Ridge Red Shiraz Cabernet 2005

This wine recently got a decent crank in The Age via Ralph Kyte-Powell. The most immediate hook for me was the fact it was a true blue Pyrenees red in the sub $16 market, just the sort of wine this region needs to force its way onto the shop floor. The oak treament on nose and palate is apparent early, sweet vanilla (in check) and nutmeg, although it certainly settled as the wine opened up. Fruit is quite mind with touches of subtle berry fruit and mint, although the structure is decent - firm with some tingly acid - but definately approachable now. Finishes with a herbal, ever so slightly bitter edge.

Radford Dale Eden Valley Riesling 2005 (Recommended)

Solid effort from a good Eden Valley vintage and looks good value at ~$18.00. Lime and citrus driven nose, quite thick and deep. Palate is all class; more thick lime and citrus, a touch of spice and a mineral / talcum undercurrent. Perhaps the faintest hint of aged / kero notes but you'd have to look hard to spot it. Finishes dry and long. I could drink this all day...quite impressive.

Rayon de Soleil Puisseguin Saint-Emilion 2002

Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Puisseguin Saint-Emilion
Grape: Merlot dominant

Dull red in colour with some brown tinges; the intensity of the colour is low. Perhaps visually looks more developed than expected for a 4 year old. Soft herbal and plummy jube fruits on the nose. Has a faint but definite aged character. More soft fruits in the mouth, again showing a mature character. Some plum marries quite well with subtle tannin and some noticeable acidity. Should be drunk over 2007. Solid enough but doesn't show particular strength in the QPR stakes.

Ross Estate Shiraz 2004

Fairly standard in appearance; darkish plum red and no lightening at the rim. Nose is line & length as well with dark berry fruits, a touch of toasty oak and a hint of extraction (perhaps?). Quite similar to taste although the early palate is a little brighter than expected. To my tastes the combined weight of oak and pushed / extracted fruits ties the palate down somewhat, leaving a slightly dulled down wine.

Small Fry New Releases (Barossa Valley)

We had a look at the previous releases about 6 months ago and weren't overly impressed; however the current crop, at least the riesling, shows a little more promise....

Eden Valley Riesling 2006 - RecommendedOne of the better 2006 SA rieslings to hit the bench; quite restrained in the classic regional dry style but shows solid structure with approachable acid levels and drying citrus fruits. Quite ok to drink now but should improve. ~$20 = quite ok value.

Barossa Valley Shiraz 2004 - Heavy nose, inky, perhaps a touch volatile with some mild varnish notes. Quite light early in the palate but the weight fills out progressively. More varnishy notes and a bolt of tart fruits I can't really place; almost lemon-like but I know that's not right. (or is it?)Couldn't really recommend at this stage.

Chalice Bridge Merlot 2004 (Recommended)

Lighter bodied style that could pass as a cool climate shiraz but certainly has character and a certain appeal. Light cherry fruit fruit and elegant pepper notes. Lifted spice as well. Sweeter light cherry and berry early on the palate, almost deceptively thick in fruit weight but progressively lightens (in an appropriate way). Palate tightens a touch with some rising acid but again appropriate. Very simple in most respects but a friendly wine for most punters in the sub $20 market. (It would help of course to know how much the wine sells for).

Arlewood Semillon Sav Blanc 2005 (Recommended)

This mob have never been scared to throw a bit of oak into white wines and this SSB shows deft handling and content. Classic Margaret River tang on the nose from the semillon (40%), together with some spice and citrus, as well as a hint of old world pong. Palate is relatively mild early but fills out progressively through the palate as more spicy oak comes through, more tangy semillon and nice ripe sauvignon fruits. Drinks very well as a 2 year old.

Foggo Road Grenache 2004

To my tastes the Foggo's didn't really get going in 2004, a damn shame given the 2002's were excellent (across the range) and the 2003's weren't far behind. Thankfully the 2004 grenache looks pretty good. Light garnet red, not in the rose class but friendly looking all the same. Medium strength nose, raspberries, a hint of sweetness and some bitter aromas underpin the bouquet. Firmer again to taste, although the slightly thick fruits are quite expressive. Some heat in the back palate. The structure appear to be holding up well and I dare say the wine may be a touch young. Good enough but won't set the world on fire in the value stakes at $29.

Mount Trio Shiraz 2001

Had a bottle lying around and I thought it would be interesting to see how it was travelling. Dark blood red with some fade at the rim. Non-descript nose, perhaps rum of the mill for medium climate shiraz; red berries, a little zingy / tangy. The palate gives a sense of over-extraction, but not my much, as the fruit feels a tad pushed. Acid seems well intact, driving a lively structure although leaves the palate a touch hard at the back. Sweeter berry fruits emerge over time. In the context of a Great Southern cheapish shiraz ($20) at 5 years old this is a reasonable wine and I think you would not feel hard done by post cellaring.

Taminick Cellars (Booths) Shiraz 2003 (Reco)

Dark blood red with minor fade at the rim. Hot nose, as expected, quite lifted with some licorice. More licorice in the mouth, broad palate, well structured and shows good balance despite the 15% abv. Good enough to look like good value in the high teens.