Category Archives: Orange

2010 Sassy Pinot Noir

“Someone else’s date at someone else’s door There’s a girl with Cherry Chapstick on and nothing more It’s such a lurid pose and she seems so close but not to me” – Yo La Tengo This wine reminds me of a pole-dancer … Continue reading

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2012 Sassy The Ivor Arneis

A new producer hailing from Orange in New South Wales. Not so certain the early picking has done this any favours but at least the acid isn’t hard and it has a little texture. Flavour-wise it borders on neutrality. There’s … Continue reading

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2011 Swinging Bridge Reserve Chardonnay

I reckon Swinging Bridge winemaker Tom Ward is on a winner here – although I’ll be interested to see how others react to it. It’s not short of character or intrigue. I find the nose beguiling. Nectarine, orange blossom and mandarin … Continue reading

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2011 Patina Rosé

A blend of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a little Cabernet Franc. Picked ripe with the resulting impression of sweetness. It doesn’t look tired at two years of age but it lacks a sense of flow, feeling somewhat sticky on … Continue reading

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2010 Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Cabernet Franc

The 2009 Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Cabernet Franc was a very good wine. This follow-up release lacks the same depth and is touch too simple. Plenty of gumleaf too, so if minty/eucalyptus aromas and flavours aren’t your cup of tea … Continue reading

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2010 Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Cabernet Sauvignon

A juicy and angular Cabernet with lashings of cedar and clove oak. The acid is brisk at the moment but it’s clearly a wine meant for the cellar rather than immediate consumption. Aromas of blackcurrant, mulberry, shaving foam, charred red peppers, cooking chocolate and … Continue reading

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2010 Faisan Cabernet Sauvignon

I wasn’t taken with the Faisan Chardonnay I tasted earlier in the year but I reckon this Cabernet has a bit more going for it. It’s a dusty, medium bodied wine that will need time before we know its real … Continue reading

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2012 Swinging Bridge Pinot Gris

I’ve been somewhat of an apologist for Pinot Gris in the past. It is possible to make interesting and worthwhile wines from the grape; mouthfeel, weight and balance are key and it’s worth pushing some winemaking boundaries. This year though, … Continue reading

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2012 Swinging Bridge Sauvignon Blanc

Went through a bracket of Australian Sauvignon Blancs last night. Was in a masochistic mood. Two out of ten medalled. A bronze and a gold. This was the former. Passionfruit, pineapple and gooseberry over herbs. A typically varietal nose other … Continue reading

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2012 Angullong Pinot Grigio

I see a Pinot Grigio and I think ‘ho-hum’. Nothing changed when I pulled this from the fridge and poured a glass. Trends towards neutrality with faint aromas of pear, lemon and nuts. No real length – although I suspect … Continue reading

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