Ten Minutes By Tractor McCutcheon Pinot Noir 2012

I dig the masculinity of this wine.

Very savoury with depth. Plums, red fruits, dark cherry and earthiness define this wine. It just has a swagger as it moves about which I find appealing. The fruit is a little tight but generous giving out some cured meat type characters. Damn this is a great drop and a pleasure to drink.

Time will certainly be its friend for at least a decade.

Excellent.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $75
Source: Sample

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Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Pinot Noir 2013

This is Ten Minutes By Tractor's entry level Pinot.

Generous lashings of cherries and strawberries with some kicked up undergrowth. The fruit has some clout which brings dark plum like characters with it too. Little tannin impact to speak of but the lingering spice has a zing type effect and finishes with a smart savoury edge.

Lots to like here and money well spent.

Very good.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $32
Source: Sample

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Ten Minutes By Tractor McCutcheon Chardonnay 2012

I love the power and drive of this wine. It's like a tomboy in a burlesque show.
Unmistakable citrusy fruit and a flash of stone fruit perfume.
The fruit and oak are harmonious. Just a delightful drink.
Stone fruit washes back through leaving a long a moreish finish.

Excellent.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $65
Source: Sample

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Levantine Hill Pinot Noir 2013

Loaded with berries in the form of strawberries and raspberries with sour cherries tossed in for good measure.

Quite fragrant but the red fruits dominate here. Elegantly poised, some earthiness adds stability as does a warmth in the form of a spice tickle to liven things up. French oak is integrated beautifully and appears late on a super smooth length.

Tasted with six other Pinots, this was on the lighter side, yet its point of difference was the sheer elegance.

Cellar up to ten years.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $80
Source: Sample

www.levantinehill.com.au

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Chemin Pinot Noir 2013

The Chemin label of wines represent an alternative path for Punt Road. This wine is 100% whole bunch pressed and I must admit I am a big fan of the savoury character that whole bunches bring to a Pinot such as this.

Light and bright in the glass with a funky nose. It's musty, composty and seductively savoury. Finger licking spice powers on and on. The fruit hits the palate with a thunk as you get sucked in to this moreish wine. Bright acid holds firm but it's those savoury characters which make me want to go back again and again.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $36
Source: Sample

www.puntroadwines.com.au

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Levantine Hill Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013

An interesting wine with good texture and a captivating acidity which jumps out of the blocks and rides the wave all the way through to a long finish.

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (66%) and Semillon (34%), the fruit was hand picked before barrel fermentation took place in new and old French oak for two months.

Delicious in its delivery, think green melon, guava and lychees. A subtle greeny character also comes in the form of snow pea and morning dew on the lawn. Although it was barrel fermented, it is still quite light. A most enjoyable wine.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.levantinehill.com.au

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Q Waitaki Valley Pinot Noir 2012

I received this sample from Jules at Q Wines in New Zealand. As much as I'd like to think my Qwine name is starting to gain some global dominance, I don't have any affiliation with this winery.

The fruit comes from the Waitaki Valley which is on the boundary of North Otago and Canterbury. A single vineyard wine, it is hand picked and sustainable viticulture practices as used.

Of the seven Pinots I tasted in a line up, this one was the most masculine of the lot yet it exudes a sexy alluring component.

Dark cherries, plums and black pepper aromas get things going. The flavours are generous, flowing through and drive well into a long finish. Some blueberry fruit peeks through at the death and a delicious savoury component sweeps through late. An impressive wine I must say.

And to be a law breaker, I reckon this would handle a nice piece of Wagyu and break the duck and Pinot rule.

Cellar for the medium term.

Excellent.

Region: Waitaki Valley
RRP: $52
Source: Sample

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Brookland Valley Verse 1 Cabernet Merlot 2013

Casks are seen as a cheap drink and not up to scratch in the eyes of some, and then this Magnum range from Accolade bobs up and puts this theory to rest.

All wines are bottle quality - you can try and compare them for yourself. The bottled gear will be on the shelf in the same establishment you can buy this cask. But what you get here is the convenience of the go anywhere package - and twice the volume.

Good stuff this. Really good in fact. Blackberry and dark plum fruits smother the mouth. There's a nudge of bay leaf too, that little savoury edge that the Margaret River region has over its rivals. But in all, it's just juicy and tasty wine. A decent length too makes this a great option to take to a barbeque, picnic, camping with the bonus of having 1.5L under your wing compared to the standard 750mL of a bottle.

A drink now type wine - please don't age a cask! The added bonus is that this will last a couple of month after being opened; certainly not the case with a wine in bottle.

Good wine and a bargain for what you get.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $23

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Brookland Valley Verse 1 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2014

This offers good refreshment.

All the usual characteristics which Sauvignon Blanc toss up are present here. I do like the snow pea character which reminds me of a salad I do with that and mango during summer. This would sit well alongside it, that's for sure. A nice wash of citrus sweeps through too.

A clean and crisp easy drinking wine which has warm days and sunshine written all over it.

Good.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $23

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Bird Dog Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013

This is a very likeable quaffer and it is easy to see how it is the best seller in the Bird Dog range. Often priced below the $15 RRP, it carries a summer time picnic feel.

Not complicated, it doesn't show usual varietal traits. A fruit forward style, but you can't miss a good whiff of oxidised Apple, but be rest assured this wine is not oxidised.

Crisp with some texture, it is a good wine for those looking for something under $15 that makes it pleasurable drinking.

Good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $15
Source: Sample
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Ten Minutes By Tractor Estate Chardonnay 2012

A step up from the 10X range and a peg back from the single vineyard Chardonnays. Regardless, this is another excellent wine in the line up.

Made with 100% whole bunches and wild fermented, this wine is a blend of the three vineyards which Ten Minutes By Tractor is famous for. That is, Judd (47%), McCutcheon (37%) and Wallis (16%).

Baked peach and little white flower florals set the mood. There's a vibrance but a humble complexity to the wine which exudes delicious stone fruit, a squeeze of citrus and a whipped butter like creaminess flowing through to a generous finish. Generous and flavoursome it certainly is.

Excellent. You won't be disappointed.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $42
Source: Sample

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Golden Grove Vintage Grand Reserve Shiraz 2012

Winemaker Ray Costanzo says 2012 is the best vintage he has seen on the Granite Belt. So much so he dedicated a new label to it - Vintage Grand Reserve.

Made from 50 year old vines, this is smart. Only medium weight, the best of it is yet to come.

Black fruits, some chocolate and varietal spice, a dab of white pepper and a hint of clove hold the fort. Cedary oak floats around effortlessly adding another dimension. There is some fruit sweetness but that only builds to a well layered palate.

I'd buy one for sure but I wouldn't touch it for another couple of years. Cellar for up to ten years.

Very good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $45
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Bird Dog Wines Verdelho 2013

Quite a different Verdelho this and it's one which you could make easy work of on a hot day.

It has an apple cider type aroma and it doesn't spill out the usual highly fragrant tropical fruit aromas that come with this variety.

The tingle of a light spritz courtesy of a little dissolved CO2 gets things going. A fruity palate is highlighted by glazed pineapple and a dry finish pitch the wine at a pool party type affair for me. A little texture adds further appeal.

An enjoyable drop and something I could easily enjoy a couple glasses of given the right setting.

Good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $15
Source: Sample
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Bird Dog Wines Unwooded Chardonnay 2013

Bird Dog is the entry level wine produced by Witches Falls. It has been deliberately kept separate from the core Witches Falls range. Wines in the range are only available via retail and cannot be purchased at the Mt Tambourine cellar door.

A whiff of squeezed lemon leads to caramelised peach which is the main player on a sedate palate which lacks drive and is very front and mid palate dominant. There's a slippery/greasy type finish but the fruit hangs on nicely.

In all, a fair wine but it needs food to be its wingman.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $15
Source: Sample
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Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Chardonnay 2013

Clean and crisp are the words which sum up this wine best.

The fruit is linear and although a little tight, the stone fruit tossed up penetrates and pushes through to a long finish. Some warmth comes to the fore but that lick of peach skin on the finish puts a smile on the dial.

I'd happily have a glass or two.

Very good.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

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Punt Road Chardonnay 2013

I had to keep checking the label. Yep, just $25 RRP. Wowsers!

You could say it's not incredibly complex. You could also say there's not layers upon layers of flavour peeling themselves off. But damn, you can scream about the dainty touch and pure slurp factor.

Hand picked, whole bunch pressed and barrel fermented, the oak is integrated very well. I just love the fruit and the delivery. Stone fruit and lemony citrus goodness rolls through to a textured palate.
.
Soft. Succulent. Totally satisfying. A bargain.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

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Airlie Bank Chardonnay 2014

Quite aromatic in the glass. Stone fruits with a hint of homemade lemonade; an enticing start. The fruit is soft and has good presence with a gentle creamy character sitting quietly.

A likeable wine for sure but then comes the acid. It's almost as though it's trying shoulder its way to the front of the queue. And it does plonking itself down and staying put. That pegged it back a little for mine.

Have with roast chicken or pork and that will passively sooth it.

Good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

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Montalto Tuerong Block Pinot Noir 2013

More dark fruit than what the Main Ridge dished up. The famed MV6 clone is at play here on clay loam soil at an elevation of 30 metres.

Think juicy dark cherries and dry undergrowth plus mushroom compost. A pinch of savoury herbs and an ever so fine touch of spice leads to a super long and deliciously soft finish

The complexity of this wine edged it over the Main Ridge for me. It just has that extra depth that I like in a Pinot. Pure class from winemaker Simon Black.

Excellent.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $65
Source: Sample

www.montalto.com.au

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Montalto Main Ridge Pinot Noir 2013

Feels lighter and looks brighter in the glass than the Tuerong Block. This is all the D5V12 clone on red clay at an elevation of 156 metres.

Cherries and strawberry fruit here. Starts savoury with a bit of earth but brightens up and the fruit comes to the fore. There's not as much depth as its sibling but it's hard not to be drawn in by its elegance and beauty.

Excellent.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $65
Source: Sample

www.montalto.com.au

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Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Rosé 2013

A smart wine this.

Pale appearance, it's quite salmon like. Roses, red berries with slightly under ripe strawberry aromas move to soft fruit which has a terrific savoury kick. There's a little textural interest too. A great drop for a summer barbeque; the savoury characters which bump in late call for that.

A ripper and I reckon I could down a few glasses without any trouble. Shame is, those I'd have it with would take the rest pretty quickly.

One for the black book. Very good.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Levantine Hill Rosé 2014

Slick!

I actually wish I had this on a hot day while sitting in the pool. This is my first look at a wine from this winery and what a serious impression they have made.

Juicy red berries, strawberries and watermelon cut loose. Made from Cabernet, this is superbly balanced and weighted. But that juicy fruit is what keeps drawing me back as is rolls around the mouth effortlessly. It's soft and generous with a great length and not weighed down by tannins or those hard core Cabernet characters. One glass is not enough.

Would I open my wallet for it? Hells yes!

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.levantinehill.com.au

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Amato Vino Teroldego 2013

I popped into Newcastle's Reserve Wine Bar during December. It was great chatting with owner Patrick Haddock, and when I asked him for something interesting to buy, he didn't hesitate to suggest this.

I love wines with interest and mystique, and this has all that. This is super impressive and the label grabs one's attention too.

A single vineyard wine from the Margaret River, 23% whole bunches were used with 24 days on skins.  Add to that 16 months of French oak, the wine was unfiltered and unfined. Only 123 dozen were produced.

Dark fruits, mulberries and savoury herb characters slowly unfurl along with some sweetish fruit that's chiseled into a deliciously moreish delivery. A few more sips and the spice and earthy tones really captured my attention. Each element seems to get it's own moment in the spot light. I was fighting with my guests for another top up. It possesses a dangerous sensual allure and I just wish I bought more.

Cellar for the medium term and have with meat. Slow roasted beef did the trick for me.

Excellent.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $40
Source: Retail.

www.amatovino.com.au

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Willow Bridge Dragonfly Chenin Blanc 2014

There's not much Chenin Blanc coming from Australian vineyards, and if it does, it mainly comes from Western Australia.

Apples, guava, passion fruit husk, some grassiness and what appears to be lime pith. Some barrel fermentation adds texture. There's a slippery type feel left in the mouth but the wine is quite refreshing. The Dragonfly range from Willow Bridge delivers again.

Good.

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

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Schild Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

This is big and bold and comforting at the same time. Gutsy (14.5%), the high alcohol does lurk and gives out warmth. Maybe to much?

Blackberry and black currants, some red berries too and dark chocolate. Delivery is smooth and the sweet fruit hangs on. The sweet fruit does stand out here as does the sprinkle of spice which clings on for a long length.

It's a good wine but I did prefer the 2011. It just seemed a more rounded package. Respectable value and a medium term aging proposition.

Good.

Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.schildestate.com.au

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McWilliam's Hanwood Cabernet Merlot 2012

A solid wine and there is enough satisfaction here for the money you shell out.

Black fruits, a suggestion of black olive and some bitter chocolate on the finish. Not incredibly complex nor intense but still comes across smooth and ever so food friendly.

It's good stuff and can be often found under $10 which makes it a sweet deal.

Region: Riverina, NSW
RRP: $14
Source: Sample

www.mcwilliams.com.au

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Witches Falls Syrah 2013

This is a beauty. Super smooth and dangerously smashable, I just wanted more. And to be honest, I was that happy sipping away at it I nearly forgot to write tasting notes.

Packed with blackberry and plummy fruit, a black pepper spine runs through the wine. 100% barrel fermented in new and used American and Hungarian oak, there's a dab oak sweetness. It's very easy to get caught up in what lay before when the super fine and soft finish seals the deal. Very classy and well made.

I was surprised by the price too - I thought for sure it would be $30+. Great buying for $28 and a wine for the medium term.

Excellent.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

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Sirromet Le Sauvage Chardonnay 2009

Smart and sophisticated Chardonnay made the old school way.

All the bells and whistles have been thrown at this to great effect. Bright golden straw like appearance. Oak is evident and fruit quite linear but that's the style. Tremendous length which draws out biscuity and nougat nuances. Some fig at the death. Gee it slides down well.

I could easily enjoy a glass or two but I'm not so sure on the asking price.

Very good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $89
Source: Sample

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Cook's Lot Allotment #8 Handpicked Shiraz 2013

This is the premium label from Cook's Lot. Although the other wines in the range present well and are modestly priced, this just has that extra bit of polish. I like the new labels too.

Handpicked, whole bunch pressed, wild yeast fermented and plunged four times a day during fermentation... These are all the things I like to see.

An attractive colour, French oak was used for 18 months. Pressings and free run held separately before blending.

Damp forest timber and undergrowth, dark cherries, raspberry and baking spices. This is a spicy peppery sucker. It needs some air so decant before ripping in. And rip in you will. The fruit stands up and is beautifully weighted. It's so drinkable with a finish which is soft and moreish.

Hunt it down. Very good.

Region: Orange
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

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Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Pinot Gris 2013

An impressive wine from go to whoa!

I love apple pie and apple crumble and that's what I pick up here in the glass.

There's a delicious crisp pear and textural appeal too. The fruit is soft but drives through to a long and enjoyable finish. A neat lick of spice adds further interest. A smart wine I'd happily have a few glasses of.

Very good.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

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Raidis Estate Cheeky Goat Pinot Gris 2014

This is the only Pinot Gris coming out of Coonawarra. Fact!

Leaner than the 2013, but the glistening bronze appearance is still keeping strong.

Get a whiff of poached pear, quince and dried flowers. Rich on palate, it's nicely textured with an engaging complexity. The length sits pretty supported by good fruit but the acid has a touch more kick than fruit. Maybe some extra time in bottle will help though drink this in the short to term.

This type of wine needs food and I suggest tuck in with chicken or pork dishes. Good value too.

Very good (just sneaks in).

Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.raidis.com.au

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Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Sauvignon Blanc 2013

It's almost unfair that this would sit on the retail shelf next to other Sauvignon Blancs. If you have a picture of what Sauvignon Blanc is and what it looks like (I must admit I do and it's not favourable), this wine changes much of that and all for good reason too.

A quick swirl of the glass reveals a wine which is lively yet there's some creaminess in the mix. This is a result of 100% whole bunches, 100% wild yeast fermentation in old French oak, 55% malolactic fermentation, and it was aged for seven months. Apologies for going hard with the detail but this is where this Sauv steps out from the rest. Hands have got dirty making this wine.

Green melon, passion fruit and a drop of citrus float above the creaminess which runs unobstructed throughout. A moreish finish hangs on nicely. Very nicely in fact.

If only there was more Sauv Blancs like this out there.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

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