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
Tag: South Australia
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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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
This was a wonderful tasting of a selection of Wynns Black Label and John Riddoch Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon wines from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, with some quite interesting conclusions. Those conclusions were that the Black Label, for most vintages, served blind and side-by-side with the John Riddoch, provided the more compelling current…Continue readingAn extraordinary Wynns Coonawarra cabernet tasting
This is a well presented, dry rosé from Yalumba in South Australia. Its aroma reminds of florals and twigs. The palate is dry, crisp and pleasant, and its alcohol low at 11.5%. Ready to drink now, this rosé suits summer drinking and is sound value at $15. Rating: Acceptable to Good. Abv: 11.5%. Price: $15.…Continue readingYalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rosé 2018
A slightly garish label, this wine is another from the BWS/Woolworths stable. It opens to ripe and fruity aromas of cherry and jam. The palate is full bodied, has seen some wood and presents as fruity and flavoursome, suitable for current drinking. Rating: Good. Abv: 14.0%. Price: $18. Source: Sample.Continue readingHogs in the Woods Fleurieu Peninsula Tempranillo 2016
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Yalumba Y Series Whites 2017
I recently tasted through Yalumba’s new 2017 vintage of “Y Series” whites. All the wines are $15 and all five wines from different single varieties. As a group, these wines evidence the new modern Australian style – lower alcohol, more medium than full bodied and no discernible oak influence. The sauvignon blanc for example weighs…Continue readingYalumba Y Series Whites 2017
A multi-regional blend of cabernet sauvignon sourced from Coonawarra and the Clare Valley. This wine (also tasted in the tropics where it may have been given a light cooking) tasted a little jumpy. Blackcurrant, ribena and blueberry characters feature. The palate is towards full bodied and is sweet fruited in impression. Pleasant enough. Rating:…Continue readingJim Barry Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
This is an interesting montepulciano from Alex Russell Wines’ smartly labelled “Alejandro range”. You don’t see too much montepulciano in Australia, and you will see even less on the label due to my photographical skills, unless you are inclined to look particularly closely. The vine is most widely planted in Abruzzo in Italy, where it…Continue readingAlex Russell Wines Alejandro Montepulciano 2014
Checking Penfolds’ website for winemaking notes, there’s a more than passing resemblance to the websites of the Bordeaux chateaux although thankfully no music. It proves a good source of notes on back vintage wines. The Bordelaise resemblance I suspect is not entirely a coincidence in terms of the marketing strategy. The 2007 Bin 407 is…Continue readingPenfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Below are first impressions of some of Penfolds’ new release wines. Penfolds Bin 28 Kalmina Shiraz 2012Cedar, black fruits, plum and vanilla. Mid weight, acid poked out a little (but a morning tasting), medium length. Somewhere around the “good” mark on my scale. I unexpectedly tasted the 2012, rather than the current release 2013. Abv:…Continue readingSome new releases: Penfolds Bin 389 2013, Penfolds St Henri 2012, Penfolds Bin 28 2012
Jim Barry’s Cover Drive cabernet sauvignon is a reliable wine. Only the GI of “South Australia” is claimed on the label. The 2007 vintage, tasted here with 8 years of age on it, has aromatics of sweet plums, licorice and vanilla. The palate is mid length, with a sweet fruit and leafy expression, and some…Continue readingJim Barry Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2007