Showing posts with label '22. Show all posts
Showing posts with label '22. Show all posts

Sunday 10 December 2023

Ihana Shiraz 2022

 

A Formula 1 driver meets a sixth-generation McLaren Vale producer, Ihana (Finnish for wonderful or fantastic) is a collaboration between Valtteri Bottas and Oliver's Taranga. There is a calm and admirable presence about its carry, a self-confident swagger of sorts for a wine that should be walking with arrogance given its pedigree. But it's the humility that I warm to.

Friday 8 December 2023

Tenafeate Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2022

 


A respectable Cabernet Merlot blend from Tenafeate Creek that shows good varietal traits with a spicy tempo throughout.

Wednesday 6 December 2023

Yelland and Papps Greenock Shiraz 2022

 

Greenock Shiraz hits a bit different. One of the great Barossa subregions, if you're in the hood, be sure to head to the Greenock pub. It's a proper old-school pub. And this? It's a classic, shapely Shiraz sourced and delicately handled by Yelland & Papps.

Tuesday 5 December 2023

Tenafeate Creek Montepulciano 2022

 

Vivid and eye-catching in the glass, those bright purple hues lure you in. This is an excellent and expressive Montepulciano from Tenafeate Creek.

Tenafeate Creek Basket Press Shiraz 2022

 


A rock-solid Shiraz from Tenafeate Creek, give it a good decant and it will pay dividends. 

Wednesday 29 November 2023

Gundog Estate Hilltops No. 2 Shiraz 2022

 


From a cooler site than the No. 1 Shiraz, this walks with a sophisticated swagger despite rocking a street-style hoodie, you know the one. It's a treat to see the two Hilltop expressions from Gundog Estate side by side. There is a little more polish here yet it still presents with some rustic appeal.

Gundog Estate Hilltops No. 1 Shiraz 2022

 

From low-yielding vines in heavier soil, the density and weight are obvious when tasted beside its Hilltops No.2 stablemate. With a glossy appearance, this is a lovely medium-bodied Shiraz.

Gundog Estate Smoking Barrel Shiraz 2022

 

Such an approachable wine, it is no surprise that this Smoking Barrel is a popular choice in the Gundog Estate range. A 50/50 blend of Hunter Valley and Hilltops fruit, it's dense though it keeps its medium-bodied shape. 

Tuesday 28 November 2023

Tenafeate Creek GSM 2022

 

Silky with a comforting embrace, this is a delicious GSM from Tenafeate Creek. Attractive aromas and great fruit combine to deliver a wine that oozes large pours and big comfy chairs.

Friday 24 November 2023

Arila Gardens Ironstone and Quartz Gardens Shiraz 2022

 


Review number 600 for the year so let's make it worth celebrating. I present another brilliant Shiraz from Barossa producer Arila Gardens. This Ironstone and Quartz Garden 2022 is in the zone.

Sunday 19 November 2023

Vinya Vella Old Bush Vine Grenache 2022

 


One from left field, and bang, we have a home run! What a pretty and delicious Grenache from the Barossa's Vinya Vella!

Gundog Estate Canberra District Shiraz 2022

 


After going MIA due to bushfires and high rainfall in 2020 and 2021, the Gundog Estate Canberra District Shiraz is back for 2022. A good drink, this is a burger night special.

Saturday 18 November 2023

Arila Gardens Sand Garden Grenache 2022

 

Absolutely awesome! Adjectives just don't work here so it's best that you get this Arila Gardens Sand Garden Grenache 2022 into your glass.

Friday 17 November 2023

Gundog Estate Flintlock Shiraz 2022

 

The best parcels of fruit from the Hilltops are kept aside to produce this Flintlock Shiraz. Made for the long term, this is a wine I'd like to see in a few years time.

Tuesday 14 November 2023

Pertaringa Understudy Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

 

What a lovely, approachable Cabernet we have here.

Soumah Marzemino 2022

 


Marzemino hails from northern Italy and is new to this tasting bench. The thrill of checking out new varieties is exciting and never ceases to amaze me. A smooth red wine that is not overly layered, it is a stand and deliver type with crowd pleasing appeal given its easy going nature.

Saturday 11 November 2023

Willunga 100 Trott Vineyard Grenache 2022

 


Slightly cooler than the Smart Vineyard in Clarendon, this sits in the deep sands of Blewitt Springs. And we all know the jewel in the McLaren Vale Grenache crown is those deep sands.

Willunga 100 Smart Vineyard Grenache 2022

 


Two top Grenache expressions from Willunga 100 fall under this label. The fruit for this wine comes from the older material on the Smart Vineyard in Clarendon, a site popular with a number of producers.

Huntington Estate Special Reserve Chardonnay 2022

 


Rich and concentrated, this is a Chardonnay with plenty of meat on the bones.

Thursday 9 November 2023