Dal Zotto Pucino Prosecco NV

Dal Zotto Pucino Prosecco NV

  15:44    Stu.

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Lemon, quince, florals - frangipani perhaps - with a suggestion of autolysis derived character.

In the glass, it's bead is gentle - ultra-fine; a mere suggestion of complexity. On opening its lively, settling down in glass and actually is better for it. For me, a delightful sparkler at the price. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 26th January, a Flower transitioning to Leaf Day 
Source: Retail, Craft Red Hill
Price: $22
Alcohol: 10.5%
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: http://www.dalzotto.com.au/

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Chalmers Heathcote Vermentino 2011

Chalmers Heathcote Vermentino 2011

  13:16    Stu.

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The Chalmers family have been producing wines from varieties such as Vermentino before they were collectively and conveniently labelled as alternative. Solid wines, often available with some age on them and without charging the earth.

Opens with lemon, chalky, touch of sea-spray freshness. Hints of Summer florals backing up.

Palates shows chalky texture, slightly 'fluffy', saline fresh. Hints of cool stone present too. My recommendation is to drink cold, in plentiful supply. I paired this up on a warm Sunday avo with some wild caught prawns and a little lime aioli (or garlic mayonnaise if you prefer). 91

Tasted on: Sunday 29th December, a Flower Day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.chalmerswine.com.au

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Cake Wines YWMS Shiraz 2011

Cake Wines YWMS Shiraz 2011

  15:15    Stu.

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It was the second time of tasting this wine for me. Opens with a natural-ish feel: open, vibrant, with dark brambly fruit betwixt a touch of hedgerow. In fact , it actually smells a little cakey - my term for the skins and such that's left behind after pressing off post-fermentation.

Medium bodied, nicely textured - silken and threaded with powdery tannin, segueing to a finish of good length, earthen spice and a touch of licorice. 89

Tasted on: Monday 23rd December, a Fruit Day 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: ?
Closure: DIAM
Website: http://www.cakewines.com

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Bakkheia 'Cajones Muy Grande' Rose 2013

Bakkheia 'Cajones Muy Grande' Rose 2013

  07:45    Stu.

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Image stolen from a lawyer
- thanks Grape Observer

'Cajones Muy Grande' translates as "very big drawers" - unsure if this relates to the colloquial word for knickers, or is a reference to where one may keep one's smalls.

Strawberry, raspberry - sweeter accents - boiled lolly, slightly syrupy - like hibiscus flowers in syrup.

A little depth on the palate, red berry fruit is moderately present. Length is acceptable - fails to inspire. Chilled on a hot day it would refresh. 85

Tasted on: Monday 23rd December, a Fruit Day 
Source: Sample
Price: $14
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.bakkheia.com.au

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The Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc 2013

The Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc 2013

  15:51    Stu.

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I saw another review of this wine that had me chuckling along at references to some of the marketing 'spin' that accompanied the press release.

That aside, as a wine, it's of interest. I was inclined to remark whilst tasting: "think you know NZ Sauvignon Blanc?". Opens with familiar gooseberry and herbal wafts supported with tropical fruit. Possesses a milkiness, a creamy herbiness - inclined to suggest sage - with suggestions of cornichon.

The palate shows hints of flinty and smoke with a palate structure that does build a little. Textural nuances before fading away. Little real length to speak of. It was a wine I enjoyed - yes as a point of difference perhaps. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 22nd December, a Fruit Day
Source: Sample
Price: $?
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Crown Seal
Website: http://www.andco.co.nz/

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Teusner The Dog Strangler Mataro 2011

Teusner The Dog Strangler Mataro 2011

  13:52    Stu.

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The 2012 is available now of course - such is life.

Opens with molasses, coffee essence, old wood - dark and savoury, yet with a ripeness - earthen, spicy and a touch gamey.

The palate shows a wine of substance: savoury with supporting blue/black fruit at its heart. Quite a lot going on here, spice and white pepper, dutch licorice and dry earth. Tannin is chalky, acid crunchy. Enjoyed muchly - I often enjoy strangling the dog. 92

Tasted on: Saturday 8th February, a Root Day 
Source: Sample
Price: $29
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.teusner.com.au/

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Rocland Chocolate Box Mataro 2012

Rocland Chocolate Box Mataro 2012

  13:44    Stu.

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Opens with the dense, dark cherry familiar to the variety, backed up with a blueberry before a savoury edge of leather and earth forms.

The palate is a little thin, entry shows a touch of licorice - beyond that it's a little raisined with little substance to back it up. Little length to speak of. Showed better with food. 86

Tasted on: Saturday 8th February, a Root Day 
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.roclandestate.com

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