Tasting Notes - Liebich Tempt Tempranillo Blend 2003 (Recommended)

The individual components of this wine were tasted 6 months ago and were bloody impressive, to say the least. 73% temp sourced from 5 year old vines, the balance evenly split between the PV and the merlot. Very dark red in the glass with faint purple tinges. Lively fruity nose; some spice, cinnamon and a lovely gamey streak underpinning the fruit. Quite similar in the mouth with some more grainy spice, funky notes and a firm tannic finish. The fruit gets a little shy on the finish but this is very young and needs 12 months. Upon reflection the gamey notes could be a brett trait (think dirty funky pinot) but it doesn't harm the wine.

Tasting Notes - Grove Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Austere nose but some blackberry and red fruits waft. Quite tight. In the mouth again a tight, controlled feel. This is no heavy weight, medium at best. Dances across the mouth with some subdued berry fruits and hints of dry tobacco notes. Finishes fairly firm with some grip and raspy tannins pulling at the throat a little. Hard to get a read on where the fruit is heading - just feels a bit too light right now - and I couldn't conclusively say it will win out against the structure over time.

Tasting Notes - John Gehrig Riesling 2004 (Recommended)

John Gehrig stressed to us during a winery visit that he dislikes the classic minerally, tight style and instead favours a more generous and broad interpretation. With the 2004 I think he strikes some middle ground. Pale gold in the glass, looks older than an 2004. Lemon nose, quite full, but has some chalky acid humming in the bouquet. Similar in the mouth, more sour lemons and lime, plenty of acid, yet has some fruit forwardness. Not quite as old fashion as John would have liked I'm thinking. We've had some great rieslings from the King Valley in 2003 and 2004 - this is another one.

Tasting Notes - Eppalock Ridge Shiraz 2002

Friendly nose, quite powerful and clearly ripe with bright berry notes. Palate and flavour profile feels a bit disjointed right now. Fruit is very subdued early, almost seems diluted, but sweetness and body kicks in on the mid palate. Slightly grainy tannins give a nice moutfeel with some savoury touches. Finishes with some bitterness and a little cooling mint.