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.”
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Friday, 17 April 2009
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)
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)
Friday, 27 March 2009
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.
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.
Friday, 20 March 2009
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)
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)
Saturday, 14 March 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
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)
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)
Monday, 2 March 2009
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)
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)
Monday, 9 February 2009
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)
Thursday, 22 January 2009
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)
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)
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
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)
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)
Saturday, 10 January 2009
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)
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)
Thursday, 8 January 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, 3 January 2009
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)
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)
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
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)
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)
Saturday, 27 December 2008
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)
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
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
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.
Sunday, 21 December 2008
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.
Saturday, 6 December 2008
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)
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)
Friday, 5 December 2008
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)
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)
Monday, 1 December 2008
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.
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.
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