Tag Archives: Wine Reviews

2014 Yangarra Estate PF Shiraz

Made without additions of any kind. PF stands for “preservative free”. Picked on pH, so the lower ABV is more a result of practicality than intent. Perfectly ripe though. Quite amazing really. Just as you might expect in terms of … Continue reading

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

2013 Howard Park Chardonnay

Generous stylings, with plenty of winemaking influence. I’d be drinking it sooner rather than cellaring it myself. It has a sense of abundance even as a young wine. Grapefruit, peach and caramel. Buttered toast, slightly smoky barrel work. Lees and … Continue reading

Posted in Chardonnay, Western Australia | Tagged | Comments Off

2012 Howard Park Margaret River Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon

From Wilyabrup and the northern reaches of the Margaret River GI. Very solid Cabernet. Smells and tastes of Cassis, redcurrants, bay leaf, chocolate and cured tobacco segueing into vanilla beans. Open weave until tannic grip gains hold at the end … Continue reading

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2013 Lerida Estate Cullerin Pinot Noir

I like this more than the flavourless, acidic Chardonnay…but not much more. The wines are poles apart. Stewed plums, desiccated cherries. Dry red territory. Spiced chocolate oak. Finishes thin and hollow. As Iggy and The Stooges might say, “no fun”. … Continue reading

Posted in Canberra, Pinot Noir | Tagged | Comments Off

2013 Mount Pleasant Simone Chardonnay

Named after Maurice O’Shea’s daughter…and I’ll be honest; that predisposes me to it. Peach and melon balanced by a nutty trail mix savouriness. A shaft of acidity cuts through hints of buttery malo and subtle yet creamy oak. Somewhere around … Continue reading

Posted in Chardonnay, Hunter Valley | Tagged | Comments Off

2013 Yangarra Estate Mourvèdre

Tasted very briefly over dinner at The Victory earlier this year and again at a more leisurely pace this month. Powerful plum and blackberry fruit is matched step for step by a strong strike of tannin. Rare meat and an … Continue reading

Posted in McLaren Vale, Mourvèdre/Mataró | Tagged | 6 Comments

2013 Mount Pleasant B-Side Airport Block 3/46 Lovedale Vineyard Field Blend

I read about a Lovedale Vineyard field blend being made in secret by Gwyn Olsen during her tenure at Mount Pleasant. This is perhaps what came of that exploration. It’s a blend of Chardonnay, Verdelho and Semillon. The winemaker is … Continue reading

Posted in Chardonnay et al, Hunter Valley, Semillon et al, Verdelho et al, White Blends | Tagged | Comments Off

2011 Battle of Bosworth Best of Vintage

As the name suggests, this is a blend of the best grapes produced by Battle of Bosworth’s certified organic estate vineyards each year. 47% Cabernet, 37% Shiraz and 16% Petit Verdot. A lengthy decant is advised for now. Violets, wet … Continue reading

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

2013 Main & Cherry Sangiovese

Silver medal – Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland Wine Show 2014. Umm, ok. Partially matured in a large egg-shaped ceramic amphora with 70% in old French hogsheads. Aromas bring to mind a Cherry Ripe spread lightly with tinned corn. Loads … Continue reading

Posted in Adelaide Hills, Sangiovese | Tagged | Comments Off

2013 Lowe Nullo Mountain Pinot Gris

David Lowe has gone BIG on ripeness with these new Nullo Mountain releases. I can’t say it does much for me. The bottle is actually labelled Gris, not Grigio as suggested by the image I was provided. There is nothing … Continue reading

Posted in Mudgee, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris | Tagged | 2 Comments