Capital Wines Kyeema Vineyard Chardonnay Viognier 2013

I've only had a couple of wines from Capital Wines over the years, but every time I find one in my hands I like what I see.

Pale golden appearance, a quick whiff and you immediately get a sense that this is a serious wine. Almond meal, nougat, peachy with apricot nectar whipping up the tail.

The fruit is layered with a density and neatly structured complexity. A faint ginger like spice chimes in late complementing the generous delivery that comes before. Top me up again please.

Drink up to eight years.

Very good.

Region: Canberra

RRP: $36

Source: Sample

www.capitalwines.com.au

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Windowrie Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2015

There's no shying away from the generosity and depth here. Quite compelling for an Orange Pinot admittedly and they have found a fan in me here. It's the first Family Reserve Pinot release from Windowrie too - double win.

Grown at 950m above on the north eastern slopes of Mount Canobolas, red fruits and savoury aromas prevail but the juicy fruit comes to the fore in the mouth. Those dried herbs and undergrowth aromas have me hooked though. Vibrant fruit, charry oak and acid all skip along together. That juicy factor powers through. I'll happily sip away at this one glass at a time, it's worth tracking down.

Drink now to eight years.

Very good.

Region: Orange

RRP: $30

Source: Sample

www.windowrie.com.au

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Devil's Lair Honeycomb Chardonnay 2014

Golden straw in appearance, it's locked and loaded with yellow stone fruits. Not complicated, not layered, just a straight up simple wine offering good drinking. Sweet vanilla oak to finish before a lemony acidity tang kicks on.

I'd have a glass with a meal but not much more.

Drink now and for the next few years.

Good.

Region: Margaret River 

RRP: $17

Source: Tasting 

www.devils-lair.com

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Helen & Joey Estate Alena Cabernet Merlot 2014

Top gear. Delightful drinking.

Pour a glass and roasted peppers, charred meats, paprika, black currants and pencil shaving aromas all spill out. The leafiness of Cabernet still rings true too.

Super smooth in the mouth, it only carries 13% alcohol, medium bodied deliciousness. Dark berries loom large with cranberries lining the flank only daring to speak. I'd love to see this in five years time.

Generous and elegant, a most enjoyable drop. I'd go here again, no question.

Drink now but will cellar long term.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $45

Source: Sample

www.hjestate.com.au

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Helen & Joey Estate Alena Chardonnay 2014

From the outset I'm thinking this is a serious wine. I nearly put my back out trying to lift the bottle!

Light and golden in the glass, winter sunrise like. Yellow stone fruits, almond nougat, creamy oak, a dash of melted butter even. A squeeze of lemons enters the fray as does white peach. Caramel corn adds more intrigue. Fruit and acid walk the tightrope of balance in unison - a smart wine. I couldn't resist going back for more. By the way, thanks Stu Dudine for the dodgy back :)

Drink now or over the next eight years.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $45

Source: Sample

www.hjestate.com.au

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Helen & Joey Estate Layla Chardonnay 2015

Squeezed lemons, grapefruit, peach skin slides in late. Some creamy texture courtesy of the oak. There's a tangy citrusy vibe with a ginger like spice which hangs. The acidity seems a little of of whack.

I'd prefer others.

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $30

Source: Sample

www.hjestate.com.au

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Punt Road Napoleone Pinot Noir 2015

If they charged forty odd bucks for this you wouldn't blink twice.

Bursting with cherries and red fruits, herbs and savoury characters are sewn seamlessly with a kick of earth and a lick of peppery spice. Inviting aromas plus. There's depth, 20% whole bunches contributing here, which chips away and consumes you. Only 20% new oak used here too, the fruit purity shining through. Supple length hangs by its claws and screams 'give me more'.

Massive bargain factor with smiles guaranteed.

Drink now to the medium term.

94/100 - Very good+

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $29

Source: Sample

www.puntroadwines.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Devote Greenock Shiraz 2014

Soul food. Intensely satisfying with a calming effect. You on the lounge after a long week with a glass or two of this... you get the picture.

Generous dark berries, violets, chocolate, savoury elements too courtesy baking spices, dried herbs and cedery oak. Christmas cake and blue fruits made an appearance on the second day of tasting.

A wine which is deep and dark in the glass but radiates energy. It's certainly a mile from the clout of an old school Shiraz but still has a good presence. The finish is long, smooth and moreish. A fitting farewell to an indulgent drop - I just want more.

Drink now to eight years.

Very good+

Region: Barossa
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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Ten Minutes by Tractor Estate Pinot Noir 2013

A good consistent release.

Everything seems to be in its place. Red fruits, a savoury edge, a little spice to finish. The mid palate doesn't fill out all that much but a decent length rolls through. There's better value out there at the same price point admittedly, mind you, the sold out sign has already been posted for this at the cellar door.

Drink now to eight years.

Good+

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $46
Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Devote Grenache 2014

This will scratch your Grenache itch.

Dried red flowers, red and black currants, red cherries, black olives, mushroom compost, raspberry rope, earthy - there's always plenty of aromatic interest in these Yelland & Papps wines.

On skins for nineteen days, dry fruit is presented delicately medium bodied. There's a crunchy red apple like acidity too. Quite moreish and galaxies away from some overripe examples of Grenache. Black tea leaves and pan juices add to the mouthfuls of character this exudes. Only 800 bottles produced.

Drink now to eight years.

Very good.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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Airlie Bank Pinot Noir 2015

All aboard the interest train!

Damn I loved this! 20% whole bunch, skinsy, complexity, length, depth, spice - need I go on. All for a mere 22 bucks! Walk over broken glass for it I say.

The back label has rock star appeal too, "Thanks for your time and indulgence." No, thank you.

Winemaker Tim Shand has a knack of belting out chart toppers with this Airlie Bank range. Lots of fresh fruit appeal here too - 10% old French oak used and the remainder saw stainless steel. Dip your oar in this lake of deliciousness and you'll see what I mean.

Drink now to eight years.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $22

Source: Sample

www.puntroadwines.com.au

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Meerea Park Alexander Munro Aged Release Semillon 2006

Luxurious and precise.

Lovers of aged Semillon will be in heaven here.

Buttered toast, lemon meringue, tangy lemon curd plus lemon zest. The freshness is gob smacking. Layered with complexity, the balance of fruit and acid is spot on - age has been its friend. Honey characteristics are stating to take shape and appear to being moving in at a snails pace. That said, there's still bags of time left in this. Well built, savour every drop.

Excellent.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $75
Source: Sample

www.meereapark.com.au

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Meerea Park Alexander Munro Semillon 2011

Delicious!

Preserved lemons, lemon grass and lemon juice. It's a lemonathon! Alive, you get the sense this is still bouncing on the balls of its feet. Bristling with freshness, it fills out though still sits a shade linear. Some poached pear swoops late. Toast and honeyed characters are starting to find their feet whilst the acidity is softening but still is crisp and proud.

Generous in delivery, the finish is long and relentless. Love.

Very good+ but this will move up a notch with another year or two in bottle no doubt.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $45
Source: Sample

www.meereapark.com.au

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d'Arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Another great value drop from the good folk at d'Arenberg.

Aromas of dark fruit with a lifted raspberry fleck. Tastes of dense black fruits and berries with a little steaminess and leafy character. Focused, there's plenty of pleasure here from the generosity and depth. Easily my preferred wine of the new release 'Originals' range.

Drink now to eight years.

Very good.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Hancock & Hancock McLaren Vale Cabernet Touriga 2014

Opening with dense dark fruits, there's a savoury edge thanks to the Touriga. I liked the aromas more than the flavours delivered to be honest. The delivery doesn't seem mesh with the aromas that come before. It seems to lack polish with a piercing bright acidity. Gravelly and warm to finish, I'd battle to put away a glass.

Bottle age will help ease this but there's plenty more fish in the sea.

I'd prefer others.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $23
Source: Sample

www.hancockandhancock.com.au

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d'Arenberg Pollyanna Polly Sparkling NV

An enjoyable aperitif. I knocked off two glasses with ease.

There's some complexity without being hardcore due to having spent nearly four years in bottle prior to release. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (52/40/8) make up the blend from Adelaide Hills fruit. Driven by bready characters, apples, grapefruit and some citrus, it's well balanced kicking on to a persistent finish. Dry, clean and crisp sum it up best.

Well priced, I have no issue recommending this drop to get the party started.

Good+

Region: Adelaide Hills
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Feral Fox Pinot Noir 2014

There's always an interesting story behind the d'Arenberg labels. The Feral Fox is named after those unwelcome guests which come into the vineyard and eat the lower hanging bunches. Sourced from the Adelaide Hills, this wine spends twelve months in old French oak.

Overripe strawberries, rhubarb, red cherries and stalky aromas. Fruit is soft but tight. It mouth watering, drawing saliva. Tight with crunchy acidity and fine tannins holding the fort.

Although a 2014, it just seems young and certainly isn't in its prime. Either leave it for a few years or spend your $30 elsewhere. I'd go the latter.

Region: Adelaide Hills
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Ballandean Estate Generation 3 2012

This is a tasty and gutsy drop.

Only 2000 bottles were made from six barrels. It's a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet paying tribute to the previous three generations of the Puglisi family which have laid the platform for the success generation four now enjoy.

Indulge in aromas of chocolate, dark cherry, leather, and some earthiness. Generous, this wine is certainly not shy. The oldest vines and best handling have been thrown at this to very good effect. Sandy to powdery tannins shift to a long length. Great structure for the long term for which it's been built and will cellar well past a decade. Patience will reward as it's yet to reach its peak drinking window.

Very good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $69
Source: Sample

www.ballandeanestate.com

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Margan Breaking Ground Tempranillo Graciano Shiraz 2014

A tasty slurp but an expensive one at that for forty bucks. Shell out the $$ and you won't be disappointed though.

Blended at 80/15/5, it's juicy, moreish and finishes with a dash of spice and sapping dryness. Dark berry fruit drive through the core here and sit mid palate like a postage stamp. A crunchy/crisp/lemony like acidity knocks it into shape.

No need to cellar this, rip in now.

Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.margan.com.au

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Levantine Hill The Coldsteam Guard Rosé 2015

I could sip on this all day long, but for some, Rosé is a dirty word. I threw the rest of this sample to a friend who immediately turned their nose up. "I don't like Rosé," they quickly fired back. With some gentle persuasion and reassurance, a sip turned into a glass which turned into a top up. Some cheeky little fist pumps from me followed to celebrate this minor victory.

The issue in this case being the perception that all Rosé is sweet. Some have suggested to me previously that these wines are akin to cheap "off cuts" of sorts, whilst others have simply said, "It's not red and it's not white so I don't know what it is." Ahh, the challenge to break perceptions never ceases.

Back to this. It's a beauty! Bone dry and loaded with red berry fruits, rhubarb, textural appeal, a lick of spice, and a moreish length begging for you to come back. Superbly balanced and nicely weighted.

It's a blend of Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet. The Pinot was wild fermented in ten year old French foudre, the Shiraz was bled off and also wild fermented in smaller old French oak barrels whilst the Cabernet saw 100% stainless steel. The end result is smashing. No wait, it's more than that. It's smashable!

The media release suggests long, languid lunches - oh yeah! Yes please!

Drink now.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.levantinehill.com.au

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Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Chardonnay 2014

This took a little while to get going, like that quiet guy at work who needs a few drinks to loosen up.

Some light cream, some peach, some nectarine too. It's fresh but a little light on. There's some textural complexity. It sits well and the fruit rolls through comfortably. Some spice clings to the flank. A solid drink but I'd lean to others at that price point.

Drink now and for the next few years.

Good+

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Cornucopia Cabernet Merlot 2013

Throw me some pizza please.

A 70/30 blend from the Margaret River and Frankland River regions. Dark fruits present well with an intriguing citrusy acid tang on the the finish. Smooth with enticing depth, the longer it sat in the glass the more is settled into a neat groove. A reliable go-to which presents super value for the asking price.

I'd have a glass or two easily. A yummy release.

Drink over the next few years.

Very good.

Region: Margaret River & Frankland River
RRP: $19
Source: Sample

www.cornucopiawines.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2013

Cool mid week nights call for comfort. This does the job.

Dark, dense and generous. A bit jammy. Dark chocolate rolls in early followed by dark fruits. Plump tannins with a long hang time.

A consistent release.

Will drink well over the next 8 years.

Good.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Over the Way Grampians Shiraz 2014

Over the Way is a label made by fellow wine scribe Patrick Ecklel. His range of wines currently numbers five and he draws fruit from the Grampians, Heathcote, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges currently producing 4000 odd bottles.

Hand picked and aged in older French oak for 18 months.

Well presented with a wax seal, this is quite an enjoyable drink. Medium bodied, the fruit strolls through with ease. The older oak comes through. Seems a little too old though. A gentle spice sits on the back of plums, blueberries and mulberry fruit. Soft, it slowly draws out saliva. Dusty and grippy to finish. Tick.

A good mid week tipple.

Good+

Region: Grampians
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.overtheway.com.au

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Shaw Vineyard Estate Winemaker's Selection Cabernet Merlot 2012

There's already a few years under the belt here, and it's surprisingly inexpensive at sixteen bucks for a 2012 release.

This 85/15 blend comes off a Murrumbateman property which used to produce wool way back when, just outside of Canberra.

Leafy and savoury aromas, cassis and some plum fruit. Less weighty than I expected. Blackberries round up the tail though the tannins to finish are a little rough.

Well priced. Drink in the medium term.

Good.

Region: Canberra
RRP: $16
Source: Sample

www.shawvineyards.com.au

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Levantine Hill The Coldstream Guard Pinot Noir 2015

Lots to like about this Pinot which starts with dark and sour cherry fruit before savoury characters take the reigns.

A spicy and savoury veneer of clove, cinnamon and some slight bitterness add interest to cherry and plum fruit.

Soft and fine to finish with that spice gently tapping away - me likey.

Drink now to the medium term.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $50
Source: Sample

www.levantinehill.com.au

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Meerea Park Alexander Munro Shiraz 2011

The Hunter was beaming in 2011 whilst most other regions were swimming. Depending on who you talk to it is as good as 2014, though a few more elements fell into line nudging 2014 ahead.

Twenty months in oak (45% new), all fruit was hand picked with 50% stems used.

Aromas of Black Forest cake, tea leaves, dried fig, red and blue fruits and dusty earth. It's a wine which has sat in the big comfy chair and settled in for the evening. Medium bodied fruit is in sync with acid which has hit the chillax button, though it gives every indication that patience will be rewarded with ten years plus ahead. There's a tightness still evident with firmish tannins releasing their grip. Super long to finish.

A fine wine which is quite endearing.

Will cellar for 10+ years.

Excellent.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $85
Source: Sample

www.meereapark.com.au

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Airlie Bank Blanc II 2015

This Airlie Bank range from Punt Road is bloody smart. In short, the brief is to expose wine lovers to wines a little left of centre at a reasonable price. $22 for this is more than reasonable.

I love it when the back label has as much personality as the juice inside the bottle. "Yarra Valley Chardonnay with the volume turned to eleven," it says. Well said too. Roll out the welcome mat to texture town.

Smells of match sticks and struck match, yeasty wild ferment aromas, it's skinsy, old school butter, creamy with vague lemon juice twist.

Fermented on skins and stalks for two months, it's textural with a generous rounded delivery. Balanced nicely with a persistent drive.

As for being a Chardonnay, well, it's not old school and not heavily oaked. It's not all peaches and citrus either. It is, however, an impressive wine born from some creativity and someone willing to push the boundaries. Praise to you a Tim Shand.

Drink over the next few years. Exclusively available at Blackhearts and Sparrows - get your hands on it if you can.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $22

Source: Sample

www.puntroadwines.com.au

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Ten Minutes by Tractor Wallis Pinot Noir 2013

My preferred Pinot of the three single vineyard wines. Wallis was also my pick of the single vineyard Chardonnays too.

The Wallis vineyard sits on the southern side of Main Ridge. As with the McCutcheon, all fruit was destemmed and a mixture of new and old French oak used for 16 months.

Fleshier than its siblings, the delivery is more balanced. Dark fruits, cloves and wood spices. Time in the glass brings forth some red berries with the oak having a gentle influence here. The balance and the appeal here is hard to pass up.

The sold out sign has already been posted on the website too.

Drink up to ten years.

Very good+

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $75
Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Ten Minutes by Tractor McCutcheon Pinot Noir 2013

This comes across as more polished than the Coolart Road, but certainly doesn't have the depth. 80% whole bunches adding to that in the former. All fruit here was destemmed and a mixture of new and old French oak used for 16 months.

Nimble on its feet, it gains momentum and finishes with strength. Savoury herbs, a sprinkling of spice and typical Pinot earthiness mesh well with the red berry and cherry fruit. The finish is long and moreish.

Already sold out as per the website.

Drink now to the medium term.

Very good.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $75
Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Ten Minutes by Tractor Coolart Road Pinot Noir 2013

This is the first vintage that the Coolart Road site has been used as a single site wine. Planted in 2000, it was previously used for the 10X range.

Hand picked, wild yeast fermented and 80% whole bunches. 2910 bottles produced.

A faint aroma of sarsaparilla before plums and cherry fruit gets things moving. There's a light dusting of black pepper which canters through. The fruit has depth courtesy of the whole bunches and firm acidity which steals the limelight from the fruit. This settled down on day two of tasting mind you. Give it time this will settle into its groove furthermore.

An enjoyable wine but my least preferred of the three single vineyards which include McCutcheon and Wallis - oh to be picky :)

Very good.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $75
Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Ulithorne Dona GSM 2013

I took a bottle of this camping and it was gone in minutes - a crowd pleaser and then some.

Each parcel was fermented separately in old French oak or stainless steel; this helped the fruit stand tall as the influence of oak was minimal.

Armed with deliciousness, this GSM smashes it for easy drinking appeal. Fragrant aromas get things moving. Take a sip and it's vibrant, juicy and neatly balanced. A dash of spice wraps up the package nicely.

Sitting by the camp fire with this in hand made the experience even more pleasurable.

Drink medium term.

Very good.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $25
Source: Retail

www.ulithorne.com.au

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Margan Breaking Ground Albariño 2016

Say hello to the Hunter's first Albariño. Planted in 2014, this 2016 is hot off the bottling line.

An abundant array of tropical fruit roll out the welcome mat. Pineapples, honeydew melon, lemons and lime zest and an ever so subtle honeysuckle whiff.

Textured through the mid palate which piggy backs some minerality. The fruit is crisp and fresh with a spicy chaser ripping up the middle. Zippy acidity brings life to the finish screaming for another sip.

I'd be interested to see how this will age, but I suspect mid-term would be as far as I'd go at present. I'm sure Andrew Margan will pop a few away to test this theory nonetheless. Irrespective, it's good to go now and that freshness is what I'm liking big time.

Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.margan.com.au

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Margan Breaking Ground Barbera 2014

Andrew Margan was the first to plant Barbera in the Hunter Valley dirt back in 1998.

A solid wine this. Medium bodied, it's plummy, has a whiff of old boots, a lick of spice and sour cherry like flavours to finish. There's nothing overly complex about it, just a stand and deliver type. The dryness on the finish sneaks up quickly but sits long. Too long and detracts from what has come before. A hard sell for $40 I must admit, I'd rather run over broken glass to the Shiraz Mourvèdre over this considering they ask the same money.

Drink now and over the next five to eight years.

Good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.margan.com.au

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Pirate Cru Slurpy Puppy GMS 2013

I tasted this alongside the d'Arenberg Custodian Grenache 2013. A good exercise in many ways. The Custodian coming from McLaren Vale and this GMS from the Barossa.

This Grenache Mataro Shiraz blend (45/45/10) sits in older seasoned American oak before being refreshed in French for a total of 18 months. Not fined nor filtered.

A spicy sucker, the fruit is lighter here but that spice bangs on hard. Dried strawberries and raspberries, blackcurrants, baking spices and a kick of earth. Black pepper spice carries it home. It would wash down a spag bol or pizza easy.

Drink short term.

Good.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.piratecru.com

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d'Arenberg The Custodian Grenache 2013

Always great value. Always reliable drinking.

Dripping with berry basket fruit, dark cherries, black olives with a thread of black peppery spice. A nip of fruit sweetness sits tight but the enjoyment is in the depth here. Generous. Juicy tannins.

Often discounted, you won't lose here.

Good+

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Lucky Lizard Chardonnay 2014

Aromas are citrus driven before some peach swoops late. What you see is what you get and those characters roll on to the flavour profile. Wood spice sits at the core. Tight acid keeps everything in its place.

Good.

Region: Adelaide Hills
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Seppelt St Peters Grampians Shiraz 2013

Insane indulgence. I loved the 2012 immensely but this 2013 just goes to another level. Pure would describe this wine best. The expression of fruit is graceful and evocative.

Fourteen months in oak, this gets going with pretty aromas of blue fruits, violets and florals. The fragrance just captures your attention from the outset - a sublime expression of cool climate Shiraz.  Five spice taps away only to be preceded by generous plums, blue fruits edged by a meaty kick. Beautifully balanced, cedary oak rolls through before a super smooth and delicate finish. Tantalising and then some.

I look forward to this St Peters release each year and I'd have no hesitation buying this 2013, that's for sure.

Cellar as long as you want.

Excellent.

Region: Grampians
RRP: $80
Source: Sample

www.seppelt.com.au

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Margan Shiraz Mourvedre 2014

I was intrigued by this blend from the outset on a number of levels. I made a Shiraz Mataro blend myself in 2014, affectionately known as Shitaro to a few, from separate parcels of Granite Belt fruit. Mike Bennie gave it 91 points - I was rapt.

But this Margan wine from the Hunter Valley is better than that. And it's a field blend. Yes a field blend! I was curious to learn the vineyard is inter-planted with the two varieties. Obviously vintage conditions need to be in favour for this to come off, and in 2014, it did with a bang!

A whiff reveals a tad of smoke, dark fruits and dusting of black pepper. Those dark fruits are deep rooted but there's a red berry edge. An attractive spice rolls through and just hangs. Medium bodied, so moreish and ever so delish. There's a brightness to the acid - aging won't be an issue. Nor will emptying the bottle as I can see from Exhibit A in front of me as I pen these notes.

Will cellar for ten years easy.

Very good+

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.margan.com.au

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Te Mata Gamay Noir 2015

Easy drinking appeal comes in buckets here. I bought this on recommendation and took it camping. I wish I bought more - lots more. It didn't last long either. Friends who hadn't come across Gamay previously nearly stole the lot.

Juicy red berries and deadly smooth. Bright, crunchy acidity with a gentle spice hum. So soft. So moreish.

Relatively inexpensive, dip your oar in here and paddle to pleasure country.

Drink now with generous pours.

Very good+

Region: Hawkes Bay, NZ
RRP: $25
Source: Retail

www.temata.co.nz

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Coldstream Hills The Hills Chardonnay 2013

Nothing overly exciting here.

Varietal characters are true but light on. Mid palate is thin and watery. Tightish acidity finishing with a smidge of vanilla and wood spice.

You can find better for the money. I'd prefer others.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $25
Source: Retail

www.coldstreamhills.com.au

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