Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial NV

New Years Eve is the best time to crank out some bubbles and oh did the bubbles flow last night. I hope everyone had a great night with friends and family with a safe trip home at the end of the night.

There seems to be a trend in terms of the pricing of Champagne in Australia. They are all getting cheaper which might be a result of the strong Australian dollar, increased consumption of the fine wines which leads to an increase in the buying power or increased competition between retailers and distributors. 

Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial NV

This is made by one of the big boys which may mean that this wine is made for the masses. It definitely tastes a little bready on the initial attack of favours but then a mass of sweetness takes hold. The sweetness comes across as candied pears or sugared lemons. While I liked the bready component the rest of the wine wasn't up to the what I thought I was going to get. If I was buying this I would slap down another 40 and get the vintage version as it offers so much more. That said, it was still not a bad wine. 

Alcohol: 12%

Price: $50

Rated: 87

Drink: Now - 2015

De Bortoli Rococo Blanc de Blanc NV

This wine is perfect for summer as it seems to be a mix between Prosecco and full on Champagne. The packaging is immaculate which will appeal to a large majority of consumers meaning that it has 2 ticks in my book.

De Bortoli Rococo Blanc de Blanc NV

There is a creamy mouth-feel to this wine but otherwise it is dry and linear all the way. On the entry the wine is a little bread based or yeast orientated before the grapefruit, peach fuzz and dried lemon rind takes hold. While I really like the flavour of the wine the palate seems to peel off from the mid-palate on. Now here is the kicker...the price is cheap. Seventeen bucks gets you a whole lot of loving in a texture orientated wine.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $17
Rated: 85
Drink: Now or over the next 4 years

Mitolo Jester Vermentino 2012

Vermentino is one of the more popular Italian white wines that is grown in the south of the country but in Australia it is starting to get a following. The variety likes the warmer weather so think South Australia in term s of the better areas to grow the grapes. The better areas for the grapes have a cooler wind such as near the sea which chills the grapes at night time.

Mitolo Jester Vermentino 2012

This wine has texture but it only comes out on day three so I would suggest that it should be kept for 6 months before opening it. There is a lemon rind sort of flavour mixed with crushed flower before a thick sweetness comes through. While the flavours don’t really move, the wine transforms from light to zesty thickness which is beautiful and food friendly.

Alcohol: 11%

Price: $22

Rated: 84

Drink: Now or over the next few years

Tyrrell's Belford Single Vineyard Semillon 2012

Tyrrell's Belford Single Vineyard Semillon 2012

Do you want texture? Do you want full bodied white wines? You can have all this with the zesty nature of Semillon collapsed in the one bottle. Does it taste like your normal Belford? Well yes, it is a little more full bodied than the other wines of the same year but this isn't ready for consumption right now. The palate is tight and reserved with elements of lime dried flowers with spice and quince paste taking a secondary performance. The block that Belford comes from was planted so long ago that the wine, year in year out, seems to produce a pearler but the 2012 is one of the better ones.

Alcohol: 11.5%
Price: $26
Rated: 93+
Drink: 2018 ++

Vigna Cantina Trebbiano 2011

Fresh whites wines are really exciting during summer and this little one is made from the second most common grape variety in the world. The variety goes under many names such as Ugni Blanc, Blancoun and Malvasia Fino. The vines, if left unattended, produce large crops with the grapes tasting fruity with masses of acidity. The better producer manage the vines cropping levels which results in fine crisp wines with floral elements and citrus flavours.

Vigna Cantina Trebbiano 2011

This wine fits into the light and tangy style with flavours of lemon zest, spring blossom, walnut husks and warmed granny smith apples. The flavours of the wine are beautifully balanced by the glycerine texture of the beast and it all is finished off by a vibrancy and a verve of acidity. I could suck down so much of this wine as it would work brilliantly with fish, shell fish or even a light pasta dish.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $22
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2018

First Drop Fat of the Land Single Vineyard Greenock Creek 2009

Here is another of the sub-regional wines from First Drop.

First Drop Fat of the Land Single Vineyard Greenock Creek 2009

When I was tasting this I had two things in mind. Firstly the flavours are nice and soft with the majority of the flavour spectrum moving from the dark end to the boiled end. Furthermore the texture and drying tannins freshened up the finish. Secondly the flavours moved just a little too far over with the alcohol warmth distracting from the overall experience. In fact the alcohol too more of a central roll the longer I had it open.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $75
Rated: 86
Drink: Now - 2016

Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz 2010

The packaging for Wirra Wirra has been taken up a notch as the bottle with lazer etching but the quality of the wines has also risen. The RSW is named after Robert Strangways Wigley and the label takes the vast majority of the top quality grapes from their vineyards in a full bodied and voluptuous sort of style. This wine is a blend of McLaren Flat and Blewitt Springs vineyards with the Springs taking the majority of the lime light. The wine spent 14 month in barrel before being egg fined and bottled.

Wirra Wirra RSW 2010

I've walked through a few of the RSW vineyards and they are beautiful which is evident in this wine. The vineyards are old and the viticulture is immaculate which comes across as a full bodied and luscious version of Shiraz with flavours of roasted earth and licorice pie before a waterfall of spice and plum sauce comes rolling in. I love the nature of the wine as it sucks me in and never lets me go even though the flavours are a little bit more full bodied than the Woodhenge of the same year. If I was to say something about these wines I would say this is a little more showy than the Woodhenge but still offers the goodness of the vintage.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $60
Rate: 93
Drink: 2018 +

La Maison Ruinart Blanc de Blanc NV

Ruinart was founded in 1729 and produces Chardonnay dominant style of Champagne. As I've been tasting Blanc de Blanc's a lot over the past month, I have come to the conclusion that this house is one of the leaders  in this style. They are the king amongst the kings!

Ruinart Blanc de Blanc NV

Light and delicate yet with power galore. The lightness comes across as flowers and grapefruit before the power of honeysuckle and toasted bread takes over. My wife decided to join me as I was tasting this and she finished off three glasses before I had finished my notes which is more of endorsement than the note or score that I am giving to it as my wife is a very discerning drinker. The Ruinart would be a perfect wine to drink at a big event like Christmas day so I hope everyone has a great day and open something special.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $99
Rated: 93+
Drink: Now or over the next 8 years

Patritti Old Gate Shiraz 2009

Patritti has been growing great grapes in one of the best areas in McLaren vale for some time but they now take some for themselves.  The Old Gate is the entry level wine that offers brilliant value as it uses structure and ripe flavour in the one package.

Patritti Old Gate Shiraz 2009

Lather me in chocolate and licorice sticks but call me aromatics and spice. It's the sort of wine that is loving and structured at the same time so I am in two minds as how I should take this. After three days I said take me as I am which means drink me in a few years and I will shine.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $18
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2029

J Moreau & Fils Premier Cru Fourchaume 2007

These guys have been around for a while as they started in 1814 and it is one of the leader wine negociants in the region.

J Moreau & Fils Premier Cru  Fourchaume 2007

Did you even go to a fish and chip shop? Yes well this wine gets most of the flavours from there as they are buttered lemons with crushed flowers, deep fried banana and flint. So the fish and chip ship may have been a bit weird but the one my mum used to take me to was bohemian and I loved it. This is the sort of wine that takes you back to the day I spent basking in the glory with your parents.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: ?
Rated: 92
Drink: Now to whenever you want

De Bortoli La Boheme Three Acts 2012

The Boheme brand for De Bortoli is one of the most exciting brands in Australia. The wine is a blend of Pinot Gris and two other varieties. It is fermented in a blend of older oak barrels and stainless steel tanks before blending. This wine is a more natural wine as it is wild fermented before being bottled after being clarified.

De Bortoli La Boheme Three Acts 2012

Fresh as hell with flavours of cherry blossom, spice and crushed roses before it turns into a vibrant moment. This wine is textured and fresh at the same time which makes it beautiful to drink now or drink tomorrow. The moments all collide when the pear purée and granny smith apples arrive but it all seems to work well together.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $20
Rated: 87
drink: Now sure but I will love them now

Tyrrell's Fordwich Verdelho 2012

This wine is released as a drink now wine with plenty of flavour and a little bit of texture and crunch.

Tyrrell's Fordwich Verdelho 2012

While this isn't as good as the 2011 it is bloody beautiful. There are those moments of spice and tropical fruits before it turns into lime and intense crushed violets. It is the sort of wine that should be paired with food rather than drank by itself as the structure offers so much more. I would be drinking this now as it offers so much goodness with a slight tartness on the back palate.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $18
Rated: 85
Drink: Now - 2017

Fraser Gallop Parterre Chardonnay 2011

The Margaret River is producing some of the best value and best quality Chardonnay in Australia. This estate only produces single vineyard wine with an emphasis on the traditional French varieties. The Parterre label is the crème of the crop for Frasor Gallop and epitomises what the estate can do best.

Fraser Gallop Parterre Chardonnay 2011

Forget about the aromas as the wine has so much power it is a little overwhelming. Think flavour, acid, texture and balance and you will be about right. For the first three days I struggled with the wine but on day four the elegance came through and I was on the right track. On the back label they say to keep it for 5 to 7 but I say 7 to 10 before you open them. This is the sort of wine that is very French with moment of Australia thrown in, with a price tag so cheap it is scary.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $30
Rated: 93++
Drink: 2019 - 2027

Mount William Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2004

Pinot Noir Chardonnay blends for sparkling wines are the traditional styles that work with foods such as Asian style entrées or mains, French style entrées and something food that are a bit spicy with tomato bases such as Mexican food. The bubbles in many Sparkling wines come from a secondary fermentation in the bottle but the majority of cheaper wine are soda streamed in the bottle to produce the bubbles before release. This wine fits into the higher end of the market and is lees aged for a fare time before release. The lees ageing allows a for a creamy texture and flavour to develop.

Mount William Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2004

On the nose there are aroma's of cherry blossom, crème fresh, strawberry jam, roasted nuts and toasted fresh bread. These flavour transfer over to the palate rather well in a supremely elegant and thoughtful style.  The entry of the wine is good as it hit all the right receptors, as does the mid-palate and it is added by a creamy texture which leaves my mouth coated with goodness. For the price this is a beauty for any special event and gives the French a good run for its money.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $45
Rated: 91+
Drink: Now - 2018

Yering Station Village Fume Blanc 2012

The Yarra Valley is fast becoming the place for sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc.

Yering Station Village Fume Blanc 2012

Alcohol: 12%

Price: $22

Rated: 84

Drink: Now or over the next four years

Domaine Chandon Brut Rose NV

I love sparkling roses at the moment but they can be very sweet and confected if they aren't done with care. Domaine Chandon can draw on a lot of experience both from Australian and European winemakers so I was hoping that the wine would stay away from the sweet end of the spectrum. What you get with this none-vintage isn't sweet but it does possess some sweet fruits in a drink now, love me now style.

Domaine Chandon Brut Rose NV

This is a combo of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but the flavours stay more towards the Pinot end of the spectrum with flavours of strawberry biscuits and cherries with a creamy texture coming through. On entry the wine comes across as rich but it soon lightens itself up with a wedge of acidity. Even thought I haven't been really on the hunt for sparkling roses this has put me in the mood for a journey. Game on!

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $20
Rated: 87
Drink: This year or over the next few

Patritti Gloria Chardonnay 2011

Patritti Gloria Chardonnay 2011

This smells like a barrel fermented fully worked style of Chardonnay but as soon as I put it to my lips the wine feels delicate with huge amounts of acidity. The wine definitely fits into that modern cool climate style and it has a huge amount of swagger to boot. What is most surprising is the price as it sits at 15 bucks but that is what I'm starting to expect from Patritti. Brilliant value every time.

Alcohol: 11%
Price: $15 I think
Rated: 86
Drink: Now - 2018

BK Wines Gewurztraminer 2012

The Adelaide Hills is setting it self up to become a beacon for aromatic white wines like Gewurztraminer. This variety is naturally high in sugar which makes it perfect for textural wines with bundles of aromatics and lychee flavours. The cooler climates in Australia are forging ahead as they resemble the climate in Alsace which is where many of the best examples come from.

BK Wines Gewurztraminer 2012

Pure line and length of flavour is beautifully articulated in this wine. The flavours move from lychee and pear to spice and bath salts on what is otherwise a tart expression of the variety. The mid-palate takes into the more traditional style of the variety with texture and sweetness coming out. I haven't tried many Australian expressions of this variety as I normally try the European wines so it was interesting to see what we can do with it. What I would say is that this wine does feel like a European wine but with a little more flavour and less texture than is normal.

Alcohol: 12.8%
Price: $23
Rated: 86
Drink: Now - 2017

Patritti Mango Wine NV

Patritti makes a range of wines from the high quality entry level wines to the high quality luxury wines. This wine is aimed at the more natural tasting passion pop style as it is a blend of mango pulp and Chardonnay that was allow to ferment before being pressurised in bottle. While I don't think this is the best style, it is fun to drink and perfect for the generation that started drinking alco pops.

Patritti Mango Wine NV

You sure do get a hit of mango juice but it isn't that sickly sweet style. It is more like sitting out on your balcony on a Sunday morning, slicing fresh mango onto your cereal. The flavours don't overwhelm at all but that do taste natural and luscious. I would almost go on to say that this is the Solo of the wine world as 'you can slam it down fast'.

Alcohol: 10.5%

Price: $8.50

Rated: 82

Drink: Now

De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2010

De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2010

Pinot Noir is so easy to drink especially when you are after a wine with a fare amount of finesse. This wine is no more than light body but it does come with a little earth action and restrained fruit which at this price is rather surprising. Don't get me wrong as there is a nice strawberry and cherry action yet the lightness of these moments adds to the allure. The flavours pull along my tongue well and it all finishes with a burst of saliva induced acidity. Fill up your basket over Christmas to go with the duck that everyone seems to tuck into over this period.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $11
Rated: 84
Drink: Now to 2015

 

Toolangi Emanai 2012

Viognier is a difficult grape to grow but when it is done right it is a hedonistic experience that combines texture, huge aromatics and intense flavours. In the Rhone Valley, where the best examples come from, Viognier is blended with a bit of Chardonnay to balance out the acidity. Toolangi has just released a majority Chardonnay Viognier blend from fruit grown in Dixon Creek in the Yarra Valley but it tastes more like a full on Viognier blend. The grapes are looked after by Hoddles Creek in older French oak before being bottled and rested and then released. Note: Toolangi only produces 230 dozen so it would be best if you are into this style to get a hold of them early.

Toolangi Emanai 2012

All drinker please buckle your seat belt and hang on as as soon as the wine is open bombastic amounts of apricot and peach skin come tumbling out. The intensity is beautiful and never really overwhelms the experience as it is balanced out by the acidity from the Chardonnay which comes across as lemons or lime on the back palate. Does the wine possess texture? Most definitely which seems to lock on to the interior of my mouth and doesn't let go for a while. I can see this blend working well in the Yarra Valley, especially as it will offer something different from the area.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $20
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2017

Domaine Chandon Brut NV

Ever year I grab a bottle of this and a bottle of Jansz and I have a bubble off to see which one I will drink over the summer as these two brands seem to turn out the best quality affordable Sparkling year in year out. So they should as Domaine Chandon is owned by Moet & Chandon which makes the best Champagne I have ever tried (1996 Dom). They have invested a huge amount of money in infrastructure, vineyards and quality people in recent years so it will be interesting to see what the next 5 years brings for the quality of the wines.

Domaine Chandon Brut NV

For such an inexpensive wine I wasn't expecting to get a full on bottle fermented Chardonnay experience. The wine is light on its feet with flavours of lemon curd, pear skin and strawberry biscuits.  Elegance is what the palate is all about which makes this perfect to pair with a range of foods or use it as a conversation starter next time people come over. The wine finished with bright acidity but it is the entry that is most impressive. I guess the entry is the thing that makes me reach for another glass while the finish leaves me feeling lively and spritely.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $24
Rated: 86
Drink: Now or over the next couple of years

Yarrabank Late Disgorged Cuvee 2004

Yarrabank is a joint venture between Yering Station and Devaux.  The house of Devaux was founded in 1846 with a focus on quality Champagnes with a strong base of Pinot Noir. This wine goes through traditional Sparkling process with no malolactic fermentation at all before finally resting on its lees for eight years before being released.

Yarrabank Late Disgorged Cuvee 2004

What a lively little wine this is, even at 8 years of age. The blend of 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir lends itself to a complex and masculine example of Sparkling wine where the power comes across as caramelized brioche, roasted mixed nuts and lemon rind. These flavours transition from power to elegance from about the mid-palate on and just keep on climbing. There are a whole host of other flavours in the mix but it is the length that is most beguiling. Well that and the fact the flavours seem to fan out at the back of the palate but who really cares when you are drinking a glass of bubbles that is this good.

Alcohol: 12%

Price: $55

Rated: 92

Drink: Now - 2019

De Bortoli Sacred Hill Cabernet Merlot 2009

De Bortoli Sacred Hill Cabernet Merlot 2009

Masses of leafy blackcurrants on what is a very good entry for such a lowly priced wine. Add to the mix a little plum and chocolate and you get the spectrum of this one. The palate is pretty nice but it is a little to herbal and leafy for big marks but I would be happy to crank this out during the week. Actually at this price this is a steal! Under 5 bucks get puked!

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $4.95
Rated: 82
Drink: Now