Sunday 29 September 2013

Pizzini Sangiovese 2011

Sangiovese is an ancient variety which began around the 1530s. It wasn't until the late 1800s that the quality started to rise. The variety has a problem with new oak as it seems to smother the medium to light bodied flavours with ease. Many of the better example can cellar well as the variety is high in tannin and acidity. Pizzini's sangiovese is built as a entry level style that can cellar for the medium term.

Pizzini Sangiovese 2011

Dirty, twiggy and earth with notes of iodine which makes me think this is more European than Australian. The measured medium bodied palate has a depth of flavour and sweet tannins sitting underneath. I managed to taste this over four days and tried it with penna ragu, vegetarian lasagne and an anti-pasta platter and it worked on all levels. I would give it another year in bottle before I tuck into them as the oak will reduce.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $20 - $27
RAted: 88
Drink: 2014 - 2018

Pizzini Sangiovese 2011

Mayhem & Co. Newcomer Pinot Noir 2012

Mayhem & co. produce a small variety of wines from vineyards in area that are considered appropriate for that variety such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills, Shiraz from McLaren Vale and Riesling from Eden Valley. This wine was hand picked from a vineyard in Lenswood on the 29th of march before being whole berry fermented and pressed into mostly old French oak barrels. These techniques allow the vineyard character to express itself unencumbered. I like that way of thinking.

Mayhem & Co. Newcomer Pinot Noir 2012

What I want from a proper Pinot colour is light and tart with full purple colour. All I need from a proper Pinot flavour is light earthy notes and wild berry flavours. In this wine you get all sort of flavours. There is spice and twigs with lovely juicy moments. All in all its a beautiful woolie journey.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $42
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2019

Mayhem & Co Pinot Noir 2010 6-pack

Sutton Grange Ancestral Sparkling Rose 2012

This is an interesting wine that is produced by picking the grapes early and allowing the wine to spend only a short time on lees and bottle with a hint of residual sugar. The wine then goes through malo-lactic in the bottle; this allows the bubbles to develop.

 Sutton Grange Ancestral Sparkling Rose 2012


Very light or pale in colour but that doesn’t mean that this is a light on sparkling. The complexity is through the roof with savoury flavours and a slight chalky dry texture. There is no sulphur added at all but the wine is clean as a whistle with red berry flavours and slurp ability to burn.  I would recommend drinking this over a warm sunny day or at the start of the evening over the next two years as I don’t think it will get any better. That said it offers a lot right now.


Alcohol: 11%
Price: $30
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2015

2012 Fairbank Ancestral Rose

Saturday 28 September 2013

Domaine Faury Collines Rhodaniennes Syrah 2011

This northern Rhone wine is grown on schist and is primarily fermented in older oak. All this new age approach with wild ferments and temperature controlled ferments at lower temperatures to let the wine full develop. This wine is the vin de pays which means it is for immediate enjoyment. Generally the wines from this estate are classically style with wonderful structure underneath.

Domaine Faury Collines Rhodaniennes Syrah 2011

If you want a bit of graphite in your wine grab a bottle of this. It is like being smacked over the head with a large wand of graphite. Then you would be cuddled by your grandma. It is soft and refined in a medium bodied style with red berry flavours coming through. When I say red berry flavours they are fruit flavours but in the savoury end of the spectrum. I would get these out now as the flavours are open and inviting with none of that oakiness mouldering the joy.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $28
Rated: 89
Drink: Now – 2017
Importer: Eurocentric Wine

Leo Buring Eden Valley Dry Riesling 2012


Riesling the grape fit for kings. This history of the variety is linked to kings as they had enough money to pay for land and grape vines lying around. They even were a major player in focusing the efforts of planting Riesling in Germen and riding the place of other varieties.

 
Leo Buring Eden Valley Dry Riesling 2012

 

So Slatey So Nice! Imagine Rubbing this over

 

This body

 
 
Image by Word Press

And you get what this wine taste like. Its exciting even thinking about having another sip. I am getting a tingling sensation. Enough of that just buy and dig in. 

 

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $15
Rated: 89
Drink: In 6 years

d’Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings 2009

Do you buy wine based on Scores? Or Style? I suggest that people should buy the style that they like and forget about scores as food and wine matches are more important than quality. Take last night for example I served an Asian style dish that was spicy and high in acidity. I had a Shiraz open from the night before so I thought I would give it a go next to a glass of rizza. The Shiraz couldn’t compete with the spice and the acidity at all but the rizza shone like a superstar. The wine below would work well with a variety of dishes including meat, vegetarian lasagne and share platters.

 
d’Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings 2009
 

The wine starts out slightly confected but then turns into bold blackberries, blood plums and top quality bbq meats sizzling away of the hot plate. The wines from 2009 from McLaren Vale look really good at the moment but will keep for ages in the cellar. Now the savoury characters take a day to emerge from the bottle but the oak has already vanished into the background. Yum.

 

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $60
Rated: 93
Drink: 2017 – 2030

Tuck's Ridge Pinot Noir 2011

Pinot Noir is a very difficult variety to grow. The grower needs to work constantly in the vineyard even when the weather is kind. In 2011 the weather was wet and cold so only the best estate and vineyards performed well.

 
Tuck's Ridge Pinot Noir 2011

 
Oh so light and fragrant with notes of cherries and forest mulch that have been rolled in spice. These flavours continue on the palate but they are joined by cinnamon and raspberry coulis. As with many of the 2011 wines they are light and a little dilute from the mid palate which makes them easy to drink now. For the money it is pretty good and will get you through until the 2012s are released.

 
Alcohol: 13.4%
Price: $35
Rated: 87
Drink: Now – 2017

John Duval Plexis White 2012


This is a blend of Roussane, Marsanne and Viognier which is commonly found in the white wines of the Rhone Valley. The blending of the three varieties works well as they each bring something to the enjoyment journey. Viognier brings big hits of flavour, Marsanne the elegance and ease of textural elements and Rousanne the beautiful line and length of structure. Generally these style wines are easy to drink and don’t need to o much bottle age but the best examples need time to show their best.

 
John Duval Plexis White 2012

 
What an ugly wine on day 1 with the oak taking the centre stage. On day 2 things started to turn around as the flavour of lemon, orange peel, nectarines and summer blossom take over. The palate is creamy in texture but it is balanced out by vibrant acidity. The three elements of the wine are nicely composed and I would recommend a further 6 months in the bottle before opening them up.

 

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $30
Rated: 87
Drink: 2014 - 2018

Plexus MRV wine bottle - John Duval Wines

Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon 2012

Semillon is that common a grape variety but it is grown in Australia and is produced in many cases as a straight varietal. In France and Africa many produces blend the variety with Sauvignon Blanc. The variety is easy to grow as it has thick skins and can take a fare amount of sun as a result. Semillon also is a heavy cropper which is great for the grower if they are after cash. The best examples are produced from soils that allow the water to drain away such as gravel and limestone.
 

Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon 2012

 
This label is a bench mark in the wine world and this years wine is pungent with huge amount of acidity at its core. At the moment it is a little bit of a recluse but the moments of struck quartz orange peel and fennel seed flavours are very nice indeed. If I had the opportunity to have this or the Belford wine to drink now I would choose the Belford but in 10 to 20 years this will wine hands down.

 

Alcohol: 10.5%
Price:
Rated: 95+
Drink: After 2022

Monday 23 September 2013

Vigna Cantina Sangiovese 2010

I'm not sold on Sangiovese in the Barossa. In fact I think this variety likes it a bit cooler. The varieties that I think work well in this area are Mataro and Grenache.This wine comes off of 16 year old vines grown in the Moppa and Koonunga Hills. The wine spent 16 month in used French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Vigna Cantina Sangiovese 2010

Fulled bodied with the oak coming through on the front palate. The flavours of herbs and dried plums are nice but they fall away. I would love to see savoury characters and plenty of tannin in this wine but I just didn't get it.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $20
Rated: 83
Drink: Now

Pizzini Il Barone 2009



The Il Barone is a blend of Cabernet, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo which means that it is definitely a field blend styled wine is dark and brooding character. The price for this wine puts it at the up market end of town and it is great to see a blend be given such focus. Too often we see in Australia the blends being the entry level wine with the straight varietals sitting up the top. From a purely quality and enjoyment factor, my top 5 best wines have all been blends.

Pizzini Il Barone 2009

The wine starts out a little rustic with roasted meats and rusty nails before the red fruits come rolling in. After an hour in the glass the wine has added weight and a darker flavour profile but it still has a rustic charm about it that makes me want to stick my head in and suck it down. The Nebiolo and Sangiovese have added a dirtiness to the palate with filthy tannin running wild. In te end the palate finishes well with juicy acidity and freshness. Would I drink this now? Well I could but I would give it another 4 years to show its true colour.

Alcohol: 14.2%
Price: $40
Rated: 89
Drink: From 2017

image

Sunday 22 September 2013

Coriole Willunga 1920 Shiraz 2011

It is great that Coriole are looking into the different district within McLaren Vale and showcasing the qualities. This wine is part of the Scarce Earth project so the use of new oak is frowned upon so this wine has only 30 new French oak. 

Coriole Willunga 1920 Shiraz 2011

Wow there is some serious mint in this wine but it is overshadowed by Brett. Have you met Brett?

This is what he looks like







Alcohol: 14%
Price: $50
Rated: 85
Drink: ?

Fairbank Rouge 2010

Sutton Grange and Fairbank was a horse training facility before Peter Sidwell got his hands on it. Well he bought the property for his horses but a long term friend persuaded him to take the property in a different direction. Thank god for that as the wines that come from this winery are unique in their structure and flavour profile. If you haven't tried them before buy a mix 6 pack as they are very impressive.

Fairbank Rouge 2010

The rouge is an easy drinking quaffer in style but it avoids any sweet flavours which makes it better to consume with food. The savouriness comes in the form of cherry pips, earthy twigs, spice and mushrooms. Easy to like and easy to drink with the structure hitting hard from the moment it hits my mouth. They are playful with a restraint that is lacking in so many wines at double this price point. Drink now or later this wine will handle it all.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $22
Rated: 89
Drink: Now - 2016

2010 Fairbank Rouge


Here comes the sun

I love when the seasons change. The vines have started the journey for the 2014 vintage and it looks like everything is going to be early in SA.We had four days of extreme heat for this time of the year, in fact we recorded the hottest start to spring in 60 years, so the vines pulled themselves out of their sleep and started to burst from their buds. It looks great this time of year so get yourself down to a wine region and enjoy a cheese platter and a glass of luscious wine.

Tuck's Ridge Chardonnay 2012

This winery started in 1985 with a chardonnay of all things and it has kept this variety as its focus even though Pinot Noir has come on board. This wine feel more like a burgundy than an Australian with the mouth feel, texture and flavour spectrum all being styled towards restraint. It has an easy going vitality with flavours of dried figs, fresh cut melons and lemon pith attaching itself to every corner of my mouth and never letting go. This is pure precision and sophistication style all wrapped up in one.

Alcohol: 12.9%
Price: $30 which is stupid value
Rated: 93
Drink: in 5 years


 

 Hurley Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir 2011

Anyone for Pinot? This winery specializes in the variety and you can tell that they mean business when you taste this wine. This is the best 2011 Pinot that I have tried. The colour is light but the fragrant flavours pack a punch. It has complexity and vitality in a light bodied frame. The mid-palate is beautiful and bouncy with dark cherry leading the way. I love this wine right from the time I opened it and it captivated me for the four days I tried it.

Alcohol: 13.7%
Price: $40
Rated: 91
Drink:  Now - 2024

 

John Duval Eligo 2010

Oh boy this is good but it had to be when the man who made grange made it from a year where no bad wine should have been made. The wine has a lovely lightness about it but I think that comes from an inclusion of Eden Valley fruit thrown in. The main stay is layers of plump black berries and fruitcake mixed with plum sauce and dried herbs. If you want to impress pull this out and watch the facial reaction when your guesses taste this. My god it put a smile on my face. Watch out for the finish where the vibrant tannins take over.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $105
Rated: 95
Drink: 2025 - 2040

Bottle Eligo

Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Dry Riesling 2013

Riesling is one of my favourite varieties and works brilliantly when the sun comes out. This wine was picked in Febuary which means that it was an early vintage. Who really cares when it is this good with flavours of lemon blossom, spice, guava and smashed quartz. These flavour are enhanced by a massive amount of star like acidity bringing the moments out of the wine. What is even better is the price which is under 25 but you should be able to find it for about 20.

Alcohol: 12.4%
Price: $22
Rated: 90
Drink: Now - 2023



Toolangi Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011

Toolangi is located in the Yarra Valley which experienced a wet and cool growing season. In those type of seasons which variety would do best? Personally I think Shiraz would be one of the better varieties but I haven't tasted anything from the region from that variety. This wine was picked during the middle of the season in march and was fermented with 15% whole bunches included. This is the entry level wine which gives you an insight into the philosophy of the winery.


Toolangi Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011

The nose of this thing I could smell for days as it is very fragrant and seductive. On the palate the oak component makes it feel creamy but takes away from the flavours. There are moments of gritty tannins kicking in on the mid-palate but at this stage the wine feels out of balance and short. I suggest giving it 6 months in the bottle to see if it sorts itself out.

Alcohol: 13.2%
Price: $26
Rated: 83
Drink: 2014 - 2017

Toolangi 2010 Pinot Noir


Hillcrest Village Chardonnay 2011

Now I haven't posted anything for over a month now so I thought I should start with why that is. I had been publishing a few notes on my site since its inception every day plus I was writing for Gram and Australian Wine Showcase Magazine and working full time and starting my own label. I got to the stage where I was fried and couldn't look at any wines without thinking no not again. I feel rested now and have got back to getting home on a Friday night, where I look forward to that glass on wine. Now I'm back with a huge amount of wine notes to write up so here we go.

Hillcrest Village Chardonnay 2011

This medium to full bodied chardonnay was monumental last year and the 2011 version is about the same but it has a higher amount of acidity running through its backbone. The flavours are those lovely typical moments of nuts, grapefruit with peach which comes through on the mid-palate. This years wine takes longer to open up than last year but when it does it is brimming with flavour and food friendly personality.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $25
Rated: 88
Drink: Now - 2019