Thomas Wines DJV Shiraz 2013

This is Thommo's tribute to Hunter River Burgundy and as he says, "It's the most exciting wine in the range." Formally coming from the Ben Ean site, the DJV Shiraz fruit now comes off a Hermitage Road vineyard which was planted in 1966. The lighter sandy soils produce fruit which is not as dense and the use of older oak (5-6 years) ensures the fruit does all the talking.

Much leaner than its siblings, there's a very good reason for this. Weighing in at 12.8% alcohol, the Shiraz is co-fermented with 11% Semillon verjuice. Deliberately made to be more of a food friendly wine, the verjuice (15g/L acid) brings a brightness to the wine whilst also adding some phenolics.

Bright red fruits with hints of rhubarb, there's a steminess about it courtesy of one third whole bunches. But this character fades with time in the glass.

The fruit is super smooth, there's a dash of pepper and a baking type spice bobs up. Hunter earth slowly reveals itself. The acid is alive. Crunchy even - thank the Semillon for that. Puckering tannins see out the ride home which just sits long. Real long. A sign of quality right there.

Drink now to eight years. A Pinot fan's type of Shiraz. Where's the duck?

Very good+

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.thomaswines.com.au

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The Lane Vineyard Block 14 Shiraz 2013

This follows hot on the heels of the magical Stodart Trophy winning 2012 vintage. And damn, what a bloody good follow up it is!

On the face of you get mulberries, red and black fruits with a skeleton of black peppery spice. Styles like this are bringing sexy back to Shiraz. Cool climate, medium bodied and freakin succulent. A drink all night sort of wine. Satin smooth, perhaps with a little minerality, it rides all the way home. Yeah baby!

Big love here. Will age for the medium term. Have with little birds. Spatchcock will do just fine.

Excellent.

Region: Adelaide Hills
RRP: $39
Source: Sample

www.thelane.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Devine Grenache 2012

I love the way these wines from Yelland and Papps are presented. You know how serious the wine is by the type of bottle it comes in. This bottle is a weapon with a punt deep enough for your hand to disappear.

Coming off vines planted in the early 1920's, a small portion of this wine was wild yeast fermented and aged in new (25%) and old French oak for 24 months.

Take a whiff and some fruit sweetness is evident. Peel that back to reveal raspberry, red licorice and cherry fruit sitting on a bed of red earthiness. A savoury dried herb character can't be missed and plays a neat part here. Some cured meat arrives for a play and there's the hum of peppery spice doing enough to peer through the cracks without wanting to intrude too much. Nice!

It's just a beautifully rounded and soft wine. Terrific length supported by super soft and supple tannins which linger oh so long. I'm in love. Hang on, let me take another sip. Yep, I am.

Cellar for ten years but ready to rip into now.

Excellent.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $75
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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Giallo 2013

This is the fourth release of this unique skin contact Sauvignon Blanc. Made by Tom Shobbrook, some of the detail surrounding the wine is hard to locate, such as price.

Skin contact isn't my thing. I've given it a go a few times and just can't seem to find something that appeals all that much. This is different. It smells good. It tastes good. I like it!

Pineapple husk, canned peach syrup, peach skin and apricots. There's a bit of weight too and it carries a phenolic texture. It's quite an interesting piece and something I didn't want to over analyse. It's quite enjoyable and that's primarily what it was made for. Food will help it sing more, perhaps something like barbecued octopus. I reckon it could also cut through the fat of duck as a left field option.

Anyway, back to another glass.

Very good but not a style everyone would enjoy.

Region: Adelaide Hills
RRP: $??
Source: Sample

www.shobbrookwines.com.au

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Luke Lambert Chardonnay 2012

Like many of the Luke Lambert wines, they have a rough edge and take a little time in the glass to reveal their true personalities. As the label says, "Wild yeast fermentation, wild malolatic fermentation, no temperature control and bottled without fining or filtration."

And true to form, this Chardy warmed up to the task nicely. Margarine, lemonade, slight peach and citrus blossom aromas though the latter two were quite muted.

The fruit is soft and smooth and carries a little minerality. Great length which fleshes out well and leaves a slight cheesy type finish.

Curiosity makes you go back time and time again. That's got to be a good thing, no?

The sold out sign is up on the website but you will be able to find stock at good independent retailers.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.lukelambertwines.com.au

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Chemin Syrah 2013

This Yarra Valley Syrah was produced with 100% whole bunches. The plan here was to have minimal input into the winemaking, and it's a fair result.

Think dirt road, cured meat, capsicum. It even carries some of those stinky Pinot characters.

The whole bunch ferment brings out savoury appeal with a chalky tannin grip. A cherry compote character lingers.

I couldn't have more than a glass of this to be honest. Food could change that but I would have the Punt Road Shiraz over this in a heart beat. But this label in the range is all about doing something different and it deserves respect.

Good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $36
Source: Sample

www.puntroadwines.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Devote Roussanne 2014

Wild fermented in new and old French oak for three weeks, this was left on lees for another six months. 1000 bottles were produced.

Smells of crushed apples and apple concentrate, pear and peach skin. A little oily/greasy type feel but the fruit coats the mouth generously. There's an appealing texture where those apple characters come back into play. An almost faint hint of almond meal shimmies its way in at the death. I liked that. The type of wine that chips away at you for more.

Pan fried fish would be the go here for me.

Very good.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2012

Forest fruits, black olive, leather, spice all lined with a savoury edge. Big and bold yet has a soft touch. The finish is smooth and a little warming (14.6% alcohol).

Well priced and is the type of wine you'd be happy to snuggle up to on a cool night to have with a hearty casserole or with a piece of chocolate lodged in the side of your mouth.

Readily available and often priced below the RRP.

Good.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $18

Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Quealy Amphora Friulano 2013

Friulano is a late ripening variety which excels in cool maritime climates. There's no surprise it has found a happy home in the Mornington Peninsula region with Kath Quealy holding its hand all the way.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Kath in January last year and she isn't afraid to try something different. This wine is fermented in amphora and the result has wow factor.

Marigold flower, lemonade... forget it. I started writing some tasting notes before I put down the pen and just enjoyed what was in front of me. This is such a delicious and sessional wine, it's not for analysing, just for sharing and enjoying. Perfect for warm days with friends.

Shame is, the cellar door has sold out but there is some availability in good independent stores around the country.

Worth tracking down.

Very good.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.quealy.com.au

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Water Wheel Baringhup 5 Rounds Shiraz 2013

I remember getting very excited about the 2012 vintage. A beauty! The same excitement hasn't carried over to this 2013 sadly. I still think the label is great - as is the story that goes with it.

This wine punches out buckets of black fruit, earth and savoury herb characters. But it just tastes too warm and too ripe.

Although is softened after being open for three days (!!), I did find it hard to approach. And it carries a whopping 15.5% alcohol! I'm guessing the 1.5% allowance was used to the full here. More alcohol compared to last year (14.8%) and the price has increased too (from $20).

I'd have the 2012 any day of the week.

Region: Bendigo
RRP: $23
Source: Sample

www.waterwheelwine.com

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Yalumba Christobel's Classic Dry White 2013

I haven't had Christobel's for years! It brings back some good old memories from the retail days when this was being flung around for $6.99 with a magnum on a dozen purchase. I will always remember the bottle green label and packaging that came with it - simply because we moved so much of it. But like everything, times change and the good old Christobel's has been given a freshen up.

A blend of Semillon (66%) and Sauvignon Blanc from the Barossa Valley. Florally with green herbs, melon, some lemon zest and a citrus zip remains on a decent finish. Flavours are clean and crisp with nothing really jumping out of the box so to speak. A solid go-to wine which is what appeals to so many consumers.

Fish and chips would go nicely here.

Good.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $15
Source: Sample

www.yalumba.com

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Yalumba Christobel's Moscato 2014

This is a pleasant enough aperitif.

Pretty aromatics. Musk, rose water, purple flowers and some tropical fruit spill out of the glass. A refreshing drop which is quite cleansing and dangerously slurpable. But sugar has that effect doesn't it? In this case, 50g/L and only 8.5% alcohol. There's a nice spritz which makes it even more appealing for those stinking hot days when in search of some refreshment.

Tell you what though, it would make a fair slushy too. Pour out a glass from the bottle, freeze the remainder and then shake it hard. Presto, instant slushy!

Readily available and often priced below the stated RRP.

Good.

Region: Not specified but from South Australia
RRP: $15
Source: Sample

www.yalumba.com

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Willow Bridge Dragonfly Shiraz 2013

Another bang for buck special from winemaker Simon Burnell. This Dragonfly range has serious potential to leave many other wines around the place standing with their pants down.

A quick swirl of the glass and black fruit, chocolate, plums and some red fruit get going. There's a dab of spice in there too.

Down the hatch and you are flooded with smooth and soft fruits. Tannins are soft and persistent. Dark fruit lingers as does a lick of oak.

Tremendous value! Ready to drink now or cellar for the medium term.

Very good+

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

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Devote Sparkling Vermentino 2014

Made in the traditional method, the fruit for this fizz comes off the first Vermentino vines in the Barossa Valley which were planted in 2006.

I do like good Vermentino. But this is top Vermentino... with fizz in it!!

Pears and apples to start moving to lemons and lemon sherbet with some subtle white flower florals. It's a clean and crisp and ridiculously refreshing. Trust me, I'm from Queensland and on a stinking hot night this ticked all the boxes.

You could have this as an aperitif, with fresh seafood, or with your toes dipped in the pool. Extra points for versatility here!

Check the website for retail availability. It's well worth the investment.

Very good+

Region: Barossa
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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Water Wheel Bendigo Shiraz 2013

This is a good deal and I suspect you will find it around the place a little cheaper than the suggested RRP.

A little all spice and subtle clove, even some eucalypt and choc mint in the mix for good measure. Dark fruits and a little sweetness hovers in the background as does some charred oak. It just coats your mouth softly with generosity. You can't ask for more than that.

It's a good drink and offers more complexity and depth than its sibling the Memsie.

Good+

Region: Bendigo
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.waterwheelwine.com

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Water Wheel Memsie Homestead Shiraz 2013

A decent wine this. Give it a swirl in the glass and once it settles you pick up tar, dark fruit and plums.

Attractive dark crimson and dark cherry appearance, it's all mid palate and quite linear. Plums the dominant feature amongst the dark berry fruits. Not too much acid to speak of but this is deliberate I imagine as it is a drink now style. Grippy, grunty tannins to finish.

Good value, this is a pizza, meat balls, spag bol sort of wine.

Good.

Region: Bendigo
RRP: $12
Source: Sample

www.waterwheelwine.com

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Eileen Hardy Chardonnay 2013

There's more Smooth Operator here than Sade I reckon. Delicately poised and made with precision. A terrific marriage of Tasmanian (65%) and Yarra Valley (35%) fruit.

Upon opening some gooseberry and green tomato aromas caught me on the hop. Surely not! But a little time in the glass settled it down to deliver the peach and lemon tang you'd expect. Well integrated oak leaves its mark with some toast and creaminess.

To put it simply, this wine is an absolute pleasure to drink. And what's more, the length seems forever lasting which makes every drop last that extra bit longer.

Long term cellaring is certainly an option.

Excellent and then some.

Region: Tasmania and Yarra Valley

RRP: $95

Source: Sample

www.hardyswines.com

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Yelland & Papps Second Take Pinot Noir 2014

The Second Take label from Yelland & Papps is all about doing things a little more differently from the norm.

This Pinot Noir comes from the Adelaide Hills and is the first variety in the Yelland & Papps stable to come from a region other than the Barossa. A move which surprised me as Michael and Susan are pro Barossa but when given a chance to do something new, why not have a crack? 600 bottles were produced.

Upon opening, this struck me as more of a lighter bodied Shiraz than Pinot Noir. It's a gutsy type but throws out dark cherry, pomegranate and cranberry type aromas. It carries a swag of funk from the wild ferment and fifteen days on skins but is weighed down by a depth. Pinot has a sexy allure to it but this seems to have kept the dressing gown on over the top of the lingerie.

The third day it was open was when the more traditional traits we come to expect from Pinot were revealed. Bright cherry, some spice and red berries. Oak subtle, minimal if anything, but there was still a weight to the fruit.

It's a good wine but not one which I'd approach anytime soon. I'd be expecting this to be even better in a couple of years.

Region: Adelaide Hills
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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Krondorf Schulz & Bowen Shiraz 2012

This is one of those big, bad ass Barossa Shiraz wines that some people want to steer clear of. It's a weapon.

I had it in the decanter for two hours and it didn't budge. Not one bit. The stated 14.5% I reckon is on the lower end of the spectrum with the 1.5% allowance.

Black fruit, tar, spice, cocoa and star anise aromas. That I did like. The big blockbuster flavours delivered can smack a mild palate around. Tight acid sits and lingers more than the fruit.

I wouldn't be able to finish a glass. Even after two days open I couldn't be persuaded.

No thanks.

Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

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Bimbadgen Estate Chardonnay 2014

This release of Chardonnay delivers rockmelon, peach and nutty aromas. It's on the woody side so those in the no Chardy wood camp might not make friends with this.

The palate has some depth and weight to it but the warmth that comes with it just sits and lurks. It's like that friend who is always the last to leave the party - but doesn't. Even after tasting this on the second day there was not much change. A smokey character washes through late which adds another layer of interest, but that blanket of warmth is something I just can't shrug. Had I tasted this with food perhaps the outcome would have been different.

Available online and at the cellar door.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $26
Source: Sample

www.bimbadgen.com.au

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Luke Lambert Crudo Rosé 2014

Rosé like this puts hairs on your chest. And to be perfectly honest, I've yet to have a Rosé which is anything like it. Mind you, you're either going to love it or tip it.

For me it's captivating. It asks so many questions and I don't particularly mind that I don't have the answers.

A blend of Yarra Valley Shiraz (80%) and Nebbiolo, this is dry and satisfying. Wicked aromas of mandarin peel and oranges but a powerful spirit type aroma wafts on by. Mouth filling texture with a drying chalky like finish.

Makes you really consider what dizzy heights Rosé can get to. And again for Lambert, he's pushing some serious boundaries to get great results.

Allocations are minute so get in quick. Check the website for distribution.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $24

Source: Sample

www.lukelambertwines.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Custodian Grenache 2012

It's hard to beat Grenache at this price point with the work that has been thrown at it. Things like basket pressing offer that point of difference. Often priced below the RRP, it's a sweet deal.

There's plenty on offer here. You get thrown some fruit then the savoury part swings into play. Quite dense, there's black fruit, some clove and baking type spices. Add to that a little fruit sweetness. The mouth is coated well and the finish is drying with sappy type tannins.

This will age for the medium term at least but it's ready to go now. Try something different and have with lamb. There's enough there to cut through it.

Good stuff +. I'd have a couple of glasses easy.

Widely available.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $18

Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Patina Little Wood Chardonnay 2011

Named "Little Wood" because it sees exactly that. Fermented in stainless steel, it sat in old French oak for a small period of time.

Lots of nectarines, peaches and lemon rind. That nectarine really dominates. Good aromas too. A day on and the lemons started to show their hand more with the stone fruit very much playing second fiddle.

Quite linear, there's an acid bite which I find a little off putting. Even after two days it didn't budge. It's four years old now and I would have expected it to settle by this stage.

Region: Orange

RRP: $25

Source: Sample

www.patinawines.com.au

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Ten Minutes By Tractor Estate Pinot Noir 2012

A blend of three clones coming from fruit grown on the Wallis (53%), McCutcheon (41%) and Judd (6%) vineyards. And let's be honest, it's a blend of awesomeness!

100% destemmed and wild yeast fermented, the wine was bottled unfined after 16 months in oak.

Pretty aromas. If you were handed a bunch of red and purple flowers smelling this good you'd be smiling ear to ear. But maybe its that little cured meaty bit which gets me in and seals the deal.

Fruits are bright and soft and floating about delicately. There's a little gutsy factor in the there too which adds a wonderful contrast.

The price point is worth noting too. I reckon they could charge double and still get it comfortably.

Excellent stuff.

Region: Mornington Peninsula

RRP: $46

Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Witches Falls Prophecy Syrah 2012

I was initially confronted by the guts and depth of this Syrah. I was actually expecting something a little more sedate. Such is the element of surprise!

Lots of black and dark fruits along with some chocolate. A wine which has obviously been caressed to deliver nicely integrated oak, fine tannins and a generous length. The fruit was the highlight as it just slips in softly and effortlessly and leaves in much the same fashion.

I'd suggest a little time in the cellar though and this will only bring out an even better result.

Very good.

Region: Granite Belt

RRP: $51

Source: Sample

www.witchesfalls.com.au

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Q Waitaki Valley Pinot Gris 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 on the south island. A single vineyard wine, it is hand picked and sustainable viticulture practices as used.

Wickedly fresh and vibrant, this is packed with white fleshed peaches and pears. A whiff of pineapple husk and white field flowers add further interest to the very engaging aromas thrown out.

The stone fruit and crumble laden palate is crisp but with a textural edge. A deceptive length delivers a lingering creaminess.

I'd go here again for sure.

Very good +

Region: Waitaki Valley

RRP: $29.50

Source: Sample

www.qwine.co.nz

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David Franz Eden Edge Riesling Semillon 2014

A snap decision to grab some Thai saw me head to a local independent retailer to track down a bottle Riesling. The selection was impressive and the manager clearly knew his stuff. This only highlights the diversity that these independent stores bring to the retail landscape. Had I dropped into one of the supermarket run stores, it would have been a case of same old, same old with the addition of their own brands - yuck!

So this David Franz is a label I have heard much about but yet to wrap my lips around. Grabbing a bottle was a no brainer and I'm so pleased I was given the opportunity. A super impressive wine it is!

Straight up, the attractive packaging caught the eye. It's quite simply tissue paper wrapped around the bottle and held together by a little white sticker. Classy and different - I like (said in my best Borat voice).

And the wine? This just proves the bargain Riesling is in retail land, mind you, this has 25% Semillon thrown in for good measure.

Freshly cut green apple, lime cordial and lime pith aromas. There's a river stone minerality throughout and those aromas flow seamlessly to the palate delivering buckets of flavour.

A long and flavoursome finish wrapped up a superb wine. Cellaring is certainly an option here as it will easily sit for a decade. But I just loved the freshness, so there is no reason not to indulge right now.

Check out the website for a comprehensive list of stockists.

Excellent.

Region: Eden Valley

RRP: $19

Source: Retail

www.david-franz.com

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Lowe Wines Headstone Primitivo Rosé 2014

Another organic wine from Lowe, this time the fruit comes from Mudgee.

Named after achieving the London Times Rosé of the Year in 1992 & 1993, the Headstone name is in reference to being remembered for the achievement, thus having those words inscribed on a headstone.

Primitivo (also known as Zindandel) from young vines is used to make this Rosé. Plum compote and blackcurrant is followed by some strawberry although the aromas aren't leaping out from the glass. There's a meatiness about the wine too. It's nicely balanced and just a good drink.

Another food friendly wine which is starting to become a theme from what I have seen with the couple of Lowe wines I've looked at now. A snag on the barbeque would do the trick here.

Good.

Region: Mudgee

RRP: $28

Source: Sample

www.lowewine.com.au

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Lowe Wines Tinja Chardonnay 2014

Named after the Lowe family's "Tinja" property in Orange, this is the first organic Chardonnay they have produced.

Intriguing aromas of baby spinach leaves, freshly torn basil, some citrus notes and some canned apple.

The flavours aren't over the top but there is some depth and a warmth which sits long. There's a grip to the wine too which makes me think this would support food nicely. It reminds me of an Italian chicken dish I cook with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes.  This would match perfectly.

Drink in the short term.

Good.

Region: Orange

RRP: $22

Source: Sample

www.lowewine.com.au

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Bird Dog Merlot Cabernet 2013

A pretty simple wine which doesn't reach any great heights.

Some plummy and dark fruit characters flick around no but there is certainly no vibrance nor depth. It's quite dour and stewed if anything.

A match with a pizza or spag bol would be its saviour.

Region: Granite Belt

RRP: $15

Source: Sample

www.birddogwines.com.au

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Punt Road Shiraz 2013

This is right in the slot and an excellent expression of a medium bodied Shiraz. Only 13% alcohol, the gates are thrown open here as you head down the driveway to pleasure country.

I've got to say, I have been very impressed with the quality of the Punt Road wines I have sampled recently. They expressive, damn tasty and are modestly priced.

This Shiraz weighs in at $29 and is fresh with uplifting aromas. Cherries and red fruits in the form of raspberries dominate with a dusting of pepper. There's a savoury touch in there too with perhaps a little compost and cured meat. Get excited!

Well balanced with a fine tannins finish, dive into some climate deliciousness right here.

Cellar for the medium term but there's no time like the present with wines like this.

Excellent.

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $29

Source: Sample

www.puntroadwines.com.au

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Bimbadgen Estate Vermentino 2014

I like this and I'd happily have a couple of glasses whilst soaking up some sunshine.

It gets going with lemon zest and lemon sherbet aromas. Even some lemonade type characters waft on by.

Clean and refreshing, this has summer time and prawns written all over it. A slight lingering texture highlighted by fresh pear adds appeal before the lemon zest washes back through leaving a crisp acidity. Put that texture down to a small portion spending time in oak for two months. A nice touch by winemaker Rauri Donkin.

Available at the cellar door or online. Members can pick this up for under $20 which makes it a great deal.

Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.bimbadgen.com.au

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Friday Drinks Radio 4BC 6 March - Cask Wine

One of Australia's greatest inventions would have to be the wine cask. The old bag in a box. This year it celebrates 50 years!

Listen in here as I chat to Ben Davis about cask wines and the quality has significantly improved. So much so, company's are now putting their bottle quality wines in the bag.

A couple to keep an eye out for:

Brookland Valley Verse 1 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2014 RRP $23

Brookland Valley Verse 1 Cabernet Merlot 2013 RRP $23

Ten Minutes By Tractor Wallis Chardonnay 2012

Of all the Chardonnays in the range, this is certainly at the top of the tree. And that's not a putting down the others, this just reaches a height of elegance, delicacy and purity the others don't.

White fleshed peachy goodness with almost a five spice aroma. It's textural and lean with a wash of minerality. The balance between fruit and acid certainly hits the spot. And if all that isn't enough, the length seems to last for hours.

Excellent.

Region: Mornington Peninsula

RRP: $65

Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Chemin Chardonnay 2013

This wine grew on me the longer it sat in the glass.

Barrel fermented, those characters really drive through and take centre stage. It's buttery with vanilla, lemon curd and nougat. The glistening golden colour has appeal too.

The fruit is a little lean and there is an acid pinch. You can almost draw a line between the fruit and acid, but the longer it sits the more these two mesh together. The length is deliciously long. I like that.

Smack bang in the middle of good and very good. Makes it a Good+ doesn't it?

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $36
Source: Sample

www.puntroadwines.com.au

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Windowrie The Mill Chardonnay 2014

The back label says pears and peaches and that's spot on. Quite light on the nose and not a wine with great depth. A slight hint of melted butter appears but nothing more than a cheeky tease.

It's quite easy drinking mind you and would be better suited beside a light lunch dish of chicken or even seafood.

Drink in the short term.

Good.

Region: Cowra

RRP: $18

Source: Sample

www.windowrie.com.au

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Riversdale Estate Crater Chardonnay 2011

Take a whiff and welcome to paradise. Fans of oaky Chardonnay would be right at home here.

From Tasmania's Coal River Valley, this is layered with baked peach, lemon and vanilla aromas. A core of delicious stone fruit and creamy goodness delivers a precise and beautifully balanced wine. The length clings on for what seems and age. Seriously pleasurable to drink and hard to believe it is only $35.

Available online and through Cellarmasters.

Excellent.

Region: Tasmania

RRP: $35

Source: Sample

www.riversdaleestate.com.au

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Cook's Lot #333 Riesling 2014

Bang the bargain drum!

From Orange, NSW, interestingly enough you can almost pick up orange type aromas, but of course that has nothing to do with where this wine comes from.

Citrus blossom and white flowers come to the fore and lead to a bone dry wine. Crisp and cleansing, there's plenty of citrus and fresh green apple with slate like minerality. A tremendous finish highlighted by green apple acidity which is moreish and yearns for another sip.

This wine will certainly age nicely, but it's so good now. Why wait?

Excellent wine and excellent value.

Region: Orange

RRP: $18

Source: Sample

www.cookslot.com.au

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Ten Minutes By Tractor Judd Pinot Noir 2012

One word sums this up for me...polished.

Nothing seems out of place. The pure elegance of this wine is captivating. Delicious red fruits are met with earthy characters, a scattering of spice and savoury herbs. The beauty just grows on you.

An excellent drop which will evolve into an even better wine in years to come - and that's a scary yet tempting thought.

Region: Mornington Peninsula

RRP: $75

Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Pizzini Riesling 2014

Pretty aromas of white flowers, frangipani and honey. It's fresh and engaging but this excitement didn't flow through to the palate.

Lime pith and citrusy characters turn up but I felt the fruit was thin. I walked away a little deflated probably because I know the heights Pizzini have reached. Having said all that, it's certainly not a poor wine, just one which just didn't light my fire on this occasion.

Good.

Region: King Valley

RRP: $18

Source: Sample

www.pizzini.com.au

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Airlie Bank Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV

This is a very easy drinking fizz made by Punt Road wines.

A blend of Chardonnay (85%) and Pinot Noir (15%), it's quite bready and yeasty. The fruit is light and fresh and a little thin but it certainly throws itself into the enjoyable category. I shared this with friends and it was universally approved for it's pure simplicity.

The finish is dry and it's a great match with prawns and sunshine. I'd happily have a couple of glasses of this.

Good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.puntroadwines.com.au

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