February seems both long ago, yet only recent, with both the rhythm of seasons and life partly frozen and confused by lockdowns. This tasting took place in Napa in February 2020. Writing in September 2020, in Melbourne, we remain in lockdown. In our city, this means being permitted only to travel up to 5 kilometres…Continue readingBordeaux 2015 tasting in Napa
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SC Guillard Bourgogne Rouge 2018
This is more or less what I am searching for, but irregularly find, in a Bourgogne rouge. It opens to brooding aromas of blackcurrant, with a cedar backdrop. The palate is medium bodied with game notes, medium tannins and lingering length on the finish. This rather delicious Burgundy overachieves for its quality classification and is…Continue readingSC Guillard Bourgogne Rouge 2018
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Robert Stein Rosé 2018
This is a sound rosé from Robert Stein made in the current style. It is pale in colour, with a mineral and strawberry aroma. The palate is dry, has fresh acidity and a medium body. The styling is French. Ready to drink now. Rating: Good. Website: https://www.robertstein.com.au; wine-searcher.com. Source: Sample. Reviewed: September 2020.Continue readingRobert Stein Rosé 2018
In just one small sticker, the key components of this sparkling wine are communicated incredibly effectively. Here it is: Transparency in labelling benefits both wine producers and consumers. Although the words chosen are the French ones, we swifly learn: Cepages (grape varieties): 82% pinot noir and 18% chardonnay Vintages: 81% from 2017 and 19% reserve…Continue readingDaoso Natural Reserve Sparkling Piccadilly Valley NV
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Angullong Pinot Grigio 2019
This is a good pinot grigio from Angullong in the Orange region. It is a suitable substitute for Veneto pinot grigio, but positioned in qualitative terms above the ubiqutious entry level offerings from that region. The wine opens to saline and light floral aromas. The palate is unoaked and a fine pin point like high…Continue readingAngullong Pinot Grigio 2019
This McLaren Vale wine is made with the traditional Rioja blending partners of tempranillo and garnacha (grenache). It is a ripe and juicy wine in the style of a Rioja Joven. In the glass, there are blueberry and sweet cherry aromas. The palate is full bodied with a blueberry and fruity, gluggable character. Suitable for…Continue readingFat ‘n Skinny The Red Fury Tempranillo Garnacha 2018
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Château Capbern Saint-Estèphe 2015
We see so few Bordeaux wines in Australia that are from the left bank appellations of Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Margaux and Saint-Julien and are not a cru classé. This is a mistake, as with the improvements and price increases in Bordeaux, there is wonderful value in these villages at below cru classé level. This wine, from…Continue readingChâteau Capbern Saint-Estèphe 2015
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Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard 2016
I rather sensed that this producer and vineyard were headed towards producing a fine wine. This wine has seen considerable attention to detail and is outstanding. A blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon, 16% shiraz and 16% cabernet franc, it is from the Crayères vineyard in the Wrattonbully region on the South Australian/Victorian border. In terms…Continue readingTerre à Terre Crayères Vineyard 2016
Having tasted their shiraz, GSM and now their cabernet sauvignon, the house style at Chateau Yaldara is focused on wines that celebrate ripe fruit supported by new oak (but not overwhelmingly so). This Barossa Valley cabernet sauvignon is another high quality wine. It has aromas of iron and cedar. The palate is full bodied with…Continue readingChateau Yaldara Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
This is a first class expression of a GSM blend from Chateau Yaldara and the Barossa Valley. It has aromas of strawberry, chocolate, pepper and new barrels. The palate is full bodied and rich with medium tannins and long length on the finish. Approachable now and drink over the next decade. Rating: Very Good to…Continue readingChateau Yaldara Reserve Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2016
This is a very good Central Otago pinot noir from Valli’s Gibbstone vineyard and the 2017 vintage. It has restrained blackcurrant, dark cherry and undergrowth aromas, with Burgundian echoes. The palate has medium tannins, high acid, medium length and a full body, and a dried herb character. Ready to drink now. Rating: Good to Very…Continue readingValli Gibston Vineyard Pinot Noir Central Otago 2017
From Delas, this is a sound Côtes du Rhône rouge from the 2017 vintage. It has aromas of berry and spices. The palate is medium bodied with moderate acidity and chalky tannins. Ready to drink now. Rating: Good. Website: http://www.delas.com/en/; wine-searcher.com. Reviewed: June 2020.Continue readingDelas Saint-Esprit Côtes du Rhône 2017