Gartelmann Phillip Alexander Cabernet Merlot 2016

Gartelmann Phillip Alexander Cabernet Merlot 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Cabernet the principal player here, leading with its comely chocolate and juicy berry goodness. Enticing all who pass its way. 

Mudgee produces some fine reds, this no exception - the fruit comes from Rylstone, an unofficial sub-region just a little way out of town - and is classically structured. Hints of brown spice flow through the finish. Good level of sustain and generosity. 91 

Tasted on: Sunday 5th April
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.gartelmann.com.au/

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Gerler Rosé 2019

Gerler Rosé 2019

  16:30    Stu.

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McLaren Vale Grenache blended with Sangiovese and a little more Grenache from the Adelaide Hills. A Friday night lift amongst the uncertainty that surrounds in Covid times. 

A hint of something like cherry blossom, strawberry and husk. There's an initial crunch on the palate, juxtaposed against some residual fruit sweetness. 

A slight caramelised fruit hint adds depth, a phenolic pinch -further substance. A delicate tail of flavour subsides, just long enough to remind you to grab another glass. 90 

Tasted on: Friday 3rd April 
Source: Retail
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.gerler.com.au/

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Taylor's Jaraman Grenache 2018

Taylor's Jaraman Grenache 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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Succulent red berry fruits married to a deeper manifestation of the same. Earth and spiced hints - think cinnamon, Dutch liquorice and touches of clove - giving depth and length.

More in the traditional Barossan mould, despite the presence of the softer, fruitier McLaren Vale elements. It's a solid, approachable Grenache, sure to have broad appeal. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 4th April
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.taylorswines.com.au/

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Jules Taylor Chardonnay 2019

Jules Taylor Chardonnay 2019

  16:30    Stu.

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Grilled stonefruit, creamy nut and nougat on the aroma; toast adds to that proposition on the palate. 

A lingering toast and depth on the palate is driven by a vein of citrus acidity, a wine of lingering intensity, a wine you'll not find wanting. 92 

Tasted on: Monday 30th March
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.julestaylor.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Pinot Noir 2018

Ridgemill Estate Pinot Noir 2018

  09:00    Stu.

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A chance to re-appraise this, some six months on from first review. It was included as part of a tasting pack procured for an online tasting, and boy has it grown - this feels - and tastes - a very different wine to that tasted back in November 2019.

Opening with a melange of delicious, black, bramble fruit. There's a subtle savoury hint, married to the inherent fruit. 

The palate shows succulent and juicy fruit presence, over a fine tannin profile that delivers exquisite length to the wine. That missing x-factor I'd previously mentioned has certainly appeared. 93 

Tasted on: Wednesday 8th April 
Source: Tasting
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2018

  16:30    Stu.

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Seemingly finding the house pattern for the wine, initial fermentation in stainless steel before time in large format French demi-muids (640 litre fermentation vessels!).

Something like a buttery, caramelised sensation of patisserie, over underlying essence of Quince and almond paste. It's certainly rich, creamy, inviting - nothing like the commercial style Sauvignon that sully this great white's hopes. 

Creamy palate, yet with a cut and thrust of spiny grapefruit acidity down the length of the palate. Finishes long, gloriously textural, you just know this has the meat and the bones to develop over the mid term. 94 

Tasted on: Monday 20th April 
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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[This post was updated on 05.06.2020 to include an updated bottle image as supplied by the winery]

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Feudo Arancio Nero d'Avola 2018

Feudo Arancio Nero d'Avola 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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In 2000 Gruppo Mezzacorona recognised the untapped potential of Sicily and invested in replanting and rebuilding two estates along the ventilated Southern coast of the island. A significant producer from the island.

I gave this a good decant prior. On pouring it's deep, dark, sullen - with woody spice adding to that. Somewhat like dipping into Grandpa's rolling baccy pouch whilst sitting in front of a log fire that crackles away. 

Touches of fennel add an aromatic lift; the palate is plush and nigh sensuous with a chewy tannin profile that you feel compelled to roll around the palate. It certainly carries a relaxing vibe to it; languid, unhurried. 91 

Tasted on: Monday 18th May
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.feudoarancio.it/en-gb
Sample Courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com

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