Ravens Croft Wines Gewurztraminer 2010

The thought of Thai for dinner had me thinking of a Gewurz to match, and this is what I found in the cellar. Not only did I find the bottle, a spelling mistake on the label didn't go unnoticed.

An interesting wine which seems to have three parts which flow neatly into the next.

Aromas, whilst a little muted, were varietal and highlighted by rose water, musk and Turkish delight moving to lychee goodness which fills the mouth. Medium bodied there is some noticeable texture. It finishes softly with ginger spice.

The last time I tasted this the ginger was not so pronounced so some bottle age has helped it to develop. The fruit has held up well too.

A good drop. I'd buy another.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $25
Source: Cellar Door

www.ravenscroftwines.com.au

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de iuliis Shiraz 2013

Let this suck on a little H20 and then Robert's your father's brother.

Medium bodied, a delicious Hunter Shiraz unfurls featuring earth, black fruit, and black pepper spice. Some rhubarb made a brief appearance early on too.

Gentle mouth warm hums along throwing out a super long length. Hang on to it for the medium term and have with red meat.

Very tasty. Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.dewine.com.au

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Wolf Blass Black Label Cabernet Shiraz 2010

There's so much here to indicate this will be a polished gem in years to come.

A Cabernet Shiraz blend (51/49) coming from Barossa (51%), Langhorne Creek (17%) and McLaren Vale (17%) vineyards.

Built to last, give it a few more years in the bottle to appreciate the goodness.

A classic Cab Shiraz blend with dark berries, cloves, some earthiness and a wash of spice culminating in a long finish which hangs on for dear life. The tannins are grainy like and the oak complements the fruit well.

The only detractor at this stage is the acid which does eat away at you. But to be there for the long haul you'd hope there would be a hit of acid this early on. Overlook this and stick the wine in a dark place to get twenty plus years from it.

Very good but I'd expect this to be excellent in years to come.

Region: Barossa Valley, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale
RRP: $130
Source: Sample

www.wolfblasswines.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Slow to rise, an injection of air slowly released aromas of black fruits, clove and then an undertow of plums and some florals.

The fruit is soft and some acid hangs on at the death. For a Cabernet it just lacks drive. Keep in mind this is only a 2013, but still, it's more of a drink now proposition.

All up, ok but not one I'd stick in my trolley.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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De Bortoli Yarra Valley Villages Chardonnay 2012

I must admit, a few expletives were thrown out when I took a whiff of this. Knowing the RRP is under $20, there is so much jam packed into this wine. It would have to be the best value Chardonnay under twenty bucks. Surely!

The story of the Villages is summed up well and succinctly by winemaker Steve Webber here.

Superbly balanced and precise. I loved the aromas but when you get it down the hatch it's even better. Peaches and pears, a touch of citrus blossom and brioche. Plenty of nutty characters wash about too.

Delicate and then some, it's a pure delight. Twenty bucks, really? Load up!!

Enjoy in the medium term, but why wait?

Excellent.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.debortoli.com.au

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Lindeman's Bin 65 Chardonnay 2014

Everyone deserves a make over and now the Bin series from Lindeman's has its turn. The label has changed for the first time since 2001.

Lindeman's sell a shiteload of this stuff and the reason is simple. Year after year it doesn't change. You know what you are going to get. Some consumers love and embrace that security and it can be easily found here.

There's lots of melons and freshness here. Rockmelon and honey dew are followed by some yellow fleshed peach as well as a little grassy flick. Buttered toast kicks late, enough to provoke thought and doesn't drown out what came before.

The acid is clingy and bitey, but this is a drop most would pair with a mid-week meal so that shouldn't cause too much havoc. The fruits sits around long enough and would go well with chicken and pasta dishes.

Often priced well below $10, it's a reliable purchase if chasing simple pleasures.

Readily available. Drink now.

Region: Various (South Eastern Australia)
RRP: $9.99
Source: Sample

www.lindemans.com

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Tapestry Wines Regional Shiraz 2012

A limited wine list at an Italian restaurant led me to this.

Quite big and powerful with red currants, mulberries and plums busting a move. As time went on the wine displayed some savoury appeal via dried oregano.

Whilst quite smooth and filling, the one thing that just kept stealing the show was the unrelenting vanilla oak. It added some sweetness and dumbed down the fruit. An arm wrestle of sorts took place with the fruit adding value before being put in a sleeper hold and the vanilla showing its hand.

Would I buy this again, sadly no.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $22
Source: Restaurant Wine List

www.tapestrywines.com.au

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Knappstein Enterprise Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

The Enterprise vineyard was planted in 1962 in the Clare's north and sits on Terra Rossa soils.

Glenn Barry has really shaken up what he is doing at Knappstein and this Cabernet is schmick.

Green capsicum, leafy, dark berries and chocolate are interwoven nicely with a dusting of dried savoury herbs and a little mint. Quite fresh, it has an adolescent excitement about it's delivery. The fruit is neatly balanced and full in delivery. Juicy black fruits shuffle through to a long and satisfying finish.

Give it a couple of years before you pass the lamb.

Excellent.

Region: Clare Valley
RRP: $46
Source: Sample

www.knappstein.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

These icon wines from the d'Arenberg 2010 release have really got me excited.

Although this took a little time to compose itself and hit its straps, a long life of happiness can be guaranteed.

The aromatics went about revealing themselves slowly, but be patient and reward will come.

Earthy, chocolate, black olives, dark berry fruit, savoury dried herbs and tomato leaf all come to the fore. All the goodness Cabernet can bring, this has it. Full, rounded and generous sum up best what you get, the savoury characters come late which adds further appeal.

Seamless in many respects. I had this with a butterflied leg of lamb and it went down a treat.

Will cellar for at least twenty years.

Excellent.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $65
Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Montalto Tuerong Block Pinot Noir 2012

Coming from a vineyard on clay loam soils 30 metres above sea level, it is a contrast to the Main Ridge Block which sits 156 metres above.

Striking aromas of earthy, forest fruit and dried strawberry set things up. Dark cherry fruit and some pluminess provide plenty of flavour which is deep and giving. Savoury characters are also present. The fruit starts on the front of the palate, shifts to the side then back to the middle. The finish is dry with slight powdery tannins.

Now give this a couple of years and it will be seriously pumping. I did initially think there were some whole bunches but there are none present. However, a detailed discussion with winemaker Simon Black left me impressed with his vision not only for the brand but how he uses and intends to use whole bunches in the future. In short, it's either 100% whole bunch or none with Simon. Watch this space for some wines currently in barrel where he has successfully trialled his theory with 25% of the 2013 vintage committed to whole bunch vinification.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $65
Source: Sample

www.Montalto.com.au

Yelland & Papps Sete Di Vino 2013

Be sure to arm yourself with pizza or pasta and you'll be smiling all the way with this.

A tidy little drop which complements food nicely. A blend of Barbera, Lagrein and Dolcetto contributing 36/34/30 percent respectively.

Take a whiff and swim in aromas of sweet mulberry and violets. The Lagrein component really adds value to the blend via sour cherries and plums and draws out the length.

Quite savoury with a little dusting of earth, it's not hard to keep washing back mouthfuls of food.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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Yelland & Papps Roussanne 2013

Yelland & Papps produce some very smart booze right from their entry level through to their premiums. Amongst all that you get the clean pure wines and some dirty buggers (check out the Second Take range - brilliant!). Roussanne is a variety they do well, and this 2013 is no exception.

Barrel fermented in new and old French oak, this is then left on lees for six months. Only 800 bottles of this Roussanne were produced.

Packed with goodness and layered with flavour, think a splash of vanilla, preserved lemon, a touch of mandarin peel, florals and cashews.

The fruit is thick and moreish and some peachy flavours step up. A sprinkle of spice adds further appeal. Acid is balanced framing the fruit well.

Have in the medium term with any white meat or creamy pasta.

Very good. Actually, bloody good!

Region: Barossa
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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Oakridge Over the Shoulder Chardonnay 2013

Good juice this but nothing to make me jump up and down. The fruit has good presence and drive. Sourced from several vineyards in the Yarra where all the fruit is hand picked. Interestingly, 15% of the Chardonnay for this wine comes from the vineyard which contributes to the famed Oakridge 864 label.

Some texture backs up good aromatics where there's some peachy and apple action. There's more fruit than oak. The oak is integrated nicely and does its bit without overplaying its hand. Faint citrus appeal rolls into a soft finish with pleasing length.

Overall, it's good going. I'd have a glass or two but not much more. There are others from the region which perform better at the same price point though.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $23
Source: Sample

www.oakridgewines.com.au

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Willow Bridge Dragonfly Cabernet Merlot 2013

Winemaker Simon Burnell threw down the challenge for what was considered the best value Cabernet Merlot on the market. I put my hand up to suggest one from another Western Australian producer and before long this sample turns up on my doorstep. Respect to the bloke for putting his pride and opinion on the line...and then standing tall at the finish line. Kudos here Simon!

Bright and inviting aromas. Expect typical varietal Cabernet characters but what really stands out is the smooth and generous fruit on delivery. Nicely balanced and well poised, this is dangerously slurpable.

Juicy mulberries and plums, plus a waft of bay leaf sneaking in amongst the dried herb. The length is excellent finishing with a powdery/grainy type tannin.

Only $18!! The best value Cabernet Merlot going around, I think I've changed my mind.

The Dragonfly range is very smart.

Region: Geographe, Western Australia
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.willowbridge.com.au

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O'Leary Walker Shiraz 2012

A punchy little sucker here.

Dark fruits, plums, some chocolate and olives are all prominent. I pick up some five spice too but this moves away slowly once it breathes some air. Decant it. Let it breathe.

A blend of 70/30 Clare Valley and McLaren Vale Shiraz delivering a solid wine with depth which you'd be happy to knock back without too much persuasion.

Good value and can be spotted for around just under the $20 mark.

Region: Clare Valley & McLaren Vale
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.olearywalkerwines.com.au

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de iuliis Shiraz Touriga 2013

Claimed to be the first blend of its type in the Hunter Valley, the fruit comes from the family's Lovedale Road vineyard where 1.5 acres was planted. After a little research, this was based on the variety's ability to withstand the heat of a warm vintage. Winemaker Mike de Iuliis convinced his father to plant some Touriga in the family vineyard based on a mate's success with the variety, so it hit the dirt in 2008.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this admittedly but I felt I was smacked by a left hook as it hit the nostrils. Wow!

This is subtle but powerful. Feminine yet masculine...you get the picture.

Touriga Nacional is traditionally used in fortifieds and contributes 15% to this blend. This is the second vintage the fruit has been used, and by all accounts, it's been 100% success thus far.

Fractionally on the lighter side of medium bodied, the fruit sits gracefully. Attractive florals of purple flowers and violets, raspberries and blueberries plus some cracked black pepper. The Touriga really adds to the aromatics of the wine. Some typical Hunter earthiness kicks up too via the Shiraz. Length? Is long and delicious!

Mike suggests this will be rocking after five years in the cellar. I haven't got time for that. It's SOOO good now. Good acid will soften furthermore however.

Cellar Door only.

Excellent.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.dewine.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings GSM 2010

This is an outstanding GSM release. So soft and delicate.

The fruit here is just humming and each element of the blend stands up and does its bit. I tasted this in a line up of several wines, but I kept coming back here for more. Before long, there was a fair bit missing from the bottle. It's just warming and comforting stuff.

A blend of 70/25/5 respectively, the wine is beautifully balanced and poised. Slick with great fruit, there's some earth, spice, a dash of dried herbs and a lick of sweetness. The happiness lasts forever with a long and lingering finish.

At least two decades ahead of it, GSM freaks will be in heaven. I was!

Excellent.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $65
Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Vermentino 2014

Hello summertime!

One whiff of this and I just wanted to go outside. It's so fresh and rearing to go.

Glace pineapple, pear skin, a smidge of honey and citrus blossom aromas skip around. As it warms in the glass, citrus fruits become more apparent. And just like the 2013, there is a lemony zip on the finish. The acid here though is much tighter, green apple like.

I couldn't have too much of this on its own, but I could certainly give it is touch up with some fresh seafood. The sweetness of some scampi perhaps, but I wouldn't say no to prawns.

Good.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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Knappstein Insider Riesling 2013

Take a whiff and you could be excused for thinking this a Pinot Gris not Riesling. There's a distinct waft of pear which comes with the PG territory. Hang around a little longer and the usual Riesling citrus appeal swings into action.

The thing I love about this wine is the yin and yang thing. It appears to dry out only for the 9g/L of residual sugar to blast in at the death.

The palate is built up nicely with good weight courtesy of 48 hour skin contact during ferment. But hello, that sexy textural thing which asks so many questions, only deserves the respect of another sip.

This Insider range deliberately side steps the norm and this Riesling sits perfectly beside its Shiraz Malbec sibling. Don't expect fresh and zesty Riesling here, just get ready to indulge in something with massive guzzle factor.

Lots to love. Very good.

Region: Clare Valley
RRP: $27
Source: Sample

www.knappstein.com.au

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Dandelion Wonderland of the Eden Valley Riesling 2013

This is the type of Riesling which you will leap for or turn away.

Bone dry with a heap of minerality and river stone action going on. Behind that lurks some pithy citrus, namely lemons and limes. There's a chalky character in the mix too.

Good depth and weight. The ability to age it is not out of reach.

 I dig it, as I pour another glass.

Readily available. A quick Google search suggests you can pick it up for around 20 bucks. Nice!

Good.

Region: Eden Valley
RRP: $27.50
Source: Sample

www.dandelionvineyards.com.au

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De iuliis Semillon 2014

Send Semillon haters this way.

This is young Semillon at its best and is absolutely awesome! What's more, it's easy on the hip pocket too.

There's been much talk about the Hunter Valley's 2014 wines as ones to watch. Case in point here.

Bursting with green apples and citrusy goodness, this is a wine you can easily get stuck into.

Fresh, lively and zesty with some crunch, the fruit is balanced very well.

Seafood & sunshine + this = happy times. Hunt it down, you won't regret it.

Excellent.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.dewine.com.au

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Willow Bridge Dragonfly Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014

Quite expressive aromas of grapefruit and passionfruit. Add to this some grassy and a morning dew lift.

Green and light on the palate, the fresh fruity flavours walk hand in hand with tight acidity.

Wash down your fish and chips with this or sip in the spring time sun with friends.

This style of wine is not for me, but for what it is, this is a very good blend and priced well too.

Drink now.

Region: Geographe, Western Australia
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Bimbadgen MCA Series XIV Fumé Blanc 2014

The MCA Series is a partnership between Bimbadgen and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Sauvignon Blanc for this wine comes from Orange. Half of it spent five months in new and old French Oak, hence why it is called Fumé Blanc - giving a hint of oak character.

This is more melons and passionfruit than the grassy acidic cat's piss that Sauv Blanc can be.

Fresh with a liveliness but the tempo is settled by the ever so subtle oak. It just feels and tastes good - and I don't generally like Sauv Blanc - but I like this. Lots. Guzzle juice.

Find it. Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $29
Source: Sample

www.bimbadgen.com.au

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Montalto Pennon Hill Chardonnay 2013

Bloody good Chardy for $23!

This is Montalto's entry level and it certainly punches above its price point.

Homemade lemonade kicked things off. After warming up a little characters of yellow peach and nuttiness via cashews and hazelnuts became more prominent. There's some depth here and the fruit is still quite juicy and personable.

A lick of creaminess with a finish which is beautifully balanced and long. Oak adds depth but is not over the top.

Pass the roast chicken please.

Excellent.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $23

www.montalto.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Shiraz Roussanne 2012

Some deep and brooding Shiraz coupled with the floral lift of Roussanne.

Quite muscular in its delivery, there's what seems to be a red currant lift. Oak is a bit heavy on the heavy side for mine and is showing its dominance over the fruit.

A blend of 90% Shiraz and 10 % Roussanne, mulberries and plum coat the mouth with a wash of bitter chocolate and spice at the finish. The Roussanne freshens the wine nicely adding some raspberry and cherry aromas lightening the heavier Shiraz component.

With all this in mind, this lingers long and generously. It's not hard to keep guzzling away.

Very good.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $35

www.yellandandpapps.com

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Friday Drinks on Radio 4BC - Father's Day

Here's a unique story about a row of vines struck by lightening and made into a barrel wine using 100% whole bunches.

And of course it's Father's Day on Sunday, so get your pen and paper out as I tick off a few ripping wines to pick up for the old boy.

My tips this week also include:
Luke Lambert Crudo Syrah 2013 $28
Montalto Estate Pinot Noir 2013 $48

Listen in here and Happy Father's Day!!

Montalto Estate Pinot Noir 2013

Excellent Pinot! Stand and applaud. But if you need more info to be convinced, best you read on...

I lined this up with four other Pinots and the rivals were bowled over like skittles. Everything about this drop just oozes class.

In January I had the privilege of looking at this in barrel. Whilst I was doing a happy dance filled with excitement at the time, it has improved just a fraction more since then.

An attractive colour in the glass, dark cherry and earthy aromas are the highlights here with a little savoury charm. There's a hint of mushroom compost action in there too. A whiff of vanilla also plays its part.

Silky smooth with perfectly balanced acid and tannin, the finish is super long and moreish. There's a little more guts in this Pinot which I like. Actually, I like it a lot!

Go and get it. Please do!

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $48

www.montalto.com.au

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Warramate Pinot Noir 2012

This is an example of why Pinot can be so pleasurable and yet it doesn't cost a bomb.

Strawberries and red florals come out to play. Add some varietal mulch factor, rhubarb and a hint of violets and there you go.

Soft and balanced, the aromas connect with the palate nicely. The fruit is fresh and vibrant in the mouth. Some dark cherry is a welcome addition as is some spice which lingers on a long finish.

I'm picturing a few glasses of this would go down very easily on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the spring sunshine.

Very good indeed.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $28

www.warramatewines.com.au

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Rymill Coonawarra The Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

This is a departure from the normal style of Cabernets made at Rymill hence the name The Dark Horse.

Juicier with little tannin and eight months in second and third year oak make up the different approach.

Black fruit, mulberry, tobacco leaf, cedar, and mint with some slight dried herb to wrap it up. It kicks off juicy but thins out on the mid palate with a drying finish.

Find it on premise or at independent retailers only.

Good.

Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $24

www.rymill.com.au

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