Mitchell Watervale Riesling 2016

Mitchell Watervale Riesling 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Classic Clare citrus derived nose: plenty of lime, just a bit of oxidisation on it (the lime, not the wine). 

What marks this out, for me, is more than just that classical citrus. Textural hints and twists: powder-fine chalk and flinty notes give this a mineral-charged body. Acid is as you would expect in the variety.

Length is generous, with a clip of apple-like acidity bringing up the rear. This is good stuff. 93 

Tasted on: Tuesday 22nd August, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.mitchellwines.com/

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Ekhidna McLaren Vale Rosé 2016

Ekhidna McLaren Vale Rosé 2016

  14:30    Stu.

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Ekhidna (the She-Viper in Mythology) is a McLaren Vale based brand, the work of winemaker Matt Rechner. Pretty solid in the off-trade and with a growing presence in the on within casual and bistro dining. This was my first experience of their wines.

Shiraz based saignee method Rosé, pours a light red - a contrast to the vogue for pale pink. Light Berry aromas, a little macerated strawberry in there. 

Berries and a little spice. Suggestion of sugar plum. A light creaminess gives a little textural nuance. Pretty straight down the line, no-nonsense style. Primarily about the fruit with a pleasant feel. 88  

Tasted on: Sunday 27th August, a Flower day
Source: Retail
Price: $20
Alcohol: TBA
Closure: Screwcap
Website: ekhidnawines.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2015

d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2015

  09:48    Stu.

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Always excellent value in the d'Arenberg 'Originals' range for my mind. Generally good for a stretch in the cellar too. Good going and 2015 seemingly no exception.

Unequivocally McLaren Vale Shiraz. Has a bit of the earth, leather and briar about it. Sweeter accents, a core of black fruit.

Carries it's calling card of McLaren Vale chocolate, again sweeter fruit driven elements add to the wine and deliver a finish of satisfying length.

Tasted on: Saturday 2nd September, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: darenberg.com.au

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Tapanappa Eden Valley Riesling 2016

Tapanappa Eden Valley Riesling 2016

  14:30    Stu.

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The 2015 of this wine fair blew me away, and so it was with a mix of good fortune and some excellent navigation from myself that I managed to find myself back at Tapanappa's Cellar Door in early 2017.

For Eden Valley Riesling it speaks more of florals with just a suggestion of golden delicious apple and beurre bosc pear. 

The palate strikes a lovely balance of crisp front palate acid with a delicious width and textural phenolic dryness. The sensation of a little grip lends a delightful length to the wine, unforced and yet seemingly unyielding. 

It has a small of amount of stem inclusion, but not as whole bunches. This is yet again an excellent wine. Available ex-cellar door and website only.93 

Tasted on: Saturday 26th August, a Root to Flower day
Source: Cellar Door Purchase
Price: $29
Alcohol: 12.5% 
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au

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Hither & Yon Rosé 2017

Hither & Yon Rosé 2017

  08:00    Stu.

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1st September is release day for this offering. Pouring a very pale pink, just kissed with a hint of colour.

Musky hints give lie to what's within. You could have me fooled into thinking this has a touch of Gewurz, the muskiness bordering on that grape. Except here Muscat (56%) has been used to good effect with unusual stable mate Carignan (44%)

An initial hit of sweetness, lures and leads, minerally and dry. This will be sure to arrest a thirst on a warm summer's day. 

Berries, a bit of Turkish Delight, spice to tickle and a chalky touch that offers something more than your average fruit-bomb. Another great follow-up by the H&Y crew. 92 

Tasted on: Sunday 20th August, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hitherandyon.com.au/

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Rusden Driftsand GSM 2015

Rusden Driftsand GSM 2015

  14:30    Stu.

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Rusden's Driftsand is generally well stocked in the independent off-trade. To my mind, that you can get a wine of this quality, with consistent character for around the $20 mark is testament to Cristian Canute's trade.

Hints of jube, erring on the side of raspberry mousse. Red fruited no doubt, sweet-spiced top notes, flecks of dill. Exotic, beautifully perfumed.

Quintissentially Rusden - the lightness, approachability, almost sponge like texture. Initially simply fruited, it actually grows in stature in the mouth. Fruit gives way to spice, a suggestion of mocha and milk chocolate. Cocoa fine tannin. Lots going on. Much to like and enjoy here. 91 

Tasted on: Friday 12th May, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: TBA
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.rusdenwines.com.au/

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d'Arenberg The Galvo Garage 2013

d'Arenberg The Galvo Garage 2013

  08:30    Stu.

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A blend of Cabernet (66%),  Petit Verdot (19%) and Merlot (15%).

Touch reductive, rubbery pong sitting in front of savoury driven Cabernet. Hints of cedar give an indication of what lies beneath.  

Fairly slick, smooth, experience on entry; minty, floral, ultra-brite fruit. I'm really not sure what it's trying to be, feels in part brisk, nervy and yes a little disjointed. It's not unpleasant, more intriguing, both in the pleasure one derives from it and the prospect of what it may settle into. 89 

Tasted on: Thursday 11th May, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $29
Alcohol: 14.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: darenberg.com.au

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