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For Your Pleasure
"For your pleasure
In our present state
Part false part true
Like anything
We present ourselvesThe words we use tumble
All over your shoulder
Gravel hard and looseThere all night lying
With your dark horse hiding
Abhorring such extremes" - Bryan FerryCategories
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Category Archives: Shiraz
2013 McWilliam’s Appellation Series Hilltops Shiraz
Both of these Appellation Series Shiraz/Syrahs incorporate 15% whole bunches. They aren’t stalky wines but I admire the input with regards to aroma and structure. More density of fruit than the Canberra expression. Red and dark cherries, plums, dark chocolate … Continue reading
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
2012 Gemtree Uncut Shiraz
Quintessential McLaren Vale Shiraz executed with aplomb. If you like the style you’ll like the wine. Mulberries, blackberries and plums exhibit the vitality expected from the vintage. Regional milk chocolate, earthy spice and fair clip of malty mocha oak. Plenty … Continue reading
2012 Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Shiraz
A rather bold Shiraz from a cooler than average vintage in Orange. Plenty of rainfall too. Wild yeast fermented and matured in small French barriques for eighteen months. That toasty, cedary oak is clearly evident but in balance. Concentrated raspberry and pepper … Continue reading
2012 Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz
So this would be the first Cliff Edge made solely under the stewardship of Kate Petering. Big shoes to fill but she’s been at Mount Langi for a while now (she joined the team in 2006) and is very articulate … Continue reading
2013 Bobar Yarra Valley Syrah
Be prepared for a little spritz in your red wine and you might find yourself really enjoying this. I actually think it’s refreshing but I’m used to it after tasting every release since its inception. And I don’t think it detracts from … Continue reading
2012 Le Chat Noir Aude Valley Shiraz
Significantly more impressive than the 2012 Le Chat Noir Chardonnay. Fruit forward and expressive. Incorporates 3% Viognier which is detectable in both fragrance and texture. Black forest fruits, plums and vanilla cola. Succulent and spicy if not overly long or deep. … Continue reading
2011 Yangarra Estate Shiraz
An excellent result from the rain plagued 2011 McLaren Vale vintage. Michael Lane’s attention to detail in the vineyard alongside Peter Fraser’s meticulous work in the winery has really paid dividends. And the grape sorting machine at Yangarra has to … Continue reading
2012 Quartz Hill Pyrenees Syrah
I’ve enjoyed a past release of this wine and believe Quartz Hill are a producer to watch. But I struggled here. So much oak (50% new, 18 months). It clamps down on the flavours and flattens the wine. Enough black … Continue reading
2012 Henry’s Drive H Syrah
I’ve not had a lot of success with Henry’s Drive wines but I like this. Not so sure it’s a ‘Syrah’ but let’s not open that can of worms. It smells and tastes of pressed flowers and potpourri with purple … Continue reading