Category Archives: Canberra

2013 Clonakilla Jack Reidy Shiraz

Posted a photo of this to Facebook and Bryan Martin, who works alongside Tim Kirk at Clonakilla, offered the following: “Ahh, I remember you Jacky boy. Comes from the Euroka park and Eastern vineyards. Tough to declassify from the other … Continue reading

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2013 Lerida Estate Cullerin Pinot Noir

I like this more than the flavourless, acidic Chardonnay…but not much more. The wines are poles apart. Stewed plums, desiccated cherries. Dry red territory. Spiced chocolate oak. Finishes thin and hollow. As Iggy and The Stooges might say, “no fun”. … Continue reading

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2013 Clonakilla Ceoltoiri

A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Shiraz and Cinsault. No idea how to pronounce the name. Mostly upfront primary fruit flavour but beyond that is where interest lies. Red fruits, fresh yellow-fleshed plums, black pepper and cupboard spices, lavender, a hint … Continue reading

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2012 Lerida Estate Chardonnay

From the Canberra district. Has garnered gold at one capital city show so others have seen it differently to me. Lean, boney Chardonnay. Battery lickers gear, and only the hardcore ones at that. There are other whispers and echoes but … Continue reading

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2013 Ravensworth Shiraz Viognier

There’s no mistaking it as anything other than a Shiraz Viognier but if you have any time for the blend in cool climates then I urge you not to write it off. Incorporation of whole bunches and 5% Viagra…I mean … Continue reading

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2013 Ravensworth The Grainery Blend

Made up of Marsanne, Roussanne, Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Where’s the love for Fiano, Savagnin and Arneis I ask you?! Co-fermented in demi muids (600 litre French barrels). Busy, busy. So many layers. Best to … Continue reading

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2013 Ravensworth le querce Sangiovese

One of the best Australian Sangioveses I’ve tasted. On its tenth vintage so I’ve taken my time getting to it. Deeply cherried with excellent sweet-savoury interplay. Almond skins, dried herbs, orange peel, a dusting of cocoa and plenty of leathery, … Continue reading

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2013 McWilliam’s Appellation Series Canberra Syrah

Part of a new initiative from McWilliam’s to showcase NSW wines and regions. There are more labels and tiers to come later in the year. With Jim Chatto installed as chief winemaker at Mount Pleasant and a host of talent … Continue reading

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2013 Clonakilla Riesling

I’ve tasted a number of Clonakilla Rieslings which have aged proudly and my money’s on this to do the same. It’s heavily structured as a young wine and piercingly flavoured. Smells and tastes of citrus blossom, lime and fennel with a … Continue reading

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2013 Four Winds Vineyard Riesling

A wine which I’ve followed with interest for a while now. There’s been steady progress over four years and this is the best release I’ve tasted. Aromas and flavours are very much aligned with its predecessors; lime and lemon zest, … Continue reading

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