SWTD December 2023
70% Grenache, 25% Syrah (Shiraz) and 5% Mourvedre. This wine is produced from a parcel-by-parcel selection of organically grown grapes. Cuvee Genus is a tribute to the winemaking Arnoux family tradition and roots. Grapes are grown on clay-limestone under rounded pebbles. Traditional vinification, on lees for 10 days and pressed to mature in oak tuns (250 gallon vessel) for six months. Deep garnet-red in colour, with a complex bouquet of spices, cloves and black fruit. Dense on the palate, with an elegant silkiness and a smooth, generous finish. This wine will surprise you with its typical character and the purity and finesse of is natural aromas.
"Can be aged for five to eight years."
"Between Vienne and Avignon, on the banks of the Rhone, lies the Cotes du Rhone. Within this appellation, which is subject to stricter rules governing production and yields, specific terroirs have been identified for their typical characteristics, and classified under the Cotes du Rhone appellation. Mainly from the Plan de Dieu terroir, the vines thrive under the sun and mistral wind, producing wines with a richness of colour, smell and flavour."
Recently, I went to a Loire Valley Wine Tasting, and it was there that I met the Importer of this wine. A small and most interesting Importer of French wines.
Web: www.ourfrenchdrop.com
www.arnoux-vins.com/accueil-en.php
Phone: +33 (0)490658418
32% Pinot Gris, 25% Viognier, 22% Gewurztraminer, 16% Savagnin and 5% Sauvignon Blanc. All varieties were allowed to ripen to an extent where they express the full array of ripe flavours. After the hand harvest, all grapes were gently pressed to extract juice for fermentation in 600L demi muid (French term for larger oak vessels) and 400L ceramic eggs (neutral and less porous than oak and probably adding some minerality. Egg shaped). Some intact bunches are added to the Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc egg ferments to infuse wild berry skin and green mango skin notes to the developing wines. Each variety remains in the same vessel for 10 months, with occasional stirring to suspend yeast lees, build texture and freshen the maturing wine. The wine was minimally fined and filtered. A blend of fresh aromatic whites, with notes of citrus blossom, dusky rose petal and pear skin set in a texturally rich palate that finishes savoury, chalky and mineral.
Early, "now and over the next three years."
A blend of the above 'varieties' is immediately intriguing. "Our take on a 'field blend' may not meet the traditional criteria. Yet, it is made from grape varieties of different flavours, textures, colours and acidity levels from a collection of fields / vineyards in the south of Margaret River to showcase regional and varietal typicity. We carefully blend Moonmilk white into a wine with great flavour, texture and drinkability." There is a sense of humour at Flowstone: "The 2022 vintage in Margaret River faced various challenges, including a severe bushfire, pandemic-related labour shortages and Chinese tariffs."
Available to Retail.
Phone: 0487 010 275
No Cellar Door.
Address: Flowstone, PO Box 570 Margaret River W.A., 6285.
Web: www.flowstonewines.com
100% Touriga. Fermentation was in a small 300L pot with plunging thrice daily. No temperature control post fermentation, the wine remained on skins for two and a half weeks and underwent Malo Lactic Fermentation. The wine was then pressed to one barrel. After Vintage, it struck me it tasted like Vintage Port!! I sent a sample off to be analysed, and it was 16.9% alcohol and 17g/l sugar, so halfway there!! I congratulated the yeast (and milf bacteria) and decided to be indulgent and make a fortified wine. I purchased some old brandy spirit, fortified the wine and added a little more grape sugar and matured it in barrel for two years. Please bear in mind this wine is unfiltered and does have some sediment. Please stand it upright for a few hours prior to pouring. Treat as a vintage fortified. If not finished by all, say with Christmas Pudd, then reseal the bottle and refrigerate, as it will oxidise. One barrel was made, with serendipity being the winemaker, and me the assistant. Deep red with purple hues, the nose shows: blueberry, plum, blackberry, bitter-sweet cocoa and a subtle hint of mint and violet. Hints of toffee and marmalade. Beautifully smooth and subtle, with purity of fruit, and concealed power. Yet velvety tannins, and a slate like nuance on the finish.
“Very youthful now and will develop for 25 years or so.”
“From our older vineyard planted in 2008. This portion of fruit came from the gravelly end of the block, where the vines struggle and crops are low. When we planted Touriga, it was all about the lovely dry red table wines from Portugal, and understanding the grapes and the wines more.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 0487 010 275
No Cellar Door.
Address: Flowstone, PO Box 570 Margaret River W.A., 6285.
Web: www.flowstonewines.com
Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot (two percent of the blend) were co-fermented. Cold soaked for two days, ferments were hand plunged two to three times a day for 13 days. Post fermentation, the wines were matured for 17 months in French oak (14% new). Malbec was blended in before being bottled unfined. Intense red and purple fruits cherry, blackcurrant. Medium bodied, fleshy and well rounded. The Cabernet provides structure, persistence and fine tannins. Malbec lends generosity and richness. Petit Verdot rounds out the palate with purple fruit and a floral lift. Framed by fine ripe tannins, discreet oak and balanced acidity.
“Drink to 2030.”
Higher Plane wines are part of the Juniper Estate production, though independent. “Our approach has evolved away from the more 'traditional' style, to one that is quite different – different at least from what we have done previously, and a bit more left of centre in terms of what is expected from 'Margs.' As these changes have taken place, we’ve noticed that the people drinking our wines have become a bit younger.”
Available to Retail.
Web: www.higherplanewines.com.au
Phone: 08 9755 9000
Open: Daily 10 to 5.
Address: 98 Tom Cullity Drive, Cowaramup W.A., 6284
The Cabernet fruit, from two vineyards was gently destemmed and crushed to a four tonne open stainless fermenter. Pumped over twice a day. Primary fermentation took place over 14 to 16 days, a cool and relaxed ferment aiming for gentle extraction and silky texture. Once the wines were fermented dry, and pressed to tank, free run juice and pressings were combined, then transferred to three and four year old French Puncheons (400 litres). After seven months, the wines were racked off lees and the two vineyard parcels were blended. The colour is deep, dark red with purple tint. On the nose, redcurrants, cassis, eucalyptus, pine and liquorice. The palate, black cherries, blackberry, chewy nougat, roasted coffee, red capsicum, lightly spiced oak. Excellent concentration with refreshing length and fine tannin. A cool and relaxed nature, but showing good ageing potential.
“Drink up until 2030.”
“Might as well say it straight up, 2021 was a sublime vintage in McLaren Vale, surely one of the best in a long time. It is just to cherish a vintage such as this, a reward for our farming. A wet start to Spring, the wettest since 2010, combined with warmer than average temperatures, improved conditions for vine growth and health, and pushed flowering through nicely. A mild start to Summer, with only a short heatwave in January, helped to keep vines hydrated and berries full. Veraison (green to black) was later than average, which contributed to a long ripening period. March and April were mild and dry, which slowed down harvest and allowed for full flavour development with excellent natural balance. It was a year for patience in picking and we had time and nice space in the winery.”
Available to Retail.
Web: www.hitherandyon.com.au
Phone: 08 8556 2082
Open: Daily 11.00 to 4.00.
Address: 17 High Street, Willunga S.A., 5172.
98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier. Cold soak pre-ferment, 12 day fermentation, barrel aged in a combination of Older French Hogsheads and stainless steel. The colour of the wine is deep, dark purple/red with a crimson hue. The nose reveals lovely cooler climate Shiraz. Enticing aromas of pepper, warm spices, bacon bone amid floral tones and dark berries. Delicious, medium bodied palate, fine lacy tannin and pure dark berry fruits, with savoury undertones. Lovely presence in the front and mid palate, powering off towards the back leaving you searching for a little more, then finishes fresh and clean. A stunning example of Hilltops Shiraz, that clearly demonstrates this remarkable site's pedigree for ultra premium Shiraz.
“10+ years.”
Last November (2022) there was the 2021 Moppity Hilltops Shiraz. Presumably this, the Lock and Key Hilltops Shiraz 2022 is produced from the same vineyard. Looking at the Young and Rashleigh Portfolio the current Moppity Estate Shiraz is a Tumbarumba wine. A touch confusing, but the prodigious Jason Brown has made a wine here, that has done very well in wine shows and is great value for money.
Available to Retail.
Sydney Distributor: Young and Rashleigh
Phone: 02 9967 5900
Web: www.moppity.com.au
Phone: 02 6382 6222
No Cellar Door
Certified Organic; 60% Chenin Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Grolleau were cool fermented in stainless steel, followed typically by 18-24 months on lees in bottle, before disgorgement with a Brut dosage. Rich and generous nose reminiscent of ripe fruit. The olfactory array plays on notes of almond and brioche. On the palate, the attack is smooth, fresh and full of minerality. It results in a fine balance between the structure that Chenin brings, and the complexity achieved through its blend with Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. The aromas of red fruits (forest fruits) elegantly combine with the fresh mineral attack with the well rounded vinous finish of exotic fruits (pineapple). An extraordinary wine suited to both celebratory occasions and gourmet dining.
There's only the recommendation, that you drink it as soon as you get your hands on it.
Another real bonus of the recent Loire Valley Tasting was reconnecting with David of Vintage and Vine after a couple of decades. A thoroughly informed wine man. This Brut is just one of many he enthusiastically poured, and any could have been included. Again, that word, 'finesse' won me, and I will include subtlety in its attraction. The Louis Brut.
Available to Retail.
Sydney Distributor: Vintage and Vine
Web: www.vintageandvine.com
By appointment:
Winter: Mon-Sat 11:00, 16:00The grapes were picked in the cool of early morning, and were destemmed and crushed to a static fermenter. The fruit was cold soaked for three days with light pump overs keeping the cap fresh. A slow fermentation on skins took place over 18 days with a peak at 28°C and continued twice daily pump overs. Once pressed off skins, and with Malo Lactic fermentation completed in concrete vats, a portion was sent to barrel and and the remainder kept on lees with no sulphur for maturation in concrete vats for several months. This allowed the wine to remain fresh, and stabilise colour while providing texture and mouth feel. Aromas of cherry, raspberries, red plum and sweet herbs are supported with lifted oak spice notes. Flavours of red plums, cherry and fig define the palate along with integrated varietal fine-grained tannins. A medium to full bodied wine that is complex and textural, with bright acid and a balanced finish.
Three to five years.
"The growing season was a dry and warm year, resulting in disease free conditions that allowed for balanced fruit and tannin ripeness at full maturity. The fruit quantity was small but was exceptional, producing varietal and intense flavours in this Sangiovese with seamless acid and tannins."
Available to Retail.
Phone: +61 417 384 272
No Cellar Door
Web: www.santandsas.com.au
Fruit was hand picked and gently pressed with free run juice sent to stainless steel for fermentation. The resultant wine is light pale straw in colour. Typical Great Southern Riesling aromas of zesty citrus characters are backed by floral notes. The floral bouquet is vibrant, fresh and lifted. The wine has a tightly wound palate structure which provides length, persistence and a crisp refreshing mouth feel.
“The wine's acidity and structure will allow it to develop over many years, typically up to 10.”
Also in their Notes.“3 Drops Riesling is known for its vibrant and aromatic profile. The front of the palate is generous with lime and grapefruit characters, backed by subtle mineral and herbal notes. The combination of fruit flavours, acidity and mineral nuances, harmoniously come together to create a wine that is both vibrant and refined.” When I was ordering the 3 Drops Chardonnay in August, Jo from Bacchus said she had just tried their new Riesling, and on she went, as though she was bewitched by it. She is often 'boots and all,' about new releases. It's a very young wine but I agree with Jo, it's full of good future.
Available to Retail.
Phone: 0417 172 603
Open: No Cellar Door
Address: PO Box 1828, Applecross, Western Australia, 6953
Web: www.3drops.com
"Weather conditions leading up to the harvest were typical of a classic Hawke's Bay Summer – long, hot sunny days with moderate cool nights. As Autumn arrived the season became cooler yet remained dry, providing ideal ripening conditions while preserving natural acidity. Grapes were sourced from seven vineyards in five distinctly different sub-regions in Hawke's Bay. Each vineyard was harvested separately with the fruit gently pressed without crushing or destemming. Fermentations were carried out in a combination of stainless steel and French oak Puncheons using either cultured or indigenous yeast. The former preserving fruit flavour, the latter imparting complexity and texture. Malolactic fermentation and ageing on yeast lees for six months further enhanced complexity and mouth feel. Typically, fresh aromatics of quality Hawke's Bay Chardonnay are evident on the nose including citrus, grapefruit and stone fruit. These are complemented on the palate by a creamy richness, hints of roasted nuts and gun flint, and a mouthwatering finish. A delicious Chardonnay of richness and finesse."
"Drink 2021 to 2025."
Always looking for an interesting Chardonnay and there are a couple here. This and the Gimblett Gravel Chardonnay which will need shaping into the next Dozen are 'interesting.'
Available to Retail.
Sydney Distributor: Young and Rashleigh
Phone: 02 9967 5900.
Web: www.trinityhill.com
Phone:+64 (0)21 737 058
Open: Wed-Sun 11 to 5 Bookings advisable
Address: 2396 State Hwy 50 (Roy's Hill Rd) RD5, Hastings, New Zealand
4175
61% Savagnin, 33% Grenache Blanc and 6% Albarino. The Girl Talk allures you with its pale yellow / green colour. A never ending bouquet of floral, minerality, citrus and stone fruit. The lifted blossom and nectarine tones are complemented by chalky, saline and savoury sub-tones. The most subtle sur-lie ageing character gives it extra depth. On the palate Girl Talk is precise and fresh, with mouth-watering acidity and a lemon / lime attack. This develops into a lingering finish of fine texture and herbaceous tones. So lively and bright, this is the perfect wine for summer, to share with friends and keep the conversation going.
Nothing in the Notes. Aromatically, early drinking.
"All parcels were immediately pressed to tank and settled for 48 hours before racking and inoculation. Fermentation for all components was slow and cold, aimed at aromatics retention. Grenache Blanc, picked later and riper brings richness and tropicality to the blend."
Available to Retail.
Web: tscharke.au
Phone: 08 8562 4922
Open: Mon to Thu. 10 to 5, Fri 10 to 7, Sat. 10 to 7.
Address: 376 Seppeltsfield Road, Marananga, S.A., 5355.
The Pinot Noir fruit was picked when it was showing perfect ripeness and balanced fruit flavours. The parcels were cold macerated at 6°-8°C for five days before being warmed and inoculated with selected yeast. A fast, hot fermentation proceeded with regular hand plunging to craft a wine with elegance and structure. Post primary fermentation proceeded the parcels were gently pressed off, settled for 24 hours then racked off heavy lees and aged in a mixture of French oak barriques. The wine remained in oak for eight months whilst it went through natural malolactic fermentation. Notes of dark cherry, violets and spice dominate the nose. The palate is full and structured, yet elegant with flavours of luscious dark cherry with a fine mineral acidity.
"Enjoy now, or cellar for two 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 coastlines. 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. The growing season started out warm and dry, giving even flowering and ultimately balanced vines with the right amount of crop to get them through the harvest. Warm weather continued, and with periodic rains the vines were kept hydrated throughout the growing season."
Available to Retail.
Web: www.yealands.co.nz
Phone: 03 575 7618
Cellar Door: Daily except Tuesday from 10.30am
Address: 534 Seaview Road, Seddon, 7240.
All prices on this web site are in $AUD
Liquor Licence LIQP24009748
Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
Under the Liquor Act 2007, It is an offence to sell or supply to or to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years.
You will be required to provide proof of age before any goods are shipped.
