Tag Archives: Wine Reviews

2013 Yalumba Y Series Pinot Grigio

Yalumba’s Y Series Pinot Grigio has been a consistent performer over the last four or so years. It’s more Gris than Grigio…as the Pinot G Style Spectrum™ on the back of the label suggests. Fairly luscious but for all intents … Continue reading

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2013 Bay of Fires Sauvignon Blanc

Tasmania and the Yarra Valley are the two places I rate the most highly these days when it comes to Australian Sauvignon Blanc. I’d have the Yarra in front but I suspect that’s because a few producers (Out of Step, De … Continue reading

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2011 Ross Hill Pinnacle Series Shiraz

From a section of the Estate vineyard which spans 750 metres to 850 metres in altitude. Depth and density are notable given the difficulties of the year. Lots of chocolatey oak joining black berry-cherry fruit. A good shake of pepper and a … Continue reading

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2012 Cooks Lot Shiraz Lot #1010

As with most of these Cooks Lot reds, this is a rather insubstantial wine. The wet and cool vintage conditions may have a had a lot do with that, although the 2013 Pinot was much the same. Cool climate regions are no … Continue reading

Posted in Orange, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 3 Comments

2013 Yangarra PF Shiraz

No added sulphur, no oak but of most interest to me is the lack of acid additions in such a vital wine. Is it a site specific proposition or could more McLaren Vale producers be learning from this? In any case … Continue reading

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2012 RK Chardonnay

For those of us who can’t afford or are unwilling to shell out the $150 RRP for a Giaconda Chardonnay…RK, of course, standing for Rick Kinzbrunner. A Vintage Cellars exclusive. I still don’t see this as worth the money. There … Continue reading

Posted in Beechworth, Chardonnay | Tagged | 2 Comments

2012 Dodgy Brothers Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre

A blend of 47% Grenache, 44% Shiraz and 9% Mourvèdre. Savoury, tarry, earthen wine with baked fruits. Holds its alcohol ok but there is still heat at the backend. Bitter herbs and orange peel to close. Quite a lot of … Continue reading

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2009 Castello Romitorio Chianti Colli Senesi

Chianti Colli Senesi is one of the seven sub-zones that produce Chianti DOCG. This wine is imported by James Busby. The fruit is fading rapidly already, leaving behind a hard and astringent structural edifice. It’s like drinking the ruins of … Continue reading

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2012 Bay of Fires Pinot Noir

I may have under-rated the 2011 Bay of Fires Pinot Noir. Oh well, it happens and not just in wine shows. This needed some time in a big Burgundy bowl to compose itself but once it did there was no mistaking the … Continue reading

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2013 Bay of Fires Pinot Gris

Australian Pinot Gris falls into three categories for me – those I’d purchase (a very small group), those I respect and those I recoil from. This is in the second category. It’s well executed and I’d be more than happy … Continue reading

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