Seppelt Drumborg Riesling 2015

Summer has turned the temperature gauge up hard in recent days and my fire extinguisher seems to be in hand. This Riesling is nothing short of excellent.

Cool climate Riesling characters ooze from the glass. Granny Smith apple peel and white flower aromas are wrapped up in a lemony fruit package. That lemony fruit just seems to coil itself around the mouth. Apples then chime in with a deft touch of lime zest on exit. Wowsers!

Drink now but will cellar for the long term.

Excellent.

Region: Henty
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.seppelt.com.au

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Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Impressive deluxe. A superb example of Coonawarra Cabernet.

The best of the best has been thrown at this. There's even a splash of Petit Verdot to wet your whistle (3%). It spent two years in new French oak before another three in bottle prior to release.

Violets whisper out before delicate and elegant (yet robust) fruit parades its way effortlessly. This is all despite the depth and a whack of tannin. A tremendously satisfying and long finish only begs for more. If only this could be my every day drink.

I licked the glass out. So will you.

Longevity is not an issue here. Cellar long term. Or not.

Excellent.

Region: Coonawarra

RRP: $110
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.parkercoonawarraestate.com.au

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Meerea Park The Aunts Shiraz 2014

Superb buying for 30 bucks.

From fifty year old vines and aged for sixteen months in French oak hogsheads, 45% of which were new.

Be welcomed by rich and dense plummy fruit. Smooth yet wholesome, this has sip all night feels. Fruit and acid is balanced well with a generously long finish. It's savour every drop material. Would I buy it - absolutely.

Will cellar long term but ready to go now.

Very good+

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.meereapark.com.au

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Ridgemill Estate The Lincoln Shiraz Viognier 2013

A new grandchild means a new label for owner Martin Cooper. He started this tradition when his first grandchild was born in 2011 when Eloise the Blanc de Blanc also came into the world.

This is Ridgemill's first Shiraz Viognier, and whilst the labelling is a little different to others in the range, I actually prefer it.

Popurri and purple flowers, cedary oak and harissa aromas.

Red fruits a plenty with a splash of Ribena. Perky acidity present on the first day of tasting settled into a neat groove on day two. The fruit fills out well and sits comfortably not wanting to budge. A pinch of five spice rounds up the finish well offering plenty to think about. The asking price is just about right too. Worth a look if you can get hold of it.

Decant for best results.

Drink in the medium term.

Good+

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.ridgemillestate.com

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Mason Wines Petit Verdot 2013

He's a big'un.

Loaded with dark brooding fruit, there's a fraction of something which suggests Turkish Delight but if anything it's more sweet blueberry than anything too aromatic. Toss in some purple flowers, everything else is big, dark and powerful.

Juicy delivery with voluptuous tannins, this needs something beside it to settle down and cool its heals. A hearty casserole or steak will do the trick. It comes across a little rough around the edges which takes it a few pegs back.

Drink medium term.

Good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.masonwines.com.au

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Innocent Bystander Pinot Gris 2015

This makes me feel like lounging. It's cool and relaxed, the way I want to be when throwing back a glass or two. I'm thinking somewhere shady with a cool breeze and a pool not too far away. Damn fine refreshment.

Hand picked and whole bunched pressed, barrel fermentation (30%) has been used for a small portion to impart more texture and mouth feel. Another portion goes through a long fermentation in stainless steel to give a creamy spine. Wild yeasts drove the ferment for 80% of this wine.

Super bargain factor here for those looking for something fresh with a textural appeal.

Poached pear, cut green apple, honey notes, nutmeg and lick of of whipped butter creaminess. Lemony like acidity ticks through at a nice tempo. Deliciously moreish and that texture just hangs on for dear life. The acidity lurks on the finish too, something I didn't mind.

A wine that packs more punch than your average 'Gris'. Character and layers a plenty.

Drink now.

Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley/King Valley
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.innocentbystander.com.au

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Taltarni Pyrenees Shiraz 2013

There's lots to like about this Shiraz.

The fruit is wound up and takes a little while to unfurl. Dark fruits, aniseed, tilled earth, cedary oak all prominent. An enjoyable core of fruit strolls down the middle. Smooth but with a raspy rustic and flavoursome finish. I certainly wouldn't refuse a top up.

Cellar medium term or decant now to get the best from it.

Very good.

Region: Pyrenees
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.taltarni.com.au

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Meerea Park Black Shiraz 2014

This is the second release of this label which is reserved for exceptional years. The first release was in 2011 followed by this 2014 which is touted by many as the best or potentially better than the famed Hunter vintage of 1965.

This had the Rolls Royce treatment thrown at it. Aromas of cocoa bean, oak char, and some vanilla.

It's fascinating how wines like these stand head and shoulders above others in a blind tasting. Poised with class, the medium bodied weight sits pretty. Dark fruits waltz through with ease. Generous offerings of plums and dark berry fruit are complemented by vanilla and dark chocolate. The package is superbly balanced with a tremendously long and satisfying finish.

Keep it as long as you want.

Excellent.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $225
Source: Sample

www.meereapark.com.au

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Ballandean Estate Nebbiolo 2014

I popped in to the Ballandean Estate cellar door a couple of weeks ago to see Leeanne Gangemi who is always vivacious and welcoming. She threw me a bottle of this Nebbiolo which has made a come back into the range. When I said, "It's only a 2014!" I was met with the reply, "We've Australianised it." And that sums it up perfectly.

Fruit forward yet it retains varietal characters. Freeze dried raspberry, fruit compote, bark and twiggy. Some clove but it's not completely there. Chalky/powdery tannin finishes dry. There's a moreish appeal to it I've got to say.

Cellar for the medium term.

Very good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.ballandeanestate.com

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Ballandean Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

The Opera Block at Ballandean Estate is right beside the area used for the annual Opera in the Vineyard concerts. Additional concerts have recently been held with one of my faves Darryl Braithwaite the headline act. I'll happily sing Horses for you upon request :)

Granite Belt Cabernet is a variety which has never really grabbed me by the cannasters. This is another of those. Having just spent a few days in Coonawarra I've been exposed to some pretty good benchmarks which isn't great for wines like these.

Opening with a waft of smoke, it settles down before mint and black fruit wander on by. That smokey character still lurks to taste and it's off putting I must admit suffocating anything in the immediate vicinity. It's bacon hock like but more charred. A day on and black fruit sits at the core with mouth puckering tannins with the smoke easing back.

Decanting is a must as it did drink better on the second day.

For me, I'd prefer others particularly at that price point.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.ballandeanestate.com

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Mandala Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

I'm not sure why I was sent this sample particularly when the 2013 Cabernet has been out a little while. I would have much preferred to look at the newby but I'm interested nonetheless as this is my first look at Mandala.

The product of a wet vintage I doubt this is the best Mandala are capable of but the bones of a good wine are there.

There's some juicy black fruit and the expected cool climate Cabernet traits are present yet nature has played its part here in a dud year. It just comes across thin in delivery. Plum compote fills out before perky acidity sits up to take notice and just hangs on refusing to move.

Drink within the next few years.

Would I recommend it? No.

Region: Yarra Valley

RRP: $27
Source: Sample

www.mandalawines.com.au

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Leconfield Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Impressive deluxe.

Clearly a lot of thought has been put into this wine to achieve the result - the use of oak is testament to that. It's an interesting arrange of new French and American (35/4) with varying percentages of one, two year and three to four year old barrels. I won't bore you with the fractions.

There's an elegant swagger about it. Mr Metrosexual perhaps. Charming and smooth, nothing seems to bother it. Minty, some black currants, a smidge of melted chocolate. Mouth filling goodness. Juicy tannins to wrap it up. Boom town!

Cellar long. I just want more now.

Excellent - just sneaks over the line.

Region: Coonawarra 

RRP: $35
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.leconfieldwines.com

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Leconfield McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014

Great presence and drive here. Plummy fruits step up and steal the show. Vanilla tucks itself in behind as does a pinch of nutmeg. The whole package holds itself with poise, gracefully rolling through the mouth finishing with supple tannins.

Will cellar long term.

Very good.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $26
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.leconfieldwines.com

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Leconfield Coonawarra Old Vines Riesling 2015

A delicious Riesling with fresh apple, white flower and lemony aromas. Tastes of cider and is quite moreish. Cleansing with a citrus zip to finish. Yes please!

Has aging potential but rip in now. The members price of $22 is where this should be sitting IMO.

Very good.

Region: Coonawarra

RRP: $26
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.leconfieldwines.com

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Hollick Wines Sparkling Merlot 2012

I think I have found a Merlot I like and it took sugar and bubbles to get me over the line. Mind you, I had a couple of glasses of this at breakfast at the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup recently, and although a little sweeter than some of the other sparkling reds I also had with my Eggs Benedict, there's plenty of pleasure in this bottle. It looked just as good the next morning at the cellar door too.

Well presented with the crown seal, plenty of savoury and earthy action frolic about. Handfuls of plummy fruit complement all that comes before it. Generous in delivery, if I could have this at breakfast and be happy, lunch and dinner would be easily appeased.

Drink now, why not.

Very good.

Region: Coonawarra

RRP: $30
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.hollick.com

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Hollick Wines The Charlatan Savagnin 2014

There's not many alternate varietals in the Coonawarra region so I was surprised to see Savagnin on the list at Hollick. They actually have an additional four alternates in the ground including Rosada, Tempranillo, Barbera and Sangiovese.

This Savagnin was purchased and planted in 2006 as Albarino before the CSIRO cock up was discovered in 2009.

Fresh apples and cut pear, there's a touch of marigold flower aroma wafting on by ever to subtly. Cleansing in the mouth with a dab of spice, some fruit sweetness teases at the death.

Available at the cellar door or mail order only.

Drink now.

Good+

Region: Coonawarra

RRP: $23
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.hollick.com

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Hollick Wines Shiraz 2013

The fruit for this comes from up the road at Wrattonbully.

A solid wine but nothing to get me dancing. All the usual Shiraz traits lob up. Dark chocolate rolls through late leading to juicy tannins and a long finish.

Drink medium term.

Good+

Region: Wrattonbully

RRP: $25
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.hollick.com

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Parker Coonawarra Estate Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

This guy is almost too cool for school. Casual and relaxed, everything about it oozes sophisticated charisma.

Aromas of dried mint, eucalypt dark berry fruit and plums. These roll through the palate seamlessly. Soft. Delicate. Fine baking type spices tease before super fine tannins finish the job with mega hang time. Oh yeah.

Will cellar long term.

Very good+

Region: Coonawarra

RRP: $34
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.parkercoonawarraestate.com.au

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Parker Estate Coonawarra Terra Rossa Shiraz 2013

I was suitably impressed by the Coonawarra Series and the Terra Rossa range takes things up a notch. The extra ten bucks outlay is worth it.

White pepper threads its way through the core of this wine flanked by plummy fruit and dark chocolate. Powdery tannins to finish. A big tick.

Drink medium term.

Very good.

Region: Coonawarra

RRP: $34
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.parkercoonawarraestate.com.au

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Parker Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2013

A fruit forward style with plenty of pleasure factor.

The depth is hard to resist. Some jubey fruit, dark berries and an oak fleck courtesy of 10% new French oak. Dusted with cocoa, pepper and spice to finish. Great drinking and well priced.

Drink medium term.

Good+

Region: Coonawarra

RRP: $24
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.parkercoonawarraestate.com.au

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Parker Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Another well priced wine from Parker. Again, a fruit forward style but with 25% new French oak used. Purple flower aromas before juicy sweetish blackberries cut loose flanked by some spice and tannins you could almost describe as dusty. Some older oak peeks through at the death. Finish is long and moreish. Happiness in spades; a bargain.

Drink medium term.

Very good.

Region: Coonawarra

RRP: $24
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.parkercoonawarraestate.com.au

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Parker Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2014

I dropped into a couple of Coonawarra cellar doors last Friday with good mate John Rymill. We went driving around his 'hood checking out the sights. I was in town to attend the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup which was a brilliant day out - more on that later.

It's great what you learn when you drop into a cellar door. Amongst other things, the winery/CD sits right on the property line - head to the website to get the picture. There's two rows which are Parker's and the rest of the vineyards on the left are owned by Treasury (Pinot Noir if you are interested to know) who are trying to sell it off. A bypass has been planned to run through it and will impact the new owner no doubt. No wonder Treasury is trying to get out... Mind you, the acres of vineyard they have just planted in the region is incredible to see. Something must be going right for that to be happening one could suspect.

Back to Parker and their Chardonnay and what an introduction to the region this was. The fruit is sourced from two separate vineyards up the road (heading north). Part was complete barrel ferment and the other from V&A Lane only saw stainless steel to finish and freshen the result upon blending.

It's bit yeasty to get started with lashings of coconut oak and stone fruit headed by yellow peach. A squeeze of lemon and a smear of melted butter add to the layers of flavour on offer. Enjoyable weight and mouth filling; a delicious wine and one I'd set out to buy.

Drink medium term.

Very good.

Region: Coonawarra

RRP: $24
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.parkercoonawarraestate.com.au

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Yealands Estate PGR 2014

Marketed as, "P.G.R. The taste of summer," this Pinot Gris/Gewurztraminer/Riesling blend does have me intrigued I must admit. The listing of fruit on the back label has me a little confused though as it states Pinot Gris/Riesling/Gewurztraminer. So is this a PGR or PRG?? No percentages stated and no further information accompanied the sample nor was the RRP advised, plus a bottle image was hard to track down.  The neck tag looks like it belongs on a piece of fruit in the supermarket rather than a wine bottle. That's my whinge done. Back to the juice... A pretty handy drop once the cap is ripped off and the glass filled.

Ginger, white flowers, poached pear and Turkish delight aromas. There's a good vibe about it. Down the hatch and the fruit is fresh. That ginger is backed up with baking spices and pear sits at the core. Residual sugar adds some interest and gives the suggestion of texture. The length is long and engaging. Thai and Malaysian cuisine would smash this. I'd happily have a glass or two on its own.

Worth a look if you can find it.

Very good.

Region: Marlborough, NZ

RRP: $??
Source: Sample

www.yealands.co.nz

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Cape Jaffa Wines Unwooded Chardonnay 2015

No Unwooded Chardonnay
image available

Coming outta Mt Benson, nothing really striking leaps from the glass when I take a whiff. Green melons, watery white peach and some warmth to taste. Some sweetness lingers too as does a greasy phenolic grip. It just lacks interest.

Would I buy it? No. I doubt I'd be able to finish a glass.

Region: Mt Benson, Limestone Coast
RRP: $?? (not supplied)
Source: Sample

www.capejaffawines.com.au

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Meerea Park Terracotta Syrah 2014

This is right in the slot. A Barry White meets Sade number. Sexy croon + smooth operator.

Aromas are an evocative mix of savoury goodness and berry fruits. A dollop of Viognier (2%) has given this a floral lift.

Juicy red and dark berry fruits run riot with a dab of fruit sweetness. Generous in delivery but holds the medium body frame. A style of wine which is hard not to adore, the softer approach certainly has a more endearing persona. Plummy, delicate chocolate, a dusting of earth and spice round out a deliciously smooth and supple wine. Damn.

Cellar long term. Or not.

Excellent.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $70
Source: Sample

www.meereapark.com.au

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Jansz Vintage Cuvée 2010

There's plenty of cheap imported Champagne on the market but wines like this only drive home how blessed we are in Australia with the quality of sparkling coming out of Tasmania.

The winemaking notes that accompanied the bottle say Méthode Tasmanoise. Clever.

Fifty percent was fermented in old French oak and it was aged for four and a half years on lees. The complexity delivered is absolutely delicious. Brioche, toast, slithers of cashews and zippy lemons. Flavours are neatly poised and balanced ensuring the mouth is coated generously leaving a long satisfying finish in its wake.

I'd go here again without question.

Excellent.

Region: Tasmania
RRP: $47
Source: Sample

www.jansz.com

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Montalto Estate Pinot Noir 2014

A clear step up from the entry level Pennon Hill Pinot Noir, this exudes sophistication and class.

More savoury and refined, judicious use of oak threads its way through the fruit effortlessly.
Lots of savoury action mingles with ease namely cardamom, all spice and fine pepper. Earthy characters take a back seat but do enough to get some attention. Velvety smooth with a long finish for days. An absolute treat.

Drink medium term.

Excellent.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $50
Source: Sample

www.montalto.com.au

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Meerea Park Hell Hole Shiraz 2014

After time in the decanter, this opened up well.

Plenty of dark fruits here and delivery is soft. Satsuma plum and a little five spice chime in as does some green apple like crunch. Dusty and grainy tannins loom and produce some decent hang time. If only this all flowed through to the back palate a little more. Still an enjoyable drink regardless.

Drink medium to long term.

Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $60
Source: Sample

www.meereapark.com.au

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Tobin Wines Block Two Shiraz 2014

It's always good to pop into Tobin Wines. Adrian Tobin's cellar door is certainly unique to others on the Granite Belt. The wines are made meticulously and Adrian's passion is clear, he's a good story teller too. I arrived to hear Adrian is having a break in Finland before the rigours of vintage take hold.

Two Shiraz wines are made here - Block One and Block Two. The two blocks sit side by side and run in the same direction, the only significant difference between them is that Block Two sits eight feet above Block One. Both block parcels are kept separate and are made exactly the same, yet the final result is far from similar.

Bustling with bright fruit aromas, plenty of savoury goodness is also delivered via star anise, spice and a hint of clove. The dark berry fruit has good weight and is flanked by cedary oak leading to a long and satisfying finish.

Drink up to eight years.

Very good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $45
Source: Cellar Door tasting

www.tobinwines.com.au

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Tellurian GSM 2014

We have a spicy sucker here.

A whiff of red florals and a hint of rhubarb before cured meat driven by a mild Hungarian salami spiciness hauls some dark plums and boysenberry along for the ride. Peppery spice sits happily on the mid palate just like a postage stamp. I'm a big fan of this. I'm thinking a glass and some smoked wagyu brisket = happy days.

Drink now or cellar for a few years.

Very good.

Region: Heathcote
RRP: $27
Source: Sample

www.tellurianwines.com.au

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Houghton Gladstones Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

A sip of this and I felt I was driving a Rolls Royce after pushing a Datsun 120y around town for years. First class stuff and then some.

Everything here is pristine and sleek. Cassis, capsicum, bay leaf, dark berries, black currant. Tremendously smooth delivery. Effortless. Powdery tannins waltz through with ease.

After three days on the bench it held itself together with distinction. Welcome to pleasure country.

Ready to go now but will cellar long term.

Excellent.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $85
Source: Sample

www.houghton-wines.com.au

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Jansz Rosé NV

An enjoyable aperitif but a little lean through the guts.

Some red currant and strawberry fruit with a creamy texture capped off by a tidy length but the mid-palate just sits a little too idle for mine. Offers good refreshment.

Drink now.

Good+

Region: Tasmania
RRP: $32
Source: Sample

www.jansz.com.au

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Yalumba The Scribbler 2012

Signature's little brother is always a solid and reliable type. The first whiff screams of a Cabernet dominant wine.

Dark fruits a-plenty wash about but it's the bitter dark chocolate which grabs my attention. More time in the glass yields savoury dried herbs. Oak is prominent too.

Decant to get the best from it. Dense with generous fruit. Plummy and currants. Fruit drives through which is a contrast to my initial thoughts after a whiff or two. That oak steps back a bit on delivery but coconut like oak rolls through late on a smooth and long finish. Great buying particularly as it can be found for just under $20.

Will age long term but good to go now.

Very good.

Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.yalumba.com

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Mudgee Gold Shiraz Cabernet 2013

This wine is a collaboration of Mudgee wines which received a Gold medal at the Mudgee show 2012. Of the gold medals, only four wineries made a contribution to this 2013 edition. It seems collaboration projects are rare but there are a few out there. Examples exist such as a few McLaren Vale winemakers banding together for the Archibald Project and the folk at Four Winds in Canberra facilitating a group effort (thanks Max Allen for the info on that). Some grey areas exist though with this package and how it was put together. After a bit of research it's more complicated the more I dig. Time to focus on the wine though...

Made by Jacob Stein from Mudgee's Robert Stein winery, there's classic Shiraz Cabernet characters here. A cherry ripe type thing going on with some dark chocolate interwoven nicely flanked by dried Mediterranean herbs and peppery spice. Soft in delivery it finishes with a dusty, drying tannin. Quite moreish which is fine by me.

Not easy on the hip pocket but damn easy to enjoy. Personally, it falls just short of a gold medal for me but it's worth a look if you can find it.

Very good+

Region: Mudgee
RRP: $60
Source: Sample

www.mudgeewine.com.au/mudgee-gold/

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Thomas Wines Synergy Semillon 2015

Vintage 2016 has already started for Thommo, his verjuice hit the crusher yesterday. By Thommo's side this year is Scott Comyns (ex Pepper Tree) who is an great winemaker in his own right; a pretty damn good combo. Comyns is unveiling his new label in 2016 too - watch this space.

I found this review sitting idle in my backlog - apologies Thommo for not getting it out earlier.

Generous pours of this and sunshine would be best friends. Lemongrass and grassy, it's certainly crisp and refreshing and has thirst quenching appeal. Zippy acidity cleanses the palate, and whilst the fruit is doesn't possess a lot of depth, I don't care. It disappears oh too easily. Top value for $20.

Drink now.

Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.thomaswines.com.au

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Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir 2014

Fruit rides this all the way. Hands and heels, put the persuader away.

Juicy red cherries, raspberries and a dash of spice. Weighted on the lighter side of medium bodied but its delicious factor cannot be ignored. The length is long and some savoury herbs swoop in late.

Can be found for under $30 which is a great deal.

Drink within the next five years.

Very good.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $32
Source: Sample

www.montalto.com.au

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Tellurian Rosé 2015

A blend of Shiraz, Grenache, Nero d'Avola and Mourvedre (40/40/10/10) all grown in Heathcote.

Red flowers and currants, there's also a hint orange peel aromas.
Bone dry the red theme kicks on again with red berry fruit. Crisp acidity wipes the slate clean and I'm itching for another sip.

Great summer time drinking, it'd be well suited beside tapas dishes.

Drink now.

Good+

Region: Heathcote
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.tellurianwines.com.au

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O'Leary Walker Cabernet Malbec 2013

I looked at this over a couple of days and it unfurled a treat.

Dark fruit, black currants, cassis, fruit cake. Some olive action in there too.
Rounded and smooth delivery. Dense with enough acid to kick it over for up to ten years.

I'd like to snuggle up to this on a cold night with a piece of dark chocolate lodged in the side of my mouth. But a big steak off the BBQ and a glass of this would be just as comforting.

Medium term cellaring.

Very good.

Region: Clare Valley
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.olearywalkerwines.com

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Meerea Park XYZ Shiraz 2014

This XYZ has the Mr Reliable factor. Year after year it seems to just keep on consistently kick on, all for a mere $25.

Handpicked from a vineyard planted in 1973, it spent sixteen months in large format French oak.

Dried red flowers, blue and black berry fruit and dark cherries make up a flavoursome and medium bodied profile. Delivery is soft, well balanced and the finish drives long.

Great value for $25 and a super entry level Shiraz flying the flag for a great Hunter vintage.

Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.meereapark.com.au

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Scarborough Wine Co. Yellow Label Chardonnay 2013

Chardy was needed so off to the shops I went. I spotted this on the shelf and it got the nod purely based on the fact I had a look at its little brother a couple of weeks ago which I thoroughly enjoyed.

More of a traditional style of Chardonnay, it's almost two toned in some respects - fruit then the oak washes through. Grilled peaches with a drizzle of lemon juice. Toasty oak is in a neat groove but I'd like it to be meshed with the fruit a little better. A dash of spice lingers; nice touch.

In all, an tasty drop but I still have the Blue Label 2014 a notch above it.

Good+

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $25
Source: Retail

www.scarboroughwine.com.au

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