Montalto Estate 2010 Chardonay and Pinot Noir

Montalto Estate 2010 Chardonay and Pinot Noir

  14:49    Stu.

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I was impressed with the level of detail that accompanied these samples from Montalto Estate: a Press Release that at least attempted to convey a quality driven story - shying away from the normal trumpets and fanfair often associated with such - and a full colour brochure that highlighted vineyard sites, plantings and clonal selections

Winemaker Simon Black states: "our winemaking philosophy centres around quality.  Everything we do is about achieving a premium end product...I'm looking for wines that are an expression of vineyard site...where the grapes come from".  It's good to then see the winery back this up further with a release of 5 single vineyard wines (not reviewed here), two Chardonnay and three Pinot Noirs.

Montalto Estate Chardonnay 2010

Creamy cashew, citrus, grapefruit, and barrel ferment character.  Complex and nutty, good fruit character wrapped  around a core of mineral and acid. 

Still showing a bit of oak, unobtrusively.  Loved the twists of Citrus that coursed through the final 3rd.  Quite brilliant.   93 - Very Good

Tasted on: Sunday 14th October, a Root Day
Source: Sample
Price: $ 39
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap

Montalto Estate Pinot Noir 2010

Fully destemmed, soaked for several days, 3 weeks on skins and 100% wild ferment.  Resultant wine shows a darker expression of Pinot: plum, sour and black cherry with softer background red fruit elements. 

Spice and a little herbal edge - marjoram, oregano - complete the aromatic picture.  Elegance and finesse, sqaurely medium bodied, a lighter expression in the mouth. 

Would have preferred a little more depth myself.  89 - Good


Tasted on: Saturday 27th October, a Leaf Day

Source: Sample
Price: $ 48
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap

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Woods Crampton Mataro Rosé 2012

Woods Crampton Mataro Rosé 2012

  20:10    Stu.

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The first thing you notice is the colour: an almost deep, vibrant red.  And it's more like a light red in some respects.  Approach with your nose and you're greeted with spicy, wooden, earthen and savoury aromas - it betrays its Mataro roots.  It's ably supported by underlying berry compote, adding fruit to the savoury.

In the mouth, dry with a savoury tang.  There are hints of dried fruit - dried citrus - and it's beautifully refreshing, refreshing with with excellent driven citrus acids.

Concludes with good flow across the black with generous length.  90/ 91 - Good/ Very Good

Tasted on: Thursday 25th October, a Flower Day
Source: Sample
Price: $19
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://fourthwavewine.com.au/

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K1 by the Hardys Arneis 2011

K1 by the Hardys Arneis 2011

  06:17    Stu.

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Arneis hails from Italy's Piedmont (literally 'foot of the mountain' region), abutting the Alps in the North-West of the country.  As a variety it was almost in danger of dying out in the post-war period, until rescued by producer Vietti in the 1970s.

White peach, subtle apricot, hints of almond.  Elegantly fragrant is how it is best described - hints of spring meadow with the associated freshness of an Alpine stream.  Citrus tinged on the palate, more than that, it has a lemon freshness imbued with a little sea air.  Good phenolics add to the package, adding a little shape, flow and feel.  90 - Good  

Tasted on: Thursday 4th October, a Root Day
Source:Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol:12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: k1.com.au

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Hahndorf Hill Grüner Veltliner 2012

Hahndorf Hill Grüner Veltliner 2012

  06:28    Stu.

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The numbers: the third vintage of Gruner Veltliner, for Adelaide Hills pioneer of the variety, Hahndorf Hill. The second that I have had the pleasure of tasting, and currently one of only four produced in Australia (along with Lark Hill, K1by the Hardys and Stoney Rise).

Apple, tart pear, celery and some rooty form by way of parsnip.  Hints of citrus softening up the aromatics.  Lovely zesty tones on the palate, supported by mineral and acid.  Flecks of white pepper dotted about spice things up, presenting roasted root veggie notes too.  Drinks better on day 2 for my liking, showing well into day 3  - indicative of some cellarability.  

The wine finishes with good peppery length and mineral nuances dancing around the tongue.  Great example, showing further promise for the variety in the region and further cementing the claims of Larry Jacobs and Marc Dobson as skilled craftsmen of the variety.  93 - Very Good 

Tasted on: Monday 1st October, a Leaf Day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hahndorfhillwinery.com.au/

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Yelland & Papps 'Vin de Soif' 2011

Yelland & Papps 'Vin de Soif' 2011

  21:35    Stu.

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Vin de Soif literally means a 'thirst quenching wine', and this example from Barossan producer Yelland & Papps is appropriately named.  Not complex, nor is it intended to be.  It shows soft, juicy, bubblegum character on the palate, with hints of fruit sweetness.  Squarely medium bodied, juice laden and ultimately dry. 

Aromatically it contrasts with the palate, with woody hints, clove spice, briar and hedgerow.  Thoroughly smashable - if one can say such a thing these days without incurring the wrath of the health-police.  89 - Good 

Tasted on: Sunday 30th September, a Leaf Day
Source: Sample
Price: $19.95
Alcohol:14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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Foster é Rocco Rosé 2011

Foster é Rocco Rosé 2011

  13:16    Stu.

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Rosé in Australia is undergoing a real renaissance. There are those producers who seek to  retain a little residual sugar in their wines, or at least retention of fruit sweetness, and there are those practitioners who look for texture, line and length. Adam Foster and Lincoln 'Rocco' Riley are in the latter camp.

Strawberry, delicate citrus, florals, raspberry and spicy nuances greet you.  Smooth entry, textural - the delicacy of a feather, yet with sufficient weight to carry flavour. Hints of minerality, some tartness - with cranberry making an appearance. Good acidity with lovely line and length. Excellent, driving length, drying, moreish.  92 - Very Good

Tasted on: Saturday 29th September, a Flower day
Source: Gift
Price: $ 27
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure:  Screwcap
Website: http://fostererocco.com.au

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Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2012

Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2012

  21:28    Stu.

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One of two Viognier tasted on the day, and this demonstrated the greater aromatic range - again without the shrillness that can be seen in some Viognier.

Full on apricot, hints of candy-like stonefruit and ginger present too.  Fuller mouthfeel, unctuous, fresh - good acid, phenolics and more ginger spice notes that cling to the mouth.  Good length and staying power.  Another that punches above its weight in the Y series range.  89 - Good

Tasted on: 14th October, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $14.95 SRP
Alcohol:14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.yalumba.com

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