Katnook Estate Shiraz 2012

Katnook Estate Shiraz 2012

  15:30    Stu.

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Black, tarry, heavy shroud of oak lingers; suggestion of peanut shells, resinous, red fruits. 

Light-ish, lithe - at odds to its stated alcohol. It's flavoursome, bold, a wine of contrasts. Doesn't step out of line and yet doesn't quite fully convince. 

Good length mind. 90 

Tasted on: Thursday 30th June, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.katnookestate.com.au

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Raïdis Estate The Kelpie Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Raïdis Estate The Kelpie Sauvignon Blanc 2015

  12:04    Stu.

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Asparagus spears, grass, nettle, underlying blackcurrant leaf.

Minerally, citrus, pineapple, a little smokey blackcurrant leaf. Interesting mix across the palate - not necessarily my bag, but you wouldn't call it shy.

Good length, long across the back palate, phenolics for added interest, drying. Good effort. 91

Tasted on: Sunday 7th August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.raidis.com.au/

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Mount Avoca Back Blocks Cabernet Merlot 2014

Mount Avoca Back Blocks Cabernet Merlot 2014

  08:30    Stu.

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Sour, savoury, somewhat struggling to sell itself; sour milk, meets generic red wine. 

Juicy, a little tang; chalky tannin that swamps the palate, with little fruit to compensate. 

Reasonable length, cannot compensate for the shortcomings from before.86 

Tasted on: Thursday 30th June, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $43.75
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://mountavoca.com/

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Shaw Vineyard Estate Shiraz 2013

Shaw Vineyard Estate Shiraz 2013

  18:50    Stu.

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Not entirely convinced here - smells a bit like toilet cleaner, touches of blue fruit, purple florals thrown in. Simply constructed: sweetened fruit compote, hints of oak, stewed tea, a little seasoning 

Gentle, reasonable length. Not outstanding. 87

Tasted on: Thursday 30th June, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawvineyards.com.au/

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Millon Estate The Impressionist Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Millon Estate The Impressionist Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

  18:46    Stu.

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Bay, plum, cassis, cedar and sawdust. Certainly on point aromatics for $15

Sweet/savoury mix on entry, an initial burst of flavour that - admittedly - fades pretty quickly. The requisite black fruit is present, a little tart acidity, leading to a lingering bitterness. Suggestion of tannin adds to the wine, giving a suggestion of depth that seems to belie the price point. 

Happy to go here - another impressive wine in a sub-$15 range. 88 

Tasted on: Tuesday 28th June, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.millonwines.com.au/

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K1 Rosé 2016

K1 Rosé 2016

  06:17    Stu.

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Interesting composition, made from 55% Durif, 25% Merlot and 20% Gewurztraminer - all estate fruit.

Pours a bright maraschino cherry red, on approach offers plenty of rose, and red fruit by way of strawberry and cherry, augmented with a little spice.

Classic berry driven rosé that straddles a line between (mostly) sweet with a little savoury edge. Suggestive of a little vanilla, cranberry acids. 

Decent length: chill, relax, enjoy. 88 

Tasted on: Saturday 30th July, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.winesbygeoffhardy.com.au/

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Raidis Estate 'Cheeky' Pinot Gris 2015

Raidis Estate 'Cheeky' Pinot Gris 2015

  12:52    Stu.

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Heston Blunenthal kind of wine, in that it's one that seeks to deceive, pouring more like a Provencale Rosé than a Gris as you'd know it. A delightful blush in colour, an eye catching hue delighting the visual senses before even bringing glass to lips. 

Red fruits, white pepper, a little spiced, poached pear that gives an aromatic clue as to the variety and style. 

Good suggestion of texture, balanced against crisp acid. Enough grip with some chalky pucker, long on flavour too. I like what you've done here Steve and Emma 92

Tasted on: Sunday 31st July, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.raidis.com.au/

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