The Overflow Estate 1895 Vermentino 2014

This was a little surprise packet in many ways. It comes from Beaudesert which is not your usual winemaking territory. And despite the fact it doesn't have any real GI, it does fall into the Qld Coastal region. Not that much comes from there in any case.

The fruit was planted in 2010 and this is the first official release. And a pretty tidy first up effort I must say.

Lots of lemons and limes. It has a summer time lying in the hammock sort of feel to it. Fresh cut herbs, the fruit carries though nicely. Acid is cleansing. Seafood/warm day material for sure.

I'd be interested to see how the next few vintages shape up. Fiano, Tempranillio and Montepulciano make up the rest of the range which are yet to be released.

I'd happily have a glass or two. The price is up there though.

Good.

Region: Queensland
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.theoverflowestate.com.au

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Thomas Wines Elenay Shiraz 2013

Thommo is a straight shooter and it's no surprise that he tells you exactly what the Elenay is on the label. Some winemakers sugar coat what their wine is about, but not Thommo. Sure the Elenay is a jazzed up name for L & A, but he even goes to the trouble to tell you that this wine is the Lips and Aresholes. Yep, the left overs.

But this ain't no ordinary offal offering. The fruit parcels going into this include a couple of barrels of Kiss from the older vines, a couple of barrels of Kiss from the younger vines as well as some barrels usually headed for the Sweetwater. The result is a delicious wine.

Chocolate and mocha type oak make an impression straight up followed by dusty earth and perhaps a drop of soy. The younger oak picked up here suits this style more than the Sweetwater and Kiss. Dark cherry and fruit reign supreme. Medium bodied, this delivers a soft and comfy ride. Dusty tannins to finish when the oak washes through once more. It will age gracefully.

Something about it just wants me to have more, and I'm happy to oblige. Lips and Arseholes eh? My arse!

Very good+

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $45
Source: Sample

www.thomaswines.com.au

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Radio chat on Brisbane's 612 ABC

I was offered the opportunity to have a chat on Brisbane's 612 ABC radio last night with host David Curnow. 

We spoke about blogging, wines to sip on in cool weather, even organics.

Tune in here

Cheers David!

Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014

Bust through the door for this. It's a shame that the warm days are running out to enjoy this in its ideal setting.

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon (68/32), some of which saw barrel fermentation in old oak.

Fresh and aromatic, tropical fruit is highlighted by gooseberry, morning dew, pineapple and guava. Some texture courtesy of that time in barrel and a cleansing acid zip to finish. I can't help but think of prawns or fresh seafood.

There's lots of happiness here.

Very good.

Region: Margaret River

RRP: $25

Source: Sample

www.leeuwinestate.com.au

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Twisted Gum Chardonnay 2012

A good expression of fruit here. Unoaked, there's a vibrance and freshness about it.

Stone fruit and lemon curd are the main highlights. Some melted butter even gets in on the action with a lemon tang on finish.

I'd happily knock back a glass of this.

Drink in the short term.

Good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.twistedgum.com.au

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Golden Grove Vintage Grand Reserve Mourvedre 2012

This is a big wine which could go either way. Some may be wooed by its boldness whilst others may not see the appeal. I thought it was a good wine but it didn't blow my socks off. And really, I didn't think it stacked up to the standard of the others in the Grand Vintage Reserve range.

It's a bit stinky; boot polish like. Add to that some sour and baked cherries, spices, and cedary oak. The fruit coats the mouth well but just doesn't have that X factor I was hoping for, though some of those classic Mourvedre traits are present. If anything it needs time to see its best where it will soften and show it's true form.

Good+

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $45
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Cumulus La Rosa Blanco 2014

This just smells good and feels good. I can see a few female friends of mine going a little silly over this.

Fresh and aromatic, plenty has gone into this for the money you pay; a mere $16. I did discover that members pay only $12. Hello bargain city!

A blend of Pinot Grigio, Semillon, and Riesling (42/38/20), the fruit comes from the Central Ranges in NSW. The Semillon sat in old oak and the Riesling was fermented on skins. From here the delicious textural features of the wine were born, yet it's not heavy nor over done. The fruit retains its freshness and appeal delivering a well balanced wine showing citrus and tropical fruit with a squeeze of stone fruit. A grind of spice sits nicely to tickle your fancy on a long length.

Classic easy drinking juice. Just what the doctor ordered.

Very good.

Region: Central Ranges
RRP: $16
Source: Sample

www.cumuluswines.com.au

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d'Arenberg High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Another reliable buy from d'Arenberg. Presenting a rich deep colour, the wine spent up to twenty months in old American oak.

Black fruit deluxe. A hint of cranberry peeping through the longer it sits in the glass. Slight capsicum - typical Cabernet traits here and quite flavoursome I might add.

The finish is long coupled with juicy tannins. It's just a reliable drop.

Medium term cellaring and good buying for the price. Keep an eye out as it is often discounted to around $15

Good+

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $18

Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Twisted Gum Shiraz Cabernet 2011

The fruit for this wine comes off estate dry grown vines.

Aromas of passata, tomato leaf, freshly torn basil leaves, and oregano. I'm thinking pizza already. Some blackcurrant and black berry flavours lob up but are not overly expressive.

The second day of tasting saw the fruit fade with a pinch of black pepper moving in. Drink in the short term for sure. Bitey acid calls for food to sit beside it.

The price is up there. Spend a few bucks more for the single varietals which are very good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.twistedgum.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Vin de Soif 2013

This is BBQ time happiness.

A blend of Grenache, Mataro and Carignan (60/32/8%). Eight percent whole bunches were used as was old French and American oak for 17 months. Not fined nor filtered.

But this is not your average BBQ steak chaser. There's plenty of interest to keep you on your toes. Take the mandarin peel aromas for instance. This is followed by a basket full of berries and even a whiff of purple flowers take shape before lining up a subtle blow.

Lighter than expected, fruit coats the mouth well. An alluring warmth follows before an acid crunch sweeps in finished by juicy tannins.

Drink in the medium term but it's ready to go now.

Good+

Region: Barossa
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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Luke Lambert Syrah 2012

In typical Luke Lambert fashion, this is a single vineyard wine made with Yarra Valley fruit, has 40% whole bunches fermented with wild yeasts, old oak is used and it was bottled without fining nor filtration.

Give this a breath of air and it will be humming. Black pepper, plums, dried herb. The whole bunches really engage that savoury side. There's also a slight whiff of bacon hock or smoke. The fruit is grippy and laced with firm dusty tannins which are a little drying.

It's quite linear and there's not much acid to speak of. Black pepper rides throughout and the texture comes from those whole bunches once more.

Medium term cellaring. Check good independent retailers as stock online is sold out.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $38
Source: Sample

www.lukelambertwines.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Second Take Grenache 2014

Get the funk outta here! This stinks so good. Sure it might not be everyone's cup of tea but take the blinkers off and have a crack.

Hands off, gloves off, this is all about expression without intervention. Whole bunches (48%), wild yeast fermentation, twenty-six days on skins, French oak (34% new) for seven months, unfined nor filtered.

The funk and edginess of the wine is apparent from the first whiff. Dried flowers, red frogs, some raspberry, stewed/reduced/compote like strawberries. Even strawberry ice cream topping. Delivery is rustic but within that there is a gracefulness. It's soft and caresses the mouth. Oak compliments the fruit which sits predominantly on the mid palate. Some sour cherry swoops in. Dusty type tannins sit on a length which just doesn't want to budge. And I liked that.

In all, this is great and I'd be happy to go back glass after glass. And maybe I did.

Cellar for the medium term.

Very good.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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Golden Grove Barbera 2014

My thoughts exactly were already emblazoned on the back label... crunchy acidity. Green apple type it is. This wine is fresh as but what struck me, after a few days open, was how ridiculously soft and cuddly the wine had become. Sure it will mop up the flavours of classic Italian food now but I'd be very tempted to buy a few just to stick away for a few years.

Winemaker Ray Costanzo calls Barbera his baby and he has the formula right. Five percentage Durif is used which adds to the vibrant colour. There's non of the dour or browning of the hue which can be common with this variety.

Generous flavours of dark cherry, a little compote like. Raspberry is flicked out just at the death, something which just sticks with a length that is giving. There's too much to like here already and it's only been in the bottle a short period of time. Will cellar for ten years.

I'd go here again for sure. Well priced too.

Very good+

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Yellowglen Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2013

There's something about the the simplicity of some things and this fizz falls into that category. Whilst it is not overly flavoursome nor does it carry a lot of depth, this is a good Pinot Chard when you want a glass of fizz purely for enjoyment. And hey, isn't that half the fun of drinking bubbly?

Breadcrumbs, a smidge of brioche, and a squeeze of lemon are the bones of this. A fair length and some yeasty characters hang on for a respectable finish. Certainly not too dry or sharp as some can be at this price point.

I'd have a glass by the pool. Better make that in the pool.

Readily available and expect to find it discounted around the traps.

Good.

Region: Victoria (non specific)

RRP: $18

Source: Sample

www.yellowglen.com.au

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d'Arenberg Darry's Original Shiraz Grenache 2012

I've been really liking these new d'Arenberg releases and this has to be my fav thus far. I'm yet to taste the High Trellis Cabernet so things could still change.

A mouthful of deliciousness, food matches of paella, pizza and salami spring to mind. To be able to find it around the traps for $15 is a crazy deal and one worth taking advantage of.

Foot trodden and basket pressed as are all d'Arenberg Reds, this 50/50 blend spent 12-21 months in old French and American oak. Think leather, chocolate, blue fruits, and plums. It's generous and soft with a spice kick. Fruit, oak and acid are all in balance. Medium bodied, the fruit sings here.

I reckon I could sink a bottle real easy.

Very good.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $18

Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Windowrie The Mill Cabernet Merlot 2013

This was a nice little surprise packet.

In my failed quest to find the percentages in the blend, I did spy on the website that a dozen can be purchased currently for $150 which makes this a steal.

What you see is what you get here. Dry tea leaves, black fruit, capsicum, and earthiness. The fruit sits bang in the middle of the palate and is a no brainer for spag bol and pizza. A long finish which is super smooth. A bargain.

Good+

Region: Hilltops

RRP: $18

Source: Sample

www.windowrie.com.au

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Bimbadgen Estate Shiraz 2013

I really like the style of this wine. Medium bodied, this is delicious and made me feel all comfy on the inside.

Raspberries and plums with a scattering of dried savoury herbs and a lick of dusty road. This is soft and delicate juice which moves to a generous length where some cherries hover and complete a great example of what Hunter Shiraz can deliver. I'd have no hesitation buying a bottle of this.

Medium term cellaring.

Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley

RRP: $28

Source: Sample

www.bimbadgen.com.au

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Thomas Wines Synergy Shiraz 2013

Brighter than the Two of a Kind, it was interesting comparing the two wines. The former carried some more density, the McLaren Vale component making it more robust whilst this just sits nicely. Medium bodied, the fruit sweetness grabbed me immediately.

Coming from a selection of older barrels, this throws up plump dark fruit and is smooth in its delivery. Hunter spice not making too much noise whilst the acid is almost crunchy like.

I preferred this to the Two of a Kind considering price point.

It sneaks into very good territory. I'd be happy to kick back with a glass no worries.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.thomaswines.com.au

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Eileen Hardy Pinot Noir 2013

To say I was deflated after tasting this would be an understatement. You'd expect a level or organism factor from a $95 wine, but what I had here was something lacking polish.

Twiggy, dark cherry and some smoke, the fruit carries some minerality, good depth and a chalky/powdery tannin finish. It just came across clunky and disjointed without the super supple mouthfeel I was looking for.

You don't want pizza wine for that dough but sadly that's what I had.

Region: Tasmania
RRP: $95

Source: Sample

www.hardyswines.com

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Thomas Wines Two of a Kind Shiraz 2013

A blend of two regions here with Hunter Valley Shiraz (58%) making the main play ahead of McLaren Vale. This is a change from 2012 where the McLaren Vale component pulled the weight (62%) due to a challenging vintage in the Hunter.

Dark fruits step up here with the McLaren Vale component ensuring it gets noticed. The depth adding some kick to the already medium bodied Hunter Valley Shiraz. Earthy, soft pepper chimes in late leading to a drying finish. The fruit rolls off sooner than I had hoped. This has barbeque steak written all over it, though I prefer others in the range.

Good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.thomaswines.com.au

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Twisted Gum Verdelho Semillon Chardonnay 2013

A good bbq wine but $25 is a hefty price to pay for such.

Fresh, some textural interest sits amongst tropical fruit aromas and a lemony zip. Pineapple and guava flavours chip away. An above average length sits nicely after a crisp finish.

Drink in the short term.

Good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.twistedgum.com.au

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Le Cirque Wine Co. Whiz Bang Shiraz 2014

This has got some whiz but no bang. Cool as label though.

Concentrated blood plum and black fruit. Clove, nutmeg and some reddish earth.

Juicy fruit is delivered but that juicy character subsides and dries out just a bit too much than I'd prefer. Alas,  a ballsy style which finishes smooth with a full, drying length.

Have in the medium term but I reckon your steak will thank you more now than later.

Good.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $16

Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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Patina Reserve Chardonnay 2010

I really wish the delicious butterscotch flavours on the finish would washed through and be more mouth filling.

Quite a watery front and mid palate but what sticks at the back is quite smart. For a five year old it just doesn't stack up but gee I was hoping it would. Classic old school Chardonnay aromas tease but the lack of follow through is the let down. Food would help things along. Some roast chicken me thinks.

Region: Orange
RRP: $45
Source: Sample

www.patinawines.com.au

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Twisted Gum Pink Moscato 2014

Slip in a straw and off you go.

A very easy drinking wine made for pure enjoyment. Only 3.5 drinks (6%) in the bottle.

Flavours of musk sticks, rose water and Turkish delight are the key players.

Sure there is some sugar but there were no complaints when this was shared with friends. In fact it was gone in no time. A pleasant change from the norm I must say.

Made for immediate enjoyment.

Good stuff.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.twistedgum.com.au

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Angove Organic Shiraz Cabernet 2014

Angove winemaker Tony Ingle says, "Organic crops achieve flavour ripeness earlier at lower sugar levels, have thicker skins and are less susceptible to disease."

I really liked this.

Raspberries, bitter dark chocolate, some clove and a dash of baking spice. There's almost a raspberry and chocolate tart likeness here and the whole package offers quite a bit of interest. There's not much acid to speak of and the fruit predominantly sits on the mid palate.

Have in the short term but a sweet deal for the asking price. Check independent retailers.

Respect. Good+

Region: McLaren Vale & Riverland
RRP: $16

Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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Angove Organic Chardonnay 2014

Expect to pay over $20 for an organic wine. This comes in below that mark and is a pretty handy type.

The aromas aren't all that heady but this is just good, reliable drinking.

A whiff of yellow peach flesh is followed by slight vanilla, white peach, and apricot kernel flavours. A dab of citrus and a slight almond meal type finish wraps it up. The length hangs on nicely too.

Check independent retailers.

Good+

Region: McLaren Vale & Riverland
RRP: $16

Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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Briar Ridge Early Harvest Semillon 2014

This is all about being a crisp and zesty expression of the fruit. It's a cracker.

Deliberately picked early to capture the bright acidity of the variety, citrus characters are the highlight here with a cleansing finish.

A refreshing take on Semillon, this has seafood and sunshine written all over it.

Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley

RRP: $23

Source: Sample

www.briarridge.com.au

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Clovely Estate Left Field Semillon 2010

The South Burnett region in Queensland sits three hours north-west from Brisbane. The climate and soils have similarities to the Hunter Valley so it is no surprise that Semillon and Shiraz work well in the region.

This 2010 Semillon has won a swag of awards and justifiably so. It is moving into an aging phase where those typical traits of aged Semillon are beginning to blossom.

Honeyed characters are developing nicely. The wine is still as fresh as a daisy showing promise for at least another 15+ years. Grapefruit acidity is bang on target. Slightly textured, still crisp and cleansing. A slight nuttiness appears to want to peep through as does lemon butter and a nougat character which I found interesting. Kerosene traits seem to be gathering some momentum also.

Seafood would be the go here. Try salmon or prawn risotto.

Very good+

Region: South Burnett
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.clovely.com.au

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Le Cirque Wine Co. Kissing Booth Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Cool name and I dig the label. There's the majority of the sales pitch done and dusted. A clever effort by the marketing team here me thinks.

Le Cirque Wine Co. is a label falling under the ever growing Angove Family Wines banner.

The contents back up the label too. Gooseberry, passion fruit, sugar snap peas, field grass and a drop of lemon juice. Flavours are clean and the fruit is crisp, lingering nicely.

It's a good drink if Sauv is your thing, but Sauv ain't my thang. However, I don't mind this and credit to those in their quest to convert me.

Have by the pool or with heaps of smiling friends on the weekend.

Available at good independent retailers.

Good.

Region: Marlborough, NZ

RRP: $16

Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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Golden Grove Joven Tempranillo 2014

Winemaker Ray Costanzo has nailed this. Made for immediate enjoyment, this is quickly becoming one his most popular wines and it's easy to see how. It's a wine which screams out for food. Salami, pizza, or anything tomato based.

Smashable deluxe. Dark cherries, blood plums, some smoke and cured meat all rounded off with a dried herb savoury finish which is soft and smooth. A very well balanced wine which is quite moreish.

Very good.

Available at the cellar door and online.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Hardy's Eileen Hardy Shiraz 2010

Just like the Eileen Hardy Chardonnay, this is an absolute pleasure to drink.

Coming off vines around 100 years old, one third sat in new French oak.

Vibrant in appearance it looks quite youthful despite being five years of age.

Some fruit sweetness, but damn the whole package is beautifully balanced. Silky smooth and then some. Black fruit, plums, chocolate... classic McLaren Vale. Dangerously delicate and soft.

It's holding back a little with poise ready to unleash. And when it does, watch out. Plenty of cellaring potential here.

Excellent.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $95

Source: Sample

www.hardyswines.com

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Thomas Wines Sweetwater Shiraz 2013

Sweetwater. Sweet as!

I reckon Andrew Thomas could charge double and still get it. This is class at a neat price.

Gentle peppery spice and very attractive purple flower florals. Buckets of juicy red berry fruit wrapped by savoury tones. Hunter earth ringing true.

Every time I go back those purple flower and powerful violet aromas create a sense of uplift and vibrance. The finish is long and laced with a dusting of spice before some dark plums bump in to tease before moving to dried herbs.

Still a little tight with its best years ahead. Give it another year or two when it will slip on its party suit. A wine which will easily kick on for 10 years.

Generous. Luscious. Delicious.

Excellent.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.thomaswines.com.au

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Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Cabernet Merlot 2012

Longevity is written all over this wine. This will ride out the wave to be a classic birth year wine if that's what you are into.

Beautifully constructed, and despite it's youth, there's much to admire where it sits at present. A blend of Cabernet (63%), Merlot (33%) and a drop of Cabernet Franc (4%) with only 10% new oak.

Classic Margaret River to the fore here in the form of bay leaf, eucalypt, dried sage, black fruits, and cassis. The black fruits are juicy before drying out moving to a savoury shade. A terrific length which just hangs... long.

Tuck it away. Patience will reward for at least 20-30 years+.

Excellent.

Region: Margaret River

RRP: $50

Source: Sample

www.mosswood.com.au

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Tommy Ruff Syrah Mourvedre 2013

There's more funky town here than Pseudo Echo.

Another typically natural wine from Tom Shobbrook. The wild ferment funky characters lob up immediately. Rustic in appearance as ever too and of course unfined.

Dark cherry, fruit compote, dry grass and herbaceous characters. This evolves nicely in the glass. Dusty tannins cap off a neat drop perfect for a hearty meal.

Have in the medium term. And food? Beef cheek me!

Very good.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $32
Source: Sample

www.shobbrookwines.com.au

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Yelland & Papps Devote Greenock Shiraz 2013

A rich and giving Shiraz which is hard not to enjoy.

This is layered. Wallet Leather, sweet dark plums, dark cherries, dark berry fruit, a curious dab of vanilla, chocolate, dusty dirt road and five spice. Enough going on you think?

Nice depth and concentrated fruit. It doesn't flush out to back palate as much as I would have liked but the supple yet dense fruit ensures that is forgiven. Acid is brightish and the finish long and smooth. Some more time will align these two but still an enjoyable drop now.

Cellar for up to ten years and enjoy with a rib roast.

Very good.

Region: Barossa
RRP: $39
Source: Sample

www.yellandandpapps.com

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