The Vinsomniac - Stuart Robinson

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This Australian wine blog was formerly known as thewinewankers.com

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Wednesday, 31 August 2011

Teusner The Dog Strangler 2010

  19:56    

This is my first experience of the Dog Strangler - for those unaware "Estrangle Chien" is a French synonym for what we in Australia commonly refer to as Mataro - for, being a stubborn principled sort, I refuse to shop in certain national multiples, preferring to frequent local and independently owned stores

I've been on the record before as having a disdain for fashionable flights of fancy.  However, it seems that Mataro is getting its time in the retail spotlight - I've even seen it referred to as "The Next Big Thing".  Mataro has a long association with Australia but has traditionally been blended away into GSM blends (and variations thereof).

I'm happy to see more straight varietal Mataro come onto retail shelves, but i wouldn't like to see the trend continue at the expense of - as I see it - varietally correct Mataro.

This example, from various blocks around the Barossa exhibits a touch of prune, leather and damp earth.  It comes across as a fairly made wine compared to some other examples of Mataro I have tasted.  In the mouth, it's fairly concentrated - exhibiting depth of flavour; some all-spice contributes to an overall warmth in the mouth.

The spice radiates on leading to a fair length of finish.  Overall it is emminently drinkable - as Teusner wines tend to be - that said, my preference was for the wine on day one.  Don't demur, if you get the opportunity buy some up, drink some and bob a couple away for a couple of years.

Source: Retail, Champion Liquor
Price: $28 RRP
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.teusner.com.au/

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Tuesday, 23 August 2011

Spinifex Rose 2010

  21:08    

A blend of Mataro, Cinsault, Grenache and Shiraz (45/25/23/7%) and a glorious pale pink.  There are certain things that you eat or drink that have the ability to transport you.  This, despite hailing from the Barossa takes me to a hillside villa in Provence, overlooking a field of lavender gently snaking in the breeze.

Its aromas of rose and even a touch of the ubiquitous boiled sweet lead you into a mid-weight palate, where some spice makes way for a dry and savoury finish.

Dangerously chuggable, though one has to advocate responsible consumption lest you start dreaming too much about that Provencale hillside villa.

Source: Gift
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap

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La Pleiade Heathcote Shiraz 2007

  20:51    

The Pleiades, or Seven Sisters is among the nearest star clusters to Earth and is that most obvious to the naked eye in the sky.  You might also notice it as the logo of Japanese vehicle manufacturer Subaru.

In this case it is a collaborative winemaking effort between Ron Laughton of Jasper Hill and M.Chapoutier of the Rhone.  The partnership has two labels Agly Brothers of Rousillon and this, La Pleiade of Heathcote - one of only 500 dozen produced.

The wine smells dark, earthen, a touch of leather and prune.  It's inky, dense and quite concentrated.  But for all that, it is a wine of incredible balance and structure.  Yes, tannins are quite assertive and contribute to an overall sense of concentration.

It kind of leaves one feeling that they have worked for the wine, yet without feeling violated or overwhelmed.

Source: Retail
Price: $70 RRP 
Alcohol: 15%
Closure: Cork

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heathcote la pleiade, la pleiade heathcote 2007, la pleiade wine

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Ballandean Estate Family Reserve Chardonnay 2008

  20:31    

Barrel fermented for 12 months, evident on the nose.  Further, stonefruit and a hint of grapefruit.  The plate shows some nutty/ nougat notes, a touch of mineral; malo is evident with the hallmark smooth creaminess.

Some acid was quite evident on first opening, but it seemed to settle into a groove. Whilst the finish came up a little short, some toasty oak character did hang a little providing interest and memory.  All up balanced if a little truncated.

Source: Sample (Chardonnay Day Tasting)
Price: $22 RRP
Alcohol: ?
Closure: Screwcap

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De Bortoli Estate Grown Yarra Valley Syrah 2008

  20:18    

Clear funk; old barrel ferment and some whole bunch aroma present themselves initially, with some berry fruit and cherry skulking in the background like some naughty children.

The palate: complex.  Some bitter, chewy, savoury twigginess through the middle.  A nuttiness providing a little extra to chew on, and over.  The finish shows spice, even some clove, and more of that nutty character that sees you through to conclusion.

Another excellent effort from the De Bortoli stable.  There's a fair few of their wines up here now.  I don't think the Syrah/ Shiraz name even needs a mention.

Source: Retail
Price: $32
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap

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Tuesday, 9 August 2011

Joh Jos Prüm Riesling Kabinett 2008

  10:58    

The wines of Joh Jos Prüm (or JJ Prüm as they are often referred) are renowned for having a bit of sulphurous stink action going on.  Not so this beauty, a pretty little thing offering up floral aromas: apple blossom and honeysuckle.

Entry shows an initially quite intense wine, but this quickly fades away to exhibit some minerality and nigh-tropical fruit.  Delicate in the mouth, it almost feels weightless - a house characteristic I am led to believe.

Through the finish, little acid.  Lacks intensity, lingers a little but is quite moderate.  2008 is seen as an excellent vintage, less ripe than other years, allowing expressions on terroir.  Aside from some slight minerality and low-key acid I didn't see too much.  Would hazard more visible in the single site wines than this entry level wine.

Source: Retail, Hailsham Cellars
Price: 16.49GBP ($26.50 AUD at time of writing) 
Alcohol: 8.5%
Closure: Cork

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Monday, 8 August 2011

Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2004

  11:37    

Beautiful green tinged, golden straw colour. Faint lime cordial aroma with lifted floral aromatics.

Entry shows little in the way of either development or any primary characteristics; yet the finish still shows a good punch of acid and some steely minerality as one expects from a wine of this pedigree.

The acid trailing a memorable finish. Would suggest minimum of 5 years ahead of this still.

Source: Friend's cellar
Price: $65 (secondary market) 
Alcohol: ?
Closure: Screwcap

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