Yalumba Viognier Releases

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Tony Peters

My earliest recollection regarding anything about Viognier is an interview with Louisa Rose and a fellow, whose name escapes me, on a wine show. It was 1998, the very early stages of my interest in wine. To put things into perspective, it was also a time when white wines were not really my thing.

Watching the interview, I remember initially being very interested because it was a variety I was not particularly familiar with but it wasn’t enough for me to want to rush out and buy some.

Fast forward about 6 years and I discovered Viognier at a capital city wine show public tasting. I was hooked. Not that it matters, but I can’t remember if it was the lovely aromatics or unctuous mouthfeel or both. Either way, it is rare not to find one in our fridge.

Yalumba could clearly see a future for this variety in Australia. In 1980, they planted Viognier in the Eden Valley, a place where it has shone since then, resulting in some lovely wines ranging from the top tier Virgilius to the luscious FSW Botrytis Viognier. These terrific new releases are the perfect way to celebrate International Viognier Day.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: Eden Valley (Wrattonbully for the FSW), South Australia     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Yalumba

2022 The Virgilius Eden Valley Viognier (Price: $57)

Where do I start with this beauty?! I loved the aromas, albeit a little shy to begin with, but when it did open up, goodness me, such complexity. It’s delicately floral, subtle, but definite apricot notes coming through and a nice touch of spice too. Aromatically inviting for sure.  The palate is concentrated, elegant, graceful, textural and, as with the nose, beautifully complex. Fresh, juicy apricots are the main contributor to the flavour profile but are perfectly complemented by some nice acidity and subtle spice characters. These flavours combine with a macadamia nut texture that coats the palate, leading into a lovely long finish. This is a true delight!

2022 Eden Valley Viognier (Price: $28)

Here is the bargain buy beauty of the range. A true expression of the variety, perfect for introducing someone to Viognier. It’s all about the luscious apricot fruit with this wine but it is displayed in such a way that brings a freshness to the nose and palate rather than a full-on flavour hit. There is a little texture too adding a deft touch of weight to this wine making it sit pretty on the palate while taking nothing away from the aforementioned freshness. This is a no-brainer if Viognier is on your radar, and it should be, when walking into a bottle-shop.

2023 FSW Botrytis Viognier (Price: $30)

I’ll be honest, Botrytis wines are not generally a go-to for me these days. I have found many to be that little too cloyingly sweet, if you know what I mean. Well, I have to say, this is the first time I have tried this wine and it has changed my view. Maybe it’s due to being made from Viognier, or more likely because of how I have described it in the next few lines. Let me tell you about this lovely wine. It has an alluring colour, is aromatically intense and attractive, is lush and rich in flavour yet so elegant, beautifully balanced with a refreshingly long finish. The perfect post-dinner wine.

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Thea Wines 2022 Chardonnay and Shiraz Releases

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Tony Peters

I was listening to a podcast recently in which a fellow was speaking about his penchant to swim long distances. When asked why he chose to swim the English Channel, considering over 4,000 people had already done so, his response was simple. He wanted to do it regardless of how many had gone before him. The thing was he didn’t focus on what anyone else had achieved. He focussed on exactly what he wanted to do. He knew the work and training required, and he knew it wouldn’t be significant in the scheme of achievements because of the many times it had been done before. That was not a deterrent. He did it!

I can’t help but think that is exactly what Allanna Wigley and her partner Michael Wells were thinking when they decided to throw a couple of wines out into the world knowing it had been done many times before them. The difference being, this is their wine, their contribution to that world, their achievement to be proud of. If you look at their social media, you can’t help but be enamoured with them. The wines? Pretty damn impressive and nicely priced. Well done Allanna and Micheal.

Thea Wines Website

Region: Hilltops, NSW     Source: A generous opportunity thanks to Steve Leszczynski of Qwine Reviews

2022 Chardonnay (Price: $34)

A lovely Chardonnay to kick things off for this team. It’s quite an intriguing rendition of the variety yet shows how Hilltops Chardonnay should be taken more seriously by those in the industry. Fruit salad punch for me, a nice line of acidity with some nice texture to with a lush broadness on the palate that sits contemplatively on the finish. It’s a wine that left me in no doubt about its uniqueness and authenticity, and I mean that in a good way.

2022 Shiraz (Price: $36)

This Shiraz was something to sidle up alongside and get to know very easily. So genuinely and positively fruitful, it coated the palate in a delicate yet unctuous way with plenty of mainly blue fruits and a mid-palate plummy influence with a cool-climate peppery character having a say too. Next to no oak or tannin allows for the fruit to shine with this wine and, for me, that’s its ‘love’ factor. It may have been the fact I tried it when it was three days old but, I loved it.

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2023 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Rider’ Pinot Gris & Primrosé

Posted on April 13, 2024 by Tony Peters

The beginning of Autumn was about 6 weeks ago, signalling the official end of summer, right? Well, depending on where you live, you could still be experiencing summer-like weather. If that is the case for you, like it is for me, do not go searching for those hearty red wines just yet, please. There is still lots of time, and plenty of opportunities, to enjoy delicious white wines and rosés beside the pool, in your alfresco area or wherever you like, actually (without breaking the law of course). Sounds pretty relaxing, doesn’t it?  Below are two excellent cases in point from Stockman’s Ridge and I can say that because, both were enjoyed in the comfort of our outdoor dining area on a warm Brisbane afternoon (not on the same day but close).

Stockman’s Ridge Website

Region: Orange Region, NSW     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Stockman’s Ridge and Define Wine

2023 ‘Rider’ Pinot Gris (Price: $30)

What a delightful wine this is! Okay, so it’s varietal, which is fine but there is an extra element to it that has me raising my eyebrows and nodding my head in approval. It’s fresh, flavourful, textural with a lovely finish. Abundant juicy pears seem to stroke and seduce the palate into life nicely aided by a sprightly lemon like acidity. Add to this the lovely textural mouthfeel and it all comes together beautifully, finishing dry yet refreshing and so moreish! This is going to be a popular Pinot Gris, mark my words.

2023 Primrosé (Price: $35)

I’m not sure what it was but, gee I liked the look of this wine. Maybe it had something to do with the artwork on the bottle, I don’t know, but either way, I was happy to explore past the screwcap. Made from 100% Shiraz, say ‘hello’ to ripe strawberries and a red berry like freshness on the nose and palate. There is a smoothness to it as it coats the mouth while finishing dry and invitingly flavoursome. We like our rosés and this one is up there with one of the best we have tried of late. Nicely done indeed.

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Oxford Landing ‘One to One’ Wine Releases

Posted on April 6, 2024 by Tony Peters

Confucious is quoted as saying, “If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.”

After receiving these wines to try, and reading this quote, it is clear to me that Oxford Landing are, at the very least, thinking ahead 10 years. In doing that, and promoting what they are doing, it seems to me they are also thinking ahead 100 years by showing and teaching people what can be done by simply planting trees.

Oxford Landing have partnered with Greenfleet in an effort to restore and regenerate native bushland through the sale of the One to One wines. At the moment, for every six bottles of One to One purchased another square metre of bushland will be planted in the ‘One to One Bushland’ project. As a part of celebrating Earth Day on 22 April, Oxford Landing will increase those plantings to a square metre with every bottle sold during the month of April. What an excellent initiative to assist in protecting our climate and ecosystems!

The ‘One to One’ Bushland began in the On Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Central Victoria, where Greenfleet completed restoring the native ecosystem at Ngulambarra. The next endeavour is to restore a site at Ledcourt, adjacent to the northern part of the Grampians National Park in Victoria. Their plan is to restore the cleared areas and bolster the existing ecosystems with ground cover species.

Added to that, the fruit is sustainably grown, vegan friendly and the bottle is made of 98% recycled lightweight glass. 

Why don’t you purchase a bottle or two, or more, and enjoy a good glass of wine knowing you’re doing your bit to help this worthwhile project. Dan Murphy’s stock them. You know what to do next.

Oxford Landing Website

Region: South Australia     Price: $20     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Oxford Landing and Hill-Smith Family Estates

NV Brut Cuvee

When pouring the NV Brut Cuvee, there was an air of vibrancy to it that was evident on the palate too. It was fresh, citrusy, light bodied yet flavourful with a touch of sweetness showing late on the palate.  Here you have an oh-so-very-easy-drinking sparkling wine that has ‘relax, share and enjoy’ with every glass poured.

2023 Rosé

Rosé is always given room in our fridge at home and, when you find ones like this one with its bright, fresh and abundant strawberry flavours, hint of texture and lovely dry finish, I can’t help but think I need to make room for more. This is an excellent example of a well-priced, go-to Rosé for all occasions.

2021 Merlot

Varietally aromatic, this Merlot gets off to a good start on the nose. Definitely fruit forward where plums and blackberries are the main contributors to the medium bodied palate along with leafy/herbal notes and gentle tannins providing good varietal support. An easy, early drinking style of Merlot that is sure to generate a good following.

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet all the way when you take in the aromas and flavours of this wine. Black fruits and berries, plums and dark cherries are the fruits on show while the usual herbal characters combine nicely with those fruit flavours on the medium bodied palate. There’s a lot to like with this wine as it finishes with soft but slightly drying tannins.

2021 Shiraz

Red fruits come to the fore with a plummy mid palate feel too and a nice spicy touch adding interest. It feels quite soft yet generous on the medium bodied palate with little influence from oak or tannins. This is a good wine that I really enjoyed drinking and sharing. Another in this range that is bound to be popular.

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Téssera Wines Pop-Up Cellar Door Tasting

Posted on April 4, 2024 by Tony Peters

Recently I went to a Téssera Wines ‘pop-up’ cellar door at Lumbr Cafe in Brisbane. I knew the owners, albeit not for very long, and I knew Jen Venardos was a pretty vivacious person, so I expected to have a really good experience. It was everything I expected and more. When it came to speaking about the wines, Jen was relaxed, passionate and knowledgeable, and told the stories behind them with feeling and a sense of pride while appearing humble and appreciative to those in attendance.

As for the wines, well, there were nine available for tasting and we were poured a good amount of the ‘Peggy Sue’, a NV sparkling Pinot Noir and what a delightful way to start a tasting.

There were three whites on offer all from the 2023 vintage. The fresh and fruity ‘Straw Boss’ Riesling with its slight texture provides for immediate drinking, the nicely flavoured ‘Stompa’ Sauvignon Blanc’s gentle acidity and crisp finish should be your seafood matching go-to wine. The ‘Monarch’ Chardonnay was the pick of the whites for me having fruit salad like flavours, nicely played oak and natural acidity adding to the good length. The 2022 ‘Hulah Hoop’ Rosé is a great food wine. Made using Tempranillo grapes, there is plenty of flavour, a bit of body to it and a nice touch of acidity too.

Interestingly, the first red wine was the 2016 ‘Foxtrot’ Reserve Pinot Noir that showed characteristics of dark cherry, earthy notes with the tannins all but integrated. Certainly a drink now proposition. The remaining three 2021 vintage red wines were no slouches that’s for sure. The ‘Chaste’ Shiraz with its lovely blackcurrant flavours, slight spicey notes, soft smooth tannins with the oak and fruit nicely in balance proved to be a bit of a favourite of mine. The ‘Good Oil’ Cabernet/Shiraz packed dark fruits into its great fruit profile while the subtle oak and soft tannins add to the nice long finish. Last, but by no means the least, the ‘Middle Child’ Cabernet Sauvignon is all about the black and blue fruits with good support from soft silky tannins, a little oak influence and really good length.

All of these wines offer really good value buying and they also have mixed case options for those who can’t quite work out what which one or ones they liked the most.

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Cellar Door, Chardonnay, Other Whites, Pinot Noir, Red Blends, Riesling, Rosé, Shiraz, Sparkling Wine | Tagged , | Leave a comment

2019 Levantine Hill Estate Syrah

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Tony Peters

For fear of stating the obvious, clouds are made up of millions and millions of drops of moisture. They form some of the softest looking and thought-provoking shapes. If you’re honest, there would have been times when you look at one and think to yourself, that looks like a (insert your image here). They seem to move along the sky so effortlessly with, what seems, no real purpose but we know they can be a great sun blocker or rain provider or a simple time waster depending on your mood. One thing is for sure, there will always be clouds…somewhere.

When you think about it wine is, in effect, no different. Take this wine for instance. Thousands upon thousands of Syrah grapes have been brought together to form bottles of delicious moisture that provokes thought, conversation and conviviality. It is a given too that, there will always be Levantine Hill wines as good as this one…somewhere.

Levantine Hill Website

Region: Yarra Valley, Vic     Price: $80     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Levantine Hill

Quite perfumed and pretty on the nose, this wine has you swirling and sniffing repeatedly, and you don’t even realise you’re doing it. Elegance, sophistication, restrained power and richness. Lovely dark fruits to the fore with a sprinkle of white pepper, subtle oak and tannin offer so much in the form of complexity of character and flavour. I continued ‘tasting’ this wine to experience the palate persistence even more. Drink it now or park it in your wine rack, or buy two bottles of this wine and do both. Either way, you will be pleased. 

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Aristotelis ke Anthoula ‘Little Red’

Posted on January 19, 2024 by Tony Peters

Andy Warhol once said, “If you want to know all about Andy Warhol, just look at the surface of my paintings and films and me, and there I am. There’s nothing behind it.”

I can’t help but think that this is what Tony Zafirakos was thinking when he produced his first bottle of wine from the home garage in Bowral. I say that because their wines are, in effect, raw and vulnerable. I know that sounds weird but it is like Tony Zafirakos and his family have exposed themselves to the wine world in a natural way for all to see, like saying this is us, hiding nothing when it comes to their principles, their winemaking, and their winemaking principles. I have to say, it is quite refreshing and by the same token admirable. They have every reason to stand tall beside their wines and marvel at their excellence. Nicely done indeed and thank you.

Five red grape varieties make up this juicy, slightly spritzy bottle of fun. Even a slight chill seemed to bring out a red fruit freshness for me that added a ‘go back for more’ character. The wild ferment provides a little funkiness while those five varieties don’t hesitate to bring plenty of good berry flavours to the palate, finishing with a nice touch of acidity and that freshness feel again. Definitely a likeable Little Red with a captivating label that will catch your attention just as much as the contents of the bottle.

Aristotelis ke Anthoula Website

Region: Hilltops, NSW     Price: $35     Source: Sample courtesy of Aristotelis ke Anthoula Wines and Define Wine

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Aristotelis ke Anthoula “Sonnyboy”

Posted on January 1, 2024 by Tony Peters

I realise that many will remember the triangular shaped ice block we had as kids when they read the name of this wine. Well, I decided to google the word “Sonnyboy” and I found a very interesting meaning in the Urban Dictionary. It went like this: “Very Rare; Secretly very talented person; Lovable; Someone who has very great personality; Someone who makes your days brighter; Someone you have great love for”.

I think this meaning sits pretty well with this wine.

In a sense it is “very rare”, it is only released for a limited time each year. “Secretly very talented person” may not quite fit, but a very talented person made this treat of a wine and that’s no secret. If you like your wines with a “great personality” filled with fun, funk and flavour, this is the “lovable” wine for you! Have a look at the colour in the glass, take in the taste of juicy tropical fruits coupled with a nice touch of acidity and it will, without a doubt, “make your day brighter”. This all leads to a wine you will develop a “great love for.” I know I did!

Aristotelis ke Anthoula Website

Region: NSW     Price: $39     Source: Sample courtesy of Aristotelis ke Anthoula Wines and Define Wine

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Colmar Estate 2022 Orange Region Pinot Noirs

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Tony Peters

Cabernet Sauvignon is often referred to as the King of the Grapes of which I take no issue with. However, if there was ever a Prince of the Grapes then Pinot Noir would be it…easily. It can have an air of sophistication and a certain handsomeness about it, and it can be generous, yet elegance and grace are the pièces de resistance when it comes to this variety.

We have friends who struggle with “heavy reds” and quite often ask for a Pinot Noir thanks to it having plenty of flavour while remaining reasonably light on the palate. And let’s not forget its versatility with food! That’s what the we love about it, right?

Pinot Noir can be a fickle bugger of a grape to grow so it needs the right climate and location to do well.  Orange in New South Wales is proving to be the region in New South Wales for the variety.  Take my word for it.  Thanks to Dave Cumming of Define Wine Marketing, I have been lucky enough to try a few from the area now and it was a pleasure to try these two absolute beauties from Colmar Estate.

Colmar Estate Website

Region: Orange Region, NSW     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Colmar Estate and Define Wine

Block 1 (Price: $65)

Sophistication, complexity, elegance and class. That about sums up this Pinot Noir from Colmar Estate. Gee I liked this wine and there is so much to like. The aromas announce the variety in one extended inhale of the plentiful red fruits. It seems to move across the palate like a gentle wave across the sand bringing with it the youthfulness of fresh red and (a delicate touch of) dark fruits, a savouriness and flavourfulness (it’s a new word) that just doesn’t seem to want to let go. In a word, terrific. It is quite the Pinot Noir.

Block 3 (Price: $55)

Delightful and pretty are words that spring to mind when smelling and tasting this wine. Appealingly perfumed on the nose with lovely red cherries and a hint of oak too. The palate is gorgeous! It has that Pinot Noir refinement with a subtle intensity (yep that’s how it is). Elegance personified! The tannins are so silky and fine with some gentle acidity coming into the mix at the lovely long ending. I am not ashamed to admit I swooned over it for some time. Also, quite the Pinot Noir.

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2020 Leventine Hill Estate Mélange Traditional Blanc (MTB)

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Tony Peters

Sorry, but I am going out on a limb here and say that, as much as acronyms are a common thing these days, and shortened wine names such as ‘GSM’ will always be a part of the vernacular in Australian wine circles, some wine blends should not be reduced to an acronym. Just my opinion of course, but I think Mélange Traditional Blanc suits this wine perfectly. Apart from being the perfect indicator of the class of this wine, I think it looks so much better on the label too (a minor thing I know). Okay, so one of the reasons may be because my late mum was a huge fan when she knew it as its previous identity. However, the wording of the wine takes nothing away from what is behind the glass receptacle that houses this lovely blend.

Levantine Hill Website

Region: Yarra Valley, Vic     Price: $80     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Levantine Hill

Although dominated by Sauvignon Blanc (81%), the Semillon (18%) and Muscadelle (1% and to a lesser extent) let you know they play a part in the complexities of this wine. Yes, the intense aromas tell you it is mainly SB but they have you contemplating the supporting varieties in a way that causes your head to nod and your instinct to try it. Goodness me! The palate! This is the place people come with elevated expectations regardless of a wine and ‘disappointment’ is not a noun that will be used when it comes to this blend, or this wine, that’s for sure. It is very far from that. Texturally pleasing, richly varietal, beautifully balanced and great length too. It needs to be in yours, and my cellar.

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