De Iuliis LDR Shiraz Touriga 2020

 

Sleek. This LDR Shiraz Touriga is a great drink. Cast aside the preconceptions that all Hunter Valley wines from 2020 are written off. Once you get your head around the landscape you can be assured that this goes well. 

Oliver's Taranga Brioni's Blend 2022

 

Your face lights up immediately when you meet Brioni. Her infectious smile brightens the room and this wine, much like her, brightens the mood big time. Vibrant and energetic, it's a blend of Mataro, Touriga and Shiraz. Loaded with juicy fruit, it's all party shoes on and let's get dancing. More like this please - it is an absolute beauty.

De Iuliis LDR Shiraz Touriga 2019

 

When dipping your toe into the wonderful ocean of Hunter Valley deliciousness, there are a few wines you probably need to pay close attention to. Of course, there is Shiraz, Semillon, classy Chardonnay and a brace of Shiraz Pinot Noir blends, but serious players need to add this Shiraz Touriga to the list. This has proven time and again it is not a one-hit-wonder like Vanilla Ice. The 2018 was a belter once more and this 2019 maintains the mojo.

De Iuliis LDR Shiraz Touriga 2018

Sensationally medium-bodied, Mike De Iuliis has made this blend his own in the Hunter Valley and the following this wine is getting continues to snowball. Deservedly so too - it is excellent!

Varney Wines Entrada GMT 2020

 

Cool autumn evenings and the bell rings for GMT o'clock. But there's no tonic here my friends. Make that a very smashable Grenache Mourvedre Touriga thank you very much. 

Unsung Hero Touriga 2020

Andy Williams's exploration of emerging varieties is quite exciting. His plans for the future are worth sticking around for too. Watch this space. This Touriga is an impressive number sure to please.

Gerler The Fog 2019

Quite a blend! Touriga, Montepulciano, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo and Nero d'Avola from McLaren Vale. 

Selena Estate BFR 2016

 

A big, robust wine from the Riverland's Selena Estate. An ideal partner for a cold night by the fire or steak on the coals. 

Grandis Wines Touriga 2018

Fruit forward and fleshy Touriga. Go here to stretch your curiosity that bit further and be rewarded in spades.

Oliver's Taranga Brioni's Blend 2018

Let's set the record straight - Brioni is a gun. She's such an easy person to chat and she's not afraid to roll up the sleeves - quite literally. Be it driving the fork truck, lending a hand in the winery or even competing in the world championships for Cross Fit, she also finds time to be a mum. Respect! This wine is named after her - a tribute to the mums ripping in and making the most of life.

Dirt Candy The Little Circus 2018

A fruit salad of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Tempranillo, Touriga and some Traminer skins. Woah, I'm pleased I took a breath before all that. There's definitely plenty going on, that's for sure. Time at the blending bench would have been fun as the end result is pretty good.

Dirt Candy The Aphrodite Touriga Rosé 2018

A looksy through the Qwine records reveals this is the first Touriga Rosé I've had the pleasure of looking at. Man, it grew on me too. Give me plates of plentiful food and a large pour for the win. Tasty stuff!

de Iuliis LDR Shiraz Touriga 2017

Such a pretty wine - a cracking drop. Rush to this!

Good Hunting - Exploring the Hunter Valley

Pack the car up for a two day trip around Australia's oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley.


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Hancock & Hancock McLaren Vale Cabernet Touriga 2014

Opening with dense dark fruits, there's a savoury edge thanks to the Touriga. I liked the aromas more than the flavours delivered to be honest. The delivery doesn't seem mesh with the aromas that come before. It seems to lack polish with a piercing bright acidity. Gravelly and warm to finish, I'd battle to put away a glass.

Bottle age will help ease this but there's plenty more fish in the sea.

I'd prefer others.

Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $23
Source: Sample

www.hancockandhancock.com.au

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De Iuliis Shiraz Touriga 2014

Mike De Iuliis says this will start to sing in 5+ years time. Although I'm patient I've gotta say my patience would be tested with this. It's too good now and I'm not gonna wait.

Pretty fragrances of red flowers, spiced oak and lingering pepper. Red fruits seem to be carried on the shoulders of some perky acidity which will soften given the chance. The crunch from it though adds another dimension of wow factor.

Deliciously medium bodied, this is a killer blend. I'll be buying some that's for sure.

Excellent.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.dewine.com.au

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de iuliis Shiraz Touriga 2013

Claimed to be the first blend of its type in the Hunter Valley, the fruit comes from the family's Lovedale Road vineyard where 1.5 acres was planted. After a little research, this was based on the variety's ability to withstand the heat of a warm vintage. Winemaker Mike de Iuliis convinced his father to plant some Touriga in the family vineyard based on a mate's success with the variety, so it hit the dirt in 2008.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this admittedly but I felt I was smacked by a left hook as it hit the nostrils. Wow!

This is subtle but powerful. Feminine yet masculine...you get the picture.

Touriga Nacional is traditionally used in fortifieds and contributes 15% to this blend. This is the second vintage the fruit has been used, and by all accounts, it's been 100% success thus far.

Fractionally on the lighter side of medium bodied, the fruit sits gracefully. Attractive florals of purple flowers and violets, raspberries and blueberries plus some cracked black pepper. The Touriga really adds to the aromatics of the wine. Some typical Hunter earthiness kicks up too via the Shiraz. Length? Is long and delicious!

Mike suggests this will be rocking after five years in the cellar. I haven't got time for that. It's SOOO good now. Good acid will soften furthermore however.

Cellar Door only.

Excellent.

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $40
Source: Sample

www.dewine.com.au

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