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For Your Pleasure
"For your pleasure
In our present state
Part false part true
Like anything
We present ourselvesThe words we use tumble
All over your shoulder
Gravel hard and looseThere all night lying
With your dark horse hiding
Abhorring such extremes" - Bryan FerryCategories
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Tag Archives: Wine Reviews
2013 Topper’s Mountain Gewürztraminer
Strike another blow for Topper’s Mountain. The dynamic duo of Mark Kirkby and Mike Hayes have me itching to visit the New England region. Not just a Gewürztraminer to sniff and admire but a Gewürztraminer to drink. Vibrant acidity underneath a … Continue reading
2012 Oakridge Local Vineyard Series Oakridge Vineyard Merlot
No-one ever mentions Oakridge winemaker David Bicknell’s unrelenting enthusiasm for Merlot. Medium-bodied, vital and structured. Very much the sort of expression I think we should be pursuing in Australia. Brambly fruit, both red and black, mingles with herbs, autumn leaf, … Continue reading
2012 Crittenden Peninsula Chardonnay
Flavoursome Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay from Rollo Crittenden. Holds its shape well via buoyant acidity. Oatmeal, white peach and lemon curd are the main players. A luscious peak of figs drizzled with honey. Possesses a leesy nuttiness. Well pitched toasty oak. … Continue reading
2012 Le Chat Noir Aude Valley Chardonnay
Most people’s minds don’t immediately wander to the south of France when they think about Chardonnay but this isn’t bad value. Imported by Fourth Wave Wine. Fresh cream, butterscotch, pear and lemon-lime citrus. A crowd pleaser. Goes down easy. Despite … Continue reading
2013 Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Chardonnay
From a warmer, dryer vintage than the excellent 2012. I’m not as fond of it but it’s a worthy follow-up nonetheless and true to the conditions in which it was conceived. Rather fleshy and peachy. Prominent pineapple and coconut – … Continue reading
2012 Ross Hill Isabella & Jack Cabernet Franc Merlot
A well known wine writer recently stated that the Orange region’s “most successful variety is undoubtedly chardonnay”. Now I’m all for opinion but this sort of authoritative announcement irks me. It doesn’t recognise the range of contrary opinions out there … Continue reading
2013 Mitchell Harris Sauvignon Blanc Fumé
Partially wild yeast fermented and barrel matured Sauvignon Blanc. More tropical than the previous vintage but Johnno Harris has nailed it again. Passionfruit, vanilla and tart gooseberry join the lime, herbs and smoke I’ve come to associate with the wine. … Continue reading
2012 Henry’s Drive H Syrah
I’ve not had a lot of success with Henry’s Drive wines but I like this. Not so sure it’s a ‘Syrah’ but let’s not open that can of worms. It smells and tastes of pressed flowers and potpourri with purple … Continue reading
2009 Henry’s Drive Shiraz Cabernet
The great Australian blend, this time from Padthaway. Not a great example unfortunately. Hot, hollow and spirity. Full-bodied. Plum pudding, mint, vanilla custard and spice. Shrill acidity. Hard work. 81 Region: Padthaway Alcohol: 14.5% Closure: Screwcap Price: $35 Tasted: February … Continue reading
2013 Zeppelin Eden Valley Riesling
Not a Riesling for the cellar but it’s drinking alright now. Juicy enough anyway. Limes, florals and green apple with bath salts. At the price you might wish for more detail and focus. The acidity is a touch coarse and … Continue reading