McWilliams's Hanwood Estate Shiraz 2012

A superb easy drinking wine for the money. You can often find this wine on special around $10 which makes it a great buy. 

Dark cherry and plummy fruit, throw in a smidge of dark chocolate and some spice on the finish and there you go. What you see is what you get, and what you get encourages another top up.

Readily available.

Who: McWilliams 

What: Shiraz (14% alc)

Where: Riverina

When: 2012

How much: $14

www.mcwilliams.com.au

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Bimbadgen Estate Shiraz Viognier 2013

I'm not sure of the Viognier percentage in this, but the florally lift and apricot characters immediately jump from the glass. Not overpowering but neat.

A good bright appearance is followed by some medium bodied Shiraz goodness from the Hunter Valley. Soft red fruits highlighted by dark cherries. Some fruit sweetness evident and adds nicely to the wine's appeal. Finishing long and a little drying, I certainly prefer this wine to the previous vintages of the same blend I've tasted.

A good wine worth keeping an eye out for.

Who: Bimbadgen
What: Shiraz Viognier (13.5% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2013
How much: $26

www.bimbadgen.com.au

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TeAro Estate The Pump Jack Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Not too much happening here aromatically. There's a good whiff of chocolatey oak which is noticeable but it certainly isn't over the top.

Soft black fruit and plums in the mouth which fill out well. You'd expect bigger, but dare I mention the wet vintage factor.

Regardless, a very easy drinking and comforting wine to kick back with.

This wine was tasted along with a couple of other Cabernets and judging by the amount taken from the bottle, this was clearly the favoured wine.

One for the trolley to drink sooner rather than later.

Who: TeAro Estate 

What: Cabernet Sauvignon (14% alc)

Where: Barossa

When: 2011

How much: $28

www.tearoestate.com

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Cooks Lot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

I liked the way this looked and smelt but it stopped there. The wine was tasted blind along with three other Cabernets.

Red fruits, a lick of spice and a dash of mint with some firm dry tannins to finish. What made me step back was the acid which is on the higher side. So much so you can feel it on your teeth. Ouch! This evidently stood out from the other wines tasted.

I looked at this over three days, and though it did settle down a little, the acid was still up there on day three.

Whilst there may be some cellaring potential,  I'll pass on this. I'd recommend the same money to be spent on the Shiraz instead.

Who: Cooks Lot Wines
What: Cabernet Sauvignon (13.5% alc)
Where: Orange
When: 2013
How: $20

www.cookslot.com.au

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Warramate Chardonnay 2013

This is almost a case of old meets new. By this I mean 30% of the wine has spent time in oak whilst the remaining 70% sat in stainless steel to retain its freshness.

Citrusy aromas and a touch of almond meal, there's also a little zip on palate. There's a little green apple character too which is something I didn't mind, but this moved on after a while.

Nicely weighted with unmistakable freshness. So smashable! I'd give a food match but this disappeared before any food got to my mouth.

To buy? Yes!

Who: Warramate
What: Chardonnay (13.9% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 2013
How: $28

www.warramatewines.com.au

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Friday Drinks on Radio 4BC 22 May

Shiraz was the topic of conversation today...

Listen in here.

My bargain picks this week:

Shottesbrooke Estate Shiraz 2011 $18

I dig this. For eighteen bucks it's worth a look. Meaty and bold, blue and red fruits move about harmoniously. Unmistakable earth and spice lurk with intent too. The fruit washes through the mouth well only to ride a wave of peppery spice rushing back. A long soft finish rounds out a great little wine. 

Readily available. Get amongst it!

Teusner The Riebke Shiraz 2013 $22

Year after year this has bargain factor written all over it. From the Barossa Valley, the 2013 is not as big as the 2012 but still packs some kick. There’s black fruit, plums and some peppery spice. It’s juicy and a wine easy to warm to.

You can often find it discounted below $20 and it’s readily available. Check it out.

McWilliam's Hanwood Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Quite a simple wine and nothing rocking my world too much here.

The fat, plush characters of the Semillon make their presence felt. There's not too much fruit kick here though. Greasy food would match this. Something as simple as fish and chips or even a deep fried chicken burger.

I'll pass on it though.

Who: McWilliams 

What: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc (11% alc)

Where: Riverina

When: 2013

How much: $14

www.mcwilliams.com.au

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Warramate Black Label Cabernets 2012

An wonderful expression of a medium bodied cool climate Cabernet. But when I say Cabernet this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Despite having two big varieties at play, you certainly aren't bashed over the head with depth and complexity. There's more of a delicate touch here. Nicely weighted, even after three days open it was quite vibrant with a finish which is long and super soft.

If I was to sum up this wine in a word...juicy!

Pass me a straw!

Who: Warramate
What: Cabernets (13% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 2012
How: $25

www.warramatewines.com.au

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Bimbadgen Regions Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2012

Smooth, soft and light. There's some Cabernet greenness and leafy characters. Quite stemmy too I thought.

Some black and blue fruit with a hint of bitter choc. The back label sums up the wine well except I didn't get any violet characters.

A dry finish with tacky type tannins.

I thought this wine was a bit hit and miss. Better on day two but this is a wine I wouldn't imagine you'd put away for too long nor drink over a couple of days. Not for me.

Who: Bimbadgen
What: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (13.5% alc)
Where: Orange
When: 2012
How much: $26

www.bimbadgen.com.au

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De Iuliis Semillon 2013

This is bloody good for what you pay. I picked up a six pack of wines from Mike de Iuliis recently and had two of these thrown in.

To keep it brief... Zippy, citrusy, limes, crisp acid.
Cleansing and ridiculously slurpable.

A bargain Semillon!

Who: de Iuliis
What: Semillon (10.5% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2013
How: $18

www.dewine.com.au

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Cooks Lot Shiraz 2013

A very good cool climate Shiraz from Orange in NSW. There's black fruit characters aplenty here.

The fruit delicately dances across the palate and finishes with a spicy peppery touch. One of those sip all night kinda wines.

A most enjoyable wine and top value for $20. I'd certainly buy it given the chance.

Check the website for availability.

Who: Cooks Lot Wines
What: Shiraz (14% alc)
Where: Orange
When: 2013
How: $20

www.cookslot.com.au

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Friday Drinks Radio 4BC 9 May

Mother's Day was the focus of last Friday's chat. A few white blends and a neat fizz were the tips:

Listen in here

Wines to look out for:

Lindeman’s Early Harvest Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2013 ($15). Deliberately picked early to reduce the alcohol content, the push here is the "lighter alcohol and calories" market. Twenty five percent less in fact after reading the label. There’s green melon, guava and tropical fruit freshness. Even some peeled cucumber aromas. The wine is certainly clean, crisp and light in the mouth. I was pleasantly impressed and I would recommend it for those in the market for such a wine.

Voyager Estate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013 ($24) Fresh, clean and oozing tropical fruit goodness, a wine you can easily get stuck into. I can easily see this on your table at lunch. The simple refreshing delivery of the fruit assures this gets a big tick from me.

Taltarni Tache 2010 ($26) is a pinkish looking drop which smells a little like strawberries. There’s some texture present via some biscuity characters and a strawberry kiss which flows through to a long, enjoyable finish which is not too dry.  Tache means stained and a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon gives the “stained” appearance.

All are readily available.

Cooks Lot Chardonnay 2013

Some texture and a little zip on the finish were appealing with this Chardonnay from Orange in NSW.

The wine certainly throws up a lot to think about. Picture croissants and brioche, baked nectarine and nougat. If only the fruit punched through a little harder.

Still, it's a good drink and very reasonably priced for $20. I'd be happy to share a glass or two.

Who: Cooks Lot Wines
What: Chardonnay (13.9% alc)
Where: Orange
When: 2013
How: $20

www.cookslot.com.au

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Bimbadgen Ridge Chardonnay 2013

The fruit for this wine is sourced from Orange in NSW.

Soft florals, melons and stone fruit hover here. It's quite fresh and light in the mouth and the melon characters drive though. An ever so faint nutty character can also be picked up.

Certainly a drink now type and a Chardy which would appeal to those not too keen on the variety. Decent value too.

For me, I prefer a Chardonnay with more fruit drive and depth.

Who: Bimbadgen
What: Chardonnay (13% alc)
Where: Orange
When: 2013
How much: $16

www.bimbadgen.com.au

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TeAro Two Charlies GSM 2012

This is where the party is at. I'm a bandit for a good GSM and this wine hits the spot.

Chocolate, cedar, black fruits and bark type aromas. Loaded with spicy goodness and some mouth warmth. A generous and soothing type length. It just feels and tastes great.

A wine which makes you want to tuck up to in front of a fire on a cold winter's night.

I'd definitely buy some.

Who: TeAro Estate 

What: Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre (14.8% alc)

Where: Barossa

When: 2013

How much: $24

www.tearoestate.com

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McWilliam's Hanwood Sauvignon Blanc 2013

This is pretty good Sauvignon Blanc for the price. Grassy characters wrapped around guava fruit highlights.

A crisp acid finish wraps up a refreshing wine.

I'm not a big Sauvignon Blanc fan so I wouldn't particularly go and buy this wine. There's many who would enjoy the style however, particularly as this range of wines is often discounted to around the $10 mark.

Who: McWilliam's 

What: Sauvignon Blanc (12.5% alc)

Where: Riverina

When: 2013

How much: $14

www.mcwilliams.com.au

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McWilliam's Appellation Series Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Good handfuls of fruit deliver a bright and tasty wine.

Some cedar oak sits behind some silky dark fruit. It dries out a little before being reigned in by soft fine tannins.

A solid wine and one which slips down without too much fuss. Some more depth and concentration would pick it up a notch or two.

For the money, it's hard to justify though. There's plenty of other Cabernets around the $15-20 mark which deliver much more punch.

Who: McWilliam's 

What: Cabernet Sauvignon (13.5% alc)

Where: Hilltops

When: 2013

How much: $24

www.mcwilliams.com.au

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TeAro The Charging Bull Tempranillo 2013

Take a whiff and I'm picturing a big slab of meat on an Argentinian style open grill.

Meaty, char, and dark cherry characters contribute to this medium bodied wine. It's very smooth.

A wine ideal to accompany food. Meaty food. On its own it lacked some guts up the middle. It almost appeared to be the running of the bulls without the bulls.

A decent wine but not one I'd go shopping for.

Who: TeAro Estate 

What: Tempranillo (13.8% alc)

Where: Barossa

When: 2013

How much: $30

www.tearoestate.com

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Clovely Estate Kartlis Deda Saperavi 2012

The label is eye catching and the bottle is heavy as. No expense spared here.

As soon as I opened the wine I was attracted by its bright colour.  It certainly drank better on the second day after getting a little air.
I felt the structure and tannin didn't match the fruit weight and it certainly needs some fatty food to accompany it. With pork crackling at hand, this certainly altered the experience.

Oak and dry herb aromas jump out. Dark berries abound with gentle spice. There's lots of mid palate concentration followed by a very dry finish. Very dry! Mouth puckering stuff and then some.

Not a wine I would personally seek out. The pricing is questionable particularly when this was tried alongside a Saperavi less than half the price and much more drinkable.

Who: Clovely Estate
What: Saperavi (14.5% alc)
Where: South Burnett
When: 2012
How much: $90

www.clovely.com.au

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Friday Drinks Radio 4BC 2 May

A quick chat about oxidisation before sharing two excellent wines from the new McWilliam's Appellation Series. The Appellation Series sets out to highlight the various wine regions within NSW.

Listen in here.

My bargains this week:

McWilliam’s Appellation Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2013 $24
 Attractive nuttiness and florals. Throw in some fleshy peach and a dash of creaminess and that about sums it up. Captivating stuff. Delicious and then some. Keep an eye out for it.

McWilliam’s Appellation Canberra Syrah 2013 $24
Cool climate Syrah at its best. Smell the violets! Engaging aromas of cherries and white pepper and nicely integrated spice. Silky smooth. A delight to drink full stop.

Meerea Park Alexander Munro Semillon 2009

I really enjoyed this aged release Semillon sourced from the Hunter Valley's famed Braemore vineyard.

There's aromas of slight orange zest with lemon and lemon curd like flavours. Hints of brioche, some minerality and honey texture drive through on a giving palate.

Perfectly positioned acid for a five year old Semillon and there's many years ahead. Decades even. An excellent wine.

Who: Meerea Park
What: Semillon (11% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2009
How much: $40

www.meereapark.com.au

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Devil's Lair The Hidden Cave Chardonnay 2013

I've recently seen this Chardy advertised for around $17 which makes it excellent buying considering the RRP is $24.

Plenty of melon and stone fruit characters cutting loose here. Fleshy peach to the fore with a line of citrus goodness slithering its way through. There's some toasty oak but enough fruit to take centre stage. Great length which is long and warming.

Certainly worth a look particularly if you see it at the special price mentioned.

Who: Devil's Lair
What: Chardonnay (13% alc)
Where: Margaret River
When: 2013
How much: $24

www.devils-lair.com

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Lindeman's Regional Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

A new release in the Lindeman's portfolio, the Regional Series sets out to highlight the best of two regions blended together with the philosophy being, "The sum of the whole is greater than the individual parts".

Dark, deep and savoury. A blend of fruit sourced from Padthaway and the Clare Valley (percentages unknown). Lovers of bigger styles of Cabernet would be at home here.

Littered with black fruits and typical  Cabernet characters of mint and capsicum. Some bitter dark chocolate makes an appearance on a long finish. The only thing pegging it back was a slippery type feel on the finish. What went before it was certainly most enjoyable.

Good buying for $23.

Who: Lindeman's
What: Cabernet Sauvignon (14% alc)
Where: Padthaway and Clare Valley
When: 2012
How much: $23

www.lindemans.com

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McWilliam's Appellation Series Canberra Syrah 2013

This is an excellent example of a medium bodied wine.

Cool climate Syrah at its best. Smell the violets! Take your taste buds on a tour of deliciousness with cherries, a touch of raspberry and white pepper coupled with nicely integrated spice. Silky smooth to finish, it's a delight to drink full stop.

A drink for the short term, and when it's fresh and this good, why not?

Excellent wine and excellent buying.

Who: McWilliam's 

What: Syrah (13.5% alc)

Where: Canberra

When: 2013

How much: $24

www.mcwilliams.com.au

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