Category Archives: Clare Valley

2012 Grosset Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

A blend of 70% Clare Valley Semillon and 30% Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc. It’s probably my third favourite wine in the Grosset stable, ahead of the Pinot, Gaia and Chardonnay. There’s a bit of ripe fruit sweetness here but it’s still … Continue reading

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2012 Jim Barry The Florita Riesling

It seems somehow that the 2012 Florita Riesling has gotten lost in the rapturous applause for the Lodge Hill version from the same vintage. They’re very different wines but I don’t think it deserves that fate. As opposed to the … Continue reading

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2012 Handpicked Clare Valley Riesling

While I think there’s little doubt about the general quality of the 2012 vintage when it comes to Clare Valley Riesling, there’s still been more than one wine that’s missed the boat, so to speak. Once again, I think it … Continue reading

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2008 O’Leary Walker Dr’s Cut Reserve Riesling

Some experimentation from David O’Leary and Nick Walker on the Riesling front. “The must is held on skins for 24 hours and gently drained off separating the premium ‘free-run cut’. Adopting a European style of winemaking, this wine is fermented … Continue reading

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2012 Knappstein Hand Picked Riesling

Knappstein have been a little all over the shop during the past few years in my opinion. This Riesling may just be a diamond in the rough. It does need more time in the bottle. Musk and talc, lemon and bitters. … Continue reading

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2012 Kilikanoon Mort’s Block Riesling

Why, a really good Clare Valley Riesling from the 2012 vintage – who would have thunk it? Juicy enough to enjoy now although it will benefit from a stint lying down too. Apple blossom and jasmine florals with lime, lemon and hints … Continue reading

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2008 KT Peglidis Vineyard Watervale Aged Release Riesling

The Peglidis vineyard was planted in 1973, the same year I was born. It’s probably fair to say that it’s matured better than me. I first tasted this wine at ‘The Lakehouse’ in Daylesford in 2010. Sommelier Tom Hogan showed … Continue reading

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2012 Jim Barry Lodge Hill Dry Riesling

I’ve spoken often about the generosity of flavour evident in many of these 2012 Clare Valley Rieslings but this wine takes that to a new level. It’s a fruity little number with a really prominent tropical edge and plenty of … Continue reading

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2011 Faux Pas Shiraz

Another wine from the young team who brought us the succesful 2010 Faux Pas Adelaide Hills Tempranillo. Good friends Vanessa Robson, Andrew Ramsey and Liam Van Pelt were working in different regions when they decided to pool their collective talents … Continue reading

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2010 O’Leary Walker Cabernet Sauvignon

Clare Valley Cabernet has such an identifiable and delicious flavour profile when the vintage gods smile and the wine is well made. Thank the lord for 2010. Hopefully it will lure people back to a synergy between grape and region that deserves more … Continue reading

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