New Releases - December Pt.3

Champagne
Larmandier Bernier Brut Traditional Premier Cru NV $94 (Champagne)
Larmandier Bernier Brut Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru NV $100 (Champagne)

Grenache & Blends
La Curio Grenache Shiraz 2007 $23 (McLaren Vale)

Italian Reds
Mount Majura Graciano 2007 $22 (Canberra)

Merlot
Narkoojee "The Athelstan" 2006 $29 (Gippsland)

Pinot Grigio / Gris
Kurabana "Mt Moriac" Pinot Grigio 2008 $18 (Geelong)
Nazaaray Pinot Gris 2008 $25 (Mornington Peninsula)

Pinot Noir
Martinborough Vineyard "Tetera" 2006 $38 (Martinborough)
Mount Difficulty 2007 $53 (Central Otago)
Old Kent River 2006 $19 (Great Southern)

Sauvignon Blanc
Latitude 41 2008 $20 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
La Curio "Reserve" 2006 $35 (McLaren Vale)
Laanecoorie "McQuilten Reserve" 2006 $46 (Bendigo)
Lazy Bellarina 2007 $23 (McLaren Vale)
Mollydooker "Two Left Feet" Shiraz Cabernet Merlot 2007 $24 (McLaren Vale)
Murray Streey Vineyards "Gomersal" 2005 $48 (Barossa Valley)
Mollydooker "The Boxer" Shiraz 2007 $24 (McLaren Vale)
Ngeringa "Syrah" 2006 $56 (Adelaide Hills)

Sparkling Whites & Reds
Louise Bouillot "Perle de Vigne" NV Sparkling White $25 (France - Burgundy)

White Blends
Longhop "Quattro" 2008 $16 (Adelaide Plains)

New Releases - December Pt.2

Albarino
Crittenden Estate "Los Hermanos" 2008 $27 (Mornington Peninsula)

Cabernet & Blends
Di Giorgio "Coonawarra" 2004 $26 (Coonawarra)
Eagle Vale Cabernet Merlot 2007 $20 (Margaret River)
Kalgan River Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $22 (King Valley)

Chardonnay
Bellbrae Estate "Longboard" 2007 $19 (Geelong)
Dalzotto 2004 $23 (King Valley)
Herve Avo "Chablis" 2007 $38 (France)
Verget Bourgogne "Terroirs de Bote DOr" Chardonnay 2006 $42 (France)

Italian Reds
D'Angelo Aglianico 2005 $36 (Italy)

Pinot Gris
Holly's Garden 2008 $25 (King Valley)
JL Wolf 2007 $24 (Germany)

Pinot Noir
Eastern Peak "Tache" 2006 $31 (Ballarat)
Eastern Peak "Intrinsic" 2005 $45 (Ballarat)
Elgee Park "Family Reserve" 2007 $34 (Mornington Peninsula)
Kurabana 2004 $19 (Geelong)

Port / Dessert / Fortifieds
Kaesler Touriga Nacional 2002

Riesling
Kalgan River 2007 $21 (Great Southern)

Rose
Kalgan River 2008 $21 (Great Southern)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Deviation Road 2008 $20 (Adelaide Hills)
Eagle Vale Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $20 (Margaret River)
Harewood Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $21 (Great Southern)

Shiraz
Flaxman Wines 2005 $46 (Barossa Valley)
Kalgan River 2007 $43 (Great Southern)
Sparkling Wines
Bress Sparkling Shiraz NV $19 (Bendigo)
Kurabana "Blanc de Noir" 2006 $28 (Geelong)
Gomeral 2006 $24 (Barossa Valley

Tasting Notes - Bodegas Senorio Godello Valdeorras Val de Sil 2003 (Recommended)

I suspect this variety is best drunk as an 2 to 4 year old but this was still a good drop. Deep yellow in colour and clearly mature. More than I would expected. Nose shows some oxidative and mildly volatile notes, like an old chenin, but quite acceptable. Tastes like it smells. Hard to describe, its simply an aged dry white, albeit it's only 5 years old. Instead this is all about balance and texture with nice and almost thick minerally chalky note. Again very chenin-like. A touch of bitterness and aniseed to finish.

Tasting Notes - Willespie Shiraz 1998 (Recommended)

A complete success for me and I dare say the winery. Very much in the secondary phase with light berry fruits, licks of tar and faint minerals, mild grainy tannin and hints of acid. Very settled and enjoyable. The lack of stronger fruits cost it a few points but to be fair this a 10 year old Margaret River shiraz.

New Releases - December Pt.1

Cabernet & Blends
Wantirna Estate "Hannah" Cabernet Blend 2006 $119 (Yarra Valley)
Wild Duck Creek "Alans" Cabernet 1999 $60 (Heathcote)

Chardonnay
Grosset 2006 $50 (Adelaide Hills)
Helm "Unwooded" 2008 $20 (Canberra)
Nicholson River "Estate" 2007 $39 (Gippsland)

Marsanne
Wanted Man Marsanne Viognier 2006 $33 (Heathcote)

Merlot
Hand Picked 2006 $18 (Yarra Valley)

Moscato
Hand Picked "Dasti" 2006 $18 (Italy)

Nebbiolo
GD Vajra "Langhe" 2006 $47 (Italy)

Pinot Noir
Herzog 2006 $63 (Marlborough)
Wantirna Estate "Lily" 2007 $63 (Yarra Valley)
Wild Dog "Parnassus" 2006 $23 (Gippsland)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Astrolabe 2008 $22 (Marlborough)
Grosset Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $32 (Adelaide Hills)

Shiraz
Hedonist 2005 $18 (McLaren Vale)
Wanted Man 2006 $33 (Heathcote)

New Releases - November Pt.5

Cabernet & Blends
Crittenden Estate "Cane Cut" 2005 $27 (Mornington Peninsula)


Grenanche
Bodegas San Alejandro "Baltasar Gracian Viñas Viejas" 2004 $28 (Spain)

Dessert Wines
Bodegas Castano "Dulce" Monastrell 2004 $47 (Spain)
De Fargues Sauternes 2002 $77 (Bordeaux, France)
Mount Horrocks "Cane Cut" Semillon 2008 $34 (Clare Valley)

Pinot Gris
Jinks Creek 2007 $23 (Gippsland)

Pinot Noir
Chard Farm "Tiger" 2006 $53 (Central Otago)
Derwent Estate 2007 $33 (Tasmania)


Riesling
Crawford River 'Young Vines' 2008 $26 (Henty)
Crabtree 2007 $20 (Clare Valley)
Chard farm "Viper" 2006 $53 (Central Otago)
Jinks Creek 2006 $27 (Gippsland)


Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine A "Laby A" Fume Blanc 2005 $65 (Tasmania)
Durvillia 2008 $19 (Marlborough)

Sherry
La Goya Manzanilla NV $17 (Spain)

Shiraz
Battley "Syrah" 2005 $62 (Beechworth)
Bird in Hand "2 in the Bush" 2006 $19 (Adelaide Hills)
Curlewis 2003 $33 (Geelong)
Connor Park 2005 $24 (Bendigo)
Fireblock 2006 $20 (Clare Valley)
Jinks Creek "Yarra Valley" 2005 $32 (Yarra Valley)
Jinks Creel "Longford" 2005 $32 (Yarra Valley)

Sparkling Wines
Frogmore Creek "Evermore Cuvee" 2004 $34 (Tasmania)

White Rhone Blends
Lillian Marsanne Rousanne 2007 $29 (Pemberton)

Tasting Notes - Mixed Bag, Good Wines!

Chateau La Pointe 1994 (Pomerol, Bordeaux)
Mushy fruits, merlot dominant, some green fruits and plenty of acid running through the palate. Probably won't get a lot better.

Yarra Yarra Syrah 2005 (Yarra Valley) - Recommended
Bloody hell! Look out Northern Rhone. Incredibly perfumed nose of spice and fruit cake. Palate is surprisingly sweet with more light touch fruit cake, medium weight tannin. Some citrus (works well). Fantastic.

Mills Reef 'Elspeth' Syrah 2000 (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand)
Slightly mushy and wet hessian fruits. Good depth of plum fruits. Fruits are mildly stinky and sweaty to taste; some astringency and acid. Still quite in tact but lacks a little friendliness. But, hard to complain here.

Trimbach Gewurztraminer 1983 (Alsace, France) - Recommended
Mega plush and smooth but certainly not sweet at all. Elegantly mature. Well balanced with musky fruits. Just plain impressive for its age.

New Releases - November Pt.4

Cabernet & Blends
Elgee Park Cabernet Merlot 2005 $24 (Mornington Peninsula)
Fermoy Estate Cabernet Merlot 2006 $19 (Margaret River)
Forester Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $28 (Margaret River)
The Growers Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $18 (Margaret River)

Durif
Battley 2005 $42 (Beechworth)

Gewurztraminer
Cargo Road 2008 $20 (Orange)

Merlot
Cumulus Wines "Climbing" 2006 $20 (Orange)

Pinot Noir
Ata Rangi 2006 $79 (Martinborough, NZ)
Auntsfield 2006 $38 (Central Otago, NZ)
Bream Creek 2006 $27 (Tasmania)
Grey Sands 2006 $38 (Tasmania)
Hurley "Harcourt" 2006 $50 (Mornington Peninsula)

Riesling
Bellarmine "Auslese" 2008 $20 (Pemberton)
Grosset "Watervale" 2008 $33 (Clare Valley)
Grosset "Polish Hill" 2008 $42 (Clare Valley)
Helm "Premium" 2008 $34 (Canberra)

Sangiovese
Crittenden "Pinocchio" 2005 $20 (King Valley)
Isole e Olena "Cepparello" 2003 $91 (Tuscany, Italy)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Bulong Estate 2008 $20 (Yarra Valley)
Fermoy Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $19 (Margaret River)
Greenstone Point Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $18 (Marlborough)
The Growers Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $15 (Margaret River)

Shiraz
Axedale Reef 2004 $18 (Bendigo)
Bunn "Preservative Free" 2005 $25 (Great Southern)
Cumulus Wines "Climbing" 2006 $18 (Orange)

Zinfandel
Cargo Road 2004 $32 (Orange)

New Releases - November Pt.3

Albarino
Symphonia 2008 $23 (King Valley)

Gamay
Pfieffer Wines 2007 $19 (Rutherglen)

Merlot
Wanted Man 2006 $32 (Heathcote)

Pinot Meunier
Rahona Valley 2007 $24 (Mornington Peninsula)

Pinot Noir
Escarpment "Re Rehau" 2006 $65 (Martinborough)
Felton Road "Calvert" 2007 $79 (Central Otago)
Nazaaray Estate 2006 $30 (Mornington Peninsula)
Vynfields 2005 $48 (Martinborough)

Rhone Valley Blends
Yeringberg Marsanne Rousanne 2007 $50 (Yarra Valley)

Riesling
Konrad 2007 $20 (Marlborough)

Rose
Nazaaray Pinot Rose 2006 $18 (Mornington Peninsula)

Sangiovese
Due Mondi 2005 $29 (Italy)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Eradus 2008 $23 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Flaxman 2005 $46 (Eden Valley)

Harcourt "Reserve" 2005 $35 (Bendigo)
Mike Press 2007 $13 (Adelaide Hills)
Paxton "Quandong" 2007 $30 (McLaren Vale)
Tim Smith "Reserve" 2005 $59 (Barossa Valley)
Trevor Jones "Devil You Know" 2006 $12 (Barossa Valley)
Trevor Jones "Wild Witch" 2006 Magnum $114 (Barossa Valley)
Wanted Man Shiraz Dolcetto 2006 $52 (Heathcote)

Sparkling Wines
LaCache Rose 2003 $33 (Margaret River)
Trevor Jones "Devil You Know" Sparkling Shiraz NV $13 (Barossa Valley)

Viognier
Tim Smith Wines 2008 $26 (Adelaide Hills)

New Releases - November Pt.2

Cabernet & Blends
Casa Freschi "Profondo" Cabernet Merlot 2003 $52 (Langhorne Creek)

Chardonnay
Casa Freschi "Altezza" 2007 $40 (Adelaide Hills)
Charles Sturt "Limited Release" 2007 $20 (Central NSW)

Dog Point 2006 $33 (Marlborough)

Grenache
Tar & Roses "Miro" 2006 $46 (Spain)
Teusner "Moppa" 2006 $93 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Brown Magpie Pinot Grigio 2008 $20 (Geelong)

Pinot Noir
Richmond Plains 2006 $24 (Nelson, NZ)

Riesling
Clonakilla 2008 $28 (Canberra)
Wilson "DJW" 2007 $21 (Clare Valley)

Rose
Battle of Bosworth 2008 $16 (McLaren Vale)
Brown Magpie 2008 $15 (Geelong)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Charles Sturt 2008 $13 (Central NSW)
Clonakilla Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $22 (Canberra)
Dog Point 2008 $28 (Marlborough)
Rock Ferry 2007 $24 (Marlborough)
Stella Bella 2008 $25 (Margaret River)

Shiraz
Cat Among Pigeons 2007 $16 (Barossa Valley)
Clonakilla "O'Riada" 2007 $39 (Canberra)
Toolangi "Reserve" 2005 $67 (Yarra Valley)

Tempranillo
Stella Bella 2006 430 (Margaret River)

White Blends
Casa Freschi "La Signorina" 2008 $25 (Adelaide Hills)

New Releases - November

Cabernet & Blends

Logan Wines Cabernet Merlot 2006 $24 (Orange)

Maxwell "Little Deamon" Cabernet Merlot 2006 $16 (McLaren Vale)

Chardonnay

Harewood Estate 2006 $26 (Great Southern)

Logan Wines 2007 $22 (Orange)

Peppermint Grove "Unwooded" 2007 $14 (Western Australia)

Pinot Noir

Elgee Park 2006 $34 (Mornington Peninsula)

Josef Chromy 2006 $27 (Tasmania)

Pisa Range 2006 $55 (Central Otago)

Riesling

Frank Kunstler "Dry" 2006 $30 (Germany)

Frogmore Creek "FGR" 2006 $22 (Tasmania)

Sauvignon Blanc

PHI 2007 $40 (Yarra Valley)

Shiraz

Laughing Jack 2005 $34 (Barossa Valley)

Logan Wines Shiraz Viognier 2006 $18 (Orange)

Logan Wines 2006 $24 (Orange)

Nicholson River 2005 $39 (Gippsland)

Passing Clouds "Graeme's Blend" Shiraz Cabernet 2004 $26 (Bendigo)

Sparkling Red

Pondalowie Shiraz 2002 $39 (Bendigo)

Sparkling White

Logan Wines "M Cuvee" 2005 $29 (Orange)

Viognier

Massena "The Surely Muse" 2007 $19 (Barossa Valley)

New Releases October Pt.5

Barbera
Chalk Hill 2007 $23 (McLaren Vale)

Cabernet & Blends
Te Mata "Coleraine" Cabernet Merlot 2006 $84 (Hawkes Bay)

Champagne
Egly Ouriet "Grand Cru Millesime" 2000 $205 (Champagne)
Egly Ouriet "Extra Brut VP" NV $151 (Champagne)
Egly Ouriet "Grand Cru Brut Rose" NV $151 (Champagne)

Chardonnay
Domaine A Bernard Defaix "Cote De Lechet 1er" 2005 $50 (France - Chablis)
Domaine A Bernard Defaix "Chablis AOC" 2006 $35 (France - Chablis)

Dessert & Fortifieds
Castello Di Ama Vin Santo 2001 $62 (Italy)

Merlot
Chateau Coufran 2000 $50 (France - Bordeaux)
Nicholson River 2004 $23 (Gippsland)

Pinot Gris & Grigio
Grey Sands Pinot Gris 2007 $38 (Tasmania)
Spring Vale Pinot Gris 2008 $29 (Tasmania)

Pinot Noir
Scorpo 2006 $42 (Mornington Peninsula)

Prosecco
Dal Zotto 2006 $29 (King Valley)

Red Blends
Casa Fresche "La Signora" 2004 $36 (Langhorne Creek)

Sangiovese
Some Young Punks "Squid's Fist" Sangiovese Shiraz 2007 $21 (Barossa Valley)

Shiraz
Battle of Bosworth "White Boar" 2006 $43 (McLaren Vale)
Nicholson River 2005 $39 (Gippsland)

New Releases - October Pt.4

Cabernet & Blends
Highbank Cabernet Merlot 2002 $52 (Coonawarra)
Smiths Vineyard Cabernet Merlot 2005 $32 (Beechworth)
Willunga Creek "Black Duck" Cabernet Merlot 2005 $19 (McLaren Vale)
Willunga Creek "Black Duck" Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $25 (McLaren Vale)

Chardonnay
Martinborough Vineyard 2006 $43 (Martinborough, NZ)
Smiths Vineyard 2006 $35 (Beechworth)

Merlot
Eagle Vale 2005 $28 (Margaret River)
Willunga Creek "Black Duck" Merlot 2005 $25 (McLaren Vale)

Pinot Noir
Dalle Mia Finestra 2005 $20 (Yarra Valley)
Helen's Hill "Ingham Road" 2007 $15 (Yarra Valley)

Prosecco
Col Vetoraz Valdobbiadene "Brut" Nv $31 (Veneto, Italy)
Col Vetoraz Valdobbiadene "Extra Dry" Nv $30 (Veneto, Italy)

Riesling
Heyman Lowenstein "Schieferterrassen" 2007 $43 (Germany)
Mount Majura 2008 $19 (Canberra)

Rose
Massena 2007 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Cullen Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $31 (Margaret River)
Eagle Vale 2007 $28 (Margaret River)
Helen's Hill "Ingham Road" 2008 $13 (Yarra Valley)

Shiraz
Eagle Vale 2005 $29 (Margaret River)
Lunar Wines 2006 $35 (Barossa Valley)
SC Pannell 2006 $53 (McLaren Vale)
Smiths Vineyard "310m" 2006 $35 (Beechworth)
Willunga Creek "Black Duck" 2005 $25 (McLaren Vale)
Willunga Creek "Out for a Duck" 2006 $18 (McLaren Vale)

Sparkling White
Stefano Lubiana Vintage 2003 $50 (Tasmania)

New Releases - October Pt.3

Cabernet & Blends
Chapman Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $22 (Margaret River)
Sandy Farm "Preservative Free" Cabernet Merlot 2007 (Ballarat)

Chardonnay
Chapman Grove 2005 $22 (Margaret River)
Cobaw Ridge Chardonnay 2006 $32 (Macedon Ranges)
Kouark Winery 2005 $19 (Gippsland)

Pinot Gris & Grigio
Totino Estate Pinot Grigio 2008 $16 (Adelaide Hills)

Pinot Noir
Kings Creek "Reserve" 2005 $26 (Mornington Peninsula)
Paringa "PE" 2007 $28 (Mornington Peninsula)
Pegasus Bay 2006 $57 (Waipara NZ)
Olssens "Jackson Barry" 2006 $57 (Central Otago)
Riposte 2007 $27 (Adelaide Hills)

Ports etc
David Franz "Old Redemption" Tawny $42 (Barossa Valley)

Riesling
David Franz 2007 $25 (Eden Valley)
Flaxmand Wines 2007 $26 (Eden Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Saint Clair "Marlborough" 2008 $22 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Brothers in Arms 2002 $39 (Langhorne Creek)
David Franz "Benjamin's Promise" 2001 $35 (Barossa Valley)
Flaxman Wines Shiraz Cabernet 2006 $38 (Eden Valley)
Newbridge Wines 2003 $23 (Bendigo)
Newbridge Wines 2005 $19 (Bendigo)
The Standish Wine Co. "The Relic" Shiraz Viognier 2006 $94 (Barossa Valley)
The Standish Wine Co. "The Standish" Shiraz 2005 $94 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling Red
David Franz NV 2007 Disgorge "Nicola" $50 (Barossa Valley)

Tasting Notes - Mount Langi Ghiran "Cliff Edge" Shiraz 2005

This has always been an ultra reliable wine in the sub $25 market and perhaps a leading candidate for the best 'cheapie' Grampians red. Having said this I'm not sure why the 2005 is the current release. Brooding nose of dark dry berry fruits; subtle yet has presence and very good power. Nice hints of violets, and really quite impressive. Palate and fruit profile is serious; dry red fruits with a dose of spicy oak. Quite bitter to finish, a little out of kilter, but it does drive depth. Detracts from what is otherwise a smart wine.

New Releases - October Pt.2

Cabernet & Blends
Howling Wolves Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $16 (Margaret River)
Howling Wolves "Small Batch" Cabernet Merlot Cab Franc 2006 $16 (Margaret River)
Roy Kidman "Wombat Dig" Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $19 (Coonawarra)

Chardonnay
Stefani Estate 2005 $40 (Yarra Valley)
Trevor Jones 2007 $15 (Barossa Valley)

Dessert Wines
Paul Jaboulet Muscat "Beaumes de Venise" 2006 $29 (France)

Grenache & Blends
Trevor Jones "Boots" Grenache Merlot Cabernet 2006 $16 (Barossa Valley)

Italian White Varietals
Pieropan "La Rocca" Soave 2006 $70 (Italy)

Pinot Grigio & Gris
Elk Cove Pinot Gris 2007 $38 (Oregon, USA)
Henley Hill Pinot Grigio 2008 $15 (Yarra Valley)

Pinot Noir
Couta 2007 $16 (Mornington Peninsula)
Elk Cove 2006 $56 (Oregon, USA)
Paramoor Wines "Joan Picton" 2006 $21 (Macedon Ranges)
Winbirra 2006 $31 (Mornington Peninsula)

Riesling
Bloodwood 2007 $23 (Orange)
Frogmore Creek 2007 $26 (Tasmania)
Karra Yerta "Eden Valley" 2007 $26 (Eden Valley)

Rose
Bloodwood "Big Men in Tights" 2007 $18 (Orange)
Small Fry Wines Grenache Rose 2007 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Dusky Sounds Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $16 (Marlborough)
Howling Wolves Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $15 (Margaret River)

Semillon
Mount Horrocks 2007 $27 (Clare Valley)

Shiraz
Arakoon Wines "Sellicks Beach" 2006 $20 (McLaren Vale)
Clayfield "Massif" 2006 $24 (Grampians)
Milvine Estate 2005 $20 (Heathcote)
Paramoor Wines "Kathleen" Shiraz 2005 $21 (Macedon Ranges)
Paul Osicka 2006 $32 (Heathcote)
Schulz "Marcus Old Vine" 2005 $67 (Barossa Valley)
Trevor Jones "Devil You Know" 2006 $12 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling Red
Howling Wolves Sparkling Shiraz 2007 $20 (Margaret River)

Verdelho
Baddaginnie Run 2007 $16 (Strathbogie)

New Releases - October

Cabernet & Blends
Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 $63 (Tasmania)
Woodlands Estate Cabernet Merlot 2007 $21 (Margaret River)

Chardonnay
Leabrook Estate 2006 $30 (Adelaide Hills)
Main Ridge Estate 2006 $57 (Mornington Peninsula)
Mandala 2006 $21 (Yarra Valley)

Grenache & Blends
Cirillo "1850 Old Vine" Grenache 2005 $46 (Barossa Valley)
Fireblock 2003 $17 (Clare Valley)
Ross Estate "Single Vineyard Old Vine" 2006 $22 (Barossa Valley)
Sierra Cantabria "Crianza" 2003 $37 (Spain)

Italian Varietal Reds
Cobaw Ridge Langrein 2004 $38 (Macedon Ranges)

Italian Varietal Whites
Tedeschi Soave Classico 2007 $24 (Italy)

Pinot Gris & Grigio
French Island Pinot Gris 2007 $23 (Mornington Peninsula)
Pizzini Pinot Grigio 2008 $20 (King Valley)

Pinot Noir
Bended Knee 2005 $30 (Ballarat)
Kouark Winery 2005 $19 (Gippsland)
Rokewood Junction 2004 $30 (Ballarat)

Ports
All Saints Vintage Port 2003 $27 (Rutherglen)

Sangiovese
Villa Trasqua "Chianti Classico" 2005 $24 (Italy)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Grosset Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $30 (Adelaide Hills)
Leabrook Estate 2008 $22 (Adelaide Hills)
Mandala 2007 $18 (Yarra Valley)

Shiraz
Digger's Bluff "Top Dog" 2005 $47 (Barossa Valley)
Elgo Estate "Allira" Shiraz 2006 $13 (Strathbogie Ranges)
Mount Billy "Antiquity" 2004 $45 (Barossa Valley)
Narkoojee "Myrtle Point" 2006 $22 (Gippsland)
Torbreck "The Factor" 2005 $120 (Barossa Valley)

Tempranillo
Bodegas San Alejandro "Baltasar Vinas Viejas" Tempranillo 2004 $28 (Spain)
Ross Estate 2007 $16 (Barossa Valley)

Tasting Notes - Grosset "Watervale" Riesling 2007 (Recommended)

Not bad for a domestic business class pour. Looks just a fraction developed with a very faint lime green tinge. Aromas don't really scream riesling, rather a ripe dry white (ie more generic). Quite full bodied with a 'thick' fruit weight right through the palate; very appealing. Powerful lemon and citrus drives the palate; quite up front and forceful. Certainly ripe and this drives an ever-so-slightly abrasive finish with a little heat and prickly acid. Hard to get a read on longevity but should be good as a 4yr - 6yr.

New Releases - September

Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends
Edwards Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $25 (Margarey River)
Majella "The Musician" Cabernet Shiraz 2007 $21 (Coonawarra)

Champagne
Egly Ouriet Grand Cru Brut Rose NV $151 (Champagne)
Egly Ouriet Grand Cru Extra Brut VP $151 (Champagne)
Egly Ouriet Grand Cru Millesime 2000 $190 (Champagne)

Chardonnay
Domaine Bernard Defaix "Cote de Lechet" Premier Cru 2005 $48 (France)
Edwards Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 $25 (Margaret River)

Durif
Bullers "Calliope" 2004 $37 (Rutherglen)

Gewurztraminer
Vinoptima "Ormond" 2004 $48 (Gisborne, NZ)

Grenache
Teusner "Moppa" 2006 $93 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Noir
Dry River 2006 $148 (Martinborough)

Riesling
Frank Kunstler "Dry" 2006 $30 (Germany)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Edwards Vineyard SSB 2007 $20 (Margaret River)
Mansion House Bay 2008 $17 (Marlborough)
Seresin 2007 $26 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Edwards Vineyard 2006 $24 (Margaret River)
Laughing Jack 2005 $34 (Barossa Valley)

Stickies
Lustau Pedro Ximenez "San Emilio" NV $27

New Releases - August Pt.5

Cabernet & Blends
Blackjack Cabernet Merlot 2006 $27 (Bendigo)
Serafino "Goose Island" Cabernet Merlot 2005 $14 (McLaren Vale)
Wild Duck Creek "Alan's" Cabernet 1999 $60 (Heathcote)
Wild Duck Creek "The Blend" 2005 $30 (Yarra Valley / Heathcote)

Chardonnay
Nicholson River "Montview" 2003 $21 (Gippsland)
Nicholson River 2006 $38 (Gippsland)

Grenache & Blends
Eperosa "Synthesis" GSM 2005 $28 (Barossa Valley)

Semillon
Meerea Park "Hell Hole" 2008 $25 (Hunter Valley)

Shiraz
Blackjack "Block 6" 2006 $37 (Bendigo)
Eperosa "Elevation" 2005 $28 (Eden Valley)
Wild Duck Creek "Springflat" Shiraz 2005 $48 (Heathcote)

Sparkling Red
Pondalowie Sparkling Shiraz 2002 $39 (Bendigo)

Tasting Notes - Guy Bossard (Loire)

On the whole these were very impressive and a number of the current vintage can be picked up for under $30!!

Guy Bossard Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Expression de Granite Domaine De L'ECU 2005 (Recommended)
Striking. Sweet mineral and talcum powder on the nose and palate. Really quite excellent. Fruit profile has a dirty hint but certainly adds to the wine. Firmer stonefruit-like characters are awesome. Good presence and length.

Guy Bossard Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Cuvée Classique Domaine De L'Ecu 2005
Subtle dry white with musky overlay. A touch thick but works well, but essentially plain. Well made.

Guy Bossard Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Expression de Gneiss 2005
Musty nose, almost corked? Some lemon and citrus as well. Drives a good length. Spice to finish. Has character.

Guy Bossard Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Expression d'Orthogneiss 2005
Musk, some musty daggy characters. Dry and mostly clean with faint minerals and spice. Good balance but lacks a memorable character.

Guy Bossard Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie Domaine De L'Ecu 1997 (Recommended)
Aging very very gracefullt. Honey and funk, good weight, some musk. Travelling very well.

Tasting Notes - Voice of the Vine Pinot Noir 2005 (Recommended)

Funked up style that is not miles away from the left-of-centre Bass Phillip mould. Sour percing fruits across the nose palate. Never heavy and does lighten somewhat in the back palate. Drink now given the light palate structure.

New Releases - August Pt.4

Cabernet & Blends
Balnaves Cabernet Merlot 2006 $26 (Coonawarra)
Pierro "Reserve" Cabernet Merlot 2004 $48 (Margaret River)
Yalland & Papps Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $30 (Barossa Valley)

Champagne
Gremillet "Brut Selection" $53 (Champagne)
Gremillet "Grand Reserve" $57 (Champagne)

Chardonnay
Darling Park "Reserve" Chardonnay 2005 $26 (Mornington Peninsula)
Heartland "Stickleback" Chardonnay Blend 2007 $13 (Langhorne Creek)
Scorpo 2006 $36 (Mornington Peninsula)

Gamay
Bass Phillip 2006 $28 (Gippsland)

Grenache
Yelland & Papps 2006 $30 (Barossa Valley)

Italian Varietals
Heartland Dolcetto Langrein 2007 $21 (Langhorne Creek)
Vinea Marson Nebbiolo 2006 $42 (Heathcote)

Pinot Gris
Darling Park 2007 $23 (Mornington Peninsula)

Pinot Noir
Gravitas 2006 $35 (Marlborough)
Muddy Water $40 (Waipara)

Riesling
Dal Zotto 2006 $16 (King Valley)

Semillon
Kalleske "Clarry's" Semillon Chenin Blanc 2006 $16 (Barossa Valley)
Kalleske "Lorraine" Late Harvest Semillon 2006 $21 (Barossa Valley)

Shiraz
Blanche Barkly "Mary Eileen" 2004 $25 (Bendigo)
Charles Sturt 2006 $13 (Central Ranges)
Paradise IV "Dardel" 2006 $35 (Geelong)
Paramoor "The Fraser" Shiraz Cabernet Merlot 2006 $23 (Macedon Ranges)
Teusner "Albert" 2006 $43 (Barossa Valley)
Yelland & Papps 2006 $30 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling Wines
Darling Park Rose 2007 $25 (Mornington Peninsula)

Viognier
Elgee Park "Reserve" 2005 $36 (Mornington Peninsula)

Vintage Port
Kalleske "JMK" Shiraz 2006 $24 (Barossa Valley)

Tasting Notes - Tomboy Hill "Nittingbool" Pinot Noir 2003 (Recommended)

Sappy fruits on the nose. Some sour and stewed fruits as well but in the elegant mould. Tastes are similar and the structure is really quite impressive; fruits dances across the tongue with a dose of acid - works well. Spice and faint minerals to finish. Tails off a fraction so perhaps best drunk as a 5 - 6 year old.

New Releases - August Pt.3

Chardonnay
Herve Azo "Petit Chablis" 2006 $32 (France)
Picardy 2007 $38 (Pemberton)

Grenache & Blends
Domaine de Villeneuve "Chateauneuf du Pape" 2005 $81 (Rhone Valley, France)
Koltz "MSG" 2005 $28 (McLaren Vale)
Torbreck "Steading" 2006 $38 (Barossa Valley)

Merlot
Stefano Lubiana 2005 $30 (Tasmania)

Pinot Noir
Bass Phillip "Premium" 2005 $116 (Gippsland)
Bress "Yarra Valley" 2007 $20 (Yarra Valley)
Clos Henri 2006 $53 (Marlborough)
Mandala 2006 $21 (Yarra Valley)
Red Claw 2006 $29 (Mornington Peninsula)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Geoff Weaver "Ferus" 2005 $39 (Adelaide Hills)

Shiraz & Blends
Bress "Heathcote / Bendigo" Shiraz 2007 $20 (Bendigo)
Dalfarras Shiraz Viognier 2005 $15 (Nagambie Lakes)
Izway Wines "Contra" 2006 $23 (Barossa Valley)
Koltz "Dog Day" Shiraz 2007 $17 (McLaren Vale)
Taminick Cellars "Premium" Shiraz 2005 $19 (Glenrowan)
Torbreck "Struie" 2006 $46 (Barossa Valley)

Tempranillo
Pondalowie "Heathcote" 2007 $24 (Heathcote)

Zinfandel
Smidge "Tardy" 2005 $34 (Langhorne Creek)

Tasting Notes - Woodlands Cabernet Merlot 2006

Brief notes from dinner. Relatively simple style with fresh and straightforward berry fruits. A bit too straightforward for my tastes perhaps but works for the style and pricepoint. Back palate shows class with mild supportive tannins and herbal casis fruits. Certainly not as good as the 2004.

Tasting Notes - McHenry Hohen 3 Amigos Chardonnay Viognier 2005

I reckon this was quite good albeit in an old-fashioned ripe dry white style. Texture from the marsanne is very evident, driving a nice lick of thick dry tropical fruit. Good length and consistent, suggesting this wine will look quite ok as a 5yr old.

New Releases - August Pt.2

Chardonnay
Dawson's Patch 2005 $25 (Yarra Valley)

Dessert & Fortifieds
Pirramimma "Digby" Port $36 (McLaren Vale)

Grenache & Blends
Kalleske "Old Vine" Grenache 2006 $48 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Paracombe Pinot Gris 2008 $19 (Adelaide Hills)

Pinot Noir
Gembrook 2006 $44 (Yarra Valley)
Mount Difficulty "Roaring Meg' $38 (Central Otago)
Prince Albert 2006 $38 (Geelong)
Principia 2006 $33 (Mornington Peninsula)

Sauvignon Blanc
Martinborough Vineyard 2007 $25 (Martinborough)
Mike Press 2008 $13 (Adelaide Hills)

Shiraz
Glenwillow Vineyard "Reserve" 2006 $30 (Bendigo)
Henty Estate Shiraz 2006 $22 (Henty)
Jamsheed "Great Western" 2006 $35 (Great Western)
Kalleske "Pirathon" Shiraz 2006 $24 (Barossa Valley)
Maverick "Trial Hill" Shiraz 2005 $53 (Eden Valley)
Pindarie Shiraz 2006 $21 (Barossa Valley)
Poverty Hill 2005 $25 (Eden Valley)

New Releases - August

Cabernet & Blends
Wine by Brad Cabernet Merlot 2005 $17 (Margaret River)

Chardonnay
Even Keel 2006 $27 (Tumbarumba)
Woodlands "Estate" Chardonnay 2007 $20 (Margaret River)
Woodlands "Choloe" Chardonnay 2007 $55 (Margaret River)

Merlot
Bird in Hand "2 in the Bush" 2007 $19

Pinot Noir
Caledonia Australis "Mount Macleod" 2006 $17
Caledonia Australis "Estate" 2006 $25
Dalla Mei Finestra 2003 $25 (Yarra Valley)
Herzog 2006 $63 (Marlborough)

Riesling
Hutton Vale Riesling 2007 $26 (Eden Valley)
Torzi Matthews "Schist" Riesling $15 (Eden Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Bird in Hand "2 in the Bush" 2007 $19 (Adelaide Hills)
Herzog 2007 $48 (Marlborough)
Mantra 2007 $19 (Margaret River)

Shiraz
Bellbrae "Longboard" 2006 $22 (Geelong)
Bird in Hand "2 in the Bush" 2006 $19 (Adelaide Hills)
Even Keel Shiraz Viognier 2006 $28 (Canberra)
Farmer's Daughter 2006 $19 (Mudgee)
Fireblock 2005 $19 (Clare Valley)
Hutton Vale Shiraz 2002 $56 (Eden Valley)
Torzi Matthews "Frost Dodger" 2006 $30 (Eden Valley)

Viognier
Herzog 2007 $57 (Marlborough)

Other Reds
Pindarie Tempranillo Sangiovese Shiraz 2007 $21 (Barossa Valley)
Santa Ines "Reserve" Carmenere 2004 (Chile)

Tasting Notes - Pierre Sparr "Reserve" Riesling 2003 (Recommended)

Not sure what makes this wine a 'reserve' but it's pretty decent. Medium gold hue, perhaps a touch lighter that the 5 years of age would suggest. Nose is soft but shows some class with elegant lemon with an underlay of a harder, almost bitter stonefruit edge. Light touch again in the mouth; not much in the way of obvious citrus, rather the darker, concentrated bitter fruits lurk, a nice character as it keeps the wine firm. Not hints of kero whatsoever.

New Releases - July

Albarino
Sam Miranda 2008 $22 (King Valley)

Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends
Pizzini Il Barone Cabernet Blend 2003 $40 (King Valley)
Roy Kidman 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon $18 (Coonawarra)

Champagne
Henri Goutorbe 2001 Brut $80
Joseph Loriot Pagel 2002 $80

Chardonnay
Dawson's Patch Unwooded Chardonnay 2005 $17 (Yarra Valley)
Olivier Leflaive "Puligny Montrachet" 2005 $92 (France / Burgundy)

Dessert & Fortifieds
Liebich Frontignac NV $24 (Barossa Valley)

Merlot
Chateau Fonroque 2001 $66 (France, Bordeaux, St Emilion)

Nebbiolo
Pizzini 2003 $58 (King Valley)

Pinot Noir
Dog Point 2006 $39 (Marlborough)

Sauvignon Blanc
Deviation Road 2008 $20 (Adelaide Hills)
Limbic Wines 2007 $25 (Gippsland)

Shiraz & Blends
Coliban Valley 2006 $24 (Heathcote)
Pyren "Broken Quartz" 2005 $18 (Pyrenees)
Tom's Drop Shiraz Mourvedre 2005 $24 (Riverlands)

Port
Pfeiffer Wines "Christopher's" Vintage Port 2004 $27 (Rutherglen)

Tasting Notes - BlueStone Lane Pinot Noir 2006

I have a soft spot for these guys as they really do strive to make decent highly drinkable Peninsula wine for under $20. The 2006 started out in shaky fashion: hard edged with a cut of astringency and some ripe simple fruits. Did open up though, revealing softer sweet cherry fruits matched to some tart acid. Needs time perhaps, given the lick of acid doesn't make for the most pleasant of drinking right now. I'll keep the faith however.

Tasting Notes - Wilson Vineyard Riesling 2006 (Recommended)

Pretty good given the Clare was less than stella for the variety in 2006 (but then again Clare riesling is very consistent). Showing perhaps a touch more development than expected, with well defined citrus and lemon and some emerging honey. The latter is faint at this stage but will no doubt grow in prominence. Tart fruits and acid on the finish keeps things in shape for medium term cellaring.

Tasting Notes - Tardieu Laurent "Les Becs Fins" Cotes du Rhone Villages 2005

I've seen this wine show better 6 months ago but regardless at the price (A$25) it will throw a cat among the pidgeons in the Australian GSM market. Big fruited and ripe style although I think the fruit is starting to fade a touch. Darker grenache fruits, a slight pongy character, gravel-like (but soft) tannin and some obvious fruit cake flavours. The latter reminds me very much of zinfandel. Worth hanging onto for 2 - 3 years to let the secondary characters come through.

Tasting Notes - 2000 Di Giorgio Cabernet Sauvignon Francesco Reserve (Recommended)

Real surprise packet. Well fruited and quite aromatic. Lots of blackberry on the nose early. Palate shows a surprisingly amount of sweet fruit but it's done very smartly. Tangy and tingly with plenty of acid running through the palate. Herbal blackberry fruits to finish. Low oak. Really good wine.

Tasting Notes - Weingut Robert Weil Riesling Spatlese Trocken 2005 (Recommended)

Another very good base level German riesling from the 2005 vintage. Started out relatively simple with rich floral fruits but certainly transformed into a complex wine full of spicy minerals, river stones and smoke / flint. Good length and power throughout. You could drink this all day every day. I can still get my hands on this wine thus a couple of bottles will be going into the cellar. (132 views)

New Releases - June Pt.4

Albarino
Condes De Albarei 2006 $29 (Spain)

Chardonnay
Fermoy Estate "John Anderson" 2007 $14 (Margaret River)

Gewurztraminer
Magpie Estate "The Salvation" 2007 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Noir
Ashton Hills Vineyard "Piccadilly" 2007 $32 (Adelaide Hills)
Cobaw Ridge 2004 $35 (Macedon Ranges)
Stefano Lubiano "Sasso" 2005 $81 (Tasmania)
Ten Minutes by Tractor "10X" 2007 $33 (Mornington Peninsula)

Riesling
Muller Catoir Eiswein 2004 $170 (Germany)
Muller Catoir Rieslaner Auslese 2004 $69 (Germany)
Muller Catoir Spatlese 2006 $69 (Germany)
Muller Catoir Spatlese Trocken 2006 $79 (Germany)

Saperavi
Symphonia 2006 $23 (King Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Pierro Semillon Sauvignon "LTC" 2007 $29 (Margaret River)

Shiraz
Koltz "Wizard" Shiraz 2006 $38 (McLaren Vale)
Stefani Estate 2004 $33 (Heathcote)
Stefani Estate "Vino Rosso" Shiraz Pinot Noir 2006 $18 (Yarra Valley)
The Hedonist 2005 $30 (McLaren Vale)
The Story "Westgate" Shiraz 2006 $40 (Grampians)

Tempranillo
Sam Miranda "Symphonia Las Triadas" 2006 $21 (King Valley)
Sierra Cantabria "Condice" 2004 $20 (Spain)

Other Reds
Freemans Rondinella Corvina 2003 $34 (Hilltops)

Other Whites
Murray Darling Collection Fiano 2007 $19 (Murray River)

Tasting Notes - Jean-Marc Brocard Petit Chablis 2006 (Recommended)

Pretty good but not quite what I expected. Looks a little more developed than I'd expect of a 2006 with a medium gold hue. Richly fruited aromas; soft and broad. Palate shows plenty of ripe fruits, and very slightly pongy undertone. Fruits are again soft and broad, but not dumb. A slight kick of acid in the back palate. Another good example of forcing the question; just how good are the 1er and Grand Cru versions? Because this is no slouch.

Tasting Notes - Dawson's Patch Chardonnay 2004 (Recommended)

Old fashioned style but good fun and provides very good drinking as a 4yr old. Quite youthful in appearance with a pale gold hue. Nose and a palate is all about rich chardonnay fruits, ripe peachy character etc etc. Definately a hint of brett here, or at least some funk, probably wine-maker induced. And perhaps just a touch of oxidisation as well. But all in good measure.

New Releases - June Pt.3

Cabernet & Blends
Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $36 (Coonawarra)
Glaymond "asif" 2005 $33 (Barossa Valley)

Chardonnay
Mahi "Twin Valley" 2007 $28 (Marlborough)

Chenin Blanc
Huet "Moelleux Le Haut Lieu" 2005 $60 (France)
Huet "Sec Le Mont" 2006 $55 (France)

Durif
Taminick Cellars 2006 $19 (Glenrowan)

Merlot
Poverty Hill 2005 $25 (Eden Valley)

Pinot Grigio
Tanjil 2008 $17 (Gippsland)
Tontino Estate 2007 $16 (Adelaide Hills)

Pinot Gris
Herzog 2007 $48 (Marlborough)

Pinot Noir
Ashton Hills "Reserve" 2006 $62 (Adelaide Hills)
Rippon 2006 $65 (Central Otago)
Silverwood "Estate" 2006 $29 (Mornington Peninsula)
Tapanappa "Foggy" Pinot Noir 2007 $47 (Fleurieu Peninsula)

Riesling
Radford Dale 2007 $21 (Eden Valley)

Red Blends
Cullen "Mangan" Malbec Petit Verdot Merlot 2006 $42 (Margaret River)

Sauvignon Blanc
Brindabella Hills 2007 $16 (Canberra)

Shiraz
Archer 2006 $24 (Heathcote)
Colonial Estate "Richard Lander" 2006 $76 (Barossa Valley)
Glaymond "Distinction" 2004 $82 (Barossa Valley)
Radford Dale 2005 $30 (Eden Valley)
Thomas Wines "Kiss" 2006 $47 (Hunter Valley)

Verdejo
Angel Rodriguez "Martinsancho" 2007 $28 (Spain)

New Releases - June

Cabernet & Blends

Ridgeline 2005 $32 (Yarra Valley)

Chardonnay

Maven 2006 $21 (Marlborough)

Schild Estate "Alma Reserve" 2006 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Wedgetail Estate "Par 3" 2005 $14 (Yarra Valley)

Mourvedre

Tosca 2005 $13 (Spain)

Pinot Noir

Barringwood Park "Forest Raven" 2007 $31 (Tasmania)

Manna Gum 2005 $16 (Mornington Peninsula)

Nicholson River "Gippsland" 2005 $16 (Gippsland)

Ridgeline 2005 $32 (Yarra Valley)

Sarsfield Estate 2005 $24 (Gippsland)

Willow Creek "Tulum" 2006 $35 (Mornington Peninsula)

Rose

Charles Melton 2008 $22 (Barossa Valley)

Sangiovese

Domaine Day 2004 $25 (Eden Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc

Gravitas 2007 $27 (Marlborough)

Shiraz

Eastern Peake 2005 $45 (Ballarat)

Hastwell & Lightfoot 2006 $20 (McLaren Vale)

Reilly's Wines "Barking Mad" Shiraz $15 (Clare Valley)

Reilly's Wines "Ryder" Shiraz Cabernet $13 (Clare Valley)

Ridgeline 2004 $32 (Yarra Valley)

Schwarz "Nitschke Block" 2006 $33 (Barossa Valley)

The Story "Grampians" 2006 $21 (Grampians)

Sparkling White

Di Giorgio "Traditional" Pinot Noir 2007 $22 (Coonawarra)

Tempranillo

Cascabel 2007 $21 (Langhorne Creek)

Cloudwine / Slowbeer On-line Beer Store

Alrighty,

I've been mucking around with a properly functioning on-line beer style for a few weeks. The first 'draft' can be found at http://www.slowbeer.com.au/.

I still have to fill out the content (ie pics, tasting notes etc) but the site does function from a transaction point of view. Regular visitors to the store will note that I haven't loaded all the beers onto the site, rather I'm sticking to the gear I know we'll have in-stock pretty much all the time.

Pricing will continue to be amongst the best in the nation and I reckon it's pretty clear we blow the doors off our key competitors in Melbourne and Perth with respect to competitiveness. But, of course, the consumer will ultimately be the judge.

Offerings are either singles or 6 packs but always happy to provide case prices etc. Just shoot me a note in need.

cheers

New Releases - June Pt.2

Cabernet & Blends
Arlewood Cabernet Merlot 2004 $22 (Margaret River)
Munari Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $35 (Heathcote)

Chardonnay
Hoddles Creek 2007 $19 (Yarra Valley)
Staete Landt 2005 $32 (Marlborough)
Yeringberg 2005 $49 (Yarra Valley)

Durif
Massena "Howling Dog" 2006 $38 (Barossa Valley)

Grenache & Blends
Massena "Moonlight Run" GSM 2006 $25 (Barossa Valley)
SC Pannell "Pronto" 2006 $26 (McLaren Vale)
Spinifex "Cigale" GSM 2006 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Noir
Hoddles Creek 2007 $19 (Yarra Valley)
Home Hill "Kelley's Reserve" 2004 $35 (Tasmania)

Riesling
Muller Catoir "Trocken" 2006 $38 (Germany)
Wilson Vineyard "Polish Hill" 2007 $23 (Clare Valley)

Rose
Crittenden "Pinocchio" 2007 $15 (King Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Staete Landt 2007 $25 (Marlborough)

Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Gapsted 'Victoria' Selection 2207 $16 (King Valley)

Shiraz
Black Jack 2006 $37 (Bendigo)
Connor Park 2004 $22 (Bendigo)
Deviation Road 2004 $20 (Adelaide Hills)
Marius "Symposium" Shiraz Mourvedre 2006 $29 (McLaren Vale)
Massena "11th Hour" 2006 $35 (Barossa Valley)
Munari "Lady's Pass" 2005 $45 (Heathcote)
Torbreck "Woodcutters" Shiraz 2007 $21 (Barossa Valley)

Tempranillo
Hastwell & Lightfoot 2005 $20 (McLaren Vale)

New Releases - May

Amarone
Tedeschi "Classico" 2000 $79 (Italy)

Arneis
Ceretto 2005 $40 (Piedmonte, Italy)

Cabernet & Blends
Le Poidevin Cabernet Merlot Shiraz 2006 $16 (Adelaide Hills)

Chardonnay
Charles Sturt "Limited Release" Chardonnay 2007 $20 (Central NSW)
Oakridge "Over The Shoulder" 2007 $20 (Yarra Valley)

Dessert Wines
Alois Kracher "TBA" Traminer 2000 $77 (Austria)

Gewurztraminer
Mystery Creek 2007 $22 (New Zealand)

Langrein
Hofstatter 2005 $35 (Italy)

Montepulciano
Zaccagnin Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC 2005 $26 (Italy)

Pinot Gris
Mystery Creek 2007 $22 (New Zealand)

Port
Tallis "Max's Selection" Fortified Shiraz NV $17 (Central Victoria)

Riesling
Mystery Creek 2007 $16 (New Zealand)

Sangiovese
Galli Estate Sangiovese Shiraz 2006 $18 (Sunbury)

Sauvignon Blanc
Bit 'O Heaven Wines Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $15 (Central NSW)
Steely Dan 2007 $23 (Marlborough)
Le Poidevin 2007 $15 (Adelaide Hills)

Shiraz
Black Estate 2004 $16 (Bendigo)
Buckshot 2006 $28 (Heathcote)
Galli Estate "Block 2" Shiraz 2005 $20 (Heathcote)
Le Poidevin 2004 $16 (Adelaide Hills)
Veronique "Regions" 2006 $21 (Barossa Valley)

Tempranillo
Tosca 2003 $13 (Spain)

Vintage Port
Black Estate "Seven Rows" 375ml 2005 $12 (Bendigo)
Black Estate "Seven Rows" 750ml 2005 $21 (Bendigo)

Tasting Notes - Domaine Epis Cabernet Vertical

1999
I really wanted to like this mature Epis but unfortunately, as recent tastings would indicate, this wine does look its best within 3-4yrs of vintage. Structurally quite ok; soft tannins and fading acid, but the elegant fruits have really run their race. Starting to thin out and lose any primary notes, although lovers of older cabernet might like the fading herbal fruits. Not compelling.


2000 (Recommended)
Getting tired but still a very nice drop. Silky mouthfeel, fading fruits and a softening tannin structure. Much better than the 2001. (65 views)


2001
Tough to read this one. 2001 was supposed to be good for the winery but it doesn't show here. Fruit has largely dropped out although structure is still very classical in anyone's language. There are better options in other vintages.


2004
Nose steps up a gear on the 2005 but ultimately very similar. Soft and delicate cabernet fruits. Not as good as a very good showing in late 2005.


2005
Massively perfumed nose of pretty blueberry and cassis. Leaner palate, softly fruited but clearly the structure to age is apparent.


2006 (Recommended)
Tight but not hard or unyielding (if that makes any sense). Mineral and iron notes speak more of Burgundy than Macedon. Nose shows nice 'milky' cabernet fruits - a nice house character. Will be good in time.

Tasting Notes - N.V. Seppelt Palomino Fino DP116 Amontillado

Although this wine is a non-vintage blend it is fact labelled as a 1998 bottling, thus fair to assume the real age of this wine is somewhat older than 10 years. Colour depicts some age with a darkening gold. Nose is very varietal with a dry piecing tang. Palate not quite as hard as expected although still the drying acid still has plenty of burn to, well, 'burn'. A lick of sweetness comes through as well, perhaps as result of the softening impact from the aging. No rush to drink.

Tasting Notes - Reichsrat Von Buhl Riesling 'Dry' 2005 (Recommended)

Country: Germany
Region: Pfalz

Very well placed in the Australian market at $20. Modest claims as a wine but the price fairly reflects this. Just starting to settle down but probably won't be super long-lived; rather would be a good 5 - 6 year option. Soft and faint lemon fruits on the nose and a touch tangy. Similar flavours but the talcum powder and buzz fom the acid is more pronounced (although hardly intrusive). Finishes quite dry and chalky. As good a entry point to German riesling as you are ever likely to see but it doesn't really deviate from an Australian style in a similar price bracket. (104 views)

New Releases - April Pt.4

Cabernet & Blends
Rusden "Ripper Creek" Cabernet Shiraz 2006 $33 (Barossa Valley)

Dessert Wines
Wilson Vineyard "Leucothea" NV $25 (Clare Valley)

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Pizzini Pinot Grigio 2007 $20 (King Valley)
Winbirra Pinot Gris 2007 $25 (Mornington Peninsula)

Riesling
Te Mania Riesling 2005 $20 (Nelson)

Rhone Red Blends
John Duval "Plexus" GSM 2006 $36 (Barossa Valley)
Spinifex Shiraz Viognier 2006 $52 (Eden Valley)
Spinifex "Indigene" Shiraz Mourvedre 2006 $48 (Barossa Valley)
Spinifex "Esprit" Shiraz Mourvedre Grenach Cinsault 2006 $28 (Barossa Valley)
Spinifex "Taureau" Carigan Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $27 (Barossa Valley)
Spinifex "Papillon" Grenache Cinsault Mourvedre 2007 $23 (Barossa Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Eradus 2007 $23 (Marlborough)
Sabotage 2007 $20 (Mornington Peninsula)

Shiraz
Jamsheed Yarra Valley 2006 $33 (Yarra Valley)
Jamsheed Heathcote 2006 $33 (Yarra Valley)
John Duval "Entity" 2006 $44 (Barossa Valley)
Tim Smith "Reserve" 2005 $59 (Barossa Valley & McLaren Vale)

White Blends
Sabotage "Metis" Dry White 2007 $15 (Mornington Peninsula)

Zinfandel
Wilson Vineyard "Late Picked" NV $28 (Clare Valley)

New Releases - April

Cabernet & Blends
Charles Sturt Cabernet Merlot 2004 $13 (Central NSW)
Glaymond "As if" Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $33

Chardonnay
Charles Sturt 2007 $13 (Central NSW)
Dog Point 2006 $32 (Marlborough)
Tomboy Hill "Rebellion" 2005 $29 (Ballarat)

Grenache & Blends
Maverick Twins GSM 2006 $25 (Barossa Valley)

Gruner Veltliner
Emmerich Knoll "Loibner Federspiel" 2006 $35 (Austria)

Merlot
Printhie 2006 $16 (Orange)

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Carrick Pinot Gris 2007 $30 (Central Otago)

Pinot Noir
Bream Creek 2006 $27 (Tasmania)
Finn 2005 $16 (King Valley & Gippsland)
Tomboy Hill "Smythes Creek" 2006 $46 (Ballarat)

Red Blends
Muddy Water Pinotage 2006 $35 (Waipara)
Schwarz Wine Company "The Dust Kicker" 2006 $21 (Barossa Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Clos Henri 2007 $36 (Marlborough)
Torrent Bay 2007 $20 (Nelson)
Virgin Block 2007 $22 (Margaret River)
Woollaston "Nelson" 2007 $20 (Nelson, NZ)
Woollaston "Tussock" 2007 $19 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Charles Sturt 2005 $13 (Central NSW)
Domain Barossa "Black Tongue" 2005 $19 (Barossa Valley)
Maverick Twins 2006 $25 (Barossa Valley)
Mount Langi Ghiran 2005 $64 (Grampians)
Oliverhill "Jimmy Section" 2006 $27 (McLaren Vale)
Poonawatta 'Monties Block' 2006 $27 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling White
Knight Granite Hills 1999 $38 (Macedon)
Mantons Creek Sparkling Pinots 2001 $25 (Mornington Peninsula)

New Releases - April Pt.3

Cabernet & Blends
Peppermint Grove Cabernet Merlot 2004 $14 (Western Australia)

Chardonnay
Bress Harcourt Valley 2006 $29 (Bendigo)
Craggy Range 'Kidnappers' 2007 $30 (Hawkes Bay)
Mount Horrocks 2006 $24 (Clare Valley)
Wild Dog Winery "Parnassus" 2005 $22 (Gippsland)

Merlot
Leabrook Estate 2005 $29 (Adelaide Hills)

Pinot Noir
Cannibal Creek "Hardiker" 2006 $17 (Gippsland)

Riesling
Dr Loosen "Dr L Dry" $22 (Germany)

Rose
Outlook Hill 2006 $17 (Yarra Valley)

Semillon
Mount Horrocks 2006 $27 (Clare Valley)

Shiraz
Amherst "Daisy Creek" Shiraz Cabernet 2006 $15 (Pyrenees)
Koltz "Pagan" 2006 $49 (McLaren Vale)
Schulz "Marcus Old Vine" 2004 $67 (Barossa Valley)
Syrahmi "Petit Priere" 2006 $38 (Heathcote)
Teusner "Albert" 2005 $43 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling White
Wild Dog Winery Pinot Noir Chardonnay 1999 $23 (Gippsland)

Tempranillo
Hewitson 'Private Cellar' 2006 $65 (McLaren Vale)

Viognier
Peerick 2006 $24 (Pyrenees)

New Releases - April Pt.2

Cabernet & Blends
Grosset "Gaia" 2005 $55 (Clare Valley)
Mills Reef Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $43 (Hawkes Bay)

Chardonnay
Deviation Road 2006 $19 (Adelaide Hills)
Grosset 2006 $50 (Adelaide Hills)
Saint Claire "Premium" 2006 $21 (Marlborough)
Te Whare Ra 2006 $30 (Marlborough)
Woodlands Estate 2007 $20 (Margaret River)

Grenache & Blends
Brini Grenache Shiraz 2004 $14 (McLaren Vale)
Rolf Binder "Christa Rolf" Shiraz Grenache 2005 $20 (Barossa Valley)
Rolf Binder "Heinrich" GSM 2005 $26 (Barossa Valley)

Merlot
Bird in Hand 2006 $25 (Adelaide Hills)

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Deviation Road Pinot Gris 2007 $20 (Adelaide Hills)

Pinot Noir
Domaine A 2005 $67 (Tasmania)
Moranghurk 2004 $16 (Geelong)
Prince Albert 2005 $33 (Geelong)
Stefano Lubiana "Primevera" 2007 $27 (Tasmania)

Riesling
Austins 2006 $19 (Geelong)

Shiraz
Pondalowie Shiraz Viognier 2005 $29 (Bendigo)
Tardieu Laurent "Cornas Coteaux" 2005 $68 (Northern Rhone, France)

Sparkling White
Guerrieri Rizzardi Prosecco NV $28 (Veneto, Italy)

Other Reds
Mac Forbes Blaufrankish 2006 $25 (Austria)

Other Whites
Mac Forbes Gruner Veltliner 2006 $25 (Austria)

Tasting Notes - Castle Rock Riesling 2003 (Recommended)

Good kit this. I haven't had a Castle Rock riesling in years but this 5yr old proves (again) a couple of well known truths - Great Southern is perhaps Australia's most consistent region for premium wine in the $20 to $30 market, and Castle Rock remains in a leadership position for riesling in this region. Showing very well in middle age; quite juicy and fresh early but soon mellows with mild honey and just the faintest hint of kero coming through. Great balance, relatively soft structure for the varity, although a lick of acid persists on the finish. Should go another 3yrs without any problem.

Tasting Notes - Yarra Valley Showcase - Shiraz

Overall
Interestingly I thought there was more emphasis placed on shiraz / syrah than cabernet at this tasting. In my opinion the focus needs to be on both, and maybe less on pinot. Shiraz could be a real growth story here as the Valley strikes a very good middle ground b/w the oft-one dimensional SA hot climate style and the marginal cool climate styles from Macedon / Sunbury. The winemakers present were (are) very bullish on this medium climate style and the opportunities it represents.

Seville Estate 'Old Vine Reserve' 2005
35yr old vines, 19 months oak.
Dark blood red / blackberry in colour. Dancing, energetic nose loaded with mild pepper and spice, very identifiable as a cool climate style. Not unlike pinot noir. Great mouthful; quite simple and sweet early, but then builds with acid, mild funk and spice.

Yering Station 'Reserve' 2005
Mild berries, nervy acid, talcum powder (riesling-like). Not your typical shiraz aromas but works ok. Berry weight seems light, plenty of acid and supporting tannin; good presence but not moorish.

Punt Road 2005 (Recommended)
Coldstream fruit, 22yr old vines, 2tns / acre.
Just a fraction darker that the Seville. Pepper and mild oak toast, some sweetness; a friendly nose. Dirty fruits, a faint lick of brett; long finish driven by spice. Young and lively.

Giant Steps 'Millers Vineyard' 2005
12yr old fruit with 5% viognier.
Very dark red, tending to black. Fruit is a touch dull (over-ripe and dead?), maybe the oak handling is a touch heavy. Palate structure is tight with a fair bit of spicy oak. Clearly will live a while but I question whether the fruit can live through the oak.

DeBortolio 2005 (Recommended)
3% viognier, 100% French oak, 35% new oak.
Aromatic red berries early; simple but it works well. Straightforward palate; red fruits and zingy acid. Kinda simple but very effective.

Delas Cote Rotie 'La Landonne' 2004 (Recommended)
The Rhone ring-in. Lifted perfumed nose; very lively, violets, fluffy, very attractive and probably the best aromas of the 2 days. All this character flows through quite well to the palate although the fruit weight is greater than expected. Pepper kicks in mid-palate with a big funky tang. Some pinot-like character as well.

Yarra Yering 'Underhill' 2005 (Recommended)
Small % of marsanne.
Dark red centre and a fraction lighter at the rim. Dirty, old-fashioned nose; meaty, peppery, euro-like. Shows good complexity. Touches of old wood; really quite good. Front palate is loaded with sweet fruit; quite powerful, soft tannins and acid drives a long finish. Mild brett note. Despite the overt ripeness this is good fun.

Coldstream Hills 2005 (Recommended)
Tiny portion of viognier, 40% new oak.
Low key fruit nose; spice, settled. Has good presence. Big fruit flavours on palate, very bright; simple, very ripe yet not heavy; needs time. I expect this will settle nicely.

Oakridge 2005 (Recommended)
Young vines, 1% viognier, dry grown.
Hard to pick any defining character off the nose; red berries perhaps? Very clean and straightforward. Very well balanced and settled palate with medium strength red fruits. Awesome balance right through the palate. A simple wine that is exceptionally well made.

Greenpoint 2005 (Recommended)
100% de-stemmed, 1.5% viognier
Again a mild nose; plums lurk, subtle yet very good. Sweet early in the palate but quickly builds with funky bretty notes (mild) and a firming structure as tannins kick in.

Tasting Notes - Goose Island Shiraz 2005 (Recommended)

This wine is exceptional value at only $14 it delivers a a dark black red colour, a heady mix of pencil shavings and ripe berry fruit on the nose, great mouth feel with ripe fruit flavour countered by an earthiness, some bitter chocolate and coffee. It travels well across the palate and has a vanilla and cherry finish. It is very McLaren Vale and very delicious!

Tasting Notes - John Gehrig Gamay 2006

There isn't a lot of Gamay grown in Australia. There is some up at Beechworth made by Sorrenberg and Mt Burrumboot make one in Heathcote and I believe Eldridge Estate have one but I haven't tasted it. However it is hardly a mainstream grape variety in this country. John Gehrig wines are made by son Ross Gehrig these days. He has spent time in Beaujolais perfecting his expertise with this grape and it shows in the resultant wine. A bit heavier than your average Pinot Noir but I think Pinot fans would like this. It is more reminiscent of Beaujolais Village than nouveau with a cherry and spice nose and a creamy palate of dark cherry fruit with some prune and apple in the background. Interesting.

Tasting Notes - Fighting Gully Road Cab Merlot 2002

From a wine retailer's point of view you'd go nowhere near this wine at face value. $37 cabernet from 5yr old vines; typical over-priced Beechworth wine right?. Problem is that the region keeps kicking up great wines that show genuine terroir (a rarity in Oz) and this wine is another example. Super balance and construct in the early and mid palate with soft cassis and plum. Elegant in terms of weight but very varietal and smooth. Firming tannins to finish that do get a tad rough but I'm mostly willing to overlook. Drinking very well as a 6 year old (noting that the vines were planted in 1997) but unlikely to get much better.

Tasting Notes - Pizzini Chardonnary 2005 (Recommended)

What a surprise packet considering I would have paid no more than $15 at cellar door. Whilst King Valley is not noted for chardonnay (and probably no good reason why it shouldn't be) this wine plays very smart and classy. Some oak apparent on the nose and palate but the palate is good. Fruit is very solid and quite serious in the dry stonefruit / grapefruit mould. Drinks as well as any cheap Burg I've had recently.

New Releases - March

Arneis
Pizzini 2007 $23 (King Valley)

Chardonnay
Crittenden Estate 'Geppeto' 2006 $15 (King Valley)
Narkoojee 'Lily Grace' 2006 $21 (Gippsland)
Picardy 2006 $36 (Pemberton)

Gewurztraminer
Vinoptima Late Harvest 2004 $66 (Gisborne)

Grenache & Blends
Digger's Bluff 'Stray Dog' GSM 2005 $18 (Barossa Valley)

Moscato
Crittenden Estate 'Pinocchio' 2007 $18 (King Valley)
Michele Chiarlo 'Nivole 2006 375ml $23 (Piedmont, Italy)

Pinot Gris
Hoddles Creek 2007 $18 (Yarra Valley)

Pinot Noir
Mount Mary 2005 $129 (Yarra Valley)

Riesling
Torzi Matthews 'Frost Dodger' 2007 $20 (Eden Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Hoddles Creek 2007 $18 (Yarra Valley)
Maven 2007 $20 (Marlborough)
Te Awa 2006 $29 (Hawkes Bay)

Shiraz
Digger's Bluff 'Watch Dog' 2001 $36 (Barossa Valley)
Epsilon 2006 $21 (Barossa Valley)
Kaesler 'WOMS' 2006 $67 (Barossa Valley)
Magpie Estate 'The Sack' 2005 $24 (Barossa Valley)
Old Plains 'Power of One' 2005 $29 (Adelaide Plains)
Picardy 2005 $31 (Pemberton)
Ross Estate 2004 $17 (Barossa Valley)
Trevor Jones 'Wild Witch' 2004 $55 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling White
Crittenden Estate 'Geppeto' NV $16 (King Valley)

Tempranillo
Bodegas Breton Lorinon 'Tinto Crianza' 2004 $25 (Rioja, Spain)
Epsilon 2006 $25 (Barossa Valley)
Telmo Rodriguez 'LZ' $26 (Rioja, Spain)

Zinfandel
Wood Park 'Reserve' 2005 $19 (King Valley)

Tasting Notes - Yarra Valley Showcase - Sauvignon Blanc

Overall
One of the best brackets of the 2 day session. All wines were quite serious styles that are clearly directed into the upmarket segment. Nice barrel and oak work on a number of these.

Punt Road 2007
Sourced from the Valley floor. Medium yellow in colour, not unlike the bracket of 2006 chardonnays. Nice green tinge as well. Nose showed nice balance; some sweetness, but held in check. Tight and tart early in the mouth; good acid, citrus flavours but more lemon than lime. Dry finish. Serious style but not overly punter friendly.

Oakridge 2007 (Recommended)
Very similar in appearance to the Punt Road. Sweet powerful fruit and oak dominate the nose. Some 'heat' in the aromas. Tart fruits provide some structure. No tropical fruits, rather mineral notes and subdued citrus. Long and linear, and again quite serious.

Yarra Burn 2007 (Recommended)
Includes 7% semillon. Appearance as per the previous 2 wines. Unique aromas of spice, garlic, sherbet. Perhaps some fish oil too? Very different but I like it. Same again to taste although the fruit profile is tight. Again, remarkable garlic and fish oil.

Debortoli 2006 (Recommended)
100% barrel fermented, lots of solids and working, 50% malo.
Darker yellow / gold. Oak very apparent to smell; quite lifted and deep scented, dominates perhaps but provides for a refreshing change. Palate shows the oak again but matches quite well with tight fruits that get progressive sweeter. A bit ITT for mine but has appeal and is memorable. Big points for the style.

Dominique Portet 2007
As expected a more mainstream style with hints of tropical fruits early before giving way to lime and talcum powder; zingy feel. Fruit quite subdued to taste; maybe some low oak or barrel ferment taking an edge off the fruit. Slightly hard, liqueured finish. Nearly but not quite.

Shelmedine 2006 (Recommended)
Sourced from a mature Woori Yallock vineyard planted in 1985. Darker in colour, not unlike the Debortoli. Nose is very un-yielding and gives me nothing to work with. Good structure; sweet fruits early, oak hints; palate then builds nicely although the fruit never strays from the 'simple' mode. Some noticeable acid on the finish.

PHI 2006
Subdued, mild oaky character on the nose; seems appropriate. Some sweetness drives appeal. Tight lemons to taste; a little sour; some acid burn. Oak remains medium strength but doesn't really sit well with the sour fruits.

Gembrook Hill 2006 (Recommended)
This could be Victoria's best savvy based on the last 3 or 4 vintages. 50% barrel ferment and 9 months on lees. As crazy as it sounds this was in some ways the most mainstream of the bracket. Mild sweet gooseberry, kinda like warmer / Margaret River climate fruits. Nevertheless good presence. Same again to taste; some Kiwi style, tropical fruit at the edges, and some acid to drive the finish.

Tasting Notes - Yarra Valley Showcase - Pinot Noir

Overall
A very good bracket. Most wines were well structured and will age well. The difference in style interpretation was a nice touch.

As a quick aside I thought most makers were having a faink-dinkum stap at making styles that would compete well internationally. These winemakers are a very determined and articulate bunch, and thankfully don't have the smugness sometimes exhibited in the Barossa Valley.

Punch 2005 (Recommended)

Sourced from 18 yera old vines. Medium red hue with a darker centre and some lightening at the rim. Bright cherry fruits and firming sour edges to smell; gets progressively more serious and has good presence. Fruits are tight to taste although the core is sweet. A little overcome with acid at this stage; good length; simple but will clearly improve.

Yering Station Reserve 2005 (Recommended)

Very low yielding at 1.5tn / acre. Only 5000 litres made.
Subdued fruits. stinky underlay, funky; nice mineral edge. Structured palate, well contained fruits; long, plenty of acid and minerals. Spicy oak and more funk. Will be very very good in time.

Giant Steps 'Tarraford' 2005 (Recommended)

I picked this as the Martinborough ring-in. Free flowing aromas of red fruits and cherries; very clear and well-defined. In that sense not un-like a clean-cut Central Otago with its broad aromatic lift. Some again in the mouth with spicy oak and acid; ok length; fruit is subdued but I have faith here.

Debortoli 2006

Sourced from the home blocks at Dixon's Creek (80% organically managed).
Dark blood red in colour with no lightening. Lifted sweet red fruits on the nose, not particularly varietal (at least early) but the cherry and rhubarb kicks in late. Very powerful. Dry and firm palate structure with some tannin and slightly prickly acid. Lacks a bit of interest right now and again needs time.

Tarrawarra 'Reserve' 2006

40% sourced from 21yr old vines, the remainder 12yrs. A tad lighter in colour than the rest of the line-up. Nose has some interest; smokey, a bit meaty, a bit minerally. Firm flavours with a core of sweeter confectionary fruits. Thickens in the finish with a layer of funk.

St Huberts Pinot Noir 2006

Sourced from 20yr old vines.
Soft red fruits to smell; minerally and tangy as well. Quite nervy, like a jumping nervous kid. Thick ripe palate and liquered red fruits; quite pleasant. Actually quite powerful, albeit simple, but should handle some cellaring.

Tarrawarra 'Tin Cows' 2006

Younger vines of 8 - 12yrs.
Dark blood red core with some minor fade at the rim. Funky barnyard touches in the aromas, some spice, racy, a big tangy fruit. Chalk and minerals drive the flavours; tight, some bitterness. Acid drives a finish.

Oakridge 2006

Single vineyard, 100% whole bunch fermentation.
Similar in appearance to the Tin Cows. Settled red fruits on the nose along with mint and cherry. Very pleasant. Minerals and acid to taste; zingy, lively, not much obvious fruit and consequently no immediate appeal.

PHI 2006

Sourced from 22yr old vines.
Very dark blood red runs right through the colour spectrum. Friendly and open cherry fruits drive the aromas, vaguely Central Otago or Oregon; subtle yet has some depth. Simple palate of dry red fruits underpinned with chalk and lively acid. Again very good but just fails to excite.

Sheldermine 2006

Nice nose; soft red fruits, hints of banyard, zingy, well balanced. Slightly hard acids drive the palate early before making way for a softly fruited mouthfeel. Perhaps a bit '2' dimensional?

Yarra Burn 'Bastard Hill' 2006 (Recommended)

Only 1,800 bottles made.
Another softly structured Central Otago lookalike. Very complete and balanced with great underpinning sour fruits. Some acid prickle in the mid-palate. Very young. One of the very few big company wines I would actually consider purchasing for my own account.

Escarpement 2006 (Recommended)

The Martinborough ring-in. Quiet dark in colour. Funk, marzipan, cherries on the nose; heaps of immediate appeal. Very similar in the taste department but the fruit clearly steps up a notch or 2. Good length and very young.

Tasting Notes - Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 1996 (Recommended)

Finally, a 1996 vintage Bin series that gets near the hype of the vintage year. Very solid and balanced 12 year old, and particularly so in the context of a $14 wine upon release. Light and fragrant berry and cherry fruits on the nose, overlayed with what I'd describe as a talcum powder character. Really nice lift, and belies its age. Light again to taste but very alive. Light berry fruits early but the palate really gets carried by zingy / buzzy acid before a late kick of dark berries and perhaps a lick of oak. Defines 'balance.' Drink over 2008 and early 2009.

Tasting Notes - Maison Leroy Bourgogne Blanc 1999 (Recommended)

Region: Burgundy
Appelation: Bourgogne AOC

This wine clearly demonstrates why Leroy is so highly regarded. A simple Bourgogne chardonnay, at least by label, but this wine is positively singing at 9 years of age. Incredibly youthful in appearance; light clear gold, honestly looks like a 2005. Nose shows matchstick and slightly charry oak, and an underlying vibe of power. Palate is super balanced and shows just a hint of thickness. Some citrus fruits fruits early give way to more typical Meursault richness and oak. Good length.

Tasting Notes - Bass Phillip Estate Pinot Noir 2002 (Recommended)

I had a drinking window on this of 2009 and 2012 and based on this tasting I'd say future consumption to be directed towards the 2012 window. Classic old world nose of blood and iron, minerals, a sliver of cherry and a noticeable oak component. Palate is much firmer despite 30 minutes decanting. Tight cherry and red berries, more iron, some lift from the acid mid-palate. Finish is driven by oak but not a bad thing as it certaintly lends some structure. Very young at 6 years and would look better in 3 - 4. Goes someway to confirming the status (and sometimes hype) of Bass Phillip.

Tasting Notes - Deviation Road Pinot Gris 2007

There are lots of good Pinot Gris wines around at the moment. This one had a nice, lifted nose of ripe pears and musk. The palate was just a touch oily ( I'd have liked to have seen a bit more viscosity) forward flavours of lemon and apple with quite fresh acidity made this wine slighty tart on the finish. It is a pleasant enough wine but as I said there is a fair bit of competition around at the moment.

Tasting Notes - Deviation Road Chardonnay 2006 (recommended)

Mmm - my kind of Chardonnay. Pale lemon colour. This wine had a fresh, lively aroma of nectarine, citrus and vanilla. The palate weight was light to medium with a silky smooth texture. The wine has only seen a touch of oak influence but it has way more complexity than your typical unoaked Chardonnay. Clean, pure fruit flavours, nectarine and melon with some nougat and yeasty flavours at the back of the palate. Very interesting, very Adelaide Hills and very drinkable! Would retail for around $20

Tasting Notes - The Cups Estate Pinot Noir 2005

A very different wine from the 2004 I tasted from the same producer. Opaque colour, a spicy, peppery nose. A medium bodied palate with good acidity levels. I tasted some stewed rhubarb fruit but savoury flavours dominated the palate, particularly white pepper with some cedary oak on the finish and a second hit of pepper as an aftertaste. I was undecided if I liked this or not and whether it was varietal enough for me.

Tasting Notes - The Cups Estate Silver Dune 2004

On first inspection this wine looked great. It had great depth of colour, a great 'pinot' nose, all earthy and forest floor, the palate was weighty for a pinot and delivered sweet berry and cherry fruit, some smoky bacon and sweet spice with soft tannins. And the long lingering finish made me get quite excited about it. However an hour later I poured myself another glass and the wine had gone. It had become Porty and astringent and tasted like it had past its prime or had been 'cooked' at some stage. Not sure if it was faulty or just coming to the end of its shelf life.

Tasting Notes - Amherst 'Dunn's Paddock' Shiraz 2000

Very promising start with a very unique nose of church pews (!) and light smokey oak. This settled over time and reverted to more typical red berries. Flavours were all over the shop; relatively simple red berries and hints of acid early but the palate did dry out a touch to leave old woody notes. I'll reassess on night two as it's clear this wine is still developing in the glass (Day 2: berries filled out more in the palate but essentially the same). The winery would not be disappointed with the performance of this wine at 7 - 8 years of age.

New Releases - February Pt. 4

Albarino
Castro Martin 2006 $29 (Rias Baixas, Spain)

Barbera
Boggy Creek Vineyards 2005 $20 (King Valley)

Cabernet & Blends
Galli Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $15 (Sunbury)
Taylor Ferguson Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $13 (Coonawarra)
Wantirna Estate 'Amelia' Cabernet Merlot 2005 $59 (Yarra Valley)
Woodlands 'Margaret' Cabernet Merlot 2006 $43 (Margaret River)
Woodlands 'Rachel' Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $92 (Maragret River)

Durif
Warrabilla 'Reserve' 2004 $27 (Rutherglen)

Grenache
Cooper Burns 2006 $22 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Gris
Due Monde 2006 $25 (Adelaide Hills)

Pinot Noir
Astrolab Pinot Noir 2006 $31 (Marlborough)
Baillieu Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 $16 (Mornington Peninsula)
Caledonia Australis 'Estate' 2005 $25 (Gippsland)
Lethbridge 2006 $30 (Geelong)
Silverwood "Seasons Pinot Noir" 2006 $14 (Mornington Peninsula)
Wedgetail Estate Single Vineyard 2005 $42 (Yarra Valley)
Wild River 2002 $12 (Yarra Valley)

Riesling
Donnhoff Spatlese 'Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg' $62 (Naha, Germany)
Gunderloch 'Estate Dry' 2006 $28 (Rheinhessen, Germany)

Rose
Brown Magpie 2006 $15 (Geelong)
Eastern Peake Pinot Rose 2004 $20 (Ballarat)

Sangiovese
Boggy Creek Vineyards 2006 $20 (King Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Gembrook Hill 2006 $29 (Yarra Valley)
Penna Lane Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $19 (Clare Valley)
Ten Minutes by Tractor "10X Barrel Fermented" $27 (Mornington Peninsula)

Shiraz
Galli Estate 2006 $18 (Sunbury)
Heathcote II 'HD' Shiraz 2005 $61 (Heathcote)
Jones 'LJ Shiraz' 2003 $51 (Rutherglen)
Mount Majura 2006 $21 (Canberra)

Sparkling Red
Nillahcootie Estate Sparkling Shiraz 2004 $21 (Central Victorian Highlands)

Tasting Notes - Yarra Valley Showcase - Cabernet

Bracket Overview
Tasted over two brackets and a random mix of vintages. Mostly these wines were austere, firmly built, old fashioned perhaps, and will cellar. Many lacked immediate appeal which may turn off the uninitiated. Straight cab sav unless noted.

Yarra Burn 2005 (Recommended)
Sourced from the valley floor. Medium blood red in colour. Zingy, nervy nose shows herbs and mint; very lively. Fresh palate, obvious ripe red berries, firming aniseed edge. Relatively soft structure for YV cab.

Roundstone Cabernet Merlot 2005
Light blood red with some noticeable lightening at the rim. Sweet berries on the nose early, marrying nicely with green pepper and spice. Faint wood and aniseed as well. Palate is seriously dry in structure with a low impact of red berries and a spicy finish.

Long Gully Irma 2004
Sourced from 24yr old vines. Euro nose; pongy barnyard (not too much), some spice and old wood. Accessible red fruits to taste, some acid, some heat and a lick of licorice. Slightly hard finish takes away from what is a pretty good wine.

Punt Road 2004
Sourced from 20yr old vines, 25% new oak, 15 months in oak, 4% merlot. Ripe blackberry on the nose; faintly pongy with good penetration. Thick cassis fruits to taste, some acid burn, relatively soft and approachable. Very good length.

Coldstream Hills Reserve 2004
19yr old vines, 41% new oak, 15 months in oak. Nose shows a lick of soft lifted confectionary aromas, red berry fruits, a hint of plum, almost shiraz-like to my thinking. Biggish palate weight and almost falls into the over-ripe bracket? Long finish with spicy tannin.

Wantirna Estate Amelia Cabernet Merlot 2004 (Recommended)
44yr old vines, small amounts of cab franc and petit verdit, 25% new oak. Wonderful nose; great combination of sweet cassis / blackberry fruits (and herbal fruits). Aromas hit you hard early. Thick sweet fruits although still very classical (to my tastes) but the ripe blackberry might be over the top for the purist.

Oakridge '864' Cabernet Merlot 2004 (Recommended)
Near identical in appearance to the Roundstone ex. the lightness at the rim. Low key aromas; old fashion red berries, very settled. More lively in the palate with zinging acid and firming tannins. Very apparent 'hole' in the mid palate. Spicy tannic finish.

Millers 2004
Appearance as per the Oakridge. Sweeter nose although fruits are still on the subdued side. Some lift from the oak. Palate is all about structure; tight, no fruit poking out at all, firm tannins on the finish. Very young.

Giant Steps Harry's Monster 2003
30% cab sav, 30% merlot, 10% cab franc, 30% petit verdot. Only 300 cases made. Colour as per the Millers and Oakridge. Cold fruits drive the flavours and aromas with a nice green fruit tinge, cut grass, really quite attractive. Firm and unyielding to taste with no accessible fruits. Drying finish. Again very young.

De Bortoli 1995 (Recommended)
The aged ring-in. Impressive stuff and looks absolutely fantastic for a 12 year old. Perhaps the most obvious cabernet of the flight; spicy herbs and green leaf. Excellent penetration. Finishes 'cold' and long, and believe it or not, needs time.

Tasting Notes - Yarra Valley Showcase - 2006 Chardonnay

Bracket View
Very traditional with classic structure, unyielding, should be long-lived.

Punt Road 2006 (Recommended)
Sourced from valley floor fruit, no malo, picked at 11.7 baume, 30% new oak. Lightish gold in colour; in line with the previous bracket. Ripe nose; 'bogan' appeal perhaps but I like it. Some spice and minerals, and oak, keeps the mouthfeel likely. Woody and citrus fruits on the finish.

Giant Steps 2006
1yr old oak, no malo, picked at 13 baume. Very similar in appearance to the Punt Road. Brightly fruited nose with ripe peach and tropical fruits; quite zingy and perhaps some heat. Fruits carry throughout the palate; slightly liqueured, creamy, has strength and length. Very much a 'big' structured wine.

George Millar 2006 (Recommended)
Sourced from a single 19yr old block in Dixon's Creek. Striking oak and burnt match on the nose; very obvious with lots of appeal. Some toasty caramelised oak as well. Good presence; slightly dumb but good fun. Fruits tighten considerably upon tasting; gets very linear with slightly sour citrus fruits. No dumb fruits here, and structure is terrific.

Balgownie 2006
Whole bunch-pressed, mostly upper valley fruit, no malo. Colour is slightly dark gold, some development? Ripe citrus fruits on the nose together with the faintest hint of toasty oak. Simple but effective. Strong presence in the mouth with some prickly acid (not a show stopper), smooth and somewhat creamy; pleasant to drink. Lemon fruits on the finish.

PHI 2006
Upper Yarra fruit, 22yrs old, red soils. Bright and ripe nose, although clearly underpinned with a marzipan / funky note. Very balanced aromas. Tight and elegant palate with tight citrus fruits, would never have picked given the nose. Finishes shy, or maybe even dilutive to my tastes. Could be very young.

Oakridge 2006 (Recommended)
This winery showed very well over the 2 days and this chardonnay kicked things off nicely. Lively, zingy nose; ripe citrus and old oak, slightly old fashioned but very effective. Palate is also tight and linear on this wine (ahla the PHI), but is also very dry, tart, and serious. Can be cellared with confidence.

New Releases - February Pt.3

Cabernet & Blends
Mike Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $13 (Adelaide Hills)
Murrindindi 'Family Reserve' Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 $22 (Central Victorian Highlands)

Chardonnay

Chard Farm 'Closeburn' 2006 $26 (Central Otago)

Chard Farm 'Judge Jury' 2004 $47 (Central Otago)

Murrindindi 'Family Reserve' 2005 $22 (Central Victorian Highlands)

Durif

Stanton & Killeen 2004 $37 (Rutherglen)

Pinot Gris / Grigio

Chard Farm Pinot Gris 2006 $30 (Central Otago)

Pinot Noir

Chard Farm 'River Run' 2006 $38 (Central Otago)

Chard Farm 'Finla Mor' 2006 $46 (Central Otago)

Chard Farm 'The Viper' 2006 $52 (Central Otago)

Chard Farm 'The Tiger' 2006 $52 (Central Otago)

Rabbit Ranch 2006 $31 (Central Otago)

Riesling

Mount Horrocks 2007 $27 (Clare Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Chard Farm 2006 $24 (Central Otago)
Rabbit Ranch 2006 $22 (Central Otago)

Shiraz
Stanton & Killeen 'Jack's Block' 2005 $44 (Rutherglen)

Sparkling Wines
Sam Miranda 'Snow Road' Sparkling White NV $12 (King Valley)

Tasting Notes - Maison Leroy Auxey Duresses 2000

Region: Burgundy
Appellation: Auxey Duresses (Village AOC)

My early impression is that this pinot noir needs to be consumed over a couple of nights. Dull crimson in colour, unremarkable, but looks about right for the age. Nose is foreceful with sweet polish and oak, almost a chocolate-like sweetness. Palate is similar early with simple, ripe red fruit notes. Some nervy, buzzing acid kicks in mid-palate, lifting the wine nicely. Fruits transform in the back half to reveal a more mineral character, together with some iron and blood. A fraction hot on the finish. Absent the tingle in the mid-palate this is not miles away from the Leroy 1998 Bourgogne Rouge, although it is clear the structure shows much more class.

Tasting Notes - Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 1998

Tasted Febuary 2008 (Recommended)
When drunk over the first night I thought this wine was looking tired but the fruit really hit its straps 24 hours later. Lots of fresh berry and black currant across the nose and palate and surprisingly powerful given the age. Low oak impact and tannins are soft throughout but they get a touch powdery on the finish. Look to drink over 2008 - 2010.

Tasted October 2005 (Recommended)
Medium crimson red, lighter in colour than expected. Nose is very subtle with faint berry fruits. Much better in the mouth, ageing very nicely with classy pepper / capsicum / leaf (not under-ripe) and well backed with sweet black currents. An elegant wine in many respects but going well at 7yrs. Drink over 2005 - 2008.