Topper's Mountain Red Earth Child 2011

Topper's Mountain Red Earth Child 2011

  07:11    Stu.

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Oh my, a striking wine. Red Earth Child it is, with a backdrop that shows arresting aromas of rose petals, with bramble and black fruit, spicy hints waiting in the background to enchant further.

Shows a deftness, light-footed touch on the palate, fine-powdery tannin with some hints of red and blue fruits. A glorious spice sensation that slowly makes its introduction, and builds - not at the expense of fruit, working in tandem with it. Harmony.

This is another excellent wine that grew in stature with some time. Cherry was a common theme, structure carried the wine and excellent acid structure aided a level of sustain. I was quite captivated. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 23rd March, a Leaf transitioning to Fruit Day 
Source: Sample
Price: $38
Alcohol: 13.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.toppers.com.au/

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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/

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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/

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Quinta Vallado Douro Tinto 2007

Quinta Vallado Douro Tinto 2007

  19:54    Stu.

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Having spent many a summer there as a child/ teen/ young adult, I've resolved to seek out more Portuguese wines. It is of course most famous in the wine making world for its fortified wines - Port. However, an increasing number of producers are producing table wines, many from grape varieties that are used in the production of those renowned fortifieds.

Opens a little 'medicinal' initially, needs a good decant to shake the shackles. Florals, intense red/black fruit fruit, a touch 'porty', hints of dried black earth and suggestions of hoi sin sauce.

Savoury, smooth - eighty percent of the wine is tank fermented - with woody spice, tobacco and plum. Continues to evolve over the time I had it open. Score possibly a touch conservative 89

Tasted on: Sunday March 2nd, a Flower to Leaf Day 
Source: Retail, Wine Experience
Price: $35
Alcohol: ?
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.quintadovallado.com/default.aspx?idioma=pt1

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