Tag Archives: Wine Reviews

2013 Sorrenberg Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

I’m on record as awarding this the crown when it comes to Australian Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blends and the 2013 does nothing to change my mind. It’s 80%/20% with the Sauvignon component spending eight hours on skins. Extended lees, 100% … Continue reading

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2012 Byrne Family Limited Release Sangiovese

Expansively fruited Sangiovese from the northern end of the Clare Valley. Moves from sweet to savoury. The former leaves the dominate impression though. Raspberry coulis and darker cherry-bramble notes merging with dried herbs, leathery tannin, aniseed and earth. Some sun-dried … Continue reading

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2012 Lerida Estate Chardonnay

From the Canberra district. Has garnered gold at one capital city show so others have seen it differently to me. Lean, boney Chardonnay. Battery lickers gear, and only the hardcore ones at that. There are other whispers and echoes but … Continue reading

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2013 Howard Park Western Australia Sauvignon Blanc

Good Sauvignon though the focus, extension and intensity may pose problems given how much it will set you back. Aroma and texture are the highlights. Pineapple, guava, herbs, smoke and passionfruit syrup. Creamy and giving in the mouth. Phenolics pinch … Continue reading

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2013 Brash Higgins NDV Nero D’Avola

Brad Hickey has captured the public’s imagination with his Brash Higgins label over a very short span of time. This was on skins for 180 days and spent six months in wax-lined amphora. It’s a shame there isn’t more research … Continue reading

Posted in McLaren Vale, Nero D'Avola | Tagged | 8 Comments

2010 Howard Park Museum Release Great Southern Riesling

Important to get some aged releases of Great Southern Riesling into the market I think. While they can be wonderfully floral in their youth the somewhat stern and austere disposition that enables them to age may be challenging for certain … Continue reading

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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

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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

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2012 Richmond Grove Limited Release Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Does a prominent Cabernet Sauvignon doughnut make the wine more varietal? Should it be rated more highly as a result? Lashings of fruit, a touch of dustiness on the nose and a substantial amount of mint. Blackcurrants, truffle, dark chocolate, … Continue reading

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2012 Xanadu Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Strong imprint of the region, impressive depth and length. Balanced and not overdone. Mulberry over cassis with glimmers of redcurrant. Bay leaf, assorted spice. A little dip in the middle but it doesn’t impact the line. Long strand tannin and … Continue reading

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