The blending of two Australian classics such as Shiraz and Cabernet in this, show off how well we can get the basics so right. Indeed I always say it you can do the basics really really well people will come. Ben Glaetzer has done really really well here. This Shiraz dominant blend capitalizes on the blue and black fruits in it with the purity of spicy blackberries as well as blackcurrants really coming through beautifully to entice you in. The Cabernet element works a treat in providing a backbone to the solid fruits, cutting in nicely to form an attractive shapely figure that reflects all the way to the end of the palate. The tannin structure is fine and grainy and augurs for long haul yet. The oak is there making its presence felt, not over the top but there to marry the fruit into a long future, a prosperous one I think at that. Ttry this with aged Angus beef char grilled.
15.1%. Drink to 2020 plus. About $45. Barossa Valley. 94/100 – Excellent.
Hesketh Krems Austria Gruner Veltliner 2010
An Austrian white made for an Australian wine company. Gruner Veltiner is the indigenous grape variety of Austria where it has been cultivated since the Roman ages, according to the label. I like the youthful lively fresh crispness that it imparts yet with syncronisity with its citrine influences as well as background of spiciness. A interesting wine that delivers lovely lemons and orangdes on the palate right to the end. Enjoyable and very well matched with say, chicken green curry.
About $26. 12.5%.Drink Now. 90/100 – very Good.
Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz 2007
I have a sneaking suspicion that I am a tad behind on reviewing this one and that it may have been in the tasting room for quite a while. Anyway it hasn’t done it any harm at all and indeed the smooth lush rich velvetiness of it all means everything that should be in sync is in sync and indeed is very well in sync may I say. Enjoyable pleasurable luxuriant drinking – the fruit is there yes the oak is there yes, the alcohol is still up there – but no-one is pushing anyone else out of the way and indeed everyone is living in harmony as they should be. Try this with pork schnitzel and patate arrosto.
Drink Now. About $22. 14.5%. Langhorne Creek 93/100 – Excellent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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 tantalizes 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.
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.
Shaw Vineyard Estate Merlot 2009
Top shelf Merlot. Love it. Why you ask, the purity and seamlessness and seductiveness of the fruit. Medium bodied, smooth velvety mouthfeel, succulent luscious plums, not overripe, indeed just right. Just so effortless to drink, the integrated oak just marries in with the fruit, the balance is there and it really delivers such a decent fruit driven spicy red. Try this with grilled Italian pork sausages.
About $25. 14%. Drink Now to 2015. 94/100 – Excellent.
Skuttlebutt Rose` 2011
Dark gloriously deep fire engine red. An entrancing colour that just draws you to it. No pretending with the aromas, real upfront passionate fruit, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon and cherries, all out there and loving it. Soft supporting acidity makes for a delicious mellowness in mouthfeel and an easiness in drinking. Made from a blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Sangiovese, all from the Margaret River region, the top quality fruit reflects the end product oh so well. Try it with salt and pepper squid.
About $18. Drink Now. 13.5%. 86-87/100 - Good
Blackjack Chortles Edge Shiraz 2009
Nice stuff this red. I like the way it is funky jazzy happening and everywhere in its aroma spread. Young fresh out there and loving it, here is a Shiraz with real pizzaz and one that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Lots of lush berry fruit along with tempered oak imparting smooth long well roundedness on the finish. Try this with pork spare ribs.
Drink to 2017. 14.5%. About $22. 90/100 – Very Good.
Higher Plane Merlot 2008
It’s trendy to bag the Merlot varietal in the world of wine. However when you get such an excellent one as these you make sure you stand up and show it off to the same wine world just so they know it can hold its own amongst the sea of tall poppies waiting to be cut down. What I mean is this has all the hallmarks of what a Merlot should be like. Fruit driven, elegant yet with a degree of gravitas, light spice filled, engaging but not overbearing and smooth supple and long in flavours thinks plums, cherries, liquorice and light oak right to the end. Talented winemaker Mark Messenger delivers us another gem. Try this with stir fried pork belly, snake beans with shitake mushrooms.
About $34. Drink now to 2015. 14.5%. 94/100 – Excellent.
Mr Mick Clare Valley Rose 2011
Named after Mick Knappstein, this smartly packaged, cleverly name contemporary Rose` piqued my interest off the tasting bench on to the dinner table. It delivers on its own with its soft slow release of cherry and strawberry and watermelons all enticing you in and the lovely sweetish, not overly though palate and mouth feel that leaves a beautiful aftertaste. I like the simplicity and yet well-made nature of this drop. Try with lamb kebabs.
Drink Now. 12%. About $20.89/100 – Very Good
Moppity Vineyards Hilltops Shiraz 2009
Dark mysterious brooding and intriguing. I love the evolving nose of this top quality red. Layer upon layer, it reveals itself with rich black forest characters that envelope and subsume the glass wafting all over. Soy, deep cedary oak, light cigar box nuances all add to the complexity of this very decent red. The spice really comes through with time and lifts outs of the glass. Smooth and velvety on the finish, the fruit leaves its mark of remembrance for quite a while. Another quality wine from the South West NSW region. Try this with beef Wellington.
About $25, value plus. 13.9%. Drink to 2017. 93/100 – Excellent.
Mr Mick Clare Valley Riesling 2011
Lemon citrus abounds and ensues all over the place here. A delicious light refreshing crisp white that really capitalizes on its Clare Valley origins. Just right acidity augurs for a soft well rounded long and lingering flavour packed well priced Riesling that matches so well with crisp pork belly. Bring me more I say.
10.5%. About $18. Drink to 2014. 90/100 – Very Good.
Mulyan Cowra Viognier 2007
Big round and rich, not overly so though but enough to say I am a wine of substance and hereness. Hereness of now. Drink me now please. Funky notes, light peach, musk, passion fruit, inherently cinnamon spice filled and with long soft acidity on the finish, it is very pleasurable drinking. Try this with Bill’s Chicken and Sweet Potato Curry (a sensational match).
This wine should come with a big warning label. Don’t just buy one bottle it should say. You instead have been warned. The disappointment factor at the end of the first bottle is big. A tap to an upside down empty bottle doesn’t elicit much hope either. Perhaps I shouldn’t have shared it I say, treated loved ones, perhaps I should have consumed it all on my own, in a dark deserted corner, all in the name of wine writing. Anyway the end has come and it is time to put pen to paper. A luxuriant luxurious seductive stunning Chardonnay delivered itself on my palate. Rich and lightly creamy, the soft smooth pure fruit, classic peach melon subsumes the senses. The oak has just melded seamlessly and balanced with the fruit and it is drinking so well synced and so soft and so harmoniously. This is a dazzling wine, one that will reward in the future, but wow it is drinking ever so good now. The techo’s amongst you will want to know it is unfiltered and made by Rick Kinzbrunner of Giaconda fame. Traditional methods, handpicked grapes, low cropped Yarra Valley fruit etc – my advice is sink your nose into the glass and get carried away, like I have. Try it with lobster mornay, a match made in heaven.
About $70. 14.2%. Drink to 2016. 97-98/100 – Exceptional.
Cassegrain Limited Release Gerwurztraminer 2005
This is benchmark stuff. Yes I know it is Gerwurztraminer and it has some miles on the speedo but seriously this is excellent white wine. The winemaker and wine grower should take a bow each on the making and cellaring fronts. It is just right on all these fronts – spice, musk and lychee, aromatic but in a reasoned tempered way, no cloyingness, just seamlessly imparted flavours balanced and in sync. Delicious moreish and as I said the real deal. Cellared beautifully and released recently. Try this with yum cha.
14.5%. About $35. Drink to 2015. 95/100 – Superb.
Five Oaks Cabernet Rose` 2010
Deep and vinous looking – really so – like the homemade Italian reds I was weaned on. Serious Rose` this stuff, not a pretender, not relying overly on ripe fruit, sweetness or mass appeal. Serious raspberries, cherries and watermelons.Again as I said a robust serious Rose `that delivers and packs a punch. Long smooth and all encompassing on the finish, this is a pleasure to drink and savor. Try it with paella.
Drink Now. 14.1%. About $18. 91/100 – Excellent.
Mandala Chardonnay 2010
Damn fine Yarra Valley Chardonnay I say. And flavoursome and characteristically so.Tangy lemons dominate with pub squash quinine aftertastes. I love the complexity of the diversity of the flavours, the way they meld and with light evolving cashew oak. Neat tight and yet with a certain creaminess and light richness on the finish, this is delicious varietal Chardonnay. Try it with oven baked chicken.
About $28. Drink Now to 2015. 12.5%. 91/100 – Excellent.
Parker Estate Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
The sensibility of drinking reds with bottle age makes a lot of sense. Now there’s a nice piece of tautology for you.I like the richness of the purity of the blackcurrants, plums and blackberries here, fresh ripe and succulent and yet not overdone. An underlying coolness throughout the palate reminds of its Coonawarra origins. The oak is spicy yet mellow and soft and smooth, accompanying its way down the palate with the classic fruit. Drinking very decently now. A few years left in it but an impressive red to have with Italian pork sausages, grilled and with oregano.
About $40. 14.5%. Drink to 2015. 92-93/100- Excellent.
Again I like the smooth mellowness that is the result of some very decent blending here. Having said that, the Hollick family have had plenty of practice over the years putting decent reds together. Fine tannins, measured oak and good fresh acidity all contribute to the main star of the show, the dark red berry and black berry fruits. Very easy drinking. Try this with slow cooked osso bocco Milanese.
Drink to 2014. Alc 14.5%. About $25. 92/100 – Excellent.
First Creek Bianco Puro 2010
Anything young hip and happening vibrant and fresh still manages to get my attention pretty quickly. Add organic to the fold and there are am I sticking my nose in to see what it is all about. This Hunter Valley white blend buzzes with happening pure fresh fruit that invites you to savour it. Good lively acidity complements the fresh fruit and delivers a long crisp finish. The pristineness of the organic nature of the wine stands out. Try this with lemon chicken.
About $18. 12.5%. Drink Now.87/100 – Good.
Windowrie The Mill Hilltops Cabernet Merlot 2010
Go the Mill. Go the blending as well I say. This velvety lush chewy meaty red that coats the palate and oozes berry and cherry flavours all over the place. Persistent pure distinct fruit, melded oak, literally welded together, with long ripe tannins and big length of finish. Liquorice, deep red cherries and succulent plums along with coffee mocha, all make their presence felt. Very decent drinking at a value price. Try this with roast pork and crackling.
About $17. 13.5%. Drink to 2015. 93/100 - Excellent
South By Southwest By Higher Plane Chardonnay 2009
This won the vox populi award around the house the other day. An almost empty bottle before I snatched it for scientific purposes as I claimed. Anyway my view is if it has that sort of popular appeal that sort of speaks for itself. The classic peach melon imparted with finesse is all MR Chardonnay. A classy drop with tempered lively acidity and a nice buzz as you drink it. A further glass for closer examination I say and before long I am tapping the bottom of the bottle for more – sadly there is no more. Likeable, drinkable and affordable – no wonder everyone is in love with it. Try it with rolled chicken oven baked with prosciutto.
Drink Now. About $20. 13.5%. 93/100 – Excellent.
Mulyan Block 9 Shiraz Viognier 2007
Go block nine I say and hats off to whoever tended it cause they did a damn fine job. Nice wine, smooth with a just right addition of Viognier. Suuclent blueberies and plums and ripe light apricot subsumes the palate and provide seamless efortless red wine drinking. Nice stuff. Well blended and put together from Cowra wine. Try with grilled chicken fillets.
About $25. 14.2%. Drink to 2017. 90/100 – Very Good.
Windowrie The Mill Central Ranges Chardonnay 2010
The Mill has been on my wine radar for quite a while. It should be on yours. I like saying things like that, as it reminds me of my role – to guide, point out to you, show you the way, my way of course. This is affordable decent white wine drinking, Chardonnay, boutique, cool climate and thus it ticks box upon box. Balanced and drinkable – wow that just about does all those boxes I have in my mind that makes this a worthy wine. Try with pork pie.
About $17. Drink Now. 13%. 90/100 – Very Good
Dindima Chardonnay 2006
This is beautiful Chardonnay folks. Yes I think I am in love. Yes you know I like my Chardonnays with a bit of maturity. It tantalises teases and quietly works its magic on me through an imparting of restrained supple soft cashew, peach melon and light nectarine flavours, with a softness in mouthfeel, a veritable silk cushion taking you on a wonderful journey packed with excitement. Drinking ever so seamlessly, this balanced Chardonnay from the Orange region is just delightful drinking. Try it with wild mushroom risotto.
13.0%. Drink to 2014. About $24. 94/100 – Excellent.
Penley Estate Chertsey Coonawarra2006
Big bold brash out there and loving it. I like the commando style of this red – a take no prisoners red style – here I am, I am who I am and I am not ashamed of it. Big fruit, luscious velvety succulently rich ripe and indulgent. It is the metaphorical equivalent of tucking into your favourite chocolate bar but this is wine, red wine and real red wine at that. Unsurprisingly it is from Coonawarra and you can really tell the underlying characters that add to the wine’s dimension. Yes it is a bit of a young gun with sweet oak, but there are ripe tannins as well that augur long haul and serious red here. Try it with sticky ribs.
Drink to 2020. 15%. About $50. 94/100 – Excellent.
Higher Plane Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
This Cabernet does it for me on so many levels. Margaret River magic I call it. You get tell I’m excited cant you. The velvety succulence of the smooth lineal fruit, berry ridden, rewards so well in terms of balance, drinkability and overall balance. A Cabernet of substance yet overwhelming gravitas and class as well. Low yields, handpicked and minimal intervention all are the buzz words on the label and justifiably resonate quality, quality and more quality from where I am sitting here. A red that demands home cooking – say hand stuffed spinach and feta cheese ravioli.
Drink to 2017. Alc14.0%. About $38 – but worth it. 94/100 – Excellent.
Ballabourneen Wine Company Sparkling Moscato 2010
Not too sure when confronted with a fire engine red sparkling Moscato, however these concerns soon vanish as I sip my first glass. Classically frizzy, the lightness tantalises the taste buds and delivers punchy bubbly lush characters whilst still marinating the Moscato characters both aroma wise and taste wise to the end. Neat easy drinking. Try this with grilled quail.
Drink Now. About $18. 6.0%. 87/100 – Good.
Schild Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Schild Estate is known for its excellent reds, but you do need to do yourself a favour and try out their range of whites as well. The white blend from Barossa and Adelaide Hills fruit really does capitalise on the synergies of two key regional and varietal areas. Semillon from the Barossa adds a clear structure and substance to the wine whereas the Adelaide Hills Savvy Blanc really makes it a pretty and aromatic drop. It drinks easily with a slow unwinding of a range of tropical and citrus fruit with a tantalising finish. I like it. Try it with stir-fried pork belly with snakes bean and black funghi alla Neil Perry’s recipe in today’s SMH, a match made in heaven. And yes do double cook the pork belly as he says.
Drink Now. About $18. 13.0%. 90/100 – Very Good.
Soumah Chardonnay 2010
Bring me more I say. Need I say more I say. This is the real deal, it has the runs on the board, it nails it in every corner of the Yarra Valley Chardonnay stakes and is the winner past the post in terms of value and drinkability as well. Top words, top wine. I love the way the cool climate Warramate Foothills fruit doesn’t mask itself – dominant peach melon augmented by the works oak treatment and malo and lees and wild yeast – all adding and delivering complexity. A spirited single vineyard wine that makes a statement then backs up its words through action and delivery. I can taste this in my mouths for ages and the verdict is deliciousness. Only 500 cases made. Put this name into your winery watch list. Try this with chicken and leek and bacon pie, shortcrust pastry.
12%. Drink Now to 2015. About $25. 94/100 – Excellent.
O’Leary Walker Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
I try not to take a wholly wine tasting factory production line approach to wine here. Indeed my focus is very much against a quick twirl and swirl and spit and indeed towards a more contemplative approach of how a wine will go with ultimately what we may intend to eat with it. The synergy of good wine and good food is at the heart of my wine tasting philosophy. So over a couple of nights, this red intrigued me with its versatility and overall adaptive structure that meant it went with a variety of cuisines and melded to the occasion. It was an elegant more restrained and refined Cabernet than I was expecting with less fruit focus and more complexity.
14.5%. About $22. Drink to 2018. 91/100 – Excellent.
Water Wheel Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Drinking Waterwheel wines is like slipping into your favourite lounge chair in front of the television. Dependable, feels good, you know what to expect and it rarely disappoints. It is comfort wine. It tastes good, goes well with food, won’t break the bank, is consistent in the way it tastes, and oh, if I want to put a few bottles away, it will probably taste even better in a few years time. Try it with Malaysian chicken curry.
Drink to 2015. About $20. 15%. 90/100 – Very Good.
Soumah Yarra Valley Savarro 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed drinking this. And that at the end of the day folks is the quintessential wine tasting test. Drinkability, likeability and wannatrymoreof this ability. Fresh lush tropical fruit underpinned and supported with dynamic soft acidity. Lingering citrine flavours on the palate, with an edginess to the end. Cool climate late ripening variety from the Yarra Valley, this is a very decent drop. Try with crab cakes.
Drink to 2012. About $30. Alc 12.0%. 91/100 – Excellent.
Toolangi Chardonnay 2008
Attention. Attention please. We have a winner here. Smart intelligent thinking man’s Chardonnay. Well this smart intelligent thinking man’s Chardonnay at least. Well who’s a clever boy in picking this off the sample bench this Friday night. Points scored all round. Hand picked low cropped Yarra Valley fruit. Made at Yering Station and Shadowfax, boy, lucky grapes I say, this ticks all the boxes for me – quality, value, balance and drinkability and a divine match with pasticcio with haloumi, spinach and broccoli. Viva Toolangi, Viva Yarra Valley and Viva la Chardonnay I say.
Drink Now. About $25. Alc 13%. 94/100 – Excellent.
Pike & Joyce Chardonnay 2008
Gutsy Chardonnay, full of oomph and gusto. This has good prominent oak and its marries itself well with creamy soft well rounded fruit. The acidity is soft and mellow and together it all comes together very nicely in the palate delivery and deliciousness department. Purity of fruit, impart with a citrusy tang, make it interesting and the solidness overall of the wine makes it long on the memory long after the final glass has been tasted. Try this with Irish stew with kipfler potatoes.
Drink Now. About $35. Alc 13.5%. 88-89/100 – Very Good.
