Tag Archives: Wine Reviews

2012 Yangarra Estate Small Pot Sand Block Shiraz

Only 155 cases of each of the Small Pot label wines made in 2012. Miles Davis “Bitches Brew” gear. This is lighter on its feet than the Small Pot Whole Bunch. There are some sandy, windy and cool blocks at … Continue reading

Posted in McLaren Vale, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 2 Comments

2012 Yangarra Estate Small Pot Whole Bunch Shiraz

Not that many sites seem suited to whole bunches in McLaren Vale but Yangarra is an exception. 25-30%. This was the wine that made me fall in love with the winery. The 2010 vintage had me harassing sales manager Thomas … Continue reading

Posted in McLaren Vale, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 4 Comments

2012 Ten Minutes by Tractor Estate Pinot Noir

If there was any doubt over Ten Minutes by Tractor’s place among the upper-echelon of Peninsula producers then the 2012 releases should put that to bed. I tasted this very briefly in January and it’s really settled into its skin … Continue reading

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2013 The Story Henty Pinot Noir

Sourced from two vineyards this year. The Warrnambool site and another parcel from Drumborg picked at a lower baumé to retain freshness. Doesn’t display the same smoky pan juices of the previous release. It’s more delicate and accessible with a … Continue reading

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2013 The Story Westgate Vineyard Blanc Marsanne Roussanne Viognier

A field blend by any definition with all the fruit picked, pressed and fermented together. Roughly the same assemblage as last year; 60%/20%/20% respectively. “I’ve pushed the style outwards in 13, in part a natural consequence of the warm, early … Continue reading

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2012 The Story Henty Vineyard Shiraz

The second release of The Story Henty Vineyard Shiraz and it’s every bit as good as its predecessor. The site is   located just north of Hamilton, with unbelievable potential. It’s a very late ripening, marginal for shiraz but seems … Continue reading

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2013 Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Rosé

Sophisticated Rosé made entirely from Pinot Noir. Wild yeast, three months in old French barriques. Slightly pillowy on the tongue before gentle ‘hand on shoulder’ tannin to close. Bone dry. Enticing aromatics of strawberry marshmallows and red cherries with undertones … Continue reading

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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

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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

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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

Posted in Heathcote, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 2 Comments