Yalumba Organic Viognier 2012

Yalumba Organic Viognier 2012

 

This ticks a lot of boxes and is cheap as chips for the quality level. It doesn’t have textural elements like the Virgilius but it doesn’t come with the same price tag as well.  It isn’t fully in your face but it is definitely a viognier with flavours of apricot skin, orange blossom and caramel. On the palate these moments are infused with roasted Indian spices on a medium bodied frame which finishes with nice acidity and a touch of honeysuckle. There is a hint of phenolics which makes the palate more interesting to taste. This would be great with a Moroccan dish on a warm afternoon under the trees. Love it!

 

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price: $19

Rated: 87
Drink: Now – 2016

 

Majella Minuet NV Disgorged 2012

It is a perfect time to crack open some Australian bubbles as the weather has started to warm up. My wife has a routine that every Saturday after she has finished tennis the team cracks open a couple bottles before everyone heads out to dinner. I like the idea that bubbles is the catalyst for an enjoyable evening. It is a celebrational experience when a bottle of bubbles is opened. Get on board this summer.

Majella Minuet NV disgorged 2012

 

There are all those lovely roasted nutty flavours that you expect from nice bubble and they are matched by dried grapefruit and apple quarters. I used to have these in my lunch box when I was at school and it is lovely to see them poking their head out of this wine. The length and balance is beautiful and the palate is a little cream on the initial attack before waves of acidity kick in.

 

Alcohol: 11%
Price: $30
Rated: 88

Drink: Now

 

Elderton Ode to Lorriane 2009

People have been producing wine for thousands of years but it is only recently that people have focused on single varieties. Many believe that the early wine-makers produced wine for religious and cultural ceremonies. The blending of different varieties allowed for quality wines to be produced under different weather conditions. If one variety didn’t do too well then another would step up to the plate.

Elderton Ode to Lorriane 2009

This wine is a blend of Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot that has spent 24 months in a mix of French and American Oak. Even though the Merlot is 9% of the blend it leads the way on day 1 with flavours of fresh mint and baked plums. From day 2 a mix of lemon rind, mulberries and fresh cuts herbs joins the party. While I like the flavours and the hint of grippy tannins the palate is a little narrow and the warmth from the alcohol is coming through. From such a hot vintage this is pretty good.

 

Alcohol: 14%

Price: Under $40

Rated: 86

Drink: Now - 2019

 

Coriole Barbera 2012

I really like what is going on with Barbera in McLaren Vale. They seem to be producing medium bodied wines of appeal that have a touch of tannin and are immediately accessible. This is one of the better ones along with the one from Alpha Box and Dice.

Coriole Barbera 2012

This wine should only come in 1.5 L as it is so drinkable and velvety. This is the main stay of the wine with the flavours of smoked herbs, Dark plums, Asian spice on a medium bodied palate and bouncy acidity to end. The acidity makes the flavour jump out at you which I really like. I would recommend opening this over the next 5 years as I think it won’t get much better.

 

Alcohol: 14%

Price: $25

Rated: 90

Drink: Now – 2018

The Shiraz edition

The Shiraz edition

 

Shiraz is the number one selling variety in Australia even though it the sales are on the decline. What has changed is the style that wine-makers aim for. The big bad monsters are reducing and the savoury and more balanced wines are on the up. Shiraz works well as it can grow in so many different climates. It seems to show all the weather conditions and turn out anything from full bodied to medium bodied with flavours of fruit and spice. If you are after something that drinks well from the get go then turn your head towards Shiraz.

 

Tuck's Ridge Shiraz 2011

 

Savoury flavours are evident to begin with but there is a nice amount of boysenberry loving to fill the fruit bin. The weight builds in the mouth over the 4 days I had this open so I would suggest that it could go a few years before it really shows well.  It is elegant and medium bodied with plenty of acidity to hold it in good stead. If you drink it now the first thing that you notice is the green peppercorns and French herbs before it finishes with spice. A lovely little 2011 Shiraz from the Mornington.

 

Alcohol: 13%

Price:

Rated: 91

Drink: After 2017

 

 

Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2011

The first thing that you notice about this wine is the slippery texture that doesn’t really possess much tannin at all. I like the texture but would like a bit more tannin. On the other hand the spicy flavours are rather nice. They are medium bodied with hints of brambles, pepper and raspberry coulis. The wine comes across as soft and cuddly in a drink now style. While I do like the flavour spectrum this isn’t in the same league as the 2010 version.

 

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price: $24

Rated: 83

Drink: Now – 2016

 

Torzi Matthews Moppa Hills Shiraz 2012

 

The vines for this wine were planted in 1903 which makes this special stuff. What is better is the price as many wines from old vine material normally sits at about 100 bucks. This is under 40 which makes it a bargain. The flavours of blackberries, chocolate cake and glaze cherries are rich but totally balanced. The flavours are balanced by a creamy mouth feel and polished tannins. With many of these 2012s they need time for the oak to fully integrate but when they do oh boy you are set for fun. What will be interesting is to see the difference between the 2012s and 2013s. We will see which one comes out the victor.

 

Alcohol: 14.2%

Price: $35

Rated: 90

Drink: 2016 – 2027

 

 

Wild Duck Creek Estate Springflat 2011

The Springflat is normally one of my favourites from the Wild Duck Creek range and give me the ability to see what is in store for me up the range. While I don’t like the American oak in the wine I think it is balanced given a long sleep in the cellar. The flavours of boiled leather, dirty mint, scorched earth and essence of spiced blackberries are very different than normal which makes this an interesting addition to the range. I would be giving this medium to full bodied wine 5 years to show well and then start opening the stash.

 

Alcohol: 15%

Price: $50

Rated: 89

Drink: 2018 +

 

De Bortoli Deen de Bortoli Vat 4 Petit Verdot 2010

Cheap as chips and great value.

De Bortoli Deen de Bortoli Vat 4 Petit Verdot 2010

 

medium bodied

 

oak in the background

 

Alcohol: 14%

Price: $10

RAted: 84

Drink: Now 

Heathvale Vineyard Riesling 2013

Heathvale Vineyard Riesling 2013

All the typical flavours of lemon lime but there is a hint of richness in the form of orange blossom coming through on the mid-palate. THere is a touch of chalkiness coming through but otherwise that is what you get. The wine offers restraint and I think it will get better with a few year in the cellar. As a drink now wine it isn't for me for as the complexity isn't there. Hide in the cellar and drink somthing else now.

Alcohol: 11.3%
Price:$23
Rated: 87
Drink: 2016+

Kooyong Estate Chardonnay 2011

Fully worked and fully sick mate! The manner that a grape variety has been dealt with really changes the experience. The last wine was zippy and this wine is rich and full in flavour yet they both have acidity at their core. I am changing my mind about 2011 as the white wines are bloody spectacular. This wine is no exception!

Kooyong Estate Chardonnay 2011

Long? Yes! Plumped up? Yes! Dying to be opened? No! What is most unbelievable is the length of the palate and it crawl up my mouth in an even and totally balanced manner with no holes at all. It is like a thrilling novel as I just want to see what is next. The oak does play a part but it is more a creamy mouth-feel and a thicker texture that it adds. But you ask about the flavours. Well they are typical for the area and they finish with a mouth watering acidity.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $42
Rated: 93
Drink: Now - 2025

Ocean 8 Verve Chardonnay 2011

The verve Chardonnay is made in a Chablis style but without the minerality that is common for that region. The grapes are picked very early and is pressed into barrel before receiving about 12 months on lees. The wine doesn't see any new oak and it doesn't feel like the wine has gone through malo but I can't find the info on the net regarding this. The wine is racy and that is an understatement!

Ocean 8 Verve Chardonnay 2011

Really light and tight with acidity being the main driving force of the wine. It is bright and adds flavours of grapefruit and lemon rind before a hint of spice and creamy nuts kicks in. The balnce of the wine is so inviting that I don't think this should be cellared for that long. Keep it fresh and vigorous and then match it with seafood mains or as a first drink when your party arrives. The palate weight is really light but the intensity is very good which makes this a thinking persons wine. I like that approach a lot.

Alcohol: 12.2%
Price: $48
Rated: 93
Drink: Now - 2018

Henschke Joann's Garden 2010

Do you choose a wine based on a single variety or a blend? I think many people look for single varieties as they think the standard is higher. I guess they are correct as most companies choose to release their bench mark wine as a single variety but I think this should change. Wines like Grange, Majella's Malleea and most of the top red wines out of Margaret River are blends. Each variety adding its own unique aspect that is greater than the individual parts. Blends also allow the winery to add a brilliant name to their top wine. This is a marketing dream as it adds something to the brand. If we look towards Europe then blends rain king. Anyway I should stop ranting and get on with the wine.


Henschke Joann's Garden 2010

Henschke has managed to combine beautiful perfumed noted with lively and silky mouth-feel. The oak has been totally consumed by the red-berry flavours and this all fits of a medium bodied frame. Nothing is over done but the wine is slow to evolve which makes me think that it will need a bit to show all of the magic that it holds. If you are into high quality wine with richness and elegance this fits the bill.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price; $45
Rated: 93
Drink: 2016 - 2025

Paradigm Hill Col's Block Shiraz 2010

 Paradigm Hill is run along keeping it green and sustainable principles and is located in the Mornington Peninsula. The Estate only comprises 10 acres and they only produce wines from their estate. The Estate is located below and you can see that not much is around it.

 

Image from Google

Paradigm Hill Col's Block Shiraz 2010

Twenty ten from the Mornington Peninsula has produced a medium bodied style wine with unbelievable length and savoury flavours. There is impact on the front palate but that is only half of it. The flavours crawl their way up the palate with each flavour doing a commando role to the outer reaches of my taste buds. The balance and drive is pure with a spicier spectrum. Love it!

Alcohol: 13.8%
Price: $46
Rated: 94
Drink: Now - 2027

Quartier Pinot Noir 2011

Quartier Pinot Noir 2011

Pinot Noir is a difficult variety and 2011 wasn't easy for the production. In good years there is a silky palate with savoury flavours that sit on fluffy tannin structure and bright acidity. Unfortunately none of those things are evident here. In this wine there is no structure, no dirty tannins at all, but there is a sour flavour spectrum. On the back palate the acid is striking out with some flavours of mulch and cherries hitting the front palate. Drink Now yes if you really want to.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $38
Rated: 83
Drink: Now

Panorama Vineyard Tempranillo 2011

Tempranillo is a versatile variety. Put it in a warm climate and you get a more full bodied wine with darker flavour and a hint of tannin. Easy to like and drink but not a keeper. Cooler weather will reduce the weight but increase the tannin and acidity which means cellar me up. I would look to the cooler areas in Victoria such as Yarra Valley or in South Australia look towards Kuipto in the Adelaide Hills for these styled wines. Tasmania definitely fits the bill for cool but I would have thought it would need a bit more sun. From this wine I might be wrong.


Panorama Vineyard Tempranillo 2011


The oak is still prominent at this stage but the acidity and tannin structure suggest that it will go the distance. On day three the flavours started to come out in the form of dried licorice stick, damp earth, dark cherries and spice. These are only just medium bodied but the palate is long and driven by a wedge of acidity. The acidity is balanced by the flavours with nothing really sticking out. It really needs a bit more stuffing for huge point but if the price is right I would go for it. I didn’t know the price when I tasted it and at $29 it looks good.


Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $29
Rated: 88
Drink: Now - 2018

Didi Sangiovese 2012

Sangiovese in Australia is a relatively new thing. Firstly the vines have only been planted 30 years ago in the Vales. Carlo Corino of Montrose planted them first but pulled them out to plant another clone. Coriole has the oldest Sangiovese in Australia but that doesn’t mean that the wine-makers have understood how to make it. It is only now that the variety has really taken off. Ideas and experimentation have really taken off. Personally I would really watch the Adeialde Hills and Heathcote for the top quality versions but the Victorians are further in front. Tom Shobbrook has cut his teeth on making quality Sangiovese in Italy and it is great to see him throw his hat into the ring with some Australian fruit.


Didi Sangiovese 2012


What this possesses is pure flavours of wild herbs, crushed cranberries, cinnamon and dried winter leaves. The intake is sweet but from the mid-palate it is all savoury with the palate weight sitting right in the medium bodied end of the scale. Tom has managed to deliver the illusion of easy flavour but on closer look there is a huge amount of complexity and depth. What this doesn’t have is the massive tannin structure like the Italian versions. Does that matter? Not really but I would like to see more tannin. The wine is still in the top few in Australia so go hard.


Alcohol: 14%
Price: $60
Rated: 91
Drink: Now – 2020

Elderton Wines Command Shiraz 2009

Many examples of Shiraz through out the world are savoury with a more medium bodied palate. If not done well they can be weedy and tough to drink. The Barossa could never be accused of producing these weedy wines or anything other than full bodied Shiraz. Elderton makes a more old school example with full on flavours the main stay. That said the 2010 estate is a beautiful wine with more restraint than I have seen in a while. This might be the result as the seasons have been really hot with not much rain to freshen up the vines.

Elderton Wines Command Shiraz 2009

Massively toasty with huge amounts of creamy oak in play. Once the flavours come out they are forward and erect. Not really sure that erect is the appropriate word but it works well. These comforting flavours are in the form of plum pudding, chocolate covered raisins and coconut slice.  These powerful flavours are full bodied but balanced and would work well in the dark winter night. I would recommend drinking this in the shorter term but it still offers enjoyment.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $95
Rated: 89
Drink: Now - 2020

Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2011

While Clare Valley is renowned for Riesling, the Shiraz based wine can be spectacular. Part of this comes from the soil type. The area is also a little more elevated and moderate in temperature than many of the other areas in South Australia. The soil types can vary in the area with Polish Hill containing a higher percentage of Clay while Watervale has a mixture of quartz, limestone and loam. Many producers have two Riesling on their book which highlight the difference. Shiraz based wines aren't the same. They generally have an entry level and a premium example.

Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2011

The team at Jim Barry didn't produce their top Shiraz from 2011 so they could up the quality of the McRae Wood. I think that was a great move but the wine is still a representation of the season. There is menthol notes mixed with fresh cut herbs, cherries, cloves and pepper on a medium bodied palate that is a little narrow and astringent but there is enough likeable flavours to get through. I would give this another year in bottle to work some issues out and them it will be nice drinking. The tannins aren't that prominent so I wouldn't hold it for too long but the year in bottle will allow the oak to reduce.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $50
Rated: 88
Drink 2014 - 2018

Claymore Wines The Joshua Riesling 2012

Riesling is all about vineyard. I don't think there is another white wine variety that is so specific regarding expressing the site. If the site is good, them this variety shines. The Clare Valley is one of the best areas for this variety in Australia and shows well upon release. The Eden Valley isn't as expressive as the Clare so if you are wanting an easy drinking white wine to get you through the summer months look towards Clare.

Claymore Wines The Joshua Riesling 2012

This wine is open and ready to please with flavours of lemon and lime all encased in spring blossom. The medium bodied palate is zippy and zesty with enough flavour to smother the acidity. Freshness is an understatement and I would be drinking this out with friends when the weather warms up.

Alcohol: 12.2%
Price: Under 20
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2020

Head Wine Head Red GSM 2012

Alex Head produces approximately 4000 cases with the Head Red wines taking up almost 50 percent of the production. Alex has worked all over the world and within Australia but he has based his business in Sydney but his fruit all comes from Barossa Valley. Most of the wineries that I have spoken to say that Sydney and Melbourne are the areas that are sucking up quality interesting wines so Alex basing his business in Sydney might be a great thing. The few wines I have tried from this producer have all been brilliant value and very good to great quality.

Head Wine Head Red GSM 2012

When I was a kid I used to get 3 bucks pocket per week and I could spend that on anything I wanted. I used to go into the deli on Fridays after I had finished playing Tennis and buy a Turkish delight and a 20 cent mixed bag of lollies. This wine takes like the mixed bag of lollies so all this emotional energy is flowing back. I feel joyous and nervous at the same time as a sip this wine. There are moments of full bodied coffee, spice and dried clay moments that join the show with not much oak showing anywhere in the wine. Love this now!

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $25
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2017

Heathvale Vineyard The Reward Shiraz 2010

Heathvale vineyard is located in the Eden Valley across the road from Sorby Adams. The estate was first planted in 1865 which makes this one of the oldest estates in the area. Well that would be if they continued to produce wine or the vines had stayed. What happened was a 90 year lay off before Trevor and Faye Marsh start replanting the vineyard with chardonnay at its core. Now the estate focuses on Shiraz, Riesling and Sagrantino.

Heathvale Vineyard The Reward Shiraz 2010

This is a pretty medium bodied wine with flavours of mixed roasted spices, cracked pepper and Christmas cherries. These flavour sit long time on my palate with the oak adding a sophisticated creamy aspect before a nice an easy end. The profile is more savoury but that is normal for the area. For a wine that is dry grown in the area, it doesn't have the palate weight but that is what is more appealing to the story the wine is trying to tell. I like it a lot and will get better with time in the bottle.

Alcohol: 14.6%
Price: $50
Rated: 87 +
Drink: Now - 2025

John Duval Entity 2011

To get the normal intensity from the Barossa wines in a year like 2011 they would have had to let the grape sit on the vines longer. This is a problem as disease was running rampant through the region. Can you get rid of disease in the winery? Not really but you can do somethings to reduce the effect such as being very diligent in the selection process and dosing the wine with a touch of sulphur after you have put the grapes trough the destemmer. Sulphur is king in the winery and wont effect the ferment if you only add a touch.

John Duval Entity 2011

The charry oak is center stage upon opening but that is ok at this stage. There are chocolate coated raspberries and spice coming through on a supple and slick palate. While the wine has similarities to last years beautiful wine, this years version is lighter in weight and length and still offers good value and good quality. I really like the mouth feel of the wine at this stage so I could see people getting their teeth into it.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $40
Rated: 87
Drink: Now - 2018

Mike Press Merlot 2010

Mike Press Merlot 2010

The Adelaide Hills is fast becoming the place for quality Merlot that has a structure, unlike the fruit bombs from other warmer climate, that will allow it to cellar for the medium term. After the bottom dropped out of Merlot as a result of the movie Sideways, the variety is experiencing a comeback. The variety has some similarity to it's Bordeaux friends but they come across in a juicy fleshier style with a slick light tannin mouth-feel.

The Mike Press Merlot starts with big oak but don't be scared as Mike is not afraid to use oak to lead the way. The oak has made the palate feel creamy and soft but the flavours of mulberries, black and redcurrants, chocolate pulling through on day 3. The wine needs another 2 years in the bottle to full resolve yet the quality of the wine is shining bright. Stupid value!

Alcohol: 14.8%
Price: $13
Rated: 86
Drink: 2014 - 2020

Hillcrest Vineyard Premium Chardonnay 2011

Chardonnay is a tricky variety to get right. The combination of vineyard, picking dates, fermentation type and vessel needs to be done right to produce a monumental wine but it is pretty easy to produce a good wine. Hillcrest have older vines that used to go into some of the best wines in the region. David and Tanya bought the vineyard from the Sweets and now produce wine in a hands off sort of fashion. The wines are all unfined and naturally filtered. The 2011 wines are full of vibrancy and acidity which makes them easy to like with plenty of chance to cellar them for a while.

Hillcrest Vineyard Premium Chardonnay 2011

A brave move to only produce a village and premium version from this variety but the quality is there. On the first 2 days the wine maker influences, such as the barrel fermentation character, is prominent but by day 3 flavours of grapefruit, pineapple jelly crystals, lemon rind and peach fuzz comes through. The acidity is intense on the back palate but it is in keeping with the whole feel of the journey. Great example of a high quality 2011 wine.

Alcohol: 12.6%
Price: $60
Rated: 93
Drink: 2015 -2024