Tag Archives: Wine Reviews

2013 Circe Hillcrest Vineyard Pinot Noir

May well be the most accomplished expression of the Hillcrest Vineyard (pictured on the right) that I’ve tasted… although I couldn’t find it in myself to crack a 2012 to taste alongside it. Verticals will come later. More palate weight … Continue reading

Posted in Mornington Peninsula, Pinot Noir | Tagged | 2 Comments

2013 Circe Whinstone Vineyard Pinot Noir

The Whinstone Vineyard, located in Red Hill, is a mere six acres planted with a Westerly aspect. Winemaker Dan Buckle describes it as a little warmer than the Hillcrest Vineyard, which remains the heart and soul of Circe wines. This … Continue reading

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2012 Yangarra Estate Shiraz

The 2012 vintage has produce some bold McLaren Vale Shiraz even from vineyards situated in cooler sites, like Yangarra’s. When it comes to descriptions you often find yourself using words that have inherently negative connotations when it comes to Australian … Continue reading

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2013 Three Dark Horses McLaren Vale Shiraz

I believe this comes from a single vineyard, I know not where, in McLaren Vale. I’m sure winemaker Matt Broomhead will enlighten me. Distinctive profile for a Shiraz from the region. Very red fruited on the nose. Cherries and redcurrants … Continue reading

Posted in McLaren Vale, Shiraz, Syrah | Tagged | 2 Comments

2012 Xanadu Margaret River Chardonnay

If writing tasting notes or trying to promote discussion and debate in wine has taught me anything, it’s that the idea of what constitutes ‘boring’ is even more subjective than individual tastes. Notes are dismissed by self-satisfied consultant sommeliers because … Continue reading

Posted in Chardonnay, Margaret River | Tagged | 7 Comments

2013 Xanadu Next of Kin Chardonnay

Well executed lightly oaked Chardonnay. If you love the variety this is the sort of expression you can share with friends who don’t. Pears, lime, melon extending into sweeter tropicals. Perhaps a touch too much pineapple and fig for my … Continue reading

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2014 Xanadu Next of Kin Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

While the public’s appetite for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc appears to be insatiable it’s not unusual to hear a Margaret River winemaker question the greater difficulty in selling SBS/SSB’s. The problem that I have with this is two-fold. Good Marlborough … Continue reading

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2012 Savaterre Chardonnay

This strikes me, in a way, as being a timeless style of Chardonnay. Fashions and fads will come and go but regardless of how anyone might feel ordering this off a restaurant wine list, there will always be a number … Continue reading

Posted in Beechworth, Chardonnay | Tagged | 4 Comments

2014 Longhop Rosé

A far greater sense of sweetness than the pale hue might indicate. So much for generalisations. Even straight out of the fridge it’s expressive. Redskins, pink flowers and icing sugar with counterpoints of bouquet garni. That sweetness on the front … Continue reading

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2013 Mr Riggs Watervale Riesling

A collaboration of sorts between Ben Riggs and Kerri Thompson of KT wines using grapes from the Churinga Vineyard in the Clare Valley. Pithy lemon, talc and citrus blossom. Good shape, intensity and clarity without any nail-biting acidity…in fact there’s … Continue reading

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