Rotari Gran Rose Millesimato Brut 2016

Rotari Gran Rose Millesimato Brut 2016

  17:00    Stu.

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Deeper salmon hued, 3 years on lees gives the secondary autolytic characters. Stonefruit and red fruits add a softer aspect.

The palate has a soft roundness, almost crispy - yet with a crisper, harder edge. A latent edge of fruit sweetness perks things up again, as if to provide a secondary movement for the wine. Decent bubbles. 91

Tasted on: Friday 4th November
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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The Little Wine Company Sangiovese 2019

The Little Wine Company Sangiovese 2019

  08:30    Stu.

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Cracking Sangio from the Hunter here. It's a fruity vibe with just enough of a savoury pitch for interest.

Soft and supple on entry, a barely there throw of tannin gains a modest amount of presence to coat the mouth and leave a lasting presence.

Lingering acidity for freshness and to clean up the palate and whatever you choose to pair with it. Cliched as it may seem, Pizzas worked well at Chateau Vinsomniac. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 19th October
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.thelittlewinecompany.com.au/

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Huntington Estate Special Reserve Shiraz 2018

Huntington Estate Special Reserve Shiraz 2018

  17:00    Stu.

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Soon to be released - 2017 still available on the web as at November 2022.

Heavy set cloak of oak sets out this wine's stall firmly. This is Mudgee Shiraz, with its milk chocolate / mud cake ways over prime black fruit.

Classic Mudgee tannins in a package of restraint - beautifully worked within its 13.2% alcohol. Drink 2024 - 2035. 94

Tasted on: Monday 31st October
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Robert Stein Dry Riesling 2022

Robert Stein Dry Riesling 2022

  08:30    Stu.

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Mudgee Riesling from vines planted in 1976 - some pedigree. Indeed, such is the demand - and quality of - these Robert Stein Rieslings that they have recently undertaken a 2.5 hectare expansion of plantings.

As ever an expressive number , it's an aromatic riot of lemons and limes, with floral notes adding their presence.

Tangy, with an initial softer mango like note. It flattens out a bit from there, a steely and bracing acidity that hales over and draws the wine long across the palate. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 3rd November
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 11% 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.robertstein.com.au/

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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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