Category Archives: Orange

2012 Printhie Orange MCC Shiraz

This is Printhie’s flagship, single vineyard Shiraz. Sees time in French and American Hogsheads with only 12% new French in the mix. I’m fairly certain that I’ve mentioned that MCC stands for Mount Canobolas Collection but if not, I have … Continue reading

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2011 Cumulus Merlot

Something kept me coming back to this wine over three days yet it never really produced any enjoyment. I admire the savoury and serious intent that I see behind it but the tough vintage has probably won out it the … Continue reading

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2011 Bantry Grove Chardonnay

I’m unfamiliar with Bantry Grove. Positives and negatives here. Ultimately it misses the mark but it shows enough to warrant encouragement. Stewed pears, grapefruit and stonefruit. A little toasty oak but it’s certainly in the background. Some cinnamon/baking spice. It lacks … Continue reading

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2012 Patina Riesling

A bit of sweetness (8g/l) in this effort from Patina but it handles it well. Not so much a case of tension, just some softening of the palate. I’d imagine it will attract quite a few consumers. Zest, flowers, sherbet, citrus and … Continue reading

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2012 Windowrie Family Reserve Pinot Gris

The Orange region usually makes a fair fist of Pinot Gris and this wine is no exception. It spends eight months on lees but sees no battonage, all of which leads to a little more body and texture without any fruit purity … Continue reading

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2012 Angullong The Pretender Savagnin

What should we do with Australian Savagnin? This works well enough as a full-bodied fruit driven white. Brown pears, lemon, nuts, quinine and orange rind. Rounded and a touch warm but there is a line of acid. Full through the … Continue reading

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2011 Angullong Chardonnay

I misread this wine yesterday and gave it a retaste this morning after reading another review from one whose palate I respect – even if we don’t always agree. I’m of the opinion that wine is a dialogue and that … Continue reading

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2011 Printhie MCC Shiraz

Another success story from a troubled vintage. They are out there, and they’re a testament to the skills of the viticulturist and winemaker (Drew Tuckwell). Or sometimes just indicative of an appropriately situated site. Spicy and savoury with plenty of lively, … Continue reading

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2011 Printhie MCC Chardonnay

MCC = Mount Canobolas Collection. It’s Printhie’s Reserve Range although I applaud them for not putting the word “Reserve” on the label. Such a hackneyed term in wine. Grapefruit, nectarine, almonds and a little mandarin. Some refined sulphides and spice. Oak is in … Continue reading

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2012 Climbing Pinot Gris

So much gawd-awful Australian Gris out there, it’s nice to see a solid rendition that scratches the itch without being in any way profound or game-changing. Nashi pear and almonds with rose-water and a dash of spice. Curvaceous but not oily, … Continue reading

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