Bimbadgen Regions Semillon Botrytis 2010

With the Easter weekend approaching, sweetness will consume you no doubt in the form of chocolate. And for those with a sweet tooth and an oversupply of chocolate, how about melting it down, dropping it into a pastry shell and indulging in a chocolate tart with a glass of this by your side?

Part of the "Regions" range, the fruit is sourced from the botrytis hub of Australia, the Riverina.

Loaded with apricot jam, marmalade and even a hint of citrus, this wine is superbly balanced with good acid and structure. It is hard not to keep sipping away at this. Enjoy!

Who: Bimbadgen http://www.bimbadgen.com.au/
What: Botrytis Semillon (11% alc)

Where: Riverina

When: 2010
How: $27

Yelland & Papps Second Take Grenache 2012

We've all seen that someone across the room or across the road who we'd love to meet. They look cool, hip and funky.

But for some, introductions aren't easy and that's okay. So get a bottle of this instead! It's certainly cool, hip and funky.

A new label released by Yelland & Papps which is seriously worth looking out for. The label itself I thought was on the mark too. Simple and clean. Nice!

The wine spent eight months cooling its heels in predominately old American oak (83%) with the remainder in new French.

I had it in the decanter for an hour before indulging the senses. Wow and then some! An unmistakable funky pepperyness and delightful raspberry aromas greeted me. It's earthy and textural and very, very sippable. So much so I couldn't stop topping up the glass. The finish is herby and rustic and long. Lick those lips!

Only 1530 bottles made.

Ask for it. 'nuff said!

Who: Yelland & Papps
What: Grenache (14% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2012
How: $40

http://www.yellandandpapps.com/

Mitchelton Marsanne 2011

Marsanne is quite an intriguing variety. It can be made to drink fresh and is the perfect aperitif or it can be made for aging.

Coming from the same neighbourhood as Australia's most famous Marsanne, this wine leans towards the aging spectrum. Though there is no glitter to it, its medium to full body delivers a good kick of palate weight.

Some of the wine was barrel fermented and these characteristics nudge their way to the fore. Toasty, almondy and nutty aromas roll out before being met by stone fruit and slight honeyed flavours with a gentle minerality lapping at its foot. I did enjoy the texture which I can only describe as wholesome.

The package will get better with time as the backbone of a good aging wine is all there, and although not overly flavoursome at the minute, I wouldn't be shying away from it if it were in my glass.

Very approachable but patience will reward.

Who: Mitchelton Wines http://www.mitchelton.com.au/
What: Marsanne (13% alc)
Where: Nagambie Lakes
When: 2011
How: $22

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Bimbadgen Shiraz Viognier 2011

A savoury style Shiraz Viognier.

Medium bodied, there are dark cherry flavours and juicy plums bobbing up nicely. The length is very good and leaves some floral and peppery spice characters along with fine tannins for you to dwell on.

The wine sat in French oak for twelve months and those subtle oak characters poke through to add another flavour component.

A very approachable wine to be enjoyed in the next couple of years.

Who: Bimbadgen http://www.bimbadgen.com.au/
What: Shiraz Viognier (13.5% alc)
Where: Hunter
When: 2011
How: $26

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Bimbadgen Sparkling Rosé NV

Some serious guzzle factor here. A wine made purely for enjoyment and to share with friends.

Made from Shiraz and Merlot fruit, there is a little sweetness in the mix, a little texture and some creaminess. I even detected a slight whiff of the strawberry filling from a Freddo Frog! Mind you, I'm slightly partial to Freddos.

For an easy option sure to please friends, this is worth a look.

Who: Bimbadgen http://www.bimbadgen.com.au/
What: Sparkling Rosé (Shiraz, Merlot) (12.5% alc)
Where: Hunter
When: NV
How: $20

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Brand's Laira August Tide Dry Red 2010

Berry nice! And when I say berry, that is exactly what dominates here.

A blend headlined by Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot in the mix.

Initial notes of fig and burnt caramel then mixed berry fruit aromas swing into action. Blueberry one whiff, raspberry the next. Suddenly boysenberry chimes in with cedery oak loitering in the background.

And if that's not enough, mulberry and plummy flavours bob up on a flavoursome palate. Grippy and softish tannins with a drying finish wrap it up.

Available at the Cellar Door and in some restaurants nationally.

Guzzle this with a big piece of protein and mash.

Who: Brand's Laira http://www.brandslaira.com.au
What: Shiraz (14.8% alc)
Where: Coonawarra
When: 2010
How: $27

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Running With Bulls Vermentino 2011

This is the last of the RWB Vermentino as we know it. A branding change will see the RWB label dedicated to the Spanish varietal Tempranillo. No doubt the Vermentino will pop up somewhere else in the Yalumba portfolio.

The fruit for this wine is sourced from Langhorne Creek, Adelaide Hills and the Barossa. A whiff of lemon zest, citrus notes and some dry grass characters greet you.

The palate has some texture, similar to that of an unwooded Chardonnay in my opinion. A wine that is not as clean as refreshing as I hoped for, but it still is an acceptable drop. Those characteristics from the nose appeared on the palate and there was a gentle tickle of spice leaving a dry finish.

Serve super cold on a hot day with prawn rice paper rolls.

Widely available.

Who: Running With Bulls
What: Vermentino (12% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2011
How: $19.95

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Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Grigio 2012

A small portion of this wine was barrel fermented in older oak, the result leaving some texture and good mouth feel.

Aromas of green apple, typical pear and even poached spiced pear with some citrus highlights tossed in the mix.

All these characteristics came together well on the palate delivering crisp flavours and well capped off with an impressive length. However, once the glass warmed a little it tightened and demonstrated a mouth warmth which detracted from what came before. The lesson here, keep it chilled!

Drink with a warm pumpkin and pancetta salad. I did. Yum.

Who: Montalto Vineyard http://www.Montalto.com.au/
What: Pinot Grigio (13% alc)
Where: Mornington Peninsula

When: 2012

How: $25

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Deen De Bortoli Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon 2008

Hello bargain!

There are plenty of "stickies" or dessert wines out there with many chasing over the $20 mark for a 375mL bottle. Those who are budget conscious look no further than this wine - less than $15!

Plenty of orange rind, mandarin peel and ripe apricot characters are in abundance. Not too thick and syrupy as some botrytis wines, the flavours are moreish and are similar to apricot nectar.

The length appears to last forever too. A wonderfully balanced drop I must say.

The back label suggests to have with a lemon tart. I did. I even added some finger lime goodness to it - a superb food and wine match!

A wine I'd definitely throw in the trolley.

Who: De Bortoli Wines http://www.debortoli.com.au/
What: Botrytis Semillon (10.5% alc)

Where: Riverina

When: 2008

How: $13.95

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Montalto Pennon Hill Chardonnay 2012

This is the second label of three from Montalto. Wild yeast and barrel fermented for ten months in French oak barriques, the result is delicious.

As soon as I ripped the top off this, a captivating perfume filled the room. A swirl of the glass revealed nougat, biscuity and peach aromas with even the faintest touch of oyster shell. There was plenty of creamy vanillin oak in the mix too. The oak was not over the top as less new oak is used in this wine and it complimented the fruit well.

These characters washed onto the palate nicely coating the mouth. Yum! Good stone fruit and some citrus flavours kicked in here too all delivering great length. A very easy drinking Chardonnay. Moreish!

The wine demonstrates really good value for the asking price and it's definitely worth popping onto your shopping list.

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

When: 2012

How: $25 ($23 Cellar Door)

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Brand's Laira Tall Vines Shiraz 2010

Not a refined or polished wine, but for those who enjoy a wine of such ilk, this may be for you.

A touch of clove with freshly ground nutmeg with plenty of red and black fruits on offer. Charred oak also came to the fore, but after two hours in the glass the whiff of alcohol was still prominent. Good fruit weight which drove through to a long finish culminating with a talc type tannin.

The acid structure was good but I'd suggest put it to sleep for 5-8 years before it hits peak drinking time.

Who: Brand's Laira http://www.brandslaira.com.au
What: Shiraz (14.9% alc)
Where: Coonawarra
When: 2010
How: $27

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Ballandean Estate Viognier 2012

Initially I poured the wine, had a sniff and then put the glass to my mouth to be met by a spritz type sensational. Taken by surprise I let the glass sit on the bench and after it had warmed a little to room temperature a different wine greeted me.

There were plenty of apricot and apricot jam aromas with some green apple skin.

The fruit was not as dense as some other Viogniers I have come across and I welcomed that. A tickle of spice wrapped up some good fruit and the length was better than expected.

Pay $18 per bottle online or at the cellar door.

Thai take-away night at your house with this = happy days.

Who: Ballandean Estate http://www.ballandeanestate.com
What: Viognier
Where: Granite Belt, Queensland
When: 2012
How: $18

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Seraphim Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

The fruit for this wine comes from Dookie Hills which is thirty kilometres from Shepparton in Central Victoria.

Initially quite firm, it settled down on the second day. Black fruits and some chocolate, the palate seemed tight and unwilling to unleash itself. A heavier type of Cabernet, some peppery spice comes to the fore after some time in the glass. The use of older oak has added some complexity.

Will match food well and lamb chops come to mind. Cellar for 5-8 years and this will certainly assist the wine's development.

Available online only.

Who: Seraphim Wines www.seraphimwine.com.au
What: Cabernet Sauvignon (14.3% alc)
Where: Dookie Hills, Central Victoria
When: 2009
How: $16

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Brand's Laira One Seven One Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

I must say, this bowled me over.

Although drinking beautifully now, this wine will certainly develop in the cellar easily seeing another ten years.

The fruit for this wine comes from vines which were planted in 1971.

From the colour, to the aroma, the fruit and soft fine finish, this wine is excellent.

Black fruit and and a hint of eucalypt throw out a welcome mat along with the usual Cabernet characters which come out to play. The oak is integrated beautifully but the acid seems a little unsettled. Give it time. Look past that to the supple flavours delivered and the super soft finish which lingers on and on.

On the whole, it drinks superbly now and can only get better.

Available nation wide.

Who: Brand's Laira http://www.brandslaira.com.au
What: Cabernet Sauvignon (14.8% alc)
Where: Coonawarra
When: 2009
How: $65

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d'Arenberg The Galvo Garage 2008

d'Arenberg produce some most interesting blends, and this is another which not only engages interest but does the job well.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (13%), Cabernet Franc (9%), and Petit Verdot (6%), the result is a delicious and moreish wine which warms the soul.

Gutsy as many d'Arenberg wines are, the grunt is rounded off by a softer touch. Expect earthy, blackcurrant, Ribena and boot polish type characters. Textured oak and mulchy elements kick along with chocolatey and mint flavours hovering in the background.

A wine which will happily see time in the cellar for at least 5-8 years.

Throw it in a decanter and give it some air then sit back and enjoy with a lamb roast.

Who: d'Arenberg http://www.darenberg.com.au/
What: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot (14.5% alc)

Where: McLaren Vale

When: 2008

How: $32

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Running With Bulls Barossa Tempranillo 2011

This is a good wine but nothing flashy.

It's earthy with a strawberry like lift. There are even some rare steak type aromas. Some savoury spice on the palate does chime in delivering an easy drinking wine with good weight. The fruit was thinner than expected though, a reflection of the 2011 vintage in part.

Nothing leaping out but it is a more than acceptable mid-week drop. If you seek a Tempranillo with spunk, check out the Wrattonbully Tempranillo. Same stable, different vintage, different region, super impact.

Widely available.

Who: Running With Bulls
What: Tempranillo (13.5% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2011
How: $23.95

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Cumulus Estate Climbing Pinot Gris 2012

There's plenty of Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio out there with an identity crisis lacking varietal character and spunk. Some even blur the lines of what is Gris or Grigio.

Not this wine I can happily say!

Engaging aromas of honeysuckle, poached pear with a tiny waft of peach skin get you in the mood.

The palate is swamped by generous fruit which is very well balanced with the flavours flowing seamlessly from the nose. Some cinnamon like spice kicks through adding to the depth of flavour leaving a finish which lingers nicely.

A very good value wine with textural interest.

Who: Cumulus Estate Wines www.cumuluswines.com.au
What: Pinot Gris (13% alc)
Where: Orange
When: 2012
How: $23.99

Brand's Laira Stentiford's Shiraz 2008

I was hoping for big things here but it just didn't light my fire.

There is a warmth which just doesn't seem in sync with the wine. Coupled with the high alcohol (15%), I wondered if maybe there was even a smidge more than that stated.

Leather glove type characters on the nose. Plummy, spice and soft black pepper flavours concentrated on the front and mid palate. Something just seemed withheld here.

I'm happy to be on the wrong bus, particularly as there are four gold medals proudly affixed to the label, but each to their own and this wine just wasn't me.

Who: Brand's Laira http://www.brandslaira.com.au
What: Shiraz (15% alc)
Where: Coonawarra
When: 2008
How: $55

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Running With Bulls Wrattonbully Tempranillo 2012

Here is a Tempranillo to make you sit up and take notice.

The wine possesses plenty of interest aromatically and on the palate. Damn it's good!

Coming from Wrattonbully in South Australia, sour cherry like aromas along with fruit compote, cola and a slight whiff of raspberry jam set the senses racing.

Flavours are concentrated and generous with the glass disappearing in no time. Gorgeously food friendly, there are savoury notes and a lovely earthy character which screams out for another sip. It felt like a one centimetre layer of fruit was oozing across my tongue. Yummo.

Widely available, I reckon you wave a red rag at this.

Who: Running With Bulls
What: Tempranillo (14% alc)
Where: Wrattonbully
When: 2012
How: $23.95

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Yelland & Papps Devote Shiraz Roussanne 2011

This is a delight to drink. Some serious wow factor.

A blend of Shiraz (85%) with a good dollop of Rousanne (15%), both varieties were fermented separately before blending. The Shiraz was made with a 50/50 mix of American and French oak where is sat for twenty months. French oak (100%) housed the Rousanne for six months. Despite being unfiltered, there is an unmistakable purity to the wine.

Bright fruit on the palate, there are bountiful flavours of cherry and savoury characters which just keep giving. The Rousanne has a powerful impact adding wonderful depth to the palate. A very generous wine and seriously good.

Only 1614 bottles produced. Get some.

Who: Yelland & Papps http://www.yellandandpapps.com/
What: Shiraz, Rousanne (13.5% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2011
How: $35

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