Tag Archives: Wine Reviews

2013 Ravensworth Shiraz Viognier

There’s no mistaking it as anything other than a Shiraz Viognier but if you have any time for the blend in cool climates then I urge you not to write it off. Incorporation of whole bunches and 5% Viagra…I mean … Continue reading

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2013 Ravensworth The Grainery Blend

Made up of Marsanne, Roussanne, Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Where’s the love for Fiano, Savagnin and Arneis I ask you?! Co-fermented in demi muids (600 litre French barrels). Busy, busy. So many layers. Best to … Continue reading

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2013 Ravensworth le querce Sangiovese

One of the best Australian Sangioveses I’ve tasted. On its tenth vintage so I’ve taken my time getting to it. Deeply cherried with excellent sweet-savoury interplay. Almond skins, dried herbs, orange peel, a dusting of cocoa and plenty of leathery, … Continue reading

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2013 McWilliam’s Appellation Series Tumbarumba Chardonnay

When too much Tumbarumba Chardonnay just isn’t enough. Even though they’re not the dominant flavour, green apple skins mark the wine. They’re joined by ripe melon, figs, white peach and scotch fingers. Plenty of flavour and persistent woodspice. Some pillowy … Continue reading

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2011 Gemtree White Lees Shiraz

Shiraz poured on top of white grape lees left in new French oak. Velvety, full-bodied and mouth-filling. Smells (unsurprisingly) yeasty and somewhat more unexpectedly of orange blossom. Saturated black and purple fruits, milk chocolate, red strap licorice and pepper. Big, … Continue reading

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2013 Logan Weemala Riesling

One of a number of Rieslings from Orange looking to a bit of residual sugar to tame the naturally high acidity the region can generate. Apple blossom, lemon, herbs, passionfruit and flint. Clean and slightly curved with a suggestion of … Continue reading

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2012 Quartz Hill Viognier

Quartz Hill have quite a knack with Viognier…and it’s by no means an easy grape to work with. The image is of the 2010 but the label remains the same. Alluring perfume, texture and flavour. Honeysuckle, musk, crème caramel, tangerine … Continue reading

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2011 Gemtree The Phantom Red Blend Three

A curious blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Mataro, 15% Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot. Even more curious in its cohesive articulation. Layered flavours and plenty of them. Cassis, plums, Autumn leaf, wet bark, violets, chocolate and brine. It exhibits … Continue reading

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2012 Yangarra Estate Mourvèdre

Most of Yangarra’s Mourvèdre goes into their GSM, which is wise manoeuvre as far as I’m concerned. Despite the urge of most of Australia’s wine media to make the variety the new black I still think it’s best utilised in … Continue reading

Posted in McLaren Vale, Mourvèdre/Mataró | Tagged | 8 Comments

2013 McWilliam’s Appellation Series Orange Sauvignon Blanc

Another wine in the McWilliam’s Appellation Series – designed to highlight regions within NSW. Orange was of course the sensible place to head for Sauvignon Blanc. By and large in the clean, crisp mode with a couple of tweaks. Intense … Continue reading

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