Tag Archives: Wine Reviews

2013 Voyager Estate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

Sees a small amount of oak and some lees contact. I’m unsure of the exact make-up of the blend. Lacks some intensity. Musky, salty aromas mingle with gooseberry, mashed banana, pear and herbs. It goes ok. 88 Region: Margaret River … Continue reading

Posted in Margaret River, Sauvignon Blanc et al, Semillon et al | Tagged | Comments Off

2013 Hoddles Creek Pinot Gris

Three days on skins has imparted a slight blush in the glass. More nutty and textural than fruity but has good weight and presence. Nashi pear, melon with a hint of orange peel. It forms a ball of flavour and … Continue reading

Posted in Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Yarra Valley | Tagged | Comments Off

2006 De Iuliis Aged Release Semillon

Why I don’t have more Hunter Semillon stashed in my cellar is beyond me. I love the better examples with age and the lower alcohol is a much-needed tonic for my health. Lanolin and buttered toast have entered the fray but … Continue reading

Posted in Hunter Valley, Semillon | Tagged | 7 Comments

2012 Dodgy Brothers Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot

A luscious blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Petit Verdot. It won’t be what everyone is looking for in a ‘Bordeaux blend’ but I’d argue that the varieties assert themselves as much as the region. Aromas … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, Cabernet Franc et al | Tagged | Comments Off

2011 Mr Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo

Tempranillo from the Adelaide Hills. There may be a certain synergy between the grape and the region but this isn’t the best example. Some florals and red cherries but also a barnyard note. The back palate is all rusty nails. Hard and … Continue reading

Posted in Adelaide Hills, Tempranillo | Tagged | Comments Off

2011 Mr Riggs Shiraz

I reckon more than a few people consider me to be an oak Nazi and it’s true that I think it is often misused or over-applied…much like make-up. But there are circumstances where I’m happy to go into bat for … Continue reading

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

2011 Mr Riggs Scarce Earth Shiraz

This was one of just a few wines that stood out like a sore thumb at last year’s Scarce Earth tasting on account of the amount of oak and alcohol. Its inclusion really did surprise me. It just doesn’t fit … Continue reading

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

2012 Ben Haines Warramunda Encore Yarra Valley Marsanne

Ben Haines loves his ‘white Rhone’ varieties and I love him for that…and also because he’s a really nice fellow. This is worlds away from the lean 2011 release and I’m inclined to put that down to vintage conditions although there … Continue reading

Posted in Marsanne, Yarra Valley | Tagged | Comments Off

2012 Ben Haines Flûte d’amour Rosé

More of Ben Haines vinous exploration of the globe will be showcased this year including this Rosé from a vineyard in Ventoux on the south-eastern fringes of the southern Rhône. The site sits at 500 metres above sea level on pebbly, … Continue reading

Posted in France, Rosé | Tagged | Comments Off

2011 Marchesi Alfieri La Tota Barbera d’Asti

A little sweeter than the Mirafiore Barbera reviewed below. Oak is higher in the mix, offering a vanilla sheen. Imported by Beaune & Beyond. Quite concentrated raspberry and red cherry flavours sitting atop bay leaf and earth. A dash of spice … Continue reading

Posted in Barbera, Italy | Tagged | 2 Comments