Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2020

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2020

  18:33    Stu.

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Cabernet dominant (81%) with the balance of Shiraz.

Black fruit prime here, at least on first showing, for it morphs and shifts - revealing layers amidst the intrigue.

Herbal - think thyme, fennel - and savoury notes supplement that. Whilst it feels coiled at this juncture, it's presence, shape and structure assure of its longevity.

Brickish tannins dominate the finish in a classy manner. 94

Tasted on: Thursday 20th October
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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Harewood Estate Denmark Pinot Noir 2022

Harewood Estate Denmark Pinot Noir 2022

  14:04    Stu.

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Pinot Noir from the maritime cool of Denmark in Western Australia's Great Southern region.

It's all Plum, cassis - set against a darker edge, smoked wood and perhaps even a touch meaty in its initial representation.

Lithe, juicy - succulent red fruits, again before a darker edge. Light and shade, night and day. A wine of opposing parts - contributing overall to the whole.

An edge of tannin that adds an extra element to the contrasting fruit profile. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 18th October
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://harewood.com.au/

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Huntington Estate Dry Pinot Noir Rosé 2022

Huntington Estate Dry Pinot Noir Rosé 2022

  20:52    Stu.

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I often just smell this wine and think of the town of my birth, for it evokes that quintessential summer dessert - and summer vibe - of strawberries and cream.

A bone dry Rosé, with a curl of berry sweetness licking it's way across the palate. A touch of phenolic presence and on a good length, it's something to grace any table this summer. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 9th October
Source: Sample
Price: $27
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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De Bortoli Melba Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

De Bortoli Melba Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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Only made in exceptional years, the Melba is named after Dame Nelly (who gave her name to the peach).

Forget about any presence of peach - or any stonefruit for that matter - here, it's a classically structured Cabernet: black fruit - think plum, damson, hints of blackcurrant - with savoury edges.

Really it's the grippy tannins that win here, coating the palate and giving both length, breadth and depth. As much as you might want to get your hands on Nellie now, patience is a virtue. One for the long haul! 94

Tasted on: Wednesday 25th May
Source: Sample
Price: $160
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://www.debortoli.com.au/

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Mt Bera Amphitheatre Shiraz Blaufrankisch 2019

Mt Bera Amphitheatre Shiraz Blaufrankisch 2019

  17:07    Stu.

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Unsure of % of each blend here (based on label).

Whilst dense and dark in glass, it evokes a perfume of blue and red fruits - somewhat of a contrast.

Blaufrankisch always evokes a very 'blue' aroma, no exception here. The plummy Shiraz notes are also present, all up presenting a very attractive package in intro.

The palate is light, supple - without sacrificing depth and a tight grain of tannin. It's an impressive blend, something of an all-rounder. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 31st May
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://mtberavineyards.com.au/

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Edenflo Eden Valley Fresh Prince 2021

Edenflo Eden Valley Fresh Prince 2021

  20:37    Stu.

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Plum, earth, hint of clove

Delicate on entry, the fruit sings, free from encumbrances of excessive oak and artifice.

A delicate grip of tannin, a fine rub, fruit resurgence and a splash of acid for juiciness. It's at turns a comfort, yet playful. An embrace, yet also an indication of time ahead. A lively finish brings it all back again, like getting a second chance all over. 93

Tasted on: Wednesday 30th March

Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://edenflowines.com.au/

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Jules Taylor The Jules Rosé 2021

Jules Taylor The Jules Rosé 2021

  20:39    Stu.

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Berry driven nose: strawberries, cream - soft, sensuous.

Palate is somewhat rounded and textural. I recommended serving pretty cool - this came wine fridge cold - to flatten the palate and accentuate the back palate.

There's enough interest to make this one with broad appeal. Could easily smash a bottle - or two - of this over lunch. 90

Tasted on: Thursday 24th March
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.julestaylor.com/

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