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

2009 belebula tempranillo

2009 belebula tempranillo

$20

Hunter valley

Bottle number 3221.

Appearing purple, this is actually a cloudy crimson. Obvious raspberry lolly nose with some savoury spicy notes.

I don't expect much from this one as the hunter is not known for tempranillos. The nose implies a fruit driven cordial and a taste doesn't contradict. Mostly lolly rasberries and strawberry, some sour cherry. Not true to the varietal but still pleasant.

Interestingly much better with dark chocolate as some toastiness comes out. medium chewy fruit finish but better with food...choose the food wisely...

65 points

2008 Shingle Peak Pinot noir

2008 Shingle Peak Pinot noir (featuring Chris)
Gift from Nigel and Janine in New Zealand.

Straight up strawberries and cream, then raspberries. Unexpected side of barn yard.
Smell is very interesting! Very much more like malborough style than central otago.

Quality.

Surprisingly short and tangy finish. After giving it a thorough glass to glass decant, it relaxed and softened. Also feels quite hot although only 13% alcohol.

Interesting but between styles for me.

61 points.

2006 Five Geese old vine Grenache Shiraz

2006 Five Geese old vine Grenache Shiraz

$16
80% gren 20% Shiraz
Barossa

Yummy deep and rich strawberry jam. Subtle hint of fruit spice.

Great alternative to solid predictable Shiraz.
Lighter style.

Drives all the way through the palate but most of action is up front.

77 points

2004 journey's end arrival Shiraz

2004 journey's end arrival Shiraz (featuring Chris on his birthday)

$85 at moo moo restaurant

Very Dark blood Red, quite thick.

Black cherry, fruit mince pie but not too sweet. Mild but delicious salami!  Rum and chocolate.

Some delicate aged characters, more salami. Thick and full mouth feel. Hint of parsley. Awesome chocolate and leather finish.

Great wine.

86 points

Rematch: 2006 Sansilvestro Patres Barolo

2006 Sansilvestro Patres Barolo (featuring Mick)

$60

I tasted this one about 3 weeks ago and was in Melbourne again so I thought I'd treat my friends to a bottle.  Same restaurant, same time slot, same food, same wine, different bottle.  Another difference was the company, wine always tastes better with good friends and good food, so this second tasting had every chance of delivering.

I was blown away by this last time but I have to admit the pressure got to it.  The first glass had a dominant aniseed nose and the same killer finish of leather, dark chocolate and tobacco.  The second pour turned to a Royal Gala apple skin nose.... the third.... apple core...

This just did not go away!  I couldn't get past the soft bitey apple smell.  I searched through to find the magic from the last tasting but alas.  If this was the first tasting of this wine I wouldn't buy it again, and I'd probably want my money back.

Based on this tasting....

63 points

2009 Barone Ricasoli Chianti

2009 Barone Ricasoli Chianti (featuring Mick)

$23

Light red and transparent

Dominated by savoury spices with subtle rasberries and strawberries.  This is very inviting, well balanced and smells like quality.  Faint vanilla undertone.

The palate is very dry, but there is a solid flavour profile which is consistant all the way through to the dry savoury finsh.

Very enjoyable.

83 points.

2008 Innocent Bystander Shiraz Viognier

2008 Innocent Bystander Shiraz Viognier

$25

I have a long history with this wine. It was the first bottle I really liked and so I bought half a case and took it to Rachel's birthday party at a Pizza and Pasta restaurant called Picasso's in Brisbane.  This is also a favourite of Mick's so I've asked him to do a review.

He's still working on it, probably needs a few more bottles to get to the bottem of it.