Yelland & Papps Second Take Grenache 2014

Yelland & Papps Second Take Grenache 2014

  15:44    Stu.

---

This post represents a significant milestone for this little blog, for it marks the 1,000th published piece of content on the site. 

I think it fitting that Yelland & Papps' Second Take Grenache takes that accolade, a producer I have come to know well from reviewing their growing portfolio over three and a half years, and a variety that seems to excel in their hands - one that often seems on the cusp of greatness in the Australian wine hierarchy.

Inviting, leading red fruit, grenadine/pomegranate, raspberry, topped with a little seasoning from adroitly handled oak. Light entry, medium bodied, elegance personified with a silken thread that weaves its way slowly across the palate.

Cherry and berry goodness deliver here, acidity: pitch perfect and a little rub of grainy tannin. A savoury segue delivers on an otherwise fruity palate.

The finish is delivered effortlessly, a subtlety consistent throughout, length and a gentle flow of flavour. The Australian wine world is brighter for its presence. 94 

Tasted on: Wednesday 24th June, a Fruit transitioning to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

O'Leary Walker Polish Hill River Riesling 2014

O'Leary Walker Polish Hill River Riesling 2014

  08:22    Stu.

---

I've generally considered the Polish Hill River Riesling from O'Leary Walker the more austere of the two (viz the 2014 Watervale Riesling) Clare Rieslings produced.

Florals, blossom, a distinct suggestion of lavender. To the palate: tangy lime, cut citrus peel and a suggestion of tropicals adding some fat to the glorious spine of acid that drives, propels the wine to an ultra-fresh conclusion.

Spot-on. 94

Tasted on: Saturday 26th June, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://olearywalkerwines.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Hahndorf Hill "The Bluebood" Blaufränkisch 2013

Hahndorf Hill "The Bluebood" Blaufränkisch 2013

  09:45    Stu.

---

"Blue, I've got a question every time I hold you

Yeah, Blue, I've got a question every time I swallow you it's true"

~ 'Blue', The Verve

Still blue: blueberries, purple florals and blueberry compote. This Blaufränkisch from leading Adelaide Hills winery, Hahndorf Hill, evokes a very blue 'response', as I commented back on the 2010 instance.

Medium bodied, Pinot-esque in some respects, yet the fruit profile is very different, its own signature. Fine tannins and a pitch of acid give this wine excellent carry of flavour - versatile food wine. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 14th June, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hahndorfhillwinery.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Murray Street Vineyards Greenock Shiraz 2012

Murray Street Vineyards Greenock Shiraz 2012

  16:30    Stu.

---

This single vineyard Shiraz from Murray Street Vineyards comes from the Greenock sub-region in the Barossa Valley's central North, a region said to give rise to some of the region's longest lived wines.

Tight, closed, oak - difficult to get your head around initially - then, slowly, unfurling like a cat in front of a fire, a little fruit starts to show its hand. Essentially dark and deep, earthen - unusually some herb here too: mint, dill even. That herbal edge becomes a little more prominent with time.

Dark chocolate and licorice bullets greet the drinker, a briny tang; tannin is present, powder fine - the wine, an assured freshness in conjunction with dark chocolate bitterness.

Feels quite reserved, reticent event, excellent carry of flavour, just not of intensity. For the cellar. 92+

Tasted on: http://www.murraystreet.com.au/
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.murraystreet.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Angullong Fossil Hill Barbera 2013

Angullong Fossil Hill Barbera 2013

  10:00    Stu.

---

"Went to a dance

Looking for romance

Saw Barbera-ann

So I thought I'd take a chance..."

Savoury intro: woody, herbal, but look deeper to see red fruit, rose florals as this Barbera from Orange opens up.

Fruit more prominent on the palate, a little cherry augmented by the savoury notes. Medium bodied, fine tannin and perky acid. Carries fruit well through to the back - juicy little thing. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 7th June, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $24
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.angullong.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Yelland and Papps Divine Grenache 2012

Yelland and Papps Divine Grenache 2012

  10:00    Stu.

---

Knowing of the Papps' fondness for a good Chateauneuf-du-Pape, it's easy to start to understand their pursuit of making some of the Barossa's stand-out examples of Grenache.

Oak, coffee-grounds, mocha - red fruit slowly provides glimpses, a little blue fruit in the mix too. Savoury notes, latterly a little soy.

Good fruit presence on the palate: blue/black fruit mix, acid for freshness and fine structure. Give it a little time and the fruit presence really makes itself known, gentle and unforced presence.

There's an excellent carry of flavour at the wine's conclusion, yet it's balanced, all without being overdone. It's been said before no doubt: Divine!

Tasted on: Wednesday 3rd June, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $75
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More

Waywood Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese 2012

Waywood Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese 2012

  18:11    Stu.

---

Here Sommelier turned winemaker Andrew Wood provides his own take on a Super Tuscan, with a McLaren Vale twist.

Comfortable bedfellows the Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) and Sangiovese (45%); immediately savoury, background cherry, blackcurrant and cedary oak pulling it together.

Good intensity to the fore, with licorice twists, a fine mesh of powdery tannin. Flavour carries well: black fruit, framed up with sensitive oak inputs.

A drying woody feel, a wine that has enough plenty to give it good grace and ageing potential, yet one to enjoy now too. Bravo! 92

Tasted on: Monday 1st June, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.waywoodwines.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Read More