Innocent Bystander Syrah 2014

Kaboom! Winemaker Steve Flamsteed has this whole bunch thing covered. I really like the way he is making his wines at present. His Giant Steps Applejack Pinot Noir 2014 and his side project Salo Syrah 2013 are but two examples, and here we go again. A beauty!

Baked raspberry, dark cherries, cracked black pepper, flashes of violet and clove aromas - what a start. Whole bunch (40%) and skinsy characters evident. Spicy fruit and those savoury characters take it up a notch. Medium bodied, the layers presented here deserve applause. The finish is persistent and super smooth.

Seriously delicious only made better by the price.

Excellent.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.innocentbystander.com.au

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Montalto Pennon Hill Chardonnay 2014

This is Montalto's entry level Chardonnay and it punches above its weight.

Peach skin, melted butter and some custard. Barrel ferment characters holding firm and delivering interest and complexity. Moreish. Well balanced with great length and satisfaction.

It's hard to believe the asking price is less than 30 bucks - track this down.

Drink medium term.

Very good.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.montalto.com.au

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Tellurian Fiano 2015

Tellurian have recently put their own Fiano in the ground with the aim to be using 100% of it in years to come. For now the fruit comes off the Chalmers vineyard.

A crisp and refreshing style, some complexity is delivered via whole bunch pressing. Free run juice went to stainless steel and pressings sat on lees in old French oak for three months. Citrus fruits dominate here, more in the lemon curd realm. A subtle nuttiness and spice are present and are slowly drawn out. The acidity is tart and high on the palate. Lemons hang long and there is some texture to note. Fish and chips by the water/ beach spring to mind.

Not a bad first up effort.

Drink now.

Good.

Region: Heathcote
RRP: $27
Source: Sample

www.tellurianwines.com.au

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Heemskerk Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2010

Tassie sparkling is in a great place at the moment and here is yet another reason why. The bottle is eye catching and the contents are just as captivating.

Having spent 36 months on lees, this Chardonnay Pinot is deliciously rich and complex.

Sour dough toastiness, some citrus twang, brioche and almond meal. Yeasty complexity lurks whilst the freshness of green apples saunters through. The palate is coated generously led by zippy lemon. Superb length with a dry finish; water cracker like perhaps.

Yes please!

Very good.

Region: Coal River, Tasmania
RRP: $60
Source: Sample

www.heemskerk.com.au 

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Montalto Pennon Hill Shiraz 2014

After scaling some lofty heights with the Pennon Hill Pinot Grigio and Estate Chardonnay, I came back to earth with a thud here. I looked at this a couple of times hoping some air would perhaps do the trick. Not so.

A heap of black pepper to start. Lots. Black olive moved into the fray with some plummy fruit waiting to be discovered back there somewhere. Charred oak did its best to keep it at bay. The finish was a little warming with dusty and drying tannins which were a bit abrasive.

Not a wine I'd run to, and with the quality and better price point offered by some other 2014's around the place, I'd head there.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $32
Source: Sample

www.montalto.com.au

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Alkimi Le Mistral Rosé 2015

Hot days call for something cool. And this is.

A blend of Syrah, Grenache and a splash of Roussanne, this oozes summer time drinking.

Bright watermelon like appearance (the pic right doesn't do it justice), aromas of red cherry, blueberry, raspberry, rhubarb and a suggestion of pomegranate. Summer berry fruits reign supreme in the glass and the lick of residual sugar doesn't do any harm. The Roussanne fattens the delivery somewhat without seizing control - well played Mr Winemaker. Super refreshing with some gentle tannins. Very slurpable. Very good.

Pour me another please.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley and Heathcote
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.alkimiwines.com

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Lowe Riesling 2012

Lots of interest. Lots of intrigue. Time will only develop these further.

From a vineyard 1180 metres above, this is still tight and fresh. Citrusy and quite pithy, river stone minerality runs through the core with ease. Some ever so slight kerosene characters are starting to show their hand whilst the honey synonymous with age is also stepping up. For now it's more honeycomb like.

The mouth is coated well by lemony fruit. Acidity is taut and cleansing. A fantastic wine.

Cellaring? Keep it as long as you want.

Very good+

Region: Mudgee
RRP: $50
Source: Sample

www.lowewine.com.au

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Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2013

There's some wines which always seem to please year after year, and positioned with pride on that list is this Mr Reliable from the Barossa.

A blend of several vineyard parcels hence the name 'Patchwork'. Furthermore, there's always value to be found as it is often priced below the RRP of $22.

Find dense and generous dark fruits with a lick of fruit sweetness and some vanilla. Oak is evident but not too heavy handed and the finish is smooth and long finishing with puckering type tannins. Overall, a balanced and well rounded drink. A 'go with anything' sort of red.

Drink medium term.

Very good.

Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.yalumba.com

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Running With Bulls Tempranillo 2014

A solid wine but nothing to grab you by the nuts. Generous berries and earth as with previous vintages but it just seems to lack a little polish this time in. Some warmth hangs on. Smooth and easy to drink don't get me wrong - a great tapas, pizza/pasta type - the purpose it's made for so the objective box has been ticked. I'd have a glass with a meal.

Keep an eye out as it is often below the RRP.

Good+

Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $23
Source: Sample

www.runningwithbulls.com.au

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Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Gris 2015

There's a cool and calming vibe about this. Sunday afternoon feels.

Fresh and crisp, green apples chisel away. A gentle wash of pears follow. Soft in the mouth, gentle spice rolls through and doesn't fail to recede.

Tremendously moreish and offers great refreshment. You'll find it on some restaurant and bar lists by the glass, and with good reason too - it's sessional deluxe.

Very good+

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.montalto.com.au

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Scarborough Wine Co. Blue Label Chardonnay 2014

Crazy tasty.

A warm night out for dinner on the Sunshine Coast had me yearning for a Chardy. I ordered this off the list and wrote these notes at the time:

Elegance and subtly describes this best. Lovely stone fruit fronted by peachy goodness and a lick of sourdough. Generous delivery. Gee I like this. Some delectable creamy depth has some seriously good hang time but it's well measured allowing the fruit to express itself. I ordered by the glass and I'm going to have to repeat that process - it hit a the spot and then some.

To find it is available for only RRP $21 is nothing but good news for Chardy fans watching their $$. Track it down and check it out I say.

Medium term cellaring.

Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $21
Source: Wine list

www.scarboroughwine.com.au

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Alkimi Grenache Noir 2015

Some old school Grenache with a modern twist and the type of wine I like to just sit down with and relax. There's interest but it's not overly complicated, something which seems to be  theme with Stu Dudine's wines; a big thumbs up.

Bright red fruits, blueberries and plums. There's a gentle whiff of clove with a faint fruit sweetness hanging about. Not a candied or sweet Grenache by any stretch.

The fruit is dainty and not particularly weighed down. It's quite sessional I must admit. Definitive spice wraps it up with Club dark chocolate like characters lingering long.

Not a bad summery drink either if you drop it in the fridge for ten minutes.

Drink medium term.

Very good.

Region: Heathcote
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.alkimiwines.com

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Levantine Hill Samantha's Paddock 2012

Five varieties make up this Bordeaux inspired delight from low yielding vines. All fruit was hand picked and hand sorted spending 16 months in French oak.

Aromas of black fruits, cassis, handbag leather, dried herbs, violets and dried purple florals. Milk chocolate like oak waltzes in sync with juicy black fruit. Seductively medium bodied (12.5%), this is weighted perfectly. All elements are just a snug fit. What strikes me the most is the fruit really comes to the fore with oak hovering in the background. Soft and supple with a powdery tannin finish.

A wine worth splashing out for.

Cellar long term.

Excellent.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $125
Source: Sample

www.levantinehill.com.au

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Montalto Estate Chardonnay 2014

My 400th review for the year so it needs to be top shelf, yeah? And this is. Wham, bam, thank you ma'am.

I could smash a wheel of cheese with this, mind you, I could demolish it without any food it's that good. For those who haven't met winemaker Simon Black, best you do. He's a smart operator and he's always keen to push the boundaries. The range of wines he's rolling out the door presently is evidence of this.

Barrel ferment and some bunchy characters take hold on the nose. This oozes complexity and deserves some thought to ponder.

Bristling with nectarine, melted butter and some nuttiness, time goes on an some citrus reveals itself. The best word to describe this wine is layered. Superb length which begs for another sip. The balance between fruit, oak and acid is sublime.

Drink medium term.

Excellent.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $42
Source: Sample

www.montalto.com.au

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Pig in the House Shiraz 2014

A new label for me and one which comes with some bling behind it.

I was interested to read that these guys were a finalist in the Australian Organic Annual Awards for excellence in 2015. This wine was also awarded NASAA Organic Wine of the Year 2014 and Top Gold at International Organic Wine Awards. Worth some applause I'd say.

Coming from a certified organic vineyard, some stalks were used in the ferment. Only 15% of the wine saw three year old oak before being blended with the remainder which was in tank.

Aromas of tomato paste, baked plums, dried rosemary and savoury herbs. Soft in the mouth, it's quite generous and gives the impression it is more medium bodied than the suggested 14% alcohol and there's barely any oak influence. Currants loom large on the palate and hold firm before dusty type tannins finish off the job.

Plenty of crowd pleasing potential here. A neat find for many reasons.

Very good.

Region: Cowra
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.piginthehouse.com.au

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Tellurian Redline Shiraz 2014

Black fruits, some char, shaved pencil. The fruit thins out in the mouth too much for my liking. Some alcohol warmth detracts from what comes before it.

A fair drink but nothing to get too excited about. Throw some in your glass for tapas, pizza and pasta and it will do the job. Personally, spend the extra five bucks and buy the Pastiche - a significantly better wine.

Region: Heathcote
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.tellurianwines.com.au

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Brimoncourt Brut Régence NV

This hits the spot as an ideal aperitif.

Preserved lemon, brioche and almond meal. Textural presence and creaminess seems to last forever where the citrusy character seems to keep coming back in waves.

Topping up the glass is a no brainer - delicious and then some.

Very good.

Region: Champagne
RRP: $85
Source: Sample

www.brimoncourt.com

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Cook's Lot #666 Pinot Gris 2015

True Gris in style, lots of poached pear and apple textural appeal. Some barrel fermentation has done its bit here too.

The label says nougat and I won't disagree either. There's a ginger spice tickle which hangs on for dear life. Nice! Quite wholesome, I'd happily sip on a couple of glasses no trouble at all.

And as with all the Cook's Lot wines, this represents great value again.

Very good.

Region: Orange

RRP: $20

Source: Sample

www.cookslot.com.au

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Matua Lands & Legends Chardonnay 2014

A bit of old skool chardy action coming at ya.

Roasted peach, burnt caramel, a dash of lemon and buttery oak with fruit that is dense. It possesses a warmish tempo but I gotta say I like the style.

Some roast pork or chicken wouldn't be out of place beside this.

Good+

Region: Marlborough, NZ
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.matua.co.nz

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Huntington Estate Gewurztraminer 2015

Pretty aromas from the outset with fragrant florals, a hint of ginger, musk sticks but lavender seems to drive the bus overall.

Quite dry, it tastes of lychees and musk sticks with a zippy grapefruit acidity. An enjoyable wine which will sit nicely beside Malaysian dishes.

Drink in the short term.

Very good.

Region: Mudgee
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.huntingtonestate.com.au

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Jim Barry Watervale Riesling 2015

A recent night out for Thai called for something to douse the fire. I dashed around the corner to the bottle shop and was met with a limited number of Riesling options in the fridge yet a whole door was filled with Sauv Blanc. Sigh.

This was the pick of the Riesling on offer, and damn, what a steal for $16 in retail land!

Kaffir lime city. A cracking Riesling with expressive citrus fruit and bone dry to finish. Bright and refreshing all the way.

As for my Gang Dang duck curry, the job was done and then some.

Very good.

Region: Watervale, Clare Valley
RRP: $16
Source: Retail

www.jimbarry.com

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Robert Stein Half Dry Riesling 2015

So. Good. I could drink this for dayz...

Twenty percent was fermented on skins, wild fermented and then momentarily housed in older French oak.

Pretty citrus flower aromas and bright limes leap from the glass. There's a hint of ripe green apple too. A taste of this almost appears to have a two phase attack. Dry initially, it's as though a partition is then pulled back and the sweetness is revealed. Crunchy acidity then takes hold. Delicious weight courtesy of the barrel fermented component lingers long. Clean and crisp to finish with a lick of sweetness.

I loved it. Smart juice.

Excellent.

Region: Mudgee
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.robertstein.com.au


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Quartz Hill Pebbles Shiraz 2013

A delicious medium bodied Shiraz from the Pyrenees region. This is the entry level Shiraz from Quartz Hill throwing up gentle clove, pepper, blue fruit and dark plum aromas.

Dark fruit flavours are soft and juicy before a wash of pepper runs through. Dried savoury herbs mop up the finish which has a comfortable presence about it.

Solid drinking. I'd go here again for its approachability.

Medium term cellaring.

Very good.

Online and Black Hearts and Sparrows in Melbourne.

Region: Pyrenees
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.quartzhillwines.com.au

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Tellurian Pastiche Shiraz 2013

After tasting four new release 2013 Shiraz wines from four different regions, this is the one I wanted to come back to and drink. Maybe that should be my review done and dusted...

A blend of two vineyard sites from the east and west side of the Mt Camel range in Heathcote, the finished wine spent ten months in seasoned large and smaller format French and American oak (10%) before final blending.

Dripping with juicy dark fruits would describe this best. Mulberries, blueberries, but then there's some raspberry like sweetness on the first whiff. There's some of that red Heathcote soil in the mix too as are savoury herbs. More time in the glass reveals a caramel like oak.

Deliciously medium bodied, some fruit sweetness is evident. The fruit drives this and it continues to soften in the glass. Nicely weighted with a finish that kicks on well. Too well. There's plenty of satisfaction here. Run to this - a terrific find.

Medium to long term cellaring.

Very good+

Region: Heathcote
RRP: $27
Source: Sample

www.tellurianwines.com.au

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Running With Bulls Garnacha 2015

Garnache. Grenache. Same same but different, no?

The good folk at Yalumba are sticking with the Spanish theme for the Running With Bulls label hence the use Garnache.

Made in the 'Joven' style - no oak, this is ready for immediate enjoyment. Dirt and red fruit straight up, it looks quite light in the glass. It's light in the mouth too. There's a good dash of savoury herbs and peppery spice in the mix and blood orange type characters sit on the flank. Some textural appeal adds another dimension courtesy of a small amount of whole bunch fermentation. But it's the juicy red fruits that steal the show for me. Digging a little deeper I discovered there's a dollop of Tempranillo (4%) in there too.

Incredibly food friendly, I could drink this easily without food to be honest.

Keep an eye out, you'll be able to track it down for just under $20 I reckon.

Drink now.

Very good.

Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $23
Source: Sample

www.runningwithbulls.com.au

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O'Leary Walker Shiraz 2013

Baked raspberry, mulberries, a light dusting of pepper, berry basket, subtle vanilla and wood spice. Some fruit sweetness clings on for the ride.

A little linear and taut. Bright acidity lingers. Good drinking nonetheless.

Medium term cellaring.

Good+

Region: Clare Valley
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.olearywalkerwines.com

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Huntington Estate Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV

A simple fizz with a 60/40 blend and a minimum 12 months on lees. There's a slight blush about its appearance. Not overly aromatic but a hint of strawberry and some stone fruit slowly reveal themselves. Lemons and a strawberries drive the flavour profile, some mild toast too. Quite linear in delivery it sticks to the mid palate and doesn't drive through. There's little persistence and it finished quickly than anticipated.

It has aperitif appeal but I'd prefer others for the money.

Region: Mudgee
RRP: $29
Source: Sample

www.huntingtonestate.com.au

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Quartz Hill Viognier 2014

A great example of how temperature can effect how a wine presents. Admittedly, I tasted this too cold (I was just thirsty!) and as it gradually warmed it started to show its stripes.

Baked apricot, gingerbread man, yellow fleshed peach. I felt my mouth was wrapped up with flavour which almost refused to move on. That ginger action sits and lingers. Smart. More time in the glass and canned apricot nestles its way forward. The weight of the fruit is the clincher for me.

A variety which deserves more respect, I'd go here again without doubt.

A neat find. Available website only.

Drink in the short term.

Very good.

Region: Pyrenees
RRP: $32
Source: Sample

www.quartzhillwines.com.au

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Matua Lands & Legends Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013

I see Central Otago and I get excited. A little Big Kev style so the expectation parameters have already been set...

Whilst OK I didn't overly enjoy it. Sure there were some usual characteristics of dark cherry and earth (you can say that about most Pinot really). But it just seemed a little chunky. The oak was a little overdone and the fruit wasn't as seamless as I had hoped for.

A fair drink, but for $35, it's a big ask.

Region: Central Otago, NZ
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.matua.co.nz

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Bird in Hand Sparkling Pinot Noir 2015

Super value fizz for 25 bucks!

Salmon like appearance and made from 100% Pinot Noir. Strawberries and cream all the way here. Well weighted and moreish. Not overly dry and it's sensationally smashable. The creaminess is well poised and just hangs leading to a deliciously long finish.

Well worth seeking out to share during the festive season.

Drink now.

Very good.

Region: Adelaide Hills
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.birdinhand.com.au

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Pig in the House Sauvignon Blanc 2015

A new offering in the Pig In The House range. Deliberately picked at two different times to bring different components to the finished wine. Acidity and capsicum from the first parcel and more tropical fruit characters from the second.

Passion fruit, rock melon and honeydew melon drive the aromas.  A taste reveals plenty of acid. Lots of green things wash about with those melon characters holding firm but the perky acidity just sticks. It just didn't seem balanced enough. I didn't taste with food but perhaps it needs something fatty like fish and chips to cut through.

In all, it just didn't sit right for me.

Region: Cowra
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.piginthehouse.com.au

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Matua Lands & Legends Sauvignon Blanc 2015

A solid Savvy. Attractive aromas of pineapple, snow pea and capsicum flow onto a flavoursome palate which hangs on nicely. Acid is balanced cleansing the palate well.

I can see this getting a following. Worth a look.

Good+

Region: Marlborough, NZ
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.matua.co.nz

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Bird in Hand Rosé 2015

A taste of this and I start to picture lazy Sundays in the pool.

This Pinot Noir Rosé is quite pale in appearance, salmon like, a result of 8-10 hours of skin contact. Pretty aromas of air dried strawberries and red currants set the scene. Cherry and strawberries live it up on a refreshing palate which is highlighted by a dash of spice and mouth watering acidity. Clean and crisp, it's like a detox for your mouth. Boom! And only 20 bucks! Thank you very much - come at me Sunday.

Forget a food match, I just want to run with this.

Drink now.

Very good.

Region: Adelaide Hills
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.birdinhand.com.au

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Tintilla Estate Rosato di Jupiter Sangiovese 2015

This is a great little drink; a Sangiovese Rosé made from vines planted in the mid 90's. A small portion was barrel fermented for the first time this vintage to increase the complexity. I've never tasted the previous vintages but what I see here is the business.

Aromas of cranberries, raspberry rope and red fruits shift to a delivery which has good drive and weight. The textural component hits the spot and a shimmy of spice rattles through the core leading to a long and satisfying finish. Not overly dry but quite moreish. A dab of sweetness at the death is a neat touch.

Barbecues, burgers, tacos and sunshine will all be at home with this in hand.

Find on premise predominantly in Sydney, online or at the cellar door.

Drink now.

Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $26
Source: Sample

www.tintilla.com.au

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Levantine Hill Rosé 2015

This has a cool yet trendy swagger about it made from Cabernet Sauvignon. Whilst some Rosé is all fun with a little sugar hit, this is all serious business and sits on the other end of the spectrum. Sophistication meets Rosé perhaps. Old school - yep, that's it.

Lots of savoury things going on here. Dried herbs, tobacco, red fruits. Very dry in the mouth but there's an undertow of red fruits and berries. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but those who are the 'thinker drinkers' would appreciate this more. I'd line up again for more that's for sure - very impressive.

Drink now.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.levantinehill.com.au

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De Iuliis Shiraz Touriga 2014

Mike De Iuliis says this will start to sing in 5+ years time. Although I'm patient I've gotta say my patience would be tested with this. It's too good now and I'm not gonna wait.

Pretty fragrances of red flowers, spiced oak and lingering pepper. Red fruits seem to be carried on the shoulders of some perky acidity which will soften given the chance. The crunch from it though adds another dimension of wow factor.

Deliciously medium bodied, this is a killer blend. I'll be buying some that's for sure.

Excellent.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.dewine.com.au

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Gemtree Ernest Allan 2013

From premium certified organic Shiraz blocks, this spent 20 months in new and used French oak.

Quite rich and generous, there's lashing of oak spice with cedery and coffee like aromas. Chocolate, dark plums and blue fruit cut loose on the palate. There's good weight in the middle but thins out a little. Juicy tannins mop it up. It's easy to enjoy that's for sure.

Medium term cellaring.

Cellar Door exclusive.

Very good.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.gemtreewines.com

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Thomas Wines Murphy's Semillon 2015

This is a new vineyard sourced by Andrew Thomas. Planted in 1960 on Wilderness Road, the fruit is hand picked and whole bunch pressed. Co-incidentally, Thommo's good mate Mike De Iuliis also picked up some Semillon from an adjoining vineyard to produce a new "Wilderness Road" label.

But here, it's not overly aromatic but still exudes a pretty fragrance of lemons, grapefruit and grass. Due to the wet vintage flavours seem a little dilute. Yet at the same time, those who aren't particularly Semillon savvy would dowse this easily. As with the De Iuliis, there's a waxy character present - a common vineyard trait perhaps. Crisp and refreshing, it would sooth a few wounds on a hot day that's for sure.

Drink now.

Good+

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.thomaswines.com.au

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Taylors Estate Shiraz 2014

This wine is riding on some impressive gongs recently, and I've got admit, it is pretty damn tasty.

A delicious rendition of cool climate Shiraz, the fruit has an energetic vibe about it. Time in the glass reveals creamy oak characters. Spice is interwoven amongst the dark fruit and lush berries leading to a supple and smooth finish.

Hunt around and you'll find it for under 20 bucks - a bargain.

Very good.

Region: Clare Valley
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.taylorswines.com.au

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