100% Chardonnay from grapes sourced from Central and Southern France. Vines are harvested pretty early in the season to retain the freshness and the characteristics that fit the style. Grapes are pressed and cold settled for 24 hours. Fermentation takes place in controlled, low temperature conditions to retain freshness. There is no malolactic fermentation. The wine is then racked an and matured on fine lees, before blended and filtered prior to second fermentation. The second fermentation is generated by the addition of yeast and sugar inside the bottle. The wine is then aged on their lees for one year before disgorgement in our temperature controlled cellars. Light bodied and crisp, with subtle exotic fruits, candied lemon zest and pineapple notes. A hint of pastry adds some richness contrast on the finish.
Released to be enjoyed now. Not designed to be cellared.
I had my eye on this wine for some time. At first glance I thought it was a Burgundian Bubbly but upon reading about it, I realised it was a multi regional wine made in Burgundy. Made at the historical Maison Veuve Ambal which was founded in 1898 by Veuve Marie Ambal. In the sequence to include it here I asked Sandra at Winestock what she thought of the wine, to which she replied 'a brilliant aperitif.' That was enough and the magic of Chardonnay is once again to be appreciated here. Indeed with intimate links to Burgundy, this is wonderful value for money.
Available to retail.
For information on stockists contact Rootstock Wine Wholesalers
Phone: 02 9331 3671
Web: www.winestock.com.au
The Canberra District is known for producing elegant, cool climate Shiraz, and it is a grape that the family has found grows well each year. With vine rows that run north – south the fruit catches the morning and afternoon sun but are protected by the canopy from the hot, mid – day rays. The wine, typical of the Canberra Region, with bright red fruits and a cherry perfume, followed by notes of pepper and clove.
The wine has the structure to age and develop in the middle term of eight to ten years.
I've thought for some time now, that the Four Winds Shiraz would represent it's variety very well at some stage. Along with the other major single red variety (Cabernet Sauvignon), any mixed Dozen produced locally must include a Shiraz. At least that's what I reckon. In the Young and Rashleigh Portfolio, Four Winds is described as a “micro – winery in Murrumbateman in the Canberra District. With a winemaking philosophy of minimal intervention, almost everything in the vineyard is done by hand; from shoot - thinning and leaf plucking to pruning and picking.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 0432 060 903
Open: Weekends 10.00 to 5.00.
Address: 9 Patemans Lane,Murrumbateman, NSW, 2582.
Web: www.fourwindsvineyard.com.au
100% Monastrell from Bodegas Juan Gil, D.O.P., Jumilla, Spain. The vines are planted on chalky soils without irrigation and produce very low yields. The annual rainfall is below 300mm. Wines are produced under organic regulations, there is no room for chemical products or synthetic pesticides in our daily work. The wine exhibits great aromatic complexity, richness and length.
“This mouth filling Monastrell over – delivers in a big way. Drink it over the next four years.”
Like the white wines, once there is structure or inclusion of the traditional reds in the mix, those of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and nowadays, Pinot Noir, it's time for adventure. And this brought the gaze to this Monastrell. Of Spanish origin and according to the Oxford Companion to Wine, is the second most important black variety in Spain after Grenache (Ganarcha). I don't know where that puts Tempranillo. Perhaps history has since rearranged the importance, but Monastrell or Mourvedre or Mataro as it is also known is a significant variety. All very interesting, and with the good write up received in the Vinsight Portfolio by a respected source, James Suckling, it's in.
Available to Retail.
Distributor Sydney: Vinsight 1300 048 114
Web: gilfamily.es (Spanish)
The fruit was picked at optimum ripeness in the cool of the night. Of the free run juice, a portion was fermented with wild yeast in both new and aged French puncheons, plus a portion was fermented in stainless steel (40%) to maintain a lively freshness and added complexity. The wine was matured for nine months with regular stirring, before final blending and bottling. The resultant wine is a well – balanced, elegant modern Chardonnay. Pale gold straw in colour. The wine displays lifted aromas of stone fruit, quince and apple blossom with subtle almond notes. Fresh white nectarine and ripe grapefruit carry onto the palate with bright fruit intensity and light oak structure. Delicate hints of hazelnut are delivered by the nine months maturation in puncheons and barriques.
“Up to eight years.”
With the inclusion of the Krinklewood Semillon in August (2019), I noticed the Chardonnay and realised it hadn't showcased itself here for some time, ten years in fact. It's elegance surprised me, and then I read the Notes: 'an elegant modern Chardonnay.' Probably, too easy to drink and totally different from those heavily wooded 1980s Hunter Chardonnays. A pleasure compared to a sometimes task.
Available to Retail.
Phone: 02 9986 1644
Fax: 02 9986 2154
Open: Weekends 10 to 6.
Address: 712 Wollombi Road, Broke Fordwich, NSW, 2330.
Web: www.krinklewood.com
The fruit was hand picked early to maintain high natural acidity with a low alcohol. Once in the winery it was made using classical Hunter Valley Semillon techniques where the juice was highly clarified and fermented at cool temperatures using a neutral cultured yeast to preserve delicate fruit flavours and aromas. It is bottled early to lock away freshness. Lemon grass and lime peel dominate the aromatics, the palate is light and full of fresh citrus. A vibrant acidity gives this wine line and length, a key characteristic we look for when classifying our white label Semillon.
“20+ years.”
“These old vines were planted in the 1970s and produce low yielding and concentrated fruit. The vineyard is planted on red volcanic clay and faces east resulting in less sun exposure allowing for slower and more even ripening. Small bunches and intensely flavoured fruit with bright aromatics was a characteristic of the 2019 vintage, resulting in beautifully ripe and healthy fruit.” And finally: “Hunter Valley Semillon is lean and racy in its youth but develops texture and complexity with age. It also will reflect the origins of where it is grown. This is one planted on dolerite soils of the Fordwich Sill which leaves its footprint by way of a richer and softer wine with more palate weight in it's youth, as opposed to Semillon grown on grey or alluvial soils.”
Available to Retail.
Phone 02 6579 1317
Open: Daily 10.00 to 5.00.
Address: 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke, NSW, 2330.
Web: www.margan.com.au
Majella Cabernet Sauvignon is fermented in both static and rotary stainless steel fermenters with fermentation being completed in 330 litre barrels and the wine was then aged for a further 18 months in new and second use French oak hogsheads. All parcels are kept separate to assess batch quality prior to blending and bottling off site. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is dark magenta in colour, with a deep ruby red hue. Mint, eucalypt, dark fruit with savoury, toasty aromas are paired with a fresh, structured palate of mint and cassis supported by classic mulberry and plum characters. Fine tannins and a good length.”
“Conservatively 12 – 15 years.”
“A cool growing season and above average winter rains leading to the 2017 vintage, saw the region return to what could be best described as a more traditional Coonawarra vintage. Bud burst was 'late' by about three weeks. Then a mild summer followed, with a welcome spell of hot days in late January. These factors saw harvest commence towards the end of March and continue through to early May. Coonawarra hasn't had a vintage which commenced this late since the outstanding 2004. The start of vintage saw red varietals, albeit at lower sugar levels than recent vintages showing excellent colour and concentrated fruit flavours. Reports of good quality wines in tanks around the area were common.” And it's Coonawarra . Carafe please!
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 8736 3055
Open: Daily 10 to 4.30
Address: Lynn Road, Coonawarra, S.A., 5263.
Web: www.majellawines.com.au
100% Barbera. Harvested at the height of ripening, soft grape crushing and maceration for 10 – 12 days. 'Refinement' was in steel vats for a period of nine months, during which time many different decantations are done. A further refinement in bottle before selling. Colour is intense ruby red, and a bouquet intense and charming. A wide range of aromas including cherry, plum and other red berries. Complex, of good structure, harmonious and prolonged.
No recommendation available in the Notes, according to other reading, 'best drunk young.' Two to three years after release.
Jacki Osborne, with a massive range over three Portfolios, simply said of this wine: 'fabulous.' And from the relevant Portfolio, in part: “the story of a grand passion for Barbera. We are located in Mombaruzzo, in Italy's renowned Piedmont region, in Barbera d'Asti territory. Our roots plunge deep below the vines, between the rows, running through that area between the Tanaro and Belbo Rivers in what we call – with profound affection – 'the golden triangle.' The property is located on the hillsides in the province of Asti at 180m above sea level. The hills are of mixed soil with much clay and limestone, which are perfectly suited to the growing of high quality Barbera grapes.” Sounds like a destination at some point.
Available to Retail.
Distributor (Sydney): Young and Rashleigh.
Phone: 02 9967 5900.
The 2020 Riesling comes from three unique blocks on the Sevenhill property. The grape must was chilled prior to pressing and then only the free run juice was used. After cold settling, the juice was blended and fermented as one batch using a neutral yeast. Cool fermentation temperatures, followed by attention to detail prior to bottling have helped maintain vibrancy and fruit purity. The aroma is lifted and pure with an abundance of lime, citrus and orange blossom. An underlying minerality continues on the palate with delicate fruit and balanced acidity. This wine is fresh and dry, with an intense nectarine finish.
No recommendation available in the Notes
“Sevenhill's vineyards are on gentle slopes that rise to 500m above sea level. During ripening, the middle of the day can be hot. In the evenings the temperature falls dramatically and remains cool until mid morning of the next day. Riesling loves these conditions. Our Riesling is planted on a variety of soil types: silty stone / slate and richer, red loam. The silty stone and slate soils are older and less fertile, producing leaner characters; the wines show minerality and a more savoury edge. The richer, red soils have high nutrients, so the vines don't have to battle quite so hard.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 8843 5900
Open: Mon. to Fri. 9 to 5 & Weekends 10 to 5.
Address: 111 College Road, Sevenhill, S.A., 5453.
Web: www.sevenhill.com.au
The fruit is sourced from the Upper Yarra Valley. Hand picked. Whole berry destemmed into open pot fermenters, 30% whole bunch. Fermented on skins for 12 days and then basket pressed into old French barrels. Racked twice. Bottled after nine months in barrel, unfined. Light to medium bodied with a crimson hue. Satsuma, cherry maraschino and some spice. Soft silky, ripe mid palate sweetness, the aromas and flavours are at one. A delicious wine, clean and tasty, quite feminine and will take a chill easily.
“Essentially an early 'drinker,' but will develop in the short term up to a few years.”
It has been a couple of years since we've had a Zuccaro wine in the Dozens, and they continue to explore the possibilities with Pinot Noir. Nicholas Gibson had this wine alongside the Slow Wine Company Pinots, and it is quite different. It's brilliant colour, an obvious early impression, was influential, and underwrites the 'feminine' style as per the Notes. And, the 'recommendation' it will 'take a chill,' makes it an early glass choice on a summer's day. Chardonnay, as mentioned gives us all sorts of variation, so too, as seen here does it's sparkling blending partner .
Available to Retail.
Phone: 0408 991 741
Open: Saturday & Sunday 10.00 to 4.00
Address: 20 Ferndale Road, Silvan, Victoria, 3795.
Web: www.sixacreswines.com.au
Our philosophies of small lot selection and hand management in vineyard and winery; use of native yeasts and enzymes; and slow maturation and natural cold stabilization in the second winter combine to extract every last bit of goodness that our ancient soils can provide. It takes time but the results are wines that have taste and texture, with a certain character that is not a style but an annual reflection of mother nature encouraged by gentle and patient hands.
No recommendation available in the Notes.
“Garnet brick red. Mushroom and strawberry camphor aromas. Lovely weight and balance, showing sappy strawberry flavour profile. The wine finishes nice and long with good persistent acid.” (Notes put together by Nicholas Gibson and Tony Williams).
Recently, at a Tasting with Nicholas, there was a group of wines he was excited about. A range of wines and amongst them were three Pinot Noir wines. He's right, it's a good story, and I thought the 2015 would be a good place to start.
Available to Retail.
Distribution Sydney
Open: Booking requested
Phone: 0412 667 455
Address: 24 Victoria St, Millthorpe NSW 2798, Australia
50% Grenache, 35% Shiraz and 15% Mourvedre. Each variety was hand harvested then crushed and destemmed into one tonne open fermenters and naturally fermented. During fermentation each batch was plunged as required, extracting sufficient tannin for structure and to keep balance with the medium bodied fruit characters. Each of the parcels was left on skins post fermentation for one to two weeks before pressing. The wines were aged separately in barrel. Shiraz was matured in100% new French oak. The Grenache and Mourvedre were matured in older French oak, all for 18 months. Blended just before bottling with coarse filtration. No fining and minimal sulphur. The wine is vibrant with spice notes, ripe plum and Morello cherry. The palate is rich yet elegant. Juicy ripe fruit with savoury spice and fruitcake. It has a dense mid palate with fine textured tannins.
Drink now or cellar up to 10 years.”
“We are a family run winery making hand crafted wines from our Estate grown grapes. Our Philosophy is simple; be the observer and let the vineyard and the wines tell you what they need. With sustainability in mind we run our property organically and our vineyard biodynamically.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 02 6344 7153
Open: Weekends
Address: 82 Lawrence Road,Nyrang Creek, Canowindra, NSW, 2804.
Web: www.wallingtonwines.com.au
The low cropping vines were harvested in excellent condition. The fruit was destemmed and pressed, where the free run juice was separated from the pressings into stainless steel tanks. The juice was then left on cold and settled for 72 hours, after which the clear juice was racked carefully into a concrete egg shaped vessel and stainless steel tanks, where it was warmed and inoculated with selected yeast for fermentation. The portion fermented in concrete egg and the extended time on lees created a complex mineral texture. Post fermentation the wines was blended, stabilised and filtered prior to bottling. The nose shows lifted notes of white pepper, stone fruit and honey. The palate is rich and multi – layered with notes of pepper and spice, which integrates well with fine mineral acidity.
“Enjoy now, or cellar for three to four years.”
“Our Seaview Vineyard in the Awatere Valley is one of New Zealand's most coastal vineyards. Breath taking vistas of rolling hills and wild coastline define our wines. The strong offshore winds encourage the grapes to grow small with thickened skins and wonderfully concentrated characteristics. Yealands Estate Single Vineyard wines are the truest expression of our coastal location, showcasing our unique environment and diversity of flavours across this singularly incredible vineyard.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 03 575 7618
Cellar Door: Daily except Tuesday from 10.30am
Address: 534 Seaview Road, Seddon, 7240.
Web: www.yealands.co.nz