New Releases - October 31st

Cabernet & Blends
Te Mata 'Coleraine' Cabernet Merlot 2007 $85 (Hawkes Bay)
Te Mata 'Awatea' Cabernet Merlot 2007 $44 (Hawkes Bay)
Trevor Jones 'Wicked Witch' Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $57 (Barossa Valley)

Chardonnay
Principia 2007 $34 (Mornington Peninsula)

Chenin Blanc
Rusden 'Christians' 2008 $35 (Barossa Valley)

Grenache & Blends
Adelina 2007 $35 (Clare Valley)
Ross Estate 'Old Vine' Grenache 2007 $22 (Barossa Valley)
Spinifex 'Espirit' Grenache Blend 2007 $33 (Barossa Valley)
Trevor Jones 'Boots' Grenache Cabernet Merlot $16 (Barossa Valley)

Italian Reds
Tscharke "The Master" Montipulicano 2008 $36 (Barossa Valley)

Italian Whites
Taminick Cellars '1919 Series' Trebbiano 2008 $13 (Glenrowan)

Pinot Grigio
Tar & Roses 2008 $18 (Strathbogie)

Pinot Gris
Trevor Jones Gris Blanc 2009 $12 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Noir
Sarsfield Estate 2006 $25 (Gippsland)
Scorpo 'Noirien' 2008 $29 (Mornington Peninsula)
Silverwood 'Estate' 2007 $30 (Mornington Peninsula)

Red Blends
Spinifex 'Taure' 2007 $30 (Barossa Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Airlie Bank 2009 $19 (Yarra Valley)

Semillon
Small Fry 2008 $19 (Eden Valley

Shiraz
Ross Estate 'Single Vineyard' 2005 $27 (Barossa Valley)
Serafino 'Goose Island' 2008 $14 (McLaren Vale)
Syrahmi 'Don' 2007 $43 (Heathcote)
Ulithorne 2006 $45 (McLaren Vale)

Tempranillo
Tscharke 'Only Son' 2006 $28 (Barossa Valley)

New Releases - October 20th

Cabernet & Blends
Pfeiffer's 'Carlyle' Cabernet Merlot 2007 $19 (Rutherglen)

Chardonnay
Narkoojee Reserve 2008 $34 (Gippsland)
Picardy 2007 $38 (Pemberton)

Gewurztraminer
Pfeiffer 'The Carson' 2009 $19 (King Valley)

Italian Whites
Pieropan 'Classico' Soave 2007 $33 (Italy)
Pizinni Arneis 2008 $25 (King Valley)

Pinot Gris
Paringa Estate 2008 $25 (Mornington Peninsula)

Pinot Noir
Narkoojee 2008 $26 (Gippsland)
Ngeringa 2007 $42 (Adelaide Hills)
Nicholson River 'Gippsland' 2005 $17 (Gippsland)
Olssens 'Jackson Barry' 2007 $57 (Central Otago)
Paringa Estate 'PE' 2008 $28 (Mornington Peninsula)
Picardy 2007 $41 (Pemberton)
Portsea Estate 2007 $34 (Mornington Peninsula)

Red Blends
Paradise IV 'Chaumont' 2007 $36 (Geelong)
Paxton 'AAA' Shiraz Grenache 2006 $23 (McLaren Vale)
Pizinni 'Il Barone' 2004 $41 (King Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Oranje Tractor 2009 $23 (Great Southern)
Palliser 2008 $26 (Martinborough)

Sangiovese
Pizinni 2008 $28 (King Valley)

Shiraz
Paradise IV 'Batesford' Shiraz Viognier 2007 $28 (Geelong)

White Blends
Pfeiffer 'Carlyle' Chardonnay Marsanne 2009 $19 (Rutherglen)

Tasting Notes - Muscat Barrel Project

Background
Very self-indulgent post this. Picked up a 9 litre barrel from the Barossa in December 2007 (used American oak) for the purpose of building a little muscat stash over the longer term. I know more than a handful of folks who have great results so it will be interesting so see how it turns out.

Base Material (April 2008)
100% 4 year old (2004 vintage) muscat from Liebich Wein in the Barossa. ($6.50 per litre)

Tasting Note (October 2009) Base Material
Starting to show some maturity in the colour; dark orange tending to light brown. Aromas show good concentrated sweetness, very text book muscat, and a fruity apricot edge. Flavours and palate show good balance and the structure is definately starting to thicken. Lots of sugary fruit have overtaken the almond and nuts previously evident. Considerably weightier to taste than a year ago. Quite fresh, fruit wise, but the palate might need a lift.

Tasting Note (April 2008) Base Material
Colour is a dark rusty orange, much dark than expected given the age, and almost in the realm of a young tawny. Nose is relatively subdued with muscat and apricot notes, along with some heat and spice. Does lack some freshness. Flavours are interesting and very much a tale of two halves; initially some quite intense but simple fruit sweetness (almost cordial-like) but the second half shows clear nutty / almond/ rancio notes; again not expected at 4 years of age. Hard to know how the recent impact of the oak has changed this wine. Finish is unremarkable as the nutty character tails off to leave some residual bitter fruits.

New Releases September 15th

Cabernet & Blends
Elgee Park Cabernet Merlot 2006 $23 (Mornington Peninsula)
Howling Wolves Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 $16 (Margaret River)


Riesling
Elgee Park 2008 $20 (Mornington Peninsula)
Muddy Waters "Dry" Riesling 2007 $30 (Waipara, NZ)
Muddy Waters "LH" Riesling 2008 $30 (Waipara, NZ)


Shiraz & Blends
Amherst 'Daisy Creek' Shiraz Cabernet 2008 $15 (Pyrenees)
Buckshot Vineyard 2008 $31 (Heathcote)
Galli Estate Shiraz Viognier 2008 $17 (Sunbury)


Viognier
Elgee Park 2007 $35 (Mornington Peninsula)


Zinfandel
Buckshot Vineyard 2008 $25 (Heathcote)

New Releases - August 27th

Cabernet Merlot
McHenry Hohen 2007 $22 (Margaret River)
Mount Mary Quintet 2006 $129 (Yarra Valley)

Cabernet Sauvignon
Mike Press 2008 $14 (Adelaide Hills)
Mosswood 2006 $100 (Margaret River)
Mount Pilot Estate 2006 $26

Cabernet Franc
Leabrook Estate 2006 $26 (Adelaide Hills)

Chardonnay
Mount MaCleod 2007 $18 (Gippsland)
Mount Horrocks 2007 $25 (Clare Valley)

Chenin Blanc
Marc Bredif Vouvray 1959 $356 (Loire Valley, France)

Pinot Gris
Latitiude 41 2008 $19 (Marlborough)

Pinot Noir
Mandala 2007 $22 (Yarra Valley)
Mount Difficulty "Roaring Meg" 2008 $38 (Central Otago)
Muddy Waters 2007 $49 (Waipara, NZ)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
McHenry Hohen Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $22 (Margaret River)

Semillon
Mount Horrocks 2007 $27 (Clare Valley)

Sherry
Lustau "Los Arcos" Amontillado NV 375ml $18
Lustau "Los Arcos" Amontillado NV 750ml $30
Lustau "Don Nuno" Olorosa NV 750ml $46

Shiraz
Koltaz 'Pagan' 2007 $54 (McLaren Vale)
Lethbridge 2006 $33 (Geelong)Magie Estate "The Sack" 2006 $25 (Barossa Valley)
Longhop 2007 $14 (Adelaide Plains)
Maverick Twins "Breechens Blend" 2008 $19 (Barossa Valley)
Mount Pilot Estate 2006 $26

Spanish Reds
Luna Beneride Mencia 2007 $27 (Spain)

Sparkling Whites
Koonara Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2008 $27 (Adelaide Hills)

New Releases - August 12th

Cabernet and Blends
Junipers Crossing Cabernet Merlot 2006 $20 (Margaret River)

Chardonnay
Huia 2007 $36 (Marlborough)

Chenin Blanc
Kalleske 2008 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Gewurztraminer
Huia 2008 $28 (Marlborough)

Grenache
Kalleske "Old Vine" 2007 $50 (Barossa Valley)

Merlot
Coliban Valley 2006 $21 (Heathcote)
Happs 2003 $23 (Margaret River)

Mourvedre
Hewitson 'Old Garden' 2007 $67 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Gris
Escarpement 2007 $39 (Martinborough)
Huia 2008 428 (Marlborough)

Pinot Noir
Huia 2004 $39 (Marlborough)

Port
Kalleske Shiraz Vintage Port 2007 $25 (Barossa Valley)

Prosecco
Carpene Malvolti NV $24 (Veneto, Italy)

Rhone Whites
Jones Marsanne Rousanne 2008 $24 (Rutherglen)

Riesling
Huia "Dry" 2008 $28 (Marlborough)

Sangiovese
Foster e Rocco 2008 $34 (Heathcote)

Sauvignon Blanc
Huia 2008 $25 (Marlborough)
Jackson Estate $20 2008 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Izway "Bruce" 2007 $47 (Barossa Valley)
Jeanneret 2006 $24 (Clare Valley)
Kalleske "Johann Georg" 2007 $100 (Barossa Valley)
Kalleske "Moppa" 2007 $30 (Barossa Valley)
Kalleske "Pirathon" 2007 $22 (Barossa Valley)
Kalleske "Greenock" 2007 $39 (Barossa Valley)

New Releases - August 5th

Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends
Fraser Gallop Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $25 (Margaret River)
Hahn's Haus Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $20 (Yarra Valley)
Harcourt Vineyards "Sightings" Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $21 (Bendigo)
Hastwell & Lightfoot Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $20 (McLaren Vale)

Italian Reds
First Drop "The Blind" Nebbiolo Barbera 2006 $28 (Barossa Valley)

Malbec
Ferngrove 'King' 2006 $27 (Great Southern)

Merlot
Grey Sands 2005 $38 (Tasmania)

Pinot Gris
French Island 2008 $23 (Gippsland)

Pinot Noir
Grey Sands 2006 $47 (Tasmania)
Hochkirch 2006 $36 (Henty)

Red Blends
Galli Estate Tempranillo Grenache Mourvedre 2007 $20 (Sunbury)
Gapsted Saperavi 2006 $25 (King Valley)

Riesling
Frogmore Creek 2008 $25 (Tasmania)
Heyman Lowenstein "Kirchberg" 2007 $66 (Germany)
Hochkirch 2008 $26 (Henty)

Rose
Golden Ball "Cherish" 2008 $24 (Beechworth)

Shiraz
Flynns "MC" 2006 $33 (Heathcote)
Frankland Estate 2006 $27 (Great Southern)
Galli Estate 'Block 2' Shiraz 2006 $29 (Sunbury)
Galli Estate Shiraz Viognier 2007 $17 (Sunbury)
Harcourt Vineyards "Sightings" Shiraz 2007 $21 (Bendigo)
Hastwell & Lightfoot 2006 $20 (McLaren Vale)
Henty Estate 2007 $22 (Henty)
Hochkirch 2006 $39 (Henty)

Tempranillo
Hastwell & Lightfoot 2006 $20 (McLaren Vale)

Zinfandel
Grove Estate 2007 $25 (Hilltops)

New Releases - Dombeya from South Africa

I reckon it's about time we got some gear from South Africa but good 'uns can be a bit tough to find. Thankfully Eurocentric, new kid on the importing block, in bring in tiny amounts of Dombeya, a quality focussed produced from Stellenbosch. Only 64 cases across the 3 wines in the whole country!

Chardonnay 2007 $30

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar - 90pts
"Bright, pale yellow. Discreet but highly nuanced nose melds musky citrus notes, subtle oak, dusty stonefruit and nutmeg. Dense, concentrated and harmonious, with lovely lift and integrated acidity giving shape and lift to the peach, lime and light oak flavours. This tactile, chewy chardonnay finishes with a strong impression of extract and impressive energy."

Shiraz 'Boulder Road' 2006 $34
One of the best shiraz-based wines I have tried this calender year. A very good example of what medium-bodied shiraz should be saying.

Gary Walsh, WineFront - 90pts
"Quite spicy, with bright raspberry / blackberry fruit, a wisp of smoke, pepper and barely-there oak. Medium-bodied and distinctly spicy red-berried palate. It is neither concentrated nor heavy, but rather lithe and lovely. It is a classy wine that drinks beautifully."

'Samara' Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2005 $34
Robust structure will lend to some decent aging, although looking very good right now as a 4 year old.

Gary Walsh, WineFront - 92pts
"Strong red-purple. Medium bodied with a mix of blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, chocolate, dried herb, earth and pencilly oak. It leans more towards a dry savoury Old World flavour profile rather than a sweeter-fruited New World one. There are some fairly firm, chalky, open-weave tannins, with crisp, clean acidity providing a solid framework. Finishes with dried herb and earthy flavours. Very enjoyable."

New Releases - June 26th

Cabernet and Blends
Charles Sturt Cabernet Merlot 2005 $13 (Wagga Wagga)
Charles Sturt 'Limited Release' Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $20 (Wagga Wagga)
Grand Puy Lacoste Bordeaux Blend 2002 $115 (Bordeaux, France)
Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 $64 (Tasmania)

Chardonnay
Chard Farm 'Closeburn' 2007 $26 (Central Otago)

Dessert Wines
Chateau Filhot Sauternes 2005 $45 (Bordeaux, France)

Italian Reds
Chalmers Langrein 2005 $19 (Murray River)

Italian Whites
Coffele Soave Classico 2007 $29 (Italy)

Merlot
Pfeiffers 2004 $24 (Rutherglen)

Pinot Gris
Chard Farm 2008 $31 (Central Otago)

Pinot Noir
Ata Rangi 'Crimson' 2008 $35 (Martinborough)
Bream Creek Pinot Noir 2007 $27 (Tasmania)
Calulu Park 2008 $19 (Yarra Valley)
Charm Farm 'Rabbit Ranch' 2007 $32 (Central Otago)
Wedgetail Estate 'Single Vineyard' 2006 $43 (Yarra Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc and Blends
Airlie Bank 2008 $19 (Yarra Valley)
Chateau Charbonnieux Dry White $90 (Bordeaux, France)

Semillon
Coolangatta Estate 2001 $26 (Shoalhaven Coast)

Shiraz
Black Estate 2005 $19 (Bendigo)
Brothers in Arms 2005 $40 (Langhorne Creek)
Chalk Hill 2006 $21 (McLaren Vale)
Clonakilla 'Hilltops' 2007 $27 (Hilltops)
Craiglee 2006 $46 (Sunbury)

Spanish Whites
Condes de Albarie Albarino 2007 $32 (Spain)

Tokay
Pfeiffers 'Classic Rutherglen' NV $30 (Rutherglen)

Verdelho
Baddaginnie Run 2008 $16 (Strathbogie Ranges)

New Releases - July 31st

Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends
Alluviale Merlot Cabernet Franc 2006 $33 (Hawkes Bay)
Henty Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 $41 (Henty)

Champagne
Ployez Jacquemart 'Extra Quality Brut NV' $73 (France)
Rene Geoffroy 'Purete Brut Zero NV' $75 (France)


Chardonnay
Fermoy Estate 2007 $28

Merlot
Dal Zotto 2002 $21 (King Valley)
Fermoy Estate 2007 $32 (Margaret River)

Pinot Grigio
Dal Zotto 2008 $21 (King Valley)
Due Mondi 2007 $27 (Trento, Italy)

Pinot Noir
Barwick Wines 2008 $15 (Pemberton)
Curlewis 2007 $27 (Geelong)
D'Angelo Estate 'D&A' 2004 $25 (Yarra Valley)
Elgo Estate 2004 $22 (Strathbogie Ranges)

Riesling
Claymore 'Joshua Tree' 2008 $20 (Clare Valley)
Dal Zotto 2008 $17 (King Valley)
Dr Loosen "Wehlener Sonnenuhr" 2007 $37 (Germany)
Willi Schaefer 'Estate' 2007 $29 (Germany)

Sangiovese
Dal Zotto 2008 $23 (King Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Alluviale 'Dada' 2007 $55 (Hawkes Bay)
Clos Henri 2008 $38 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Arakoon 'Sellicks Beach' 2006 $21 (McLaren Vale)
Claymore 'Dark Side of the Moon' 2007 $24 (Clare Valley)

New Releases - June 14th

Cabernet & Blends
Ashton Hills "Five" Cabernet Blend 2002 $27 (Adelaide Hills)
Wild Duck Creek "Alans Cabernets" 2002 $61 (Heathcote)
Woodlands "Margaret" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $42 (Margaret River)

Chardonnay
Caledonia 2007 $32 (Gippsland)

Merlot
Willunga Creek "Black Duck" 2006 $25 (McLaren Vale)

Pinot Grigio
Casa Defra 2007 $21 (Italy)

Pinot Gris
Astrolabe 2007 $26 (Marlborough)
Brown Magpie 2008 $22 (Geelong)

Pinot Noir
Ashton Hills "Piccadilly" 2008 $34 (Adelaide Hills)
Caledonia Australis 2007 $33 (Gippsland)
Caledonia Australis "Reserve" 2007 $50 (Gippsland)

Riesling
Ashton Hills Vineyard 2007 $24 (Adelaide Hills)

Sangiovese
Castello di Camigliano Sangiovese Poderuccio Toscana IGT 2006 $31 (Italy)

Sherry
919 Wines Fino NV $22 (Riverlands)

Shiraz
Bress "Gold Label" Shiraz 2007 $43 (Heathcote)
Witchmount 2006 $30 (Sunbury)

Tempranillo
Cascabel 2008 $24 (McLaren Vale)

Cloudwine News - Camberwell Store Now Closed

Work - life balance go the better of us on this occasion. A combination of 3 shops, 2 web sites (3rd on the way!), a 16 month old and another baby on the way proved to be too much in the end. Factoring in a surprisingly strong market demand for wine stores, the decision to sell proved not to be a difficult one in the end.

Thanks very much to our loyal Camberwell customers over the past 5 years - your support is greatly appreciated.

Of course the Brighton and South Melbourne stores aren't going anywhere and you can still access our full beer and wine ranges through www.cloudwine.com.au and http://www.slowbeer.com.au/.

We have another beer project in the works and will provide further details in due course as things develop. Beer geeks will be happy to know that we are expanding our shelving capacity in South Melbourne and most of the new space will be allocated to beer. We expect to be able to stock ~300 different beers at any one time.

Hope to see you all in the shops soon,

Cheers

New Releases - May 29th

Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends
Small Fry Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $24 (Eden Valley)
Tall Trees Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $15 (Limestone Coast)

Chardonnay
Tall Tress Chardonnay 2006 $15 (Limestone Coast)

Dessert Wines
Scion 'Single Vintage' Muscat 2008 $31 (Rutherglen)
Scion "Sweet" Durif 2008 $31 (Rutherglen)
Scion "Fleur" Orange Muscat 2007 $17 (Rutherglen)

Durif
Scion 2005 $31 (Rutherglen)
Scion 2006 $34 (Rutherglen)

Marsanne
Pfeiffer 2008 $19 (Rutherglen)

Nebbiolo
Vinea Marson 2006 $42 (Heathcote)

Pinot Noir
Rahona Valley "MV6" 2006 $26 (Mornington Peninsula)
Rahona Valley "Reserve" 2006 $29 (Mornington Peninsula)
Wooing Tree 2007 $50 (Central Otago)

Riesling
Wilson Vineyard "DJW" 2008 $21 (Clare Valley)

Rose
Vinea Marson 2008 $27 (Heathcote)

Sauvignon Blanc
Santa Ines 2208 $17 (Chile)

Shiraz
Radford Dale 2006 $32 (Eden Valley)
Tall Trees 2005 $15 (Limestone Coast)

Tempranillo
Tar & Roses 2007 $23 (Heathcote)

New Releases - May 22nd

Chardonnay

Cannibal Creek 'Hardiker' 2006 $17 (Gippsland)

Hirsch Hill Estate 2008 $20 (Yarra Valley)

Mike Press 2008 $13 (Adelaide Hills)

Dessert Wines

Abraxas Passito di Pantelleria NV $36 (Italy)

Malbec

Catena Zapata "Alamos" 2007 $21 (Argentina)

Pinot Gris / Grigio

Ata Rangi Pinot Gris 2008 $42 (Martinborough)

Outlook Hill Pinot Gris 2008 $20 (Yarra Valley)

Pinot Noir

Dalrymple 2007 $30 (Tasmania)

Hurley Vineyard "Estate" 2006 $43 (Mornington Peninsula)

Prosecco

Dal Zotto "Pucino" 2008 $23 (King Valley)

Riesling

Elgo Estate "Allira" 2008 $13 (Strathbogie Ranges)

Mac Forbes "RS 37" $28 (Strathbogie Ranges)

Mac Forbes "RS 9" $28 (Strathbogie Ranges)

Rose

Dal Zotto 2008 $17 (King Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends

Dalrymple 2008 $26 (Tasmania)

Eagle Vale Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $20 (Margaret River)

Elgo Estate "Allira" Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $14 (Strathbogie Ranges)

Shiraz

Milvine Estate 2006 $33 (Heathcote)

Nicholson River "Syrah" 2006 $39 (Gippsland)

New Release - Tardieu Laurant 'Le Becs Fins' Grenache Shiraz 2007 $29

I've said it before and I'll say it again; Australian winemakers will have to keep a close eye on the global market because we are getting better access every day to superb European wines that retail under $30.

I've been drinking a variety of GSM / Southern Rhone reds from this super negociant for a number of years now and have never failed to be impressed. The Le Becs Fins is a 50/50 grenache shiraz blend from vines aged 60 years (grenache) and 20 years (shiraz). The wine is officially a Cotes du Rhone Village appelation. There are a number of other base level wines well worth a look, including the Cotes du Rhone and the Les Grands Augustins. Both should be $30 or a touch under.

Cloudwine Tasting Note
"This might be the best CdR Village regularly available in Australia right now. Primary fruit weight is surprisingly light on both the nose and through the palate (think raspberries and lighter red friuts) but the real trick here is the zing from the minerals and stones and talcum powder-like character. Keeps the wine 'fluffy'. Consumed quite young I think and this clearly needs time. Might not be the greatest Les Becs every produced ( I think the 2005 looked better young) but time will tell."

Wine Spectator - 90pts
“Very juicy, but stylish and focused, showing a core of plum and blackberry fruit woven with spice, fruitcake and incense notes, followed by a long, streamlined finish. Should flesh out nicely in the short term.”

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"Michel Tardieu’s work with his Rhône Valley négociant firm is spectacular. This superstar estate in the southern Rhône (the western end of Provence to be exact) will have an impact for decades to come.”

"Throughout the southern Rhône, 2007 is the greatest vintage I have tasted in my thirty years working in that region. Nearly every producer has attained largely unprecedented levels of quality. Moreover, the vintage is remarkably consistent from top to bottom. Given the global economic crisis, these wines, which have never been prized for speculative value, represent fabulous bargains for shrewd consumers looking for delicious wines to drink today or in the best cases, age for a decade or more.”

New Releases - April 17th 2009

Arneis
Dal Zotto 2008 $23 (King Valley)

Cabernet & Blends
Koonara 'Angels Peak' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $18 (Coonawarra)
Mike Press 2007 $13 (Adelaide Hills)

Chardonnay
Narkoojee 'Lily Grace' 2008 $23 (Gippsland)
Nicholson River 'Montview' 2006 $23 (Gippsland)
Oakridge 2008 $30 (Yarra Valley)

Pinot Gris & Grigio
Mount Majura Pinot Gris 2008 $22 (Canberra)

Pinot Noir
Bress 'Silver' Pinot Noir 2008 $20 (Macedon Ranges)
Toolangi 2006 $24 (Yarra Valley)

Riesling
Jeaneret 2008 $20 (Clare Valley)
Koonara 'Sofiel's Gift' 2008 $18 (Adelaide Hills)

Sangiovese
Crittenden Estate 'Pinocchio' 2007 $20 (Heathcote)

Sauvignon Blanc
Ata Rangi 2008 $31 (Martinborough)
Derwent Estate 2008 $22 (Tasmania)
Frogmore Creek 2008 $27 (Tasmania)
Growers Reward 2008 $18 (Margaret River)

Shiraz & Blends
Battle of Bosworth Shiraz 2007 $23 (McLaren Vale)
Nicholson River 'Syrah' 2006 $39 (Gippsland)
Yarraloch Shiraz Viognier 2005 $30 (Yarra Valley)

White Blends
Heartland Pinot Gris Viognier 2007 $21 (Langhorne Creek)

Specials - Italian Blowout!!

Maybe this global financial crisis thingy is for real after all? Over the course of the last month or 2 we have seen some very juicy offers to the retailer, particularly from high-end distributors, and this is probably a very strong signal that sales may have stalled at the top end.

We will be picking up a few of these bargains and will pass them through to you at some very compelling prices. Detail of the 'first round' can be seen below. We will update the list every week.

Please note that quantities are very small and will only be available at the South Melbourne store. Don't hesitate to reserve stocks via 03 9699 6700 or sales@cloudwine.com.au.

Leone de Castris Negroamaro Elo Veni Salento IGT 2003 $22 (normally $25)
This 'neg' comes from the Salento appelation within Pulgia, a region on the Adriatic Cost just above the 'heel' of Southern Italy. Pulgia is generally considered the most important of the Southern regions, and shines particularly brightly for the production of full bodied reds.

Negroamaro is the leading grape of Salento, and typically produces big and dark fruited wines with a touch of bitterness. Historians believe the grape has Greek origins and was infact introduced to Itay thousands of years ago. The vines are usually trained in a bush vine fashion and very low yields result (remebering that Salento is very dry and typically not irrigated).

Leone de Castris is classed as a 'notable producer' in "The New Italy" and Italian wine bible Gambero Rosse states "This remains one of Italy's top wineries, with highly impressive consistency and quality across the almost 3,000,000 bottles (250,000 cases) produced."

Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Il Poggiale 2004 $60 (Normally $75)
This is a long way of saying bloody good sangiovese! A top flight Chianti from the Castellina in Chianti, a sub-region of the large Chianti Classico DOG in Tuscany. This wine is a regular 3 Glass recipient from Gambero Rosso and we are not aware of many genuine Italian classics that trade for under $100 bucks in Australia, let alone $60. If you can give this wine some time; still very young as a 5 year old.

Note - less than 600 cases produced per year.

Castello Banfi 'Summus' 2004 $80 (normally $125)
Banfi is perhaps best known one of the great Brunello producers of Montalcino, a Tuscan region 40km south of Siena. Brunello is course the greatest of all Italian Sangiovese interpretations, and along with the Nebbiolos of Piedmont, are the highest regarded of all Italian wines.

The Summus, however, is not a Sangiovese but rather a 'classic' Super Tuscan, a blend of Syrah, Sangiovese and Cabernet.

The 2004 Brunello vintage was rated 9/10 by Oz Clarke.

New Releases - March 20th 2009

Chardonnay
Rockfield Estate 'Reserve' 2006 $43 (Margaret River)
Silverwood 'Seasons' 2006 $12 (Mornington Peninsula)
Wedgetail Estate 'Single Vineyard' 2006 $35 (Yarra Valley)

Grenache & Blends
Teusner "Avatar" GSM 2006 $28 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Gris
Te Whare Ra 2008 $28 (Marlborough)

Pinot Noir
Rockburn 2007 $53 (Central Otago)
Stefani Lubiana 'Primavera' Pinot Noir (Tasmania) $27
Te Whare Ra 2006 $38 (Marlborough)

Riesling
Te Whare Ra "D" 2008 $28 (Marlborough)
Te Whare Ra "M" 2008 $28 (Marlborough)
Wilson Vineyard 'Polish Hill' 2008 $23 (Clare Valley)

Rose
Small Fry 2008 $19 (Eden Valley)
Teusner 'Salsa' 2008 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Saint Clair 'Wairau Reserve' 2008 $33 (Marlborough)
Saint Clair 'Block 6' 2008 $30 (Marlborough)
Stella Bella Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $20 (Margaret River)

Shiraz
Teusner "Riebke" 2008 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling White
Rockfield Estate Brut 2003 $32 (Margaret River)

Tempranillo
Telmo Rodriguez 'Gazur' 2006 $31 (Spain)

Tasting Notes - A Few Barossa's.....

Spinifex Esprit Red Rhone Blend 2006 (Recommended)
One of very few Australian wines to contain both cinsault and carigan. Perhaps consumed a touch young but I was very keen to try wines from this house again after an absence of a few years. Nose shows a lot of zingy minerals and talcum powder, and some spice as well. Really quite powerful. Palate is powerful and centrated yet very much linear and in check. Red berries, some light cherries, a touch of licorice, and even traces of ink to finish. To me there's a slightly rough layer of heat and acid underneath the fruit, but this may well play into the hands of successful longer term cellaring. Based on critical acclaim here in Oz I'm surprised we don't sell more of this stuff. Along with Massena stakes a good claim as being the BV's leading producer right now.

Turkry Flat 'Butcher's Block' GSM 1999 (Recommended)
Took a while to get going but it ultimately did. Seemingly quite mature and perhaps tired upon opening with faded red fruits. However spice and sour fruits soon kicked in, albeit in a dry style. After an hour sweeter fruits really opened up and drove the wine beautifully. Showed great balance the whole way through. Drink over the next 12 months.

New Releases - March 10th 2009

Barbera
Massena 2008 $24 (Barossa Valley)

Cabernet
Hutton Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $28 (Eden Valley)

Chardonnay
Dog Point 2007 $33 (Marlborough)
Howling Wolves 'Small Batch' 2007 $31 (Margaret River)
John Kosovich 'Unwooded' 2006 $18 (Swan Valley)
Point Leo Road 2006 $26 (Mornington Peninsula)

Dolcetto
Crittenden Estate 'Pinocchio' 2006 $18 (Great Western)

Pinot Gris
Chard Farm 2007 $31 (Central Otago)

Pinot Noir
Chard Farm 'River Run' 2007 $41 (Central Otago)

Prosecco
Dal Zotto 'L'Immigrante' 2008 $30 (King Valley)

Riesling
Chrismont 2006 $15 (King Valley)

Rose
Freeman 2008 $19 (Hilltops)
Happs "Fuchsia" 2006 $19 (Margaret River)
Krinklewood 2008 $22 (Hunter Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Goldwater 'Wairau Valley" 2008 $23 (Marlborough)
Harvey River 2008 $15 (Margaret River)

Shiraz
Deviation Road 2007 $20 (Adelaide Hills)
Flaxman Wines 2006 $46 (Eden Valley)
Massena '11th Hour' 2007 $39 (Barossa Valley)
Pindarie 2007 $21 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling White
Cofield NV $25 (Rutherglen)
Elgee Park 2005 $38 (Mornington Peninsula)
Point Leo Road 2006 $27 (Mornington Peninsula)

Tempranillo
Cillar de Silos 'Joven' 2007 $38 (Spain)

White Blends
Freeman 'Fortuna' White Blend 2008 $28 (Hilltops)

New Releases - March 1st 2009

Arneis
Chrismont 2008 $20 (King Valley)

Brachetto
Pizzini 2008 $21 (King Valley)

Cabernet Sauvignon
Rookery Island 2004 $33 (Kangaroo Island)

Chardonnay
Harcourt 2008 $21 (Bendigo)
Otway Estate 2005 $22 (Geelong)

Dolcetto
Crittenden Estate "Pinocchio" 2006 $18 (Great Western)

Malbec
Harcourt 2006 $21 (Bendigo)

Merlot
Highbank 2004 $52 (Coonawarra)
Parker Estate 2002 $41 (Coonawarra)

Muscat
919 Wines 'Classic' NV $28 (Riverlands)

Pinot Grigio
Due Mondi 2005 $25 (Trentino, Italy)

Pinot Noir
Chard Farm 'River Run' 2007 $41 (Central Otago)
Rockburn 2007 $57 (Central Otago)

Prosecco
Dal Zotto 'L'Immigrante' 2008 $30 (King Valley)

Riesling
Kanta 2007 $27 (Adelaide Hills)
Radford Dale 2008 $23 (Eden Valley)
Small Fry 2008 $19 (Eden Valley)
Some Young Punks "Monsters Attack" 2008 $22 (Clare Valley)

Rose
Artazuri 2007 $24 (Spain)
Krinklewood "Francesca" 2008 $22 (Hunter Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Paul Bettio 2008 $14 (King Valley)

Shiraz
Brini 'Sebastian' 2005 $25 (McLaren Vale)
Small Fry 2006 $24 (Eden Valley)
The Story 2007 $20 (Grampians)

Vintage Port
919 Wines 2006 $28 (Riverlands)

New Releases - February 8th 2009

Chardonnay

Charles Sturt 2008 $13 (Central NSW Ranges)

Frankland Estate 2007 $22 (Great Southern)

Grenache & Blends

Spinifex 'Espirit' Grenache Shiraz Mataro Cinsault 2006 $33 (Barossa Valley)

Teusner 'Avatar' Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2006 $28 (Barossa Valley)

Pinot Grigio

Chrismont 2008 $20 (King Valley)

Pinot Gris

Deviation Road 2008 $20 (Adelaide Hills)

Riesling

Flaxman 2008 $26 (Eden Valley)

Frankland Estate 'Isolation Ridge' 2008 $27 (Great Southern)

Mount Edward 2006 $32 (Central Otago)

Red Blend

Happs Preservative Free 2007 $22 (Margaret River)

Rose

Juniper's Crossing 2008 $19 (Margaret River)

Kuranaba 2004 $14 (Geelong)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends

Bress Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $20 (Margaret River)

Craggy Range "Te Muna Road" Sauvignon Blanc 2008 $32 (Marlborough)

Kuranaba "Shed" Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $15 (Geelong)

Logan 2008 Sauvignon Blanc $23 (Orange)

Sherry

Romate 'Marismeno' Fino NV $30 (Spain)

Viognier

Fairbank 208 $24 (Bendigo)

New Releases - January Pt.4

Cabernet & Blends
Hochkirch Cabernet Merlot 2005 $26 (Henty)

Chardonnay
The Growers Chardonnay 2007 $18 (Margaret River)
Tomboy Hill 'Garabaldi Farm' 2006 $36 (Ballarat)

Dessert Wines
Flaxman Wines 'Cane Cut' Semillon 2008 $22 (Eden Valley)

Muscadet
Domaine De Ecu Guy Bossard 'Serve & Maine Classique' 2005 $32 (Loire, France)

Montepulciano
Herzog 2006 $70 (Marlborough)

Riesling
Frogmore Creek 'FGR' 2008 $23 (Tasmania)
Gunderloch 'Jean Baptiste' 2006 $30 (Germany)

Pinot Gris
Leabrook Estate 2008 $26 (Adelaide Hills)
Stefani Estate 'The View' 2006 $29 (Yarra Valley)

Pinot Noir
Holyman 2007 $47 (Tasmania)
Two Paddocks 'Picnic" 2007 $32 (Central Otago)

Sauvignon Blanc
Whitehaven 2008 $23 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Howling Wolves 2007 $16 (Margaret River)

Sparkling Wines
Kuranaba "Shed" Sparkling White NV $15 (Geelong)

New Releases - January Pt.3

Cabernet & Blends
Balnaves 'The Tally' Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $87 (Coonawarra)
Battle of Bosworth Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $23 (McLaren Vale)
Murrindindi "Family Reserve" Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $22 (Central Victorian Highlands)
Serafino "Goose Island" Cabernet Merlot 2006 $14 (McLaren Vale)

Chardonnay
Darling Park 2006 $26 (Mornington Peninsula)
Whispering Hills 2007 $20 (Yarra Valley)

Chenin Blanc
Millton 2007 $31 (Gisborne, New Zealand)

Dessert Wines
Bress 'The Kindest Cut' Gewurztraminer 2008 $20 (Bendigo)
Chateau Filhot 'Sauternes' 2003 $45 (France)

Gamay
Pfeiffer 2008 $19 (Rutherglen)

Merlot
Woodpark 2005 $22 (King Valley)

Pinot Gris
Paracombe 2008 $19 (Adelaide Hills)
Woodpark 2008 $21 (King Valley)

Pinot Noir
Train Trak "Wild Dog" 2006 $25 (Yarra Valley)

Riesling
Crabtree 2008 $23 (Clare Valley)

Rose
Yelland & Papps 2006 $20 (Barossa Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Santa Ines 2008 $15 (Chile)
Te Whare Ra 2008 $25 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Amherst 'Daisy Creek' Shiraz Cabernet 2007 $15 (Pyrenees)
Serafino "Goose Island" 2006 $14 (McLaren Vale)

Tempranillo
Bodegas El Coto "Coto de Imaz" 2001 $30 (Rioja, Spain)

New Releases - January Pt.2

Albarino
Tscharke "Girl Talk" 2008 $22 (Barossa Valley)

Cabernet & Blends
Boat O'Craigo "Braveheart" Cabernet Merlot 2006 $28 (Yarra Valley)
Bream Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $27 (Tasmania)
Domaine A "Stoney Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon 3002 $31 (Tasmania)

Chardonnay
Caledonia Australis "Mount Macleod" 2006 $18 (Gippsland)
Dalzotto 2004 $23 (King Valley)

Chenin Blanc
Voyager Estate 2008 $20 (Margaret River)

Gewurztraminer
Bream Creek 2005 $26 (Tasmania)

Merlot
Mike Press 2006 $13 (Adelaide Hills)

Other Whites
Gapsted Petit Maseng 2006 $24 (King Valley)

Pinot Grigio
Livon 2007 $28 (Italy)

Pinot Noir
Alana Estate 2006 $60 (Martinborough)
Kuranaba "Shed" 2007 $15 (Geelong)
Tussock 2006 $24 (Nelson, New Zealand)

Rose
Epsilom 2008 $23 (Barossa Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc
Alana Estate 2008 $30 (Martinborough)
Tussock 2007 $19 (Nelson, New Zealand)

Shiraz
Charles Sturt 2007 $15 (Central NSW)
Epsilom 2007 $24 (Barossa Valley)
Trevor Jones "Dry Grown" 2006 $34 (Barossa Valley)
Winburndale Shiraz Cabernet 2005 $16 (Orange)

Sparkling White
Huia 2002 $46 (Marlborough)

Tempranillo
Epsilom Tempranillo Graciano 2007 $27 (Barossa Valley)

Viognier
Georges Vernay "Chailees De L'Enfer" 2006 $157 (France)

Tasting Notes - A Couple of Frenchies

Grand Puy Lacoste 1993 (Bordeaux 5th growth, Cabernet)
Relatively poor year? Great aromatics, classic cabernet; cassic, blackberry, some mint, a touch of herbs. Stocks of class. All of this threatens early on the palate but the power and penetration never really delivers. It's almost like the fruit is being held back (which of course it isn't). Notwithstanding, structure and class is impeccable and in reality it looks fine as a 15yr old.

Josmeyer "Les Folastries" Gewurtztraminer 2005 (Alsace)
I had suspected this was best drunk as a youngster and this tasting confirms. Aromatics are strong and very lifted with musk and cut stone but the fruit weight doesn't really kick in. Quite mild almost too dry for the style although still a very competent wine. I don't think it will get much better, and this in itself is a little surprising given the propensity of the Trimbachs to age magnificantly.

New Releases - January Pt.1

Cabernet & Blends
Schild Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $19 (Barossa Valley)

Chardonnay
Rockfield Estate "Reserve" 2005 $33 (Margaret River)

Dessert Wines
Seifried Riesling "Ice Wine" 2007 $35 (Nelson, NZ)

Italian Whites
Taminick "1919 Series" Trebbiano 2007 $12 (Glenrowan)
Tasca D'Almerita "Regaleali Bianco" 2007 $30 (Italy)

Merlot
Santa Rita 2006 $22 (Chile)

Pinot Gris
Pierre Sparr "Selection" 2006 $34 (Alsace, France)
Point Leo Road 2008 $20 (Mornington Peninsula)
Scorpo Pinot Gris 2008 $33 (Mornington Peninsula)

Pinot Noir
Seresin "Leah" 2007 $42 (Marlborough)
Spring Vale "Melrose" 2008 $23 (Tasmania)

Riesling
Oranje Tractor "Albany" 2003 $29
Oranje Tractor "Albany" 2005 $21
Oranje Tractor "Reverse" 2008 $18
Skillogalee 2008 $23 (Clare Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Riposte 2008 $22 (Adelaide Hills)
Shadowfax 2008 $21 (Adelaide Hills)
Stefani Lubiana 2008 $28 (Tasmania)

Shiraz
Pyren "Block E" 2005 $26 (Pyrenees)
Rusden "Black Guts" 2006 $88 (Barossa Valley)
Scarpantoni "Block 3" 2006 $33 (McLaren Vale)