Zonte's Footstep Scarlet Ladybird Rosé 2017

Zonte's Footstep Scarlet Ladybird Rosé 2017

  14:30    Stu.

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A Rosé of Cabernet (65%) and Grenache (35%), unusual bedfellows one suggests.

Regardless, berry hints and flecks of spice too. Don't let the colour deceive. 

Good fruit and acid balance, the former hitting initially before the latter takes over. Generous length of flavour. Whilst not bone dry, has a sufficient snappiness to it and fullness of body. 89 

Tasted on: Monday 22nd January, a Flower to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.zontesfootstep.com.au/

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The Lane Lois Brut Rose NV

The Lane Lois Brut Rose NV

  08:30    Stu.

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Dunno what Clark would make of this Lois, from The Lane. 

Sees a mix of fermentation vessels, ranging from stainless steel (50%), older use French oak (25%) and four and a half thousand litre foudre, being the balance. 

The Pinot Noir lends Berry accents to the wine, despite contributing only 10% to the final blend. Presents a clip of acidity that lends a briskness to the wine initially. 

There's certainly a sense of energy, but it's not perpetual, with the wine slowing down and carrying a good line of flavour and sense of smoothness to the wine. Good kick-starter to an evening's proceedings. 91 

Tasted on: Sunday 21st January, a Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: DIAM
Website: thelane.com.au

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Shottesbrook GSM 2015

Shottesbrook GSM 2015

  14:30    Stu.

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Dark, macerated fruit, residual oak hints. Spirited hints at the alcohol within tantalise the nasal cavity. 

Berry compote, thick and chewy, you can roll this one around your mouth for what seems an eternity. Fair bit of residual fruit sweetness and alcohol warmth make their presence felt. 

Flows easily and you'll certainly not be wanting for flavour. 89 

Tasted on: Thursday 18th January, a Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.shottesbrooke.com.au

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The Lane Vineyard Block 14 Shiraz 2016

The Lane Vineyard Block 14 Shiraz 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Unsure when this one is released, 2015 is still up on the website for now. De-stemmed, whole berries on skins, 10% whole bunch. Sent off to used French Puncheons and demi-muids for 9 months.

Exudes the cool: marries a little meatiness, verging on game; Plum, violets and a suggestion of mushroom paste. Delightful balance, inviting. 

Deliciously medium bodied, tannin profile sits forward in the palate: fine-grained, yet substantive, positively balloons in the mouth. Whilst the favourable impression is more savoury, the fruit does not escape either, Plum and damson hints balanced against residual old oak tannin. 

Such a consistent wine, bravo. 92 

Tasted on: Wednesday 17th January, a Fruit to Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $39
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.thelane.com.au

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Rowlee Nebbiolo 2016

Rowlee Nebbiolo 2016

  12:35    Stu.

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Nebbiolo that manages to capture the essence of delicate aromatics, rose and stonefruit, and yet convey a sense of being savoury. 

Medium bodied - barely - on entry, a gateway to firm tannin and clove spice. The acidity carries a good line of flavour with this cherry and blood orange providing a generous tail of flavour. 

Australian Nebbiolo in a very good place. 93 

Tasted on: Sunday 21st January, a Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.rowleewines.com.au

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Angullong Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Angullong Sauvignon Blanc 2017

  17:00    Stu.

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Very clean and green smelling on pour, a mix if tropical fruit against a background of that very english of fruits, the gooseberry.

Rock melon body, nicely pitched up acidity - the two working in tandem to deliver a light and refreshing wine on a good length. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 21st January
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.angullong.com.au

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Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2016

  13:00    Stu.

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The perfect example for what a bit of love applied to Sauvignon Blanc can do. Of course, love alone is not enough.

A chewy one here. You'd almost be happy describing it as unctuous, rich and almost veering to full bodied. Backed up with notes of honey, almond and meal.  The oak is noticeable, but it has left its mark in an exemplary manner, supporting the lush ripe fruit.

Another superb release from the Terre à Terre crew. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 21st January
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au

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