Shaw and Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Shaw and Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2015

  20:16    Stu.

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So fifteen is being hailed as a great Hills vintage. On the basis of this classy Sauvignon Blanc, you'd believe the hype.

Classic aromatics, albeit a little paired back, controlled - nettle, a little grassiness, some tropicals and hints of butter menthol.

Abounds with citrus, pithy grapefruit that cuts a swathe through the palate and carries with it a shape and phenolic texture often lacking with the variety. Easy to drink - you'd go here easily. 93

Tasted on: Tuesday 28th July, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawandsmith.com/

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Mitchell Harris Shiraz 2012

Mitchell Harris Shiraz 2012

  20:34    Stu.

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Shiraz from the Pyrenees with the inclusion of 2% of Viognier (not really evident). Also sees 20% whole bunch, but really it's all about red berry aromatics with a fair twist of the regional pepper grinder over the top.

Medium bodied, elegance personified, the wine caresses your throat as it glides its way down. Simply exquisite: balance, poise, graceful length. Tannin and oak are present, deftly handled, sensitive inputs to a classy wine.

Another to put Pyrenees Shiraz on the map. 93

Tasted on: Monday 27th July, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://mitchellharris.com.au/

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Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014

Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014

  19:24    Stu.

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Blend of Sauvignon Blanc (68%) and Semillon (32%) from leading Margaret River winery Leeuwin Estate.

Grassy, nettley, touch of bath salt and grapefruit sharpness, tropical edges creep through assuredly for a balancing act.

Clean on entry afore a little chalky phenolic edge. Green herbal twangs and a nice pitched acidic profile to bring further balance. Grip and length on a finish of spice. 91

Tasted on: Monday 27th July, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol:13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.leeuwinestate.com.au/

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Ferngrove Majestic Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Ferngrove Majestic Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

  11:22    Stu.

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Classic aromatics on offer with this Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon from Ferngrove.

Intense, powerful fruit of mulberry and cassis is immediately on offer. Violets, plum and a little residual oak seasoning further to seek to highlight the quality here. 

Minerally, good firm tannin, all the essential pre-requisites to see this being an age-worthy proposition, especially when considered with the powerful fruit. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 18th August, a 
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.ferngrove.com.au/

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Topper's Mountain Barrel Ferment Gewürztraminer 2014

Topper's Mountain Barrel Ferment Gewürztraminer 2014

  19:47    Stu.

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A wine that could easily lay claim to the title of Australia's best Gewürztraminer, a title it may only be challenged by its stable-mate, or the Symphony Hill Gewürz from just over the border, but made with New England fruit.

A little oak here frames classic Gewürz aromatics: musk and rose water. The barrel fermentation has added depth and weight to the palate, it grows in stature as you contemplate it. 

A wonderfully balanced pitch of acid, a little grip, and seems dry, yet retains a little fruit sweetness. It just works. Bravo. 95

Tasted on: Wednesday 29th July, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: ?
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.toppers.com.au/

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Yalumba Galway Shiraz 2013

Yalumba Galway Shiraz 2013

  18:51    Stu.

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Juicy little number here and despite not being the most complex number, there's plenty going on, with spice and earth backed up with plenty of berry fruit. 

Easy going moreish nature, just slides across the palate and backed up with a nice rub of tannin and more spice. Get in. 89

Tasted on: Wednesday 29th July, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $16
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.yalumba.com/portfolio/wines/galway-vintage-traditional-shiraz

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Oxford Landing Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Oxford Landing Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2015

  08:30    Stu.

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A sub-$10 Savvy B that I was more than happy to chug a glass of.

Fresh, pithy citrus, hints of grapefruit and gooseberry.

Clean, fresh - if a little dilute, easily overlooked at the price-point. Judge not, lest ye be judged yourself.

Reasonable length of citrus carry. Nothing here to fault. Bingo. 86

Tasted on: Monday 27th July, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $8.99
Alcohol: 10.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.oxfordlanding.com

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