Category Archives: Barossa

2012 Teusner The Playground Dr Frank’s Big Black One Durif

I’ve really enjoyed a couple of Australian Durifs lately. Not just admired but enjoyed. There’s a big difference. This is full-bodied and inky but it’s not hot, thick or soupy. It’s a generously proportioned table wine. Complex and layered with … Continue reading

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2013 Teusner Joshua

A blend of 63% Grenache, 23% Mataro and 14% Shiraz. Has rapidly become one of the releases I look forward to the most each year. I don’t rate this as highly as the superb 2012 expression but it is still … Continue reading

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2012 Yelland & Papps Delight Vin de Soif

A blend of 65% Grenache, 27% Mataro, 5% Shiraz and 3% Carignan. Uncomplicated. Simple pleasures. Much as the name suggests. Jubey red fruits and plums. Verging on confected with a bit of counter play via hints of earth, some aniseed … Continue reading

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2012 Yelland & Papps Sete di Vino

The rough translation of ‘Sete di Vino’ is “thirst for wine” according to the website. 29% Lagrein, 27% Dolcetto, 24% Barbera and the rest Primitivo. Totally foreign aroma. Smells predominately and strongly of pastis or perhaps fennel bulb. Once I … Continue reading

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2010 Zeppelin Barossa Grenache

The fruit comes from vines between the age of 60 and 80 years in the Northern Barossa. Maturation took place in old oak for 12 to 18 months. Sweetly fruited with raspberry, blackberry and macerated cherries. A whiff of rubber on … Continue reading

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2012 Yalumba The Strapper GSM

The 2012 Strapper is a blend of 40% Grenache, 35% Shiraz and 25% Mataro. The varieties are picked separately and fermented in small batches – some in oak, others in stainless steel. The latter probably accounts for a significant proportion of the … Continue reading

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2012 Yalumba Old Bush Vine Grenache

More of an introductory take on the Grenache grape from Yalumba, and given the price you can find it for, well worth your exploration. It smells and tastes of raspberry compote, dark cherries and brambly fruits with hints of tar and … Continue reading

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2012 Woods Crampton Barossa Valley Graciano

Young vines planted in the Light Pass area of the Barossa Valley, towards the north-east. This is the first crop post-grafting on seven year-old rootstock. Bugger all made; 53 cases. Shame because it’s a ripping wine for the price and a … Continue reading

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2012 Vigna Cantina Sangiovese

Domenic Torzi is arguably in the prime of his career as a winemaker. If he sustains this level of excellence then we are all in for a treat. If he improves then we’ll have something very special on our hands. … Continue reading

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2012 Woods Crampton Marschall Vineyard Barossa Valley Mataro

The front label doesn’t feature the vineyard name but I’ve popped in into my title as it’s an 80 year-old, dry-grown site with vines planted on their own rootstocks and managed organically. It lies in the Vine Vale area of … Continue reading

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