Balgownie Estate Shiraz 2008

What a fabulous wine this is! Age has delivered a glorious Shiraz. Given its age and quality, I highly recommend gifting this to someone deserving.

Redman Wines The Redman 2008

Sourced from 30-year-old vineyards, this is made to reflect the true essence of Coonawarra. Only 200 dozen produced.

Yellowglen Perle Vintage Rosé 2008

Strawberries & cream all the way here. Stylish and hard to beat for the money - a quick search shows it can be found for under $20 - a bargain deluxe. All the hard work has been done for you too - six years of bottle age has produced a fizz ready to be enjoyed now.

A blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (60/27/13), there's a dash of sweetness, and although not overly dry, there's good weight and great length. Delicious berry and nougat characters stroll through with ease. Very moreish.

Very good+

Region: Henty, Tumbarumba, Adelaide Hills
RRP: $25
Source: Sample

www.yellowglen.com

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Pizzini Rubacuori Sangiovese 2008

To be released January 2016, of all the Pizzini samples received, this guy was the only one sealed with some bark. And it survived you'll be pleased to know.

All the bells and whistles have been thrown at it. The best fruit parcels were used before 18 months in barrel then another two in the bottle.

This oozes class but needs a good decant to show its best. Dark cherries, compote and stewed fruits plus a dash of dried herbs. Grippy, the tannins stick and hold. Powdery like. Moreish indeed.

A polished wine and a privilege to have had the opportunity to taste.

Cellar for the medium term but it is certainly in a neat groove now.

Excellent.

Region: King Valley

RRP: $110

Source: Sample

www.pizzini.com.au

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d'Arenberg The Dry Dam Riesling 2008

2008 was the year some experimentation took place at d'Arenberg with their Riesling. The fruit for this Dry Dam comes off low yielding vines with an average age of 50 years and was picked at lower sugar levels than previous.

500 dozen were held back and the Riesling museum was born. Tremendously successful, this wine has already been awarded six trophies, fifteen gold medals and counting.

Whilst still showing some freshness, the aging phase has started to reveal typical toast and kerosene traits. Wading through the lemons, limes and pureed apple is some honeycomb goodness. Florally perfume escapes the glass in plumes but it is the acidity which keeps me hanging on for more. Perfectly placed it frames the palate well.

Long term cellaring is still in the bag here but gee it's good to go now. And it's cheap. Real cheap for a seven year old wine. Just shows what a bargain great Riesling is.

Excellent.

Region: McLaren Vale

RRP: $29 (current 2015 - $18)

Source: Sample

www.darenberg.com.au

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Karra Yerta Wines Eden Valley Riesling 2008

I bought a heap of these some time ago when the winery was closing its operation and all stock was being thrown out at crazy prices. All stock has since sold out.

This Riesling comes from 80 year old dry grown vines which were hand picked.

Bang in the middle of its drinking window, this has aged beautifully.

Kero lights the flame, preserved lemons and a dollop of honey. The palate is filled with dense fruit and some textural interest leading to a long finish. Better still, there's plenty of life left in it and I'm pretty pleased I've got a lot more in the bank.

Very good.

Region: Eden Valley
RRP: $??
Source: Cellar Door

www.karrayertawines.com.au

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Domain Day "S" Saperavi 2008

Only 200 dozen were produced of this Georgian variety.

I don't often get the chance to see many Saperavi wines so when I was able to taste three alongside each other, I certainly took the opportunity.

Of the three, this didn't show well at all. It was jammy and porty. The palate was bulky, raisiny and hot. Cooked maybe a better term.

The fruit was warm in the mouth and lingered with a grippy drying tannin structure.

Not to my liking.

Who: Domain Day
What: Saperavi (13% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2008
How much: $35

www.domainday.com.au

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Rocland Estate Lot 147 Shiraz 2008

Strap yourself in for a big Barossa Shiraz.

.

Super dark appearance the wine is bursting with chocolate and blackberries. Deep and concentrated, perhaps a little too much? I can see how the power can turn some off yet appeal to many.

Despite the wine's punch there is a softer side. Iron fist in a velvet glove like. Five years of aging has certainly helped mesh all elements together. The palate balanced with a super long length.

Some cedar characters poke through but the fruit jostles it back into place. Stated at 15% alcohol, I suggest it takes up some of the 1.5% variance available.

Good to drink now and will certainly cellar for at least the medium term.

Ensure you are seated with a slab of protein or a block of chocolate at the ready.

Who: Rocland Estate
What: Shiraz (15% alc)
Where: Barossa
When: 2008
How: $45

www.roclandestate.com

Cirillo Estate Wines Old Vine 1850 Grenache 2008

This is all class!

Coming from vines planted just prior to 1850, this wine is spectacular.

Deliciously soft and super smooth, it is bursting with character. Old leather, the humming of gentle peppery spice, some damp earth and lots of savoury goodness.

The fruit is handled delicately during the winemaking process and that delicate trait is clearly transferred to the texture. Along with lashings of well integrated integrated oak, a drying and super long length finish this wine off perfectly.

A worthy purchase for a special occasion. You won't be disappointed.

Grab it to saviour now or cellar easily for the next decade.

Available at good independent bottle shops and also nationally through a large chain discount store.

Who: Cirillo Estate Wines

What: Grenache (14.7% alc)

Where: Barossa

When: 2008

How: $55

www.cirilloestatewines.com.au

Meerea Park Alexander Munro Semillon 2008

Bottled in 2008 and released in Feburary 2013, this Semillon is taking shape beautifully.

The wine has starting to show some good development. Coming from the treasured Braemore vineyard in Pokolbin, this label is only released from an exceptional vintage.

Fresh characters of lemons and limes are in abundance with a fine vener of wild flowers. Some lemon zest is in there too. Toasty characters chime in with a touch of kerosene resulting from age. I felt the aromatics captivated me moreso than the fruit delivered. The palate thinned out quicker than expected, but there is still plenty of body there. Perhaps I was expecting more for the five years aging which already had taken place. The natural soft acid on offer will continue to bolster the wine for further cellaring.

A perfect partner for some greasy fish, just what I did.

For the money, you get a top deal with many years ahead.

Who: Meerea Park
What: Semillon (10.5% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2008
How: $36

www.meereapark.com.au

Mason Wines Shiraz 2008

A 2008 sitting on the shelf for $19? I was intrigued. So off to the counter I went. Soon after I ripped the top off it at dinner. Boom! This blew us away.
I was dining with four other wine industry folk and when discussing the wine I asked my well travelled and knowledgeable friend how much she would pay for it. Without hesitation she said $40-50. 'nuff said!

Coming from Ballandean on Queensland's Granite Belt, smoked hock, black fruit and some pepperyness kick things off. The palate is soft and polished with well weighted and balanced fruit. Delicious spice added another dimension. Tremendous length and need I scream, "Value!!"

Whether some stock of this remains at the winery or elsewhere is yet to be determined, but if you can get you hands on it, do it!

Who: Mason Wines
What: Shiraz (13.5% alc)

Where: Granite Belt, Queensland

When: 2008
How: $19 (retail)

http://www.masonwines.com.au/

Deen De Bortoli Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon 2008

Hello bargain!

There are plenty of "stickies" or dessert wines out there with many chasing over the $20 mark for a 375mL bottle. Those who are budget conscious look no further than this wine - less than $15!

Plenty of orange rind, mandarin peel and ripe apricot characters are in abundance. Not too thick and syrupy as some botrytis wines, the flavours are moreish and are similar to apricot nectar.

The length appears to last forever too. A wonderfully balanced drop I must say.

The back label suggests to have with a lemon tart. I did. I even added some finger lime goodness to it - a superb food and wine match!

A wine I'd definitely throw in the trolley.

Who: De Bortoli Wines http://www.debortoli.com.au/
What: Botrytis Semillon (10.5% alc)

Where: Riverina

When: 2008

How: $13.95

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d'Arenberg The Galvo Garage 2008

d'Arenberg produce some most interesting blends, and this is another which not only engages interest but does the job well.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (13%), Cabernet Franc (9%), and Petit Verdot (6%), the result is a delicious and moreish wine which warms the soul.

Gutsy as many d'Arenberg wines are, the grunt is rounded off by a softer touch. Expect earthy, blackcurrant, Ribena and boot polish type characters. Textured oak and mulchy elements kick along with chocolatey and mint flavours hovering in the background.

A wine which will happily see time in the cellar for at least 5-8 years.

Throw it in a decanter and give it some air then sit back and enjoy with a lamb roast.

Who: d'Arenberg http://www.darenberg.com.au/
What: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot (14.5% alc)

Where: McLaren Vale

When: 2008

How: $32

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Brand's Laira Stentiford's Shiraz 2008

I was hoping for big things here but it just didn't light my fire.

There is a warmth which just doesn't seem in sync with the wine. Coupled with the high alcohol (15%), I wondered if maybe there was even a smidge more than that stated.

Leather glove type characters on the nose. Plummy, spice and soft black pepper flavours concentrated on the front and mid palate. Something just seemed withheld here.

I'm happy to be on the wrong bus, particularly as there are four gold medals proudly affixed to the label, but each to their own and this wine just wasn't me.

Who: Brand's Laira http://www.brandslaira.com.au
What: Shiraz (15% alc)
Where: Coonawarra
When: 2008
How: $55

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McWilliams 1877 Shiraz Cabernet 2008

A multi regional blend of Shiraz and Cabernet from McLaren Vale, Hilltops and Coonawarra.

The wine spent twenty months in French oak and the result is pretty smart.

There's lots going on to tease the senses. It's dense, concentrated and complex. Aromas pour out of the glass including vanilla, mocha, burnt fig, plums and cassis.

Initial spice on the palate dives into an elegant softness. Wonderfully balanced with the aromas flowing onto a palate loaded with flavour.
Great length which is wrapped up with powdery tannins. Yum.

Although a 2008, another few more years won't hurt it and long term cellaring is definitely in its sights.

Available cellar door only. A wine worth tucking away if your budget can extend that far.

Who: McWilliams http://www.mountpleasantwines.com.au/

What: Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon (15% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale, Hilltops, Coonawarra
When: 2008
How: $65

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Tahbilk Shiraz 2008

A mission to the bottle shop with twenty bucks saw this make its way home. Admittedly I have had this wine previously but not blogged it, and whilst I didn't intend blogging this one either, I couldn't help but share the bang for buck factor.

Coming from Nagambie Lakes in Victoria, I narrowed down my search to three wines on the shelf. What tipped me towards this wine was the fact it had four years of age already under its belt, not to mention I received twenty cents change!
Super dark colour, a bounty of spice, chocolate, plummy goodness. Plenty of guts here, and the black fruit flavours kick through to the finish with a soft and generous length. Oak was well integrated. A suggestion the fruit was a little over ripe, but this didn't detract from a wine which was still an enjoyable drop.

Go shopping for this and you'll be smiling.

Who: Tahbilk http://www.tahbilk.com.au
What: Shiraz (14.5% alc)
Where: Nagambie Lakes
When: 2008
How: $19.80 (on special at an independent retailer)

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Barambah Vineyard Selection Red 2008

Made for everyday consumption, this drop was good for what it delivered. It's not complex nor will it scoop the pool at a wine show, but what it will do is keep a smile on your face.

For $16 and released with plenty of bottle age on it, it goes well.

Some earthiness, dry leaves, dark fruits and a slight plum aroma on nose.

Not complex, just an easy drinking wine with a smooth transition from nose to palate.

Good tannin and surprising length. At its peak now.

Who: Barambah http://www.barambah.com.au/
What: Red Blend - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache (13% abv)
Where: South Burnett, Queensland
When: 2008
How: $16

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Oliver's Taranga HJ Reserve Shiraz 2008

Wow. Wow. Wow!
This blew my socks off. So much so it will be on my Christmas table.

Described as "ultra premium", it certainly is, and then some.

The fruit was picked before the heatwave of 2008 took hold, and thank goodness!

Flavours are big, powerful and concentrated.

After a few years tucked away in the bottle, the wine needed a little resuscitation. With a little more life in it, boom!

Super dark in colour, edging on black. Aromas of spice, dense chocolate, deep plum and cedary oak. This is seriously good and meaty.

Ridiculously smooth and soft yet dense. Loaded with flavour. If ever you were to taste chocolate characteristics in a Shiraz, this is the one. Blueberry, blackberry and deep plum goodness add to the flavour profile with a sweet touch of spice. The length goes on and on, and although the alcohol is high (15%), it is not obtrusive. A well balanced wine.

Fine soft tannins finish off a wine I saluted - an absolute cracker!

Another reason for me to look forward to Christmas.

Who: Olivers Taranga www.OliversTaranga.com
What: Shiraz (15% alc)
Where: McLaren Vale
When: 2008
How: $50

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Yering Station Shiraz Viognier 2008

Co-fermented in new and old French oak, the wine delivers a bright colour and a nose of pretty spring flowers wrapped up in gentle spice. A drop of Viognier (5%) adds to the aromatics beautifully.

The palate possessed an enduring warmth highlighted by attractive fruit and a bucket load of berry flavour. A savory component rolled out at the end of the finish which was delicious. All elements just come together in this wine and sing harmoniously.

Elegant and soft, the length and mouthfeel was superb.

An absolutely brilliant wine, and for $28, it is a ripper deal.

Who: Yering Station http://www.yering.com/
What: Shiraz Viognier (14.5% alc)
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 2008
How: $28

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Vertical Verdelho Tasting

Australia is one of a few countries who use Verdelho as a table wine. The table wines in Portugal haven't taken off as the grapes are picked before they are ripe and persuading growers against this has proven difficult, well, so I am told.

Much of the Verdelho we see here in Australia is made for immediate consumption - intense flavours of tropical fruit leap to the fore making it a refreshing drop for a hot day, and accompanied by seafood to make the match perfect. One Verdelho I tasted recently was picked, fermented and in the bottle within six weeks!

Some wineries are using age to bring out some different characteristics in this variety. Examples that come to mind are Bent Road Winery from the Granite Belt and Heathcote producer Flynns Wines. Although these two wines are made with subtle differences, an example being some barrel age (only 3-4 months) contributing to the Flynns Verdelho which adds a creamy edge with textured notes. Winemaker Greg Flynn's intention is to show how diverse Verdelho can be.

With all this in mind I was lucky enough to indulge in a vertical tasting of some Barambah Wines Verdelho with winemaker and Australian Master of Wine Peter Scudamore-Smith.
Something which struck my eye immediately was the label stating the wine had a cellaring potential of 2-3 years. Although this was put on the label for the consumer, the tasting demonstrated that there was plenty of kick left in these wines cellared in good conditions with some wonderful development taking place.

Barambah Verdelho 2007
Whole bunch pressed, age characteristics are clearly apparent. Dry grass, a touch of smoke, lemon sherbert and citrus oil all creating an engaging nose. The wine has moved from the fresh stage to a bottle age phase.
An appearance of pale gold with a touch of green. The palate is coated with some grassy type flavours along with reduced melon and pawpaw (13% alc). Super length of longer than a minute with a soft finish, and although the acid is still up there ever so slightly, I couldn't help to suggest that this has easily another five years of life left in it. My favourite of the three.

Barambah Verdelho 2008
Whole bunch pressed once again, this wine was the palest of the three in appearance. A herby and grassy nose with a simple palate. Simple by the way of the fact the wine is in a neutral phase of development - not fresh nor bottle age. The palate did grow after a few seconds but didn't have a the width nor breadth of the previous (12.5% alc).
There was some sweetness on the finish, and although another five years would see change, I get a sense that this vintage will fade.

Barambah 2010
A light golden appearance and heaps of fruit. Tropical fruit typical of Verdelho on the nose coupled with a smidge of honey and a banana peel aromas.
Some ever so gentle spice on the palate along with clean and refereshing tropical fruit flavours. Good acid and impressive length (13.5% alc).
Still in the fresh stage and considering the amount of fruit in this wine, I am confident this will kick on wonderfully for easily ten years. Better still, I sense it may even be in a better place than the '07 at the ten year mark.

Although the back vintages are now unavailable, the 2010 is ready to go and will definitely reward patience. Well priced for $19, a Sample Taste Six Pack special is currently available with three whites ('09 Unwooded Chardonnay, '10 Verdelho, '10 Classic White) and three reds ('09 Shiraz, '08 Shiraz Viognier, '08 Selection Red) for $88 with free delivery.

Who: Barambah http://www.barambah.com.au/
What: First Grid Verdelho
Where: South Burnett, Queensland
When: 2007, 2008, 2010
How: $19

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