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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: Syrah
2010 Heathcote Estate Block F Shiraz
Block F lies to the far west of the Heathcote Estate vineyard, rooted in the deepest Cambrian soil. Instantly recognisable by its floral perfume and softer, juicier fruit. Slightly musky with berries running the gamut of the darker colour spectrum; … Continue reading
2010 Heathcote Estate Block A Shiraz
Strong savoury overtones from Block A toward the south-east of the estate. Classic dry red, less emphasis on primary fruit. Ironstone, prominent eucalypt and iodine over redcurrants and blackberries. Typically dusty Heathcote tannin. Plays with a very straight bat but … Continue reading
2012 Heathcote Estate Shiraz
Heathcote Estate are on a bit of a run going back to the 2009 F Block Shiraz. These are structured wines of substance and built for the cellar. You’d want to give them a serious decant before attacking them in … Continue reading
2012 Coriole Estate Shiraz
A trip to McLaren Vale just over a week ago confirmed the quality of the 2012 vintage for reds. Density of flavour, mid-palate weight, no desiccated fruit. While the best of the 2011s produced a perfumed delicacy which allowed consumers … Continue reading
2013 Chapel Hill The Parson’s Nose Shiraz
Tasty, regional McLaren Vale Shiraz at a more than fair price. Dark berries and plums on the nose. Salted Dutch licorice and warm, earthen spice. Ample perfunctory yet welcome tannin on a finish that shows a bit of warmth. Full-bodied … Continue reading
2012 De Bortoli Estate Shiraz
A wine that will probably prove divisive. The 40% whole bunches are prominent. Not an issue for me but others will find it more challenging. Rather pervasive vegetal/cactus aromas. Smoky and flinty with the strong pull of undergrowth. Black and purple forest … Continue reading
2012 Woods Crampton Frances & Nicole Blenkiron Vineyard Eden Valley Shiraz
Who was expecting a Woods Crampton super-premium? Actually I did taste it with Nicholas Crampton earlier in the year. He remarked on the shape and I remarked on the persistence and finesse of the tannin. We were both right. The … Continue reading
2012 Yarnbomb by Corinna Wright McLaren Vale Shiraz
Yarnbombing – a type of graffiti or street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre rather than paint or chalk. Also referred to as guerrilla knitting. Oliver’s Taranga winemaker Corinna Wright makes reference to letting … Continue reading
2012 Twisted Gum Shiraz
Fair Granite Belt Shiraz from a cracking vintage. Best drunk young I suspect. Soft black fruits, pepper and hints of sodden soil. Medium-bodied with a fair burr of tannin. Slightly herbal on the backend. Simple pleasures. 86 Region: Granite Belt … Continue reading
2012 Head Wines The Redhead Shiraz
Is this the final episode of Alex Head’s ‘hair-colour trilogy’ or will we see a Blue Rinse Shiraz, or even a Mousy Brown? All the vibrancy of the 2012 vintage is on display. Quite slinky, silky and peppery. Tremendous depth … Continue reading