De Iuliis Chardonnay 2011

The onset of the warmer months had me sipping on this to quench my thirst after a warm spring day.

Some great wines coming out of this stable at the moment and the ease of drinkability presented here suited my needs perfectly.

Fleshy peach, stonefruit and almond aromas kicked things off. The palate is weighted well although I felt the mid palate went missing for a small period. Flavours were clean and refreshing. The wine spent time in French Oak and this added to the flavour profile, but the oak certainly didn't steal the show.

I was pretty happy with it only to be hit with creme brulee flavours right at the end. That caught me by surprise, and a very welcome surprise it was indeed. Yum!

Well priced for $20.

Who: De Iuliis http://www.dewine.com.au
What: Chardonnay (12.5% alc)

Where: Hunter Valley

When: 2011

How: $20

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McWilliams Mt Pleasant Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz 2010

There's a sexy feminine and masculine thing going on here...and damn, I really like it!

Ideally, I'd love to see the single vineyard wines from these two sites separately - if I could be so lucky. The job of blending the two must be a treat. Maurice O'Shea planted the Old Paddock in 1921 and the Old Hill was first planted in 1880. American and French oak are used for 18 months.

Gentle clove, chocolate, dark berry and oak all together presenting wonderful aromas.

The palate has plenty of interest to keep you on your toes. It is soft enough to be elegant whilst also being being big enough to add some grunt. Lovely mouth warmth welcomes the flavours which flow wonderfully from the aromas picked up. A dash of spice adds another dimension of deliciousness. Grippy tannins wrap it up.

A most enjoyable wine and something to savour.

Only two years old, this will develop very well over the years and will cellar easily to the long term.

Who: McWilliams http://www.mountpleasantwines.com.au/

What: Shiraz (14.85% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2010
How: $48

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Montalto Estate Chardonnay 2010

I am a fan of Chardonnay made with right balance of oak and fruit. This wine falls into that category for me.

Coming from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, this Estate Chardonnay is blended from three vineyards.

A good whiff of buttered toast, nuttiness, and cedary vanilla oak got the juices flowing.

The first sip coated the palate beautifully and the flavours which flowed from the nose were generous. That distinct nutty flavour had me hooked. Fleshy peach characters added to the mix well too. Oak was in check and not obtrusive. The density of the palate was also something which had me sitting up taking notice.

An all round impressive wine.

Roast Chicken and Chardonnay are great friends, so why not pair them up with this for a great match. That's what I did!

Who: Montalto Vineyard http://www.Montalto.com.au/
What: Chardonnay (13.5% alc)

Where: Mornington Peninsula

When: 2010

How: $39

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Catching Thieves Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc NV

A wine like this isn't made for critical analysis but for pure simple drinking pleasure, and I can see how it appeals to the masses.

There is a point of difference being a Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc - there's not many of those around. There is not much fuss to it and it can be easily guzzled.

The fizz was quite heavy initially but a few swirls of the glass fixed that. Plenty of the Sauvignon Blanc characteristics you'd expect - green pea, leafy and a nudge of gooseberry.

Good flavours and length. Chill and enjoy on a hot day as you, "laze by ze pool".

Readily available at a number of retailers.




Who: Catching Thieves http://www.mcwilliams.com.au/
What: Sauvignon Blanc (13.5% alc)

Where: Margaret River

When: NV

How: $15

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Oliver's Taranga Cadenzia Grenache 2010

Here's my tribute to Grenache Day, albeit a few days late.

Plenty going on to indulge the senses. Spice is prominent with some earthiness, cedar oak, compost and mulberries.

After three days the wine didn't budge and held true.Credit to great winemaking here. The fruit isn't big and ballsy as some Grenaches are, but it still packs a punch. Medium bodied the flavours are well balanced. A meaty trait is evident too. Right on exit there is a lick of sweetness before the dryness swoops in. Very enjoyable indeed.

The label recommends to have with pasta dishes, and you won't get any disagreements from me. I could easily back up and go back to this wine regularly.

Who: Olivers Taranga www.OliversTaranga.com
What: Grenache (14% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2010
How: $30

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Under & Over Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2011

I wasn't sure of what may lay ahead of me looking at the label. Not much wow factor nor does it stand out against other labels. But for a sub $15 wine, I was left quite pleased with the contents.

The appearance is pale and stone fruit aromas dominate. This wine was made with the intention for the fruit to be fresh, and it is exactly that. Refreshing and ticks all the right boxes. So many Chardonnays in this price bracket are dominated by chunky or heavy oak. This wine, not so much. A splinter of oak adds to the character but by no means is it a chunk of 2x4 whacking you over the head.

Stonefruit flavours linger beautifully and entice the next sip ever so easily. Above average length too.

A wine made under the McWilliams umbrella, and made well. I even tested it with a non Chardonnay fan and they not only liked it but were surprised when I said it was a Chardonnay.

Who: Arm Chair Critic http://echelonwine.com.au/wine/armchair_critic
What: Chardonnay (13% alc)

Where: Tumbarumba

When: 2011

How: $15

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De Iuliis Hunter Valley LDR Shiraz 2011

Another terrific Hunter Valley Shiraz by De Iuliis.

Sleek oak wraps up white pepper and red fruit aromas. There was a brightish element to this wine yet at the same time there was some density. This is what I found on the palate too and it just kept me captivated.

Dense plum and blueberry type flavours starred for me with the oak sitting in the background without being obtrusive. Wonderfully integrated. A gentle trickle of peppery spice added to the scene.

A super long finish with a textured grip capped off a great drop.

Some super Shiraz being produced by winemaker Mike De Iuliis at the moment and he has peaked with his current releases. Seek them out either from the cellar door, online or at selected retailers.

Who: De Iuliis http://www.dewine.com.au
What: Shiraz (13% alc)

Where: Hunter Valley

When: 2011

How: $40

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Catching Thieves Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2011

An easy drinking style of Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River and I can see how this runs out the door in many retail outlets. The label is pretty catchy too.

A good whiff of white peach washed out with fresh peas and gooseberry.

Some tropical fruitiness on the palate along with stone fruit flavours, but a little dry I felt. Good acid and a lingering length were pleasing.

Not something I could drink a lot of but I can see the appeal which so many are drawn to.

Who: Catching Thieves http://www.mcwilliams.com.au/
What: Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (12.5% alc)

Where: Margaret River

When: 2011

How: $15

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O'Leary Walker Watervale Riesling 2012

The last few years I have looked forward to the Riesling release by O'Leary Walker.

A striking feature of the Watervale Riesling is the aromatics. The wet vintage of 2011 provided a great bouquet, and the 2012 version delivered two descriptors for me - fresh and pretty. There are some spring flower type aromas, some minerals and the expected lemon and lime.

Flavours on the palate are well weighted and even serve up some lemon/lime citrus tart action. Good fruit, the minerality which teased the nose popped up here as does a good dose of well balanced acid. Clean and crisp, zippy length which just lasts and lasts. Outstanding value!

A must for when you stock up for these wonderful spring and summer afternoons we are blessed with in Australia.

Who: O'Leary Walker Wines http://olearywalkerwines.com/
What: Riesling (12.5% alc)
Where: Watervale, Clare Valley
When: 2012
How: $18

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McWilliams Hanwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Another good value drop from McWilliams.

Plenty of currants and mixed berries - it took me back a few nights when I opened a pack of frozen mixed berries for dessert. A striking similarity. A hint of burnt wood in there too.

You need to look at this wine for what it is, and for an entry level wine, it does everything it needs to do. There is some structure and some fruit, which is not refined nor would it be for a tenner. Flavours are simple and sit around the front palate before slowly extending itself to the back. Acid seemed tight and holds on. Length is good and leaves some firm tannins for you to chew on.

All in all, I have seen the wine heavily discounted well below $10 and for what you pay, you do get good return. Readily available at numerous retailers.

Enjoy with tomato based foods or to wash away your mid week blues.

Who: McWilliams http://www.mcwilliams.com.au/

What: Cabernet Sauvignon (13.5% alc)
Where: Various
When: 2010
How: $10

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McWilliams Hanwood Chardonnay 2009

Plenty going on with this cheapy.

More of a woody Chardonnay than the fresh, more approachable style many winemakers are now aiming for.

Aromas of peach, nectarine, buttered toast with vanilla oak cascading over the top.

The palate presented more oak than fruit. I felt I was about to swallow a stave! Some apricot flavours then made an appearance and everything was wrapped up by a gentle creaminess.

Readily available and often heavily discounted by the big chain stores for less than $10. One of the better Chardonnays out there at this price point.

Enjoy with food. I suggest some roast chicken stuffed with ricotta or a crispy butter skin.

Who: McWilliams http://www.mcwilliams.com.au/
What: Chardonnay (13.5% alc)

Where: Riverina 

When: 2009

How: $10

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De Iuliis Hunter Valley Semillon 2012

This Semillon left me a little short changed I must admit.

My first impressions were good - varietal features on the nose. Leafy, fresh cut greens, some gooseberry too. The word fresh just kept bouncing around my head.

I felt though that the aromas didn't match the palate in some respects but the gooseberry kicked along as well as some zesty action. Acid was soft but the palate was light on and just lacking some oomph and interest.

Very much a drink now Semillon and was deliberately made that way.

Not all doom and gloom for this excellent Hunter Valley producer as although this is only his entry level Semillon, I have no doubt his other labels will hit the spot.

Who: de Iuliis http://www.dewine.com.au
What: Semillon (11.5% alc)

Where: Hunter Valley

When: 2012

How: $25

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Soul Growers Riesling 2011

This is the first Riesling release from Soul Growers, and a mighty start they have made.

The fruit comes from just outside the Eden Valley.

A Riesling that is not high on acid and very approachable. Twelve months in the bottle has helped here and the wine gives me the feeling it has aged slightly better than the 12 months of age it is.

Crisp granny smith apple and washed stone aromas. The fruit is beautifully balanced with some good texture. All usual suspects are apparent, citrusy goodness but the bonus being less acid kick. Acid is present but well balanced.

Finishes with a good little zip. Perfect for spring time. Even better in summer. What's more, another quality Riesling for $20 or less which will easily age for ten years.

Drink more Riesling!

Who: Soul Growers http://www.soulgrowers.com/

What: Riesling (12.5% abv)

Where: Eden Valley

When: 2011

How: $20

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Rusty Mutt Shiraz 2006

There's plenty to like about this drop. The funky label builds intrigue, the distinct sense this wine was made with pride, and the price is pretty handy too. For a 2006 vintage to be thrown around at $26 that is quality is simply silly buggers!

The fruit was hand picked and wine made with minimal intervention. Two tonne open fermenters were used and the cap was plunged twice daily. Old French oak (4-5 years) was used for 18 months so the fruit could take centre stage. To maximise what is in the glass, no filtration.

Aromas of rustic earthiness, black fruits, cracked pepper, sweetish oak and a dash of licorice whip up the tail. Plenty going on to arouse the senses!

Medium bodied, the structure and those rustic earthy flavours appealed to me. Licorice characters make a subtle appearance at the end whilst a little oak sweetness drifts past ever so gently. Fine tannins and impressive length finish off the wine beautifully.

Jump on the website an give it a crack. You won't be disappointed.

Who: Rusty Mutt http://www.rustymutt.com.au/
What: Shiraz (14% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2006
How: $26

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Tscharke "Marananga" Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Aging in 50% new French oak has imparted lovely delicate flavours on this wine. The oak appears to want to sneak through without wanting to be the hero.

Leafy and capsicum notes headline the aromas found here with some fine oak happily tying it all together.

Flavours on the palate are soft, and the wine opens up beautifully delivering a hint of mint, big earthy and juicy berry characteristics. A drying finish and very enjoyable drop. Another single vineyard delight from Tscharke.

Who: Tscharke "Marananga" http://www.tscharke.com.au/
What: Cabernet Sauvignon (15% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2010
How: $32

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Tscharke "Girl Talk" Savagnin 2011

Savagnin first came to my attention a few years ago when I read an article that numerous wineries had purchased what they thought were Albarino vines, subsequent testing concluded that these were indeed Savagnin. In the end, a balls up from the CSIRO. I'm happy to be corrected, but if my memory serves me well, some of these vines were then pulled up whilst others remained in the hope of them still being able to be labelled Albarino (which wasn't permissible), whilst others just changed the label to the rightful name Savagnin.

Alas, this sample from the Tscharke "Emerging" range came my way and I was indeed excited to have a look at it, having only had experience with the variety once before.

This is a late ripening variety which is unwooded and has a pale straw appearance. I detected aromas of pear skin, an oily butteriness and a whiff of lemon curd. The palate was quite interesting as it was coated beautifully. There was some complexity and minerality along with depth, but apart from some stone fruit type flavours, nothing really jumped out.

A good drink nonetheless without the glitter. It's got more guts than some whites out there and the finish lurks well. Backing up for another sip isn't a hard ask.

It will cellar for a few years I'd suggest and I'd be interested to see what it morphs into with some bottle age. Have with roast chicken.

Who: Tscharke http://www.tscharke.com.au/
What: Savagnin (12.7% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2011
How: $21

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de Iuliis Shiraz 2011

Having recently looked at the excellent de Iuliis Steven Vineyard Shiraz, I felt like I was making comparisons to it at times, even though that's not entirely fair on this wine - the Steven Vineyard was smashing!

This wine holds its own and is quite different. It is a little harder and firmer and shows plenty of aniseed, clove, and composty earth characters.

Not as refined, it is soft on front and mid palate. Firmer berry flavours took hold and grippier tannins towards back. Engaging nonetheless and easy to sip away. Length of longer than a minute was most pleasing. Some good acid structure, I like how the flavours lingers.

Medium term cellaring. Will soften and come together more in that time.

Who: de Iuliis http://www.dewine.com.au

What: Shiraz (13% alc)

Where: Hunter Valley

When: 2011

How: $25

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Ballandean Estate Family Reserve Shiraz 2010

I looked at this wine over two days. Whilst good on day one, the extra breath of air opened it up nicely.

The wine spent fourteen months in French and American oak and this has done the job well. There is a little oak sweetness on the nose, coupled with juicy red berries, leather and earthiness. Cedar aromas well spilling out and these cedar flavours ran through the core of the palate which was a highlight for me. Gentle warming spice and juicy fruit capped off with softish acid.

In the end, a well priced, good solid cool climate Shiraz.

Who: Ballandean Estate http://www.ballandeanestate.com
What: Family Reserve Shiraz (14.6% alc)
Where: Granite Belt, Queensland
When: 2010
How: $25

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Oliver's Taranga DJ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

This label is a tribute to 5th generation and current caretaker of the vineyards Don Oliver. And a fine tribute it is - the essence of great Cabernet.

Dark inky fruit, the nose is littered with blackcurrants, blackberry, cedar, herby and mint aromas. Deep and engaging.

After spending twenty-four months in French oak, these characteristics continue to the palate where the flavours are powerful and juicy. Dense plum made an appearance too. Damn this is good. Chewy tannins appear forever lasting. Some acid is still poking around suggesting plenty of life left here and will cellar in the long term with ease.

All elements have come together beautifully and McLaren Vale Cabernet just keeps on getting better and impressing me.

For a special occasion, this won't let you down. A big smile and lip smacking goodness guaranteed.

Who: Oliver's Taranga www.OliversTaranga.com
What: Cabernet Sauvignon (14.5% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2009
How: $50

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de Iuliis Steven Vineyard Shiraz 2011

The 2011 rains which wrecked havoc in most regions around Australia seemed to miss the Hunter Valley which resulted in some great reds coming from this vintage. A superb example of what the Hunter offers the wine world is right here.
This is something special.

Bright red fruits highlight a vibrant and complex bouquet. A good whiff of cloves and earth. Nice!

Perfectly weighted fruit entwined with spice which is soft, supple and delicate. All capped off with a moreish length, wow!

Hunter wines don't get as much push as many other regions around the country, and if ever you needed to be convinced, now is the time. This scooped the pool at the Hunter Valley Wine Show with no less than four trophies! Easy to see how. 'nuff said!

Available cellar door, mail order and at selected retailers. Do it!

Who: de Iuliis http://www.dewine.com.au

What: Shiraz (13% alc)

Where: Hunter Valley

When: 2011

How: $40

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Leo Buring Leonay Riesling 2012

Pale golden appearance, this is a very aromatic Riesling from the Eden Valley sub-region of Watervale. A lovely perfume opens up which is coated with fresh lemons. There's something about Watervale Riesling which just hits the spot, and the more I have them, the more I'm drawn to them.

Flavours are clean and crisp. Green apples are abundant. I thought there was a slight sweetness first up but this disintegrated quickly. Typical citrus characters bounce around closing with a lemony zip. There is a fine cleansing acid finish - a talc like feel.

An impressive Riesling, and although some may baulk at the price ($40), the pennies outlaid will pay you back handsomely.

Perfect for drinking now and will reward cellaring easily to the long term.

Track it down - widely available through independent and chain retailers.

Who: Leo Buring http://www.tweglobal.com/
What: Riesling (12% alc)
Where: Watervale
When: 2012
How: $40

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Yelland & Papps Delight Vermentino 2012

A wine quite pale in appearance, although it is quite aromatic with a good whiff of fresh green apple the highlight for me. Much lighter in style and this took me by surprise, yet it is still clean and fresh. There is a little zip towards the end to give you something to think about.

Seafood screams out for this drop, and although it is a good wine, I feel it is not value for the $20 suggested. Had there been a little more interest on the palate I wouldn't question it.

Who: Yelland & Papps http://www.yellandandpapps.com/
What: Vermentino (12% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2012
How: $19.95

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Wolf Blass Yellow Label Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2010

An easy drinking Pinot Noir Chardonnay. The fruit source is unknown and only stated as "Premium Australian Vineyards". Such vineyards are all over the place so it's anyone's guess where the fruit came from.

A slight whiff of honey, sweet biscuit, I even detected a touch of toffee caramel on the nose.

Flavours are dominant on the front of the palate. Persistent creaminess flows throughout, toast and there's a little nuttiness too. Some complexity is in the mix but the mid palate lacked a little spark I thought. The wine finished dry with good length.
Acceptable value for the price point.

Who: Wolf Blass http://www.wolfblasswines.com/

What: Pinot Noir Chardonnay (11.5% alc)

Where: only stated as "Premium Australian vineyards"

When: 2010

How: $18

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Tscharke "Marananga" Shiraz 2010

From the Gnadenfrei vineyard, these single vineyard wines from Tscharke are stamping some authority and this one, well, it's bloody good!

Dark in the glass with a deep purple hue, the aromas are bursting out. Violets, spice, licorice, dark berry, and chocolate all leaping to the fore.

Big and round on palate, there is plenty of kick (15% alc). The characteristics from the aromas transfer seamlessly to a wonderfully smooth and rich palate. I felt that these flavours were veneered and each one pulled back revealing another highlight. Oak has been integrated beautifully leaving some vanilla flavours. Yummy spice has been thrown into the mix with drying tannins adding to a wonderful finish lasting well beyond a minute

Lip smacking and oozes deliciousness. Damn fine. Extraordinary value.

Who: Tscharke "Marananga" http://www.tscharke.com.au/
What: Shiraz (15% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2010
How: $32

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Yelland & Papps Delight Shiraz 2011

From a tough vintage the wine is light first up and certainly not a monster. Peppery, earthy, some leather and slight violet aromas present themselves.

Soft and very easy to drink. The back of the palate is where the party is at and there is some juicy action happening down there. Gentle warming spice appears throughout and creates a moreish sensation.

Perfect for a mid week drop with pizza, spaghetti bolognese or those tomato based dishes.



Who: Yelland & Papps http://www.yellandandpapps.com/
What: Shiraz (13.5% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2011
How: $19.95

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Oliver's Taranga Small Batch Vermentino 2012

Winemaker Corrina Wright is raving about the 2012 vintage, and after checking out the Fiano and now this, I can see why. If the reds follow suit, abd I'm sure they will, start saving your pennies to get amongst them.

To the 2012 Vermentino...

Slight lemon zest and honey aromas. Flavours are clean and crisp with some interest on the palate. There is a little more texture here compared to some other Vermentinos recently reviewed which gives it a point of difference. A point of difference I'm quite partial to to be honest. Some slight spice adds another sphere of delight to another excellent 2012 release from Olivers Taranga.

Hello prawns. Hello summer. Load up with this!

Who: Oliver's Taranga www.OliversTaranga.com
What: Vermentino (12.5% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2012
How: $24

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