Hillsdale Estate Rosé 2021

 

An attractively scented Rosé from a little South Burnett producer, Hillsdale Estate.

Petersons Jamie's Quatro 2015

Four unusual bedfellows in a blend that just seems to work. Generous and more than delicious.

d'Arenberg The Peppermint Paddock Sparkling NV

I was once told Chambourcin is like eating a wet newspaper. Sometimes perceptions are best left at the door. This has Chambourcin. And Shiraz. And Graciano. Not a bad aperitif this.

O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard 'Karma' Sparkling 2012

O'Reilly's is nestled in the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland at Canungra. A beautifully restored house the centre piece with vineyards out the front and a creek flowing out the back. A great spot for a picnic.

This sparkling Chambourcin is one of the varieties grown on site. Members from the wine club are invited to come a pick the fruit and then all reconvene to taste the product on release.

I've had Chambourcin in the form of a fortified previously but not a sparkling. The base wine was aged in American and French oak. Quite a soft wine which was light on the fizz. Blackcurrant, a touch of cola and some cherry the highlights but not much else jumping in to support it. The lack of length and depth of character are sadly obvious.

I respect that small scale sparkling production is not cheap, but $35 for this is certainly a stretch. Members receive a generous discount which comes in around $25 a bottle, but still, not enough to make me open my wallet.

Who: O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard
What: Chambourcin (11.8% alc)
Where: Canungra Valley, Gold Coast Hinterland
When: 2012
How: $35

www.oreillys.com.au/cvv