Tag Archives: Wine Reviews

Eloquesta A Boy With Fruit No.1

This offering from Stuart Olsen of Eloquesta wines is a made using multiple vintages: Sur-lees aged pressings of Shiraz and Petit Verdot from 2009 and 2010 were double fermented with fresh ripe fruit from the exceptional vintage 2013 – then … Continue reading

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2011 Eloquesta Shiraz Petit Verdot

A curious blend of grapes from Mudgee and one which I’ve enjoyed in the past. Quirky and tasty if lacking a bit of carry and conviction through the back-palate. 100% whole bunch. Initially sappy, twiggy and herbal although it becomes … Continue reading

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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

Posted in McLaren Vale, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 5 Comments

2013 Coriole Barbera

Certainly up among the best releases of Coriole’s Barbera. Exudes drinkability, possesses distinguished length and has a few wrinkles up its sleeve. Love the glide of acidity, love the understated nudge of tannin, love the brightness. Red cherry-berry sweetness on … Continue reading

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2013 Clonakilla Ceoltoiri

A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Shiraz and Cinsault. No idea how to pronounce the name. Mostly upfront primary fruit flavour but beyond that is where interest lies. Red fruits, fresh yellow-fleshed plums, black pepper and cupboard spices, lavender, a hint … Continue reading

Posted in Canberra, Grenache et al, Mourvèdre/Mataró et al, Shiraz et al, Syrah et al | Tagged | 6 Comments

2011 Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon

One of my favourite Australian Cabernet Sauvignons. It isn’t cheap but it is in form. A multiregional blend with 75% of the grapes coming from the Leston Vineyard in the Margaret River and the remainder from the soon-to-be-named Abercrombie Vineyard … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River | Tagged | 2 Comments

2013 Rymill GT Gewürztraminer

Eschews the more heady and salacious varietal characters of musk and rose water to an extent, allowing the chaste purity of citrus fruits to shine brightly. All the exotica, tropical and otherwise, is still present but in a diminished form. … Continue reading

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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

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

2012 Under & Over King Valley Pinot Gris

Says Gris on the label but I’ll eat my hat if it’s not Grigio in style. Mineral neutrality, slightly coarse acidity, touch of sea spray/shell. Nothing more than a subliminal suggestion of green apple and Nashi pear. Not much to … Continue reading

Posted in King Valley, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris | Tagged | 6 Comments

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

Posted in Shiraz, Syrah, Yarra Valley | Tagged | 2 Comments