Tasting Notes - Di Gorgio 'Frank' White Blend 2006 (Recommended)

New entry level level for Coonawarra player Di Gorgio. This wine is a blend of semillon, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, not particularly unusual in days gone by but relatively rare these days.

I think is will be priced under $12 and I have to say it has stacks of obvious crowd pleaser appeal that should work well at the price point. Lots of tropical fruit, ripe, some heat, and a somewhat dry finish, perhaps a little surprising given the nose and fruit flavours. No a good choice for the geeks but good simple summer drinking.

Tasting Notes - Penfolds Bin 28 1996

Tasted December 2007
Looking back at my notes from 2 years ago I'd say this wine is now an obvious 'drink now' candidate. Colour is still holding very well (dark crimson) and the nose shows red berries with a tinny note, almost acidic like. Palate is a fraction hard and one-dimensional with red fruits and a hot, hard extracted feel that appears to be loaded with an acid-like character. The underlying fruits are clearly strarting to fade. No great, and again the hardness evident in the palate is very consistent with other 1996 Bin series wines that I have tried over the past 3 years.

Tasted November 2004
Good colour for an 8yr old, very dark crimson with a thinning edge on the rim. Tar like nose, almost meaty yet seems quite fresh. A touch of sweet fruit provides good lift. Palate is tough to read. Upfront fruit seems very fresh but falls away in the middle and back palate. Fruit thins out and becomes disjointed, with a hard extracted streak running through. Plenty of tannic backbone keeps the wine relatively tight, and more tarry notes appear on the finish.

Tastings Notes - Lake Cairn Curran Current Releases

Blanc de Blanc 2006 (Recommended)
Not a bad effort. Simple style with a dash of approachable fruit sweetness, a good combination. Drinks easily and finishes with a firming and almost liqueur-like edge. Will be priced in the low $20s and looks well placed here.

Shiraz 2006
I wanted to like this wine. Unfortunately it’s made in a style that I struggle with, that is, seemingly a deliberate ploy to leave some residual sugar. This wine is quite well made but the grapey, sweet liqueured fruits prove to big a distraction for me. Sweet plum and pepper drive the flavours in the most simple of ways. Very grapey and fruit juice-like across the bouquet and palate. The finish is much dryer than expected with some tang from the acid coming through but the fruit flavours largely drop out.

Lake Cairn Curran ‘Sur Lie’ Chardonnay 2005
A reserve wine of sorts given it is sourced from the pick of the barrels from the 2005 vintage. Medium yellow gold in colour, very clean, but looks to be showing some development. Nose doesn’t give me too much; oldish subtle oak and vague stonefruits. Flavours are quite interesting. Fruits are quite firm and almost bitter very early in the palate, quite ripe, some oak, more harder grapefruit-like flavours. For a fleeting moment one gets the impression this is very serious chardonnay but the palate weight tails off considerably. Notwithstanding it’s not a bad attempt.

Tasting Notes - Diamond Valley Cabernet Cabernet Franc 2000 (Recommended)

This wine is a bit of an oddity to the retail trade as it is available as a 7 year old 'current release'. I tried this wine about 9 months ago and it was very impressive. This sample didn't disappoint, and further underlines just how good 2000 was in the Valley for cabernet.

This wine is a single vineyard job sourced from a 22yr old estate vineyard.

Amazing aromas of fresh blueberry and juicy blackcurrents. Text book stuff and massively appealing. Palate was muted early by some CO2 hanging around in the glass but this dissipated over 30 minutes. Leaner that the aromas suggest with faint berries, blackberry, and a tight structure that still is ever so slightly shackled with some buzzing acid. The primary fruit has certainly softened in recent times and it might be best to drink up over 2008.

Tasting Note - Konrad and Co Noble Two 2004 (recommended)

If you are looking for a stickie which is not too cloying and well franky too stickie you may well enjoy this. A 'noble' blend of Riesling and Sauvignon blanc from New Zealand it displays deep golden colour, rich citrus and honey aromas and a sweet marmalade, zesty palate which is lighter than many botrytis wines and as a result the wine maintains a pleasing freshness. A fabulous match with Roquefort but I found Roaring 40's blue a bit too big for it.

Tasting Notes - La Serre Sauvignon Blanc 2004

Region: Languedoc

Priced ok at $13 but I reckon 4yr el cheapo from France will be hard to flog!

Nice golden hue; dead clear and very clean looking. Nose shows obvious aged notes of soft fruits and faint honey. Has a certain appeal. Palate is interesting; structurally quite ok with a firming tinge of acid and citrus, but the fruit has faded, leaving the aforementioned honey character. To be honest I'd probably prefer to drink this than standard Marlborough savvy but it just won't work in the Australian market place (at least in my humble opinion.)

Tasting Notes - Arrivo Nebbiolo 2004 (Recommended)

One of a handful of high priced local nebs that has serious claims on being a legit Piedmont lookalike. Only 100 cases for this vintage.

Light blood red in colour; a good start. Just a touch of lightening at the rim. Dry herbal notes on the nose along with fruity raspberry. Flavours are also in the 'dry' spectrum with lots of old world tannin. Drives a very long finish. This wine is not at all fruity but rather all about firm structure.

New Releases - Mid December Pt.3

Barbera
Christmont 2004 $20 (King Valley)

Cabernet & Blends
Heartland 'Coast & Creek' Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $16 (Langhorne Creek)

Chardonnay
Scorpo 2005 $35 (Mornington Peninsula)
Serafino 'Goose Island' Chardonnay 2007 $14 (McLaren Vale)

Chenin Blanc
Marc Bredif Vouvray 1988!! $44 (Loire Valley, France)

Gewurztraminer
Trimbach 'Reserve' 2001 $45 (Alsace, France)

Pinot Noir
Frogmore Creek 'Reserve' 2005 $57 (Tasmania)
Paringa Estate 'Estate' 2006 $63 (Mornington Peninsula)

Riesling
Frogmore Creek 2005 $24 (Tasmania)
Trimbach 'Reserve' 2005 $39 (Alsace, France)

Sangiovese
Pizzini 2006 $26 (King Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Dunsborough Hills Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $16 (Margaret River)
Elgo Estate 'Allira' 2007 $14 (Strathbogie Ranges)
Skip Jack $15.00 (Marlborough)

Shiraz
Battle of Bosworth Shiraz 2006 $22 (McLaren Vale)
Langmeil 'Barossa Old Vine Company' 2003 $95 (Barossa Valley)
Paringa Estate 'Estate' 2005 $46 (Mornington Peninsula)

New Releases - Mid December Pt.2

Barbara
Chalk Hill 2006 $23 (McLaren Vale)

Chardonnay
Barringwood Park 2005 $26 (Tasmania)
Delamere Reserve 2005 $31 (Tasmania)

Dessert Wines & Fortifieds
Konrad Sigrun Noble 2 $32 (Marlborough)

Pinot Grigio / Gris
Tar & Roses 2007 $20 (Strathbogie Ranges)

Pinot Noir
Delamere 2005 $22 (Tasmania)
Eastern Peake 1997 $75 (Ballarat)
Eastern Peake 2000 $52 (Ballarat)
Grey Sands 2005 $37 (Tasmania)
Moondarra Conception 2005 $86 (Gippsland)
Moondarra Samba Side 2005 $117 (Gippsland)
Prince Albert 2004 $33 (Geelong)
Winstead 2005 $32 (Tasmania)

Rose
Eastern Peake Pinot Noir 2006 $27 (Ballarat)

Sangiovese
Tar and Roses $21 (Heathcote)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Jinks Creek 2006 $22 (Yarra Valley)
Voice of the Vine 2006 'Acappella' $27 (Mornington Peninsula)

Shiraz
Brown Magpie 2006 $24 (Geelong)
Dinny Goonan 2005 $17 (Geelong)
Jinks Creek 'Longford' Shiraz 2004 $32 (Gippsland)
Schubert Estate 'Gosling' Shiraz 2005 $24 (Barossa Valley)

Sparkling White
Crittenden 'Geppetto' NV Brut $16 (King Valley)

Tempranillo
Tar and Roses $22 (Heathcote)

Tasting Notes - Crittenden 'Geppetto' Sparkling White NV

Gary Crittenden's cheapy white sparkler from entry level label 'Geppetto'. Although not stated I'm sure this would be mostly sourced from King Valley fruit (as is most of the range) although there is a South Australia component. 60% pinot noir. Fairly straight forward and simple style, particularly for the price point (u/ $16). Quite soft, approachable, with citrus and lemon fruits on both nose and palate. Nose is also quite ripe. Medium strength finish. Appears to do a good job of straddling the fine line between punter friendly fruity action and more classic dry notes.

As an asided the level of detail Gary provides at www.crittendenwines.com.au is excellent for all wines produced. Check it out if you get a chance.

New Releases - Mid December

Cabernet & Blends
Schild Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $19 (Barossa Valley)
Virgin Block Cabernet Merlot 2004 $27 (Margaret River)

Chardonnay
Cobaw Ridge 1999 $32 (Racedon Ranges)

Pinot Noir
Bass Phillip 2006 21st Anniversary $78 (Gippsland)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Elgo Estate 'Allira' 2006 $14 (Strathbogie Ranges)
Geoff Weaver 2007 $23 (Adelaide Hills)
Virgin Block 2006 $22 (Margaret River)

Shiraz
Ben Schild Premium 2005 $34 (Barossa Valley)
Hennings View Vineyard 2002 $25 (Heathcote)
Scorpo 2005 $37 (Mornington Peninsula)
Torbreck Descendant 2005 $115 (Barossa Valley)
Torbreck The Factor 2004 $115 (Barossa Valley)

Other Reds
Cobaw Ridge Langrein 2005 $48 (Macedon Ranges)

Other Whites
Heartland Viognier Pinot Gris 2006 $19 (Langhorne Creek)
Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2005 $33 (Alsace, France)

Tasting Notes - San Leonardo Cabernet 2000 (Recommended)

Region: Trentino (Italy)
Sub-Region: Avio

This wine is considered to be Trentino's leading cabernet based wine and not surprisingly has long been awarded '3 glass' status by Gambero Rosso. Based on this tasting I can absolutely see why. Shy very early; violets, green herbal hints, a touch of pepper. Opens up nicely over 45 minutes to reveal layers of classic cabernet fruits, berries, and truckloads of floral characters. Has a high proportion of cab franc, which in theory would add to the aromas and lift. Always strictly medium-bodied, and has at least 3 years ahead of it. Strongly recommended, even at $90.

New Releases - Early December Pt.3

Cabernet & Blends
Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 $63 (Tasmania)
Langanook Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $26 (Bendigo)
Whispering Hills Vineyard "Appassimento" (cabernet-based aramone style) $24 (Yarra Valley)

Chardonnay
Kings Creek 2005 $16 (Mornington Peninsula)

Merlot
Grey Sands 2003 $31 (Tasmania)

Pinot Gris & Grigio
Grey Sands Pinot Gris 2006 $31 (Tasmania)
Huia Pinot Gris 2007 $26 (Marlborough)
JL Wolf 2006 Pinot Gris $20 (Germany)

Riesling
Crawford River Young Vines 2006 $23 (Henty)
Wild Dog Winery 2007 $19 (Gippsland)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
McHenry Hohnen Semillon Sauvignon Blacn 2007 $21 (Margaret River)

Shiraz & Blends
Redhouse Shiraz Grenache 2004 $18 (McLaren Vale)
Trevor Jones Wild Witch 2002 Magnum 2002 $111 (Barossa Valley)

Other Whites
Huia Gewurztraminer 2007 $26 (Marlborough)

Tasting Notes - Amherst 'Daisy Creek' Chardonnay 2006

Another sub $16 wine made from 100% Pyrenees fruit. Medium strength golden hue, seemingly showing some development. Ripe fruits, mostly pineapple, on the nose. A slightly dirty / euro note underpins the aromas. Similar fruits to taste although somewhat dilutive when compared to the aromas. Fruits tighten through the palate and finish with citrus tang. Probably better options in the price range.

Tasting Notes - Amherst 'Daisy Creek' Shiraz Cabernet 2006

The 2005 was a very good wine at $15 but this vintage is probably not at the same standard. Simple nose of red berry fruits and a toasty oak note. Perhaps not quite seamless. Flavours and palate structure largely repeat the nose. The red fruits are very generic and unremarkable (yet satisfactory), and not at all heavy. Lightish finish with an earthy, iron-like character coming through. Ok wine, and maybe hard to be critical given the price point and region.

New Releases - Early December Pt.2

Cabernet & Blends
Tallis Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $19 (Central Victoria)
Ulithorne 'Paternus' Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $33 (McLaren Vale)
Woodlands Estate 'Rachel' Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $92 (Margaret River)

Grenache & Blends
Torbreck 'Juveniles' GSm 2007 $26 (Barossa Valley)

Merlot
Irvine 'Grand' 2002 $90 (Eden Valley)

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Wairau Pinot Grigio 2007 $21 (Marlborough)

Pinot Noir

Van Ash 2001 $46 (Central Otago)

Riesling

Claymore 'Joshua Tree' 2007 $20 (Clare Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc

Herzog 'Hans' 2006 $26 (Marlborough)

Shiraz

Balnaves 2005 $26 (Coonawarra)

Claymore 'Dark Side of the Moon' 2005 $22 (Clare Valley)

Longview 'Yakka' 2006 $29 (Adelaide Hills)

Silesian 'Clancy Fuller' 3 Hogshead Shiraz 2002 $23 (Barossa Valley)

Tallis 2004 $19 (Central Victoria)

Sparkling White

LaCache 2002 $34 (margaret River)

Other Whites

Chestnut Grove Verdelho 2007 $20 (Manjimup)

Lindenton Verdelho 2005 $ (Heathcote)

Tallis Viognier 2005 $19 (Central Victoria)

Tasting Notes - La Serre Croix Chardonnay Vermentino 2004

Region: Languedoc

This Languedoc wine is an unlikely blend of what we might typically see in Australia. Pale in gold in colour; looking good for 3+ years of age. Ripe pineapple and tropical fruits on the nose. Ripe flavours pop up again in the palate, sweet fruits are very prounced in the simple, dumb tropical fruit style. Some hints of a more savoury component in the back palate, perhaps giving the wine its 'euro' feel. Drying finish.

Tasting Notes Harvey River Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Kiwi look-a-like from Geographe, south of Perth. Plenty of textbook flavours (grass and gooseberry) but I can't get comfortable with the level of sweetness in the wine. It's not approaching the level of off-dry but there may be a relatively high of residual left in this wine. No dount the style will have it's fans but I'm not one of them.

Specials and Case Discounts - December

Silesian Clancy Fuller 'Scribblers' GSM 2002 $23 (was $26)
As per our comments below...a rare opportunity to purchase 5 year grenache based wine from a stella vintage.

Trevor Jones Sixth Sense Grenache 2001 $20 (was $33)
We were selling this wine for $33 sixth months ago! A very solid example of nicely aged Barossa grenache from old vines in the Barossa.

New Releases - Early December

Cabernet & Blends
Cullen Cabernet Merlot 2005 $32 (Margaret River)
Mount Mary Quintet 2005 $129 (Yarra Valley)
Wantirna Estate 'Hannah' Cabernet Franc merlot 2005 $119 (Yarra Valley)

Champagne
Agrapart Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut Grand Cru 2002 $138

Chardonnay
Toolangi 'Estate' 2005 $37 (Yarra Valley)
Toolangi 'Reserve' 2005 $68 (Yarra Valley)

Grenache & Blends
Trevor Jones Sixth Sense 2001 $20 (Barossa Valley)

Italian Varietals
Arrivo Nebbiolo 2005 $56 (Adelaide Hills)
Arrivo Nebbiolo 'Rosato di Nebbiolo' 2007 $25 (Adelaide Hills)
Herzog Montepulciano 2004 $70 (Marlborough)

Pinot Noir
Herzog 2005 $60 (Marlborough)
Waratah Hills 2005 $24 (Gippsland)

Riesling
Trevor Jones 'Reserve' 2005 $24 (Eden Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc & Blends
Bress Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $19 (Margaret River)

Shiraz
Biscay Wines 'John Hongell' 2004 $21 (Barossa Valley)
Lazy Bellarina 2006 $23 (McLaren Vale)
Pizzini Sangiovese Shiraz 2006 $18 (King Valley)
Spinifex 'Indigene' Shiraz Mataro 2005 $45 (Barossa Valley)
Trevor Jones 'Boots' 2006 $16 (Barossa Valley)