Thomas Wines Motel Block 2009

I have been privileged in the last few months to have a good look at some top wines from the Hunter Valley. When I came across this wine I felt like I was panning for gold and stumbled across a nugget!

So many aspects of this wine appealed to me. It was the first time Andrew Thomas had used fruit from this vineyard planted in 1967. The vineyard was not maintained the best prior to getting his hands on it. No irrigation along with dodgy maintenance, the vines were made to struggle. The yield was small with tiny berries on the bunches concentrating the fruit to skin ratio producing a wine black appearance. Even Thommo admits, "It wasn't Hunter," referring to a typical Hunter Shiraz. But this point of difference makes it stand out even more resulting in power and finesse. A fantastic wine.

Some Hunter earthiness, chocolate pudding, black fruits and even a waft of country dirt road.

Fruit and oak in sync, there is some serious grunt on the palate with plenty of depth and complexity. Yet it oozes softness and elegance at the same time. Balanced well and then some. Fruit drives all the way through to a lengthy and moreish finish.

The label suggests, "Cellar with confidence." Definitely!

A Hunter beauty worth getting hold of. And as I say that, I can assure you the wine has been sold out. But after a sigh of disappointment, Thommo assures me that the 2010 Motel Block is a fraction off the 2009. Only a few cartons remain at the Hunter Valley Small Wine Makers Centre.

Who: Thomas Wines http://www.ThomasWines.com.au/
What: Shiraz (14.5% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2009
How: Sold Out ($50)

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Robert Oatley Vineyards Signature Riesling 2012

The thing that struck me about this wine was the softness delivered. Some Rieslings possess too much of an acid bite or crunch. Certainly not the case there.

Fragrant aromas of field flowers and limes, there is a river stone element hovering. An unmistakable freshness obvious and this flows nicely through to the flavours delivered. A trail of lemon zest wanders through and adds character.  Soft acid makes the journey particularly pleasurable.

A very approachable, refreshing and easy drinking Riesling.

I presented this to a friend. He turned his nose not being a Riesling fan. After some encouragement he was quite impressed, and then went back for more. You will too.

Very well priced as well. Enjoy!

Who: Robert Oatley Vineyards http://www.robertoatley.com.au/
What: Riesling (12% alc)
Where: Great Southern
When: 2012
How: $23

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Richard Hamilton Marsanne 2012

This wine is a great alternative when feeling a little parched from the heat. Perfect as an aperitif, it would also match lighter foods nicely.

Subtle honey and peachy, the flavours are clean with a slight palate texture. Very good length and certainly refreshing when chilled down.

Well priced, this is great drinking and worth seeking out simply due to its approachability.

Marsanne does age well and I'd suggest this one will too. Having said that, the freshness is what I enjoyed and this trait will dissolve with age as it heads towards more developed honey and toast flavours.

Try something different!

Who: Richard Hamilton http://www.leconfieldwines.com.au/
What: Marsanne (12.5% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2012
How: $15.50

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David Hook Old Vines Pothana Shiraz 2011

Hunter Valley wines kicked on well during 2011, although much of the country experienced the complete opposite.

This David Hook premium label is only released in exceptional years.

Hand picked from the Belford sub region, it was aged for twelve months in French oak.

Earthy, loads of peppery spice, there is also a good whack of charred oak. Black fruit flavours swim freely, the finish is soft with a little mouth warmth.

I recommended a trip to the David Hook cellar door to friends recently. They walked away raving. Try this and you will be too.

Who: David Hook www.davidhookwines.com.au/
What: Shiraz (13.5% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2011
How: $40

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d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2009

Oh I liked this. A lot!

The vineyards for this Grenache, as the names suggests, were in a pretty bad way. Nurtured back to life they have produced a wonderful wine.

Hand picked, aged for twelve months in American and French oak barriques of one, two and three years of age.

Some Grenache wines possess sweet, confectionery characters. This one, not even close. Dry and savory and damn it's good!

Cedary oak, earthy, black fruit and tar aromas roll into a concentrated palate delivering excellent depth. But with this power comes a softness. Some chocolate flavours are in there too. Yum! Finished with fine tannins, a Grenache I would certainly recommend.

Who: d'Arenberg http://www.darenberg.com.au/
What: Grenache (14.5% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2009
How: $32

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Tobin Wines Isabella Semillon 2007

When I was handed this sample by Adrian Tobin, in his usual enthusiastic manner, he assured me that the wine was rated better than the McWilliams Lovedale of the same vintage from some high profile industry folk. No names were mentioned however. Having had the Lovedale only a few weeks prior, I was very curious.

Wild asparagus, leaf greens, cut herb aromas spilling out of the glass. However, the palate seemed a little restrained. Some toast characters were building, but the wine's optimum drinking window is certainly a few years away in my opinion. It is worth keeping in mind also that this wine was released at five years. The acid profile still needs some time to chill out.

To me, the asking price doesn't represent value sadly, but saying that, the wine has already sold out.

Of all the wines I have had from Tobin, this one is the only one which didn't put a smile on my face. If anything it raised more questions than gave answers.

Who: Tobin Wines www.tobinwines.com.au
What: Semillon (11.3% alc)
Where: Granite Belt
When: 2007
How: $50

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Tower Estate Panorama Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010

Much has been said about the Panorama Vineyard in Tasmania, and after having a look at this wine, it is easy to see why. Very smart indeed.

The Panorama Vineyard is in the Huon Valley in Tasmania. The fruit comes from vines which are 30-40 years old, small yielding from small bunches.

Hand picked, the fruit was sorted and transported to the Hunter Valley at 12 degrees Celsius, when upon arrival it was crushed. A quarter of the wine was whole bunch pressed. New French oak was used for a third of the wine.

Fresh and vibrant, a very pretty nose which was captivating. A wonderful florally lift coupled with cherries and clove hiding in the background.

The oak is noticeable but certainly doesn't dominate.  A gentle spice lurks well too. I just couldn't stop sipping it.

A very polished wine and most certainly a stand out in the Tower Estate range.

If you are a Pinot lover, dive in.

Who: Tower Estate http://www.towerestate.com.au/
What: Pinot Noir (14% alc)
Where: Tasmania
When: 2010
How: $47

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Rusty Mutt Shiraz 2010

This is the second release since the debut vintage Rusty Mutt 2006. Two very different wines reflecting two different vintages. Admittedly, I looked at the '06 with six years bottle age behind it.

Hand picked and aged in older French oak, there is plenty of blackberries and peppery spice which played a big role in this wine. Plums also got in on the act.

There was a fair whack of wood although it was not over bearing. The mouthfeel suggested there were several years of aging potential in the wine too. And to that, I'd suggest its best drinking will be in two years time.

Grab one and hang on to it as time will be it's friend.

Available online or through a few outlets in Melbourne and Adelaide.

Who: Rusty Mutt http://www.rustymutt.com.au/
What: Shiraz (14.5% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2010
How: $27.50

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Richard Hamilton Slate Quarry Riesling 2012

Slate by name, slate by nature. Named after the nearby slate quarry, the vineyard was planted in 1975.

Without fail, slate and mineral characters appear in the wine amongst river stone, lime and lime cordial.

A dry Riesling, the fruit doesn't wash through as much as I'd hope and there is a slight wateriness on the mid palate. Good acid and length, it is well priced for the stated $15.50.

I chilled this down ice cold and matched it with smoked paprika and lemon baked chicken. Tasty!

Who: Richard Hamilton http://www.leconfieldwines.com.au/
What: Riesling (12.5% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2012
How: $15.50

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De Bortoli Bella Riva Sangiovese Merlot 2011

Another very easy drinking wine from this De Bortoli range of wines.

Once again, a field blend which possesses soft fruit flavours and lends itself to accompany foods such as pizza.

Bright in appearance, there is a neat coating of fruit on the front and mid palate. To be analytical, the fruit stops short and acid is a little higher than I expected, but this wine is made for drinking with food and friends, not to win top gold. Couple with food and this will all be balanced out.

I did like the aromas presented of blackberry and rosella jam, game meat and there was a slight floral hit.

Readily available and often cheaper than the stated RRP of $18.

Who: De Bortoli Wines http://www.bellariva.com.au/
What: Sangiovese & Merlot (13.5% alc)
Where: King Valley
When: 2011
How: $18

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d'Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2010

The first vintage of this wine was in 2001.

Like many d'Arenberg wines this one was packed with punch. But on the second day I looked at it, it had softened nicely.

Some Viognier characters were apparent. Apricot, peach, but also a slight buttered toast element.

I liked the texture the palate delivered. Some nuttiness as well as those apricot flavours flowing through all coating the palate well.

Not a wine many people would drink on its own but I reckon you'd be on the right bus with chicken or something with a creamy sauce.



Who: d'Arenberg http://www.darenberg.com.au/
What: Rousanne (13.2% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2010
How: $22

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Richard Hamilton Colton's GSM 2011

A classic mid-week drop. I had this with tortellini and a creamy tomato, bacon and mushroom sauce.

Initially there was a little heat from the wine. A few swift swirls helped this to blow off.

Packed with peppery spice and earthy aromas, there was also some tar and clove amongst it.

Blackberries and spice flavours stole the show. There was some mouth warmth but this softened over the time it was in the glass. If anything, I felt the fruit stopped a little short but the food complimented the wine very well and otherwise it would not have been noticed. Soft tannins wrapped it all up.

Overall, for $20, this wine goes well.

Who: Richard Hamilton http://www.leconfieldwines.com.au/
What: Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro (14.5% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2011
How: $19.95

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De Bortoli Bella Riva Pinot Grigio Vermentino 2012

As the back label says, a field blend which is hand picked. What is a field blend you say? The fruit is grown together as well as harvested, crushed and co-fermented. All the fruit comes from the King Valley in Victoria.

An approachable wine which is made to match food. Some nutty, slight cashew aromas to it but not much else bursting into the nasal cavity.

Some textural interest is provided with pear and honey type flavours. There is a slight spice tickle courtesy of the Pinot Grigio, and with that, the Vermentino component plays very much second fiddle.

Readily available and often cheaper than the stated RRP of $18.

Chill is down to icy cold and have a with whiting or calamari.

Who: De Bortoli Wines http://www.bellariva.com.au/
What: Pinot Griogio & Vermentino (12.5% alc)
Where: King Valley
When: 2012
How: $18

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Berand Estate Shiraz 2006

I came across this wine when dining at Emma's of Lovedale and I was very happy with what I saw. I had the Bavarian Pan which was fantastic!

Grown and made a little further up Wilderness Road, the wines are a side project for a Doctor of Mathematics I was told. I contacted the winery some weeks ago and I am yet to hear back from them which is a shame as their story sounds interesting.
Plummy and earthy characters waft around. Vanillin oak clear with a slight oak char character in there too.

Plenty of soft spice, with most of the flavours concentrated on the front and mid palate. The finish is soft and lingers for a good while.

Still some acid kicking around and another five years of age wouldn't be out of the question.

Only available online in quantities of six.

Who: Berand Estate www.BerandEstate.com.au
What: Shiraz (13.6% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2006
How: $35 (restaurant wine list)

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Somerled Steeplechase Chardonnay 2011

Coming from an Adelaide Hills producer, I really liked what I saw here.

A very tidy sniff of honey and nutty characters. Aged in Hungarian oak, creamy, burnt butter and toast aromas are thrown into the mix as well.

Plenty of vanilla flavours bouncing around with nectarine and peach at the fore. Not too dry and as I termed at the time of tasting, "an uplifting dryness"...whatever that is :)

A long finish which is soft and moreish, and just as all is gone, some cashew flavours bob up again.

Get some I say if you can.

Who: Somerled Wines http://www.somerled.com.au/
What: Chardonnay (12.5% alc)
Where: Adelaide Hills
When: 2011
How: $26

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d'Arenberg The Sticks and Stones 2009

If this wine were an athlete, it would be a UFC fighter as there is plenty of punch and kick to it.

A unique blend of Tempranillo, Grenache, Tinta Cao and Souzoa. All varieties were made separately with all four coming together when blended.

Never heard of Tinta Cao and Souzao? Both originate from the Douro Valley, Portugal. Some quick research suggests Tinta Cao starts to shine after a few years whilst Souzao does not age well. Interestingly as a result that this wine has a couple of years of age to it upon release (will be released in February 2013).

Some real power on the first whiff. Plummy, mushroom compost, prune juice with raspberry trying to peek through.

A gutsy palate highlighted by some mineral type characters and dry grippy tannins.

I looked at it over two nights and it was unmoved the second time. Some real staying power, it will easily age and drink well over the next five to ten years.

Not a wine I would buy but when partnered with a big piece of beef, there are plenty of carnivores out there who would devour it.

Who: d'Arenberg http://www.darenberg.com.au/
What: Tempranillo, Grenache, Tinta Cao and Souzoa (14.1% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2009
How: $32

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Brokenwood Cricket Pitch 2011

Brokenwood's entry level white. Some skillful blending has played its part here with the fruit coming from a multitude of vineyards.

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The Sauvignon Blanc coming from Cowra, Orange, King Valley and McLaren Vale whilst the Semillon makes it way from the Hunter Valley and Cowra.

A portion of the wine is barrel fermented in French oak.

After all this work, you'd hope it would taste good. And it does. An easy drinking style crisp white wine.

Aromas of lychee, melon, dried pineapple and passion fruit provide a platform for a mouth filling palate with good fruit. Plenty of concentration on the mid palate with a little texture thanks to the barrel work.

Nothing flash. Just a good go-to drink. Drink icy cold. It'll be sure to cool you down.

Widely available and often cheaper than the stated RRP ($20).

 Who: Brokenwood http://www.brokenwood.com.au/
What: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon (12% alc)
Where: Various
When: 2011
How: $20

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Thomas Wines Sweetwater Shiraz 2010

Oh how sweet it is!

Bright fruit, the aromas are indulgent. Earthy, clove, slight leather and black olive.

Plenty of dark fruit on the palate to delight the senses. Savoury, soft and silky. The use of oak and the balance of the wine are both spot on.

A strikingly good shiraz, and a ripping deal for $35.

After an hour or so in the glass some lavender and violet floral aromas began to appear. The wine just kept getting better. And it will continue to do so. Hide it in the cellar for five to ten years and it will repay you in buckets.

Get it!

Who: Thomas Wines http://www.ThomasWines.com.au/
What: Shiraz (14.5% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2010
How: $35

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Sevenhill St Ignatius 2009

If you are ever in the Clare Valley, be sure to pop in here. A winery draped in history with immaculate grounds, but the most impressive fact is that up until a few years ago, all the wines were made by the Jesuit priests. Remarkable. Furthermore, most of the altar wine in the country comes from here too.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 56%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 14% and Malbec 10% has produced power (15.5%) and finesse all in one. The wine is nicely balanced with a generous length.

Dark fruits, mint, leafiness, plums, cassis characters are abundant. There is a lick of fruit sweetness initially but this was then swamped by generous flavours.

Plenty of life left in it too, perhaps eight to ten years.

I certainly savoured every drop with a T-Bone and mash.

Who: Sevenhill http://www.sevenhill.com.au/
What: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec (15.5% alc)
Where: Clare Valley
When: 2009
How: $35

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Casa Freschi La Signorina 2009

Far from a common blend, but damn it works. I tasted this blind and was gob smacked when the blends were revealed. Initially, I thought there was a much higher concentration of chardonnay, but the four just work together wonderfully.

The four I refer to are Pinot Grigio 32%, Riesling 32%, Chardonnay 23% and Gewurztraminer 13%. 100% barrel fermented, with the vast majority of the wine left on lees for six months.
Pale straw appearance, the mouth is coated nicely. Stone fruit and nutty characters jump out of the glass with some musk stick aromas chipping away in the background.

The flavours are not too dry with a little fruit sweetness, they also present some lime cordial and good length. Delish!

Drink within the next two to three years.
Who: Casa Freschi http://www.casafreschi.com.au
What: Pinot Grigio 32%, Riesling 32%, Chardonnay 23% & Gewurztraminer 13% (13% alc)
Where: Adelaide Hills
When: 2009
How: $29

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d'Arenberg The Broken Fishplate Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Every d'Arenberg label has a story behind it. This one is more about the harvest than crockery, but you'll have to read the label to take my word for it.

A winery based in McLaren Vale, this is a good value Sauvignon Blanc made with Adelaide Hills fruit.

In a line up of ten wines tasted blind, this wine was in my top four due to its point of difference, both aromatically and palate texture.

Some typical Sauvignon Blanc traits on the nose present: capsicum, pea, grassy and passion fruit. I even picked up a salt and vinegar chip aroma in there too.

The flavours on display are clean with good depth and weight. There is a little fruit sweetness in there too with the tropical flavours which dominate.

Widely available. Drink on its own quench your thirst on a hot day or have with a bucket of prawns.

Who: d'Arenberg http://www.darenberg.com.au/
What: Sauvignon Blanc (13.1% alc)
Where: Adelaide Hills
When: 2012
How: $20

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Voyager Estate Chenin Blanc 2012

I sat down with a good friend The Wine Punter and lined up ten wines in a blind tasting. This wine was Wine #8 and it shone like a beacon, head and shoulders above the rest.

Approachability deluxe, we were both surprised it was a Chenin Blanc upon reveal, yet at the same time very pleased with the result.

My first whiff was filled with pineapple lollies, tropical fruits, underlying cashews and apricot nectar.

A very polished palate with stone fruit and tropical flavours and an unmistakable creaminess. Length was excellent and the wine beautifully balanced and structured- approachable deluxe!

Asian foods is written all over this. Drink now and enjoy.

Available at a wide range of retailers.

Who: Voyager Estate http://www.voyagerestate.com/
What: Chenin Blanc (13% alc)
Where: Margaret River
When: 2012
How: $20

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T'Gallant Cape Schanck Pinot Grigio 2012

Pinot Grigio is a variety that hasn't really set the world on fire in Australia. There are often debates about whether a Grigio or more Gris and vice versa, but now some more added complexity to the argument with a "Pinot G style spectrum" on the back label. Style spectrum? What the?

I appreciate what the Australian Wine Research Institute is trying to achieve here. Nine categories have been identified on the "Pinot G style spectrum", but really, for the cost of this wine, I am sure the punter who is buying it just wants to grab something to drink rather than question where they are at on a nine point scale. Picking wines is complicated enough for some, so breaking up a variety into nine categories can only make the task harder...unless you know where your palate is on the scale. Perhaps had all wineries applied the same scale with some uniformity, there would be some relevance in my opinion.

One end of the spectrum is "Crisp" with the opposite "Luscious". I'm yet to hear anyone describe a Pinot Grigio as luscious, but I am no expert on the variety by any means. I have posted a photo of the scale on the bottle (right).

This wine falls into the category of,  "Dry tangy and vibrant".

A simple wine. Fresh aromas of poached pear. The front palate lingers with a touch of spice. The fruit slips off a little too quickly but the small element of spice adds to a length which kicks on a little more than expected. Acid is up there but not off putting. Vibrant though, I didn't think so.

Not a wine I would normally buy, perhaps my taste is off the spectrum! It needs food. Have with a pork cutlet with mustard dressing or calamari.

Who: T'Gallant Wines http://www.tgallant.com.au
What: Pinot Grigio (11.5% alc)
Where: Mornington Peninsula
When: 2012
How: $15

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Ridgemill Estate Pedigree Chardonnay 2009

I was rubbing my hands together when I opened this recently. Having had it a couple of years ago I knew what I was in for. And good news for me, I wasn't disappointed.

The wine has continued to develop nicely since then and is drinking beautifully. Shame is for the consumer, the success of the wine has ensured there are only eight bottles left on the books at the winery.

Initially priced at $25 when released, it's success at various shows locally and internationally over the last couple of years has seen the price double, yet it still walks out the door comfortably. And the accolades are justifiable.

Plenty going on to arouse the senses when tipped in the glass. Stone fruit, cashews, nougat and creamy vanilla characters. These characters all slip onto a delicious palate where peachy and nectarine flavours line up at the fore flushing through to the mid palate where the creamy and vanilla characters from French oak provide length.

Well balanced and crafted, if you lucky enough to get one of the last eight, you'll be laughing all the way.

Purchase cellar door or online only.

Who: Ridgemill Estate http://www.RidgemillEstate.com/
What: Chardonnay (13.5% alc)
Where: Granite Belt
When: 2009
How: $50

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McLeish Estate Semillon 2012

The wines at McLeish are made by Andrew Thomas and his craftsmanship is evident here once more. Previous vintages of Semillon have been getting due credit internationally which is great to see for a small operator.

A refreshing and easy drinking style Semillon.

Take a whiff and you get fresh cut herbs, apples and a hint of lemon. Good acid on a cleansing palate, there are some slight honey nuances too.

Grab some for $20, a great little drop for a steamy day. Cellar door or online only.

Who: McLeish Estate http://www.mcleishhunterwines.com.au/
What: Semillon (10% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2012
How: $20

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Warramate Pinot Noir 2010

I've usually been impressed by the wines from Warramate, their Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz is super! But this time in I was left scratching my head.

Purchased off the wine list at a restaurant, once poured by the waiter I was overcome by the stalky and "green" aromas coming from the glass. As I tried and tried again to assure myself this wasn't the case, I was disappointed.

After much swirling and half an hour in the glass, the wine started to show some shape.

The fruit was good and some cherry and earthy characters began to sing. Lacking in acidity, it appeared a little soupy as well.

Not the style of Pinot Noir I would lean to.
I'd be interested to have a look at other current release wines to see where they are at, as from experience, I have now only been let down once by this solid Yarra Valley producer.

Who: Warramate Wines www.warramatewines.com.au
What: Pinot Noir (13.5% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 2010
How: $45 restaurant wine list ($25 cellar door)

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Drayton's Limited Release William Shiraz 2007

There are three wines in the Limited Release range at Drayton's. The Susanne Semillon, the William Shiraz and the Joseph Shiraz.

Whilst at the cellar door on my recent Hunter Valley trip I did taste the Joseph, and for $70, I must admit I was quite underwhelmed. Not only was it served oxidised, even after a new bottle was opened, in my opinion, it has seen its best days. The colour of the wine indicated this particularly.

For twenty-five dollars less, this William Shiraz shone like a beacon.

A lovely colour presented itself, dark cherry like and consistent to the hue. French oak adds very well to the smooth, supple fruit flavours on show. Gentle pepper and spice are awash through the mouth leaving a finish which lingers well with good tannin grip. There is an attractive mouth warmth which calls out for a cold night by a log fire and some dark chocolate.

I bought a bottle to stash in the cellar as its optimum drinking window is still a few years away. Having said that, there is still at least a decade of cellaring potential.

Enjoy!

Who: Drayton's Family Wines www.draytonswines.com.au
What: Shiraz (13.5% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2007
How: $45

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Pepper Tree Limited Release Chardonnay 2012

A fresh style of Chardonnay with plenty of fruit kicking around.
The fruit comes from the Mt View vineyard in the Hunter Valley, hand picked and gently pressed.

Lightly oaked, I really liked the soft stone fruit characters. Nectarine characters jump out on a well weighted palate. Flavours punch through nicely to a long finish which lingers much longer that I expected.

The wine will develop over the next few years with bottle age, but with the wonderful flavours and freshness evident, why wait?

Good buying too at $22. Load up!

Who: Pepper Tree www.peppertreewines.com.au/
What: Chardonnay (13.5% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2012
How: $22

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McLeish Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2010

A good value Cabernet Merlot blend. Both varieties not hugely successful in the Hunter but work well here.

Plenty of dark and black fruit. A slight whiff of cardamom spice in there too.

Nice use of oak with 30% being new French oak. Well balanced and highlighted by juicy plum and blackberry flavours. The soft finish lends itself to a range of foods

Have in the three to five years.

Available online or cellar door only.

Who: McLeish Estate http://www.mcleishhunterwines.com.au/
What: Cabernet Merlot (12.8% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2010
How: $22

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Gundog Estate Wild Semillon 2012

Something different and something seriously wicked right here! Yes, I am partial to wild ferment wines, and this wine is an example of how such a process can shine a different light on a grape variety.

The variety I refer to is Semillon from the Hunter Valley, and what is dished up is not what you would expect. Perhaps that is why I liked it so much.

A portion is fermented on skins in oak barrels giving the resulting wine some wonderful textural elements. Having said that, keep in mind the low alcohol (9.5%) and a super charged 15 grams per litre of residual sugar.

Aromas are a mixed bag. Some stone fruit, specifically peach, dried herb and pineapple lollies of all things. Complex flavours in the mouth where the oak has added an ever so slight touch. Soft tropical fruit in the mix too leaving an off dry finish.

Oh to dream of purchasing a bottle...the sold out sign has gone up! But I was happy enough to have the privilege of tasting some from the "secret stash" at the cellar door.

Keep an eye out for this in 2013. One worth getting hold of.

Who: Gundog Estate www.gundogestate.com.au
What: Semillon (9.5% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2012
How: $32

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