Yelland & Papps Pinot Gris Pinot Blanc 2013

Yelland & Papps Pinot Gris Pinot Blanc 2013

  20:20    Stu.

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Long since sold out ex-winery, it's been lurking in the fridge for a while and I reached for it, looking for something to pair with a house favourite - the broccoli cheese soup (damn convenient way of getting some greens into the nippers I tell thee).

Opens with florals, green pear, honey/ honeysuckle. There's plenty going on: the palate shows honey, faint tropicals; possesses textural nuances supplemented by a minerally edge. Briny, zesty, florals, touch of tart grapefruit. 

My only gripe is there might just be too much happening. Smashing wine though. No idea if it's to be repeated. Susan? Anyway, here's your number: 91

[Postscript: Yelland & Papps advised that at the time of posting, the 2014 had just gone to bottle and the bulk of it is destined for the Queensland market, with a small residual amount for SA]

Tasted on: Saturday 16th August, a Fruit day 
Source: Retail, Spiros Paddington
Price: $22
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.yellandandpapps.com/

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Yelland & Papps Pinot Blanc 2016

Yelland & Papps Pinot Blanc 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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From memory, a first for Y&P, a varietal Pinot Blanc. They've used the grape previously, as a blend with Gris (previous tastings). CORRECTION: this includes 19% Pinot Gris. 

Ooooh hello. Touches of marzipan/almond paste, bananay esters, under-ripe apple, fleshy tropical touches. 

Possesses a fullness, a fleshy, nashi pear like texture, positively rolls around the tongue, not quite chewy but a getting there semblance to it. Golden delicious apple veering towards a little tinned pineapple - more the syrup I'd suggest. 

Gorgeous Wine. 91 

Tasted on: Thursday 27th October, a Fruit to Root day 
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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Yelland & Papps Devote Old Vine Grenache 2014

Yelland & Papps Devote Old Vine Grenache 2014

  08:00    Stu.

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800 bottles produced. Just great to see Barossa Grenackers recorded at sub-14%. Bravo.

There's this dark, moist, earthen element here - kinda like a fresh bag of potting mix. Add in kirsch - a good pour - dried florals, and season liberally. No doubting the quality. 

Michael Papps has this lightness of hand that he manages to extend to Grenache - an enjoyment of Pinot and Beaujolais no doubt serving well. Squarely medium, a little Russian caravan tea for depth, yet without being over-bearing. 

Good length, great booze. 92 

Tasted on: Friday 10th June, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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Cirillo 'The Vincent' Grenache 2015

Cirillo 'The Vincent' Grenache 2015

  12:13    Stu.

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Alright, I admit it, I've got a bit of a bone for 2015 Grenache. Admittedly the subset of those tasted is limited (think this, Whistler's 'Get in My Belly' and Yelland & Papps' Second Take). 

Those examples released as one year olds, unencumbered by oak, showing lighter hands on the tiller, truly living up to the mantra as the 'Pinot of the Barossa'. Oh, and did I mention this example is a mere 21 sheets?

Made from 80 year old vines, 'The Vincent' shows generous red berry, softer rose petal, suggestion of seasoning in the mix. 

More of the same on the palate - generous red fruit that flows energetically across the palate. Light, lithe and juicy.

Yes, clearly living up to the billing as 'Pinot of the Barossa': soft, generous - plenty of red fruit with savoury undertows of dried leaf, twigs and the like. Cracking. 92 

Tasted on: Sunday 14th August, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Retail
Price: $21
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.cirilloestatewines.com.au/

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Yelland & Papps Second Take Grenache 2015

Yelland & Papps Second Take Grenache 2015

  14:00    Stu.

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"wild ferment, 31% whole bunches and 21 days on skins before heading into 100% old, seasoned French oak barrels for eight months ageing. It then heads to bottle unfiltered and un-fined"

Grenache, Grenache, Grenache - let me count the ways I love you. When Grenache is made this well, it's a no brainer. Buy some. Now.

Sweet spice: cumin/coriander; segues to red fruit, a little dried herb. 

Supple, lithe, silken scarf of a wine; to call it Pinot-esque sells it short, gossamer threads of tannin provide a fine web structure the wine hangs itself off. 

Fresh and juicy, no simpleton, it has a delicious carry of flavour - spice a little tang under-ripe strawberry as a counterpart. Superb. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 21st February: Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol:
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://yellandandpapps.com/

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

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Yelland and Papps Second Take Grenache 2018

Yelland and Papps Second Take Grenache 2018

  17:30    Stu.

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So pretty, you'd be forgiven for calling this as a Pinot, it's all manner of succulent fruit - red, to blue, and black. Specificity is not the issue here, IMO, it's about the range, depth - and harmony - of aromas that should have anyone reeled in.

Lithe, supple, as is the way with this variety and in this producer's hands. Silken tannin, barely there, followed up by a wash of acidity across the back palate. Fruit presence seems to darken a little with it, all adding up to a very impressive package. 95 

Tasted on: Friday 31st May, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.yellandandpapps.com

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

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