SWTD February 2024
100% Tempranillo off 30 year old bush vines at 600 – 800m. Cold maceration prior to fermentation then aged for six months in one and two year old French oak barrels. Colour is clear, deep ruby purple and to the nose, clean and distinguished aromas of black cherries and blueberry jam. These berry and jam flavours attack the palate with juiciness getting smoothed out with light vanilla and delicate milk chocolate and roasted Java bean. On the palate, the wine is dry, full-bodied with firm but ripe velvety tannins and a long finish.
Medium term five to eight years.
The model being worked was to include a Hawke's Bay Shiraz and the wine chosen was either floating from port to port or had an airline ticket. Unfortunately, for the second time: 'the shipment was on the way.' So I turned to Jacki, I thought the best chance, to come up with a Shiraz. There were several 'back up' options, in mind and in theory, but throw in a time squeeze, many a brick wall was hit until a Spanish Tempranillo, the Capa, was suggested by Jacki. What a good idea, let’s have a look. And that's the short history of its inclusion. With the expected arrivals which may well have eventuated, the next Dozen is off to a start! Also from the Notes: “This is our special selection of Tempranillo grapes harvested from vineyards that have provided us excellent harvests with outstanding quality. The wine is full bodied with intense aromas of wild berry fruits and brings to the palate, thoughts of exotic spices, dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans.”
Available to Retail.
Sydney Distributor: Young and Rashleigh
Phone: 02 9967 5900.
Wine style: Mineral, fruity with complexity and richness. At the break of dawn, The grapes were carefully harvested, and their journey unfolds with a gentle cold pressing. We then steer them into a harmonious convergence of stainless steel tanks, concrete eggs and acacia barrels. To unveil the wines captivating complexity and velvety texture, a meticulous process of lees stirring comes into place. Embracing the artistry of concrete eggs, their ingenious shape keeps the wine in perpetual motion, adding an exquisite touch and complexity. The wine exhibits a straw yellow colour with blushed shades and a medium body. The nose reveals a honey suckle and granny smith skin, complemented by complex notes of almonds and hazelnuts. The palate delights in a pear pulp and green apple, culminating with a creamy pastry finish, a result of the sur lie and battonage techniques employed during winemaking.
“Made in a drink now style.”
“The inspiration of our En Soleil Pinot Gris is the fruit grown by the Koch family in Wrattonbully; and the winemaking, which is all about preserving the exceptional fruit quality of this biodynamic single vineyard.” Add to this and the fact that Robert of Vinsight provided a sample (a practice in which he is very thoughtful as well as generous, and most appreciated), the perfect Summer timing.
Phone: 08 8768 5053
Open: Daily 10 to 5.
Address: 459 Limestone Road, Mount Benson via Robe, S.A., 5276.
Web: www.capejaffawines.com.au
Our Fiano is usually harvested at 12.8°baumé when flavours are optimum. Pressed quickly off skins with 30% going to older 300L French oak to undergo a 'wild' fermentation to provide texture and layered flavours. Wild peach, honeydew melon and some tropical aromas. Gentle yet persistent flavours that reflect the nose with overtones of almond skin and Josephine pear. The portion of barrel fermentation gives the wine a light creaminess and richness which coupled with the slightly riper spectrum makes it a positive style difference to our other white varietals.
“An early style to be drunk merrily in the first three years.”
“Our 2023 Vintage commenced with abundant rainfall and a cool Spring, then early Summer provided warm and dry conditions leading to mild weather during a slower ripening period providing excellent conditions resulting in fruit with flavour concentration and acidity. Our strength is in the suitability of these varieties (Italian) to the unique aspect and ancient soils of our vineyard. Producing lively, yet elegant food friendly wines. The North to North / West aspect, well ventilated slope, careful management of vine canopy and fruit thinning all culminate to ensure even ripening and fruit intensity.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 0418 161 132
Open: Daily 11 to 4.
Address: 577 Burrundulla Road, Mudgee, NSW, 2850.
Web: www.firstridge.com.au
100% Chardonnay from Flowstone Karridale Vineyard. Hand – harvested then whole fruit pressed to gently extract the finest and freshest juice for fermentation in French oak barriques: 25% new and 75% once used. The Malo-lactic Fermentation is completed over 18 months in oak, and the occasional stirring of the yeast lees builds texture and freshness to the wine during this period. This extended barrel residence also facilitates the integration of wine and oak. The wine is minimally fined, filtered and gravity filled to the bottle. Restrained fruits of lime skin, green nectarine, fig, and pear complement the riches of hazelnut and lemon curd. Chalky, flinty mineral notes and refined acidity give texture and length. Fermentation in new and old French oak with select yeasts builds complexity and allure in this Chardonnay of infinite flavour and complexity.
“Drink now and over the next five years.”
The Notes give the unique turns the weather took during the growing season and I would usually include the details. I'll just quote the 2020 season produced “Excellent” wines. In these great Notes from Pym, there's a more fascinating inclusion. “The temperate maritime region of Margaret River stretches to a north – south distance of 100km and is bound by oceans on three sides. Subtle climate differences exist over five physiographic regions and fifteen diverse land-form systems along this substantial stretch of coastal land. Many interpretations and expressions of fine Chardonnay exist throughout the region, and from this treasure trove of diversity and choice, the region's signature white wine has evolved.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 0487 010 275
No Cellar Door.
Address: Flowstone, PO Box 570 Margaret River W.A., 6285.
Web: www.flowstonewines.com
Both blocks were hand-picked together on the same day, April 1, then gently destemmed and crushed into four tonne stainless steel open top fermenters, (75% whole berries). A cold soak for two days followed by an eight day fermentation with twice daily pump overs, and two day post maceration. Then lightly pressed to tank where free run and pressings were combined. Once fermented dry, 50% was sent to 3-4 year old French oak 400L puncheons and 50% kept in stainless steel for a total of six months. This was done to keep vineyard and fruit freshness. The wine is magenta, with a bright purple hue. Aromas of red and black cherries, rose petals, root spices, fresh pottery, clay. The palate is strawberry pie, bakewell tart, cranberry, star anise, juicy, attractive and charming. Flavours and scents burst from the glass, a smooth build, layered with supple tannins, flowing length. Delicious.
“Drink now but can keep until 2025.”
“Geology is Christies Beach Formation, which consists of alluvial sand, silty clay and gravel lenses. Grenache for this wine was planted in 2009,1.1 Ha, single wire trellis. Touriga Nacional was planted in 2015. Both young blocks for us, which suits this type of laid back wine style, but still with good depth of fruit.”
Available to Retail.
Winery Details
Phone: 08 8556 2082
Open: Daily 11.00 to 4.00.
Address: 17 High Street, Willunga S.A., 5172.
Web: www.hitherandyon.com.au
Grenache 80%, Shiraz 15% and Mourvedre 5%, Blewitt Springs. Blewitt Springs is the place to be for Grenache in South Australia. Source vineyard is a 40 year old dry grown site on sandy soils, resulting in a lighter bodied, aromatic style of Grenache. Our Shiraz is grown in the McLaren Vale sub region of Seaview; an elevated site which benefits from cooling afternoon breezes. Partial whole bunch on the Grenache parcel results in bright red fruits, violets and spice. Structural Shiraz provides the backbone for a long finish, while opulent Mourvedre delivers a plush gamey punch. Fresh, juicy and vibrant. Redolent with bright red fruits, tart cranberries and musky spice. Black plum and fresh rhubarb slide across the palate. Sweet fruit is perfectly balanced by subtle savoury notes.
“This fresh and youthful style is best enjoyed within three to five years.”
Following on with the Jericho story, I put their GSM in here ahead of a few others, partly because if their descriptive Notes, as they describe the motivation behind the winemaking in terms of 'flavour' and it also seemed to be a positive link following their previous wines, the Chenin Blanc and straight Grenache.
Available to Retail.
Phone: 0410 519 945.
Open: Tastings by Appointment
Address: 211 Kays Road, McLaren Vale, S.A., 5171.
Web: www.jerichowines.com.au
The fruit for this wine was sourced from Della Fay vineyard in Northern Wilyabrup, grown in sandy soils close to the ocean. Machine picked in the cool of the night before being pressed and settled into tank. Racked for ferment to a mix of stainless steel (30%) and 1800L Slavonian oak Fourdres (70%, of which 1/3 were one year old and 2/3 were two years old). A portion was fermented wild while the balance we inoculated with an organic yeast strain isolated in Northern Italy. Lemon pith and lime skin, nectarine and jasmine on the nose. Granny smith skins with slightly chewy phenolics, sea salt, grapefruit pith and awesome length. The wine of yachts and beaches.
“Early drinking.”
“The heritage of this variety may trace back to Piedmont, Italy although some have argued it was originally of Greek origin. Most commonly associated with Sardinia in Italy or Corsica in France, both coastal regions and both producer of delicious Vermentino.”
Available to Retail.
Phone 0420 307 665
No Cellar Door.
Address: 4/37Village Green, Margaret River, W.A., 6285.
Web: www.lsmerchants.com.au
After a cool, long ripening, low yielding vintage, the grapes were hand picked, gently pressed and the free run juice was kept chilled for seven days prior to the inoculation and a week long cool ferment. The cool handling ensured freshness and fruit brightness. Finally, it was racked off lees and fined with vegan friendly fining. Minimum sulphur was used during the winemaking process. The colour is pale straw. Floral aromas appear alongside lemon zest and mineral notes. Zesty lemon and lime are complemented by some delicate floral notes and talc / mineral complexity. Tightly coiled and framed by piercing acidity. Zingy and long.
“Nothing in the Notes: five to eight years development, easily.”
'Tightly coiled and framed in piercing acidity,' gets the message across nicely, and your imagination is abled, so you can see a bright rewarding pay-off with cellaring. But down a glass today! It isn't uncommon to see the writers telling us to all enjoy Canberra's Riesling wines. It’s a message that has gained intensity with time and this wine 'gets the tick.' “Atrius – named after the Atria Constellation ('Southern Triangle' - referencing its three brightest stars located in the sky to our south west). The three most significant cool climate regions in Southern NSW are Canberra, Hilltops and Tumbarumba – its brightest stars- with Canberra at its heart.”
Available to Retail.
Sydney Distributor: Young and Rashleigh
Phone: 02 9967 5900
Phone: 02 6382 6222
No Cellar Door
Web: www.moppity.com.au
Grapes from La Colline Vineyard – 940m, single vineyard wine. High elevation Pinot Meunier. Crushed to an open fermenter and gently hand plunged for a week to avoid coarse tannin extractive. Short maturation in a 3,500 L French oak foudre. Bright ruby red colour. Lifted red fruits, cherry, strawberry then some wet earth and savoury edges. Fresh and bright, soft tannin and a juicy texture. Oak does not play a big part. Medium weight. Delicious.
“Very appealing young and fresh. Should evolve some attractive complexity in the short to medium term.”
I just happened to see this Champagne 'variety' wine listed in the Young & Rashleigh Portfolio and curiosity was spiked. Such a rare variety in Australia, and I certainly didn't know it grew in Orange. I remember in the 80s, Viv Thomson of Bests in Great Western talking about this 'fickle' variety. At the time he was unsure as to why in some years, while it was always a good wine, it proved outstanding, able to be enjoyed, after opened for a week or more. And get better. At 940m, this is a different scenario. I phoned Justin Byrne who knows most things Orange, in wine, and he was pretty positive and more so, saying it was a good prospect for the Dozens. Finally, I got to try it, and yep, what a terrific Summer indulgence. (For those who remember, I couldn't bring myself to say Summer Wine).
Available to Retail.
Phone: 02 6366 8422
Open: Mon. to Fri. 3.00 to 5.00; W/E 11.00 to 5.00
Address: 208 Nancarrow Lane, Nashdale, NSW, 2800.
Web: www.printhiewines.com.au
Medium ruby in colour. Fruit characters of cherry and raspberry are supported by aromas of rose petal and anise. Intensely aromatic, the wine also has savoury, leathery notes. The wine is classic Nebbiolo, with concentrated sour cherry and raspberry fruit characters. These fruit characters are balanced by tight but lingering acidity, earthiness and typical Nebbiolo tannin structure. Nebbiolo's notoriously colour-light but tannin rich skins are a critical factor in making this wine. Fruit intensity, structure and balance are the result.
“Will gain complexity for 15+ years.”
The 3Drops wines keep on coming, but that can happen when owner Jo Bradbury presents a comprehensive Tasting of her wines. And talking to the Bacchus Wine's Jo, I got the Nebbiolo tip. I knew it would be a goodie to follow up on, as this grand grape variety from Italy would really interest some people here. Myself included. I note the 'cellaring,' above. Traditionally a conservative recommendation in Notes, its generosity of journey shows a confidence, which is impressive. Terrific drink.
Available to Retail.
Phone: 0417 172 603
Open: No Cellar Door
Address: PO Box 1828, Applecross, Western Australia, 6953.
Web: www.3drops.com
Destemmed and fermented to dryness. Eight days total on skins. Basket pressed to tank. Upon completion of Malo-lactic Fermentation, the wine was transferred to barrel for 14 months maturation in French oak Hogsheads. We intend for the wine to be approachable as a young wine, but with ample structure to allow for cellaring. Shiraz might hold celebrity status, but we believe Barossa Cabernet is hugely underrated! Deep crimson, the wine shows beautifully lifted aromas of blackberry, spiced cherry and mint chocolate. The palate delivers fruit generosity with savoury spice adding further depth and complexity.
“The wine's silky texture and fine tannin structure gives the wine an age worthy framework. 10+ years.”
Variation and 'Interesting' wines are core to the Dozens. In the above Notes, the sentence: 'Shiraz might hold celebrity status, but we believe Barossa Cabernet is hugely underrated!' simply underlines a strong urge I experience regularly. South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, generally, and specifically, Coonawarra or Barossa, are the very reasons for such hankering. Jo Newton took her sales people to the Barossa recently (there was no attached invite) to visit wineries she and they represent. Her email report was glowing of their time at The Willows. Timely all round. To repeat from 2022: “Vineyard was planted at Light Pass in 1969 by 5th generation Dr W.H. 'Bert' Sholz, over deep alluvial soil in a loop of the North Para River which winds its way through the property. This vineyard, shaded by eucalyptus, with cooling gully breezes that follow the river down from the hills, exhibits all the hallmarks of 'terroir' because of its unique position.” Yes please.
Available to Retail.
Phone: 0499 621 080
Open: Wednesday to Monday 10.30 to 4.30
Address: Light Pass Road, Light Pass, Barossa Valley S.A., 5355.
Web: www.thewillowsvineyard.com.au
All prices on this web site are in $AUD
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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.
