SWTD November 2018
100% Estate grown and vintaged. The aromas from this wine show true Pinot Noir character. Strawberry and cherry fruits are backed by a complex and creamy gaminess. There are also hints of spice, stalks and some charry barrel ferment characters all combining to give the wonderful complex aromas you would expect from a good Pinot Noir. The front palate shows the cherry and strawberry fruit characters. There is a silky texture and wonderful balance running through the mid palate, with the quality French oak adding subtle charry characters. The tannins are fine and balanced, combining with a tight acid structure to give a long, lingering and powerful finish. The light gaminess adds complexity, which will continue to develop with age.
“Will continue to improve and develop complexity with age; cellar for six to eight years.”
The Notes also recommend this wine as 'perfect with duck but also try lamb, chicken and mild Asian dishes.' “Castle Rock Estate is nestled on the eastern slopes of the Porongurup mountain range (Great Southern wine region of W.A.) and is named after a prominent nearby landmark. The vineyard has a cool and elevated northerly aspect, resulting in intensely flavoured wines.”
Available to Retail.
Phone/Fax: 08 9853 1035
Address: 2660 Porongurup Road, Porongurup, W.A., 6324.
Web: www.castlerockestate.com.au
Adelaide Hills: Chardonnay 52%, Pinot Noir 40% and Pinot Meunier 8%. These traditional sparkling wine varieties were picked early to retain natural acidity. Small batches of these low yielding grapes were gently pressed in stainless steel basket presses. Following primary and partial malolactic fermentation the individual parcels were bottled and inoculated with yeast and sugar to encourage secondary fermentation. The cuvee is fermented in the bottle to develop complexity for approximately four years. This is a dry style sparkling with minerality, a crisp acid backbone and layers of flowers, fruits and toasty savoury nuances – perfect for any celebration. The bouquet has touches of granny smith apples and brioche with hints of grilled nuts. It has a fine bead with a creamy vibrant mousse. The palate is dry, delicate and balanced with fresh oyster shell and lemon like acidity. There is a distinct grapefruit pith character which is long and mineral that rounds out the complex palate. The creamy Chardonnay character on the palate adds richness and polish. The taste grows considerably with great minerality and complexity with poise and focus.”
Drink now and often.
The 'Polly' comes here primarily because of an article Jacki Osborne e-mailed to me. It was a write up in the Decanter Magazine, England's premier wine mag. My immediate thought was simple: the Poms have been drinking sparkling wines longer than most; and with an informed and impressive write up it would be nice to include it.
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 8329 4888
Fax: 08 8323 9862
Open: Daily 10 to 5.
Address: Osborn Road, McLaren Vale, S.A., 5171.
Web: www.darenberg.com.au
The third and in our opinion most definitely the best Beechworth Chardonnay we have produced to date. The conscious decision was again made to source fruit from two vineyards, both on white granite soils, the first at an elevation of 550m and the second at 400m above sea level. Fruit from the higher elevation makes up 70% of the wine and brings purity and minerality akin to the best Chardonnays coming out of the Yarra Valley. The second parcel brings the funk along with a dash of that trademark Beechworth generosity. Once in the winery, we took a back seat and let this spectacular fruit do all the work. Gently whole bunch pressed to French Barriques: 1,2,3 and 4 year old, no new oak. Fermented predominantly using wild yeast and allowed to rise to 30°C to bring about the production of complex sulphide. 10 months in oak on full lees, stirred monthly. Malo Lactic Fermentation was restricted to 20% of the barrels. Light filtered and bottled in January 2018.
"Very good drinking now and over the next three to five years."
“Eldorado is located in the Beechworth foothills equidistant between Beechworth and Wangaratta. Our tiny home vineyards are located on Eldorado Road and only several kilometres from the quaint hamlet of Eldorado. The property was selected and purchased principally because it is located on a seam of free draining red decomposed granite loaded with granite buckshot, flanked by granite hills and fed by the gentle flowing Reedy Creek which weaves its way through our property on its journey to the Ovens River.”
Once again, the Chardonnays have been brilliant this year.
Available to Retail.
Phone: 03 5725 1698
No Cellar Door.
Address: 1317 Eldorado Road, Eldorado, Vic., 3678.
Web: www.eldoradoroad.com.au
100% Eden Valley Semillon with 50% fermented in old French oak and 50% in stainless steel. Nashi pear, white blossom and honey. A fruit driven style with a crisp dry finish.
“Drink now and up to 10 years.”
“From the original dry grown vineyard planted in 1929 and heartbreakingly small quantities made (40 dozen). The 2016 was the first dry style made as the grapes are usually destined for a sweet cordon-cut wine. Whole bunch pressed, wild yeast fermented.” I spotted this wine in Nicholas's Portfolio and was straight away curious.... a Semillon. And he hadn't even mentioned it. Odd. So I asked and 'fantastic' was his response. The wood treatment is really interesting here. Good Hunter Semillon and Clare and Eden Valley Riesling, as I have probably said before are like a soprano soaring toward the highs in an exciting way. Here, we have the highs, again, beautifully done, but more in a mezzo way. “Fantastic.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 0411 668 949
No Cellar Door.
Address: Lot 535 Flaxmans Valley Road, Angaston, S.A., 5353.
Web: www.flaxmanwines.com.au
100% Shiraz from Five Ashes Vineyard in Karridale, Margaret River. The wine was matured in French Oak for 20 months, 33% of which was new. Deep red centre with a pink red rim. Red fruit of mulberries, raspberries and plums fill the nose with a subtle hint of white pepper. Medium weight but lively on the palate with the red fruit following through. Supple velvet tannins and integrated sweet French oak leave you wanting for more.
“Excellent drinking now but will develop over 10+ years.”
Unfortunately, not a lot in the way of Notes from Hamelin Bay. I looked back over previous wines from this source and the same scenario is evident. I also looked at the wines in this Dozen and realised I hadn't included a Shiraz or Cabernet (or a blend of either), which is the usual plan. In the end I thought this wine was a stand out of those I tried. Not the 'full throttle' version as seen in hotter regions, but rather an elegant and spicy and overall, an impressive one from the variety. Fantastic. To the Producer's story. “Established in 1992, a family owned and operated winery located in Karridale, the most southern sub-region of Margaret River. The Terroir is blessed with sheltered warm, north facing gravel soils and coupled with the mild climate, produces wines with fresh, elegant varietal flavours.”
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 9758 6779
Open: Daily 10 to 7.
Address: McDonald Road, Karridale, W.A., 6288.
Web: hbwines.com.au
Hand selected parcels were chosen across our famed Golden Hillside vineyards, including the original Mort's Block Vineyard that started it all. 100% Watervale fruit, only minutes from the Kilikanoon winery. Completely hand picked and taking free run juice only, coupled with the mild conditions has created a wine of tremendous elegance, varietal character and ageing potential. The colour is pale straw with a brilliant clarity and youthful green tints. The nose shows a lifted Riesling profile; lemon curd, hints of tropical fruits and freshly squeezed kaffir limes round out the nose. On the palate, limes, citrus rind and subtle tropical nuances wrapped around a core of spine tingling acidity confidently define the cool 2017 vintage conditions. A potent and zesty finish completely frame the canvas of a wine destined to live long in the cellar.
“Potential of at least 20 years.”
“One of the wettest springs on record that completely filled up the soil profile, eliminating any need for irrigation. The summer period also receiving consistent rainfalls with the generally cool vintage conditions, allowing all parcels to be harvested at their optimum flavour and acid balance. A year comparable to many of the classic Clare seasons of the 1970s and 1980s.” Thanks to Jo Newton and her Bacchus Wines who came to the rescue with this 'stunner,' after a communication break down with another Riesling, which by coincidence was also from Watervale.
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 8843 4206
Fax: 08 8843 4246
Open: Thurs. to Sun. 11 to 5.
Address: Penna Lane, Penwortham, S.A., 5453.
Web: kilikanoon.com.au
A European inspired red blend made with grapes sourced across the South-west of W.A. 50% Touriga Nacional grown in the Ferguson Valley, 30% Mourvedre grown in the Margaret River and 20% Shiraz grown in the Margaret River and Frankland River. 80% of the batch was picked and fermented as whole bunches with the other 20% machine picked, fermented for seven to ten days on skins before being basket pressed to stainless steel. No oak contact for this nouveau style, bottled without fining or filtering in August 2018. The enzymatic ferment during the whole bunch contact enhances red berry fruits with a mix of dark forest fruits and a vibrant cherry acidity. Rich and delicious.
Made to drink now, absolutely.
I don't usually include wines made from exclusively sourced material. It's a bit away from the preferred smaller grower maker. In this instance the varieties blended do catch the eye but it is the winemaking 'freedom' that is employed. “Wines made with minimal intervention, wild fermentation where possible and a lot of experimentation; the former to express the varietal characters, the latter to push the boundaries of conventional winemaking and produce interesting and enticing styles.” Young and very fresh and ready to drink. Relatively high alcohol.
Available to Retail.
Phone 0420 307 665
No Cellar Door.
Address: 4/37Village Green, Margaret River, W.A., 6285.
Web: www.lsmerchants.com.au
This is our first vintage of Marsanne, and includes 10% Rousanne blended at vintage. This is a traditional northern Rhone blend and expresses the lovely varietal characters of quince aromas and a lively clean palate. Unwooded and stirred on lees. Marsanne ages well, developing honeysuckle characters.”
Drinking very well now and will continue to, over the next five or so years.”
Having said that, there is really no cellaring recommendation in the Notes, but this variety is known for bottle development. And if you look at some of the 'cellaring' recommended for the Tahbilk Marsanne wines over the years, they regularly get a 10+ years call. This, as the Notes say is a first release of their Canberra Region Marsanne from vines 'just' grafted over from Semillon. Sad as it is to say goodbye to the Semillon, the Pankhursts decided they wanted a variety to run with for the future. I heard Christine say it was their 'last hoorah.' Personally, I have seen this wine three times now, twice back in April and now; and I agrees with Allan that is going nicely. When I ordered the wine from Christine, she was very pleased it had recently picked up a Silver Medal at the Australian Alternative Wine Show. She is now tending 'Ho Ho.'
Cellar Door or contact me. Limited Retail.
Phone: 02 6230 2592
Open: Weekends and Public Holidays.
Address: Old Woodgrove Road, Woodgrove, Hall, NSW, 2618.
Web: pankhurstwines.com.au
Following harvest and ferment, the wine was matured for 18 months in French oak barriques and hogsheads. This wine's intense colour has deep ruby tones with bright edges in the glass. The bouquet is highly aromatic, spicy and delicious. Entirely fruit driven by its cocktail of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Shiraz. The palate is long and finely structured with stylish fruit driven flavours of fresh loganberries and raspberries integrated with savoury and spicy notes. The Reuben is a good food wine and is dedicated to Reuben Chapman, an early Paracombe settler known for his generosity and passionate love for the area.
“It will reward with age to be enjoyed for many years to come, 10+ years.”
“The Reuben is a hand crafted, five varietal blend from Paul and Kathy Drogemuller bringing together the best of the Paracombe region in an infusion of style and elegance, the hallmark of Paracombe wines.” The Reuben has made one previous appearance, in August 2006, in its 2001 incarnation. It is very pleasing to get the Paracombe reds back here. For some time the winemaking resulted in very high alcohol wines, and I, with a number of others, had problems with that. There is a trend now, that seems to be bringing the 'numbers' more 'down to earth.' Thank God. I've always seen Paul as a very creative and imaginative winemaker who will try things others wouldn't think of. This wine is a joy.
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 8380 5058
Open: By appointment.
Address: 294b Paracombe Road, Paracombe, S.A., 5132.
Web: paracombewines.com
After harvest the grapes were warm soaked in small batches for one day to develop the deep colour this variety is known for. Fermented on skins for seven days with gentle extraction and minimal pump-over. Gently pressed, the wine was transferred to 50% new American long-toast oak where it was matured for 24 months before bottling. First thing you will notice is the dark red, almost black colour. The nose is hugely lifted and intense; plum, cherries, red fruits and delicate oak toast are secondary to the freshly turned earth and beetroot. The palate shows amazing line, structure and length with a depth of tannin that is rare to see in other varieties. The surprise with this wine is how rich and approachable it is, given its very full-bodied nature.
“20+ years.”
“Native to Georgia, Russia, the name of the variety is literally translated to 'ink.' Characteristically, the berries have dark pink flesh and very dark skins producing wines that are deeply coloured. The vines are very adaptable, with Australian cool climate regions attracted by its ability to survive cold winters, but also grown in warmer regions as well.” Patritti made is debut in February with their Grenache Shiraz grown in the suburban vineyard of Marion in Adelaide.
Available to Retail.
Phone: 08 8296 8261
Cellar Door: Monday to Saturday 9.00 to 5.00.
Address: 13 – 23 Clacton Road, Dover Gardens, S.A., 5048.
Web: patritti.com.au
The juice was bled from the grapes within hours of picking, and transferred directly to old barrels for fermentation. After fermentation was finished the final blend was assembled equalling 59% Tinta Roriz, 30% Tinta Barroca, 7% Touriga Nacional and 4% Tinto Cao. Deep in colour from extended skin contact with aromas of strawberry and spice. The palate is full and savoury with notes of red berry, allspice and smoky paprika with a little grippiness from the very fine tannins.
“Cellar for up to two years.”
I have to admit that I'm not nor never really was a fan of Rose style wines. Early on it was impressed on me that colour is the first thing you look at when assessing a wine's quality. I have a problem with today's expressions, seen in great numbers in bottle shops. And, as well, I don't have any mythical connection with 'onion skin colour' which is often used a descriptor. I do however, respect peoples' choice. To me, the S&K interpretation of Rose is a statement. “This dry and layered Rose is representative of the deeply coloured and complex Portuguese grapes used to make this wine. A dark crimson shade with a generous palate of wild strawberry and red fruit notes finishing with refreshing acidity.” These varieties, as many would know, were planted by the late and greatly missed Chris Killeen for his vintage fortified red wines. And here they make a spicy and interesting wine of a lighter style, one that I did enjoy.
Available to Retail.
Phone: 02 6032 9457
Open: Daily 10.00 to 5.00
Address: 440 Jacks Road, Murray Valley Highway, Rutherglen, 3685.
Web: www.stantonandkilleen.com.au
A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. Post fermentation the wine was on skins for twelve days maceration. Red ruby in colour, and an intensely floral nose that strongly hints of red fruits, blackberry and cherry in the mouth. A fresh finish with subtle notes of spices.
Made to drink on release and over the next three or so years.
Also from the Notes, generally: “The magnificent 15th century estate is situated in the picturesque Tuscan hills outside the town of Greve in Chianti, between Florence and Siena. While Chianti Classico red wines have earned the estate world-wide renown, Vignamaggio is legendary for other reasons. It is said that Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci's muse, was born here in 1479 and fittingly Vignamaggio's finest Chianti is named in her honour.”
Available to Retail.
Supplier: Vinsight.
For information regarding Stockists:
Phone: 1300 048 114
Web: hwww.vinsight-wms.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.
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