Hello and welcome to the Small Winemakers Tasting Dozen
SWTD May 2026
A blend of the Corvino, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes grown in the Alto Adige in Italy’s north east…..Wine obtained from various grapes cultivated in the Valpollicella area. After fermentation, the blend rests on the remaining skins of Amarone to enrich its body, colour and aroma of fruits and spices. Successively, long aged in barrels and refined in the bottles for several months. Intense ruby red, with evolved bouquet of cherries. Round and full bodied taste with notes of berries and dried plums. It is suggested to decant for one hour before serving.
Three to five years.
The above is all the Notes had on the wine. I had it on a list of wines, all imported, tasted at various Portfolio Tastings I attended in the last year. The idea being a resource to reference, to add not only value to the mix but the always sought after, variation with interesting wines. Looking into Cantine Di Ora online, it appears it is an Estate managed by Shenk Italia described as “one of Italy’s leading wine producers and exporters.”
Available to Retail.
Web: www.schenkitalia.it
Distributor: Sydney, Young & Rashleigh (02) 9967 5900.
Medium bodied with excellent depth of flavour. Blackberry, with rose, tealeaf, and cooking spice on the nose. The palate shows great freshness of fruit, featuring mulberry, plum, cocoa and bay leaf characters, with lovely Italianate tannins. Montepulciano is similar to another Italian variety, Sangiovese, but with a denser fruit profile and savoury tannin structure. This wine saw 14 months in French hogsheads.
“This wine has great fruit intensity for drinking now but has enough acid and tannin to cellar for medium to long term, 10 years.”
“Montepulciano was first planted at Coriole in 2001. We love the variety for its rich intensity and lovely array of savoury characters to balance the dark cherry fruit. Montepulciano is late ripening and often the last variety we pick. We use fruit from both our Coriole and Willunga vineyards. At Coriole, the vines are grown on terra rossa which gives the wine a more structural element, whereas fruit from Willunga has richer flavour and generosity.”
Available to Retail.
Web: www.coriole.com
Phone: 08 8323 8305
Open: M to F 10 to 5; Weekends and P/H 11 to 5.
Address: Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale, S.A., 5171.
Made with freshness in mind, this wine has been fermented in stainless steel to maintain the varietal spice and tropical fruit flavours. Four months on fine lees following ferment has built creamy texture to complement the fresh acidity of the fruit profile. Nutty and floral lees derived characters underpin the freshness of the palate, without overwhelming the delicacy of the flavour profile. Varietal explosions of fresh florals, honeydew and pear leap out of the glass, followed by subtle lees derived notes of almond, hay and elder flower.
“The vibrant acid profile of this wine and lees derived texture lends itself well to drinking through the next five years.”
“Sourced from two vineyards at opposite ends of the Adelaide Hills. Kersbrook in the north provides a cool dry climate, with gentle east facing slopes of shallow loam soils perfect for old vines to produce small bunches, full of flavour intensity and soft tannins. Kuitpo in the extreme south of the Hills provides sunny days and cool nights, ideal for slow, even ripening, retaining natural acidity and vibrant fruit flavours. This Italian variety, native to the hills of Campania in Southern Italy, is well suited to the Adelaide Hills, creating a vibrant, fresh and textural wine that goes great with a wide array of foods.”
Available to Retail.
Web: www.jerichowines.com.au
Phone: 0410 519 945
Open: Tastings by appointment.
Address: 211 Kays Road, McLaren Vale, S.A., 5171.
Deep maroon in colour that carries through to a purple hue. Blackberry aromas are lifted by subtle leather notes. Ripe, dark blackcurrant and mulberry are lifted by a rich core of crisp red fruit that remains bright across the entire length of the palate. The natural acid lifts this full bodied wine giving it a bright and crisp texture. French oak seamlessly gives way to a graphite and river stone tannin that is fine and persistent. This wine is finely balanced with a supple texture that is full and rich from start to finish.
“Now and until 2035.”
“With vineyards spanning the length of the valley, parcels were harvested at opportune times as the berries developed their rich flavour profile. Crushed into stainless steel tanks, the grapes were allowed to naturally begin fermentation. Once complete, the skins were pressed, and the wine was placed into new and seasoned French oak hogsheads for 12 months. Once each batch softened, a blend that shows the refinement and richness of cooler climate Shiraz was created by selecting barrels out of each batch.”A note on the naming: “a covenant is a pact made between people. Kilikanoon’s continual focus on its exceptional Shiraz is a pact it honours every year.”
Available to Retail
Web: www.kilikanoon.com.au
Phone: 08 8843 4206
Fax: 08 8843 4246
Open: Thurs. to Sun. 11 to 5.
Address: Penna Lane, Penwortham, S.A., 5453.
100% Pecorino variety, grown in the northern Adelaide Hills. Dry summer and mild autumn gave ideal ripening conditions. Vineyard bathed in sunshine during daytime, dropping off to cold at night. The finished wine, the aroma is opulent and lifted showing white stonefruit characters of peach and nectarine, green mango and black pepper. Fresh citrus notes of pink grapefruit and Lisbon lemon accompanied by generous minerality give this wine beautiful persistence lending it perfectly to Italian cuisine.
Drink on release, not for ‘laying down.’
Pecorino is best known in Italy in the central areas of Marche and Abruzzo; Tuscany and Umbria and Lazio. It is generally described as a dry, medium bodied wine with a ‘lively’ acidity. In Paul’s notes above, descriptors of peach and nectarine etc are found as well as green apple… and citrus generally. Unanimously supported as a good food wine, and probably better for the warmer months, admittedly, but what good fun to add variety to the mix.
Available to Retail.
Web: www.paracombewines.com.au
Phone: 08 8380 5058
Address: 294B Paracombe Road, Paracombe, S.A., 5132.
Fruit underwent five separate picks from three separate vineyards from 850m to 1000m. Pressed slowly and gently, Free run and Pressings portions separated. Settled for 24 hours and racked cloudy to barrel. Wild fermentation in French oak barriques (228L). Lees stirred weekly for three months then twice monthly after that. Lightly sulphured after completion of natural Malo, followed by 11 months elevage (coming together) in barrel. Blended February 2024 and rested in tank for eight months. No fining or stabilisation. Racked and coarsely filtered before bottling in Spring 2024. Pale straw with green hue. On the nose, honey dew melon, nectarine and white fig initially, with delicate floral hints. There’s an overlaying hint of shortbread, some hazelnut and roasted lemon. Lightly toasted oak and some caramel too. A very even palate, nicely weighted, generous with nothing overtly poking out. There’s a lovely pithy, citrus led acidity and backbone upon which other fruits are laid: apricot, peach, starfruit and fig. Texturally, it is grainy and with plenty of phenolic grip to keep it firm. It finishes predominantly savoury – the nuttiness and oak components nicely nestled in there together. The acid reemerges at the tail end, cleanses and prepares your mouth for another sip.
“It’s a wine that should look fabulous in its youth and still develop gracefully with age.” Five to eight years.
“The exceptionally long, cool growing season that led into 2023 vintage meant we were able to achieve wonderful depth of flavour in our Chardonnays. Physiological ripeness was easy to achieve because of the length of time on the vine. The cool nights meant that acid retention was high also. A great combination!”
Cellar Door or contact me.
Web: www.rikardwines.com.au
Phone: 0481 871 683
Open: Thursday to Monday 11.00 to 5.00.
Address: 279 Old Canobolas Road, Nashdale, NSW, 2800.
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 12% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Clear, bright, deep ruby red in colour with a slight purple hue. A fresh mix of deep black fruit notes with subtle spice and a herbal lift. The palate displays dark cherry, aniseed, dried herbs and raspberry flavours with a vibrant, rich finish. Grainy, elegant tannins flow smoothly to the finish.
Five to eight years.
“Rosily vineyard is situated on Yelverton Road in one of the premier sub districts in Margaret River, Wilyabrup. The total vineyard size is 12.28 hectares. Only fruit from our vineyard is used in the production of our wines. The wines are all made at the winery constructed on the property in 2000.” In a further section: “The reasons that grape growers decide to ‘go organic’ are many and varied, but for Rosily Vineyard the decision was made as a result of our commitment to make wines that truly reflect the unique patch of land upon which they are grown, and to look after that land and the people who work upon it. Having the recognised auditors at Australian Certified Organic go through every step of the growing process every year, from pruning through to harvest, to certify that each step and every input adheres to organic principles, gives us complete integrity and prevents any shortcuts or exceptions being taken.”
Available to Retail
Web: www.rosily.com.au
Phone: 08 9755 6336
Open: Daily December and January 11.00 to 5.00
Address: 871 Yelverton Road, Willyabrup W.A., 6284.
Sourced from three separate family vineyards in Watervale and Polish Hill River sub districts of the Clare Valley. Relatively mature plantings going on 15 plus years of age. This is a soft, medium weight style for easy drinking. Colour is bright crimson to ruby red and with a bouquet dark cherries to crushed red fruits. The palate is soft and juicy with a touch of orange peel and a core of raspberry flavour. A completely integrated mid weight red wine that appears seamless, finishing with chalky savoury tannins.
“A soft, early drinking style, why wait! Three to four years.”
“Though it is the grape of most of central Italy from Romagna down to Lazio, Campania and Sicily, outside Italy it is most famous as the main component of the blend Chianti. Young Sangiovese has fresh fruity flavours of olives and a little spiciness, but it readily takes on oaky, even tarry flavours when aged in barrels.” Further in their Spec Notes: “While the Clare Valley is well known for its Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec wines, southern European varieties such as Sangiovese are proving to be consistent quality alternatives.”
Available to Retail.
Web: shutthegate.com.au
Phone: 08 8843 4114
Open: Daily 10.00 to 4.30.
Address: 8453 Main North Road, Watervale, S.A., 5452.
First made in 1977, this ‘entry level’ Montepulciano is the ultimate value ‘pizza wine,’ although it goes with just about anything. Highlighting the varietal characteristics (plum and morello cherry) with freshness (no oak), the result is a pleasing and versatile easy to drink wine. The Montepulciano variety originated in Abruzzo and is known for its full fruit flavours and soft tannins. It forms the basis of the region’s most important red, Rosso Conero. It was Umani Ronchi that really put Rosso Cornero on the map in 1988 at the London International Wine Challenge.
Three to five years.
The Bernetti family, proprietors of Umani Ronchi, have led the quality revolution of the Marches’ indigenous variety, Verdicchio. Based on the eastern coast of central Italy, the Bernetti’s own over 200 hectares of prime vineyards in thew Marche (110 in Verdicchio Classico and 60 in Rosso Conero) and Abruzzo (30 in the prestigious ‘Colline Teramane’, the region’s first DOCG appellation). Leading Piedmontese Oenologist Beppe Caviola heads the oenological team, having received a healthy legacy from retired consultant and Italy’s greatest winemaker, Giacomo Tachis.” All taken from their Fact Sheet Notes.
Available to Retail.
Imported by Trembath and Taylor.
www.trembathandtaylor.com.au
Destemmed and fermented to dryness. Eight days on skins. Basket pressed to tank. Upon completion of Malolactic Fermentation, transferred to barrel for 16 months maturation in French oak hogsheads. We intend for the wine to be approachable when young, but with ample structure to allow for cellaring. Shiraz might hold the 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. Effortless to drink, a perfect match to lamb roast.
10+ years.
“The vineyard was planted in 1969 by 5th generation Dr W. H. (Bert) Scholz. The 2023 vintage required patience. After a typical Barossa winter, 2022, the arrival of spring brought above average rainfall and record breaking low temperatures, which led to significant delay in shoot growth and bud burst. The entire growing season proved mild and temperate, resulting in a long, slow ripening season with remarkable acid retention in the grapes. The hallmark of 2023 is an abundance of intense aromatics, matched with a rich spectrum of flavours and fine natural acidity that extends across the board. Hallmarks of an exceptional vintage.” I was looking forward to this vintage of Cabernet to address my own soft spot for the Barossa’s nurturing of this ‘noble’ variety. I looked at it over two days and enjoyed the blending in, with time, of the eucalyptus component after its initial dominance.
Available to Retail.
Web: www.thewillowsvineyard.com.au
Phone: 0499 621 080
Open: Wed to Monday 10.30 to 4. Closed Tuesday
Address: 310 Light Pass Road, Light Pass, S.A., 5355.
The 2017 vintage was a slightly later and longer vintage due to the cooler and wetter conditions experienced during the ripening period. The Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon were estate grown at Polish Hill River and were picked in the third week of March and the first week of April. The Mataro, sourced from a highly regarded neighbouring vineyard, immediately north of Polish Hill River. Dark red black in appearance, the nose is rich red fruits along with some cigar box and sappy notes. Raspberry and licorice apparent on the powerfully constructed palate, with ample tannin woven tightly throughout. Blackcurrant with a slightly toasty warmth, before a lingering dry finish.
10+ years.
From the Back Label: “The Wilson Vineyard Special Blend range are seasonally specific blends. This one being Shiraz 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 37.5% from Estate vineyards were combined with a small parcel of Mataro 12.5% from a nearby vineyard. Maturation was carried out in a combination of American and French oak producing aromas of ripe blackberry and plums, complementing the complex spices and fine velvety tannins.”
Available to Retail.
Web: www.wilsonvineyard.com.au
Phone: 08 8822 4050
Open: W/E 10.00 to 4.00. Maybe closed during Vintage
Address: 255 Stone Cutting Road, Polish Hill River, S.A., 5453.
From Rheinhessen, or slightly south, central western Germany with QbA (quality wine from a designated region), this wine has an intense, rich flavour with nuances of apricot and peach. This Riesling is full of fruit and is very refreshing. This dry wine pairs well with stewed fish dishes and white meat with light sauces. It’s also a great soloist.
Enjoy now and over the early years, three to five.
That’s all from the Notes on the wine. I tried it for a second time at the recent Young and Rashleigh Portfolio tasting, and again, I think it works, and is wonderful value. On the Notes sheet is some family history which is always interesting. “The Zenzen family is a traditional wine-growing family from the Mosel (to the North), producing exceptional wines since 1636. Today, the 13th generation continues this legacy, combining centuries of viticultural experience with innovative, modern vinification techniques. With a dedication to continual refinement and quality enhancement, the family remains committed to crafting wines of the highest standard.”
SYDNEY DISTRIBUTOR: Young and Rashleigh
Ph 02 9967 5900.
Web: www.eizen.de
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.
