Casillero del Diablo Pinot Grigio 2012

Casillero del Diablo Pinot Grigio 2012

  06:36    Stu.

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Sent as a sample for the Vintage Cellars International Wine Fair, the wines of Casillero del Diablo (House of the Devil) used to be quite common in my household 7-8 years ago, fair to say I've moved on a bit since then.

Overt aromatics, nashi pair, florals and a hint of nuttiness. Certainly no delicate flower this one, it comes on strong - like it's been tricksied and dialled up to 11, even 12.

Acidity is biting on the palate, bold flavours flow from the aromatics. It's commercial in style, but at its price point - often found at the $10 mark - I would suggest offers fair value. 84 - Poor

Tasted on: Saturday 27th April, a Flower Day 
Source: Sample
Price: $15 RRP
Alcohol:13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.casillerodeldiablo.com

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Pyramids Road Mourvédre 2011

Pyramids Road Mourvédre 2011

  21:23    Stu.

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A modest 120 cases produced, it's a young-un - initially shows quite dark, and opens up, showing black cherry and an array of spice: cinnamon sticks, a dash of mace, some rocket/ pepper there too.

It needs time to settle, the palate showing spice, tanning and elevated levels of acid. Approachable, but it could do with an extra year or so under its belt - as exhibited by how much more approachable is was on a second day, the fruit more prominent.

Length was good, again I return to the spice that was generous, offers a little cranberry and tart citrus at its conclusion. A buy, but hold off if you can. 89 - Good 

Tasted on: Saturday 6th April
Source: Retail, Wine Experience
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.pyramidsroad.com.au

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Running With Bulls Vermentino 2012

Running With Bulls Vermentino 2012

  13:29    Stu.

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RWB is a Hill-Smith family/ Yalumba brand, and for a collective portfolio that executes its marketing very well, I am surprised there exists no stand-alone website for RWB.

Wine's damn good though. Honeysuckle, and a hint of citrus provide an indication of what’s within. However the aromatics don’t allude to the textural nuances of the wine that, for me, are what mark it out from other examples. 

Layered with pithy citrus – pretty complex on the palate, hints of barrel work and a yeasty edge provide additional interest. Straddles this line between freshness, tart tang, nutty complexity and a little briny goodness. Concludes with generous length and a little spicy edge. 91 – Very Good

 


Tasted on: Wednesday 10th April, a Root Day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol:?
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://twitter.com/RWBWine

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Ducks in a Row Fiano 2011

Ducks in a Row Fiano 2011

  13:22    Stu.

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Ducks in a Row are career winemaker Glenn James and PR hotshot Amanda James-Pritchard. The two met over an amphorae, but that's another story and another wine.  

Fresh aromatics that, for a fleeting moment have the ability to take you back to the warmth of summer during these cooler months. Attractive, with fresh green herbs, a little pea and honey.  

Clean with good crisp acids, hints of florals, herbs grassy notes with a citrus undercurrent. Concludes with a smooth, if a not exceptionally lengthy finish. 90 – Good

 
Tasted on: Wednesday 10th April, a Root Day
Source: Retail, Craft Red Hill
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://ducksinarow.com.au/

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Pizzini Sangiovese 2011

Pizzini Sangiovese 2011

  13:08    Stu.

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King Valley stalwarts Pizzini are one of Australia's leading lights of Italian varietals as per their heritage.

This Sangiovese from 2011 shows cherry and a slight hint of cola cube, it seems sweet on the aromatic front. Medium bodied, gentle, and smooth – less of the savoury, twig and leather character that, for me, is a key characteristic of Sangiovese. 

Here, it seems that the cool and wet 2011 vintage in the King valley has had a moderating effect on the wine.

Pretty slurpable, easy to consume and pairs nicely with a juicy tomato based pasta sauce. Simple. Finishes with a hit of good chalky tannin and juicy, vibrant acidity. 89 - Good

Tasted on: Tuesday 9th April, a Root Day
Source: Retail, Grand Central Cellars
Price: $28
Alcohol:?
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.pizzini.com.au/pizzini/

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Daino Suber 2009

Daino Suber 2009

  12:52    Stu.

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Intriguing blend of Nero d’Avola, Grenache and Frappato hailing from Sicily. Wears the calling card of its warm vintage with a little dried fruit character and of its place with a little earth, iron and sun-baked soil. With time, a little bakewell tart cherry comes through.

The palate shows a wine at odds with its aromatic intro: light and juicy, long and smooth – a silken cravat of a wine. Concludes with a long tail of fruit, such a joy to drink. 91 – Very Good

I'd really recommend you also have a look at their website, some stunning scenes.

Tasted on:Tuesday 9th April, a Root Day
Source:Retail, 1889 Enoteca
Price: $75
Alcohol:14.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.vinidaino.it/en

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Yelland and Papps Second Take Shiraz 2012

Yelland and Papps Second Take Shiraz 2012

  08:56    Stu.

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The Yelland & Papps Second Take range (includes this Shiraz, a Roussanne, and a Grenache) is an approach to make new world wines using methods traditionally used in old world winemaking.
 
Using an array of winemaking techniques that we are increasingly seeing more of in Australia: 15% whole bunch, a technique that when employed well, gives perfume and elegance; and extended maceration, 16 days in this case, typically enhancing colour and aiding structure.

Sees minimal new oak - 45% French oak, of which 18% is new, and 55% American, of which 4% new - allows the fruit and other techniques to prevail, no obfuscation by the oak.

Appears dark and leathery initially, shows a sandy/ earthy character, over time a little dried grass; fruit is present - deep seated black, brambly fruits that take a back seat over the few days i had this opened.

Palate structure is a mix of fresh as acid, there's a hint of minerality here; blood and some earthy beet and iron give it a savoury distinctly more-ish appeal. Length is good, fine-balanced and ultra-fine tannin woven through the palate. A little savoury tweak at its conclusion, good persistence of flavour. 93 - Very Good

Brisbaneites might be interested in a Y&P dinner at Claret House on 9th May 2013, for more details: http://www.thewineemporium.com.au/yellandandpapps   

Tasted on: Wednesday 17th April, a Flower Day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com

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