almost smokey - but not quite rubbery (an oft sighted quality in this appelation) - background

It's soft, gentle, with a fine and tight tannin structure. Seemingly a wine of contrast: fruit and savoury; gentle and grainy. It's all the better for it, approachable and yet cerebral. 

Well made, also perhaps a nod to vines hitting their straps. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 10th December 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol:
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.darenberg.com.au

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Barossa Boy Young Wisdom Mataro 2018

Barossa Boy Young Wisdom Mataro 2018

  17:57    Stu.

---

Diam sealed, pretty serious intent coming in a heavy set - deep punted - bottle. 

Initially sullen, Mataro needs some air  - IMNSHO - to reveal its true colours. 

This example itself to be tightly coiled, fine grain of tannin, heft of a wine - subtlety and guile not necessarily the calling cards on first show. That said there's a depth and penetration of flavour, length creeping. 

It has the hallmark, needs to open up further. 91++

Tasted on: Wednesday 16th December 
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 15%
Closure: DIAM
Website: www.barossaboywines.com.au

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Ubertas Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2020

Ubertas Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2020

  16:30    Stu.

---

It's a fruitier expression of Chardonnay here, the winery seeking to express character of the variety over
oak. Picked a little earlier, with a somewhat moderate 12.5% alcohol, fermented in tank before half sent to 2nd year French barrels. 

Notes of pineapple and melon in the main. Segues to a citrus derived juiciness, dare I suggest it as lime, running long across the palate. 

Lacking perhaps the depth and substance of other examples that might score higher, it's freshness and clarity will win many over. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 31st January 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ubertaswines.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Huntington Estate Merlot 2019

Huntington Estate Merlot 2019

  08:30    Stu.

---

Image to follow

"2019 has been characterised by intensely dry heat spells followed by short, heavy rainfall. We picked our
fruit very early to beat the heat and secured stunning, evenly ripened fruit with clean, restrained acids." 

This 2019 has been released before the 2017 and 2018. Sitting in the spot within the portfolio where the Grenache normally would (2019 Grenache sold out, none made in 2020).

Initially bright perfume of cherry on initial pour, settles nicely into more familiar plum and typical black fruit profile. 

The palate shows every inch of its early picking, light and bright with a tangy acid profile across the palate and through the finish. 

A delicious lick of spice curls across the back palate, delivering length to boot. Do not underestimate its lower alcohol profile, the freshness makes this a marvellous supping wine for consumption in youth. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 9th January 

Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 12.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Cantine D'Alessandro Regio

Cantine D'Alessandro Regio

  22:21    Stu.

---

Frizzante white from Puglia (IGT: Indicazione Geografica Tipica) made from a variety - new to me - called Verdeca. Retained with a minor amount of sugar (5%) adding body, not so much sweetness. 

Quite light aromatically, suggestions of citrus and stonefruit. The palate has a stone, minerally quality that seems to expand and grow across the palate. There's a touch of creaminess that builds presence. The light spritz makes this a good candidate for a light aperitif style. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 10th January 
Source: Sample
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: http://www.bonciani.com.au/about/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Ballycroft Small Berry French Oak Shiraz 2018

Ballycroft Small Berry French Oak Shiraz 2018

  21:55    Stu.

---

Dare I say, but perhaps the least obvious rendition of the French small berry Shiraz I've had the pleasure of sampling, certainly compared to the overt and brazen American counterpart. 

Conveys a blueberry compote over chocolate aspect, and for all its depth there's a freshness and youthful presentation to it. 

As the vines with age impart their own mark on the wines of increasingly assured winemaker Joe Evans, there's a meeting of the minds with respect to their presentation. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 13th January 
Source: Sample
Price: $ 49
Alcohol: 14.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.ballycroft.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Wirra Wirra Amator Nouveau 2020

Wirra Wirra Amator Nouveau 2020

  18:18    Stu.

---

A new - to me - release from Wirra Wirra, although the 'Amator' range appears to have been around since the 2014 vintage at least. It's a blend of Grenache (60%), Shiraz (20%) and Touriga (20%).

Amator being the origins of amateur, one who participates in sport for no payment. Here Wirra Wirra co-opts the term to reflect the labour of love in tending to the vines that contribute to the wines. 

Light on fragrance, yet a wickedly delicious palate that conveys freshness. There's an acidic line that curls across the palate, a delicate tannic crunch. The greatest surprise is I managed to refrain from consuming this in a single sitting. On day 2 it was certainly more in that youthful vogue, the palate is brighter and crunchier, with a delightful vein of acidity. 

Light and bright, touches of Plum and blackcurrant.  91

Tasted on: Wednesday 26th August 

Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14% 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://wirrawirra.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More