Now this is purely out of interest, it's a long way outside of my normal shopping list!
The nose has a bit of match strike, stewed apple and nashi pear, palate has a weird texture and a distinct lack of flavour which you might expect if the fruit is in fact early harvest. It's kind of round and flabby, pineapple stands out, with a touch of acidity that's a bit disjointed.
Simply it's a pretty basic wine but you'd expect it for a lighter alcohol lighter calorie option.
Critics don't rate this really, Ben Edwards via Wine Companion gave it a dismal 79pts and I'd rather not give it a rating as I don't rate it really.
Value for money, well it's like $15 out there but unless your searching for a low calorie option specifically I'd say even that's a waste of cash unfortunately.
In summary this isn't terrible or unpalatable but it definitely wouldn't be near my first choice at the bottle shop.
Annie's Lane Quelltaler Watervale Riesling 2011
Now let's look at a well rated rizza from one of Australia's most recognised Riesling regions from one of Australia's worst recent Riesling vintages. I can't say I've loved many Rieslings from 2011 but lets see where we end up here.
Typical Watervale nose soft pretty citrus, nectarine, florals and musk. Palate has surprisingly good fruit, well balanced with acidity. All citrus with that hint of musk. Nicely focussed with good length, making me want to look to another glass.
This is a great easy drinking style of Riesling that is still a dry style but has nice approachable acidity and good fruit to carry it. Summer's day and the right food you're really in business here.
Halliday via Ben Edwards 94, Gary Walsh - Via Winefront gave this a 92.... I say little harsh Walshy... I'll sit with Benny Boy on this one 94!
Value for money... well where do I start.... $25 RRP... stretching it a little but if you grabbed it for $19.99 or within a couple bucks your in the ball game.
Wrap up, yep wrap me a 6 pack up to go! Good luck kids and happy drinking!
Typical Watervale nose soft pretty citrus, nectarine, florals and musk. Palate has surprisingly good fruit, well balanced with acidity. All citrus with that hint of musk. Nicely focussed with good length, making me want to look to another glass.
This is a great easy drinking style of Riesling that is still a dry style but has nice approachable acidity and good fruit to carry it. Summer's day and the right food you're really in business here.
Halliday via Ben Edwards 94, Gary Walsh - Via Winefront gave this a 92.... I say little harsh Walshy... I'll sit with Benny Boy on this one 94!
Value for money... well where do I start.... $25 RRP... stretching it a little but if you grabbed it for $19.99 or within a couple bucks your in the ball game.
Wrap up, yep wrap me a 6 pack up to go! Good luck kids and happy drinking!
Seppelt Fleur de Lys Vintage 2008
Well another bubbles.... what's going on you say, well I've been exposed more recently to a lot more bubbly goodness so I'm about to declare it a sparkling summer!!
This has lovely creamy yeasty nose with citrus notes indicating its fresh nature. Palate has nice fine textured mousse, good white peach and citrus, nice focussed acid and crisp clean finish. Finishes shortish but overall great little aperitif style.
Simply a good little bubbles. Quite traditional style not overly fruity and quite dry so if your a sweet fruit bomb sipper then maybe give it a shot to convert you from the dark side.
Critics gave it an ok wrap with Lord Halliday at 89pts and not taking the cost into account I don't disagree. I think its a good little bubbles for the price and 91pts having to put a number on it.
Value for money is where this wine is an absolute winner!! Bottle fermented vintage sparkling you can pick up for under twenty bucks...! Definitely gets my vote! I picked this up at $14 on special at First Choice Liquor, this means bubbles fans that good ol' Dan's is off the mark retailing it at a touch over $16 currently. Seppelt says it should be $23.99 and if I'd payed that I'd be ok with it. If you're getting it sub $18 your in good shape.
Summary, if you're in a chain store and need to top up your 6 pack to get everything a little cheaper, slipping a couple of these in would be a grand plan! In fact if you chucked a couple of these, a couple Moet Grand Vintage 2004's and a Cliquot or two in then just swing round to mine for a Sunday session! Ciao and happy sipping!
This has lovely creamy yeasty nose with citrus notes indicating its fresh nature. Palate has nice fine textured mousse, good white peach and citrus, nice focussed acid and crisp clean finish. Finishes shortish but overall great little aperitif style.
Simply a good little bubbles. Quite traditional style not overly fruity and quite dry so if your a sweet fruit bomb sipper then maybe give it a shot to convert you from the dark side.Critics gave it an ok wrap with Lord Halliday at 89pts and not taking the cost into account I don't disagree. I think its a good little bubbles for the price and 91pts having to put a number on it.
Value for money is where this wine is an absolute winner!! Bottle fermented vintage sparkling you can pick up for under twenty bucks...! Definitely gets my vote! I picked this up at $14 on special at First Choice Liquor, this means bubbles fans that good ol' Dan's is off the mark retailing it at a touch over $16 currently. Seppelt says it should be $23.99 and if I'd payed that I'd be ok with it. If you're getting it sub $18 your in good shape.
Summary, if you're in a chain store and need to top up your 6 pack to get everything a little cheaper, slipping a couple of these in would be a grand plan! In fact if you chucked a couple of these, a couple Moet Grand Vintage 2004's and a Cliquot or two in then just swing round to mine for a Sunday session! Ciao and happy sipping!
Pandora's Amphora 2011
Here's another interesting number that had me intrigued from my little visit to McLaren vale a week or so ago at a 'Pop up' cellar door.
This wine is not exactly what you'd expect, unfiltered therefore cloudy, blend of some crazy varietals therefore a little stinky but super interesting! I get butterscotch, peach, fuji apples, candlewax and amongst all that hints of citrus. Palate has the most amazing texture and weight, packed full of fruit but this dominating savouriness that gives the wine impeccable balance. Ugly but interesting as a summary!
To simplify, this is not a qwoffer folks, this is a journey and a very interesting one at that! Not what you'd expect is a plain way to put it. Savory but fruit, stinky but perfumed ... put those in a sentence and make them make.... well sense!!!
Ratings... so this has picked up a few accolades around the traps including a Gold at the Alternative wines show which in my humble opinion is a given on this wine! Campbell Mattinson gave it 93 points and my friends although it's not my style my humble rating is a solid 92!
Value for money isn't even a question worth considering on this number. 567 bottles produced or something in that space so if you even get 1 then you're a lucky person! I believe you're looking about $85 to check this funky little number out and you'll be glad you did!! I tell you I'd rather pay $85 for this than a plane trip to Sydney, I'll get far more intrigue and enjoyment and I'll end up spending far less cash on the night out!
Now this wine is for the wine nerds in all of us and not for your average punter, so if it's a qwoffer you're after or even a wine to bring to dinner to a not so wine nerdy friends place then steer clear! If you are with friends who share in your wine nerdyness and like to consider what they are drinking rather than just drink it then Perfect! Good luck and as always happy drinking!!
This wine is not exactly what you'd expect, unfiltered therefore cloudy, blend of some crazy varietals therefore a little stinky but super interesting! I get butterscotch, peach, fuji apples, candlewax and amongst all that hints of citrus. Palate has the most amazing texture and weight, packed full of fruit but this dominating savouriness that gives the wine impeccable balance. Ugly but interesting as a summary!
To simplify, this is not a qwoffer folks, this is a journey and a very interesting one at that! Not what you'd expect is a plain way to put it. Savory but fruit, stinky but perfumed ... put those in a sentence and make them make.... well sense!!!Ratings... so this has picked up a few accolades around the traps including a Gold at the Alternative wines show which in my humble opinion is a given on this wine! Campbell Mattinson gave it 93 points and my friends although it's not my style my humble rating is a solid 92!
Value for money isn't even a question worth considering on this number. 567 bottles produced or something in that space so if you even get 1 then you're a lucky person! I believe you're looking about $85 to check this funky little number out and you'll be glad you did!! I tell you I'd rather pay $85 for this than a plane trip to Sydney, I'll get far more intrigue and enjoyment and I'll end up spending far less cash on the night out!
Now this wine is for the wine nerds in all of us and not for your average punter, so if it's a qwoffer you're after or even a wine to bring to dinner to a not so wine nerdy friends place then steer clear! If you are with friends who share in your wine nerdyness and like to consider what they are drinking rather than just drink it then Perfect! Good luck and as always happy drinking!!
The Lane Block 3 Chardonnay 2009
Sunday arvo calls for a glass of Chard so here it is!
Right so a great friend of mine recommended I try this and I've not been disappointed. Melon, citrus and very distinct minerality on the nose laced with a hint of struck match and a well integrated seasoning of oak. Palate has this amazingly fresh but complex mouthfeel, great fruit supported by the salt and pepper approach of oak gives this intrigue. The tertiary savory notes that help the texture of this wine are supported by nice gentile focused acidity that show this wine has been gently nurtured to be the wonderful drop it is today.
Basically this is a great approchable little Chardy. Not too much oak, great fruit and youthful acidity and mouthfeel that make it stupidly drinkable. Now there isn't the structure of a fine wine and there isn't the fruit of a fruit bomb but hey I could drink this all day!
Our lord Halliday gives this 91 and on two separate occasions Tyson Stelzer changed his mind from a 92 to a 94 and by golly I'll split those odds and say 93 points for this sexy little chard!
Value for money.... well I'd say that a chard under $30 is probably not been treated the way you'd hope so god if you've paid less you've got a bargain on this little number!
Wrap it up you say, well I say the same!!! Wrap up a bottle, shove it in the post and land it on my doorstep, this will be a lovely afternoon's drinking in my house. Enjoy!
Right so a great friend of mine recommended I try this and I've not been disappointed. Melon, citrus and very distinct minerality on the nose laced with a hint of struck match and a well integrated seasoning of oak. Palate has this amazingly fresh but complex mouthfeel, great fruit supported by the salt and pepper approach of oak gives this intrigue. The tertiary savory notes that help the texture of this wine are supported by nice gentile focused acidity that show this wine has been gently nurtured to be the wonderful drop it is today.Basically this is a great approchable little Chardy. Not too much oak, great fruit and youthful acidity and mouthfeel that make it stupidly drinkable. Now there isn't the structure of a fine wine and there isn't the fruit of a fruit bomb but hey I could drink this all day!
Our lord Halliday gives this 91 and on two separate occasions Tyson Stelzer changed his mind from a 92 to a 94 and by golly I'll split those odds and say 93 points for this sexy little chard!
Value for money.... well I'd say that a chard under $30 is probably not been treated the way you'd hope so god if you've paid less you've got a bargain on this little number!
Wrap it up you say, well I say the same!!! Wrap up a bottle, shove it in the post and land it on my doorstep, this will be a lovely afternoon's drinking in my house. Enjoy!
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Champagne 2004
Yes guys you did read that title right! It has been a while but I'm coming back with a bang! I knew I've been lazy so I thought I'd make sure I treat you all! (Perhaps in treating myself I also felt guilty, don't worry though I actually was given this wine as a thank you gift! I can't afford to lash out on this stuff! Until someone pays me to review this stuff don't expect to see anything this good again any time soon!)
Just looking at it makes me smile, amazing pale lemon colour with an amazingly persistant fine bead that just screams quality. Subtlety is not this Champagne's strong point, beautifully lifted stone fruit, lemon and marzipan laced with subtle creamy yeasty notes that draw you in. The palate is like heaven, most amazing juicy yet creamy mouth feel, nice citrus and white peach. Great focussed acids leaving my mouth watering after a long lingering finish with lovely honeysuckle. The structure and the richness of this wine is just wonderful.
Wow what a fizz! So beautifully delicate but wonderfully powerful. Juicy and creamy at the same time with great fruit holding its own. Great mouthfeel and the most delicious way to start a meal or celebrate! It's like a party in my mouth!
Now the release of this is very fresh so I'm yet to find a rating out there to reference but I'll be more than surprised if this gets anything under 95 points from any reputable critic. I'm sticking it right there at 95+ points.
Now value for money..... RRP at $120 ouch! Available at most 'Chain' stores around $95 when your bulk purchasing and look seriously I'm not one for paying that kind of money for a bottle to qwoff... I'm thinking for a celebration of sorts then why not throw a bit more in the kitty and upgrade from NV to vintage cause it's a hell of a lot better! Value for money by comparison to buying a Dom Perignon or Krug it is a much more drink now style so if your drinking it then there is value in being able to grab two of these!!
So I will leave you now to top up my glass, sit back and enjoy this! I wish I had some caviar or oysters!! Good luck and Happy Drinking!! (cause I'm quite happy now!)
Just looking at it makes me smile, amazing pale lemon colour with an amazingly persistant fine bead that just screams quality. Subtlety is not this Champagne's strong point, beautifully lifted stone fruit, lemon and marzipan laced with subtle creamy yeasty notes that draw you in. The palate is like heaven, most amazing juicy yet creamy mouth feel, nice citrus and white peach. Great focussed acids leaving my mouth watering after a long lingering finish with lovely honeysuckle. The structure and the richness of this wine is just wonderful.
Wow what a fizz! So beautifully delicate but wonderfully powerful. Juicy and creamy at the same time with great fruit holding its own. Great mouthfeel and the most delicious way to start a meal or celebrate! It's like a party in my mouth!
Now the release of this is very fresh so I'm yet to find a rating out there to reference but I'll be more than surprised if this gets anything under 95 points from any reputable critic. I'm sticking it right there at 95+ points.
Now value for money..... RRP at $120 ouch! Available at most 'Chain' stores around $95 when your bulk purchasing and look seriously I'm not one for paying that kind of money for a bottle to qwoff... I'm thinking for a celebration of sorts then why not throw a bit more in the kitty and upgrade from NV to vintage cause it's a hell of a lot better! Value for money by comparison to buying a Dom Perignon or Krug it is a much more drink now style so if your drinking it then there is value in being able to grab two of these!!So I will leave you now to top up my glass, sit back and enjoy this! I wish I had some caviar or oysters!! Good luck and Happy Drinking!! (cause I'm quite happy now!)
Oakdene Peta's Pinot Noir 2010
Ok so I zipped around the bay on recommendation from a friend in 'experiencing #FilthyGoodVino on a regular basis' places in search of this absolute Star producer. On that mission I found this wine!
Varietal this Pinot is! Fruit intensity by the truck load! Dark cherry, forest berries, raspberry, liquorice, bursts of beautiful spice and subtle forrest floor aromas. The palate is lively due to it's youth, again with the raspberry and forest berry and the outstanding fruit intensity. The acid structure gives this wine is life and keeps it going on and on and on.
Wow what a Pinot. Lots of fruit but still retaining the spice and earthy tones that good Pinot should have. Pinot lovers will cream over this and Shiraz drinkers will definitely tolerate it.
The big man Lord Halliday rates this 94pts, Gary Walsh gave it a 95 and my humble pinotphile opinion is with Gary at 95 POINTS sports fans!
Value for money.... I only have cellar door price to go on and I paid $35 and am well and truly happy with my investment! Apparently there are both restaurants and a few independent bottle shops around Melbourne and Geelong that stock this product but that will be up to you guys to find them.
Long story short.... Just buy it!!! I love Mornington Pinot so don't get be wrong but I seriously will drive to the other side of the bay for this wine and then pay $35 for it! Go get some! It's seriously a game changer! Good luck and happy drinking!
Varietal this Pinot is! Fruit intensity by the truck load! Dark cherry, forest berries, raspberry, liquorice, bursts of beautiful spice and subtle forrest floor aromas. The palate is lively due to it's youth, again with the raspberry and forest berry and the outstanding fruit intensity. The acid structure gives this wine is life and keeps it going on and on and on.Wow what a Pinot. Lots of fruit but still retaining the spice and earthy tones that good Pinot should have. Pinot lovers will cream over this and Shiraz drinkers will definitely tolerate it.
The big man Lord Halliday rates this 94pts, Gary Walsh gave it a 95 and my humble pinotphile opinion is with Gary at 95 POINTS sports fans!
Value for money.... I only have cellar door price to go on and I paid $35 and am well and truly happy with my investment! Apparently there are both restaurants and a few independent bottle shops around Melbourne and Geelong that stock this product but that will be up to you guys to find them.
Long story short.... Just buy it!!! I love Mornington Pinot so don't get be wrong but I seriously will drive to the other side of the bay for this wine and then pay $35 for it! Go get some! It's seriously a game changer! Good luck and happy drinking!
Ninth Island Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Ok so Sav Blanc, let's not go into a discussion about it, not a wine I go searching for but when an absolute cracker lands in my lap I really do have to share it.
We've all been absolutely overwhelmed by the influx of Savvy from our brothers and sisters across the Tasman that we are all sick of it to the bone, unfortunately it still makes up an absolutely mind blowing fraction of the market so why fight it. Now this little Tassie number was forced upon me by a Tasmanian mate of mine preaching that I would be converted and I have to say converted I nearly was.
Pure and clear with lime green and lemon rind hues this little number glistens up out of the glass and carries aromas of passionfruit, honeydew melon and other various tropical fruits that excite you. Hints of grassy herbaceousness creep through if you search for them but definitely a big pretty fruit salad nose. The palate is remarkably well structured for Sav Blanc with an obvious focus of fruit and acid balance as well as a great level of residual sugar rounding the palate out. Tropical fruit with a passion fruit dominance balanced out by subtle savouriness, a welcome minerality in the palate that intrigues me. This is a seriously good Sav Blanc that has really taken me by surprise.
Wine people, this actually has some depth and complexity about it to interest most people enough. Sav Blanc drinkers this will blow your mind! Punter looking for something new and different, don't be discouraged by the fact this is a Savvy cause it's phenomenal.
Ok so I haven't really done in depth research on this wine to be totally honest but I'm sure it rates relatively well. Cracker wines (who's website confuses the crap out of me by the way) rate this 3.5 out of 5 which must only be because their discount is is only low or something. This gets a very solid 92pts from me and only because I think the acids could offend some punters who aren't expecting it but GO TASSIE SAVVY B!!!
Value for money, ok here is the contentious point on this wine. $23RRP... Cracker $17.95, Dan's $16.99 in a mixed 6 and varying prices around the market in between there. Me I'm well and truly happy to pay in that space for this wine. Unfortunately for this wine there is so many ok Sav Blanc's around for sub $15 that might muscle in on it's territory but seriously guys spend the extra $5 and get this and you will thank me!
Ok so I don't normally drink Sauvignon Blanc and I am seriously going to buy a 6 pack of this! Like I'm working it into my next fortnight's budget! What a great summer wine, It's starting to heat up and we'll (yes I'm including both you and I in this reference) be supporting a fantastic Australian winery. I know they are owned by a Belgian company but the fruit is grown in Tassie so we'll call it Australian. Go buy a bottle guys, you won't be disappointed. Happy quaffing!
We've all been absolutely overwhelmed by the influx of Savvy from our brothers and sisters across the Tasman that we are all sick of it to the bone, unfortunately it still makes up an absolutely mind blowing fraction of the market so why fight it. Now this little Tassie number was forced upon me by a Tasmanian mate of mine preaching that I would be converted and I have to say converted I nearly was.
Pure and clear with lime green and lemon rind hues this little number glistens up out of the glass and carries aromas of passionfruit, honeydew melon and other various tropical fruits that excite you. Hints of grassy herbaceousness creep through if you search for them but definitely a big pretty fruit salad nose. The palate is remarkably well structured for Sav Blanc with an obvious focus of fruit and acid balance as well as a great level of residual sugar rounding the palate out. Tropical fruit with a passion fruit dominance balanced out by subtle savouriness, a welcome minerality in the palate that intrigues me. This is a seriously good Sav Blanc that has really taken me by surprise.
Wine people, this actually has some depth and complexity about it to interest most people enough. Sav Blanc drinkers this will blow your mind! Punter looking for something new and different, don't be discouraged by the fact this is a Savvy cause it's phenomenal.
Ok so I haven't really done in depth research on this wine to be totally honest but I'm sure it rates relatively well. Cracker wines (who's website confuses the crap out of me by the way) rate this 3.5 out of 5 which must only be because their discount is is only low or something. This gets a very solid 92pts from me and only because I think the acids could offend some punters who aren't expecting it but GO TASSIE SAVVY B!!!Value for money, ok here is the contentious point on this wine. $23RRP... Cracker $17.95, Dan's $16.99 in a mixed 6 and varying prices around the market in between there. Me I'm well and truly happy to pay in that space for this wine. Unfortunately for this wine there is so many ok Sav Blanc's around for sub $15 that might muscle in on it's territory but seriously guys spend the extra $5 and get this and you will thank me!
Ok so I don't normally drink Sauvignon Blanc and I am seriously going to buy a 6 pack of this! Like I'm working it into my next fortnight's budget! What a great summer wine, It's starting to heat up and we'll (yes I'm including both you and I in this reference) be supporting a fantastic Australian winery. I know they are owned by a Belgian company but the fruit is grown in Tassie so we'll call it Australian. Go buy a bottle guys, you won't be disappointed. Happy quaffing!
De Bortoli Estate Grown Shiraz Viognier 2008
Hmm two in a week... god I think I'm feeling like an alcoholic again. I'm generally more interested in less commercial, you can get us everywhere brands now days but in the case of this little number I can make an exception. Aside from that De Bortoli being a great family owned brand amongst the commercial group is one I'm happy to support on their quest for greatness.
Crazy dark cherry red with legs to die for! Amazingly perfumed, pepper and spice, almost an Ashy fireplace like aroma laced with beautiful ripe red berries, tart cherry and coffee grinds. The palate is like silk, Fruit intensity is amazing, nice medium to bold weight for Yarra Valley, intriguingly complex, dark berries, mocha, beautifully spiced with an extended finish that reminds you of each element again. Really friendly, elegant gravelly tannin structure and a richness that I've been yet to find from Yarra Valley.
For the punter, crazily complex yet elegantly simple, super rich fruit driven cool climate Shiraz. Probably could do with some time to open up for most people and perhaps some food.
Mr Halliday rated this an honorable 96 points from this outstanding 5 star producer, Tyson Stelzer a 95, 94 Campbell Mattinson via Winefront, does it get much better really? I'm of a very similar opinion. If I sat and analysed this wine properly I'm sure there are faults........ well again define faults..... I'm sure there are things that that can detract scores and well nothing can be perfect..... no seriously 95 pts in my book that I'm yet to and probably never will publish would represent this wine well.
Value for money, $38 RRP from the producer and floating around the internet in the space of $30-$35 which if I'd payed that for it I'd be pretty happy. Granted there is cheaper booze out there from various producers that would rock my world more but again happy with the money I've outlaid on this one.
Definitely not a wine to be ignored, on a wine list at a steak or Italian restaurant?? Yeah go for it definitely worth the $$. I'll go another bottle that's for sure. Good luck and happy drinking.
Crazy dark cherry red with legs to die for! Amazingly perfumed, pepper and spice, almost an Ashy fireplace like aroma laced with beautiful ripe red berries, tart cherry and coffee grinds. The palate is like silk, Fruit intensity is amazing, nice medium to bold weight for Yarra Valley, intriguingly complex, dark berries, mocha, beautifully spiced with an extended finish that reminds you of each element again. Really friendly, elegant gravelly tannin structure and a richness that I've been yet to find from Yarra Valley.
For the punter, crazily complex yet elegantly simple, super rich fruit driven cool climate Shiraz. Probably could do with some time to open up for most people and perhaps some food.
Mr Halliday rated this an honorable 96 points from this outstanding 5 star producer, Tyson Stelzer a 95, 94 Campbell Mattinson via Winefront, does it get much better really? I'm of a very similar opinion. If I sat and analysed this wine properly I'm sure there are faults........ well again define faults..... I'm sure there are things that that can detract scores and well nothing can be perfect..... no seriously 95 pts in my book that I'm yet to and probably never will publish would represent this wine well.
Value for money, $38 RRP from the producer and floating around the internet in the space of $30-$35 which if I'd payed that for it I'd be pretty happy. Granted there is cheaper booze out there from various producers that would rock my world more but again happy with the money I've outlaid on this one.
Definitely not a wine to be ignored, on a wine list at a steak or Italian restaurant?? Yeah go for it definitely worth the $$. I'll go another bottle that's for sure. Good luck and happy drinking.
The Islander Estate Old Rowley Grenache Blend 2006
Wow it's been so long I've nearly forgotten how to even do this... bear with me! Here I go! So I've made it no secret I love Vinomofo.com and the Qwoff boys and this one lept off the page for me when It showed up on the site. It popped into my email, I clicked and I bought. It hurt my bank balance but for this vino I can suck it up.
Beautiful glistening cherry red at the base of my glass, like a beautiful Ruby It's drawing me in (not that I'd buy a girl a ruby mind you, they are for baby boomers and older if you ask me). Beautifully earthy dusty spice on the nose backed up with some nice under ripe plum. Definitely showing some age both on the nose and in the palate. Medium weight with rich soft fruit supported with some nice leathery tannin that must have been quite prominent in its youth, hit of pepper to make me lean toward a meal. Love it.
Easily put a really great Grenache blend that drinks wonderfully now at about the middle of its life. Make sure you grab some food as it's slightly to earthy to drink just buy itself.
Now according to our friends at the 'Fo (loving doing a blog from a wine I've grabbed from the site cause they've done all the research!) Lord Halliday gave this a 95 and Gary Walsh a 92. Now in an effort to branch out and expand my knowledge I've decided to adopt the 100 point system rather than a 10 point as I was sick of giving things 9.5, I'm penciling this one in as a 93 but could see how with a bit more upfront fruit in it's youth it may have been worthy of more.
Now the important thing the price. Now let me tell you if I'd paid $35 for this at cellar door or potentially somewhere in the realms of $29.99 at a retailer which is where I'd imagine this is pitched I'd have been more than happy with my purchase (obviously if I'd brought it at cellar door I would be as I'd have tasted it and also been encapsulated in the ambiance of being out on KI) but the fact that on the day I was lucky enough to snap it up at a crazy $17.50 a bottle is amazing. I don't know how they do it but I'll be shopping a lot more with the 'Fo than I already have been, I'll buy more once I run out of this and am actually(as a result of research) on the Islander's website now www.iev.com.au considering branching out and indulging in more of the range.
I don't have much more to tell you except go get some guys. It's wonderful and well worth anything you'll pay for it in a retailer, I'm sure the distributors on their website will be able to tell you where you can get it locally. Make sure you have it with dinner is my only further recommendation. Good luck and happy drinking.
Beautiful glistening cherry red at the base of my glass, like a beautiful Ruby It's drawing me in (not that I'd buy a girl a ruby mind you, they are for baby boomers and older if you ask me). Beautifully earthy dusty spice on the nose backed up with some nice under ripe plum. Definitely showing some age both on the nose and in the palate. Medium weight with rich soft fruit supported with some nice leathery tannin that must have been quite prominent in its youth, hit of pepper to make me lean toward a meal. Love it.
Now according to our friends at the 'Fo (loving doing a blog from a wine I've grabbed from the site cause they've done all the research!) Lord Halliday gave this a 95 and Gary Walsh a 92. Now in an effort to branch out and expand my knowledge I've decided to adopt the 100 point system rather than a 10 point as I was sick of giving things 9.5, I'm penciling this one in as a 93 but could see how with a bit more upfront fruit in it's youth it may have been worthy of more.
Now the important thing the price. Now let me tell you if I'd paid $35 for this at cellar door or potentially somewhere in the realms of $29.99 at a retailer which is where I'd imagine this is pitched I'd have been more than happy with my purchase (obviously if I'd brought it at cellar door I would be as I'd have tasted it and also been encapsulated in the ambiance of being out on KI) but the fact that on the day I was lucky enough to snap it up at a crazy $17.50 a bottle is amazing. I don't know how they do it but I'll be shopping a lot more with the 'Fo than I already have been, I'll buy more once I run out of this and am actually(as a result of research) on the Islander's website now www.iev.com.au considering branching out and indulging in more of the range.
I don't have much more to tell you except go get some guys. It's wonderful and well worth anything you'll pay for it in a retailer, I'm sure the distributors on their website will be able to tell you where you can get it locally. Make sure you have it with dinner is my only further recommendation. Good luck and happy drinking.
2011 Wulura Chardonnay
Ok so another from Wulura and such a young Chardy from Margaret River. 100% Barrel ferment, no barrel aging.
Nice little glow in the glass on this wine. Impeccable clarity, very very light with slight green tinge. Initially quite flat on the nose but with a little warmth and some aeration this little number opens up. Lightly toasty on the nose, cashew and stone fruits. Quite light on the palate, evident that this hasn't seen any time in oak, some fruit up front, slight minerality through the mid palate and a clean dry brioche lick to the finish. Medium length at best.
Approachable for a Margaret River Chardonnay. If you don't like oaked Chard and enjoy unoaked then this might just be a little number to ease you in to oaked wines.
Again no ratings to speak of based on structure and density of fruit I would have thought late 80's perhaps. 8/10 for me.
Value for money however this is amazing $15 a bottle from their website!! how can you go wrong? a Qwaffable chardy sub $20.... Winner
Not much else to say but happy drinking!
Nice little glow in the glass on this wine. Impeccable clarity, very very light with slight green tinge. Initially quite flat on the nose but with a little warmth and some aeration this little number opens up. Lightly toasty on the nose, cashew and stone fruits. Quite light on the palate, evident that this hasn't seen any time in oak, some fruit up front, slight minerality through the mid palate and a clean dry brioche lick to the finish. Medium length at best.
Approachable for a Margaret River Chardonnay. If you don't like oaked Chard and enjoy unoaked then this might just be a little number to ease you in to oaked wines.
Again no ratings to speak of based on structure and density of fruit I would have thought late 80's perhaps. 8/10 for me.
Value for money however this is amazing $15 a bottle from their website!! how can you go wrong? a Qwaffable chardy sub $20.... Winner
Not much else to say but happy drinking!
2011 Wulura Semillon Sauvginon Blanc
Now this is an interesting little parcel of vino I've stumbled across. They have amazing olive oil for such a good price and then wine as a spin off from their commercial growing vineyard.
Nice clarity, pale straw with a light green hue, melon and citrus on the nose with that northern Margaret River fresh cut grass shining through. Light on the palate with a nice little acid structure. Honeydew melon and ripe citrus with a medium dry snow pea finish that stops a little short.
Simply a nice fruit driven easy drinking SSB, not to dry and a really nice honeydew melon palate.
Good value for money at $15 and not much better around at that price.
No formal ratings to speak of but would presumably fit into the low 90's at best. 8/10 for me.
Summary, looking for a good $15 SSB that is a good regional reflection... well here it is. Don't shy away but make sure you grab a couple liters of olive oil whilst your there to make it worth your while. Happy drinking!
Nice clarity, pale straw with a light green hue, melon and citrus on the nose with that northern Margaret River fresh cut grass shining through. Light on the palate with a nice little acid structure. Honeydew melon and ripe citrus with a medium dry snow pea finish that stops a little short.
Simply a nice fruit driven easy drinking SSB, not to dry and a really nice honeydew melon palate.
Good value for money at $15 and not much better around at that price.
No formal ratings to speak of but would presumably fit into the low 90's at best. 8/10 for me.
Summary, looking for a good $15 SSB that is a good regional reflection... well here it is. Don't shy away but make sure you grab a couple liters of olive oil whilst your there to make it worth your while. Happy drinking!
Peter Lehmann 2006 Tempranillo
Dans Cellar release so why not, sat on the racks for 2 years... Hmm probably should drink!! So here it is.
Flat savory nose, leathery all spice, big rounded palate holding some over ripe cherry fruits and a long finish with nicely drying tannin. Much better with a meal I'd have thought rather than my thursday quaffer.
Long and short of it is that although it's nice and round it's kind of non descript in all of its characters.
Halliday 88 in its day. 7.5 from me. $25 that could have been better spent.
I'd drink another bottle if I had one bit wouldn't go shopping for one. I'd be interested to see a current vintage though.
Flat savory nose, leathery all spice, big rounded palate holding some over ripe cherry fruits and a long finish with nicely drying tannin. Much better with a meal I'd have thought rather than my thursday quaffer.
Long and short of it is that although it's nice and round it's kind of non descript in all of its characters.
Halliday 88 in its day. 7.5 from me. $25 that could have been better spent.
I'd drink another bottle if I had one bit wouldn't go shopping for one. I'd be interested to see a current vintage though.
The Maîtresse Pinot Noir 2010
Mmm interesting. Not sure about the bubbles, is it supposed to fizz?
Interesting savory nose, very subtle dark cherry, almost chocolate. Palate driven by dark cherry and spice quite a drying finish with little to no tannin.
Simply drink now at $15.99. DO NOT KEEP!
7/10 is all I can say.
Really drink, enjoy just buy a Paedrus estate Mornington Peninsular Pinot if you want a nice bottle.
Interesting savory nose, very subtle dark cherry, almost chocolate. Palate driven by dark cherry and spice quite a drying finish with little to no tannin.
Simply drink now at $15.99. DO NOT KEEP!
7/10 is all I can say.
Really drink, enjoy just buy a Paedrus estate Mornington Peninsular Pinot if you want a nice bottle.
2011 Redbank Sunday Morning Pinot Gris
What an interesting wine. Brilliant clarity with a pale straw tinge. Lightly floral nose with pear and stone fruit undertones. Zippy little palate again with the pear an a distinct minerality that really carries this wine. Easy drinking is the biggest highlight and hardly a serious Pinot Gris that the tasting notes suggest.
Simply put you can definitely drink this lil baby it's smooth and easy going with nothing abrupt, nice fruit and minerality.
Critic wise this lays probably in the mid to high 80's and for me I'm there abouts too 8.5 is the best I can manage.
Summary... Drinkable yes, $22 umm probably can find better but don't shy away cause it is worth it.
Simply put you can definitely drink this lil baby it's smooth and easy going with nothing abrupt, nice fruit and minerality.
Critic wise this lays probably in the mid to high 80's and for me I'm there abouts too 8.5 is the best I can manage.
Summary... Drinkable yes, $22 umm probably can find better but don't shy away cause it is worth it.
My fav wine site
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qGrluGUtvc
These guys have come a long way and by god they provide good product!!
I've never been disappointed with eve a mixed box of surprises.
Keep it up guys!!!
These guys have come a long way and by god they provide good product!!
I've never been disappointed with eve a mixed box of surprises.
Keep it up guys!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)