De Bortoli Grenache Wizardry Grenache Blanc 2020

De Bortoli Grenache Wizardry Grenache Blanc 2020

  16:30    Stu.

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For me, personally, the pick of the Grenache Wizardry range from De Bortoli, also comprising a Rosé and Grenache Noir.

This example coneys a touch of honey, with straw, grapefruit and zest. 

The palate is fresh and lively, general citrus zip and freshness to it. Latterly an element of what I can best describe as soy wax/ candle comes forth, bringing with it a pithy finish of driving length. 

Fleshy, textural, flavoursome. A big yes from me. Could drink this for days. 92 

Tasted on: Thursday 30th July 
Source: Sample
Price: $23
Closure: Screwcap
Website: debortoli.com.au

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Heartland Spice Trader Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Heartland Spice Trader Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

  08:30    Stu.

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As I sit in a suburban setting in one of Brisbane’s inner suburbs, a  cool and somewhat damp day, there’s just something about this wine that allows the imbiber to perhaps be transported elsewhere. 

Upon opening, the wine with earthen notes, topped with dark fruit and a smattering of mint for freshness remind of a walk through an evergreen plantation.

The palate, even at five years, still possesses a freshness and vitality to it, bolstering the mood, lifting the spirits and providing a comely sensation across a spice tinged finish. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 28th June
Source: Sample
Price: $17
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.heartlandwines.com.au/

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Harewood Estate Flux VII Pinot Gris Gewürz Riesling 2018

Harewood Estate Flux VII Pinot Gris Gewürz Riesling 2018

  16:30    Stu.

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A trio of Alsatian stalwarts, here growing alongside each other in Great Southern's Frankland River. It's comprised of Pinot Gris (60%), Gewurztraminer (30%) and Riesling (10%). 

Certainly an interesting blend. The muskiness of the Gewürz is immediately evident, and flows through to the palate, lending a lively and almost spritz-like bent to things.

The palate has a fine spine of acid, about which hangs a gentle textural play. Gentle is the right word, softly ebbing along to its conclusion. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 31st July 
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://harewood.com.au/

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Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc Shiraz 2018

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc Shiraz 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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Fruity, plummy, touch of that pippy lift that Cabernet Franc can often have. Milk chocolate, sage - certainly that creamy tinge that particular herb lends.

The depth of Shiraz is certainly conveyed, it's well structured, yet fresh. The apparent contradictions of those statements unsurprising to those familiar with these wines. Black fruits soars on the coat tails through the finish, a glorious succulence to the finish. 93 

Tasted on: Tuesday 4th August 
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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De Bortoli Grenache Wizardry Heathcote Grenache 2018

De Bortoli Grenache Wizardry Heathcote Grenache 2018

  19:05    Stu.

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It's not too far a stretch for a renowned producer of Pinot Noir out of the Yarra to make a foray into Grenache from the high and volcanic climes of Heathcote. 

Initial heft, of dusky and full plum and damson, suggestions of ripeness with a touch of spice and woodsmoke to set that off.

The palate shows richness and ripeness, yet with a succulence and smoothness across the middle and latter thirds. 

Something like a hint of chocolate, carrying the wine across the finish line. 91 

Tasted on: Wednesday 29th July 

Source: Sample
Price: $23
Alcohol: 14.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: debortoli.com.au

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Yelland and Papps Second Take Grenache 2019

Yelland and Papps Second Take Grenache 2019

  08:30    Stu.

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A full range of techniques employed here, with varying portions of whole bunch and whole berry, one portion sent to puncheons as whole bunches for carbonic (internal to the grape) maceration. Good work.

The depth of fruit on this release is impressive, throwing this raspberry/ boysenberry vibe that just seemingly permeates and penetrates the nasal cavity.

The succulence that then follows across the palate is equally impressive. Freshness of fruit personified, there's a sour cherry aspect, yet with a spice tinged depth that just takes you on a whirlwind ride across the palate. A perpetual acidity just gives and gives and gives. 94 

Tasted on: Tuesday 30th June 
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 12.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2020

  16:30    Stu.

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Challenging conditions up in the Hills in 2020, yet the S+S team has again crafted a Sauvignon Blanc that stands tall amongst producers of the variety in Australia.

It’s nigh crystal clear in glass, yet approach it with a different sense and it offers the unmistakable tropical tinges that one comes to expect from an example such as this. It’s passionfruit, guava and hints of blackcurrant leaf luring in the imbiber.

Rich, playful in the mouth, acid seems dialled back a touch - even though it still clocks in at 12.5%. The well handled phenolics perhaps just providing a foil that provides a finish of more than satisfactory conclusion. 92 

Tasted on: Tuesday 18th August
Source: Sample
Price: $29
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.shawandsmith.com/

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