Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Sparkling Releases

Posted on January 30, 2025 by Tony Peters

The Hill-Smith Family started the Y series range of wines way back in 2002. Now I don’t know which wines were part of the inaugural release but it now numbers anything up to 15 wines, always great wines and always great value. I do like their motto, “there’s always been—and always will be—a Y for every occasion.” There are now three sparkling wines that sit perfectly as part of that range too.

Okay, so Christmas and New Year celebrations have come and gone but there are plenty of other occasions to celebrate with family and friends and, I reckon we should be celebrating something every day.

Also, things are pretty tight when it comes to people having spare cash for some of the simple pleasures in life…like a nice sparkling wine. These sparkling releases sit very nicely at $16 a bottle (and it is not uncommon to see the Y Series wines discounted) so well priced to celebrate the end of the working week, to enjoy while reading a book or, just simply ‘Y’ not. There’s now a Y Sparkling for every occasion.

Y Series Wines Website

Region: South Australia    Price: $16 each     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates

Prosecco

One of two new additions to the Y Series range, this bargain priced Prosecco hits the spot very nicely indeed. The lovely fine bubbles form a cover to the wine but still allow slight floral and citrus aromas to escape from the glass. It’s light and refreshing on the palate while still providing a good amount of flavour thanks to green apple characteristics shining through along with some lemon notes. Here is your ideal, mid-afternoon, party starter.

Lighter Cuvée

This may be light on alcohol (only 7%) and light on calories (50 per 100ml serve) but it is not light on anything else. I have to admit to being pleasantly surprised with this Lighter Cuvée both aromatically and flavour wise. What the aromas offered up, was what I tasted plenty of on the palate. Citrus characters don’t hold back along with a slight pear note too. There is a delicate textural feel across the palate that takes nothing away from the lovely, attractive, ‘fizz factor’ of this sparkling.

Cuvée

The second of the new sparklings in the ‘Y’ range, this Cuvée has citrus and bready aromas and had no trouble making their way through the fine bead of bubbles that formed when it was poured. It has a good amount of those aromatic characteristics on the palate too giving it that refreshingly sparkling mouthfeel you would expect. As much as I enjoyed this sparkling too, you may be surprised to read that I don’t think it has the same level of flavour (marginally) as the Lighter Cuvée. Regardless of that, I think it is going to develop its own fan base.

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2024 Huntington Estate Rosé Releases

Posted on January 26, 2025 by Tony Peters

I was listening to a podcast recently and heard a fellow mention how humans automatically think that because it’s raining or cold they feel sad or unhappy. Conversely to that, if it’s sunny, people feel happy or bright and cheery. It does not have to be like that. It’s like saying that if it’s cold and wintery you should drink big bold red wine, and if it bright sunny and warm you should drink cool white wines…or Rosés.

I found a quote from Anthony J D’Angelo that went, “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” I think this is what you can do simply by taking a bottle of either of these Rosés to your next luncheon, barbeque, or dinner invitation. No matter what the weather, take your own sunshine!

Let’s face it, since the renaissance of Rosés, their versatility has shone through and they are no longer just seen as the quintessential ‘summer on the patio’ or ‘drink beside the pool’ wine. Rosés like these from Huntington Estate are food friendly, weather friendly, people friendly and friend friendly wines.

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $25 & $28 respectively     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Huntington Estate

2024 “Rosie” Semi-Dry Grenache Rosé

This is the ‘fun’ wine of the two if you like. It has relaxation, conviviality and enjoyment neatly placed under the screwcap. The light spritz livens up the delicate strawberry flavours and fills the mouth with a refreshing crispness at the finish. It certainly has the moreish factor that will add to its popularity.

2024 Estate Pinot Noir Dry Rosé

The aromas of red fruits and berries along with a slight floral note set the scene for this gem of a Rosé. The abundant red fruits and berries show up on the delightfully fresh and textural palate too. All of this combined with a hint of dried herbs, slight minerality and some lovely acidity provide a smooth, flavourful and nice dry finish to this Rosé. Without doubt, great value drinking!

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2023 Huntington Estate Special Reserve Grenache

Posted on January 18, 2025 by Tony Peters

After tasting this wine and making notes and comments about it, I wondered to myself, where do I start? In the end, it was easy. By saying at the start what I would normally leave to the end. That is, this is a lovely, lovely wine.

It comes as no surprise that it was been awarded a gold medal at the Mudgee Wine Show plus (and how good is this?!) top gold and the Best Grenache Trophy at the Sydney Royal Wine Show. This is no mean feat considering there were wines entered in that Show from the more coveted Grenache growing regions such as the Barossa Valley and Mclaren Vale. Take a bow Tim Stevens!

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $54     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Huntington Estate

Things started well when I poured it into the glass. The aromas rose from the glass giving me an immediate indication of what to expect. There was an inviting freshness and brightness from the abundant ripe red fruits that made me smile. I was liking this already.

The palate, however, impressed me even more. Blue and black fruits, and dark cherry and plummy notes provide the great flavour profile of this Grenache. These were complemented nicely by slight peppery and herb characters that all come together forming a smooth, delightful mouthfeel that I found to be quite moreish. The tannins did present (as expected with these wines) but were nice and fine and were easily carried along by the generous fruit flavours this wine has. Loved it!

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2024 Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling

Posted on December 28, 2024 by Tony Peters

I recently had a conversation with a non-wine drinker…as such. She was part of a group of other less-than-enthusiastic wine drinkers, who were taken on a guided tour of a winery where everything was done ‘on site.’ She admitted it was a struggle to stay focused with all the technical ‘stuff’ the tour guide spoke of but she was captivated by the descriptors of the Riesling. In her words, “it sounded like a wine that would tickle my taste buds.” At the conclusion of the tour, a tasting was conducted and (no surprise to me) the two Rieslings on tasting were the crowd favourites even though the tour guide mentioned Riesling was “out of fashion” and “not a popular variety these days.” Great to see Riesling kick those thoughts to the kerb.

This particular Riesling has always been a favourite of mine. So much so, it has its own place in my wine ‘cellar’ sitting above all the other Rieslings I have in my collection. Different vintages and releases sitting quietly, waiting for their time to show how fashionable and popular it still is!

Pewsey Vale Website

Region: Eden Valley, SA     Price: $27 (Bargain at this price but can be found at sub $20 making it a super bargain)     Source: Retail purchase

A delightfully, invitingly aromatic wine where intense lime and citrus characters show the way coupled with slight floral and dried herbal notes adding to the complex nose this Riesling possesses. The palate is what I expected and more. It delivers on all manner of varietal characteristics I have come to know about this wine. It is intense, rich, fresh, and vivacious. Lovely lemon and lime notes shine through along with a nice green apple crunch and a minerally feel as the mouth-watering acidity carries it through to a long and moreishly refreshing finish.

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2024 Parish Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on November 30, 2024 by Tony Peters

As previously mentioned, I am not one to steer toward the Sauvignon Blanc section of bottle shop shelves or fridges. To be frank, I much prefer other varietals in the white wine sphere. Having said that, I have been lucky enough to have tasted, and drank, a few examples that have, dare I say, been pretty good. Yep, you read right.

“Beware of missing chances: otherwise it may be altogether too late some day” said the (very) late Hungarian composer, Franz Liszt. This quote made me think that, if I had not tried these Sauvignon Blancs, there would have been many a missed chance and, some day possibly, it will be altogether too late to experience what they had to offer. I did not hesitate to grab the chance to try this new Tassie release from Parish Vineyard.

Region: Forcett, Tasmania    Price: $35     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates

While the aromas speak of it being varietal, there were additions of tropical fruits providing an intriguing nuance. The palate is fresh and flavourful as those tropical fruits come waltzing on in, there’s a herbal touch to it too, as it finishes dry-ish with a nice dose of crisp, refreshing, lemon like acidity. I enjoyed this wine and I think it is a very good first release under this label.

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2024 Parish Vineyards Pinot Gris

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Tony Peters

I was listening to a podcast recently in which a prominent member of the wine industry here in Australia said something that I found quite profound. It was along the lines of; he wasn’t in the wine industry, he was in the fashion industry. I couldn’t help but think to myself, he is probably right.

Pinot Gris (and Pinot Grigio) is very much on trend at the moment and there is plenty out there to explore. My opinion only but, it can be very hit and miss when it comes to many in bottle shop fridges. I also think it is brave to throw a new release out into the world of Pinot Gris. However, confidence, trust and reputation play a big part in that bravery too.

This Pinot Gris is case in point. It comes from a highly reputable family in the Australian wine landscape. They have confidence in the vineyards (planted in arguably the best cool climate location for the variety), trust in the fruit from those vineyards and trust in their winemakers.  This all adds up to a Pinot Gris that will not disappoint.  And this one definitely does not.

Region: Evandale, Tasmania    Price: $35     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates

I realise this sounds generic but the aromas of this wine tell you it is going to be a very good wine. Honestly. It’s a little floral but then the pear characters come on through, inviting you to experience its flavours…and of course, you do. The palate is impressive with some complexity too. It carries that pear character through to the flavour profile where it is joined by some melon fruit notes, some lovely lime-like acidity and just a hint of spice to complete this delightfully fresh Pinot Gris. It’s going to be a summer go-to for many a Pinot Gris/Grigio drinker, I have no doubt.

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2024 Parish Vineyards Riesling

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Tony Peters

I can’t remember where I read this quote but it went like this; “Beauty is whatever gives joy” (thanks to Edna St.Vincent Millay, an early to mid-1900’s American lyrical poet and playwright). For me, Riesling fits neatly into this quote and, when it comes to this particular Riesling, it is bottled beauty. I realise this may seem a bit fanciful, but if you knew the pleasure, or joy if you like, that I got from knowing I was going to try this wine, and then actually tasting this wine, you will know what I mean.

Region: Sorell, Tasmania    Price: $35     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Hill- Smith Family Estates

The aromas are ever so inviting. Fresh and lively, limes show the way and provide the foundation of what your palate is going to experience, however, there is a nice complementary, almost floral note coming through too. Youthfulness, precise and abundant citrus fruit flavours, mouth-wateringly acidic and a lovely palate feel that lingers long, just about sums it up really. This has been built on a solid foundation of lovely fruit and terrific Tasmanian natural acidity with a structure to last a very long time. Simply delicious. It is a beauty of a Riesling!

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2019 Frederic Mabileau, Cabernet Franc ‘Les Rouillères’

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Tony Peters

The more I read about the wines sent to me from VindeLoire, the more I am learning about the Loire Valley region.  As it turns out, it is the world’s largest Cabernet Franc growing region. If my research serves me correctly, 63% of the world’s Cabernet Franc plantings are in the Loire Valley. In all seriousness, that is huge and something to be proud of if the resultant wines, such as this one, are anything to go by.

The vines for this wine were planted at Domaine Frederic Mabileau in 1983, and are the first plot planted at the biodynamic vineyard. The fruit is all hand-picked from the terraced vineyard, indigenous yeast is used and does not see any oak during maturation. This is such a pure and unadulterated wine that I could not help but admire as it sat in my glass while making my notes. As much as it sits in the upper price range for a Cabernet Franc, once you try it, you will realise and appreciate the value.

Also, the good thing about Cabernet Franc is its versatility as a grape variety. It can be, and is, used to produce a Rosé style of wine and sparkling wine. I have been an advocate of Cabernet Franc being the ideal variety for a Rosé, however, I am yet to try it in a sparkling wine format. I’m intrigued to say the least.

Between 7 and 20 November 2024, and, 5 and 18 December 2024, selected Dan Murphy stores across Victoria and New South Wales will be conducting tastings of wines from the Loire Valley thanks to Vinsdeloire.  Check out the list of wines here. When you peruse the list, you will see there is a good variety of wines to try, and some are very well priced too…and that’s what we like.

Region: Loire Valley, France     Price: $52.99     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Vinsdeloire and Hopscotch Season Groupe 

Stop the press! Cabernet Franc may well become my favourite Cabernet family red wine variety. I have tried one or two lately and this one from Domaine Frederic Mabileau certainly sits alongside them for quality, that’s for sure. Straight up, I am liking the look of it in the glass. Even at 5 years of age, it is still quite a youthful purple colour. On the nose it has dark cherry aromas coupled with a slight fennel and leafy character. On the palate it sits at a little below medium-bodied range due, I think, to some nice bold flavours while having a certain fresh-like youthful feel too. The fruit profile sits mainly in the black cherry and blackcurrant zone which is complemented by that leafy character here too. Tannins are present but do not distract from the overall charm of this wine. A damn good wine!

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2021 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, Plessis-Duval

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Tony Peters

I have to admit to being quite excited about trying this wine for a couple of reasons. One; it’s from the Loire Valley which I have heard a lot about but have rarely been exposed to wines from the area. Two; it’s a variety I am not familiar with.

Muscadet, produced from the variety Melon de Bourgogne, goes back a long way in the region. It is believed to have been planted sometime in the 17th century. It became more widely planted after a ‘hard freeze’ in 1709 at which time Dutch traders, who clearly liked the variety, encouraged the planting of more vines of Melon de Bourgogne.

This is quite an intriguing grape variety, Muscadet. Grown near the city of Nantes in the Pays de la Loire region, it is so called because of an apparent characteristic of wine produced by the aforementioned melon grape variety, Melon de Bourgogne, vin qui a un goût musqué (wine with a musk-like taste). It is debatable whether or not the variety has any musk like flavours or aromas and I did not detect them in this rather attractive white wine.

Between 7 and 20 November 2024, and, 5 and 18 December 2024, selected Dan Murphy stores across Victoria and New South Wales will be conducting tastings of wines from the Loire Valley thanks to Vinsdeloire.  Check out the list of wines here. When you peruse the list, you will see there is a good variety of wines to try, all well priced too…and that’s what we like.

Region: Loire Valley, France     Price: $16.99     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Vinsdeloire and Hopscotch Season Groupe 

I am always keen to try unfamiliar varieties. This wine from Plessis-Duval did not disappoint in any way. Quite aromatic, fresh, vibrant, and ‘full’ on the nose (and I mean that in a good way) with a citrusy vibe too. The palate is a lovely surprise. It’s rich yet elegant, fresh and textural, and fruitful with balanced acidity. White peaches, pears and some lemon/lime like acidity enlivens the palate with a pretty good finish and invites you back for another sip. May I suggest, if you have read this far into my thoughts about the wine, look up at the price. It is incredibly good value. I would have no hesitation in making this a summer staple in our home.

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Pure Loire, Vouvray, Famille Bougrier

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Tony Peters

It is quite remarkable what I learn just from trying a wine, especially a variety I rarely see and from a region that I am not over familiar with.

It was pleasing to read that 73% of wineries in the Loire Valley are committed to organic farming or looking at achieving environmental certification. 32% of wineries in the Loire Valley are already farmed organically. By 2030 their aim is to have 100% of wineries environmentally certified. Bravo I say.

The Loire Valley in France is the world’s largest Chenin Blanc (Vouvray) growing region. 37% of the Loire Valley is planted in Chenin Blanc. Having read that, I am surprised I don’t drink more of it or, at the very least, see more of it in bottle shops.

I have tried a small number of still wines made from the variety but it was with a delighted sense of curiosity that I had the opportunity to try a sparkling version of Chenin Blanc, and I was pleasantly surprised. Something I didn’t know was, Chenin Blanc is also made in a very fine sweet and dessert style wines. I’ve not tried them so it may be that I will seek them out.

Between 7 and 20 November 2024, and, 5 and 18 December 2024, selected Dan Murphy stores across Victoria and New South Wales will be conducting tastings of wines from the Loire Valley thanks to Vinsdeloire.  Check out the list of wines here. When you peruse the list, you will see there is a good variety of wines to try, all well priced too…and that’s what we like.

Region: Loire Valley, France     Price: $24.99     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Vinsdeloire and Hopscotch Season Groupe 

What a delightful, fresh, energetic and easily drinkable sparkling wine from Famille Bougrier. From a variety I have not experienced having been made in the methode traditionnelle way, this shows Chenin Blanc in a different light that is most appealing. The aromas are ever so inviting thanks to fleshy stone-fruits and a hint of honey too. The palate is fresh and zesty but, in saying that, there seems to be plenty of fruit flavours yet they seem so subtle. I realise this sounds a bit contradictory but that’s how it seems…and in a good way. Add to that a little minerality, acidity and just a little creaminess and you have a lovely, excellent value bubbles to see out your afternoon soiree with family and friends or celebratory event.  

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