I write my reviews and comments in hope that they will reach readers out there and give them some sort of value and guidance in making their Wine selections. I'm discovering that it is very hard to actually make my own correct selections when I wander to the bottle shop. Generally I buy wine I know I like, when I'm drinking a wine it tends to be one that I've already reviewed or blogged recently. As a result my posts have slowed down significantly.
What I need is some prompting, some suggestions on what you out there would like to know about, what bottles have you had that have stood out to you and you'd love to see shared with others? What bottles have you seen on your liquor store shelves and thought 'hey I wonder if that is any good'? What review have you read from a respectable wine critic and thought ' I wonder what this crazy nuances and cassis and forrest floor aromas and cigar box are all about, does this mean the wine tastes good or in the wine world is a good wine'? Are you a member of a winery and seen a post, liked it and would like me to give honest feedback on your wine? Questions, queries comments they are all valuable in the expansion of this blog.
Above all I'd love some feedback, did you like my review? Have you tried a bottle based on it and liked it or disliked it? Did you find a gap in my spelling, grammer or otherwise? Would you like me to further describe the wine in easy to understand terms or would you like to see more professional wine descriptors? Remember this isn't all about me in the end it's all about you out there reading it.
As always good luck and happy drinking.
2009 Brown Hill Estate Hannans Cabernet Sauvignon
What a great value for money and good honest wine establishment Brown Hill Estate is! 2 years running Small Producer of the Year in Ray Jordan's WA Wine guide and 5 star rated by James Halliday, not much more to say really. The experience is a little different simply wandering into a big old tin shed full of barrels and then tasting wines that will no doubt knock your socks off!
Now this wine, great colour in the glass a beautiful Cherry red, quite fragrant with spice and dark berry fruits, very heavy on the French Oak which leaps out of the glass. The palate has definite currant and black cherry fruit as stated on the label but also has some wonderful fully integrated French oak characteristics. Good acid balance, Medium body, good fruit, good length and soft rounded tannins this is nothing short of fantastic Cabernet.
3 words sum this wine up "VALUE FOR MONEY" True Margaret River Cabernet at the price point we all dream of. Love Cabernet? Don't be fooled by the price point.
James Halliday "Good colour; the fragrant bouquet has spice, cedar and dark fruit aromas, the palate changing pace with significant, although relatively soft, oak and fruit tannins; plenty of flavour here." and 90 pts, me a solid 8 out of 10 with the only thing losing points here is it misses something on the front, a little heavy French oak which will soften and I like a little more body.
As previously stated value for money is second to none on this wine for a Margaret River Cabernet. $18 bucks from the cellar door you can't really go wrong. Plus this is just their entry level wine.
Seriously this producer has simply too much to offer. Their vintages sell out and their wine stands out. Don't take it from me just get yourself a bottle. I haven't seen it stocked anywhere but even if you just order a mixed case for most people and for any real wine lovers you will be hard pressed to find a bottle out of a mixed case that you won't enjoy. Happy Drinking!
Now this wine, great colour in the glass a beautiful Cherry red, quite fragrant with spice and dark berry fruits, very heavy on the French Oak which leaps out of the glass. The palate has definite currant and black cherry fruit as stated on the label but also has some wonderful fully integrated French oak characteristics. Good acid balance, Medium body, good fruit, good length and soft rounded tannins this is nothing short of fantastic Cabernet.
3 words sum this wine up "VALUE FOR MONEY" True Margaret River Cabernet at the price point we all dream of. Love Cabernet? Don't be fooled by the price point.
As previously stated value for money is second to none on this wine for a Margaret River Cabernet. $18 bucks from the cellar door you can't really go wrong. Plus this is just their entry level wine.
Seriously this producer has simply too much to offer. Their vintages sell out and their wine stands out. Don't take it from me just get yourself a bottle. I haven't seen it stocked anywhere but even if you just order a mixed case for most people and for any real wine lovers you will be hard pressed to find a bottle out of a mixed case that you won't enjoy. Happy Drinking!
2008 Wise Wine Sea Urchin Shiraz
Ahh it feels so long since I've sat down to a nice glass of wine. This multi regional shiraz blend stood out when I tasted it at cellar door and being that the last bottle I blogged was also Wise I thought this would be fitting. Beautiful deep purple wine this Frankland River and Margaret River blend is just so approachable. Fairly closed on the nose I'd wager this would benefit from aeration, dark black fruits dominates on the nose with hints of red berry and pepper not that tasting notes I've read highlight that. The palate is full of plum and very soft with great french oak and lovely drying tannins to finish. One thing I noticed with Margaret River Shiraz is that I found the acidity to be out of whack but with this wine it is just well if not perfectly balanced. Well balanced all round in fact with medium length you can't really go wrong.
Put simply this wine is very easy drinking and not really typical of Margaret River Shiraz as I have experienced it. Good fruit and nice mouthfeel it benefits from breathing and is definitely lends it self to be consumed with food.
James Halliday 93 points which is great!! he had this to say "Deep purple-crimson; a vibrant black fruit and spice bouquet is replayed on the medium-bodied palate; excellent French oak and tannin handling. Exceptional value." and for me 8 out of 10 purely based on it being such an easy drinking wine but not jumping out of the glass at me.
As with the SBS value for money is outstanding at $18 from the cellar door. www.crackawines.com.au has it at a great price as well but even paying $25 or more would be good value for money for this wine. I'm sure you'll find it at around $15 to $18 and if I had to pick it next to other Margaret River Shiraz's it would be in my top 2 based on value for money.
Don't take my 8 out of 10 to heart with this wine I would definitely still recommend you try it. Good Luck and happy drinking.
Put simply this wine is very easy drinking and not really typical of Margaret River Shiraz as I have experienced it. Good fruit and nice mouthfeel it benefits from breathing and is definitely lends it self to be consumed with food.James Halliday 93 points which is great!! he had this to say "Deep purple-crimson; a vibrant black fruit and spice bouquet is replayed on the medium-bodied palate; excellent French oak and tannin handling. Exceptional value." and for me 8 out of 10 purely based on it being such an easy drinking wine but not jumping out of the glass at me.
As with the SBS value for money is outstanding at $18 from the cellar door. www.crackawines.com.au has it at a great price as well but even paying $25 or more would be good value for money for this wine. I'm sure you'll find it at around $15 to $18 and if I had to pick it next to other Margaret River Shiraz's it would be in my top 2 based on value for money.
Don't take my 8 out of 10 to heart with this wine I would definitely still recommend you try it. Good Luck and happy drinking.
2009 Wise Wine Sea Urchin Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Wise wines impressed me from my first step in the door and their range is fantastic. Exceptionally palatable range, not necessarily all trophy wines but definitely very easy drinking. This in particular is very pale straw in colour and shimmers beautifully in the glass, there is a light tinge of green that is barely noticeable. Quite fragrant with a tropical fruit salad and lime dominating. The palate is soft and full with multiple layers, not as acidic as you would expect but has great length. Again tropical fruit dominate the flavours with hints of pineapple and passionfruit lingering. Overall a well rounded wine that is very fresh and very easy drinking.
What more is there to say, tropical fruit, great mouth feel, not to acidic and way, way, way to easy drinking.
James Halliday 90 points "A very pretty wine, with a mix of passionfruit and citrus on the long palate leaving the mouth as fresh as a daisy.", Ray Jordan 91 points "The beautiful texture is the thing that lifts this wine above your standard SSB. It's a terrific mouth feel with flavours exploding with tropical melon fruit overlays with a light snow pea herbaceous dusting. Crisp fine acid supports a very long finish. Excellent wine." and for me just purely for not having the depth I'd hope for 8.5 out of 10 without question.
The all important value for money. $18 at cellar door and $14.99 when I saw it at a bottle shop, you can't really go wrong. www.crackawines.com.au has the 2010 for $13.50 a bottle I'm sure you'll find this somewhere and it's worth looking for in fact if you just want an easy drinking bottle.
Although I haven't really given it a great score I still rate this wine quite highly and think at the price point its awesome. For that easy drinking bottle with friends you really can't go wrong, it will really please most palates. Go grab one if you can find one. Good luck and happy drinking
What more is there to say, tropical fruit, great mouth feel, not to acidic and way, way, way to easy drinking.
James Halliday 90 points "A very pretty wine, with a mix of passionfruit and citrus on the long palate leaving the mouth as fresh as a daisy.", Ray Jordan 91 points "The beautiful texture is the thing that lifts this wine above your standard SSB. It's a terrific mouth feel with flavours exploding with tropical melon fruit overlays with a light snow pea herbaceous dusting. Crisp fine acid supports a very long finish. Excellent wine." and for me just purely for not having the depth I'd hope for 8.5 out of 10 without question.
The all important value for money. $18 at cellar door and $14.99 when I saw it at a bottle shop, you can't really go wrong. www.crackawines.com.au has the 2010 for $13.50 a bottle I'm sure you'll find this somewhere and it's worth looking for in fact if you just want an easy drinking bottle.
Although I haven't really given it a great score I still rate this wine quite highly and think at the price point its awesome. For that easy drinking bottle with friends you really can't go wrong, it will really please most palates. Go grab one if you can find one. Good luck and happy drinking
3drops 2010 Mt Barker Riesling
This wine was recommended to me by the bottle shop where I shipped some of my wine home from to fill the case. Exceptionally pale in the glass you struggle to get any colour at all, there is a very slight green hue to the straw colour in this wine. The vibrant lifted lime and mixed citrus aromas overpower the nose with light floral aromas in the background that make it a very pretty wine to smell, in fact it almost smells sweet which is quite deceiving. The palate is highly acidic which you would expect from a Riesling but is well balanced with lovely juicy lime and a great structure that just goes on and on and on. Clean and crisp this will be great both now and in a couple of years with or without food.
A great riesling, light, juicy and crisp. What more could you ask for really? If you don't like that high acidity then steer away but if you don't mind that cheek puckering affect then definitely grab a bottle.
This appears to be just one of those little boutique wines that really isn't well known and as such no formal reviews, of course the winery themselves give this a big write up. Their 09 vintage got a bronze at the international riesling challenge according to http://www.ozwinereview.com/2010/01/international-riesling-challenge-2009.html and this vintage a gold at Perth Royal Wine Show but that's about all I can find about them online. 9 out of 10 straight up on this one for me and I'd happily buy another bottle if I can find one.
If I remember rightly I paid $25 for this bottle at the bottle shop and www.mrwines.com has it at $23.99 per bottle and I believe its absolutely worth it. The Evans and Tate was slightly cheaper but this is definitely a little softer and has far less minerality.
As previously stated I'd buy this again but I kind of get the feeling I'd probably only find it at restaurants for a decent price tag I'd wager knowing the markup on alcohol in hospitality. Give it a go though if you ever see it as you'll be pleasantly surprised. Good recommendation and as such I'm happy to share it and pass on the recommendation to you. Happy drinking!
A great riesling, light, juicy and crisp. What more could you ask for really? If you don't like that high acidity then steer away but if you don't mind that cheek puckering affect then definitely grab a bottle.
This appears to be just one of those little boutique wines that really isn't well known and as such no formal reviews, of course the winery themselves give this a big write up. Their 09 vintage got a bronze at the international riesling challenge according to http://www.ozwinereview.com/2010/01/international-riesling-challenge-2009.html and this vintage a gold at Perth Royal Wine Show but that's about all I can find about them online. 9 out of 10 straight up on this one for me and I'd happily buy another bottle if I can find one.If I remember rightly I paid $25 for this bottle at the bottle shop and www.mrwines.com has it at $23.99 per bottle and I believe its absolutely worth it. The Evans and Tate was slightly cheaper but this is definitely a little softer and has far less minerality.
As previously stated I'd buy this again but I kind of get the feeling I'd probably only find it at restaurants for a decent price tag I'd wager knowing the markup on alcohol in hospitality. Give it a go though if you ever see it as you'll be pleasantly surprised. Good recommendation and as such I'm happy to share it and pass on the recommendation to you. Happy drinking!
Howard Park MadFish 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Ok so this wine is another Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend which although wasn't my favourite I thought would be worth a look at. Pale straw and absolutely clear this wine is actually quite closed on the nose despite the other reviews I have read. Tropical fruit dominates the nose but there seems to be something missing in the aromas. There is something dirty about the palate with a deep rich flavours that make the wine seem as if it would be Semillon dominated, there is good length with tropical fruit again dominating but still it seems as if there is something missing. I'd have expected a crispness in the finish which doesn't seem to be there with lower than expected acidity.
In short not quite as fruity or punchy as you'd expect from a Sav Blanc dominated blend. Easy enough drinking but in honesty a little bland.
James Halliday gave this an 88 saying "Straw, tropical fruit and elements of pungent asparagus are all on show; the palate is quite deep and rich on entry, with guava and straw to conclude." which is slightly over inflated in my opinion and I end up only giving this a 7 out of 10.
Value for money this is about $18-20 and in bulk slightly less but even at that price point there probably is a better bottle out there for you with much more complexity and flavours.
Well what more is there to say?? It's a shame because I really like the Howard Park and Mad Fish selection but this one didn't float my boat. Honest enough blend but I think if you see this on the shelf you could probably look along and at the same price point find something with more zing and flavour. Not too bad if you find it at $15 or less and are only drinking it with someone who doesn't like wine but again even at that price there would be something you probably would enjoy more. Not a bad wine but just not great. Good luck and with a different bottle happy drinking.
In short not quite as fruity or punchy as you'd expect from a Sav Blanc dominated blend. Easy enough drinking but in honesty a little bland.James Halliday gave this an 88 saying "Straw, tropical fruit and elements of pungent asparagus are all on show; the palate is quite deep and rich on entry, with guava and straw to conclude." which is slightly over inflated in my opinion and I end up only giving this a 7 out of 10.
Value for money this is about $18-20 and in bulk slightly less but even at that price point there probably is a better bottle out there for you with much more complexity and flavours.
Well what more is there to say?? It's a shame because I really like the Howard Park and Mad Fish selection but this one didn't float my boat. Honest enough blend but I think if you see this on the shelf you could probably look along and at the same price point find something with more zing and flavour. Not too bad if you find it at $15 or less and are only drinking it with someone who doesn't like wine but again even at that price there would be something you probably would enjoy more. Not a bad wine but just not great. Good luck and with a different bottle happy drinking.
Laurance of Margaret River 2010 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
Semillon is definitely not my favourite by any stretch of the imagination but this wine really impressed me. Exceptionally pale and clear there is a grassy green tinge to this wine that you really have to look for. Wonderfully fresh and fragrant this has aromas of fresh cut grass, lemon zest and light hints of melon. Juicy fresh pear and lemony/grapefruit flavours are highlighted by high acidity and a slight minerality. This wine is well balanced with good length and is great crisp fresh summer drinking.
Simply put this is light, crisp easy drinking. High acidity and fresh citrus flavours most people will love this, especially if you like SSB in the first place.
This is another wine that featured on the Qwoff boy's TV review and got a great wrap, also well regarded by Ray Jordan and recently received a Gold Medal at the Sydney Royal show. I give this a 9 out of 10 and it borders on a 9.5. It's definitely one of the top 3 SSB's I tasted whilst in the region.
Again this wine is at the upper end of the scale price wise retailing at $26 a bottle but you better believe it is worth every cent. The same as the Rosé its not widely available but if you can get your hands on it you'll be happy I'm sure.
I would buy and drink this wine any day of the week and will probably order some once I get through the rest of the wine I've had shipped over here. Personally I don't think the bottle is as attractive as the others but it may just be the colour of the roses on it. The only thing I think Laurance could do better is make their wine more easily purchasable for the every day consumer, I like the philosophy of not being in every bottle shop around the country and lowering the price point of the wine as a consequence but something as simple as an online store verses having to call up or fax in an order form would just make it easier and more likely that lazy people like me who loved the wine but live on the other side of the country buy volumes of their vino. Get a bottle of this one as its a cracka, good luck and happy drinking.
Laurance of Margaret River 2010 Rosé
Ok this next few are just from notes I took at the vineyard the other weekend, I had a spare hour so I thought I'd get a few more up here.
At first glance this Rosé looks like some sort of cocktail as it is a deep electric pink with a purplish tinge, it shimmers in the bottom of the glass and is crystal clear. The nose is lifted red fruit aromas, strawberries and raspberries with a hint of rose petal in the background. Rich sweet ripe cherry, rose petal and raspberry dominate the palate which is clean with a dry finish, raspberry lingers leaving your mouth watering for more.
For a dry Rosé this wine has some great fruit sweetness that will change the mind of most people who don't like dry Rosé. Great, infact better with food this is a great bottle for most occasions and will not disappoint.
Good wrap from Ray Jordan, Blue Gold at Sydney International Wine Show 2011 and a 9 out of 10 from me.
At $25 this is at the upper end of the Rosé price bracket but is totally worth it. According to the cellar door staff this wine is only available cellar door and David Jones, there are distributors around the country that have placed the wine in restaurants and the Melbourne distributor Put a Cork In It sells case loads to the public. (www.putacorkinit.com.au)
I love this Rosé and would buy it any day of the week. As with the Laurance Icon the packaging is outstanding and really makes a statement. I really hope you all enjoy this wine, I did! Happy drinking.
At first glance this Rosé looks like some sort of cocktail as it is a deep electric pink with a purplish tinge, it shimmers in the bottom of the glass and is crystal clear. The nose is lifted red fruit aromas, strawberries and raspberries with a hint of rose petal in the background. Rich sweet ripe cherry, rose petal and raspberry dominate the palate which is clean with a dry finish, raspberry lingers leaving your mouth watering for more.
For a dry Rosé this wine has some great fruit sweetness that will change the mind of most people who don't like dry Rosé. Great, infact better with food this is a great bottle for most occasions and will not disappoint.
Good wrap from Ray Jordan, Blue Gold at Sydney International Wine Show 2011 and a 9 out of 10 from me.
At $25 this is at the upper end of the Rosé price bracket but is totally worth it. According to the cellar door staff this wine is only available cellar door and David Jones, there are distributors around the country that have placed the wine in restaurants and the Melbourne distributor Put a Cork In It sells case loads to the public. (www.putacorkinit.com.au)
I love this Rosé and would buy it any day of the week. As with the Laurance Icon the packaging is outstanding and really makes a statement. I really hope you all enjoy this wine, I did! Happy drinking.
2007 Wills Domain Cabernet Merlot
This one I've just discovered in my care package but I also made notes at the weekend so I'm going to taste and share.
Deep in colour the purple hue is quite attractive and invites you in. Lifted herb and spice aromas that blend easily with blackcurrant and almost black forrest to fill the complex nose of this wine. The palate is quite soft, medium in body with cassis and good black current fruit there is a gentle tannin structure and good length. Easy drinking I think this wine will get slightly better with a bit of age and will be fantastic with food.
Basically if you like a good approachable red that is a little too easy drinking this could well be it for you. It is quite light for a Cab Merlot and would be better with a bit of steak or perhaps something a bit gamey like a rich venison steak with a red wine jus. I find there is good black fruits in this wine with a finish that is almost like a few minutes after you've finished a Ribena drink that you mixed a little strong. ( In a good way of course)
Halliday 94, local critic Ray Jordan 93 and Me 8.5 - 9 out of 10 and a big thumbs up.
The current vintage sells over the cellar door for $27.50 and I don't really see much online. Wineroom.com.au seems to have it for around $25 but honestly visit the cellar door and support a great little producer. I think at $27.50 I wouldn't be disappointed.
Expect a few more Wills Domain wines on here as I did like the range as a whole. Cellar door was also very impressive and in hindsight I probably should have had my lunch there as the menu looked very appealing. Good luck guys and happy drinking
Deep in colour the purple hue is quite attractive and invites you in. Lifted herb and spice aromas that blend easily with blackcurrant and almost black forrest to fill the complex nose of this wine. The palate is quite soft, medium in body with cassis and good black current fruit there is a gentle tannin structure and good length. Easy drinking I think this wine will get slightly better with a bit of age and will be fantastic with food.
Basically if you like a good approachable red that is a little too easy drinking this could well be it for you. It is quite light for a Cab Merlot and would be better with a bit of steak or perhaps something a bit gamey like a rich venison steak with a red wine jus. I find there is good black fruits in this wine with a finish that is almost like a few minutes after you've finished a Ribena drink that you mixed a little strong. ( In a good way of course)
Halliday 94, local critic Ray Jordan 93 and Me 8.5 - 9 out of 10 and a big thumbs up.
The current vintage sells over the cellar door for $27.50 and I don't really see much online. Wineroom.com.au seems to have it for around $25 but honestly visit the cellar door and support a great little producer. I think at $27.50 I wouldn't be disappointed.Expect a few more Wills Domain wines on here as I did like the range as a whole. Cellar door was also very impressive and in hindsight I probably should have had my lunch there as the menu looked very appealing. Good luck guys and happy drinking
2010 Stella Bella SKUTTLEBUTT Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Having recently received a care package of a few premium Margaret River wines and loving them I decided to visit the region on the weekend just gone to check out their Vintage Festival. There were a great list of exhibitors there and I tasted as I expected a bundle of fantastic wines. Whilst I was in the region I decided to get around and see the sights both before and after the festival day on the Saturday so expect quite a few Margaret River wines to feature shortly as I shipped home 12 cases from various cellar doors. I have to say freight can be expensive from the region back to sunny Melbourne but some of the wines will be available from larger liquor outlets so I'll do some research as to where they are available over here.
I found Stella Bella at the festival and then dropped by the cellar door on Sunday as I do like Stella Bella's wines and range. This one stood out so here is my little run down on white for something different. A gorgeous light straw green the clarity in this wine makes you see the marks you have left on the other side of the glass where you haven't polished it properly. The fresh citrus and light passionfruit aromas jump out of the glass at you inviting you in. Zesty and fresh on the palate this is well balanced with citrus and stonefruit dancing across your tongue. Good fruit weight brought by the Semillon most likely the wine is medium in length with a very clean but crisp finish, this is a fantastic wine as a refreshment on a hot summers day. The final blend let slip by James Halliday to be 50% Sav Blanc, 43% Semillon and 7% Chardonnay.
Basically put this is light, crisp and yummy! Quite acidic and not as tropical fruity as a Marlborough Sav Blanc but probably easier drinking and much better with food. If Sav Blanc is your thing then definitely give this a crack for something different.
James Halliday and the Margaret River wine show judges have given this a good wrap with a 94 and a gold medal respectively. My personal opinion here is not much short of a 9 out of 10 and that is considering I don't normally drink blends like this.
Value for money? At $18 absolutely, I think anything shy of $20 that is good honest drinking is fantastic value for money. Dan Murphys has the previous vintage at $17.09 in any mixed 6 pack so any price under $20 you are getting a great deal. In fact www.thevinepress.com.au has this little beauty at $14.99 if you are looking for a bargain.
As previously stated expect a bunch of Margaret River wine to appear up here in the coming months as I've shipped a ridiculous amount home, received a care package from a regular reader and also scribbled a million notes on my little travels over the weekend just gone. I'll try to mix it up with other things from my cellar and other purchases but most definitely Margaret River wine just cemented itself on my Radar as a great choice when at a bottle shop or restaurant. Good luck and happy drinking.
I found Stella Bella at the festival and then dropped by the cellar door on Sunday as I do like Stella Bella's wines and range. This one stood out so here is my little run down on white for something different. A gorgeous light straw green the clarity in this wine makes you see the marks you have left on the other side of the glass where you haven't polished it properly. The fresh citrus and light passionfruit aromas jump out of the glass at you inviting you in. Zesty and fresh on the palate this is well balanced with citrus and stonefruit dancing across your tongue. Good fruit weight brought by the Semillon most likely the wine is medium in length with a very clean but crisp finish, this is a fantastic wine as a refreshment on a hot summers day. The final blend let slip by James Halliday to be 50% Sav Blanc, 43% Semillon and 7% Chardonnay.
Basically put this is light, crisp and yummy! Quite acidic and not as tropical fruity as a Marlborough Sav Blanc but probably easier drinking and much better with food. If Sav Blanc is your thing then definitely give this a crack for something different.
James Halliday and the Margaret River wine show judges have given this a good wrap with a 94 and a gold medal respectively. My personal opinion here is not much short of a 9 out of 10 and that is considering I don't normally drink blends like this.Value for money? At $18 absolutely, I think anything shy of $20 that is good honest drinking is fantastic value for money. Dan Murphys has the previous vintage at $17.09 in any mixed 6 pack so any price under $20 you are getting a great deal. In fact www.thevinepress.com.au has this little beauty at $14.99 if you are looking for a bargain.
As previously stated expect a bunch of Margaret River wine to appear up here in the coming months as I've shipped a ridiculous amount home, received a care package from a regular reader and also scribbled a million notes on my little travels over the weekend just gone. I'll try to mix it up with other things from my cellar and other purchases but most definitely Margaret River wine just cemented itself on my Radar as a great choice when at a bottle shop or restaurant. Good luck and happy drinking.
2008 Turkey Flat Rosé
I stumbled across this bottle in my cellar and simply thought "this has to be drank". Turkey Flat rosé was the wine that really turned me into a rosé drinker so here it goes.
Very rich red berries on the nose this particular wine also displays aged characteristics with a slight kerosene aroma. It is still very pleasant on the palate with fresh raspberry and red currant flavours. There is a distinct lack of acidity which was present with this wine in its youth but there is still excellant balance to it. The attractive salmon pink of this wine has started to be lightly tarnished by a brown hue at the rim but that's what happens when you leave a rosé down that really wasn't meant to be.
In short, great wine but buy the current vintage. Nice red fruit, good balance with nice fruit sweetness and a dry finish. You'll love it with or without food.
James Halliday gave this a 94 and the next vintage a 96, personally I give this vintage knowing its age an 8 out of 10 where as if I drank it when I should have it would have been a 9-9.5.
Affordability wise this should fall under $20 in most cellars and if you find it in that bracket then seriously you are getting a steal. This wine is nothing short of great.
If you like dryer styles of rosé then this is for you. If you like sweetish rosé then you probably will still like this. Make sure you buy the current vintage and drink it almost straight away. Don't spoil a beautiful wine like I have by letting go for too long. Good luck and happy drinking.
Very rich red berries on the nose this particular wine also displays aged characteristics with a slight kerosene aroma. It is still very pleasant on the palate with fresh raspberry and red currant flavours. There is a distinct lack of acidity which was present with this wine in its youth but there is still excellant balance to it. The attractive salmon pink of this wine has started to be lightly tarnished by a brown hue at the rim but that's what happens when you leave a rosé down that really wasn't meant to be.
In short, great wine but buy the current vintage. Nice red fruit, good balance with nice fruit sweetness and a dry finish. You'll love it with or without food.
James Halliday gave this a 94 and the next vintage a 96, personally I give this vintage knowing its age an 8 out of 10 where as if I drank it when I should have it would have been a 9-9.5.
Affordability wise this should fall under $20 in most cellars and if you find it in that bracket then seriously you are getting a steal. This wine is nothing short of great.
If you like dryer styles of rosé then this is for you. If you like sweetish rosé then you probably will still like this. Make sure you buy the current vintage and drink it almost straight away. Don't spoil a beautiful wine like I have by letting go for too long. Good luck and happy drinking.
2009 Evans and Tate Frankland River Riesling
I grabbed a bottle of this the other night from a bottle shop whilst visiting my favourite Thai restaurant just for something different and was pleasantly surprised, I'd have to say that I would normally lump Evans and Tate in with the commercial brands that I don't often drink as I prefer to support the smaller producers but on this occasion I just wanted a cheap bottle for the night, as such I thought I'd grab another bottle and share my thoughts with you all.
A pale lemon yellow this wine is clear as crystal and glistens bright in the glass. There is intense floral aromas about this wine that are quite complex, apple blossom and violet perhaps and are backed up by subtle lime and a distinct minerality which I believe is common of all Frankland River riesling. Crisp and highly acidic on the palate this wine makes your mouth water for minutes after it enters your mouth. Green apple and slate stand out in the palate with a cool citrus undertone that will intrigue you. Light in body and medium in length overall and enjoyable drop that will only get better with age.
Basically a cracking riesling. I know not everyone likes a crisp riesling so if you don't enjoy that mouth puckering acidity then this won't be for you. But if you appreciate riesling at all this will jump out of the glass at you and you will not be disappointed.
I've struggled to find any other reviews on this particular wine as have I found it quite hard to buy anywhere else than this one little cellar in South Yarra. The only place I can seem to find it online is a Margaret River Regional Wine Centre website, even Mc Williams wines website doesn't seem to have an online store. Price wise at $19.95 a bottle you really can't go wrong, like really! This wine in my books is nothing short of a 9 out of 10, really it should be a 9.5 and in 1 to 2 years probably will be.
Well I'm certainly going to put a 6 pack of this down to cellar as its just too good to pass up and I would recommend it to anyone. Frankland River Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling is the only other I've tasted that stands up to this one but even Dan Murphy's sells that at a higher price tag. Do you like Riesling? Yes? Go Buy One NOW! Enjoy!
A pale lemon yellow this wine is clear as crystal and glistens bright in the glass. There is intense floral aromas about this wine that are quite complex, apple blossom and violet perhaps and are backed up by subtle lime and a distinct minerality which I believe is common of all Frankland River riesling. Crisp and highly acidic on the palate this wine makes your mouth water for minutes after it enters your mouth. Green apple and slate stand out in the palate with a cool citrus undertone that will intrigue you. Light in body and medium in length overall and enjoyable drop that will only get better with age.
Basically a cracking riesling. I know not everyone likes a crisp riesling so if you don't enjoy that mouth puckering acidity then this won't be for you. But if you appreciate riesling at all this will jump out of the glass at you and you will not be disappointed.
I've struggled to find any other reviews on this particular wine as have I found it quite hard to buy anywhere else than this one little cellar in South Yarra. The only place I can seem to find it online is a Margaret River Regional Wine Centre website, even Mc Williams wines website doesn't seem to have an online store. Price wise at $19.95 a bottle you really can't go wrong, like really! This wine in my books is nothing short of a 9 out of 10, really it should be a 9.5 and in 1 to 2 years probably will be.
Well I'm certainly going to put a 6 pack of this down to cellar as its just too good to pass up and I would recommend it to anyone. Frankland River Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling is the only other I've tasted that stands up to this one but even Dan Murphy's sells that at a higher price tag. Do you like Riesling? Yes? Go Buy One NOW! Enjoy!
2003 Peter Lehmann Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon
I was strolling through my local Dan Murphy's just the other day and spotted this one on the shelf. It was a modest $34.99 but after reading the label I couldn't resist. Peter Lehmann's wines being one of my more favourite commercial producers out of the Barossa I trusted that this would simply just be good, even though the tasting note said 4-5 years peak drinking.
The cherry red of this wine has stretched almost right to the rim which is distinctly bricked showing off its age. Lifted savoury forest floor aromas have started to over run the black forest fruits which are still lingering lightly. This wine definitely needs air as prior to decanting lightly I found it surprisingly closed and dull. The complex aromas are almost confusing but needless to say there is a very pleasant nose on this wine. The palate has become dry and earthy with very heavy dark chocolate undertones, most of the fruit has dropped off but with food this wine is still wonderful. There is a slightly obnoxious acetone taste which I can't seem to get past however which means I have to wonder if this would have been better with a little more youth.
Simply a good aged Cabernet that is probably past its best, there is a definite quality to this wine which we have all come to expect from Peter Lehmann's range but if you don't enjoy dark chocolate characteristics or heavy earthiness in wines then don't get too excited.
As with my previous post I have to mention the labelling on this range. I love the cards reference in the labelling for all the entry level wines and the fact that it refers to the gamble that Peter Lehmann made when setting up his massively successful wine business. If only we could all make that gamble.
I think that in its youth this wine would have been a solid 8-9 out of 10 but unfortunately my tasting and experience tonight has not warranted that sort of rating, if I was using a 100 point scoring system then it might have squeezed early 80's but as I'm only giving scores out of 10 the best I can give this wine as it is now is a very generous 7.
As previously stated I purchased this wine from the Dan Murphy cellar release range but have since found whilst searching the web for it that previously you would have been able to purchase it at Wine House for about $18. Personally I can't say that its now worth the price I paid but if you enjoy very earthy complex wines that are now lacking in fruit then by all means go out and grab a bottle as the complexity is definitely still there and enjoyable.
Well till the next time good luck with your purchases, be adventurous, try something new, good luck and happy drinking!! (note I couldn't find a 03 photo so I'm using the current vintage which looks exactly the same except that its under stelvin)
The cherry red of this wine has stretched almost right to the rim which is distinctly bricked showing off its age. Lifted savoury forest floor aromas have started to over run the black forest fruits which are still lingering lightly. This wine definitely needs air as prior to decanting lightly I found it surprisingly closed and dull. The complex aromas are almost confusing but needless to say there is a very pleasant nose on this wine. The palate has become dry and earthy with very heavy dark chocolate undertones, most of the fruit has dropped off but with food this wine is still wonderful. There is a slightly obnoxious acetone taste which I can't seem to get past however which means I have to wonder if this would have been better with a little more youth.
Simply a good aged Cabernet that is probably past its best, there is a definite quality to this wine which we have all come to expect from Peter Lehmann's range but if you don't enjoy dark chocolate characteristics or heavy earthiness in wines then don't get too excited.As with my previous post I have to mention the labelling on this range. I love the cards reference in the labelling for all the entry level wines and the fact that it refers to the gamble that Peter Lehmann made when setting up his massively successful wine business. If only we could all make that gamble.
I think that in its youth this wine would have been a solid 8-9 out of 10 but unfortunately my tasting and experience tonight has not warranted that sort of rating, if I was using a 100 point scoring system then it might have squeezed early 80's but as I'm only giving scores out of 10 the best I can give this wine as it is now is a very generous 7.
As previously stated I purchased this wine from the Dan Murphy cellar release range but have since found whilst searching the web for it that previously you would have been able to purchase it at Wine House for about $18. Personally I can't say that its now worth the price I paid but if you enjoy very earthy complex wines that are now lacking in fruit then by all means go out and grab a bottle as the complexity is definitely still there and enjoyable.
Well till the next time good luck with your purchases, be adventurous, try something new, good luck and happy drinking!! (note I couldn't find a 03 photo so I'm using the current vintage which looks exactly the same except that its under stelvin)
2007 Laurance of Margaret River Icon Cabernet
It's been a while since my last post and for that I apologise, there has been a lot going on with Christmas and summer and I simply haven't been tasting and enjoying wine but merely drinking it. Criminal I know but it is that time of year.
This is a bottle that I was given as a present from a friend and I thought it stood out so much why not add it to my reviews. If you scroll down and look at the picture you will see exactly why.
Lets start with how beautiful this wine looks in the glass, beautiful deep crimson to purple red with legs to die for. The nose is exceptionally pleasant with a distinct savory almost forrest floor aroma, sweet dark plums, cassis and a light hint of violets. The palate is very approachable for what I'd call a young reserve Cabernet that is truly intended for cellaring. Blackcurrant again with chewy but approachable tannins and cigar box this wine is wonderfully juicy, lightly acidic and has great length, it just keeps going and going and going. This wine will be awesome in 5-7 years and could even go 15 to reach its peak.
Simply put, looks great, smells awesome and tastes even better. Juicy fruitiness that will make untrained palates water and trained palates rejoice. This is a cracking Margaret River Cabernet that I will definitely be investing in a case for cellaring. Great for drinking now and will only get better so a great present or bottle to lay down. This will not disappoint.
For a second we should discuss the packaging as it stands out like a sore thumb. It is definitely not a traditional bottle or labelling for their entire range and will stand out in any wine store or wine rack its put in. I can see how the purists out there would be upset by it but I think its absolutely fantastic. It would definitely grab my attention if I saw it on a shelf amongst others and would intrigue me enough to buy a bottle and try it.
James Halliday gave this a 94 which I think is a little short of the mark but its also had a really great rap from the boys a Quoff which can be viewed at http://www.qwoff.com/go/qwofftv/qwoff-tv-ep-20-featured-winery-laurance-wines, worth watching as well as the rest of the stuff from the boys down there. Personally I'd rate this in at a 9 - 9.5 out of 10 and as previously stated it will only get better with a bit of age.
Now value for money, I think second to none really, boutique Margaret River Cabernet under a reserve label.... most of us would think $70.. $85.. well no this little beauty is available from the cellar door for just $40 a bottle. You will struggle to get it much elsewhere other than in some fancy gift boxing in David Jones. I will be keeping a keen eye out for the next vintage.
I don't have much more to say really. Go get hold of a bottle and give it a try. I'll be ordering a mixed case to sample some more of the range, if they are anywhere near as good as the cellar door looks via their website or this wine its self then I may need to move them into my favourites list. Oh but be careful the website is www.laurancewines.com there is no 'au' on the end. Enjoy this wine, I am!
This is a bottle that I was given as a present from a friend and I thought it stood out so much why not add it to my reviews. If you scroll down and look at the picture you will see exactly why.
Lets start with how beautiful this wine looks in the glass, beautiful deep crimson to purple red with legs to die for. The nose is exceptionally pleasant with a distinct savory almost forrest floor aroma, sweet dark plums, cassis and a light hint of violets. The palate is very approachable for what I'd call a young reserve Cabernet that is truly intended for cellaring. Blackcurrant again with chewy but approachable tannins and cigar box this wine is wonderfully juicy, lightly acidic and has great length, it just keeps going and going and going. This wine will be awesome in 5-7 years and could even go 15 to reach its peak.
Simply put, looks great, smells awesome and tastes even better. Juicy fruitiness that will make untrained palates water and trained palates rejoice. This is a cracking Margaret River Cabernet that I will definitely be investing in a case for cellaring. Great for drinking now and will only get better so a great present or bottle to lay down. This will not disappoint.
For a second we should discuss the packaging as it stands out like a sore thumb. It is definitely not a traditional bottle or labelling for their entire range and will stand out in any wine store or wine rack its put in. I can see how the purists out there would be upset by it but I think its absolutely fantastic. It would definitely grab my attention if I saw it on a shelf amongst others and would intrigue me enough to buy a bottle and try it.
James Halliday gave this a 94 which I think is a little short of the mark but its also had a really great rap from the boys a Quoff which can be viewed at http://www.qwoff.com/go/qwofftv/qwoff-tv-ep-20-featured-winery-laurance-wines, worth watching as well as the rest of the stuff from the boys down there. Personally I'd rate this in at a 9 - 9.5 out of 10 and as previously stated it will only get better with a bit of age.
Now value for money, I think second to none really, boutique Margaret River Cabernet under a reserve label.... most of us would think $70.. $85.. well no this little beauty is available from the cellar door for just $40 a bottle. You will struggle to get it much elsewhere other than in some fancy gift boxing in David Jones. I will be keeping a keen eye out for the next vintage.I don't have much more to say really. Go get hold of a bottle and give it a try. I'll be ordering a mixed case to sample some more of the range, if they are anywhere near as good as the cellar door looks via their website or this wine its self then I may need to move them into my favourites list. Oh but be careful the website is www.laurancewines.com there is no 'au' on the end. Enjoy this wine, I am!
2008 La Linea Adelaide Hills Tempranillo
As with my previous post I love Tempranillo so as I was walking around my local Celebrations looking for a bottle to share with you all I couldn't walk past this one. A classic clear cherry red in the glass the look of this wine will not disappoint. No legs to speak of I was surprised to see 13.5% even on the bottle. On the nose you get the varietal strawberry and light dry herbs and spice. Lovely and light on the palate this wine shows again the traditional characteristics you'd expect from a Tempranillo, juicy red berry fruits, fine tannin structure and slightly dry there is a herbaciousness on the medium length finish that is intriguing but not necessarily desirable.
In short this is a dry but fruity red that should definitely be enjoyed with food and could probably do with some bottle age. More of a traditional style than the Mr Riggs i've reviewed earlier and much less approchable but overall enjoyable.
It received a 91 from James Halliday which i think is a little over stated and has definitely been dragged up by this wine being very true to the traditional spanish style. Unfortunately I can only bear to give this a 7 out of 10 at best and would steer most people toward the Mr Riggs Yacca Paddock unless they already know that they like the more traditional spanish style.
I purchased this wine for $26.70 from the Celebrations and have struggled to find this wine online. To be absolutely honest you can get a better Tempranillo and much more approachable for a lot less. Still good value for money really but only if you are looking for a dry wine.
Personally I'll be buying a Mr Riggs next time I'm looking for a Tempranillo but hey don't let me hold you back from trying something new. Although if you want to try something new there are plenty of other wines for the same price point that will treat your palate better.
In short this is a dry but fruity red that should definitely be enjoyed with food and could probably do with some bottle age. More of a traditional style than the Mr Riggs i've reviewed earlier and much less approchable but overall enjoyable.
It received a 91 from James Halliday which i think is a little over stated and has definitely been dragged up by this wine being very true to the traditional spanish style. Unfortunately I can only bear to give this a 7 out of 10 at best and would steer most people toward the Mr Riggs Yacca Paddock unless they already know that they like the more traditional spanish style.
I purchased this wine for $26.70 from the Celebrations and have struggled to find this wine online. To be absolutely honest you can get a better Tempranillo and much more approachable for a lot less. Still good value for money really but only if you are looking for a dry wine.Personally I'll be buying a Mr Riggs next time I'm looking for a Tempranillo but hey don't let me hold you back from trying something new. Although if you want to try something new there are plenty of other wines for the same price point that will treat your palate better.
Lenton Brae
I visited Lenton Brae vineyard the other day and was excited by the wines as well as impressed by the cellar door and it's story. As such I thought I should share my experience with you all.
Lenton Brae cellar is set back from Caves Road in the heart of Wilyabrup, 15-20 mins north of Margaret River. You can almost drive straight past the entrance unless you are looking for it but if you do happen to drive past please do turn around as the wine list shouldn't be missed. It is one of the only cellar's i've visited where I've enjoyed or appreciated all the wines on the tasting list.
As you drive down the narrow entrance road you are welcomed by well groomed vines and a heritage listed building with architecture that will impress most. As you walk up the steps the the cellar entry you get an excellent view out over the valley and the vineyards which produce the majority of the fruit used in the wines you are about to sample. If you are lucky enough to be touring through the week you will be cheerfully greeted by Lenton Brae's exceptional Cellar Sales attendant Chris who is more than keen to impart his wealth of knowledge on all who visit and will listen. As you taste your wine you can wander onto a viewing platform which looks down into the working winery which is most interesting.
Lenton Brae cellar is set back from Caves Road in the heart of Wilyabrup, 15-20 mins north of Margaret River. You can almost drive straight past the entrance unless you are looking for it but if you do happen to drive past please do turn around as the wine list shouldn't be missed. It is one of the only cellar's i've visited where I've enjoyed or appreciated all the wines on the tasting list.
As you drive down the narrow entrance road you are welcomed by well groomed vines and a heritage listed building with architecture that will impress most. As you walk up the steps the the cellar entry you get an excellent view out over the valley and the vineyards which produce the majority of the fruit used in the wines you are about to sample. If you are lucky enough to be touring through the week you will be cheerfully greeted by Lenton Brae's exceptional Cellar Sales attendant Chris who is more than keen to impart his wealth of knowledge on all who visit and will listen. As you taste your wine you can wander onto a viewing platform which looks down into the working winery which is most interesting.
The wine list will look very similar to every other winery in the Margaret river region with the typical SSB's, Chardonnay's and of course Cabernet and blends of but don't be tempted to skip any as all the range is worth a try. Even though you will double up on a couple of varieties each wine has its own style and are all stand out drops that although don't all appeal to my palate were all very approachable and very very drinkable. Nothing under a 8 out of 10 in my opinion on the entire tasting list, unfortunately I didn't take notes on any of the wines I tasted to share with you but keep an eye out as I will definitely will be purchasing some of the range and doing write ups on them. Only a couple from the range are distributed so if you do see anything from this stand out winery do not hesitate to grab it and give it a shot, if it's a variety you like to drink its very unlikely you'll be disappointed. Good luck and happy drinking.
2008 Wallace by Ben Glaetzer Barossa Valley Shiraz Grenache
Deep dark crimson purple from a short distance this wine looks black in the glass but on closer look is absolutely beautiful, long thick legs the colour clings to the glass as you swirl it. From a standard glass I found this wine to be quite closed on the nose but in my Riedel glass with a good swirl it opens up and is quite pronounced with rich dark cherries and a jammy sweetness that is very attractive. On the palate this is a very large wine with an absolute richness that to some palates will be simply overwhelming, big dark berry fruit flavours engulf your mouth with a touch of vanilla and a medium length this wine begs you to take another sip. The pleasantly lightly spiced finish leads you into that next sip in search of that fruity goodness.
In short the only way I can describe this wine is that it is moreish for anyone who can handle a big fruity wine. Half way to syrupy it won't please a lot of palates but I think it is simply delightful in small doses. Enjoy this beauty with or without food as it is very easy, scratch that, way too easy drinking.
There is a great write up in 'The Big Red Wine Book 2010/2011' which has become almost a bible for me in the past couple of years and volumes and I recommend any red wine lover take a browse through one of these. 91 from the guys from The Big Red Wine Book and a 94 from James Halliday it's been appreciated across the industry, for me solid 9 - 9.5 out of 10 again in small doses.
The all important test, is this wine good value for money? I paid $21.80 at my local Celebrations and it seems to be around $23 across everywhere else I see it which I think is great value for money, you should be able to pick it up in a discount liquor store like Dan Murphy's for around $19. It also looks as if we have moved into the next vintage of this recently which I will not be shy about trying.
I've liked Ben Glaetzer's wine for a long time now and will be making a point of tasting and adding each of his range to my collection over time. Good luck with this cracka wine and happy drinking.
In short the only way I can describe this wine is that it is moreish for anyone who can handle a big fruity wine. Half way to syrupy it won't please a lot of palates but I think it is simply delightful in small doses. Enjoy this beauty with or without food as it is very easy, scratch that, way too easy drinking.
There is a great write up in 'The Big Red Wine Book 2010/2011' which has become almost a bible for me in the past couple of years and volumes and I recommend any red wine lover take a browse through one of these. 91 from the guys from The Big Red Wine Book and a 94 from James Halliday it's been appreciated across the industry, for me solid 9 - 9.5 out of 10 again in small doses.The all important test, is this wine good value for money? I paid $21.80 at my local Celebrations and it seems to be around $23 across everywhere else I see it which I think is great value for money, you should be able to pick it up in a discount liquor store like Dan Murphy's for around $19. It also looks as if we have moved into the next vintage of this recently which I will not be shy about trying.
I've liked Ben Glaetzer's wine for a long time now and will be making a point of tasting and adding each of his range to my collection over time. Good luck with this cracka wine and happy drinking.
Crittenden Estate 2007 Pinocchio Sangiovese
It's been a while since I've had time to sit down and do a review and I apologise to followers of this blog for that, but now here I am and with a commitment to try to get 2 done a week dependant on my work loads and drinking patterns. I'm also here with a interesting little wine which to be honest I'm still making my mind up about.
I first saw this wine in a restaurant at pub and purchased a bottle without blinking and also every time we went back to eat, then today as I strolled through my local Celebrations store it caught my eye again and I couldn't resist grabbing a bottle as my fiance really loves it, although upon sampling I fear this is a different vintage to the one we are used to at that restaurant and perhaps from a different region, this one is a Heathcote and the 08 is King Valley.
This wine is fairly attractive in the glass, a light cherry to ruby red with flashes of rust toward the rims it appears quite clear but on further inspection is actually quite opaque, not the only little surprise this wine holds. Almost non existant legs confirming the 13.5% alcohol as per the label. A pronounced earthy nose with dark berries and tobacco as quiet secondary notes lead you to a dry yet overal attractive aroma. Dry grainy tannins engulf your palate, young sour cherry flavours come through with earthy spice on the finish of this light bodied wine with unexpected excellent fruity length. A great representation of this interesting little varietal.
In short a more traditional sangiovese than I had expected when I picked the bottle up. Very dry grainy wine that really won't please a lot of people's palates although if dry is your bag then you'll love this little baby. There is a fruitiness that is very pleasant and great cherry flavours that linger for quite some time.
I've not been able to find any reviews by major critics but the 2008 got an 89/100 in the Gourmet Traveller. I'd really only be able to give this a very generous 7/10 and whole heartedly believe it would have been a lot better a year or so ago and 100 times better with food. Saying that if I can get hold of a 2008 I definitely will give it a shot as I am sure I had a much better opinion of this wine at that restaurant.At $20 a bottle it wouldn't be that much of an expensive mistake if you wanted to try this out but definitely don't pay any more than that for it and definitely don't rush out and grab a bottle as there is plenty of better ways to spend $20 like perhaps on the 08 vintage. You should be able to get it from the winery directly in its current vintage or www.mywinestore.com.au also keeps stock in minimum quantities of 3 at a time. Expect to pay $35 + in a restaurant.
As always good luck with your purchase decisions, don't let me turn you off this wine completely but perhaps try the 08, happy drinking and good health.
Torbreck Descendant 2004 Shiraz Viognier
Wow is my first impression of this beauty, as in wow what a big full bodied wine! Beautiful dark purple in your glass, so dark you'd swear its opaque but on further observation its really fine and clear. On the nose there definite purple berries and plum with hints of ink and slight floral notes. Massive legs on the glass highlight the 14.5% alcohol which I would say is much higher. Silky feel across your whole palate with soft subtle grainy tannins and juicy fruit this wine will blow you away. If you don't like big palate weight steer well clear of this wine.
To simplify if you answer yes to the following questions try this wine if there is a single no then simply don't waste your cash. Do you like massive wines? Are big fruit flavours high on your priority list? Would you try a wine if someone told you it had Ink in its description? Can you handle paying the same for a bottle of wine as for a good meal for two? Can you handle laying a wine down for 12-18 years before you touch it?
This is a big complex and fruity wine that anyone who likes Viognier blends will at least like but most will love. Highly recommend letting this wine stay down until at least 2015-2020 as it will simply only get better.
Halliday gave it a solid 96 and Campbell Mattinson 95 with the following comments;
$125 is a normal price for this bottle and paying much more would be a waste of cash. You can acquire a bottle from good boutique wine cellars but if you want to get some fish around the auctions and you should pick them up a little cheaper but whatever you pay for it this wine is worth it. Saying that you could actually get half a case of something just as drinkable to drink now for the same price not to say that is the better option it really just depends on your priorities. I certainly wouldn't rush to drink another bottle of this right now, I would undoubtedly buy and lay it down to add some prestige to my personal cellar.
If you manage to get a bottle and lay it down or drink it please let me know what you think and as alway enjoy and happy drinking!
To simplify if you answer yes to the following questions try this wine if there is a single no then simply don't waste your cash. Do you like massive wines? Are big fruit flavours high on your priority list? Would you try a wine if someone told you it had Ink in its description? Can you handle paying the same for a bottle of wine as for a good meal for two? Can you handle laying a wine down for 12-18 years before you touch it?
This is a big complex and fruity wine that anyone who likes Viognier blends will at least like but most will love. Highly recommend letting this wine stay down until at least 2015-2020 as it will simply only get better.
Halliday gave it a solid 96 and Campbell Mattinson 95 with the following comments;
"It’s made off relatively young vines but this release is the breakthrough vintage for this label – the mammoth, concentrated, overwhelming power of this wine says anything but immaturity. It’s a monster. But an exceptionally pure monster. Full of warm, floral, plummy, porty fruit with a nutty aftertaste and a carve of finely tailored tannins. It makes you sit straighter in your chair. It is over the top, but it is as fine as such a style can be."My rating on this wine is defiantly 9 out of 10 and would increase with age definitely, I am very impressed by David Powell's range and am more than happy to have a selection sitting in my cellar.
$125 is a normal price for this bottle and paying much more would be a waste of cash. You can acquire a bottle from good boutique wine cellars but if you want to get some fish around the auctions and you should pick them up a little cheaper but whatever you pay for it this wine is worth it. Saying that you could actually get half a case of something just as drinkable to drink now for the same price not to say that is the better option it really just depends on your priorities. I certainly wouldn't rush to drink another bottle of this right now, I would undoubtedly buy and lay it down to add some prestige to my personal cellar.If you manage to get a bottle and lay it down or drink it please let me know what you think and as alway enjoy and happy drinking!
Mr Riggs 2008 Yacca Paddock Tempranillo
This Tempranillo looks fantastic, a deep opaque cherry red it displays flashes of purple as you swirl it round your glass, it also leaves fantastic legs that stain the glass displaying its high 14.5% alcohol content. Fragrant the slightly fruity slightly earthy nose draws you in, the complex dark fruit stands out and is very pleasant. Velvety and smooth on the front of the palate with savoury fruit and dark cherry flavours which linger after a pleasant hit of good tannin structure. With great length this wine is very impressive and gets 10 fold better with a bit of food which brings out the smooth velvety fruit characteristics and softens the tannins.
To be blunt and uncomplicated..... I loved the approachability of this wine for most palates. Good fruit, not to dry, not too sweet, just good easy drinking with a pleasant complexity that will have more sophisticated palates still asking for more.
Halliday had this to say and gave it 94;
www.nicks.com.au has the 2007 vintage of this wine at $24.99 a bottle as to various other online stores but I managed to purchase is from First Choice liquor for about $22. Either way its not exactly a cheap bottle but definitely worth the price you pay. Don't pay more than $27 because you'd be getting ripped but definitely buy a bottle and try it.
I love Tempranillo and even more now I've learned how to pronounce it correctly and this just slipped into one of my all time favourites. This tasting has prompted me to try more of Ben Riggs' wines including some other labels I've seen advertised. Wish me luck! You'll be sure to hear how I go. Happy drinking.
To be blunt and uncomplicated..... I loved the approachability of this wine for most palates. Good fruit, not to dry, not too sweet, just good easy drinking with a pleasant complexity that will have more sophisticated palates still asking for more.
Halliday had this to say and gave it 94;
Brightly coloured; has impressive focus, length and intensity to its display of spicy black cherry fruit, and convincing tannins on the finish.All accounts of this wine I have seen are good Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh had this to say in their 'Big Red Wine Book 2010/11;
There's something cool and dusty about this wine. In a good way. It tastes like a mix of juicy cherries and dusty earth, and when you swallow you'd almost swear that you'd just finished licking a granite rock. Seriously! It has that mineral kind of flavour. We're fans.I give this a 9.5 out of 10 and seriously will be buying some more tomorrow as I really enjoyed it.
www.nicks.com.au has the 2007 vintage of this wine at $24.99 a bottle as to various other online stores but I managed to purchase is from First Choice liquor for about $22. Either way its not exactly a cheap bottle but definitely worth the price you pay. Don't pay more than $27 because you'd be getting ripped but definitely buy a bottle and try it.I love Tempranillo and even more now I've learned how to pronounce it correctly and this just slipped into one of my all time favourites. This tasting has prompted me to try more of Ben Riggs' wines including some other labels I've seen advertised. Wish me luck! You'll be sure to hear how I go. Happy drinking.
Peter Lehmann Seven Surveys 2007 Shiraz Mourvèdre Grenache (SMG)
A light ripe cherry red in the glass this wine is quite opaque with flashes of pink to the rims. Decent legs on this labelled at 14% alcohol. Quite pronounced with rich sweet dark berry fruits this blend from the start is an attractive drop. On first taste you get that sweetness on the front of the palate and a light acidity from this medium bodied, silky and well balanced twist on a traditional Rhône valley blend. The second mouthful just slides off the palate and lingers well with a medium length. In terms of flavours its that dark blackforest style flavours which make this wine very moreish.
To make this easy this wine displays fruit, not too much acidity, silky feel in your mouth and terrific balance. Unless you hate fruit this is a wine that will please all.
Campbell Mattinson had this to say;
www.discountwines.com has this beauty at $14.95 a bottle and Dan's stocks this at a decent price as well, $20 would be the upper limit you would pay. Wine selectors also has this wine at a slightly more discounted price and you wouldn't be disappointed to receive it in a mixed dozen.
Grab one - try it, love it - buy more, don't mind - it buy more or if you really don't like it you haven't wasted too much on it. Great value for money and quite impressive. Hope you enjoy it.
To make this easy this wine displays fruit, not too much acidity, silky feel in your mouth and terrific balance. Unless you hate fruit this is a wine that will please all.
Campbell Mattinson had this to say;The trick here is to make a wine that does not taste dilute, even though it’s light and ‘easy’. The Lehmann cheapies manage to walk that fine line with remarkable consistency. Easier said than done.Others have positives and negatives to say about it, myself 8/10 is fair I'd say for this very drinkable wine. Definitely worth it for a social drink
www.discountwines.com has this beauty at $14.95 a bottle and Dan's stocks this at a decent price as well, $20 would be the upper limit you would pay. Wine selectors also has this wine at a slightly more discounted price and you wouldn't be disappointed to receive it in a mixed dozen.
Grab one - try it, love it - buy more, don't mind - it buy more or if you really don't like it you haven't wasted too much on it. Great value for money and quite impressive. Hope you enjoy it.
T'Gallant 2007 Claudius
Unfiltered this wine looks very cloudy both in the bottle and in the glass, a dark lemony colour it does look quite appealing until you stick your nose over the glass. It has a very dirty aroma like the liquid in canned asparagus. On the palate it is just as dirty but slightly more pleasant with a medium body and acidity and unfortunately it has good length.
In summary this wine is almost undrinkable in my eyes. Don't shy away from a tasting as it is definitely an experience but don't just blindly buy a bottle as I'm sure you will be disappointed.
I doubt any professional has done a rating on this although I'd love to read one as it would be an eye opener. I honestly can't even rate this wine as if I did it would come out being negative I'm sure.
I'm fairly sure you will only be able to purchase this from the cellar door @ $29 a bottle as I doubt any good wine merchant would tarnish their name by selling you a bottle without letting you taste it and like it.
Don't buy a bottle unless you've tasted it and like it, if you do happen to think its great then please let me know as I'd love to know why. Enjoy if you try this but if you have an option buy and Imogen instead!
In summary this wine is almost undrinkable in my eyes. Don't shy away from a tasting as it is definitely an experience but don't just blindly buy a bottle as I'm sure you will be disappointed.
I doubt any professional has done a rating on this although I'd love to read one as it would be an eye opener. I honestly can't even rate this wine as if I did it would come out being negative I'm sure.I'm fairly sure you will only be able to purchase this from the cellar door @ $29 a bottle as I doubt any good wine merchant would tarnish their name by selling you a bottle without letting you taste it and like it.
Don't buy a bottle unless you've tasted it and like it, if you do happen to think its great then please let me know as I'd love to know why. Enjoy if you try this but if you have an option buy and Imogen instead!
T'Gallant Cyrano 2009 Pinot Noir
This wine looks like a dark translucent ruby sitting the the bottom of the glass. A lovely red berry jam aroma with a hint of subtle spice it's pleasantly light on the palate and the aromas are backed up with similar flavours. Strawberry jam on the front of your palate supported by sweet spice down the sides and medium acidity. There are pleasant tannins that linger slightly and the fruit flavours stay giving it good length. There is a noticeable lack of the peppery finish for a Pinot but that is welcomed as it makes this an approachable wine for most palates.
This is a great wine to start anyone on the path of Pinot Noirs with its lovely jam flavours and aromas I can't really see why anyone would dislike this wine. There is no huge dryness, no huge pepper hits its all just there subtly making it very approachable and worth try.
This vintage hasn't been tasted by James Haliday yet and I haven't seen any other reviews but previous vintages have gotten 90 or above and great reviews. I would give this a solid 9 and would drink it any day of the week ending in a y.
Price wise again slightly over priced at the cellar door at $35 a bottle but in all honesty I've tasted far less appealing wines for the same price. You can buy it online for $24.46 a bottle from webcellars.com.au and I'd imagine you should pick it up for around $25 or better from a bottle shop of Dan Murphy's. I definitely wouldn't pay more than that for it however because although I have given it quite a good rating its still what I'd call a low end Pinot.
I'd recommend you all give this wine a taste, enjoy and happy drinking!
This is a great wine to start anyone on the path of Pinot Noirs with its lovely jam flavours and aromas I can't really see why anyone would dislike this wine. There is no huge dryness, no huge pepper hits its all just there subtly making it very approachable and worth try.
This vintage hasn't been tasted by James Haliday yet and I haven't seen any other reviews but previous vintages have gotten 90 or above and great reviews. I would give this a solid 9 and would drink it any day of the week ending in a y.Price wise again slightly over priced at the cellar door at $35 a bottle but in all honesty I've tasted far less appealing wines for the same price. You can buy it online for $24.46 a bottle from webcellars.com.au and I'd imagine you should pick it up for around $25 or better from a bottle shop of Dan Murphy's. I definitely wouldn't pay more than that for it however because although I have given it quite a good rating its still what I'd call a low end Pinot.
I'd recommend you all give this wine a taste, enjoy and happy drinking!
T'Gallant Imogen 2008 Pinot Gris
I was pleasantly surprised by this wine and although its not the first time I have experienced its beauty it is definitely the first time I have really thought about it. Pale straw in colour and impeccably translucent this wine sits just like any other young white in the glass except for its marginally impressive legs showing off the 14.5% alcohol that it is labelled at. With a well pronounced nose it has a beautiful floral aroma that fills your nose and almost closes out those subtle tropical smells that make this such an appealing and approachable wine. On the palate this is a simply delicious drop, rich and round it slides just as easily off the back of your palate as if it were never in your mouth but then pleasantly has medium length so you can enjoy it for just that bit longer. The flavour really highlights the fruit with a slight hint of green olive over those balanced tropical flavours, lightly acidic you will find this to be an easy quaffing wine.
In summary a very pleasant wine all round, it smells good, it tastes good and with a touch more acidity would be nearly perfect. Anyone who enjoys Pinot Gris will not be disappointed and anyone who wants a pleasant drinking wine will definitely enjoy. Not too fruity and not to dry it will just make you smile.
James Halliday rated this at 90 and had the following to say;
I agree and gave this wine an 8.5/10 and although it seems a trend that I am rating all my tastings high you will see that I really only have tried top quality wines.
The cellar door over prices this wine @ $26 a bottle. It runs out of Dan Murphy's at about $15 a bottle. Grays Online also sell it at auction but if you are paying around $18 a bottle then you really are getting a quality enjoyable wine at a good price.
Please do try this drop as you will be happy with your money spent. You could pay a lot more for a bottle of Pinot Gris and be far less happy. Enjoy.
In summary a very pleasant wine all round, it smells good, it tastes good and with a touch more acidity would be nearly perfect. Anyone who enjoys Pinot Gris will not be disappointed and anyone who wants a pleasant drinking wine will definitely enjoy. Not too fruity and not to dry it will just make you smile.
James Halliday rated this at 90 and had the following to say;
"Has plenty of flavour and mouthfeel, the flavours correct, as is the structure, but would be better still with a touch more acidity."
I agree and gave this wine an 8.5/10 and although it seems a trend that I am rating all my tastings high you will see that I really only have tried top quality wines.The cellar door over prices this wine @ $26 a bottle. It runs out of Dan Murphy's at about $15 a bottle. Grays Online also sell it at auction but if you are paying around $18 a bottle then you really are getting a quality enjoyable wine at a good price.
Please do try this drop as you will be happy with your money spent. You could pay a lot more for a bottle of Pinot Gris and be far less happy. Enjoy.
T'Gallant
T'Gallant cellar door and restaurant is just down the road from Ten Minutes By Tractor and is absolutely worth the visit. It is set as an Italian Trattoria and has a wonderful atmosphere, the pizza's and tapas available are fantastic and the list of their own wines plus a selection of external mostly international wines makes lunch a pleasure. With a resident cat and some live music it makes for a lovely afternoon in the sun (or rain being the peninsular) for a couple or a small group. There is also a restaurant with a great sit down menu. The cellar door staff are fantastic and knowledgable and there is an interesting gentleman getting on in years now that is well worth the chat. He has some very interesting background knowledge and a good honest opinion about all the wines on the list that he is not scared of sharing. The labelling and naming of the wines is not only interesting but fantastically smart and appealing and make the trip worth while even if you don't like the wines. Ensure even if you are not a sweet tooth you try the Romeo and the range of Moscatos as well as the very interesting Claudius which most will not like but is worth the look. Over the coming days I'll post some reviews along with the rest of the Ten Minutes By Tractor Range. I hope you can make it there and enjoy it as much as we did. Happy drinking.
Ten Minutes By Tractor 2009 10X Pinot Noir
This wine has a lovely deep cherry colouring that is quite dark but still quite clear. Great legs for its 13.8% alcohol, none the less very visually appealing. Quite pronounced you will get big red berry with cinnamon and a slightly dusty nose. On the palate it is quite light and fresh with fine acidity and a hit of lovely cherry fruit. Spicy oaky flavours balance this wine out giving it good length and making it a seriously drinkable wine.
In summary this wine is neither too fruity or too peppery, the fruitiness makes it attractive with out it being a fruit bomb and the sweet spice hits off the back of your tongue and disappears as you swallow and the sweet cherry flavours linger in your mouth. Any Pinot Noir lover should grab a bottle of this as it will drive you wild.
I can't seem to see any professional reviews on this wine but I don't think it needs one. I give it a very solid 8.5 out of 10 so much so that I left the cellar door with a bottle.
As with other bottles from this winery it comes with a price tag at $36 a bottle from the cellar door but is absolutely worth it. There are much worse Pinot Noir's out there with much heftier price tags. You can pick it up from Wine House in South Melbourne for $34.95 a bottle and I'm sure many little boutique bottle shops around the Peninsular and Melbourne that carry Peninsular wines. Don't pay more than $38 as you can get a better deal.
One of the better Pinot Noir's I've tasted and value for money is second to none but for those of you who don't wanna spend that much there are others around that fit a more approachable price bracket. Highly recommend this wine so please do enjoy.
In summary this wine is neither too fruity or too peppery, the fruitiness makes it attractive with out it being a fruit bomb and the sweet spice hits off the back of your tongue and disappears as you swallow and the sweet cherry flavours linger in your mouth. Any Pinot Noir lover should grab a bottle of this as it will drive you wild.
I can't seem to see any professional reviews on this wine but I don't think it needs one. I give it a very solid 8.5 out of 10 so much so that I left the cellar door with a bottle.
As with other bottles from this winery it comes with a price tag at $36 a bottle from the cellar door but is absolutely worth it. There are much worse Pinot Noir's out there with much heftier price tags. You can pick it up from Wine House in South Melbourne for $34.95 a bottle and I'm sure many little boutique bottle shops around the Peninsular and Melbourne that carry Peninsular wines. Don't pay more than $38 as you can get a better deal.One of the better Pinot Noir's I've tasted and value for money is second to none but for those of you who don't wanna spend that much there are others around that fit a more approachable price bracket. Highly recommend this wine so please do enjoy.
Ten Minutes By Tractor 2009 10X Pinot Gris
This wine has a lovely clear bright golden appearance with reasonable legs displaying the 13.5% alcohol that this wine is labeled as. It has pear and slight floral notes on the nose with a hint of sweetness like honey suckle which makes it very attractive. It is quite light on the palate, light acidity and slightly viscous it is very pleasant in your mouth. Juicy with minerality with a slightly nutty finish that will leave you wanting more this wine should be enjoyed now!
To summarise this is a fantastically drinkable wine for those who enjoy Pinot Gris or those who just like an easy drinking wine that is crisp and not too fruity. Highly recommend on a summers afternoon with a light cheese platter.
James Halliday rated this 90 points and noted the wine to be
Unfortunately the only downfall the this wine is that it comes in at a pretty penny of $28 a bottle from the cellar door. Although it is worth every cent there is other Pinot Gris' out there that come close for quite a bit cheaper. The only other place I personally have seen this available is Wine House in Melbourne who are normally very reasonably priced, they have it for $29.95 for a single bottle which indicates that you may not find it cheaper.
I'd recommend you drop by the cellar door for a taste. You will not be disappointed and make your decision there if you'd like to purchase. If its on the menu at a restaurant please pay the extra and grab it as a treat.
To summarise this is a fantastically drinkable wine for those who enjoy Pinot Gris or those who just like an easy drinking wine that is crisp and not too fruity. Highly recommend on a summers afternoon with a light cheese platter.
James Halliday rated this 90 points and noted the wine to be
"a complex and savoury combination of pear, spice and lightly toasted almonds; generous and fleshy on the palate, with a savoury nutty conclusion from the oak maturation."I would definitely agree with the above and give this wine a solid 8.5/10, it may have got a 9 if I'd been tasting it with food.
Unfortunately the only downfall the this wine is that it comes in at a pretty penny of $28 a bottle from the cellar door. Although it is worth every cent there is other Pinot Gris' out there that come close for quite a bit cheaper. The only other place I personally have seen this available is Wine House in Melbourne who are normally very reasonably priced, they have it for $29.95 for a single bottle which indicates that you may not find it cheaper.I'd recommend you drop by the cellar door for a taste. You will not be disappointed and make your decision there if you'd like to purchase. If its on the menu at a restaurant please pay the extra and grab it as a treat.
Ten Minutes By Tractor
My Fiancé and I decided to have a nice day out down the peninsular and drop past a few of the local cellar doors. I must say that the cellar door and restaurant at Ten Minutes By Tractor is absolutely spectacular and well worth a visit. The staff were lovely and welcoming and had a definite passion for their produce, they were more than happy to discuss all aspects of the wines on offer in as much or as little depth as you were willing to listen and interact with them. Anyone looking for a nice tasting of wonderful wines should definitely drop by here for their spectacular Chardonnays and amazing Pinot Noirs that will not disappoint. To rate this it would have to be a 10/10 experience and the wines.... well you will see in my following posts. Enjoy!
2006 Schild Estate Shiraz
Welcome to my first of hopefully endless reviews, I have chosen a format I'd like to follow but I may update it as time goes on. Let me start with a formal description and review, then I will give a straight honest easy to understand description and review, some quotes from professional opinions followed lastly by price guide and where to buy from. So lets get into it and see how it works out.
A lovely looking wine with a opaque dark plum red look to. Semi impressive legs highlight the 14.5% alcohol as per the label although I suspect it would be more like 15%. Subtly spicy on the nose with sweet berry fruits coming through, the vanilla from the American oak is there subtly if you really go searching for it. Medium bodied on the pallet it is a very easy drinking wine, subtle tannins with a medium length it has tart under ripe black cherry flavours with plum and a hint of vanilla.
To summarise all that it is not a fruity as you expect from a big Barossa Shiraz but is very easy drinking a well priced bottle that will not disappoint. There is a noticeable lack of peppery spice which to a lot of people will be very appealing also the tannins are low which takes that dryness away. If you prefer lots of fruit this is not for you as the fruit is soft and not that prominent.
James Halliday rated this wine at 84 points I would tend not to agree with his low mark by his standards giving it a solid 8/10 for drinking now and relative value for money. It goes great with food and something heavyish like a steak with a red wine jus and some nice greens or to drink by itself with a nice strong cheese like a big blue or any other strong cheese.
It may be hard to come by now days as I cleaned my local bottle shop out of it the other day of their last 3 bottles due to the current 2008 vintage taking over the shelves. I've got 5 more put down to develop a little further. You may be able to find it in your local Dan Murphys or smaller boutique bottle shops but I have not seen it online lately. You could expect to pay anywhere from $16.99 a bottle right up to $22 but I'd say that there are better bottles out there for $22 but I'd settle to pay $19 without too much fuss. I will be doing a review shortly of the 2008 Vintage which I have tasted and as a sneak preview can say it is just as nice if not better and much fruitier.
This is probably going to be one of my most common sized posts and they will fluctuate based on how much I like the wine and how much attention I am paying when I'm drinking it. I may actually re do a review either when I'm concentrating more or after I have had the bottle in the cellar for a couple of years to show you all out there how my opinion can change or improve. Hope you enjoy my review, this bottle and your wine experiences in general. Good luck and happy drinking.
A lovely looking wine with a opaque dark plum red look to. Semi impressive legs highlight the 14.5% alcohol as per the label although I suspect it would be more like 15%. Subtly spicy on the nose with sweet berry fruits coming through, the vanilla from the American oak is there subtly if you really go searching for it. Medium bodied on the pallet it is a very easy drinking wine, subtle tannins with a medium length it has tart under ripe black cherry flavours with plum and a hint of vanilla.
To summarise all that it is not a fruity as you expect from a big Barossa Shiraz but is very easy drinking a well priced bottle that will not disappoint. There is a noticeable lack of peppery spice which to a lot of people will be very appealing also the tannins are low which takes that dryness away. If you prefer lots of fruit this is not for you as the fruit is soft and not that prominent.
James Halliday rated this wine at 84 points I would tend not to agree with his low mark by his standards giving it a solid 8/10 for drinking now and relative value for money. It goes great with food and something heavyish like a steak with a red wine jus and some nice greens or to drink by itself with a nice strong cheese like a big blue or any other strong cheese.
It may be hard to come by now days as I cleaned my local bottle shop out of it the other day of their last 3 bottles due to the current 2008 vintage taking over the shelves. I've got 5 more put down to develop a little further. You may be able to find it in your local Dan Murphys or smaller boutique bottle shops but I have not seen it online lately. You could expect to pay anywhere from $16.99 a bottle right up to $22 but I'd say that there are better bottles out there for $22 but I'd settle to pay $19 without too much fuss. I will be doing a review shortly of the 2008 Vintage which I have tasted and as a sneak preview can say it is just as nice if not better and much fruitier.This is probably going to be one of my most common sized posts and they will fluctuate based on how much I like the wine and how much attention I am paying when I'm drinking it. I may actually re do a review either when I'm concentrating more or after I have had the bottle in the cellar for a couple of years to show you all out there how my opinion can change or improve. Hope you enjoy my review, this bottle and your wine experiences in general. Good luck and happy drinking.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)