Wine review and journal (c) 2009
Grosset's Polish Hill is probably the Clare Valley's benchmark riesling for the reason that it is more complex than most. The 2019 vintage opens with aromas of smoke, minerals and some lactic character. Clare Valley lemon and lime are in the background. The palate has pin point high acidity and does not have obvious seams.... Continue Reading →
This is an older St Hugo grenache, shiraz and mataro (mourvèdre) (aka GSM) from the Barossa and the 2014 vintage. My modest hopes were rewarded with a wine of interest. The wine opens to correct and varietal aromas of cherry, chocolate and char. The palate is full bodied, the alcohol high and its expression of... Continue Reading →
This wine is a straight mataro from Greenock Creek in the Barossa Valley. Mataro is a synonym for mourvèdre, the latter being in more general worldwide usage. The alcohol is listed in the low 14s and is a pleasing respite from the very high alcohol shiraz wines of this producer. In the glass, the wine... Continue Reading →
Terre à Terre Cabernet Franc Shiraz This wine is from Terre à Terre, a very good producer in Wrattonbully near Coonawarra in South Australia. It's an unorthodox blend of cabernet franc (63%) and shiraz (37%). In the glass, there are brooding aromas of dark fruits and cedar, and lifted herbal characters with time. The palate... Continue Reading →
From the Adelaide Hills, this is an interesting fiano from Unico-Zelo. It has correct fiano varietal character. It shows potential with its minerally bearing and high acidity putting it in the same orbit as its Italian fiano cousins, a feat that is not to be assumed on Australian soil. The wine opens to aromas of... Continue Reading →
Wendouree is the leading red wine producer in Australia’s Clare Valley. Wendouree continues their mystique with a feted mailing list and absence of a website or marketing. I suspect they could sell their entire vintage this way, year in year out. Wendouree’s wines also find their way on to local restaurant lists and some retailers.... Continue Reading →
This wine is a soundly made pinot grigio rosé from Salena Estate and Riverland fruit in South Australia. It is the ubiquitous salmon rosé in colour and has aromas of florals, a medium body, 12.0 alcohol and a dry finish. Suitable for current drinking. Rating: Acceptable. Website: Producer; Vivino; Wine Searcher. Source: Sample. Reviewed: September... Continue Reading →
This wine review is of Salena’s “Twisted Sticks” organic shiraz from South Australia and the 2019 vintage. It is a dry, full bodied wine that is oaked (details not provided, but a small portion seems likely). It is even in its expression, reminding of red fruits, sultana cake and warm cooking spices. This balanced wine... Continue Reading →
This wine review is of a text book riesling from Pewsey Vale, the Eden Valley and the 2020 vintage. A pale lemon colour in the glass, it has aromas of stones, florals and lemon/lime citrus. The palate is dry, with moderate alcohol, ripe fruit and is freshened by high linear acidity. This style of riesling... Continue Reading →
This wine is from Punters Corner in Coonawarra and is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and shiraz from the 2002 vintage. It was purchased in South Australia at release, when travel outside of Victoria was a thing. The wine opens to tertiary aromas of cedar, smoke and earth. The palate is full bodied and... Continue Reading →