Voyager Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2011

This is bang on target and another excellent Chardy from the folks at Voyager.

Plenty of lemons, stone fruit and white flower florals move to the palate with ease. A minerality sticks and looms large on a long finish, ridden hard by lemon pith. Subtle and well balanced oak adds yet another dimension.

Yes, yes! Excellent.

Region: Margaret River

RRP: $45

Source: Sample

www.voyagerestate.com.au

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Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

Bright, lively and fresh would best describe what's in the glass here.

Lemons and lemon pith, grapefruit acidity and even a touch of freshly cut pear. This is cleansing without being too heavy. Oak plays its hand nicely balancing out a wine which grows on you. There's depth and personality yet it is precise in delivery.

I'd go here again. It's very good and a whisker away from being excellent.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.leeuwinestate.com.au

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Witches Falls Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2013

A tidy wine which opens with aromas of marigold flower, stone fruit, vanilla and what comes across as margarine.

The fruit has depth and drives through. Although there is some mouth warmth, white fleshed peach is king here. Creamy with toasty oak appearing at the death, there's texture courtesy of the wild ferment which follows through to a long and persistent finish.

This is a very good wine which held its own when lined up in a tasting with Chardonnays from Margaret River and Great Southern regions.

Region: Granite Belt

RRP: $32

Source: Sample

www.witchesfalls.com.au

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Pizzini Rosetta 2014

A dry Rosé (bloody dry!) which needs food at its side. There's no way I'd have this by itself. It needs a wingman so I had this with burgers sitting by the water at sunset and they complimented each other well.

There's good red fruit in the form of strawberries, cherries and cranberry. Made from Sangiovese, it's tight but finishes long and crisp but with a tart edge.

That dryness is the detractor though. A good Rosé for me should have chug factor without the need for food to balance it out.

Region: King Valley

RRP: $17.50

Source: Sample

www.pizzini.com.au

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Clovely Estate Left Field Cordon Cut Semillon 2014

Dried naturally by the sun after the cordon was cut, the fruit was whole bunch pressed and wild yeast fermented.

Beautifully balanced, although a sweet wine, it's certainly not too sweet (12.5% alc). I'd point this more towards a cheese platter than a sweet dessert, but regardless, the 375mL disappears in quick time.

A touch of marigold flower is followed by candied pears and a drop or two of apricot nectar. Honey like and gently textured on the palate, it's clean and moreish, lingering nicely.

I'd go here again for sure. Top stuff.

Get it online or at the Cellar Door.

Region: South Burnett
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.clovely.com.au

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Gartelmann Deidrich Shiraz 2011

It's great to go back and have a look at a Hunter Valley 2011. Being the same year most of the country was smashed by wet weather, the Hunter dodged a bullet and produced some fantastic wines.

This is Gartelmann's flagship wine. I popped into the cellar door recently and had a wonderful chat with co-owner Jan Gartelmann. The wines are made by Liz Jackson out of the First Creek facility. Prior to this it was Jim Chatto at the helm back in the mid 2000's.

The fruit for this wine comes off 46 year old vines in Pokolbin which is machine harvested. A mix of new and 1-3 year old French oak are used for 12 months.

Recently released, what stands out immediately is the fruit sweetness. Rosehip type florals were joined by bucket loads of plum and cherry characters with nicely interwoven clove and cardamon spice. Oak plays a minor role, but from start to finish that plummy fruit sweetness just chips away. A day on and the darker fruit qualities took the reins.

Smooth to finish and very enjoyable, decant and have in the medium term with meat dishes.

Region: Hunter Valley

RRP: $45

Source: Sample

www.gartelmann.com.au

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Pizzini Prosecco 2014

I call wines like these "pool wine" simply because they are the type you want to hydrate the insides with while your outsides relax in the pool. And sit in the pool I did!

A pleasure to drink, it's not complicated and very tasty. Green apples and a dash of lemon and pear highlight this fizz. It's crisp and moreish. Not too dry, it makes a pleasant alternative to Pinot Chard bubbles.

Very good and one I purchased more of during the Christmas festive period to share with friends.

Region: King Valley

RRP: $20

Source: Sample

www.pizzini.com.au

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Angove Alternatus Grenache 2014

An enjoyable stand and deliver type of wine. Think a little cherry sweetness, strawberry and mulberry fruit aromas leading to a juicy palate with a scattering of peppery spice. Fine and soft to finish, an easy drinking style which hits the mark. Good stuff.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $25

Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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Soul Growers Slow Grown Shiraz 2013

Like its Cabernet sibling, this is another big boy.  A powerful and muscular beast with a delicate touch. An iron fist with a velvet glove perhaps. And really, it's hard to resist the gravitational pull this exudes.

Sweet oak aromas and baked raspberry skip out of the glass. A little more time in the glass reveals plums, chocolate and dark fruits. Some oak char tip toes through the earthy and gutsy fruit. But yet the delivery is smooth as.

After four days it was still sitting pretty. Made to age, time will certainly be its friend.

Do I like it? Yeah baby! A lot. I reckon I'll like it even more after a few years too.

A worthy purchase? Yes, then put it away and forget about it.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $50
Source: Sample

www.soulgrowers.com

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Mason Wines Cellar Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

This is Mason's top label. Winemaker Anthony Ramatta has been chipping away for a few years now and has produced some smart wines with the '12's demonstrating his capabilities. I had the pleasure of catching up with him a few months ago and he has some very tidy looking '14's in barrel.

Made using French and American oak, cassis, blackcurrant and a touch of blackcurrant jam typically show up. What gets my attention is the mintiness on the front palate which lingers leading to dark chocolate sitting smack bang in the middle. The fruit is generous and just hangs before finishing soft leading to voluptuous tannins.

Give it another year or two to show its best but still, a very good drop.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.masonwines.com.au

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Witches Falls Wild Ferment Verdelho 2013

This is some funky booze to tantalise the taste buds. I didn't rate the Co-inoculated Verdelho, but this is the goods. Whoa!

Refreshing fruit runs the show; think spiced pear, papaya and pineapple with a spicy zip. The creamy type texture is the result of the barrel fermentation where the wine was left on lees for the duration of the twenty day fermentation. The fruit has presence and a neat vibe to it which just sits long.

I'd easily buy this, and coupled with some fresh seafood, you'll be smiling ear to ear.

Region: Granite Belt

RRP: $32

Source: Sample

www.witchesfalls.com.au

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Angove Alternatus Fiano 2014

From the second the cap came off I knew this would be a tasty little sucker.

Sourced from the Oliver's vineyard from which Corrina Wright (winemaker at Oliver's Taranga) has made a name for herself as the queen of Fiano, this effort from Angove is very handy.

Wade through the stone fruit and tropical aromas to a palate rich with melons and textural appeal. There's a density, almost creamy like, which is enough to capture interest yet not too heavy to deter. Engaging length and nicely balanced overall.

A classic take on the Italian variety. Very good wine and great drinking.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $25

Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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Pizzini Verduzzo 2013

Verduzzo is a variety many may not have come across. Hailing from north-eastern Italy, it is not to be confused with Verdelho which originates from Portugal.

A small portion of this wine spent time in new French oak to add texture and flavour.

Cut green apples, white fleshed peach and some tropical fruit influences highlight the wine. It hits the mid-palate and refuses to budge and that's where the influence of vanilla oak comes to the fore. The fruit, however, seems to evaporate and miss the back completely.

Although there is refreshing appeal to the wine and it was good to try, it's not a wine I'd go back to.

Region: King Valley

RRP: $22

Source: Sample

www.pizzini.com.au

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Knappstein Shiraz 2013

Some cooler climate deliciousness right here.

Aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, cracked white pepper and cured meat. There's almost a little cassis in there too. Some time in the glass and an intriguing fennel or coriander seed thing sneaks out and lingers in the background.

Soft, fine, delicate, this is engaging finishing long and screaming out for another sip.

Still humming after four days so time in a dark place won't hurt. Yet, she's ready to roll now.

Find it around the traps for under $20 which makes it terrific buying. And if the punters at the Cellarbrations store (Valentine, NSW - $20) I popped into recently are anything to go by, it looks like they know what they are after coz there was none left!

Very good and one I'd certainly plonk one in my trolley.

Region: Clare Valley

RRP: $22

Source: Sample

www.knappstein.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Cenosilicaphobic Cat 2009

The name is a mouthful so just go with "fear of an empty glass" for simplicity.

A union of unusual bed fellows in the form of Sagrantino 90% and Cinsault 10% which were blended after two years in old French and Amercan oak.

Stemmy aromas first up but these settle. A good decant and airing fixes that. Loads of mouth drying and puckering tannins dominate the landscape so food is needed. Hang on, I'll rephrase that... It's bloody tannic! Behind that, and you'll need to dig, sit red berries, dark cherry, wallet leather and purple flowers. It's almost a yin and yang effect with bold structure and tannin but some softer fruit qualities.

For all its complexity and the questions tossed up, I keep going back for more. Must be a sign of a decent drop?

Although already five years old, a few more years in the cellar won't hurt to see it at its best.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $30

Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Langmeil Live Wire Riesling 2014

Grab this and head to your nearest dumpling house; a perfect match!

A medium sweet style low on the sting (9% Alc) but still packed with plenty of flavour.

Green apples, lemons, limes and a suggestion of some minerality are enough to get the juices flowing. A gentle hit of sweetness (32g/L residual sugar) shifts to a cleansing finish.

Have as an aperitif or even beside something with a spicy kick such as Thai.

Two massive thumbs up from me on this. Now to get those dumplings!

Region: Eden Valley

RRP: $20

Source: Sample

www.langmeilwinery.com.au

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Angove Alternatus Vermentino 2014

A good Vermentino which is clean and crisp.

Pear, lime and some green melon type aromas move to lemony and lemon pith flavours. Have on its own or with fresh seafood.

Easy drinking, it's not too excitable though. I'd have a glass or two but I think the $25 asking price is a bit rich.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $25

Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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Rusty Mutt Shiraz 2012

What started bright morphed into a wine with a darker side. Dark fruits, baking spices and a ever so slight whiff of compost.

There's a bluntness to the fruit which hangs out at the back. Almost too shy to greet the cool kids at the front of the party. Tightish acid finds a big comfy lounge and mellows out. Blackberry fruit hits the dance floor with his charred oak buddy sitting off to the side not wanting to steal the limelight. Oak sweetness tends to lurk on the flanks as well.

The more time it sits, the better it gets. A medium term cellaring option.

Enjoyable, I'd go here again.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $27.50

Source: Sample

www.rustymutt.com.au

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Willow Bridge Estate G1-10 Chardonnay 2013

Quite a seductive wine which evolves nicely the longer it sits in the glass.
The usual fresh stone fruit and citrus characters of a good Chardonnay step out here, but with patience comes a subtle nuttiness and coconut husk. Now we're talkin'!

Hand picked, whole bunched pressed and wild yeast fermented, it was matured on lees for ten months in French oak, a quarter of which was new. A bright golden colour and a persistent vanilla creaminess are a result of this.

I've been lucky enough to have a look at a few of winemaker Simon Burnell's wines of late, and I must admit I do like what he delivers. There's finesse yet interest along with judicious use of oak. Furthermore, they are priced very well.

I'd grab a bottle of this and have it with a roast chook.

Excellent.

Region: Geographe, Western Australia
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Witches Falls Prophecy Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

The 2012 vintage on the Granite Belt was touted as one of the region's best in recent memory. Talk to the local winemakers and the excitement in their voices exemplifies this.

Whilst Cabernet is not the main variety on the Granite Belt, some impressive '12s have really stood up to be counted. And I reckon this effort is probably the best of the ones I've had a look at.

Layers of chocolate, black fruits, char, and smoked meat greet you. There's a delicious concentration of fruit which fills out and punches on. Softening tannins have a powder like grip and sit nicely lingering long into the night.

Yet to hit its peak, I reckon 10-15 years in the cellar is certainly not out of the question.

A ripper!

Region: Granite Belt

RRP: $51

Source: Sample

www.witchesfalls.com.au

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Wirra Wirra Mrs Wigley Grenache Rosé 2014

Here's a weapon to arm yourself with and attack your Sunday barbeque.

I've always preferred Grenache as my variety of choice for Rosé, and this from Wirra Wirra didn't disappoint.

Juicy and loaded with fruit, think watermelon, cranberry, strawberries and cherries. There's a touch of sweetness which then flushes out to a dry savoury finish highlighted by some spice and a little clove.

Really tasty stuff sure to appeal to both males and females.

Well priced, I bought this and I'd certainly head back and buy more.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $20 (I picked it up for $17)
Source: Retail

www.wirrawirra.com

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Soul Growers Cellar Dweller Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

A bit of a beast from traditional Shiraz country.

The wine spent two years in new French oak (40%) with the remainder in older French. Fruit was sourced from three vineyards, two of which had vines older than 50 years.

Usual Cabernet characters come to play including black and blue fruits and a lick of mint. A dash of spice adds to a subtle oak influence which all contribute to a deep and concentrated wine. Earthy aromas emanate throughout and the oak lingers on the finish. Soft in the mouth, it finishes long with fine tannins.

It's only a 2013 and still tight. Made for the long haul (it is called the Cellar Dweller!!), throw it in a dark place for a few years so it can kick back and relax - up to 20 years.

Very good now and time will only help it shine.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $50
Source: Sample

www.soulgrowers.com

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Golden Grove Durif 2013

You could pass this off as a savoury Grenache. Damn its tasty. Durif is often seen is a big and gutsy wine, but that's not the case here.

Dangerously approachable, it's a far cry from the 15% plus alcohol blockbusters coming from Rutherglen.

There's plenty going on. Tar, lead pencil, mulberry and raspberry fruits, black pepper, black garden soil, and dried savoury herbs. A little perky acid rides the fruit to give good balance.

A medium term cellaring option but is drinking well now.

Very good to excellent.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Willow Bridge Estate Bookends Fumè 2013

As per the label: hand picked, whole bunch pressing, natural ferment and nine months in French oak.

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (52%) and Semillon (48%), you got my attention with the French oak bit. For me, Sauv Blanc is best when it's been worked a little.

Some creamy and lemon curd type aromas with a touch of grapefruit kick things off. There's a squeeze of gooseberry and asparagus sitting nicely in the background.

Quite fresh with plenty of fruit driving the bus. The grapefruit acidity seems a little tight however. The creamy texture enables the length to hang on.

Ready to drink it now, it's a good drop but doesn't hit the spot entirely for me to set out and buy it.

Region: Geographe, Western Australia
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2013

This is alive and puts a spring in your step.

Fresh  and clean, there's great fruit yet you aren't bashed over the head with tropical fruit. Best of all, the fruit and soft acid are balanced delicately. Thirty percent barrel fermentation adds textural interest too.

Soft touches of grapefruit, grassy characters and some lemon pith deliver a Savvy which is persistent and long. I dig it!

Excellent.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $29
Source: Sample

www.leeuwinestate.com.au

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Willow Bridge Estate Rosa De Solana Tempranillo Rosé 2014

I haven't had a Rosé since April, so it's good to get back on the pink train. And I've gotta say, I was a big fan of this juice.

A whiff of watermelon, rose petals and red berries set the scene. I detected a fleck of citrus too before winemaker Simon Burnell confirmed there is 12% percent Semillon tossed in. Nice touch and it certainly gives the wine a lift.

Dry but juicy, there's some grip on the palate, yet it has plenty of guzzle factor. Chill it down and it wouldn't be out of place partnered with a snag or steak on the barbeque.

Very good.

Region: Geographe, Western Australia
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Clovely Estate Blanc de Blanc 2009

This is the first fizz made by Clovely Estate. Started by former winemaker and CEO Luke Fitzpatrick and finished by Sarah Boyce, prior to this Clovely bought their fizz from Hardys and stuck their label on the front.

After four years on lees in the bottle, this steps out and makes an appearance. It's a bloody good first up effort I must admit, my only question is the price. When you go over the $30 mark you start mixing with the serious players. And whilst this is very tidy, I wouldn't pay the asking price. Stick a glass in my hand though and I wouldn't complain at all mind you.

Bready, toasty, and brioche characters are all there. Some lemon and lemon curd add nicely to the profile. The bead is consistent and the colour is on the mark. Good depth and length are certainly engaging which move to a persistent and long finish. A welcome addition to the Clovely portfolio.


Available online or cellar door.

Region: South Burnett
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.clovely.com.au

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Shottesbrooke Estate 1337 Blanc de Blanc NV

The fruit for this is sourced from the Adelaide Hills to produce a 100% Chardonnay fizz. Loaded with lemons and a splash of apple, there's almost a lemon tea tree like character as well.

I found it quite light however, more like a Prosecco in some respects. I can see the aperitif appeal offered, but the depth I was looking for wasn't there.

A decent drop but not my style of fizz.

Region: Adelaide Hills

RRP: $20

Source: Sample

www.shottesbrooke.com.au

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Shottesbrooke Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2014

A very easy drinking type, it's easy to see how such a wine has appeal to a large chunk of the market.

Fresh and lively, there's more lemony citrus action here than the usual grassy, asparagus a green melons you expect with this variety. Crisp acidity makes for a simple drink offering good refreshment.

Region: Adelaide Hills

RRP: $20

Source: Sample

www.shottesbrooke.com.au

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Clovely Estate Il Taglio Mediterranean Blend 2013

There's a bit of change going on at Clovely Estate. Former winemaker and CEO Luke Fitzpatrick has moved on and taking his place is Sarah Boyce and Stefano Radici. The change doesn't stop there with the label and logo getting a little shake up here, and I like it!

A blend of the Mediterranean varieties grown, this is a fruit salad of sorts, but a lot of fun and most importantly, tasty booze.

Shiraz (36%), Nebbiolo (34%), Grenache (14%), Barbera (6%), Sangiovese (6%) and Mourverdre (3%) make the starting line up. I'm sure blending this wine would have been an interesting experience.

The wine itself is attractive leaving you with much to ponder. Red flowers, earth, lead pencil shavings, strawberries and savoury herbs add to a flavoursome landscape. A fine dusting of black pepper runs through stealthily.

It's not a wine that will win a lot of medals, but will surely win a lot of hearts purely because it is so approachable. Pizza and pasta would be perfect partners, although the back label suggests pecorino cheese, charcuterie or osso bucco. Whatever the food choice, you'll be sure to be grinning.

A have now type, I'd go back for more of this simply for its approachability. Tick!

Region: South Burnett
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.clovely.com.au

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Witches Falls Co-inoculated Verdelho 2013

Two strains of yeast are used to make this wine based on studies conducted by the AWRI, hence, co-inoculated. The aim is to produce intense aromas and flavours.

For me there wasn't the intensity I hoped for. There's plenty of pineapple, pawpaw and some honeydew melon aromas, but the usual tropical characters synonymous with the variety stop there. A creamy undertow is prominent in the mouth. It's a bit like rice pudding in some respects.

Some texture on the palate takes away the vibrancy of the fruit leaving some mouth warmth. I have generally found Verdelho to offer some refreshment on hot days with the comfort of seafood nearby. On this occasion, not so much.

A fair wine but not one I would purchase.

Region: Granite Belt

RRP: $24

Source: Sample

www.witchesfalls.com.au

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Shottesbrooke Estate GSM 2013

This sample came through recently and I was stunned to learn it is Shottesbrooke's first GSM blend. Even winemaker Hamish Maguire says, "Where have you been all my life," after producing a wine which fits nicely into the current range.

Strikingly easy drinking, it's juicy as and bursting with red fruits, dark berries, earthiness and some rustic charm. Toss in some savoury herbs and baking spices and it just hums. There's a perfume which can almost be pinned down to violets and purple flowers, yet there's a depth and calmness about the wine. A drop of residual sugar makes it such a smashable drink.

I'd certainly go here again. And why not? It's tremendous value for $20!

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $20

Source: Sample

www.shottesbrooke.com.au

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Devil's Lair The Hidden Cave Chardonnay 2014

Forget the RRP, this was recently advertised for $16 which makes it a steal.

A great little Chardy ticking all the boxes with stone fruit and nougat characters you'd look for in a respectable Chardy. Toss in some cheeky nuttiness which is followed by some well placed oak, and there you go.

Great length and drive, all is in balance and well weighted. There is an elegance and grace about it which is just simply hard to beat at this price point.

Do your best to track it down at that bargain discounted price.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $23
Source: Sample

www.devils-lair.com

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d'Arenberg The Bonsai Vine GSM 2010

The story to every d'Arenberg wine never fails to interest me. So the Bonsai Vine? In short, the fruit is sourced from short bush vines which are dry grown and resemble, well, you know...

A blend of Grenache (48%), Shiraz  (42%) and Mourvedre (10%), it smells of little berries, red currants, with a sprinkle of dried herd, some earthiness and just a smidge of boiled lolly.

The fruit coats the mouth nicely with a nice touch of oak. There's a slippery texture and warmth to the fruit. Still tasty stuff and a fair match for a roast or steak.

I'd have a glass or two but I'm not so sure about the price point.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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