2008 Tokar Estate Shiraz

2008 Tokar Estate Shiraz
$25
Yarra Valley

Delicious delicious nose! Creamy strawberries and raspberries dominate. A spoonful of blueberries, and some persistence will reveal a rich earthy undertone (Composting leaves). It is barely there so don't let that put you off.

This Shiraz feels delicious!? Lots of spiced fruit. Big spicy mcspice. The creaminess is a great opener but the black pepper and cloves go crazy in the middle. It hangs around for a while and eventually softens to a modest raspberry tang.

Very big spicy Shiraz with a perfect Yarra Valley nose.

78 points

2002 Peter Lehmann Light Pass Cabernet Sauvignon

2002 Peter Lehmann Light Pass Cabernet Sauvignon

So... Why have I not written about this wine?  I don't really know what to say.  This was the first bottle of wine I tasted that blew my mind.  Friends of mine brought it over for a roast dinner and all I can think of what magic has gone into that.

Was it the vintage?

Was it the sub region?

Was is the grape?

This wine triggered my passion to learn about wine, to search for the ultimate drop.

This wine is currently my benchmark for perfection.

100 points.

Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show 2011

My favourites from the Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show 2011

2009 Ravens Croft Chardonnay

2008 d'Arenberg The Love Grass Shiraz

2008 d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon

2008 d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz

2009 Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz

2009 Wirra Wirra the Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon

2010 Wirra Wirra Woodhence Shiraz

2010 Golden Grove Tempranillo

2009 Symphony Hill Shiraz Viognier

2008 Symphony Hill Reserve Shiraz

2008 Thorn Clarke William Randell Shiraz

2008 Domain Day one serious sangiovese

2008 Peter Lehmann Mentor Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Peter Lehmann 1885 VSV Shiraz

Peter Lehmann Black Queen Sparkling Shiraz

2006 Campofiorin Masi

2006 Campofiorin Masi

Verona Italy

$60

This style of winemaking is referred to as appassimento which includes semi drying and the double fermenting. This produces a very intense and full bodied drop.

Despite the dried grape addition, the wine remains seriously dry but different to a chianti is the depth of character and flavours that cling to your cheeks.

Mostly dark red hue and feels very heavy in the glass. The nose has hazzle nuts, dried raspberries, delicate dusting of dried herbs and a light orange peel. All working together for a very classy drop.

This is really an elegant food wine. We opened this bottle with a Jamie Oliver 30 min Ragu recipe. Perfect.

As mentioned earlier, quite dry with the fruit sitting further back in a polite reserved manor. A mouthful of Ragu and a little wine brings out some big raisins, dusting of white pepper, some roasted capsicum as well as paprika.

Great experience for a special occasion.

84 points

2003 Merricks Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2003 Merricks Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Mornington Peninsula, VIC

$11.50/glass

$30 bottle retail

Remember when you were a child eating a bag of jelly beans? Red strawberry, white vanilla, green lime... No one wanted the black ones except dad. Why is that? I could always count on my dad to finish most things I didn't like, mostly licorice flavored things and spicy things, and generally anything that tasted like coffee, how things change.

As I sit in Gills Diner in Melbourne after a long hard day at work, I sip this wine and realize I have developed Dad tastes. I'm not convinced that I understand the flavors or even enjoy them, but mostly I feel like I snuck a sip from dad's cup.

Very dark, rich red, there is some bottle age and this is starting to show through the colour.

Tar, tobacco, built with strength and complexity, and a wink which says "i can still beat you in an arm wrestle" so much like my dad. It's thick and feels sticky like chewing those black jelly beans. Served with the beef cheeks, there is nothing better.

Licorice and cassis finish with a dusting of dried oregano.

If you "get it"...

79 points

Mick's review: Cape Vine Cabernet Shiraz

Mick's review: Cape Vine Cabernet Shiraz

Good deep grainy wine with a smooth finish.  Deep plum colour.

70 points

2008 La Reto Quatro Mano Tempranillo

2008 La Reto Quatro Mano Tempranillo

$26

Barossa Valley

Blind Tasting

Red/purple colour.  Delicous fruity nose with a hint of liquorice.... and some unfortunate "stomach juices" also coming through.

Plums, spicy cloves.  Not much else to say.

65 points

2006 Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz

2006 Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz

$40

McLaren Vales

Blind tasting

This has a rediculously amazing nose, plums, violets, chocolate, cigar box and roasted cashews... I could smell this all day.

Plenty of enticing fruit flavours, juicy plums, blue berries and chocolate.  Rich mcRich yet smooth and stylish with a smokey finish which carries it through to a lingering yet focused finish.

I love this, definately worth the $40 for an amazing experience.

93 points

2004 Mantons Creek Tempranillo

2004 Mantons Creek Tempranillo

$40

Blind tasting

Rachel and I went down to Mornington Peninsula in Victoria in 2009 and stumbled across Mantons Creek as a B&B and not a winery. The vineyard had just changed hands and the new owner Frederick was spending his days clearing some over grown parcels and replanting different grapes where they should have been planted originally. There was no cellar door and the B&B was an absolute bargain considering we were the only ones in the vine front Chateau.

At that stage, guests were offered a free bottle from the Mantons Creek range but without a cellar door we had no idea what to choose. At lunch we were asked where we were staying, the response was convincing, "you have to try the tempranillo, there was a byo showcase for wine makers and Frederick brought one from 2003. It blew everyone away!"

Turns out Mantons Creek is the only vineyard to grow tempranillo.

As for the wine itself, it is a very dark ruby with a very strong almost pungent nose which I'm very excited about.  It's a little stinky (in a good way) with black currant syrup, raisins and milk chocolate with a fantastic earthy undertone which gives it great depth and structure.

The recipe reads as a cup of stewed raspberries, tsp of ground cloves, a pinch of black pepper and a sprinkling of greated dark chocolate.  All in all a very rich yet smooth result.

Highly recommended...

88 points

2004 Maques de Caseres Roija

2004 Maques de Caseres Roija

$35

Very dark, almost inky red colour.

Raisins, dark chocolate and violets on the nose. Surprisingly thin mouth feel.

More dark chocolate and leather on the tongue.

Dry savory finish with a waft of alcohol heat.

76 points

2007 Chalk Hill Shiraz

2007 Chalk Hill Shiraz


McLaren Vale

The first thing that comes to mind when I smell it, besides the delicious black cherries plum jam, is the bottle labelled 14.5% alcohol. Often reds can benefit from a good airing as it gives them a chance to relax and take a breath. Kinda like in the original Star Trek when they beamed down to a new planet and no matter what it looks like, it always seams to have oxygen. Eventually they take their helmets off and get on with the story.

Original tasting was 4:30pm Friday arvo, and therefore I opened it at about 2:30pm. Just the screw cap though which doesn't allow much air but is still better than nothing. Anyway, all who were gathered around for a tasting agreed the wine smelt hot and some had first hand alcohol related symptoms. Once past the alcohol, all agreed this was a great drop.

The Chalk Hill surprises me actually, I've come to expect a varietal jammy or tartness but this is far more elegant and balanced. Perhaps a couple of years in the bottle should be mandatory for McLaren Vale Shiraz. There is a little savoury sharpness on the nose too, I don't want to say stem so more like green leaves.

Rich plum flavors, sweet red and black cherries, delicious black currant finish.

Nice example of this varietal. Far more fruit driven area of Australia.

71 points

2008 Ben Portet Ten Men Shiraz

2008 Ben Portet Ten Men Shiraz

$35

Cellar door at Dominique Portet wines in the Yarra Valley.

I have an affinity with this wine because my wife and I love to visit the winery it was made, mostly for lunch and to look through the jams and French farm house merchandise.

This wine is made by Ben Portet, who is as the bottle label suggests, is the 10th generation of wine maker in the family starting with Jean in 1698.

It has a deep crimson colour with a sensible stewed raspberry nose. I can smell fruit mince pie balanced nicely by a dollop of cream on the side.

Forget the plums and black pepper of the Barossa, this is far more balanced and elegant. More flavours of raspberries and cream, then comes the dark chocolate and cedar box. Respectful tannin structure makes it a good match to a light stew or casserole. All in all, medium bodied shiraz with a little white pepper finish.

79 points

2006 Monmousseau Cuvee Touraine Blanc de Blancs

2006 Monmousseau Cuvee Touraine Blanc de Blancs

$25

Appellation Touraine

Blanc de Blanc means chardonnay grapes only which makes it quite different to tradittional sparkling. This style is quite rich and buttery and surprisingly low on fizz. There was some pressure on the cork but it didn't want to shoot out. Peach and citrus sherbet nose. Lemon, lime and a little orange marmalade. Creamy peach wiese bar in a glass. Good acidity and could cellar for another 5 to 10 but not much longer.

I have to emphasize how rich this is, probably best with a vinigerette salad.

72 points

2008 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Grenache

2008 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Grenache

$10

Barossa

Straight up, this is a text book BBQ red. Ross brought it over to a BBQ at my place but it didn't get opened... Until now. Thanks Ross.

What makes a good BBQ red? Smooth, approachable, savoury yet a little fruit up front. A wine you don't have to think too hard about, but interesting enough to wash down a steak, some snags, potato bake and some token salad. What sets this aside from the others is the Grenache. It sits hard in the mid palate all the way to the end bringing a fruit mince pie with a olive focaccia finish.

Value for money factor put this one in the 70s but to be consistent with previous scores I give it...

65 points

2009 Tobin Max Shiraz

2009 Tobin Max Shiraz

$35

Bottle number 511 of 1800
Granite Belt

This is one of the best wines to come out of the Granite Belt. Adrian Tobin made a 'vine change' during a successful career in accountancy. He is passionate about everything in his vineyard and it flows through into the every bottle.

Thick red colour and a delicate raspberry nose. Almonds, fresh herbs and a little cream too.

Jammy raspberries, grassy herbs and an earthy undertone makes for an interesting and moderately complex wine. Soft tannins and a long focussed finish.

80 points

1998 Tyrrell's Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz

1998 Tyrrell's Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz

$50 (purchase in 2011 for a premium, $20 original release, $35 at second release in 2003)

2010 Somerton Cabernet Sauvignon

2010 Somerton Cabernet Sauvignon

$5

2008 Dutschke St.Jakobi Shiraz

2008 Dutschke St.Jakobi Shiraz

$35

2009 Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz

2009 Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz

$20

2006 Curlewis 'Bel Sel' Pinot Noir

2006 Curlewis 'Bel Sel' Pinot Noir

$12.5/glass

$40 bottle retail

2007 Di Giorgio Lucindale Cabernet Sauvignon

2007 Di Giorgio Lucindale Cabernet Sauvignon

$20

Coonawarra

Imagine a 20 cent bag of mixed lollies... Raspberries and cream, choc buds, green frogs and bullets, then dump a tablespoon of dried oregano on top.  While all that sounds like an odd combination, it actually describes the current batch of Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the Limestone Coast.

The flavours are a little more gourmet with a dusting of rosemary and white pepper.  Some raspberries and cranberries and a little cream from the barrel.  Big tannic backbone gives it a good 10 years on its side.

73 points

2008 Hinton Hill Country Pinot Noir

2008 Hinton Hill Country Pinot Noir

$30

Central Otago

Who doesn't like a liittle raspberries and cream?  I smell chocolate covered goji berries, actually quite chewy or even crunchy.  Is it possible to smell crunchy?

Full bodied NZ pinot.  Not quite the same toastiness I expect from a Central Otago example and therefore, it is a little unique.  Some tangy sour raspberries on top.  Medium amount of tannins but all in all a delicious NZ red.

78 points

2010 Tulloch Vineyard Selection Verdelho

2010 Tulloch Vineyard Selection Verdelho

$20 only available at the cellar door

Hunter Valley

In a phrase, "more than your average Verdy"... 

Darker than average, yellow/straw tones. 

Fuller than your average, interesting whirlpool when swirled.

Richer than your average, yellow peach and pear flesh and a little pineapple.

More sensible and balanced than your average.  A little acid sizzle, a little residual sugar, a little minerality = a lot interesting.

A nice dry white for a bbq without the sourness of a Sauvignon Blanc.  It doesn't excite me but I "get it" and can recommend to others.

70 points.

2009 Dandelion Vineyards Pride of the Fleurieu Peninsula Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Dandelion Vineyards Pride of the Fleurieu Peninsula Cabernet Sauvignon

Gift from Derek

McLaren Vale

This is all about subtle fruit, fresh and dried herbs and a dose of white pepper, somewhat refreshing compared to other cabernets from this region.  The savoury profile and overall complexity builds the argument for a compelling drop.

Rich red colour, a little green capsicum and a sprinkling of dried oregano.  Smooth tannins with a delicate savoury finish.

I suggest wine drinkers give this a try next to a Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon for an education.

72 points, thanks Derek!

2009 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

$14

MR Intrigue...  Bold red cherry nose (like Rudolph?) dressed in a savoury tuxedo.  Dried rosemary bow tie.

Unfortunately he didn't iron his shirt and lost his matching socks.  Mellow and boarder line dull fruit personality.  Red berry blend with a herbaceous mid palate. Interesting example of a Coonawarra Cab Sauv as it has a solid dusting of elegance.  Overall worth a lunch date, the looks are better than the personality.

68 points

Rachel's Review: 2006 Two Sisters Pinot Noir

2006 Two Sisters Pinot Noir (featuring Rachel)

$22 ($18 in a half case)

Central Otago

Light strawberry and dark red berry notes.  Initial vanilla smoothness followed by a big "throaties" lolly flavour. 

Soft tannins.  Chewy and mouth filling.  A little tingle on the finish as it rolls evenly across the pallet.  Dark cocoa.

82 points

2009 Golden Grove Estate Shiraz

2009 Golden Grove Estate Shiraz

$20

Cellar Door

Golden Grove is owned and run by the Costanzo family since 1970s.  I visited the cellar door a meager two weeks after the family's annual cacciatore making day.  My excitement was swiftly quashed when I was reminded it was strictly a family affair and there weren't any "spares".  The vineyard grows a lot of traditional grapes as well as a quality portion of mediterranean styles such as barbera, durif, malbec and tempranillo as well as a well balanced blend of all four.

This is a great example of a cool climate shiraz and represents with an amazing nose.  Choc coated goji berries, raspberries and yogurt and macadamia nuts.  I can actually feel the hairs on the raspberries up my nose and the crunch of the macadamia nuts.

Big raspberry flavours and a touch of liquorish and white pepper.  Very smooth and creamy as long as you let it sit for 30 mins after opening.

84 points.

2010 Symphony Hill Gewürztraminer

2010 Symphony Hill Gewürztraminer

For me, this is an exciting wine! As a proud Queenslander I've been desperate to embrace a local winery that produces wines that show depth, quality and varietal character. Symphony Hill is an emerging winery, with the cellar door well worth a visit. The nectar aside, Ewen and Elissa invest themselves in raising funds and awareness for charities supporting orphans in Asia. The most prominent commitment was made in 2004 when Danying was adopted into their family from an orphanage in China. To celebrate their new addition, a special wine in her namesake was made to commemorate the occasion.

In addition, Elissa is a passionate supporter of women encouraging them to grow and discover themselves and their spirituality in her book BEAUTIFUL.

http://www.symphonyhill.com.au/index.html for more info.

Today's wine is the Gewürztraminer.

The nose comes with luscious lychees complimented with typical Turkish delight (chewy rose petals). There is a lime and pineapple supporting act.

The palate is focussed and enticing with a medium bodied mouth feel. Spades of lychees! Pinapples and a little coconut. Did I mention the lychees? 'cause there's buckets of them, a little lime but mostly lychees! Good acid sizzle on the tongue makes it suited to Thai curries and meals with a little spice.

Delicious

81 points

2006 Ballandean estate wines shiraz viognier

2006 Ballandean estate wines

$25

Granite belt (qld)

Shiraz from this region is definitely a contrast to other regions, south Australia is warmer than the granite belt (if you can believe it) and this means that the grapes develop accordingly. The skins are thinner and the grapes ripen slower.  Shiraz is more mellow and focussed, no big peppery fruit bombs but instead subtle and smooth.

Red and clear, unlike Barossa purple hue.

The nose is great, cranberry jelly lollies (someone should make those) and creamed honey.  Slight barnyard element that disappears on airing. Some dried herbs come through too.

Soft raspberries and a little dried herbs  produce a balanced and approachable palate.

Good with steak, whereas this blend from other regions would often be matched to woodfire pizza. There is not as much savory character but definitely enough tannins to go with a medium rare porterhouse. 

77 points

Robinson family winery mystery bottle!

Robinson family winery mystery bottle

$5

According to Heather (Mrs.Robinson) this bottle was found at the bottom of the cellar a couple of years ago.
No label
No worries
They were thrown into a pot luck barrel at the front of the cellar door with a label of $5 each. I can't resist a challenge so I bought 3! Heather recognized this bottle as the shape from the 1992 or 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Fingers crossed.

Have a look at the cork, almost soaked all the way through.

Rich red colour and slightly closet.
Plenty of roast capsicum action, sour cherries, leather, biscotti, oregano, chicken fat(?) and a tablespoon of dirt.

Something crazy happens when tasting. If I swirl it it seems to lose a lot of the richness and depth and becomes quite mellow and gutless. Roast capsicum, oregano, sour cherries, traces of leather and dark chocolate.

Perfect drinking now.

For $5, I can't give this less than 90 points.

Do yourself a favor and go to Robinson family winery and buy the rest!! Go now or may God have mercy on your soul.

2008 STEP RD Chardonnay

2008 STEP RD Chardonnay

Adelaide hills

Remarkably clear, straw to golden colour.

Pineapple, peach, rockmelon, touch of lime, some minerality and a little kerosine.

There is a fair amount of depth to this one. Pineapples and limes, then it turns to sweeter stone fruit. A sensible amount of barrel time and a slight sizzle on the toungue points to a well made wine.

A little sweeter than I'd like but overall worthwhile.

80 points

2008 Smoking Jim Merlot

2008 Smoking Jim Merlot
$22
Barossa
Blind tasting
Red opaque colour
Chewy delicious nose. Mint chocolate slice!
This one is very complex, mulberries and tobacco with a smooth savoury finish.
83 points

2009 Innocent Bystander Merlot Cabernet

2009 Innocent Bystander Merlot Cabernet
Yarra valley
Typical Blackcurrant and sour cherry nose.
Very easy drinking, IB make good wines that are very approachable. Blackcurrant and black cherries, hint of Spice. Short dry finish but most drinkers will love it...
Not my favourite style.
68 points

2009 Land of Vines Chardonnay

2009 Land of Vines Chardonnay
Work dinner.
Straw coloured. balanced oak, very rich nose. Interesting minerality. Like a piece of brioche in a glass.
Great mouth feel, ripe pear and a sensible buttery finish.
Quality.
76 points

2008 The Four Graces Pinot Noir

2008 The Four Graces Pinot Noir

US$25

Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills, Oregon

Light red colour on the clearer side with a slight raisin hue.

Big candy strawberry nose.  Some welcome toastiness gives this wine some depth.

Full mouth feel and some delicious rasberries.  Overall great complexity and balanced charactors.  This is my favourite US wine and I'd love to try some more Oregon Pinots.

82 points.

2008 Fogdog Pinot Noir

2008 Fogdog Pinot Noir

US$32

Sanoma Coast, California

13.5%

Fogdog is the nickname of the morning visitor who daily fills the hillside and valley.

Red and purple tones complimented by the nose of red berries and dark chocolate/mocha.

Light to media mouth feel dominated by cranberries.

I really enjoyed this style of Pinot.

75 points.

2008 David Bruce Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands

2008 David Bruce Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands

US$15

Central Coast, California

Straw to golden hue.

Balanced oak, a little butter which can be nice.

62 points.

2008 Stephen Vincent Crimson Shiraz Cabernet

2008 Stephen Vincent Crimson Shiraz Cabernet

US$15

Sanoma, California

Purple rim, but overall crimson.

Enticing Nose of salami and smoked meats.

Strawberries and black currants.


More fruity style than I like but many wine drinkers will be very happy with this.

60 points.

2009 Seghesio Family Vinyard Zinfandel

2009 Seghesio Family Vinyard Zinfandel

US$30

Sanoma County

This is my first Zinfandel so I probably need to do more tasting before I understand them fully.  Either way, this is my palate which is different to yours.  In the end the best wine is the one you like.

Dark red and cloudy.

Nose: Strawberries, plums and earthy undertones. Cherry medicine? Alcohol is quite high at 15%.

Plummy flavours and a dry finish.  Overall pleasant but quite dull.

55 points.

2009 entourage shiraz

2009 entourage shiraz
$17 from sizzler loganholme
looks like a shiraz, smells like a shiraz.
51 points.

2009 Wild Rock Pinot Noir

2009 Wild Rock Pinot Noir


$22


Central otago


I have to say that this is my favorite Pinot noir region alongside Yarra valley, so I find the style really approachable. Not for everyone as my Belgium friend reminds me that not much good comes out of new Zealand. That aside, I love this style and it is easy to know why after a glass on a cool afternoon.


First pass gives you a slightly smokey yet jammy nose. When allowed to breathe and relax, there is dried strawberries, dark chocolate and subtle spice (cinnamon and aniseed).


Now for how it tastes... Fills the mouth with balanced fruit and savoriness. Strawberries, leather, dark chocolate, black pepper and some black currant.


This is not a lazy light Pinot, it challenges and show amazing depth and quality.


One of my bargain favorites.


90 points