Ten Minutes by Tractor Estate Chardonnay 2014

2014 was a tough year here. Lower yields were a result of rain and unfavourable weather in November 2013 which had a flow on effect. This Estate Chardonnay is a blend of the single vineyard sites, a year when only the Wallis was released. Save to say, the rest was declassified here. The make up being Wallis (45%), McCutcheon (35%) and Judd (20%).

This is a bit like that new kid at school on the first day. Seems tense, backward but possesses an open mindedness to engage. With a little time in the glass it doesn't take much to coax a little personality here. A Chardonnay that certainly grows on you.

d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Here's a big boy. Plenty of power here that's for sure. But don't get too excited, it's one to stick in a dark place for a while before it shows its best form in a few years.

Generous and delicious soft dark fruit, licorice, and cassis. All the usual suspects here. Coffee and cedar like oak which is integrated well allowing the fruit to flourish. The fruit is still taut but the noose will soon loosen with some more time. An absolute tannin bomb to finish - mouth sapping stuff. Chalky and drying. A solid birth year pick if you do that thing.

Cellar as long as you want.

93/100 - Very good

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $65
Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Magpie Estate Mourvedre Grenache 2016

This arrived with in a bottle with a crown seal - a change from previous vintages as per the picture above. Curiously, it is a table wine not a sparkling. Despite the interesting choice of closure, it has shelf appeal but would no doubt cause some confusion.

Baked berry tart, raspberry jam on toast, sweet Grenache fruit is complimented by the savoury presence of Mourvedre. Smooth delivery with some spice rolling through but the sweetness has a tackiness about it. It was too sweet though. I wouldn't be able to finish a glass if I were to be offered it.

Prefer others.

84/100

Region: Barossa
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.magpieestate.com

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Toolangi Yarra Valley Rosé 2016

An absolutely delicious Rosé. It screams drinkability with generous pours awaiting and glasses quickly evaporating.

Made from Shiraz, strawberries and cream smash it all the way here. It's juicy. It's textural. It's delicious.

Dry, red fruits move about effortlessly rounded off by savoury characters hard to ignore. A subtle nudge of mandarin peel emerges on exit - don't pour me a glass, just give me the bottle.

Drink now with lots of friends and sunshine.

93/100 - Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.toolangi.com

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Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Chardonnay 2015

A very handy entry level wine from this polished winery.

Yellow stone fruit led by nectarines with a handy white peach cameo. Roasted nuts and vanilla cream add to the texture though it has a coarse feel in the mouth. A citrusy twist calmly rolls in whilst the generousity of the fruit cannot be denied. For mine, the acid doesn't sit completely in sync with the fruit. Good hang time, though warming, preceeded by a gentle lick of ginger type spice and a citrusy tang.

 I'd have a glass with a meal. Something chicken. Maybe something creamy.

Drink now to three years.

91/100 - Very good.

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Shottesbrooke Shiraz 2014

We are blessed in this country with the quality of wines available for under the $20 mark. This flies that flag with ease - a great little drink.

Red and dark berries, a hint of rosella, plus dark chocolate and dash of peppery spice. With time in the glass the red fruit makes way for the dark to take charge. Delivery is full and wholesome. Super smooth in the mouth, it's right in the bargain territory slot.

Drink now to five years.

91/100 - Very good

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.shottesbrooke.com.au

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Seppelt Salinger Vintage Cuvee 2012

The cork gods weren't kind here. The taint was bad enough to be noticed but not bad enough to screw the face up. Dare I say, many folk wouldn't have a clue this bottle was tainted anyway.

A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier (60/30/10), it felt heavier in the mouth than expected. Scrumpy like, pureed apples, a lemon squeeze and some yeasty complexity. Good textural presence through the middle with a respectble length.

And extra point because it should be better than this.

Drink now.

90/100 - Very good

Region: Henty
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.seppelt.com.au

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Willow Bridge Dragonfly Shiraz 2015

Top drinking for twenty bucks. Juicy blueberries, black cherries and plums bind together and shunt the fruit forward. Mouth filling, the acid has a crunch factor. Milky chocolate like oak hovers in the background before a scattering of pepper rounds out a super value drop.

Drink now to five years.

91/100 - Very good

Region: Geographe
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Levantine Hill Chardonnay 2015

When the postman turns up with Levantine Hill samples I'd be lying if I said I'm not excited. Their Chardonnay has always captivated me so I couldn't resist but to leap to this. And here we go again, enjoyment factor and quality is sky high.

Nothing is left to chance and the purity of the fruit here cannot be understated.

I was only recently discussing examples of fine boned Chardonnay and this falls right into the slot. A swirl of the glass and fleshy yellow stone fruits leap out. Delicate cashew nuttiness and red apple peel draw some attention. A rattle of butterscotch, a scrape of vanilla cream and an ever so slight hum of ginger spice. Super long to finish, this is all class. Chardonnay purists would devour this.

Drink now to 8 years.

95/100 - Excellent

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $80
Source: Sample

www.levantinehill.com.au

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Witches Falls Pinot Noir 2015

Whilst many varieties have had plenty of success on the Granite Belt, Pinot Noir has never really hit the mark.

This sits more in the realm of a light bodied Shiraz than a traditional Pinot.

Marinated beef, smoke, and clove aromas. Dark berries and a dusting of black pepper spice drive the flavour profile. Acid is firm and tacky. That finesse you'd expect from the variety just isn't quite there. Minute steak and burgers would be perfect partners.

Drink now to five years.

87/100 - Good

Region: Granite Belt

RRP: $32

Source: Sample

www.witchesfalls.com.au

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Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Pinot Gris 2015

Absolutely effortless. Damn this is pleasurable.

The fruit moves through the mouth with consummate ease. Not a hair out of place as it rolls through offering delicious fruit and clever use of barrel work. Whole bunch pressed, wild fermentation and 100% malo then seven months on lees in old French oak.

Poached pear, honey notes, delicate florals plus vanilla cream sit proudly. Each meshing with the other to share the limelight. Delicious textural and phenolic appeal waltzes through enticing another sip. The finish is long and satisfying. Dare I say the asking price is too cheap for the quality delivered - one for the black book.

Drink now to three years.

94/100 - Very good+

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Alkimi The Good Earth Grenache Rosé 2016

Quite a different take on Rosé here from the Le Mistral 2015.

Copper appearance in the glass and smells of red licorice, red apple peel, mandarin peel, strawberries and cream plus apricot kernel. There's plenty going on aromatically, that's for sure.

Dry in the mouth, savoury nuances gain some momentum with time in the glass. There's a good coating of fruit. A good drink all up.

Drink now.

89/100 - Good+

Region: Heathcote
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.alkimiwines.com

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Rolf Binder Shiraz 2015

A fab little package of Barossa goodness.

Everything you'd look for in a quality Barossa Shiraz is encapsulated here. Chocolate, mulberries, blueberries, baking spices, a nudge of oak rolling through with ease. Respectable depth and length, I could sit back in a chair and get comfy with a glass of this very easily.

Drink now to eight years.

92/100 - Very good

Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.rolfbinder.com

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Ten Minutes by Tractor 10 X Sauvignon Blanc 2015

From the first whiff, the use of barrel fermentation is apparent. Sevens months of it in fact in old French oak.

You could look at this as a 'thinker's' version Sauvignon Blanc. There's certainly plenty of interest here - much more than the standard Sauv out there in retail land.

Custard like oak, cut herbs, and poached apple get things going. An inviting line of acid brings the varietal traits to the fore. A hint of tropical fruit lurks in the background but certainly doesn't sit front and centre like most Sauv Blancs. A lemony twist and spice tickle to finish of a wonderful take on the variety. More like this please.

Drink now to three years.

92/100 - Very good

Region: Mornington Peninsula
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

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Georg Jensen Hallmark Cuvée NV

I feel I should be wearing white gloves as I taste this - it's so delicate in the mouth. A Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend (60/40) which spent two to three years on lees.

Packed with citrus and green apples, the super fine bead makes it look ultra inviting. Clean flavours cruise through framed by tight acid and a mineral ripple. Persistent all the way to a long finish which is crisp and damn refreshing. Not bone dry - there's 10.5g/L of RS which will further appeal for some.

Drink now.

93/100 - Very good

Region: Tasmania
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.heemskerk.com.au

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Rolf Binder Heinrich Shiraz Mataro Grenache 2013

Veneers of flavour to ponder. Dense dark berry fruit, coconut rough, baking spices. Spice from the Shiraz threads its way through with ease linking with raspberry rope and red licorice from the Grenache. Depth from the Mataro moves to a quite savoury finish.

Rounded and wholesome delivery, time in the glass softens this a treat. Plenty of enjoyment factor lies within. I'd have a couple of glasses easy.

Drink now to eight years.

91/100 - Very good

Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.rolfbinder.com

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Angove Family Crest Chardonnay 2016

A good start of nectarine, vanilla and whipped cream but the fun seems to stop there. A squeeze of lemon to taste but the mid palate has gone MIA leaving me a bit flat.

There's better examples for the money.

Drink now to three years.

85/100

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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Golden Grove Estate Nero d'Avola 2015

Christmas Eve 2014 caused chaos for a thin strip of vineyards when hail desicrated what looked to be a promising vintage til then. To supplement losses some fruit was sourced from outside the region - the first time Golden Grove Estate have done so. Sauvignon Blanc from South Australia made the trip as did Vermentino and Nero from Chalmers Heathcote vineyard.

Berry basket and black cherries underpin this wine. An uprising from the ashes of sorts, a super fine dusting of black pepper is preceded by a slash of fruit sweetness before that pepper tip toes across the palate with a dash of toast and suggestion of boot polish. You get a sense you are knee deep in this such is the generous delivery. Juicy tannins cap it off in style.

Drink now to five years.

92/100 - Very good

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $26
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Margan Shiraz 2015

A little bobby dazzler for twenty bucks.

Sure, it might not take you all the way go pleasure country, but you'll get most of the way there with this one way ticket in hand.

Old oak (four and five year old) has ensured the fruit sits firmly at the wheel.

Medium bodied, red fruits roll through framed by some firmish acidity. Rhubarb, cherries, and char chime in over time. Those Hunter savoury characters kick in at the death. A credible drop indeed.

Drink now to five years.

90/100 - Very good.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.margan.com.au

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Pizzini Rosetta 2016

Sangiovese Rosé. Red currant, cranberry and under ripe watermelon - the usual suspects. It's bitter to finish, and although it's not a bad drop, it just rubs me up the wrong way. There's a fresh and crisp factor and it does offer easy drinking appeal without the complexity to bother you. I'd suspect it would be better with food but that bitterness keeps coming back to me. I'd prefer others.

Drink now.

86/100 - Good

Region: King Valley
RRP: $19
Source: Sample

www.pizzini.com.au

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Angove Family Crest Shiraz 2015

Give this a quick decant to help it find its feet. Initially it was a bit muddled up but time in the glass helped it relax.

Dark plums and berries, baked raspberries, dark chocolate all come to the party here in this fruit driven wine. Some wood spice and a dusting of black pepper. The depth seen early takes the foot off the pedal fractionally in the mid palate. Enough to be noticed but not enough to detract.

Drink now to five years.

89/100 - Good+

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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Pizzini Pinot Grigio 2016

More Pinot Grigios like this please. A beauty!

An exquisite line of apples and pears walk tall here. Unpretentious, there's a humility about its softly softly delivery. Another whiff and the delicate little white flowers are there. A citrusy twist on exit adds a touch of class. Acid crunch drives home the winning runs with confidence. Top value. An extra point for sheer enjoyment factor.

Drink now to three years.

93/100 Very good.

Region: King Valley
RRP: $21
Source: Sample

www.pizzini.com.au

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Pizzini Arneis 2016

There's not all that much Arneis out there in Aussie vineyards and this is a smart starting point for newcomers looking to turn up their adventure dial.

A whiff of under ripe pear skin, apples, honeysuckle and white flowers get things rolling. Skinsy. Maybe that's not it. Fat. Perhaps that's not it either. Somewhere in between maybe. Green apple peel and almond meal wash through with ease. Perky like acidity gives a whip crack on exit. Lunch and chicken is what I'm thinking. Be confident of good drinking.

Drink now to three years.

90/100 - Very good.

Region: King Valley
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.pizzini.com.au

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Pizzini Verduzzo 2015

This variety hails from Fruili in north-east Italy. Partial barrel fermentation has ensured the mouth is coated generously with a soft creaminess to complement subdued apricot skin and poached pear fruit. Crisp acidity to finish, something different for those in search of adventure.

Drink now to three years.

89/100 - Good+

Region: King Valley
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.pizzini.com.au

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Angove Family Crest Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

A combination of two parcels separated by 22km which are blended after twelve months in French oak.

There's a green leafy edge to the aromas straight up before licorice, black berries, boot polish, plus a hint of coffee bean warm to the task. Black berries take the reins in the mouth flanked by dark chocolate, dried herbs and a kick of earth. Sapping tannins to finish, a solid Cabernet drink.

Drink now to five years.

89/100 - Good+

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.angove.com.au

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Fox Gordon By George Cabernet Tempranillo 2013

Not your conventional blend but it bloody works.

Cabernet from the Barossa here with Adelaide Hills Tempranillo, this has tapas tattooed into its DNA.

Blackberry jam, cured meats, pan juice aromas. Super juicy and soft fruit rolls out to some tilled earth. Dusty type tannins to finish. Long and moreish, mouthfuls of happiness can be found here. Where's the Brazilian rodizio when I need it?

Drink now to five years.

91/100 - Very good.

Region: Barossa Valley & Adelaide Hills
RRP: $23
Source: Sample

www.foxgordon.com.au

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Payten & Jones Pinot Noir 2015

This comes off 17 year old vines and is made in two 500L barrels.

Ben Payten and Troy Jones are all about hands off winemaking letting the vineyard speak for itself. "Destem the fruit, toss it in the fermenter and let it go," Jones tells me.

Skinsy and earthy, lots of cherry fruit with a shimmer of peppery spice sit at the core of this wine. Deliciously soft and fine, layers of appeal slowly unfurl in the mouth. Moreish and then some. Plenty of happiness lies in this bottle.

Drink now to six years.

92/100 - Very good.

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.paytenandjoneswine.com.au

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Abel's Tempest Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV

A carefree fizz to help you kick on with your Sunday afternoon.

Fresh factor is the mover and shaker here. The Chardonnay is crisp and the Pinot adds good depth. Dry, lemon pith and zest, apples plus some almond meal and bready action provide a launchpad for refreshment with a delicious drive and length. It's well priced too. I'd easily kick back with a glass.

Drink now.

90/100 - Very good

Region: Tasmania
RRP: $32
Source: Sample

www.heemskerk.com.au

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Sirromet Signature Collection Shiraz Viognier 2014

Lots of cool climate Shiraz appeal rolling through here. Coming off vineyards sitting 818m above, the wine spent fifteen months in American and French oak (50/50).

Cherry vodka, berry basket, blood plums, oak char, and vanilla essence aromas. Delivery is soft with decent brightness in the mouth. A tease of apricot kernel comes and goes courtesy of 5% Viognier tipped in. Crunchy like acidity is pitched a stretch beyond the fruit leaving a numbness in the mid palate where I hoped the fruit would have had that fraction bit more depth. A dusting of pepper hangs long on the finish well beyond a couple of minutes blanketing the mouth with engaging warmth.

A good drink. Give it a good decant and off you go.

Drink now to six years.

89/100 - Good+

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.sirromet.com

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Hollick Sparkling Merlot 2014

It had been I while since the last time I had a look at this sparkling Merlot until I attended the Coonawarra Cup in January earlier this year. A breakfast of eggs Benedict was served at 10am and I happily had a glass of this plus a few other sparkling reds on offer - a more than pleasant start to the day. As a result I was pleased to see this sample come through the door recently.

Roasted capsicum, sautéed mushrooms, tilled earth, charred oak sit alongside plummy fruit and a lick of sweetness to finish. A dab of rosella pokes through after some time in the glass too. Not overly complex, just a good drink for a variety of occasions.

Drink now to five years.

89/100 - Good+

Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.hollick.com

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Yellowglen Botanics Series Prosecco 2015

Australia's love affair with Prosecco is continues to grow rapidly. So much so now the big players in the market now have offerings in their respective ranges. This is Yellowglen's first release.

Attractive labelling helps the sell here - part of their Botanics Series. It's a bit of fun in the glass and not a overly serious rendition. It's sweet but not overly. Lemon juice and apples deliver a clean a crisp wine without too much depth. Crunchy apple acidity to finish and a lemon zest tang add appeal. It's goes ok.

Drink now.

85/100 - Good

Region: Victoria (various)
RRP: $22
Source: Sample

www.yellowglen.com

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Margan Merlot 2015

A good mid-week go-to.

Showing varietal characteristics, this is an easy drinking Merlot ready for immediate enjoyment. Plentiful hands of soft dark fruits ensure a smooth delivery finishing with a warming spice and drying tannins.

Pizza and pasta would sit nicely beside it.

87/100 - Good

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.margan.com.au

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Golden Grove Estate Mourvèdre 2014

There are samples which come through the front door which need to be tasted whilst there are others which just need to be drunk. This falls in the category of the latter I'm pleased to say. Damn tasty stuff!

Winemaker Ray Costanzo tells me minimal handling was the key here. Fourteen days on skins then 20% in new French oak with the remainder in 2-5 year old.

Packed with savoury influences, vanilla and cedar aromas are bursting at the seams. Briary and savoury characters wrap themselves around a core of vibrant fruit. Nicely weighted there is plenty of depth to coax another sip. Delivery is super soft and the length is exceptional. Those dried herbs are just persistent and hang large through to a moreish finish. Super buying for the money but punters have realised this all too quickly - the 'sold out' sign has been posted.

Super buying for the money. I wish I could buy some.

Drink now or up to eight years.

95/100 - Excellent.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $28
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Willow Bridge Dragonfly Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2015

A value pick every day of the week!

Powerful and vibey fruit sits at the core here. Black berries, mulberries, savoury dried herbs, milk chocolate like oak - it even reminds me of that forest fruit nut bar I have for my morning tea. This plays a straight bat just like the ever reliable batsman Matt Hayden. There's nothing to go gold panning for here - what you see is what you get. Savoury tannins coat the mouth on exit with impressive drive and longevity on the finish. Only 20 bucks eh? Wow!

Drink now to eight years.

92/100 - Very good

Region: Geographe
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Margan Semillon 2016

This is Andrew Margan's entry level Semillon and comes off 40 year old vines. A tidy drop and good value.

Expressive aromas of little white flowers and lemons. A flirty whiff of musk even popped out ever so briefly when first poured. Crisp with those lemons, lemongrass and lemon rind guiding this all the way to a tangy and refreshing finish. A good drink.

Drink now.

90/100 - Very Good

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.margan.com.au

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Toolangi Pauls Lane Chardonnay 2013

Toolangi making $38 sound cheap. Absolute quality here shining on the podium. Precise and elegant, the delivery is seamless from top to toe.

Previously made by Dave Bicknell out of Oakridge, there has been a change in the guard with Franco D'Anna taking charge now from his Hoodles Creek winery (Gary Walsh from Winefront reliably informs me that Franco also made the 2011). This sat in 25% French oak for ten months. Only 280 dozen produced.

Peaches and cream and a whisper of fig effortlessly drive this creating serious drool factor. It's certainly a generous wine but one the affectionados can easy handle and indulge in. Superb length and attention to detail has ensured this wine smacks the bullseye.

Would I buy it? Absolutely!

Drink now to eight years.

95/100 - Excellent

Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $38
Source: Sample

www.toolangi.com

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Edwards Wines Chardonnay 2015

My first look at an Edwards wine and I like what I see. The label is a tribute to founder Brian Edwards and his solo Tiger Moth flight from England to Australia in 1990.

This saw ten months in French oak (30% new). All the hallmarks of a classic Margaret River Chardonnay are alive here. Lemon butter, nougat, white fleshed peach, roasted nuts, match sticks, flint and well balanced acidity finishing with a citrusy tang. Delicate textural features work their way through the wine with poise. Long and flavoursome, I'd go here again, no question.

Drink now to eight years.

93/100 - Very good.

Region: Margaret River
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.edwardswines.com.au

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Shottesbrooke Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2015

This is a new release in the Shottesbrooke range with the fruit sourced from ten year old Adelaide Hills vines.

I looked at this with five other Chardonnays (different regions and vintages) and it was my least preferred. It was quite thin through the middle to be honest. Green apples (tinned and fresh), some yellow peach and vanilla oak shouldered the load. A pronounced bitter and tart acidity initially wrestles away the attention from the fruit before it cooled it heels. Some spice rounded it off for a respectable finish. In the end, it just lacked the cohesion I was hoping for. Others in the tasting line up demonstrated significant better value for money.

87/100 - Good

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.shottesbrooke.com.au

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Rolf Binder Bull's Blood Shiraz Mataro Pressings 2013

Hard core Barossa here. Maybe a little OTT but many love it that way. Old school.

Cedar and sandalwood, clove and dark chocolate, char and pan juices - bold stuff. Much like the name really.

Dark fruits are layered on thick coating the mouth generously. Oak plays it hard here too. Some mulberry fruit sweeps through the back and reminds me of a mulberry compote my grandmother used to make - good memories there. Wood spices chime in on a lengthy finish.

Generous for days, an ideal wine for something beefy.

Drink now but will cellar long term.

91/100 - Very good

Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $50
Source: Sample

www.rolfbinder.com

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Sirromet Signature Collection Chardonnay 2014

I spent some time with winemaker Adam Chapman last year discussing the Granite Belt region. Hats off to the guy for the passion he has for the region. The detailed vineyard maps and soil composition data were among a host of things he shared with me.

An enjoyable Chardonnay here. Aromas of whipped butter, grilled fig, lime juice, and toasted nuts. White peach plays a neat cameo before citrusy characters hit their straps in the mouth complimented by creamy vanilla oak with the nuttiness hitting back and having the final word on a long finish.

I'd happily have a glass or two.

Drink now to six years.

90/100 - Very good

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.sirromet.com

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Shottesbrooke Merlot 2014

Easy drinking without much thought needed here. Delivery is super smooth highlighted by tomato leaf, earth, dark fruits, some char and fine tannins. It's the type of Merlot you want to drink.

Good buying for the asking price.

Drink now to five years.

89/100 - Good +

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.shottesbrooke.com.au

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Savina Lane Reserve Graciano 2014

Savina Lane is the newest edition to the Granite Belt winery scene and sits on the site formerly known as Back Pocket. A new cellar door was built and some additional varieties were added to the vineyard. All wines are made by Mike Hayes at Symphony Hill.

This soon to be released Graciano comes off estate plantings.

Sprayed with peppery spice, dark cherries, red fruits are juicy and plump. Acidity sits high, the same place as the drinkability - high! A touch of black berry fruit creeps up before being side swiped by a citrusy type tang hanging large giving that moreish appeal.

I could make friends with this very easily, but $55 a bottle is a hard sell for mine, even if members are offered $45. They'll sell them though. 1030 bottles produced.

Drink now to the next three to five years.

91/100 - Very good

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $55
Source: Sample

www.savinalanewines.com.au

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Margan Chardonnay 2016

This is Andrew Margan's entry level range. The fruit is grown on 50 year old vines.

Yellow stonefruits, green apples, creamy through the mid palate thanks to new French oak with a tangy and tart lemony acidity wrapping up the tail. It would pass the roast chook test.

Drink now to three years.

87/100 - Good

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.margan.com.au

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Margan Verdelho 2016

Coming off the oldest Verdelho vines in Australia I'm informed.

Plenty of tropical fruit characters here as would be expected with the addition of some green apple. Delivery is a bit muted without the get up and go I was hoping for. A lick of spice for your trouble to finish. Goes ok.

Drink now.

86/100 - Good

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $18
Source: Sample

www.margan.com.au

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Shottesbrooke Bush Vine Grenache 2015

This is a new addition to the Shottesbrooke range and winemaker Hamish McQuire is finding it hard to contain his excitement. I'd don't blame him either - Grenache off 90+ year old vines doesn't come to hand all that often.

Some sweet fruit initially but time in the glass guides this on the right road and it drank impressively particularly on the second day of tasting. Raspberries, bright cherry, subtle charred oak, a dusting of wood and peppery spice plus a thin veneer of earthy characters sits below the fruit. Great drinking and a wine which certainly possesses a moreishness. Give is a decant and you're on a winner.

Drink now and over the next six years.

Available Cellar Door only.

92/100 - Very good

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.shottesbrooke.com.au

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Sirromet Le Sauvage Viognier 2013

A European style Viognier and I'm a fan. The richness may shoo a few people away, but hey, back your taste buds.

Fresh apricots and apricot nectar, I'm distracted by a whiff of petroleum jelly which loiters momentarily before moving on.

Wild fermentation was allowed to do its thing and fourteen months in new French oak has added some guts to this generous Viognier. Roasted cashews with a ginger spice tap away in the background whilst Apricot fruit just won't stand down from the main stage. More time in the glass and vanilla pod screams out. Plenty of layers of interest here that's for sure.

Drink now to five years.

91/100 - Very good

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $35
Source: Sample

www.sirromet.com

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Sirromet Vineyard Selection Verdelho 2015

Green apple, tropical fruit, rockmelon husk and guava present an inviting start. A lick of cream through the mid palate with a white floral tease shifting to a dash of spice on the finish which lingers.
A pleasant drink to cool your heels with after a warm day.

Drink now.

89/100 - Good+

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $21
Source: Sample

www.sirromet.com

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Rolf Binder Heysen Shiraz 2013

A wine akin to a wave rolling effortlessly across the beach though it doesn't seem to recede, but I'm certainly not complaining that is doesn't. Lush, generous, precise.

Elegance personified here with expected dark fruit and berries, coffee and caramel oak, aniseed and some cedar. This is a dense yet delicate wine. Complex yet reserved. Those generous dark berries purr through early before savoury characters appear leading to a silky smooth finish. A compelling Barossa Shiraz.

Drinking well now but there are decades ahead of it if you desire.

96/100 - Excellent

Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $70
Source: Sample

www.rolfbinder.com

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Shottesbrooke Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2016

If there was an ambassador for Sauvignon Blanc I'd be very much closer to the bottom of the list than the top. But wines like this challenge my belief in this variety. I do like Sauv with some barrel work admittedly, but this has none and it's gleaming! Super fresh, it bursts out of the blocks straight outta the Adelaide Hills.

Tropical fruit explodes from the glass. Pineapple and passionfruit galore. Fresh peas and cut herbs seem so distant but there's a faint whiff to acknowledge their presence. A squeeze of lemon isn't far from the action either. Clean and crisp to taste, that citrusy fleck reappears in the mouth leaving a distinctive tang as the tropical fruit runs riot.

Ring the bargain bell!

Drink now.

92/100 - Very good

Region: Adelaide Hills
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.shottesbrooke.com.au

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Willow Bridge Dragonfly Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2016

The price has gone up by a couple of dollars and some barrel fermentation has made its way into the wine now too.

Pineapple husk headlines subdued tropical aromas. Melons and lime leaf are thereabouts too. A creaminess rolls through the mid palate adding some interest. Cut greens add another dimension before a cleansing finish. Not bad and still good value.

Drink now.

89/100 - Good+

Region: Geographe
RRP: $20
Source: Sample

www.willowbridge.com.au

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Amberley Estate Chimney Brush Chenin Blanc 2015

There's some crowd pleasing appeal here, a bit of sweetness does that for some.

Expressive aromas of tropical fruit headlined by pineapple are quite inviting. Crisp to taste with some slight honeyed characters but there's just a bit too much sweetness for me here to get on board. Two sips and I was done.

A drink now wine but not for me.

85/100

Region: Western Australia (Various)
RRP: $15
Source: Retail

www.amberleyestate.com.au

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