Major Kong Syrah 2014

Helloooo funky town.

We've got a wild one here. 100% whole bunches are used in this medium bodied beauty.

Skinsy and bunchy (not surprisingly) on the nose. Some greenness from the stems lobs up but there's little to no impact. Roasted capsicum ratatouille, pizza sauce, and a little smokey, there's plenty happening here. To add further interest for your drinking pleasure, you'd be keen to know there has been no sulphur added. None during making. Not even prior to bottling.

Insanely smooth, it's a great medium bodied Syrah but the bunches fill it out giving the impression there is more to it.

A dusting of pepper spice rides through subtly and finishes gently.

No doubt this would not be everyone's cup of tea but it is sure impress the adventurous.

Medium term cellaring.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.paytenandjoneswine.com.au

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Rudderless Vineyard Grenache 2010

From Sellicks Hill on southern boundary of McLaren Vale. Cuttings for this came from Seppeltsfield, d'Arenberg, Rockford and Shottesbrooke. 548 dozen were produced. Other wines coming off the five acre site include Shiraz, Graciano, Malbec and Mataro.

This sits in a happy place. Gentle spice rides through wallet leather and plush raspberry fruit. Engaging mouth warmth, there's depth and generosity here. It's hard to believe it carries only 13.5% alc. as it gives the impression there is much more kick in the belly. A long and supple finish cries give me more.

Great drinking now and will keep for another 3-5 years.

Very good.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $35
Source: Gift

www.rudderlesswines.com.au

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St Ronan's Apple Cider

Here's a tasty way to start your afternoon. An ideal aperitif though I couldn't sit down and have a sesh with these. They are more rustic than gluggable and certainly a far cry from the sugar laden crap made from concentrate that's for sure. And that's what sets it apart from other ciders out there. There's plenty to chew on and think about. Real cider made from real apples sums up where maker Troy Jones is coming from here.

Tastes skinsy and yeasty. It's dry but a touch of sweetness lobs up at the finish. Textural, there's poached apple and canned apple washing about. It has a red apple skin taste too though Jones tells me he used a number of varieties some of which are red. Doesn't matter anyway really coz I like what it is.

Give me one or two watching the sunset.

Good+

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $16 (4 pack)
Source: Sample

www.stronanscider.com.au

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Seppelt Original Sparkling Shiraz 2012

It's hard to turn away from this. Shiraz + fizz + sugar (26g/L residual sugar no less) = bring it on.

50/50 old oak and stainless steel with 12 months bottle age on lees are all the technical specs you need to know.

Red flowers and hibiscus aromas shift to vibrant red berry fruit. Look a little deeper and you get the skinsy leesy thing, chocolate, some plums and blue fruits. Lots of fruit. Fine tannins and a long length make this a well rounded and delicious drop.

Put this in your back pocket, your black book, whatever you will but keep it in mind for those sweltering days where you want refreshment with a little more guts than a crisp white. Christmas Day and Turkey are certainly in the frame here.

A great drink which will age for the medium term but no need to wait. Best of all it can be found around the traps for under 20 bucks despite the $27 RRP - bargain!

Very good.

Region: Grampians/Heathcote/Bendigo
RRP: $27
Source: Sample

www.seppelt.com.au

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Bebeah Shiraz 2014

A reborn label for Meerea Park which has a pretty decent history between the mid 1800's to early 1900's. Fruit for this comes from vines planted in 1973. Only 300 six packs were produced and this is only available to wine club members and not general sale.

Hand picked, the fruit was crushed and fermented in open vats plunged daily. The wine saw 16 months of French oak puncheons, 20% of which were new.

Give this some time in a decanter. Roast beef jus, cherries and red fruits with peppery spice, earth and dried savoury herbs. Dusty and drying tannins to finish which hang on. Initially there was a warmth which detracted from what the fruit had to offer. It was a better wine on the second day of tasting after the acid settled.

Good+

Region: Hunter Valley

RRP: $30

Source: Sample

www.meereapark.com.au

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Salo Syrah 2013

What a contrast to the 2012. A true example of vintage variation can be seen when sitting the two beside one another. From a warmer and more ideal vintage than the previous, this 2013 delivers a fantastic example of what medium bodied Syrah from Hawkes Bay looks like.

Again, a dollop of Viognier (3%) was added to the ferment and only 15% new oak was used. Vibrant and juicy red fruits skip about with a dusting of black pepper. The fruit has more presence here on the mid palate. The 2012 showing much more savoury appeal yet the earthy characters still hold form. Smooth dusty/powdery type tannins to finish. Yum! I think I just licked the glass it's that good.

It will show its best in a year or so and will cellar for up to ten.

To be released in coming weeks. Check the website or good independent bottle shops.

Very good+

Region: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
RRP: $38
Source: Sample

www.salowines.com.au

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Salo Syrah 2012

From a longer than usual Hawkes Bay vintage, this shows cracked black pepper, beef stock, fried black olives and charred meats.

A dollop of Viognier (3%) was added to the ferment and only 15% new oak was used. The more air it sucked in the more I warmed to it. A touch lighter in the mouth than what the aromas suggest, there's plenty of appeal to this medium bodied wine. The black fruit rides long and proudly with an earthy undertow but skips a beat on the mid palate. It dissolves a little quicker than expected for mine. But all in all, there's lots to like.

The acid still a little lively, cellar for up to ten but in good shape now.

Very good.

Region: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
RRP: $38
Source: Sample

www.salowines.com.au

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Pizzini Rubacuori Sangiovese 2008

To be released January 2016, of all the Pizzini samples received, this guy was the only one sealed with some bark. And it survived you'll be pleased to know.

All the bells and whistles have been thrown at it. The best fruit parcels were used before 18 months in barrel then another two in the bottle.

This oozes class but needs a good decant to show its best. Dark cherries, compote and stewed fruits plus a dash of dried herbs. Grippy, the tannins stick and hold. Powdery like. Moreish indeed.

A polished wine and a privilege to have had the opportunity to taste.

Cellar for the medium term but it is certainly in a neat groove now.

Excellent.

Region: King Valley

RRP: $110

Source: Sample

www.pizzini.com.au

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Zonin Prosecco

To say there is a Prosecco boom taking hold would be an understatement. So much so there is a fear in Europe particularly that some suppliers are said to be finding it hard to keep up with demand.

Made from the Glera variety, Prosecco has cut loose in Australia too with the Victoria's King Valley leading the charge.

Zonin is imported from Italy and is deliciously refreshing. Ideal for our climate during the warmer months, it's pretty kind to your hip pocket too - only $11 and is widely available.

Lean, clean and crisp, there's a wash of apples capped off with a lemony tang.

Seafood, sunshine and the beach would serve as perfect partners.

Good.

Region: Aquileia, Italy
RRP: $11
Source: Sample

www.zoninprosecco.com

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Golden Grove Estate Malbec 2013

Grab a steak and don't look back.

Oceans of juicy fruit roll through highlighted by blackberries and plums. A dab of spice and some vanilla sweetness all contribute to a well rounded drop.

Smooth and moreish it's hard to not keep going back. Great buying for the $$ too.

Very good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2012

I wish those wintery nights weren't over as I embrace this with two hands. It just warms me up on the inside. Some old school Grenache here and after a chat with Chester Osborn recently, he has a knack of making old look new again. Oh, and there's always a story!

The story here is simple: some overgrown and abandoned bush vines were acquired and nurtured back to good health.

Earthy, there's a density about it. Typical Grenache raspberry action but also a shade of blackberry too. Savoury appeal flashes late but there's a sensual spice which creeps up on you and claws on for life yet it's not obtrusive.

Drink now or keep for the medium term.

Very good.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $29

Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2012

Plummy, blue fruits, some earth and a hint of leather. It took some time in the glass to get itself together but then drank famously.

Give it a good swirl and the rest is happy town. Nicely weighted, that plummy fruit drives through to a long finish. Quite delicious really. The final act is a dash of pepper which lingers as I lick the lips. Pass the steak please.

Very good.

Region: Margaret River

RRP: $36

Source: Sample

www.leeuwinestate.com.au

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Orange Mountain 1397 Shiraz Viognier 2012

The Orange region just keeps standing taller year after year. That slowly slowly approach is starting to reveal some gems in the ranks and this is well worth adding to your list if exploring what the region has to offer.

Named '1397' as a tribute to the altitude of Mt Canabolos, this Shiraz Viognier has been made by winemaker Terry Dolle for fifteen years. The wine spent 18 months in new French oak and 12 months in old oak before blending.

Give this a good swirl, a shake even to get it on the move. With air in its wings dried red flowers and jacaranda purple flower type aromas skip out of the glass. Made with 50% whole bunches (7% Viognier co-fermented), there's a generous sprinkle of black pepper and it's quite meaty. Steak pan juice like. The bunches really have an impact here adding plenty of depth and texture whilst also delivering that savoury appeal. A decent thrust of dark cherry fruit and baked raspberry fires off the second line of attack. Nice! The finish is soft and length long. Applaud now.

Cellar for up to ten.

Very good.

Region: Orange
RRP: $42
Source: Sample

www.orangemountain.com.au

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Patrick of Coonawarra Aged Riesling 2010

Aged Riesling fanatics have plenty to get excited about here.

Bottled and held back for three years, there's a youthful fist pump about it only held firm by a maturing hand.

Classic citrus drive and balanced acidity with a terrific length sum it up. Toasty characters are starting to show and ride behind a burst of lemons and lime pith. Citrus flower aromas seem to last for days. Great balance and soft to touch, it sits long and is very satisfying.

Will continue to age for the long term.

Very good+

Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $39
Source: Sample

www.patrickofcoonawarra.com

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Angullong Pinot Grigio 2015

Some white fleshed peach and poached pear. A soothing type with rounded edges before what seems to be some residual sugar taking hold which brings cut green apple to he fore.

A good wine but doesn't hit the Pinot Grigio chord for me. All element just to seem to marry up and that perceived sweetness is just a touch on the wrong side.

I'd prefer others.

Region: Orange
RRP: $19
Source: Sample

ww.angullong.com.au

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Angullong Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Quite delicious and refreshing. Citrus peel straight up and almost a kerosene type whiff but these blew off and green melon, gooseberry and passion fruit took control.

There's a slowly slowly appeal to it. Nothing smashes you in the face and as time passes pineapple and guava jump on stage. Crisp to finish, there's lots of appeal here thanks to its freshness.

Very good.

Region: Orange
RRP: $19
Source: Sample

ww.angullong.com.au

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Best's Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

This exudes a youthful energy. A bit like a kid skipping about with a handful of lollies with no intention to share. And in some ways I feel a bit like that right now.

Blackberry and boysenberry fruit is juicy and seems to ooze from the glass. The longer it sits a savoury herb character slowly reveals itself. And then the mint steps up ever so cautiously. As does a chip of chocolate or two.

But give me that juicy black fruit any day which coats the mouth generously. Dangerously smooth and smashable this holds the 14% alcohol with ease. Rip in now or hold on to it for the long term.

Very good.

Region: Grampians
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.bestswines.com

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Angove Family Crest Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

A strong Cabernet game played here.

The fruit comes from McLaren Vale vineyards in the north (Blewitt Springs) and south (Sellicks Hill).

Lashings of mint and chocolate, liberal use of French oak to good effect (new and second use for 12 months) and what seems to be handfuls of blackcurrant fruit.

Soft in the mouth and smooth to finish, drink now or cellar for the medium term. Pass the roast lamb please.

Very good.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2011

Here's a little piece of wine trivia for you: d'Arenberg were the first in McLaren Vale to blend Shiraz and Viognier.

From the much maligned 2011 vintage, but here's the thing... The fruit was picked before the rain set in so the issue of the wet vintage didn't so much impact the end result as much as everyone would think.

Crushed black pepper, dark berry fruits and plummy, with some air under its wings it opened up a treat. Made in a mixture of old French and American oak for 10 months, it is quite generous and perches itself on the palate well. Savoury herbs and some cured meat add interest as does a dash of spice. Drying and puckering to finish.

Well priced. I'd happily go back for another glass. And I did.

Very good.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $29 

Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Dry Dam Riesling 2008

2008 was the year some experimentation took place at d'Arenberg with their Riesling. The fruit for this Dry Dam comes off low yielding vines with an average age of 50 years and was picked at lower sugar levels than previous.

500 dozen were held back and the Riesling museum was born. Tremendously successful, this wine has already been awarded six trophies, fifteen gold medals and counting.

Whilst still showing some freshness, the aging phase has started to reveal typical toast and kerosene traits. Wading through the lemons, limes and pureed apple is some honeycomb goodness. Florally perfume escapes the glass in plumes but it is the acidity which keeps me hanging on for more. Perfectly placed it frames the palate well.

Long term cellaring is still in the bag here but gee it's good to go now. And it's cheap. Real cheap for a seven year old wine. Just shows what a bargain great Riesling is.

Excellent.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $29 (current 2015 - $18)

Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Golden Grove Estate Vintage Grand Reserve Barbera 2012

The 2012 vintage on the Granite Belt was the best in recent memory. It was just one of those years when everything fell into place. So much so that Golden Grove released the Vintage Grand Reserve label which saw the best fruit parcels thrown at it.

Red berries and blackberry fruit run riot here. A lick of savoury goodness adds another layer and the blackberry surges back with dash of fruit sweetness. Crunchy acidity bares the hallmark of a smart Barbera and this sits in a neat groove wrapped up by chalky tannins. Perfectly weighted there's a moreish factor here and then some.

Drink now or cellar for the medium term.

Very good+

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $45
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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De Iuliis Aged Release Semillon 2009

250 dozen were held back for this five year aged release.

Still mightily fresh. Green apple, citrusy with a waxy character evolving.

Youthful is the word that I keep coming back to though. Tangy acidity frames the palate well. There's lemon pith too. That typical aged Semillon honey and toast character is starting to emerge but is being shouldered from the front by the citrusy goodness.

Well priced for what you get. There's plenty of gas still left in the tank and will easily age for the long term.

Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.dewine.com.au

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Patrick of Coonawarra Pinot Noir 2014

I was pleasantly surprised by this wine. There's a wonderful easy drinking appeal about it which is quite comforting.

Sourced from a vineyard in Mt Gambier, south of Coonawarra, the use of new French oak and whole bunches has added some complexity.

Dark cherry, a dash of baking spice and strawberry aromas. Dried Mediterranean herbs too. And that savoury action sings. It rides the wave from start to finish and hangs long. Dangerously smooth with a fine tannin structure. Pure easy drinking pleasure.

Have in the short to medium term.

Good+

Region: Mt Gambier
RRP: $29
Source: Sample

www.patrickofcoonawarra.com

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Airlie Bank Pinot Rosé 2015

Again the Airlie Bank range delivers with such an easy drinking drop packed with personality. Chill it down hard and sit back and enjoy on a warm day.

There's some textural interest, a common theme amongst the Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc which are also in this range.

Sweetish red florals, strawberries, tangelo peel and a light dusting of spice drive this. The spice hovers nicely without being too obtrusive. Well weighted, that textural character is well placed.

Top drinking and worth dipping your toe in the waters of something different.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $19

Source: Sample

www.puntroadwines.com.au

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Over the Way Pinot Noir 2014

I'm still looking for something from Sunbury to hit the spot and despite this putting up a brave show, it's not it.

There's a warmth to the wine which I just can't shake. Sure there's dark cherries, plum compote and undergrowth, but there's a firmness about the mid-palate which leads to a warming character. Said to be better with age, it did open up a little more aromatically on the second day of tasting and seemed a little lighter in the mouth, but the finish was much the same. I could feel the acid bite on my teeth too.

I'd prefer others.

Region: Sunbury
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.shop.overtheway.com.au

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Leeuwin Estate Siblings Shiraz 2012

This is such a tasty little number. Red and dark fruits mingle freely. Plums and cherries then shift to savoury characters and gentle spice. Oak is neatly poised.

There's a softness to it. In a case where big brother often gets all the attention this just has a humility about it, chipping away doing the job.

The fruit has a cool swagger and the acid frames it well suggesting there's some mid to long term aging in line here.

Moreish and then some. Great value for the $$.

Very good.

Region: Margaret River

RRP: $22.50

Source: Sample

www.leeuwinestate.com.au

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Angove Family Crest McLaren Vale Chardonnay 2015

The fruit for this Chardonnay comes from a vineyard on the outskirts of the McLaren Vale region. Free run juice was transferred to barrel for barrel fermentation which was stirred weekly.

Aromas of peach, nectarine and preserved lemon. Quite warm in the mouth with the barrel ferment has imparted a pastry type character. That warmth hovers and some melted butter slides on in. It's generous in delivery but the oak has overplayed its hand.

I'd have a glass with a roast chicken.

Good.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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Golden Grove Estate Vermentino 2015

As with the Sauvignon Blanc, Golden Grove's crop for the 2015 vintage was severely wiped out on Christmas Eve 2014 due to a hail storm. The majority of fruit for this wine was sourced from Chalmers in Mildura with a small portion of Granite Belt fruit salvaged.

Lots of citrusy aromas driven by lemons. A whiff of lychee and green melon peers through too.

Some of the fruit was barrel fermented, and whilst the texture adds some neat complexity, I can't help but think the fruit has been hemmed in a little and hasn't expressed itself as much as I would have like. A creamy character takes the stage and is nicely balanced with delicate weight.

Drink now with oysters or creamy pasta dishes.

Very good.

Region: Mildura and Granite Belt
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Mud House Claim 431 Pinot Noir 2014

The difference between this and the entry level Pinot Noir is quite fascinating. For a mere five dollars more, I know where I'd throw my cash...

Dark cherries, plums, forest undergrowth, the fruit is sleek and damn fine. It runs through the mouth with a velvet like texture. A dash of spice adds further interest. Super fine to finish. Super fine to drink.

Rip in now (silly not to for 30 bucks) or cellar for the medium term.

Very good.

Region: Central Otago, NZ

RRP: $30

Source: Sample

www.mudhouse.co.nz

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Tarrawarra Pinot Noir Rosé 2015

Here's a sexy rosé. Pale in colour but flush with personality.

Crushed fresh forest berries, strawberries and pretty purple floral aromas.

Not heavy in the delivery and bone dry with savoury appeal. Persistent fruit just rides long. Moreish. Yum!

Something about this has me hankering for a burger. Weird I know. Seafood and sunshine would be just fine too.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $25

Source: Sample

www.tarrawarra.com.au

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Mudhouse Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014

Sometimes the simple things are often the best. And although this is a simplistic Pinot in some respects, it presents good drinking and varietal character.

Only a small portion saw oak which enables to fruit to drive the bus. Dried red flowers, dark cherry and some spice are the main players; the fruit is soft and the lively tannins fine. That spice rides long and the finish lasts well over a couple of minutes.

An enjoyable drop which is reasonably priced. I'd happily have a glass or two.

Drink now or within the next few years.

Good+

Region: Central Otago

RRP: $25

Source: Sample

www.mudhouse.co.nz

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Airlie Bank Blanc 2015

I like experimentation and this hits the mark and then some. Winemaker Tim Shand is having a lot of fun with this Airlie Bank range at the moment. His Franc 2014 is a belter and is something you need to get in your belly. This is Sauv Blanc but not as you know it.

Made in two goon bags (what it says on the label!), the fruit was fermented and left on skins for three months. Don't get freaked out on the goon bag thing either, they are used more than you realise. The result takes Sauv Blanc to another level.

Apricot pie, apple peel, marigold flower and a touch of honey present some exciting aromas. The palate is textured, and although not dense, there's plenty of interest. Nicely weighted, it sits long. Little sips satisfy. Mind you, it's hard to stop going back. Well priced too.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $20

Source: Sample

www.puntroadwines.com.au

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Willow Bridge Gravel Pit Shiraz 2014

Not as voluptuous as the 2013, though there are more red fruits in this edition.
Earthy, there's still that minerally trait held by the previous vintage too; clearly a vineyard characteristic. Some black olive adds further interest.

A grainy and drying finish with dusting of pepper rounds off a good drink.

Steak and pepper sauce calls for this.

Cellar for the medium term.

Good+

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

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Meerea Park Bebeah Semillon 2015

This new label is a tribute to Alexander Munro who established his 64 acre vineyard call 'Bebeah' in 1846. His great-grandsons Rhys (winemaker) and Garth (proprietor) Eather are now at the helm.

Fruit for this Semillon comes off Pokolbin vines planted in 1973. Hand picked then crushed and fermented in stainless steel.

Fresh lemony and citrus aromas spill from the glass. A subtle marigold flower wafts through too. Pale golden in colour, it was picked early to retain freshness (10.5% alc).

The fruit on the palate lacks the vibrancy which I thought the aromas would produce. But although a bit flat, this is an easy drinking wine nonetheless.

Chill ice cold and you could make easy work of it on a hot day.

Good.

Region: Hunter Valley

RRP: $30

Source: Sample

www.meereapark.com.au

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Golden Grove Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Hail storms ripped through Golden Grove's vineyards on Christmas Eve 2014 taking much of the crop with it. Searching for a solution to deliver something from 2015, winemaker Ray Costanzo sourced this Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills. A portion was barrel fermented and was added to deliver some more structure.

This is very Sauv Blanc if there is such a thing. Along with the usual tropical fruit, there's lots of green things here. Snow pea, melon and gooseberry. Texture from that barrel fermented component is apparent though not obtrusive. Quite cleansing and fresh, and although it's not my style of Sauvignon Blanc, I can see many adoring fans running towards it at speed.

Very good.

Region: Adelaide Hills
RRP: $26
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot 2004

This was a sample shown at the Voyager Estate Masterclass held in Brisbane. All Cabernets were from 2011 with a few odd balls thrown in. This was one of them and it stacked up tremendously against its younger counterparts.

Some bright fruit initially. Black fruits and cassis as you'd expect. Briary notes, redcurrants and that familiar Margaret River trait of bay leaf add further complexity. There's some smoke too. Faint if anything.

Tannins are robust showing plenty of life to this well balanced wine. There's years of life left in it.

Excellent.

Region: Margaret River

RRP: 2004 unavailable. 2005 - $110

Source: Sample - Voyager Estate Masterclass, Brisbane

www.voyagerestate.com.au

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Leeuwin Estate Prelude Cabernet Merlot 2011

I really like the weight of this wine. There's lots of savoury things about it too. A blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec (77/19/4).

Deliciously smooth; plums, chocolate and cassis all playing a neat tune. As time passes a whiff of purple flowers starts to emerge. Hello black olive. That savoury thing then rolls through headed by clove then a smoke like character wanders on by. And that really sums up the what is happening here... as time passes more layers are revealed.

Juicy tannins to finish and a length which is perched nicely. Fabulous drinking; it's hard to not keep going back.

Drink now or keep for the medium term.

Very good.

Region: Margaret River

RRP: $27.50

Source: Sample

www.leeuwinestate.com.au

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Patrick of Coonawarra Home Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

I liken this to a that long week feeling. All you want is to sit in a big comfy chair and chill out soothing the insides with something delicious. This in your hand would suit ideally.

Dark fruits and super smooth, oceans of depth enable you to sail away to a land of great satisfaction. Rum n raisin-ish, Christmas cake but there's a red flower perfume about it too. Milk chocolate and cedary oak sits in the background

Twenty eight months in new French and American oak has softened this a treat. Tannins are plush and delicate. Most enjoyable now though it will cellar for decades.

Very good+

Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $45
Source: Sample

www.patrickofcoonawarra.com

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Abel's Tempest Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2011

October is the start of the fizz season and here's a top start.

A 60/40 blend from a vintage low on yields due to spring frosts.

Bottled fermented and on lees for 24 months, the added complexity from this is clear. Though the wine is crisp and refreshing, there's a bready and yeasty element flanked by some creamy goodness. Citrus flavours are prominent and drive through to a long satisfying finish.

A great fizz and very enjoyable. Rip in now.

Very good.

Region: Tasmania
RRP: $32
Source: Sample

www.heemskerk.com.au

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