Topper's Mountain Bricolage Blanc 2013

Topper's Mountain Bricolage Blanc 2013

  13:29    Stu.

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Curious blend, a partner to the Red Earth Child - interestingly bricolage means DIY, or "construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things". Appropriately here we have a mix of Chardonnay (60%), Gewürztraminer (20%), Petit Manseng (10%) and Sauvignon Blanc (10%).

Gewürz takes the lead here: rose, musk and turkish delight 'softness'; pear, mashed banana, a little honeyed note back it up.

Textured, a little honeyed, gentle phenolics with a good carry of flavour. Has a presence - nicely weighted - and balanced, not necessarily overtly dominated by any of its constituent parts. Tart citrus offered up toward the back palate.

On a decent length, finish is OK, but for me, it's more about the mid-weight and textural presence. 90

Tasted on: Friday 14th November, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://toppers.com.au/

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Topper's Mountain Bricolage Rouge 2012

Topper's Mountain Bricolage Rouge 2012

  14:30    Stu.

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The artist formerly known as 'Red Earth Child' has transmorphed into 'Bricolage Rouge' due to a trademark issue.

Same crazy blend: Tempranillo (60%), Tannat (15%), Nebbiolo (15%) and Barbera (10%) - quickly checking the maths, that does indeed make 100%.

Fair chunk of coffee oak on show here - don't recall that from the 2011 guise. Good body: fleshy, juicy - with some tarry, earthen tannin on show. 

It's dry, savoury and long. The oak, present, yet the fruit should have sufficient weight and quality to hold as it matures. Impressive. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 4th October, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $38
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.toppers.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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Topper's Mountain Bricolage Blanc 2014

Topper's Mountain Bricolage Blanc 2014

  14:45    Stu.

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Second release of this interesting white blend (2013) and a 'sister' to the 'Red Earth Child'.

Musk and rose water clear on the nose provide clues as to the presence of Gewürztraminer here. Residual hints of vanilla, creamy almond and cashew provide further hints, a little stonefruit suggestive of Viognier.

A wine of texture, substance - a little phenolic tug, good width and all round shape. Reminiscent of white rhone blends, in feel if not flavour. Good length - an impressive follow up to its debut. 92 

Tasted on: Monday 31st August, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.toppers.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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Toppers Mountain Bricolage Blanc 2015

Toppers Mountain Bricolage Blanc 2015

  14:30    Stu.

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A blend of Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Petit Manseng, Sauvignon Blanc.

A little muskiness, Nashi pear, beurre bosc, citrus nuances, golden notes, suggestion of thyme, perhaps, the Gewürztraminer leading this one. 

Marries texture to acidity, flesh and bones. Stonefruit, more pear and citrus. Good presence about it, perhaps you'd say complex - with an inviting simplicity. Good wine, if perhaps the driving length and composure to make it great. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 7th March, a Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://toppers.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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