New Releases - Late June

Cabernet
Thompson Estate 2003 Cab Merlot $25 (Margaret River)

Chardonnay
Thompson Estate 2004 $32 (Margaret River)

Dessert Wines
Frogmore Creek Iced Riesling 2006 $25 (Tasmania)

Grenache & Blends
Small Fry 2006 $24 (Barossa)

Pinot Noir
Hillcrest Premium 2005 (Yarra Valley)

Shiraz
Archer 2006 $24 (Heathcote)
Chalk Hill 2001 $19 (McLaren Vale) (run-out price)
Clos Clare 2005 $25 (Clare Valley)
Hutton Vale 2001 (Eden Valley)
Kennedy 2005 $29 (Sunbury)
Magpie Estate The Sack 2004 $23 (Barossa)
Oliver's Taranga 2004 $27 (McLaren Vale) ($24 per bottle by the case)
Small Fry 2006 $24 (Barossa)

Other Reds

Pindarie Tempranillo Sangiovese Shiraz 2006 (Barossa)

Tasting Note - Coliban Valley Merlot 2005

There are some pretty good Merlots coming out of the Heathcote region these days. They tend to be fairly heavy examples of this grape variety and would definitely appeal to the big red drinker. The Coliban Valley 2005 is only $20 which compares well to many of their neighbours who have hiked prices up in recent years. An opaque red (none of this lolly water Merlot in Heathcote) the wine displays fruity aromas mostly dark berries. Medium in body, it is quite mouth filling for a Merlot with plenty of fruit and dried herbs and negligible tannin. The length is impressive with a twiggy stalky character which off sets the sweet fruit well.

Tasting Note - Tallis Cab Sav 2004 (Excellent value)

At $18 and in perfect drinking mode right now this wine is a winner. A dark, opaque, plummy red gives a perfect blend of dark berry fruit, black current with a black tea leaf aroma. Medium palate weight with a black current and herbal character. It is smooth and warming on the finish with noticeably low tannin. This wine shows all the hallmarks of elegant cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting Note - Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2005 (Recommended)

This wine retails for $47. When I pay over $30 for a bottle of wine I expect to be able to see a marked step up in quality from bottles in the $20 - $30 range. This may seem a bit obvious but quite often I am disappointed and feel I have been cheated. Not so with this wine which is worth every cent. A lifted aroma of eucalyptus, tomato leaf and black pepper. The palate is medium body with a texture so smooth and fine it oozes quality. Displays very savoury flavours, it is leafy, and meaty with plenty of spice. The fruit is there but in the background and more stewed rhubarb than ripe berries. Fine powdery tannin and a long spicy finish. A cut above!

Tasting Notes - Thomson Estate Cabernet Merlot 2003

This wine looks like pretty decent value around $25.

Mild mannered nose of red berries and the fainest of blackberries. Ripe, but not stupidly so. Little gamey streaks as well - nice. Palate shows some class with cold tea notes (a personal fave), furry tannin (in-check), mint and a slightly liquered herbal edge. Has a line of acid running through the middle which seems just a bit out of place. Given the tannin structure and firming finish I'd expect this wine to drink well as a 6yr - 8yr old. Nearly gave it a tick but the acid thing distracted me just enough not to to so. That said, this is far from a crap drink.

Tasting Notes - Pierro LTC Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2003

This is Pierro's first red blend release from what now looks to become the winery's middle tier label, LTC. Mostly cab sav (~60%) with a tiny amount of cab franc. Most fruit is sourced from the 15yr estate cab and merlot vines.

Fresh and generous aromas of ripe blackberries and hints of a gamey streak (which I like). Leafy touches as well; it's clear that the wine is cabernet-based. A quick sip confirms the ripeness evident in the nose although the red berry flavours are not over the top. Palate weight is quite heavy, not in an oak or tannic way but rather the thickness of the juice. It's quite heavy going and I'm not sure if I approve (so the speak). Longish finish. Doesn't really have the finesse of leading regional cabs in the $30 - $40 bracket, to my tastes, but as a fruit bomb style it works ok.

Specials and Case Discounts - Mid June

Please note that all case deals qualify for free freight provided the standard order thresholds are met (ie > $200 for NSW, TAS, SA, QLD and > $300 for WA).......

Castle Rock Riesling 2005 $180 ($15.00 per bottle)
Longhop Adelaide Plains Shiraz 2006 $168 ($14.00 per bottle)
Torzi Matthews Schist Rock Shiraz 2006 $180 ($15.00 per bottle)
Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2006 $226 ($18.33 per bottle)
Massena 11th Hour Shiraz 2005 $356 ($29.66 per bottle)
Bress Heathcote Shiraz 2005 $400 ($33.33 per bottle)
Mount Mary Quintet 2004 $1,356 ($113 per bottle)

All wines available here

Web Bytes - Beer Stuff @ Slow Beer

Wanna know what we reckon about all things beer?

Check out Cloudwine's specialist beer business Slow Beer here............

New Releases - Mid June Pt.3

Cabernet
Crawford River Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 $39 (Henty)
Diamond Valley Cabernet Cab Franc 2000 $31 (Yarra Valley)

Chardonnay
Bass Phillip Chardonnay 2005 $39 (Gippsland)
Dog Point 2005 $30 (Marlborough)
Harewood Estate 2004 $26 (Great Southern)

Dessert
Seifried Ice Wine 2006 $29 (Nelson)

Merlot
Coliban Valley 2005 $20 (Heathcote)

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Leabrook Estate 2007 $26 (Adelaide Hills)
Woolaston Pinot Gris $21 (Marlborough)

Pinot Noir
Greenstone Point 2006 $19 (Marlborough)
Grosset Pinot Noir 2005 (Adelaide Hills)
Metier Schoolhouse 2002 $31 (Yarra Valley)
Woolaston 2006 (Marlborough)

Riesling
Frankland Estate Rocky Gully 2006 $15 (Great Southern)
Ladbroke Grove 2006 $17 (Coonawarra)

Rose
Muddy Water 2006 (Waipara)

Viognier
Gherardi 2005 (Margaret River)

Sauvignon Blanc
Greenstone Point 2006 $18 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Harewood Estate 2005 $29 (Great Southern)
Hochkirch 2005 (Henty)
The Standish Shiraz Viognier The Relic 2003 (Barossa)
Ulithorne Frux Frugis 2005 (McLaren Vale)

Other Reds
Scion Durif 2005 $25 (Rutherglen)

Tasting Notes - Waipara Hills Pinot Noir 2006

When I tasted the 2003 about 2 years ago I thought the wine heralded a new breed of sub $25 pinot that would seriously challenge (and probably beat) any value offering from Australia. Sadly this wine is not in the same class but it is serviceable.

Light clear raspberry in colour, the aromas are initially quite enticing; lightly perfumed red berries and raspberry. Flavours never really develop, some more lightly fruited berries but hard to get a read on the definition. Very low or nil oak inpact, and acids are medium at best. Perhaps dilutive, or perhaps very young. Either way not what the doctor ordered at the price point.

Tasting Notes - Neagles Rock 'Misery' Grenache Shiraz 2005

I really wanted to give this wine the 'reco' tag but it doesn't quite get there. Ultra ripe nose with plums and pruny notes, the latter a dead give-away for grenache. Quite fresh but there's no doubt a fair whack of heat lurks in the palate. Fruit weight in the palate makes for a very smooth drink but unfortunately some prickly ABV heat jumps out very early and doesn't really give the fruit a chance. The fruit just can't penetrate, at least to my tastes. I had the 2004 recently and it was very good - perhaps this one will settle down?

New Releases - Late June

Cabernet Sauvignon
Hutton Vale 2004 $28 (Eden Valley)

Durif
Jones 2005 $32 (Rutherglen)

Grenache & Blends
Hutton Vale Grenache Mataro 2003 $26 (Eden Valley)

Tasting Notes - Brini Estate Ltd Release Sebastian Shiraz 2004 (Recommended)

Brini's brand bew super premium release (and the best Brini we've ever tasted).

Blood red in the glass, perhaps not the purple hues I was expecting. Subdued nose; oak aromas (a fraction toasty), with generic red fruits. Palate shows a fair bit of quality with tightly packed berry fruits with hints of sweetness. Fruit appears to have largely swalloed the oak at this stage, which, in itself, is quite impressive. Nice gamey note underpins the flavours. Very balanced with some tannin on the finish giving confidence of at least medium term cellaring. A slight alcohol burn on the finish.

One of the best reds I've had in the past 18 months.

Tasting Notes - Brini Estate Shiraz Grenache 2004 (Recommended)

Hard to believe we were selling the very good 2002 for only $10! The 2004 model ain't far behind, and shows the Brini house traits of fruit pruity, ripeness, balance and of course excellent value. This wine is still very young with plenty of furry tannin late in the palate but it has some really nice licorice fruits overlaying the faintest of toasty oak. Will need at least 18 months to begin to show his best. Price has jumped to $15 but still a great cheap option.

Tasting Note - Yarra Farm Chardonnay 2005 (QPR recommended)

I can't be totally sure but I'm nearly certain that this is a negociant label of some form from the Yarra Valley. The 2004 vintage reds were more than disappointing but this chard has shaped up ok. Ripe peachy fruits to smell and taste, low oak, a hint of acid and bitterness in the palate, the latter lending a nice firming touch. Might be worth a look at $12 - $14.

Wine Review - Torbreck Run Rig Shiraz 2004

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 95pts
"I sunk the bulk of a bottle of this as I prepared Sunday dinner recently. It says a lot about its drinkability - and something about how easy it is to get drunk while you're cooking. The wine itself is superb. Think of just about any Torbreck red wine that you have loved, and then add a couple of notches of volume. It is a very intense wine. Syrupy, port-like plums, meat, smoke, cedar, fresh leather, lots of very fine tannin, star anise and sweet jubey raspberries. It's tempting to call it a fruit bomb, except that it's immaculately structured. The viognier is apparent, but in a pleasant way. And besides, there's all that smoky jubey coffeed aniseed-like flavour crashing all over it. It's quite an experience, no doubt. Dinner turned out great too, if you're wondering. Drink: 2008-2019."

Wine Review - Port Phillip Estate Pinot Noir 2005

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 92pts
"Really like this. It has wonderful depth of flavour and yet it’s forever varietal too, with succulent cherry-plum and mint meeting an appropriate round of cedary oak. The tannins are firm, rigid and good, giving it a feeling of chewiness – a nice foil to the softness of the mid-palate. Drink: 2007-2013."

Wine Reviews - Mitolo Jester McLaren Vale Shiraz 2005

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 88pts
"A mouthful of fun. Super-juicy, flavoursome, sweet-centred, licorice-allsort like wine, with aniseed and chocolate and candied raspberry flavours swooshing through the mouth. Smoky, toasty oak lends subtle support. Beautiful to drink. Give the pizza chef a rocket, and crack this baby. Drink: 2007-2009. 88 points."

Wine Review - Longhop Old Vines Grenache 2006

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 87pts
"Big alcohol-driven red packed with raspberried fruit intensity. No complaints about the bang for your buck here. Raspberry, aniseed, sand, loam, cedar, the flavour mouthfilling and the aftertaste full of brandied warmth. Love the structure of it. Love the flavour of it. Not so keen on the heat of it. Drink: 2007-2011."

Wine Review - Longhop Adelaide Plains Shiraz 2006

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 88pts
"Fifteen bucks for all this? You've got to be kidding me. This is big warm-hearted Aussie red wine at its bargain best. Lashed with licorice and raspberry and plum-cake flavour, it attacks with sweet fruit and never gives your throat a rest until the whole bottle's gone. There's a wave of alcohol warmth on the finish but I forgive it - I took this to a BBQ and nearly got mobbed. Grab a steak. Grab this. Be happy. Drink: 2006-2009."

Wine Review - Lenton Brae Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 89pts
"Gravelly, firm, long and regional. Full of blackcurrant and eucalypt-like flavour, that gravelly edge giving it class and dimension. Solid wine. Drink 2012 - 2018."

Wine Review - Clonakilla Viognier 2006

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 91pts
"Fresh, bountiful, fragrant wine with active, pippy fruit leaping from the glass. An explosion of scent and flavour, yet it puckers on the finish and stays controlled in its riot. Lots of warm, floral, nutty, kernel-like length. Another excellent release. Drink: 2007-2009. 91 points."

Wine Review - Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2006

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 90pts
"Another very good Hilltops shiraz. This is minty and blueberried, with plush, satiny, floral fruit flavours swishing through a sound, clean, beautifully fruited palate that does its best to seduce at every turn. Perfectly pitched, round, medium-weight wine of poise and balance. Drink: 2008-2014."

Wine Review - Clonakilla Ballinberry Cabernet Blend 2005

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 93pts
"It's a blend of pretty much equal parts cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc - and again here, it's in excellent form. A lovely Bordeaux blend, begging for roast lamb. Firm, powdery, elongated tannins, expressive fruit - pencils, blackcurrant, earth - and racy acidity, the combination of which pulses through to a lengthy finish. It is stylish. It is high quality. Drink: 2007-2015."

Specials and Case Discounts - Late May

Please note that all case deals qualify for free freight provided the standard order thresholds are met (ie > $200 for NSW, TAS, SA, QLD and > $300 for WA).......

Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $330 ($27.50 per bottle)
Clos Clare Riesling 2006 $238 ($19.92 per bottle)
Lake Breeze Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $236 ($19.67 per bottle)
Marius Simpatico Shiraz 2004 $270 ($22.50 per bottle)
Marius Symposium Shiraz Mourvedre $324 ($27.00 per bottle)
Muddy Water Pinot Noir 2004 $542 ($45.17 per bottle)
Spring Vale Pinot Noir 2005 $423 ($35.25 per bottle)

Tasting Notes - Allandale Chardonnay 2006

Solid enough wine but far from distinguished. Quite ripe in style across all facets; medium gold in colour (looks a touch older than a 2006), rich fruits on the nose, and a forceful palate. Flavours get distracted through some heat, leaving a disjointed feeling, and some slighty arkward spicy oak. Finishes hard and a little abrasive.

Tasting Notes - Loan Raven's Rose 2006

Another newbie label, at least to me. Made by Tanunda Creek Vineyards and made from bio certified Alicante Bouchet grapes; should be interesting.

Pure dark pink in colour or perhaps raspberry. Balanced nose with a obvious layer of grapy sweetness and raspberry confectionary. Has depth. Less friendly to taste as the perfumed fruits prove evasive. In fact the wine tends towards a dry style of rose, somewhat removed from the expectations driven by the aromas. Generic red fruits poke through late (too late) but the wine can't help be bland.

Tasting Notes - Bianchet 'Stones Throw' Rose 2005

Looks like a second label of sorts from long-time Yarra Valley player Bianchet. It's probably a bit unfair writing a note on this wine now given it's a 2yr old rose. Anyway....rich sugary style both to smell and taste. I've got no idea of the base grape; cabernet's my best bet. Thickish palate, still holding plenty of sweetness, with traces of heat and bitterness to finish. Will appeal to some but not really our bag.

Tasting Notes - Mount Burrumboot Estate Petite Verdot 2004 (recommended)

I have long been a fan of this wine. The last time I tasted it was about a year ago. It was drinking well then and now it is even better. There isn't much Petite Verdot made as a single variety in Australia. This is probably the best. (Although the Pirramimma from McLaren vale tends to throw out a good version most vintages.) The Mount Burrumboot is an opaque purple black colour. The nose is lifted with dark berry fruit, some black tea and eucalyptus. The palate is HUGE with rich concentrated black current fruit, some bitter chocolate notes and a minty finish, there is also a twiggy / stalky character that offsets the sweetness.

Tasting Notes - Mount Burrumboot Tempranillo 2005 (Recommended)

Dark, opaque, dense red colour gives you an instant hint at the depth of this wine. It's alive with rich, warming aromas of berry fruit and aniseed. The palate is big, soft and voluptuous displaying juicy plum and berry fruit, meaty and savoury notes with fine, well integrated tannins. It finishes with some aniseed and vanilla. If you spend a bit more time with this wine you'll very probably find even more flavours. Top marks for complexity!

Tasting Notes - Mount Burrumboot Estate Sangiovese 2005

Dark garnet red in colour, lifted aromas of sweet berry fruit. The palate is delicious with ripe summer berries and liquorice, a soft mouth feel makes it very easy drinking with a long, luscious finish. The wine has repeatedly done well at our tastings. My only slight reservation would be that I'm not sure how well it reflects the varietal character of a Sangiovese - as with most reds from Heathcote it is a BIG wine full of fruit. Still, if you are looking for a red to please many different palates - this is for you.

Tasting Notes - Mount Burrumboot Estate Gamay 2005

Mmm a Gamay from Heathcote? - that's an interesting prospect. This wine doesn't promise to be like a Beaujolais and it certainly isn't! It's a dark purple red with some translucency. The nose is not the most enticing with a herbaceous edge with some chemical or artificial aromas coming through. However the palate is better, medium in body with plenty of flavour; redcurrant fruit and a touch of strawberry leaf. Because so little is made by the winery(there is very little made in Australia full stop) it is a bit on the pricey side, around $35 but it is worth a look at if you want to taste something a bit off the wall.

Tasting Notes - Mount Burrumboot Estate Marsanne / Viognier 2006 (Recommended)

This is a 50 / 50 blend of the varieties from this northern Heathcote winery. Impressive golden colour, with a deeply perfumed aroma of musk. Weighty in the mouth for an unoaked white wine. Concentrated flavours of tinned pears and apricot. This wine drinks like a well made Viognier but the Marsanne gives it a creamy texture rather than an oily, viscous texture usually associated with Viognier. An interesting white wine that red wine drinkers might enjoy.

Wine Review - Batterly Durif 2005

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 94pts
"I would argue that this is the best Australian durif that I have tried. It reminds me a lot of a good nebbiolo. It's tannic and dry on the finish and yet floral, pretty, sweet and gorgeous through the mouth, roses and aniseed and gritty, minerally earth-like flavours giving it a distinctly Italianate feel. Given another five years bottle age, it should make for wonderful drinking. Drink: 2008-2015."

Wine Review - Ravensworth Viognier 2006

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 89pts
"Rich and textural. Restrained in its flavour through the mid palate, but it then blooms rich and wide through the finish, bringing with it the warming sensation of alcohol. White flowers, apricot stones, cooked ginger - it's quite lovely. Drink: 2007-2008."

Wine Review - Ravensworth Marsanne 2006

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 92pts
"Super wine. Nutty, rich, mouthfilling, lengthy, brightened by tropical fruit flavours but then chalky and textural through the finish. Gorgeous drink. Filled the room with scent. Drink: 2007-2010."

Wine Review - McIvor Estate Reserve Sangiovese 2004

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 90pts
"I always find traces of eucalypt in Italian varietals particularly disturbing, and while there's not a lot of it here, there's enough to put me off. Otherwise it's quite a lovely wine: full of savoury tannin, rich with dark cherry/blueberry fruit flavour, pretty on the nose and serious in the mouth. It finishes rich and mouthfilling, and should age well. A sangiovese to watch - this is very concentrated for the breed. Drink: 2009-2015."

Wine Review - McIvor Estate Shiraz 2004

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 92pts
"Really good. Peppery, floral, pumped up with deep, plush, dark berried fruit and then juicy and silken on the finish. The fruit has totally consumed the oak, and the warm length of it is very satisfying. Love the mix of musk and violets here. It's a winner. Drink: 2007-2014."

Wine Review - McIvor Estate Cabernet Merlot 2004

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 89pts
"Love the fruit profile of this wine. It has a bit of class about it. It's blueberried, minerally, soft, earthen, loaded with ultra-fine tannin and soft through the mouth. There's some eucalypt in there too, but it's at a minor level. I thought it was a bit abbreviated on the finish at first, but it spread out with time in the glass. Very nice wine. Drink: 2008-2014."

Wine Review - Mount Horrocks Cabernet Merlot 2002

Campbell Mattinson, WineFront - 88pts
"Nice wine. Minty, simple, ripe and flavoursome, with integrated signs of green herb-like flavours in among the more dominant blackberry and mulberried flavour. It's all deliciously woven together, the tannins significant but very much a part of the wine, rather than sitting separate. I find that mint/spearmint character too dominant, but in all other respects it's a quality wine."

Wine Review - Blackjack Block 6 Shiraz 2005

Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 91pts
"A modern, spotless shiraz whose deep, dark and spicy perfume of blackberries, cassis and sweet new dark chocolate/vanilla oak reveals undertones of cloves, cinnamon and dark pepper. Smooth and sumptuous, its pristine, vibrant dark fruit flavours are backed by mocha-like oak, suggestions of mint and menthol and a light minerality. Framed by silky, fine-grained tannins, it’s long, juice and persistent."

Wine Review - Wedgetail Estate Chardonnay 2005

Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 93pts
"Complex and flavoursome, this smooth and seamless chardonnay has rather a funky and smoky bouquet of grapefruit, lemon and melon backed by leesy undertones. Full to medium-bodied, with a plump and generous palate of vibrant fruit, savoury vanilla oak and meaty undertones, it finishes neatly, with attractive length and brightness."

Wine Review - Stefano Lubiano Pinot Grigio 2006

Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 86pts
"Rather broad and heavy-handed, with an estery, spicy and almost spiky aroma of mango, melon and lemon rind. Broad, generous and richly fruited, its round and juicy palate of melon and citrusy fruit is just a little spirity and warm, lacking genuine shape and definition."

Wine Review - Stefano Lubiano Riesling 2006

Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 89pts
"Lean, taut and tightly focused, this fragrant and estery young riesling is a racy young cellar style with a spicy, lemon detergent-like aroma. Long and linear, its brightly flavoured palate of apple and citrusy fruit culminates in a sculpted, high acid finish. "

Wine Reviews - Yeringberg Shiraz 2005

Jeremy Oliver, OnWine - 90pts
"Meaty, gamey and ethereal, but perhaps lacking the depth of genuine structure for confident cellaring, this is nevertheless an appealingly complex, heady and distinctively rustic shiraz of great appeal. Smoky and spicy, its floral and slightly brandied aromas of cherries, plums and raspberries reveal powerful floral qualities. Medium in weight, its velvet-smooth, minty and alluring palate of small berries and gamey oak finishes long and savoury."

Tasting Notes - Dalwhinnie Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

Good colour for the age; dark blood red with no lightening at the rim. Aged characters very evident on the nose; daggy old berries and varnishy wood. Aromas are surprisingly lifted yet they 'look' at least 8 years old. Palate flavours are quite subdued as the fruit has largely fallen away. Faint, mushy berries remain with a doft herbal / minty edge. Balanced tannin structure remains. Would have looked better 2 - 3 years ago.

Web Bytes

I just stumbled upon Jamie Goode's excellent article / photo essay on a bunch of new wave Barossa producers. Jamie is based in the UK and the article and tasting notes are the result of visits in 2004 and 2005.

Jamie's site / on-line mag can be found here. The Barossa article can be found here.

New Releases - Mid June Pt.2

Cabernet Family
Heartland Coast & Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $16 (Langhorne Creek)

Chardonnay
Yarraloch 2005 $30 (Yarra Valley)

Grenache & Blends
Longhop Old Vine Grenache 2006 (Adelaide Plains)

Pinot Noir
Holm Oak 2006 (Tasmania)
Mount Rosa 2004 (Central Otago)

Riesling
Holm Oak 2006 (Tasmania)
Wild Dog Creek 2006 $18 (Gippsland)

Shiraz Family
Flaxman Wines The Stranger Shiraz Cabernet 2005 (Barossa Valley)
Longhop Shiraz 2006 $15 (Adelaide Plains)
Seabrook Wines Shiraz 2005 $34 (Pyrenees)
Stefani Estate Shiraz 2003 $32 (Heathcote)
Trevor Jones Wild Witch 2004 $53 (Barossa Valley)

Other Whites
Yarraloch Arneis 2006 (Yarra Valley)

Other Reds
Domain Day Langrein 2004 $24 (Eden Valley)

Tasting Notes - Fraser Gallop Chardonnay 2006 (Recommended)

Here's a great example of a classy chardonnay that straddles the line (in very good fashion) between the rich, ripe power style and the lean citrus cool climate example. Very clear pale gold, youthful. Nose is very classy with elegant ripe peachy notes and hints of well controlled spicy oak. Well balanced. Backs up well to taste with citrus fruits mated nicely to a creamy texture one might associate with the Margaret River region. Very good length and presence, helped by well used used spicy oak, fills the palate out nicely.

Tasting Notes - Linda Domas Vis a Vis Viognier Chardonnay

Big lifted ripe apricot fruit wafts up from the glass together with oily, powerful honeysuckle. A great example of how Viognier is by far the easiest varietal to place purely off the bouquet. Flavours don't do the aromas justice; mineral, chalk, citrus, musk combine in a confushed fashion, and as a result the wine appears rudderless. Perhaps the chardonnay is getting in the way? Finishes dry. Really quite hard to assess but nevertheless not impressive.

Tasting Notes - Linda Domas Salience Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Recommended)

The Linda Domas wines first caught out attention through the sampling of a couple of excellent reds from the 2004 vintage, including the Egidio Shiraz, a full flavoured but very well balanced McLaren Vale offering. Reds are sourced from McLaren Vale and the whites further south in Southern Fleurie.

What struck me early tasting this wine was the Euro / Sancerre bent; chalky, mineral notes, zingy acid, and obvious length. This is no tropical fruit bomb, rather a classy and under-stated example of what is frankly a boring-as-batshit variety. Mild citrus fruits and faint spice round the palate out. Might be just a touch too understated for the masses.

Tasting Notes - Five Sons Estate Shiraz 2004 (Recommended)

Bright garnet red colour with an intriguing nose of savoury, meaty notes with an underlying maritime character. The palate was in total contrast with lots of juicy plum and red current fruit and creamy vanilla, a noticeably soft texture made for a very easy drinking Shiraz. However I was amazed by the length of the wine. It went on and on and I could taste the juicy fruit for some time afterwards. I really liked this wine despite the lack of white pepper character I tend to look for in cool climate Shiraz.

Tasting Notes - Larnoo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Reserve

A dark purple-black colour with a dustry araoma which I found quite closed. Meidum to full palate weight with plenty of succulent blackcurrent fruit and a touch of chewing tobacco to finish. Some noticeable tannin but this time the weight of the wine could carry it. The wine is definately a bit young at present but shows good potential. It will almost certainly improve with time and with food.

Tasting Notes - Larnoo Estate Merlot 2006

This cool climate Merlot is from Yea. A purple hue to the wine with black current and liquorice on the nose. A light to medium style of Merlot with black cherry fruit at the front of the palate. A twiggy, stalky mid palate and plenty of chalky tannin on the finish. At present the weight of the wine was overpowered by the tannin and my teeth were not happy after tasting it! Perhaps it will improve with time.

Tasting Notes - Five Sons Estate Chardonnay 2005

The minute I opened this wine I knew what it had in store for me. I could smell the oak from 20 paces away. I know there is still a market for plenty of oak influence in wine but it just isn't my taste. I seem to be particularly sensitive to it. I tried hard to distinguish other aromas but I pretty much got, oak,oak,oak. I coped a bit better with the palate, medium weight, some rich figs and dried apricot fruit but loaded with oak which made for an almost spicy, seasoned finish. A bit unbalanced for me.

Tasting Notes - Five Sons Estate 'The Boyz' Chardonnay 2006

This is the entry level Chardonnay from this Mornington Peninsula producer. A pleasant aroma of cream, peach and figs. Medium palate weight with an initial hit of sour fruit, a touch of grapefruit or perhaps just under ripe fruit? Once the wine warmed up a little in the glass it improved, the sourness subsided and the flavours softened but it was hard to get over that first impression.

Tasting Notes - Cape Barren Old Vine Shiraz 2004

The wine rep keeps sending samples and I keep on writing tasting notes. A common theme is high alcohol and, in my opinion, a lack of balance. I guess this particular wine is top-of-the-tree for Cape Barren but I am still not sold on the label. Fruit is sourced from 70yr old vines.

Bouquet is pretty good; fresh berries, zingy, lifted. Grapey, simple but fairly effective. Palate dulls down a notch as the overt fruit weight promised on the nose doesn’t really translate. Fruit gets tight as heat and some sear from the acid kick in. A touch of varnish in the finish. Underlay of oak doesn’t do much for me but isn’t offensive. Prefer others in the price range.

New Releases - Mid June

Cabernet Family
Dunsborough Hills Merlot Cabernet 2004 $13.00 (Margaret River)
Little Fish Cabernet Merlot 2005 $15.00 (Coonawarra)
Norton Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Grampians)
Tapanappa Cabernet Shiraz 2004 $73.00 (Wrattonbully) (WineFront 95pts)

Chardonnay
Juniper's Crossing 2005 $21.00 (Margaret River)
Spences Vineyard Chardonnat $24.00 (Geelong)

Pinot Noir
Felton Road 2006 $61.00 (Central Otago)
Mount Difficulty Pipeclay 2005 $93.00 (Central Otago)
Spences Vineyard 2005 $24.00 (Geelong)
Stefano Lubiana Prima Vera 2006 $27.00 (Tasmania)

Riesling
Hochkirch Wines 2006 (Henty)

Sauvignon Blanc Family
Little Fish SSB 2006 $14.00 (Great Southern)

Shiraz
Batterly Syrah 2005 $62.00 (Beechworth) (WineFront 93pts)
Brini Sebastian Shiraz 2004 $24.00 (McLaren Vale) (WineFront 90pts)
Clonakilla Hilltops 2006 $27.00 (Canberra)
Little Fish 2005 $15.00 (Barossa Valley)

Other Whites
Clonakilla Viognier 2006 $47.00 (Canberra)

Other Reds
Kabminye Grenache Carigan 2005 $28.00 (Barossa)

Bedi's (Indian)

We had taken the staff here a year ago and were very impressed. Tasty curries and breads kept rolling out all night and the staff were very accommodating with the 20 odd sample bottles we brought along.

This time around the whole experience was very unremarkable. Service was fine, although noting special, but the main dishes (2 curries) were disappointing to the extent they were flavourless 'gravies' with no redeeming features at all. Very bland and boring; it was almost like the flavours were targeted to a McDonald's crowd who freeze in fear at the site on any genuine curry flavour. To many good Indian restaurants around here to bother coming back anytime soon.

Where? 118 Park St South Melbourne
Entrees $7 - $10
Mains $14 - $20
Corkage $3 pp

Tasting Notes - Allira Riesling 2006

The non-Riesling drinker's Riesling!
Floral and peach on the nose with some mineral notes in the background, the palate was light, with only medium levels of acidity ( I like racy acidity in my Rieslings!) A touch sweet with soft apple flavours and a long refreshing finish. I tasted this wine with 16 other people and a number of them commented that they don't normally like Riesling but they really liked this drop and at $13 I would describe this wine as a definite crowd pleaser! Serious Riesling fans could be a bit disappointed.

Tasting Note - Little Fish Shiraz 2004 (Recommended)

Quite a step up from last night's cab merlot from the same label. Softer style that shows very attractive berry fruits and licks of spice and licorice both on the bouquet and the palate. In this respect more akin to McLaren Vale. Spicy fruits, a hint of tannin and some slightly prickly acid drink a reasonable finish. Actually quite good given we'll probably retail this around $15. I think this is made by Dean Hewitson, and if so the quality of the wine making shows.

New Releases - Early June

Cabernet Family
Wantirna Estate Amelia Cabernet Merlot 2003 (Yarra Valley)
Henty Estate Shiraz Cabernet 2005 $22 (Henty)
Adelina / Passion Has Red Lips Shiraz Cabernet 2006 $20 (Langhorne Creek)
Neagles Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $22 (Clare Valley)
Neagles Rock Mr Duncan Cabernet Shiraz 2005 $19 (Clare Valley)

Pinot Noir
Bass Phillip Estate 2002 $78 (Gippsland)

Riesling
Derwent Estate 2006 $19 (Tasmania)
Wellington FGR 2005 $19 (Tasmania)

Sangiovese
Michael Unwin Acrobat 2004 $20 (Central Victoria)
Neagles Rock Sangiovese 2005 $22 (Clare Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Woollaston Tussock Sauvignon Blanc 2006 $19 (Marlborough)
Woollaston Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2006 $20 (Nelson)

Shiraz
Jasper Hill La Pleiade Shiraz 2005 $67 (Heathcote)

Tasting Note - Little Fish Cabernet Merlot 2004

A negociant label for Nelsons, a Melbourne-based wine wholesaler with a pretty decent portfolio. This particlar drop is sourced from Coonawarra, and probably comes from Penley Estate. Happy to stand corrected however.

Anyway, quite a simple drop yet varietal. Soft leafy fruits and a touch of sweet oak on the nose; very attractive. Palate is plush early, very early, but a lick of spice and zingy acid firms things up quick smart, perhaps to the detriment of the wine as it gets a touch hard. However there's no denying that a core of friendly berry and leafy fruits keeps the wine interesting. Couldn't really recommend at the official retail (say $17) but would look very good at $12 - $13.

Tasting Note - Shelmerdine Red Hat 2004

This wine is actually a Shiraz / Cabernet / Merlot blend. End of vintage barrel filler perhaps? Ever so slightly porty nose and maybe the faintest hint of nail polish (VA?). Not particularly attractive nose but no show stopper. Palate flavours do nothing for me; tight acidity, a fraction metallic, hard edges. Not much pure fruit poking through, which makes it tough for me to get excited. Tannins are quite pronounced. Could have be trying a dud bottle as real scribes (inc WineFront) were quite positive.

Tasting Note - Cape Barren Native Goose Shiraz 2005

This label must be a second label job for Cape Barren given the grape source is simply stated as 'grapes sourced from around McLaren Vale'. Light purple in the glass with some lightening to a strawberry colour at the edges. Ripe nose of plums and spice; not distinguished in anyway. A bit rough and simple to taste; bright red berry fruits quickly get drowned out with a dash of heat, spice and some slightly abrasive acid. Some ok sweet fruits linger on the finish but otherwise not heaps of appeal. About $20.

Tasting Note - Drappier NV Champagne

Medium yellow with a faint pink tinge. Traditional nose of yeasty notes; feels mature. Quite tight palate early, more yeasty notes and a citrus tinge. Solid if not remarkable.

Tasting Note - Neagles Rock Mr Duncan Shiraz Cabernet 2005 (Recommended)

This wine is going to trade just shy of $20 and i have to say it's a very impressive drop at the price. Ultra balanced wine showing very good regional characters of eucalypt, mine and beautiful cool blue berry fruits. Appropriately ripe. Not a heavyweight in the mouth and if there's any criticism to be drawn perhaps the flavours tail off slightly in the second half. Really quite impressive.