28 January 2012



Grove Estate The Cellar Block Shiraz Viognier 2010

This is a serious red that will impress the aficionado, but it will also please the novice. Why you say, well because it works at all levels by giving out seriously spicy fruit, blueberries, blackberries and plums along with a nice line created by the Viognier. Good oak compliments it well along with a fresh acidity that ensures the alcohol and ripeness don’t poke their heads through unnecessarily. The wine hedonists will enjoy the lush fullness of the palate and the ripe medium bodied fruit that comes through and impresses right to the end of the palate. Try this with beef kebabs.

About $25. 14%. Drink to 2016. Hilltops Region. 90/100 – Very Good.

26 January 2012

Giesen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Giesen is a favourite NZ producer of mine. I like the idiosyncratic style of their whites and of their Sav. Blancs. Fresh uplifted citrus and tropical notes, fresh alive and gushy and yet imparted also with a herbaceous and savoury dimension. Crisp acidity complements the fruit and gives it a nice edge. Very easy drinking and indeed very gluggable for want of a better word. Try this with prawn satay sticks with homemade peanut sauce.

About $20. 12.5%. Drink Now. Marlborough NZ. 89/100 – Very Good.

25 January 2012

Tomich Hill Adelaide Hills Unwooded Chardonnay 2008

I like the simplicity of this Chardonnay - pure fresh varietal and regional. I like the way it sits in terms of letting the fruit do all the talking in an uplifted gushy way. Pure lively and out there, you get your really good feel good peach melon characters very nicely all the way from nose to end of palate. A very decent Summer quaffer. Try it with barramundi fillets in a mango salsa.

Drink Now. 13.5%. Adelaide Hills. About $20. 87/100 – Good.

24 January 2012

Cassegrain Edition Noir Gewürztraminer 2010

An invigorating drop of white from the Cassegrain stable of wines. You get classic varietal Gerwurz characters here – think musk, passion fruit, lychees and wildflowers. Dry and crisp yet with discernable fruit influence all the way to the end. It delivers a lovely tang as well that provides edginess to it. Try this with salt and pepper ribs.

13.0%. Drink Now to 2015. About $25.New England.  88/100 – Very Good.

23 January 2012

Voyager Estate Chenin Blanc 2011

Chenin is never going to be the hip happening new kid on the block impressing all along with the way with its buzzing pizzazz. Instead it is a solid reliable decent white varietal that been round the block a few times but is still a reliable performer. It is a white that does deliver on the fruit focus front, has a nice spicy edge to it and a crisp clear acidity that makes it sharp drinking. The fruit provides ripe flavours and yet it is not over the top due to that tang at the end. Indeed it marries well with Italian cuisine, say tortellini with pesto sauce.

About $20. Drink Now. 13.4$. Margaret River. 87/100 – Good – 88/100 – Very Good.

22 January 2012 (pm edition)

Mount Eyre Vineyards Three Ponds Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2010

This is a live review. What does that mean I hear you say? Well it means the glass is in my hand as I type. No literally but nearby enough to count as me sharing with you this very decent Chardonnay as I drink. Why is this all so special you say? Well the reality is my tasting note are normally weeks, sometimes longer behind their tasting. A modern day reality of wine writing and the perpetual catch up one plays with the balancing act of tasting and posting ensues. Anyway this is good folks, real good. This is real Chardonnay, modern Australian c21 Chardonnay and these guys have got all the elements just right. Divine classic regional nose. Pure pristine peach melon, discernable cashew and real French oak, tantalizing acidity and a synchronicity that rewards through a smooth lightly creamy harmonious palate. Beautiful drinking with much more to come. Everyone take a bow. Yes I like this especially at this price. Try it with bucatelli carbonara.

Drink to 2018. About $23.13.5%. Hunter Valley. 94/100 – Excellent – 95/100 - Superb.   

22 January 2012

Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2010

Moderation is the key at this time of the year, or so they tell me. Anyway the moderation in this excellent, may I say yet another excellent Chardonnay, from the Shaw and Smith stable at that, is the sum of all its parts, the synergy I say. Wow what a super sentence and a half but justifiable in the context to what is being delivered up here my friends. Neat tight biscuits, white peach, honeydew melon, hint of light spice and with measured synched oak and lively yet tempered acidity. All in all, soft smooth and mellow and delicious to boot. Try this with roast chicken, well seasoned.

About $40. 13%. Drink to 2017. Adelaide Hills. 94/100 – Excellent.

21 January 2012

Howard Park Western Australia Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Soft smooth and mellow acidity here along with well defined tropical and citrine flavours really make this an easy drinking delicious Summer white wine. It just glides down effortlessly and makes the term easy drinking repeatedly made. From free run juice only, it is a crowd pleaser especially with prawn salad.

Drink Now. About $26. South West of Western Australia. About $26. 88/100 – Very Good.

19 January 2012

Bishop By Ben Glaetzer Barossa Valley Shiraz 2010

There is restrained power in this red that impresses you all the way along. Promise of more goodness to come. Pure fruit now however - an earthiness as well along with a deep dark coffee mocha-ness that comes right through. Fulsome but not overwhelming. The alcohol is there but not poking its head out. Good fresh characters underpin the fruit. Oak is in check, tannin structure – solid – check, check and check. From dry grown vines from the Ebenezer vineyards, this has long haul written all over it. Having said that, it drinks damn fine right now with some slowed cook lamb.

Drink to 2018-20. 15.1%. About $35. Barossa Valley. 94/100 – Excellent.

17 January 2012

Happy New Year

Season’s Greetings to all my readers and I hope you and your families have a prosperous, happy and healthy New Year.

With that back to the wine reviews.

Mandala Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2010

A really impressive set of aromas here  - cherry, strawberry, cinnamon and light tomato vine – all clearly efined. Balanced soft and smooth with ripe characters on hand and yet a certain classiness on the other. The balance is there and an essential part of the wine drinking experience. Well crafted and drinking very decently now. Try this with roast duck pancakes.

Drink Now. 13.0%. Yarra Valley.  About $28. 88/100 – Very Good.

22 December 2011

Handpicked Moscato D’Asti 2010

This is delightfully light and fragrant and yet when you taste it – it packs quite a punch. Marketed as a dessert wine I am of the view that it is a very decent aperitif. Light frizty tantalizingly delicate as it tingles and tantalizes the nose. Light peach, light musk and frangipani fragrances all follow. Really easy drinking and a wine that is very versatile. Italian from Asti DOCG. Try this with a fruit custard tart.

Drink Now. Alc 5.5%. About $25.90/100 – Very Good.

Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

The label always draws me to this wine. Yes the marketing does work even on me. The Cover Drive presents itself finely here. I am trying to think of clever witty and funny cricket like analogies of wine words but nothing is coming through. Instead what is coming through is the glorious currants and spicy plums and underlying earthiness that represents all that is good with this quality red. Smooth ripe tannins and long lingering and delicious on the finish, mean this is a good each way bet for Summer drinking or putting it away for another season or two. There. Try this with aged rump – bbq aged rump.

Drink to 2016. About $20. 14.5%. 89-90/100 – Very Good.


Campbells Sparkling Shiraz 


We have the perfect climate for enjoying Sparkling Shiraz, even in this weather. Special Stuff it is that goes remarkably well with all manner of cuisines and all manner of events especially Christmas time. Indeed a go anywhere type of wine if ever there was. Campbells have nailed this one with smooth supple red and black fruit and just a hint of spice that lifts it neatly. Good solid and substantial yet with an elegance that makes the purity of the fruit shine through ever so gracefully. Try this with roast turkey.


Drink Now. About $30. 14.5%. 91/100 - Excellent.

21 December 2011

Brokenwood ILR Reserve Semillon 2006

Spicy tangy lemons, I like the way the smoothness and spiciness come together in a really interesting way. Fulsome yet with a line of finesse running through. Lineal one might say. With good backbone and yet with that citrine, light honey, cinnamon and all spice as well as straw running all the way across it. Good oak supporting the fruit with an underlying nuttiness coming through slowly. A few years on it yet. Try this with salt and pepper fish.

Drink to 2016. About $40. 93/100 – Excellent.

Tarrawarra Estate J-Block Shiraz 2009

Cool climate Shiraz but with a lot of substance to it. Indeed fleshy blackberries chewily so as well as deep blackcurrants, spicy plums and inherent cherry all make up this interesting red. Deep dark and brooding, very masculine, no prettiness here and the boldness makes its statement well. Drinks smoothly and yet with quite a solid robustness in mouthfeel. Demands meat, steak, Angus grilled beef.

About $35. 14.5% (not showing this though). Drink to 2019. 90/100 – Very Good.

20 December 2011

Scarpantoni Black Tempest Sparkling Shiraz.

Complex stuff this sparkling red but seriously let’s put the excellent winemaking aside for a second and really promote how good this sparkling red would be with the Christmas turkey or Christmas ham this year. Sterling stuff, a sterling match and a really solid robust red that exhibits quality and substance all the way to the last drop. Lovely drinking for this merry season.

13.5%. About $28. Drink to 2015. 91/100 – Excellent.

Penley Estate Hyland Coonawarra Shiraz 2008

Nice development here I like the way this red is progressing – the fruit, oak and tannins are all making their merry way in sync and harmony with one another in one long smooth vinous journey together – it is like a locomotive building up speed and momentum and the power is impressing all in it way. Wow that was a long sentence, but I tell you the fruit flavours and some savoury backdrop really gets things happening in this fine red. Try it with sundried and basil gourmet sausages.

15%. About $25. Drink to 2018. 90/100 – Very Good.

19 December 2011

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2011

The aromas are really forward and upfront and quite delicious smelling. One might translate to ripe gushy fruit but indeed the fruit, tropical based is quite balanced and measured. Nice and easy to drink with just right acidity and a long flavoursome finish, this white stacks up very well. Try with pan fried calamari.

Drink Now. 13%. About $20.89/100 – Very Good.

Second Nature Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2010

The spiciness is typical McLaren Vale Shiraz, tantalizing all the way along and noting itself alongside the structure of the Cabernet and the fruitiness of the Merlot. Together this trio is playing a treat of a good solid reliable red blend. Quite strong and robust, this wine demands meat. Try it with slow cooked pork ribs and viola, a very good match we have.

About $19. 14%. Drink to 2013. 86/100 – Good.

18 December 2011

Pikes The Dogwalk Cabernet Merlot 2008

I would be hopeless at naming wines if I had a winery – I would seriously struggle beyond the obvious names around me – Bill, Wendy, Phil and Ben being the names of the moment , scratch more scratching clink and clink – then that’s about  it for me. Anyway this is a backhanded compliment to whoever named The Dogwalk because I like the name. Yes I know now from reading the back of the label that it is named after the vineyard but so on and so on there is obviously some creative thought into that naming as well. Enough rambling I say and probably so do you – however the winemaker Neil Pike also deserves a mention because here the blending of the Cabernet and Merlot yet again is so spot on and delivers an Europeanness style of wine that is so versatile and easy to drink even in the warmer months. Try it with a cassoulet.

About $19. 14.5%. Drink to 2014. 90/100 – Very Good.

Jim Barry Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

The vibrancy of this Coonawarra red really shines through from the first pour. It resonates and glows with pure purple grape ink. Velvety lush yet also lineal fruit, polished plums, spicy blackcurrants, a cool structure with an overall glorious long mouthfeel that appears to go on and on and never end. Sweet oak, not over the top, ripe tannins with a smoothness to the end. Very moreish and delicious. This really delivers so well and has a few good years yet. Try it with sticky pork ribs.

About $55. 14.5%. Drink to 2015. 94/100 – Excellent.

17 December 2011

Kingston Estate Shiraz 2010.

Deep rich spicy along with an edgy black liquorice and aniseed nose, really delivers a punch from the first pour. I like the inherent fruit drivenness and yet also the way it doesn’t overwhelm. Indeed there is a youthful restlessness there on one hand but it is tempered and well disciplined at this time. A delight with grilled sausages, it also delivers on the value front.

About $15. 14%. Drink to 2015. 87-88/100- Very Good.

Madfish Grandstand Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Really aromatic and really classic with green fresh herbs, tropical notes and light citrine characters. Nice crisp and lively on the nose with a long freshness on the palate. A groovy funky white full of character and buzz. Uplifting fruit all the way to the end with supporting crisp acidity bolstering it all. Try this with chicken satay sticks

About $17. 13%. Drink Now. 88/100 – Very Good.

14 December 2011

O’Leary Walker Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010.

Boys take a bow, this is real good red. By boys I mean David O’Leary and Nick Walker – winemakers and the dynamic duo behind this great little label which has in the space of a few short years made an impression to all and sundry. A fresh vibrant youthful Cabernet – but drinkable, drinkable in spadefulls if this was ever a saying – a tad irresponsible but you are smart enough to know what I am trying to suggest. It’s young red and black fruit doesn’t overdo itself, indeed whilst it dazzles it doesn’t blind you from the other parts, the spicy oak, the lively acidity that places a nice cut through it nor the fine tannins that augur well for later. Put a few bottles away for later on. Try it with oven roasted pork.

Drink to 2018. About $22. 14.5%. 94/100 – Excellent.

13 December 2011

Tarrawarra Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2004

It is a privilege to be able to drink Chardonnay from a Reserve label and from the Yarra Valley and at nearly 8 years of age and from such a maker as Tarrawarra – all from one bottle. Indeed the provenance of this white is impeccable. The nose dazzles with youthful exuberance, like a genie finally being let of the bottle it doesn’t know which way to turn first to make its wishes come true. Citrine and tropical fruits exude, I love that word exude if you haven’t noticed. A bit distractive at first as I said but then everything just kicks in and falls into place, in the glass with the oak, acidity and mouthfeel all making their presence felt as individual components but then seductively and lingeringly so all together neatly on the palate. Very decent drinking, very decent winemaking and an end product to be proud of. Try this with roast seasoned chicken – simply cooked with root vegetables.

14%. About $60. Drink to 2014. 95/100 – Superb.

11 December 2011

Heineken Lager

I like the upfrontness of this beer. No pretending to be anything else that what it is – quality European and lager. Imported from Amsterdam in Holland, it is distinctive and flavoursome. Very, well lagerish for want of a better word and with a crispness right to the end. The light tang adds to the complexity of what is a very enjoyable beer.

Excellent. About $18.99 per six pack. Alc – 5%.

Angullong Sauvignon Blanc 2011

An abundance of tropical fruits if I have ever drunken tropical fruit – it oozes big-time all over the place – and orange blossom, really clear crisp orange blossom, discernibly so, the type where you point out to wine novices and say here this is orange blossom. Tangy acidity supporting it all, but quite soft and smooth on the finish. Easy simple drinking. From the Orange region, that maight explain the orange blossom eh - only kidding novices. Try it with chicken burritos.  

About $17. Drink Now. 13%. 89/100- Very Good.

9 December 2011

Juniper Crossing Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006

This just glides down the throat effortlessly. I like the way it does so leaving a trial of plums and blackcurrants in its path. Juicy fresh and succulent fruit at that. Fine tannins, seamlessly integrated oak, indiscernible. Marries well with a range of cuisine, but I am thinking Spanish paella. Plums and cherries resonate for ages to the end of the finish.

Drink Now. 13.5%. About $22. 87/100 – Good.

5 December 2011

Campbell’s Rutherglen Moscato 2011

Love this Moscato. Only one problem with it – in that it only came in a 500ml bottle. I need at least a litre to quench my Moscato appetite especially with those “wine tasters” around me who share my enthusiasm for this top wine. Yes it is a Moscato and yes it is that good. Summer wine with plenty of light fruit (from Muscat a Petit Grains Rouge grapes – from the bottle that is – not my nose), a hint of musk, subtle sweetness and a light slowly unwinding supporting yet very pretty structure. Indeed it is very in sync and happening within itself. Bring me more I say. Try it with risotto alla Milanese.

About $18. 7%. Drink Now. 91/100 – Excellent.

4 December 2011

Lerida Estate Lake George Pinot Rose` 2011

I don’t have a great wine memory. That may surprise you or not. But seriously I’m not good on the recall of what’s your favourite latest wine front. Indeed I am likely to refer the enquirer to this website than being able to rattle off a dozen names. I don’t do top ten wedding wines, wines to buy your boss for Christmas or to impress your loved one on a big night out wines either very well. So it is a tad interesting (and probably relevant) that I still remember this wine so well and clearly from tasting and drinking it earlier this week. The drinking it may have been a bigger factor I admit. Anyway the elegance and classiness of this Rose` really stood out, and I also recall effortlessly the pure pristine fruit – strawberry raspberry and watermelon that came through a sweetish but well poised nose and carried through effortlessly in harmony with a light minerality onto the palate delighting all and sundry. Happy also to sing its praises to all and sundry. Very nice also may I indeed say with some pork and chive dumplings.

Drink Now. About $18. 11.7%. 94/100 – Excellent.

Lerida Estate Lake George Pinot Noir 2008

This has the smooth seductive factor to it. Smooth ripe cherry, gliding effortlessly down the throat with real flavours. It packs a punch and provides pronounced strawberry, raspberry and cherry flavours all over. Nice and classy with no flatness but rather quite an invigorating uplift right to the end. Canberra origins provide that cool climate edge. Try this with Peking duck pancakes.

13.3%. Drink to 2015. About $24. 90/100 – Very Good.

3 December 2011

Dominique Portet Fontaine Rose` 2011

Yarra Valley and Pyrenees fruit and the hands of Dominique Portet as well as Ben Portet on this Rose` results in a high quality of the end product here. Perfect perfumed nose, classically so from Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet – berry fruit laden, not over the top but with just right balance and poise. Fine acid structure provides a classic finish. Very drinkable with chicken and sausage paella.

About $25. 13%. Drink Now. 92/100 – Excellent.
 

2 December 2011

Mount Langhi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2008

Real deal red – substance gravitas personality and robustness yet with finesse elegance and poise – how do they do it all in one. Seamless ripe succulent plums, blackberries that ooze but don’t overdominate. Liquorice black liqourice that just adds to the overall body with milk chocolate as well. A glorious red when you put it all together gliding effortlessly down the throat coating beautifully all the way to the end. Moreishly so. Try this with roast beef.

14.5%. About $35. Drink to 2018 plus. 94/100 – Excellent.

1 December 2011

Kingston Estate Pinot Gris 2011

Good fresh uplifting juicy Pinot Gris fruit. Pears, tropical fruit, citrine influences. Nice acidity with a clean backbone and finish. Fruit driven and yet with a long dry finish. An easy drinking simple wine that doesn’t pretend and delivers at its level. Try this with pork dumplings.

About $15. 12%. Drink Now. 85/100 – Good.

30 November 2011

Lenton Brae Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Light bright intriguing – well blended by winemaker Ed Tomlinson. The synergy of the two varietals both from a grape origin and also Margaret River regionality perspective is so spot on. I like the crispness and freshness of this white and the bite it has and the lovely way that it imparts citriosity and also a lingering acidity that cuts and accentuates the fruit. Try this with chicken and cashew nuts Thai style.

Drink Now. About $25. 12.5%. 90/100 – Very Good.

Howard Park Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Spice filled classic Cabernet. Real deal Cabernet from the first pour. Pure lush blackcurrants come through dazzling all and sundry. Quite a red of presence and also panache. It deals its cards straight on the table with a good mix of fruit and savoury and delivers this all the way through to the end. I like the realness it has to it. Mid bodied with a real punch to it and loads of character.  Try it with grilled pepper steak.

About $27. 14%. Drink to 2018. 89-90/100 – Very Good.

28 November 2011

De Bortoli Estate Grown Yarra Valley Pinot Noir Rose` 2011

A perfect warm weather day wine. The quality of the Pinot Noir fruit that forms the basis for this Rose is top shelf. Supple dry and inherently savoury, what you get is the light watermelon and cherry coming through and all with a fine acidity and clearly defined backbone that augurs well for drinking on its own as well as with an array of cuisines. Thirst quenching as well as satisfying those looking for a classic French style Rose`. I am making pork and chive Chinese dumplings to go with it.

About $22. 12%. Drink Now. 90/100 – Very Good. 

27 November 2011

Pikes The Merle Riesling 2011

Again the beauty of drink now and put some away for later comes to the fore here. Yes it is drinking really well here with its litany of lemon lime and mineral characters really showing off on the nose and palate. Well structured with good acidity, lively fresh and yet also soft and lightly creamy. A nice edge to the finish makes for a very happy ending. There is still enough fuel here to go a long long way and the journey will definitely improve further over time. A good each way bet.  Try this with prawn risotto.

About $38. 12%. Drink to 2018. 91/100 – Excellent.

Kilikanoon The Medley 2006

This Medley of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre from a mix of Clare and Barossa Valley vineyards has one big thing going its way – drinkability! It has that it factor about it that makes it ever so drinkable and moreish. Impeccably blended with the synergy in varietals and regionals being so spot on. The medium bodiedness of these rewards at every level – intrigue of blending and mix at aroma level and finesse and taste on the palate. Sooner than later as far as I am concerned. This red blend will match an array of cuisines. I am thinking paella at the moment.

Drink to 2014. 15%. About $25. 94/100 – Excellent.

26 November 2011

Norfolk Rise Vineyards Mount Benson Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Smooth – seamless- long - flavour packed and delivering at all levels especially value and price. I could just finish my review right here and you would get the message. A very decent red wine that also marries well with a range of cuisines. It’s not over the top style means that it blends in fits in with a range of drinking circumstances. On its own, with a bowl of combination fried rice, a spag bol or even a char grilled sirloin. Indeed this wine has winner all over it. 

$17. 14%. Drink to 2014. 90/100 – Very Good.

24 November 2011

Innocent Bystander Chardonnay 2009

What comes out here is the richness and luxuriance of the creamy smooth delicious fruit on the nose and then from the palate. Proper indulgent peaches and cream, textbook peaches and cream actually. Enjoyable without feeling any guilt as there is a proper backbone here to keep you in check. Soft smooth and very easy to drink. A perfect Summer wine. On its own or with grilled chicken kebabs.

Drink Now. About $20. 13%. 88-89/100 – Very Good.

23 November 2011

Maygars Hill Shiraz 2006

The age has done good to this red. Excuse the English but the words are just an adjunct to the array of aromas coming through here and enticing my senses. Creative witty blackberries pronounced in style along with resonating pulsating plums that together pack a flavour punch to the palate. Smooth balanced, good oak, there doing its job but not there to be attention seeking. Very decent wine at a fair price with a lot more in store. Try it with marinated American style pork ribs.

14.5%. Drink to 2016. About $25. 90/100 – Very Good.

22 November 2011

Pikes Gills Farm Viognier 2010

This has a groovy funkiness and hip factor to it that makes its point of difference really well and creates the intrigue that lures one to the array of aromatics coming through creating a manna for the senses. Nice couple of lines eh, just smoothly and silkily coming through, just like this very decent white wine with a citrine edge and accompanying nectarine musk and wildflowers right to the end. The acidity gives the edge, the range of characters in fruit the substance. Together all is well. Try with crispy prawns.

Drink to 2015. 13.5%. About $23 – CD only. 90/100 – Very Good.

20 November 2011

Chandon Blanc De Blancs 2005

This is the real deal. Quality provenance. Vintage. Chardonnay base on lees for 30 months – it has had the works treatment given to it and this reflects ever so well on finish. Elegant yet with a degree of substance. A sparkling that makes you take notice, contemplate and think out what it is revealing and is emerging layer upon layer. Emerging toast and nuttiness on one hand and yet a soft smooth lightly creaminess to the end. Winemakers take a bow please. Try this with canapés`.

Drink to 2015 plus plus. About $39. 12.5%. 92-93/100 – Excellent.

19 November 2011

Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2006

This is heavy duty red. Really heavy duty serious stuff. No pretending here, this is big robust substantial red wine. Full of power and unrestrained evolving fruit character, this full bodied Shiraz really delivers on all fronts. Big oak, there in sync with the deep red and black fruits. Strong powerful tannins and a backbone that cuts through nicely negating any warmth and instead imparting a formal and classy edge to the wine. Long all encompassing in mouthfeel. A veritable vinous infant on one hand, this will evolve and develop into something even more special with time. Ok to drink now if you are fan of the big red, but savour a few bottles for an annual review that will continue for a long time. Try this with grilled Angus beef.

About $50. Drink to 2026. 15.5%. 94/100- Excellent.

15 November 2011

Angullong Fossil Hill Pinot Gris 2011

Sifting through the rubble of samples and am quite amazed at how many Pinot Gris are about. Just about everyone is making them. This one from cool climate Orange delivers on the price, quality, drinkability and food matching fronts very well. Easy to drink, nice acidity cutting through the primary fruit – with a lovely citrus tanginess, fresh uplifting and yet with a good edge and structure. Marries well with rich and creamy sauces. Thinking a match with gnocchi and four cheeses.

About $22. Drink Now. 13.5%. 88/100 – Good.

13 November 2011

Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2010.

Go Mitolo, go the Jester – long live the Cabernet. Viva the McLaren Vale region, no wonder I like this red so much. Chewy, tomato vines, salami and an array of other cold meats. Light liquorice, integrated smooth oak, melded mellow smooth and inviting, this is a very classy Cabernet, well crafted with a sound structure and a delightful evolving spice filled mouthfeel. Bring me more I say.  Try this with chargrilled marinated steak.

About $25. Drink to 2017. 14.9% (doesn’t show). 93/100 – Excellent

11 November 2011

Raidis Estate The Kelpie Sauvignon Blanc 2011

This nice white wine comes from Coonawarra cool climate vineyards. The Kelpie being the wine dog of the Raidis Estate. The fresh uplifted ripe tropical fruit characters buzz and zing through the air dominating. Edgy lively acidity supports the fruit really well to give a balanced white that shows off its varietalness really well. Try this with penne carbonara.

Drink Now . 12%. About $17.89/100 – Very Good.
  

9 November 2011

Mitolo Jester Sangiovese Rose` 2011

The beauty of this vibrant fresh uplifting Rose` is its beauty to entrance one with its lush array of strawberries, raspberries and cherries and watermelon fruit on one hand and yet tantalize and captivate the taste buds with its savoury dimension and lively soft acidity on the other. Delicious and divine drinking all the way until the end. This delivers on all fronts. The Mitolo red wine making magic works a treat here with this perfect warm weather Rose`. Try it with salt and pepper squid.

Drink Now. About $22. 12.5%. 92/100 – Excellent. 

8 November 2011

Yering Station Village Chardonnay 2010

If this is the village Chardonnay I am moving there. A vibrant hip funky place, easy on the eye, classiness in presentation with a new kid on the block wondering around admiring old and new but with plenty of presence, plenty to delight and reward the palate as he moves from place to place. Welcoming, inviting and a delight to enjoy. Another visit is called for. Try it with your fellow villagers or perhaps even a vegetable frittata.

Drink Now to 2014. 13.%. About $22. 88-89/100 – Very Good.

6 November 2011

The Gaelic Cemetery Vineyard Clare Valley Shiraz 2008

Only 3000 bottles produced. This is a special super premium Shiraz from low yielding Clare Valley vines. This culminates from the fruits of labour in a joint venture  between Pikes Wines and the Barletta Bros. The vineyard is owned by Grant Arnold and is named after Gaelic Cemetery Road. The parties have all worked together in a desire to make small volumes of super premium single vineyard single varietal Clare wines that reflect that vintage, varietal and region – my thanks to the PR people for this. Youthfully purple, inking staining the glass. Good alcohol, restrained power in the nose but serious berry fruit emerges and unwinds on its long journey. Think blackcurrants and blackberries, spicy plums and then liquorice. Quite assertive tannins, well pronounced French oak and robustness in structure, really shows off the staying power. It drinks fine now but it is still in its infancy but seriously this has long haul flight written all over it. In a year or two it will really being showing us its forward path to even more exotic places. Try it with something special. Say aged grilled Angus beef.

About $115. 14.5%. Drink to 2018 plus. 94/100 – Excellent.

5 November 2011

Cooks Lot Pinot Gris 2011

I am an aromatic type of guy, no not romantic I actually meant aromatic, oh yes perhaps I am occasionally a romantic type of guy as well but here it is all about the gush of fruit on the nose that I am raving about as opposed to any gush of love lust or other related feeling. Pears, ripe ones, deep musk sticks, orange peel and marmalade, sweet nose but enticingly clean and not distractive. Indeed I could probably spend far too much time on the nose of this Pinot Gris from Orange, and probably have already some of you would say! Smooth lively and all encompassing in mouthfeel, delicious and a delight to drink. Try it with Caesar salad.

About $20. 11.8%. Drink Now. 89-90/100 – Good- Very Good.