Cook's Lot #666 Rosé 2014

A dry style Rosé with red flower and potpourri type perfume and some spice which is not surprising as it is made from Shiraz. I do like the colour of this wine too. It has a captivating glow.

There's some depth of flavour courtesy of plums and strawberries here which calls for food to match. I'm thinking skewer kebabs off the BBQ. The acid and fruit are balanced fairly before a long finish.

Good stuff.

Region: Orange
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

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Raidis Estate The Kelpie Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Lots of honey dew and melony aromas flick around here moving to gooseberry, passion fruit and asparagus flavours.

Some textural interest and decent length move this away from many other Sauvs on the market which are boring and stale. I'd have a glass, and I did, but that's about it - I'm just not a big Sauv Blanc fan. Mind you, I shared this with big Sauvvy fans and they loved it.

Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.raidis.com.au

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Willow Bridge Estate Gravel Pit Shiraz 2013

There's an energetic vibe about this wine. That was my first thought after a whiff. Small additions of Grenache (6%) and Mataro (3%) were tipped in, and gee they add to the picture beautifully.

Chocolate and plummy aromas shift to juicy black fruits and a dash of peppery spice on a long and giving palate. I detected what seemed to be a granite type minerality but I'm pretty sure this wasn't grown on granite soils - just an old quarry site. The wine opened a treat after a little air so a decant won't hurt. Another wine of tremendous depth and balance from winemaker Simon Burnell.

Medium term cellaring will do the trick but this is a go-er right now.

In all, excellent! I could sip it all afternoon. And after a flight of wines tasted I came back to this, and sip it all afternoon I did.

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

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Cook's Lot Handpicked Allotment #3 Chardonnay 2013

There's a simplicity to this wine which is quite attractive yet it also asks some subtle questions. Sure it's been wild yeast fermented with some barrel work but the end result doesn't clout you in the face.

Peachy and stone fruit flavours skip about without being heavy or bogged down by oak. There's a lightness to it but then there's a creamy depth with some complexity for interest. Then come a good length where some melon fruit re-emerges.

Age for the medium term but she's good to go now. I'd tear into again given the chance.

Very good.

Region: Orange
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

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Sirromet Signature Collection Chardonnay 2012

I tasted this with a couple of '12's and the colour here was the darkest of the lot with a golden straw appearance. Without jumping to any conclusions I went through and gave each wine a whiff and this was the most heavily oaked. It stood out from the others quite clearly and not for the right reasons sadly. All I could pick up was oak and for those seeking to rediscover a love for Chardonnay, oak is probably something they don't want to be slammed with straight up.

More time in the glass revealed some vanilla and canned peach juice but I wonder if the drinker would have the same patience. As Eminem said, you get one shot.

Surprisingly, the fruit is ok and the oak doesn't win the wrestle as easily as first thought. There's a chalky consistency to the wine. It took a couple of days to hit its straps but the consumer won't hang on that long when open although I'm sure aging in the medium term is not out of the question.

Would I buy it? No. The price is a bit steep for what you get.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

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Taylor's St Andrews Clare Valley Riesling 2012

A friend popped over with this and to help fend off a steamy afternoon, we ripped in.

The vines for this wine were planted in 1892 and all fruit comes from a single vineyard.

It came across more aged than it should have I thought. Those characteristics synonymous with aged Riesling were starting to poke through. Being a 2012, I would have hoped there would still be plenty of freshness retained.

Steely and slatey with some rivers stone minerality, lemon pith is held in line by some honey notes. The acid has softened up but there is still the bones of some tightness there before moving to a long lasting finish.

I enjoyed a couple of glasses but doubt I'd purchase one myself.

Good.

Region: Clare Valley
RRP: $35
Source: Gift

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Seppelt Drumborg Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

Whatever winemakers Adam Carnaby and Mel Chester are doing at Seppelt, I hope it doesn't change. They are pumping out some exciting wines and with this Chardy, here we go again.

One of my favourite wines tasted last year was the Seppelt St Peter's Grampians Shiraz 2012 which I described as a sexy minx. And this wine ain't far behind. It reminds me of Jason Mraz's song Butterfly amongst other things, 'You make my slacks a little tight," he says. Whoa, I just got a little hot under the collar with excitement there.

Coming off vines planted in 1964, this single vineyard wine has a load of white fleshed peach and a creaminess than crawls through the wine in stealth mode. The fruit, a little tight initially, but unravels slowly supported by balanced oak. I get a sense it has a shy personality wanting to hold itself back a little. Subtle cashews and a squeeze of lemon add some more layers of complexity. It's pure and just feels homely and cosy.

All this for only $40! Top stuff and one I'd definitely buy to cellar for the medium term.

Mraz goes on to say, "You got it all." Yep, this sure does.

Excellent.

Region: Henty
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.seppelt.com.au

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Cook's Lot #666 Pinot Gris 2014

A good looking wine with a slight bronze appearance, I was looking for the fruit to reveal itself and it took a while.  Some peachy, poached pear and apricot type characters show up but they aren't in your face. Patience is needed. Textured due to some barrel work, there's a good length but the fruit nicks off all too quickly.

Nothing too appealing here for me regrettably.

Region: Orange
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

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Montalto The Eleven Chardonnay 2013

Writing a plethora of notes before evening sticking this in my mouth speaks volumes for the quality of this wine. There's so much going on to arouse the senses.

I had the pleasure of catching up with winemaker Simon Black this time last year and we had a look at this in barrel. I broke into a happy dance as I was unable to mask my excitement. I'm sure Simon was amused coz I can't dance! I was looking forward to the release with much anticipation and the wait was worth it. After a few fist pumps, I can assure you that this is outta this world.

Sure you get citrusy characters and the usual suspects a good Chardy should carry, but this gets going with pickled onion aromas which then morph into something similar to sour dough. Tip it in your mouth and it's like planet funk. Nougat, cashews and almonds add tremendous depth but it's the butterscotch and caramel tease which are my favourite bits. The barrel work really comes to the fore.

It's layered, edgy, satisfying and certainly age-worthy.

Excellent.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $55
Source: Sample

www.montalto.com.au

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Cook's Lot #689 Sauvignon Blanc 2014

This is no where near the Sauv Blanc winemaker Duncan Cook has produced in the past. But that's what you get when you have a heap of rain to deal with before vintage.

Passion fruit cheesecake, honeydew melon and snow pea aromas; this is more of a tropical fruit style wine than than asparagus and grassiness savvies out there.

Some textural interest leaves the palate clean, and in all, it's not bad. Not too bad at all. I reckon I could sink a glass pretty easily which equates to many others scoffing the lot.

Good.

Region: Orange
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

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Golden Grove Mourvedre 2011

Another cracker from Ray Costanzo. Gee he is making some tasty booze at the moment and this Mourvedre is right in the slot.

Savoury dried herbs, earthy with a little kitchen spice, there's some smoke, dry mulch and cured meat aromas which really give the wine an edge. The fruit is soft and persistent and just really well weighted. Dusty and a little drying to finish, it's the type of wine you want to drink on a chilly night or perfect for meat dishes. Classy stuff.

It will sit for another ten years in a comfy place. I'd be happy snuggling into a comfy place right now and having another glass to be honest. Check it out online or at the winery.

Very good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Leeuwin Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Whoa! A belter!!

And if there was to be a criticism straight off the bat, I reckon some may believe there is too much mint here but I reckon it's in check without going into overkill.

Excellent fruit presence waltzes along nicely with balanced oak. Nothing out of place nor is there anything protruding. Some eucalypt sits nicely in the background too without stealing the show. The wine unfurls nicely in the glass over time and long term cellaring is certainly on the cards.

Outstanding and my pick of the two top Margaret River Cabernet samples tasted recently.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $70
Source: Sample

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Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot 2010

Another excellent release from Voyager Estate. This is really smart.

It's easy to see that the best of everything has been thrown at this wine. Black fruits, dark cherries, mulberries and capsicum drive this rich and complex wine. Bay leave has been dragged through this too adding a sexy savoury edge. Mint, dark chocolate and cedar characters work their way in nicely to a super soft and smooth finish.

Hard to resist, it won me over with ease.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $70
Source: Sample

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Lindeman's Early Harvest Sparkling NV

The marketing push with this wine is the low calorie and low alcohol pitch. The fruit is picked early to achieve the 7.5% alc. Whilst picking early can yield wines which are unripe and hard to drink, this comes across quite well.

Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit, this wasn't stated on the label and was only discovered after a bit of investigation.

Quite an interesting wine by the simple fact it doesn't really have any aromas nor taste. Yep, you didn't misread that. And yet despite being almost flavourless, there is a smashability to it. It's clean and crisp in the mouth although there is a massive amount of fizz in it.

Hot days and this by the pool (or in the pool) could be friends.

Readily available and often cheaper than the RRP.

Good.

Region: Not specified - South Eastern Australia
RRP: $15
Source: Sample

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Sirromet Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2014

Sirromet is Queensland's biggest producer of wine. This is their second tier label, and a quick look at the website indicates there is a strong emphasis on sales in Asia with tasting notes translated into another two languages. Not many, if any, other wineries do that to my knowledge.

A muted nose tosses up lemon rind and citrus blossom. The fruit sits on the mid palate and whilst it sits comfortably, there's nothing there to excite. It's more warm than fresh to be honest.

I do think the RRP is inflated for what you get. I had a look at a Chardy last week which shoots for $18 with more work and interest.

Reasonable but not a wine I would lean towards.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $21
Source: Sample

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Hardy's The Chronicles 7th Green Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Out of the four The Chronicles wines sampled, this would be my preferred. Whilst there is no wow factor, it is easily the most approachable.

A blend of Langhorne Creek and Coonawarra fruit, this shows some good varietal characters without going over the top. Black fruits aplenty with a leaf or two of mint tossed in for good measure.

A worthy candidate to chase down a mouthful of spaghetti bolognese.

Readily available, I've seen it often discounted below the RRP.

Good.

Region: Langhorne Creek & Coonawarra
RRP: $16
Source: Sample

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Hardy's The Chronicles Butcher's Gold McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012

I do like the branding on these Chronicles wines but sadly for me that's where the enjoyment draws to a halt with this Shiraz.

Dark fruits, some sweet oak and a sprinkle of black pepper on the nose.

Quite simple flavours with a squeeze of mulberry coming to play but all wash away too quickly leaving a watery like sensation. Grainy and slightly drying tannins are all that remain. Nothing really wants me to head back for another taste to be perfectly honest.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $16
Source: Sample

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Golden Grove Grand Vintage Reserve Nero d'Avola 2012

In the words of winemaker Ray Costanzo, the Granite Belt 2012 vintage was perfect. So much so, to recognise how superior it was to those previous, the Grand Vintage Reserve range of wines was born.

Taking a look at this, it is easy to see why it was a cut above. The fruit has developed some tremendous flavours and presents a wine of purity and sophistication.

Seductively smooth, this is bursting with cherries and raspberries. Berry basket characters bob up too after time in the glass. Oak is noticeable but certainly not dominant and compliments the fruit nicely. It just adds another veneer of flavour. The appealing thing for me though is the fruit's depth. There is a density to it whilst also being agile on its feet. The finish is elegant and soft.

Very good. Perhaps even just sneaking into excellent territory. Bravo!

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $45
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Coriole Nero d'Avola 2014

Well hello! Fresh with a spring in its step, this is super food friendly and the type of wine which makes you sigh with disappointment that your one and only bottle has gone.

This is the third vintage with 2012 being a trial producing only 22 dozen. Fast forward to 2014 and 600 dozen passed the labelling machine. And if Coriole keep making cracking juice like this, I suspect that 600 will multiply quickly.

Red fruits, cherries, rose petals and perhaps a little potpourri jive about.
Silky smooth with good drive, everything just falls into place with ease.

My plan to open this and share with friends over a meal was thwarted all too quickly. In no time it was gone before the food hit the landing strip. That's a decent measure in itself I reckon.

Track it down. Very good.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $25
Source: Retail

www.coriole.com

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Devil's Lair The Hidden Cave Cabernet Shiraz 2013

I can see people going back to this wine as their go-to drop of choice. You'll be pretty happy with what you get for the RRP $23.

Vibrant and juicy though some greeness is evident. Capsicum slides its way through to good berry fruit with a layer of baking spice and dash of pepper. The finish is smooth with respectable length.

Widely available, I've seen it priced just below $20. Very good.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $23
Source: Sample

www.devils-lair.com

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Willow Bridge Dragonfly Chardonnay 2014

A handy style of Chardonnay. You can see the effort that has gone in here with the influence of lees adding some good complexity.

All the varietal traits are present with white peaches headlining the act. Some mouth warmth on the finish which is more hot than warm but you can deal with that.

A good wine with textural interest that is well priced.

Region: Geographe, Western Australia
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Angove Alternatus Tempranillo 2014

I'm in a privileged position to taste a heap of samples. And just trying to restrict every wine to the tasting part is the challenge as so many wines deserve to be afforded the opportunity to sink a glass or two or more.

So this turns up and was lined up for a taste with several wines. Something just kept calling me back here. A couple of glasses later and there was a fair hole in the bottle. I was sucked in hook, line and sinker. Pizza wine deluxe, this is ridiculously slurpable.

Juicy raspberry and cherry fruits tear it up with a lick of pepper and spices. Not the best wine in the world, but man, it's so damm tasty. And isn't that exactly what you want?

A big yes from me. Good stuff.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

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Holm Oak Vineyards Riesling 2012

I was gifted this by good mate and passionate Taswegian Tony Peters. He's always quick to set the record straight and tell me and everyone else how good Tassie wines are. So from time to time we do a wine swap and this turned up a little while ago. As he says, he will only send the good stuff, and he is yet to let me down. This Riesling is very smart indeed.

From the Tamar Valley, this is bone dry. White flowers, green apples and lime aromas all shift to a minerally palate. The minerality is not too dissimilar to the Polish Hill River Rieslings to make a comparison.

Tightly structured, you get the sense it wants to sit curled up in a ball for a little while yet. Having said that, I certainly enjoyed it with some cooked seafood.

Winner winner. Very good.

Region: Tamar Valley, Tasmania
RRP: $25 (?)
Source: Gift

www.holmoakvineyards.com.au

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Hardy's The Chronicles The Gamble Limestone Coast Chardonnay 2014

This is a fruity wine but to be succinct, it's just simple and lacks interest. It's more of a Sem Sauv than a Chardonnay.

Tropical and melon aromas are probably the best thing about it. Some stone fruit characters lob up on the palate but they are flat. Real flat. The closest this came to a decent Chardy I suspect was when it was driven past the good gear in the winery.

It would take the sting out of your curry but I won't be the one drinking it.

Region: Limestone Coast
RRP: $16
Source: Sample

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Willow Bridge Solana Tempranillo 2013

Tempranillo is a variety which I can see shaking up the scene in coming years. Made well, it is so approachable and ridiculously food friendly - exactly what consumers are looking for.

This from Willow Bridge easily sits at the top of the pile when I think about the Tempranillos I've had recently.

Dark cherries and blood plums wash over earthy and dried savoury herbs. Not complicated but not simple either, it just fits into a neat groove with a soothing effect.

Finishing soft with a fine tannin grip, there's a terrific length to boot.

The back label says you can age it. Why bother when it is so delicious right now.

Excellent juice and yet another impressive wine from Willow Bridge.

Region: Geographe, Western Australia
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Hardy's The Chronicles Twice Lost Pinot Grigio 2014

Tip this in the glass and it's fresh and vibrant. Think white lilly flowers, pear skin, freshly cut green apple and green melons.

Take a sip though and it's a different story. Simple and a little lifeless with the fruit moving on too quickly.

A fair wine, there's appeal here for those seeking simple refreshment but I'll pass.

Readily available, I've seen it discounted well below the RRP.

Region: Langhorne Creek
RRP: $16
Source: Sample

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Pizzini Pinot Grigio 2014

This is the cheaper of the two Pinot Grigio in the Pizzini line up. It shows varietal traits but is just a tad simple for mine.

Honey puff and field flowers, that honey theme runs through this wine from go to whoa. Some noticable acid and the fruit only just manages to hold it. There's some textural interest which does just sit on the palate leaving a good length behind.

I wouldn't buy this, but I'd have no hesitation ripping into the Whitefields Pinot Grigio.

Region: King Valley
RRP: $21
Source: Sample

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Pizzini Whitefields Pinot Grigio 2013


I really enjoyed this drop. It stands head and shoulders above the cheaper Pinot Grigio in the Pizzini stable.

Captivating aromas of  white flowers, cut Pakenham pear with a lick of honey. Really smart stuff.  The fruit has a light touch but charismatic punch. It rolls through beautifully delivering a delicate, mouth filling and satisfying finish. The back label describes the fruit as 'rich' and that it is. Textural appeal seals the deal. If only I had a chicken dish with me to wash down.

I'd definitely shell out my hard earned for this. Very good.

Region: King Valley
RRP: $27
Source: Sample

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Battle of Bosworth Sauvignon Blanc 2013

My friend Gill and I are good for one another. She has a strong dislike for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc as do I. You taste one, you taste them all is a sad but common shared belief. But despite this, we still hunt for a Savvy which hits the mark. For me, I like them with a bit of barrel work. Gill just wants good fruit expression.

So she turns up the other day from a recent South Australian trip with this under her wing. Organically grown and certified, Gill loves all that stuff too.

Tropical fruit salad springs to mind when taking a whiff of this. Pineapples, green mango and passion fruit are propped up with some complexity on the palate after the wine sat on lees post fermentation. Freshly cut herbs are added to the fray on a palate that has good depth and length. Chalky is the only way to describe the finish.

A little surprise packet and one I'd be happy to have a glass or two of. And I did. Thanks Gill, a good drop.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $20
Source: Gift

www.battleofbosworth.com.au

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Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2010

A very attractive medium bodied blend in many respects. There's plenty of fruit, it's nicely balanced, and there's already four years age on it.

Pencil shavings, bay leaf, savoury herbs, BBQ char and some mintiness join juicy black fruits, dark cherry and capsicum which cling on for a long ride. Oak compliments this well finishing fine and a little drying.

An ideal match for a lamb and will easily cellar for the medium term.

It's hard not to keep going back for more. A big tick.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $27.50
Source: Sample

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Stargazer Riesling 2014

This is one of those wines where I wish my tasting note could be as simple as, "Excellent - just buy it."

I had the pleasure of having lunch with winemaker Samantha Connew two weeks ago in the Hunter Valley. It was a hot and muggy Pokolbin day, and Sam's words summed up her Riesling perfectly - it's sessional. And that it is. Between three of us the bottle didn't last long at all.

It's loaded with green apples and a lemony zip. An off dry style, there is a sweetness tease before the back palate slowly dries out - perfectly balanced. A tantalising length just sits and seems to be in a happy place without wanting to move on. A brilliant follow up to the mighty impressive 2013 debut.

Check the website for an extensive retail and on-premise availability list.

Maybe I should have just said it... Excellent, just buy it!

Region: Tasmania
RRP: $32
Source: Sample

www.stargazerwine.com.au

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