2023 Yalumba VAT-11 Grenache

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Tony Peters

Success is something that is, mostly, not easy to come by. So, when success is reached, I wonder how often that success is built on? It must be easy to sit back and appreciate that success but, in some cases, there are those who take the opportunity to add to it.

In their 175 years of being in the wine industry, Yalumba have continued to build on their success and their wine portfolio. This Vat-11 Grenache is a testament to the Yalumba family’s view not to rest on the laurels of the other Grenaches in their range but to add another notable string to their Grenache bow.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia     Price: $40    Source: Samples thanks kindly to Yalumba

Oh yes! This is delicious. The signs were good from the start when I poured it in the glass. Firstly, it is a lovely colour and then the aromas lifted from the glass as fresh and bright red fruits and cherries presented along with a slight floral note. Ripe raspberries and strawberries provide a solid base on the flavour front of the just-above medium bodied palate, a slight plum character shows up while a hint of spice adds another layer and some acidity all playing their part in this wonderful brand new wine to the Yalumba Grenache line-up.

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2022 Di Giorgio Family Wines Coonawarra Chardonnay

Posted on September 10, 2024 by Tony Peters

Change. I’m not talking about the loose coins that live in the ashtray of your car, or replacing an old thing with something the same but a newer version. I’m talking about a complete change of something close to your heart. Change can be hard for some people and especially those who have had something that has been at the forefront of their business and been recognisable for decades.

Since 1998, the Di Giorgio Family have been producing their own wines with a distinct and quite elegant label that I, for one, would recognise anywhere. Very recently, the family has made the bold decision to start changing their labels and, bravo I say. The wines are still damn good at damn good prices.

Di Giorgio Family Wines Website

Region: Coonawarra, South Australia     Price: $35     Source: Wine swap

This Chardonnay, for instance, I believe to be the first wine in the range to wear the new labelling. It is true to form and the perfect choice to show it off too. A wine that is lovingly varietal, it initially fires up the palate with peaches and a refreshing citrussy influence before a nice textural/creamy feel makes an appearance with delicate touch of acidity on the medium to long finish. Summer seems to have made an early appearance here in Brisbane and this Chardonnay complemented the weather perfectly.

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2019 Levantine Hill ‘Colleen’s Paddock’ Pinot Noir

Posted on August 24, 2024 by Tony Peters

When an artist paints something he knows it will be appreciated by someone who ‘knows’ their art but hopefully by someone who, for whatever reason, just likes it for what they see.

I would imagine it would be the same for a poet. His words will resonate with a poetry aficionado but also with someone who can simply relate to the words on different levels.

A winemaker knows the wine in the bottle will be appreciated by a wine critic, someone enjoying it with a meal or just for those needing a glass of wine after ‘that’ day at work.

The difference between these three vocations is, a winemaker has a lot more variables to deal with. An artist or a poet do not have to contend with Mother Nature who can play a major role in the final product for a winemaker. Actually, Mother Nature may well contribute, in a good way, to something they can provide to their audience. A winemaker on the other hand, it could be make or break.

From what I have been reading, 2019 may not have been the best vintage in the Yarra Valley. However, when I tasted this wine, I couldn’t help but think that it may not have been the best vintage, but the quality is way up there.

Region: Yarra Valley, Vic     Price: $200     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Levantine Hill

It seems there is a section of my palate that is set aside specifically for Pinot Noir. When I tried this wine, it stood to attention in anticipation of something special. And this is. Complexity in spades, perfectly medium bodied, the flavours are varietal and bold yet seamlessly elegant and refined. The length of flavour on the palate is something to behold, the finish is the same, mighty impressive.  For me, this is all class. A beautifully structured Pinot Noir, and as I thought with the 2018 vintage, one for the ages.

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2022 Ridgemill Estate WYP Fumé Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on August 17, 2024 by Tony Peters

Henry Kissinger (everyone knows Henry, surely) is quoted as saying, “Art is man’s expression of his joy in labor.” Store that away for a minute. When I saw this quote, I immediately thought of Pete McGlashan, the winemaker at Ridgemill Estate.  I don’t know if you have met Pete, but he is man with presence, composure and likeability. When you taste the wines he makes, they are an expression of HIS joy in making them and, I have no doubt there is nothing laborious about it for him to make wines like this for us to enjoy.

As you have probably noticed, a Sauvignon Blanc of any kind doesn’t find its way into my site very often. It is for no other reason than I rarely get to see them or taste them. And I can honestly say, contrary to popular belief, I do not avoid them. When you see wines of this calibre, there is every reason to gravitate towards them.

Ridgemill Estate Wine

Region: Granite Belt, Queensland     Price: $45     Source: Generous Gift

Now, Fumé, for those who don’t know, indicates this Sauvignon Blanc has been bathed in some oak for a period of time and, I must say, this wine has enjoyed it. It draws you in with the aromas. They are pretty complex yet clearly varietal. The palate speaks of tropical and citrus fruits for me. Think passionfruit, lemon and lime, a hint of melon and pineapple, and some delicate spicy notes too. While it has some lovely texture it sits nice and light on the palate and there is a nice touch of acidity on the finish that added a freshness that I really liked.

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Earthworks 2022 & 2023 Vintage Wine Releases

Posted on August 11, 2024 by Tony Peters

Gee I liked the ‘theme’ of these wines. ‘Dig A Little Deeper’. So simple yet so profound. When I read the small but informative flyer that came with the wines, it struck a contemplative chord with me. I couldn’t help but almost feel part of the growers, the farmers who nurtured the fruit for these wines, and their connection with the winemakers who crafted them for me, and you the consumer, to enjoy. However, in saying that, I find myself being an outsider looking in and appreciating the expertise the growers and winemakers bring to this bundle of wines. I tip my hat to you all.

Region: Various     Price: $20 each     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates 

2023 Earthworks Riesling

If you’re looking for a Riesling that gives you what you want without forking out a lot of cash, grab a bottle of this! It’s refreshing on the nose and palate thanks to lemon and lime characters offering up the most here. There’s a deft touch of acidity giving it a nice crisp feeling on the finish. Certainly going to be an easy summer out-on-the-patio wine for sure.

2023 Earthworks Rosé

Ah, yes! Now here is another to look out for to enjoy on the patio. Delightful strawberry aromas and flavours lure you in, red fruit characters chime in supported by a touch of acidity and a nice dry finish. It has freshness, crispness, texture and likability in spades while coming in at a really good price. What more can you ask for?

2022 Earthworks Tempranillo

I reckon this is a Tempranillo for the reluctant Tempranillo drinkers (believe me they are out there). It’s quite smooth on the just medium bodied palate where plums, dark cherries and blue fruits provide the bulk of the flavour profile. There’s a dark chocolate note too as those Tempranillo tannins show themselves in a gentle way on the finish. Very easy to drink, a wine you should check out I say.

2022 Earthworks Barossa Shiraz

If easy drinking, fruit forward Shiraz with low tannin impact is your thing, get your mitts onto a bottle of this. Lead by dark plums and blackberries the medium bodied palate easily satisfies as some dark chocolate notes, a touch of oak and a hint of spice/pepper add to a reasonably good length. This Shiraz will do well amongst others at the same price point.

2022 Earthworks Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon

A fruit forward Cabernet Sauvignon that hits the mark right from the start. Juicy black fruits, plums, a little dark chocolate and a hint of oak all come together to form this youthful medium bodied Cabernet as it finishes nice and smooth. Add to this its approachability and affordability and you are on a winner. Certainly ticks the boxes for me.

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2018 Levantine Hill ‘Melissa’s Paddock’ Syrah

Posted on July 31, 2024 by Tony Peters

I am not an artist. I do, however, appreciate art but I am not across the detail of a portrait or a landscape that an artist or an art aficionado is. When the detail is pointed out to me, I have a better understanding of the amount of work that has gone into it, the patience and the attention to detail displayed by the artist in the finished piece.

Wine can be similar for some people. Let’s be honest, when a wine sits in a glass, to most people, there is literally no detail to it. It is a beverage, a consumable, something to pair with food or simply enjoyed on its own. The consumer does not see the work that goes into getting that wine into the glass by those who tend the vines, or the attention to detail by the winemaker to ensure it is a pleasurable experience for the person about to drink the wine. It’s a shame really, because tasting this wine is quite the experience and I can’t help but see the care, attention, focus and fastidiousness this wine received from the vineyard to the making then to the bottling of it.

Region: Yarra Valley, Vic     Price: $200     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Levantine Hill

Goodness me. I can’t say I have had many wines that have captivated me from the get-go. The aromas are divine thanks to dark plums and cherries, a little licorice and a hint of spice. The palate is elegance personified. The abundant lush fruit profile of a fresh dark fruit and berry basket of goodness, lilt of spiciness and earthiness combine so perfectly and move so seamlessly across the palate, I was wondering if this could get any better. Well, it did… with the finish, which is incredibly long and desirable. This is an absolute delight of a wine. I love it!

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2021 Huntington Estate Shiraz

Posted on July 21, 2024 by Tony Peters

I recently bought a brand new, basic model, ute. One of the more reliable Models on the market (in my opinion) and a favourite of mine. It replaced one that was 28 years older than it, which served me very well. When you get the no-frills package, that’s exactly what you expect, right? Well, don’t be so sure. My new one has electric windows, air conditioning, electric mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, heated rear window and a dash panel that is the size of my iPad! It was much more than I expected I was getting for a basic model, for the money I forked out to buy it.

When it comes to wine the terms ‘basic’ and ‘no-frills’ are not used and rightly so. Generally speaking, the first and lowest price bottle in a particular varietal range are referred to as ‘entry level’. However, as with utes like my new one, there are many entry level wines which are a veritable surprise package when it comes to getting more than you expect for the little money you part with. This particular Shiraz is the perfect case in point. It is Huntington Estates least expensive Shiraz yet, after each taste, you discover another little ‘extra’ about the wine that is included in the cost.

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $34     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Huntington Estate

Richness and generosity are the two words that spring to mind for describing both the aromas and flavours of this ripper Shiraz. Dark berries and cherries are the main fruits I discovered as it unfolded across the palate. A dab of dark chocolate and a little bit of spice contribute to the smooth, medium bodied-ness of the wine, and while the expected tannins have their say too, they are no match for the beautiful fruit this wine has. Such a great value wine!

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2022 Stockman’s Ridge ‘Signature Range’ Right Bank & Left Bank Releases

Posted on July 13, 2024 by Tony Peters

It’s funny, you know, I’ve been stewarding at wine shows for a couple of decades and pride myself on knowing a bit about the why and wherefore of wine. Then, along comes two wines which made me realise that maybe I’m lacking in many areas about wine.

These two lovely wines have proven to be a wakeup call for me. I knew about France having plenty of vineyards in and around different regions, however, it didn’t occur to me that such things like ‘Right Bank’ and ‘Left Bank’ were, or are, a thing. I have to say, this prompted me to put on my learning cap and delve into the Google-sphere to broaden my knowledge a whole lot more.

In my defence, I have always been a supporter of Australian wines for no other reason than I think there are many great winemakers producing great wine here in our own country. These two wines are evidence of that.

Stockman’s Ridge Website

Region: Orange, NSW     Price: $45 (each)     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Stockman’s Ridge and Define Wine

2022 Right Bank

Youthful looking in the glass, youthful on the nose and youthful on the palate. Regardless of that, this is a lovely wine to drink already but it is certainly a keeper. A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, it is rich and elegant on the palate. Blackberries and plums provide the bulk of the fruit profile, there’s a blueberry softness at play too, a gentle herbal note to round things out while the tannis let you know they are there but are more than ably supported by the lush fruit.  Very enjoyable indeed.

2022 Left Bank

What a terrific wine this Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) Merlot (40%) blend is! It feels so sleek and supple with the black fruit bonanza singing while it gracefully dances across the palate with ease. Blackberries, blackcurrants and plums wrap themselves around some herbs, a little mintiness and a nice savoury/spicy appeal making it thought provokingly complex, beautifully balanced and with great length to finish.

As I have previously stated, when it comes to having more than one wine to look at from the same producer, I am reluctant to pick a favourite. This one almost convinced me to change that thought.

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Other Reds, Red Blends | Leave a comment

2021 Huntington Estate Grand Reserve Shiraz Cabernet

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Tony Peters

American writer, Helen Keller, is quoted as saying, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. 

This is true in some ways but not so in others. When it comes to the varieties that go into this blend, Shiraz and Cabernet, they do pretty well on their own in the wine circles of, not just Australia, but the world.  However, on this occasion, I have to concur with Ms Keller when it comes to the second part of the quote. Having brought these two varieties together, Huntington Estate winemaker Tim Stevens continues to show his prowess when it comes to this classic Aussie blend that they “together…can do so much”.

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $100     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Huntington Estate

A lovely nice looking wine in the glass, so deeply coloured at its core and youthfully purple around the edges. The predominately dark fruit aromas are enough to have your mouth watering in anticipation of what is to come. Paradoxically, the rich and concentrated array of dark fruits provided a full-bodied feel to this wine yet there is a finesse and elegance across the palate at the same time. Dried herbs, dark chocolate, a deft touch of oak and tannins make a contribution, but it’s the terrific lush fruit doing all the talking at this early stage of its life.

This is destined to be a classic in the Huntington Estate line-up of wines. An absolute ripper of a wine that is drinking beautifully now (with a bit of time in the glass) but is a keeper for as long as your patience can hold out.

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Blends, Shiraz | Leave a comment

2018 Levantine Hill ‘Samantha’s Paddock’ Mélange Traditionnel

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Tony Peters

How good does it feel to wear a well-made suit? Add in a perfectly ironed shirt, tie and a polished pair of shoes, voila, you have the complete ensemble. It has to be said that a suit, in all its forms, has a certain sophistication and classiness about it no matter who it is adorning. The wearer is, in most instances, saying ‘I mean business’. They can be both reasonably priced and expensive but, at the end of the day, it comes down to the look, the feel, the confidence it purveys and the sense of satisfaction you get when you are wearing it.

Same can be said of this Mélange of red grape varieties brought together to form this wine. Yes, the bottle has the confident ‘I-mean-business’ air about it, but like a suit, it is what or who is inside that matters. Inside is a sophisticated, classy, yet approachable ensemble that stands tall on the dining table, glistens in its glassware, complements the appropriate fare and satisfies the imbiber. Okay, so it is not as inexpensive as some of the other ‘suits’ on the bottle-shop shelf but, after trying it once, you’ll be reaching for it every time.

Region: Yarra Valley, Vic     Price: $200     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Levantine Hill

Even though this wine is only six years of age, straight off the bat, it has incredible balance. It has quite seductive aromas that prepare you for what the flavours are going to deliver. Richly concentrated black fruits are the leaders while blue fruits chime in to give it a just-above medium bodied weight on the polished palate. The oak is not shy but runs parallel with the intense fruit profile. The tannins, while present, are not intrusive but inclusive to the whole of this wine. But things don’t stop there, oh no! These attributes linger long across the palate for what is an incredibly long time. Not only is does it have incredible length, it has contemplative and enjoyable components all at the same time.

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