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.