Tag Archives: Wine Reviews

2011 Topper’s Mountain Red Earth Child

After a one year hiatus when the folks at Topper’s Mountain forgot to make a 2010 version, the Red Earth child is back. Vigneron Mark Kirkby presents the intent behind the wine in three parts. Firstly, to make the best … Continue reading

Posted in Nebbiolo et al, New England, Shiraz et al, Syrah et al, Tannat et al, Tempranillo et al | Tagged | Comments Off

2012 Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz

So this would be the first Cliff Edge made solely under the stewardship of Kate Petering. Big shoes to fill but she’s been at Mount Langi for a while now (she joined the team in 2006) and is very articulate … Continue reading

Posted in Grampians, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 13 Comments

2013 Kooyong Clonale Chardonnay

A wine that I look forward to tasting each year. It hasn’t managed to maintain the high standards set in place from 2010 to 2012 but it’s still a worthwhile option. Melony and slightly syrupy with peach, pineapple and ruby grapefruit. … Continue reading

Posted in Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula | Tagged | 2 Comments

2013 Bobar Yarra Valley Syrah

Be prepared for a little spritz in your red wine and you might find yourself really enjoying this. I actually think it’s refreshing but I’m used to it after tasting every release since its inception. And I don’t think it detracts from … Continue reading

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

2012 Le Chat Noir Aude Valley Shiraz

Significantly more impressive than the 2012 Le Chat Noir Chardonnay. Fruit forward and expressive. Incorporates 3% Viognier which is detectable in both fragrance and texture. Black forest fruits, plums and vanilla cola. Succulent and spicy if not overly long or deep. … Continue reading

Posted in France, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | Comments Off

2010 Cradle of Hills Cabernet Shiraz

A dense, full-bodied wine. 80% Cabernet, 20% Shiraz. A touch too warm for my tastes but that aside it has a lot going for it. Cassis over plums, choc-licorice bullets, a velvet mouth-feel and good length. The powerful fruit has … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, McLaren Vale, Shiraz et al, Syrah et al | Tagged | Comments Off

2011 Yangarra Estate Shiraz

An excellent result from the rain plagued 2011 McLaren Vale vintage. Michael Lane’s attention to detail in the vineyard alongside Peter Fraser’s meticulous work in the winery has really paid dividends. And the grape sorting machine at Yangarra has to … Continue reading

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

2013 De Bortoli Sacred Hill Traminer Riesling

A value for money offering using Riverina fruit. It hits the spot. A slippery sucker, not much form but pretty good acid balance to counter the sense of sweetness. Rose water, lime sherbet, lychees, musk and pears. Fairly simple yet surprisingly … Continue reading

Posted in Gewürztraminer et al, Riesling et al, Riverina, White Blends | Tagged | Comments Off

2012 TarraWarra Estate Reserve Pinot Noir

Perhaps even more impressive than the 2012 Reserve Chardonnay. Both deserve a stint in the cellar. Intense flavours, beautiful aromatics and a girdle of grainy tannin. Roses, wild strawberries, raspberry and plums. Beetroot cubes and undergrowth. Notable yet tastefully applied cedar … Continue reading

Posted in Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley | Tagged | Comments Off

2012 Quartz Hill Pyrenees Syrah

I’ve enjoyed a past release of this wine and believe Quartz Hill are a producer to watch. But I struggled here. So much oak (50% new, 18 months). It clamps down on the flavours and flattens the wine. Enough black … Continue reading

Posted in Pyrenees, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | Comments Off