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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2022 Huntington Estate Chardonnay Releases

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Tony Peters

On the day I was tasting these two Chardonnays, it was drizzling with rain. When I realised, the song “Singing in the Rain” came into my head. It is easy to feel a bit gloomy when it rains but, on this occasion, not me. Not that I was in the rain but I was, figuratively speaking, singing. Singing because I was tasting these two Chardonnays and, because of how darn good they were, I had every reason to be “laughing at clouds so dark up above” and, ”as I sat at my desk I’ve got a smile on my face” as I was “sipping and sampling Chardonnay!” A bit corny putting my take on the words of the song? Maybe but, if you had the pleasure of trying these Chardonnays, you’d be singing from the rooftops too…rain, hail or sunshine!

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Huntington Estate

2022 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay ($35)

Value alert! Here you get a lot of crowd-pleasing Chardonnay for not a lot of money. At every stage this terrific wine delights the senses. From the citrussy and stone-fruit aromas that start things off to the fruit intensity, texture, structurally supportive acidity and hint of oak on the palate, right through to the refreshing and satisfyingly good finish.  There’s plenty to like so get plenty of it is my advice!

2022 Special Reserve Chardonnay ($45)

The word ‘Special’ is quite apt when it comes to this wine. Taking absolutely nothing away from the previous wine, this is class-in-glass. Richly flavoursome, elegantly smooth, sensuously satisfying, and nice balance between the ripe peaches and melon fruit characters, and macadamia nut creamy/textural feel, while finishing long with a deft touch of acidity. This is a lovely, lovely Chardonnay and deserving of a place in your fridge and cellar.

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2021 Yalumba ‘The Signature’ Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Tony Peters

There were some interesting events in 1849. Apart from American Astronomer William Cranch Bond taking the first photo of the moon, and it being the birth year of Sir Edmund Barton, our first Prime Minister, the most important thing for me was, Samuel Smith established Yalumba. That’s right, 175 years ago, and today it continues to prosper and grow in the hands of fifth generation proprietor, Robert Hill-Smith and all those around him at the oldest family-owned winery in Australia.

Yalumba ‘The Signature’ is a constant in their line-up of wines and this year marks its 50th release. Each year they recognise a loyal member of their ‘family’ and, for the 2021 release, Christopher Gerhardy (Chris), a third-generation employee, who started on the bottling line at Yalumba in 1972, has his (let’s call it) autograph on the front label. These wines age very well and Chris Gerhady’s name, like other signatories on this wine, is set to live on for many years. Congratulations Chris. This is a great ‘The Signature’ to have yours adorn. From what I have read, it is truly deserved.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: South Australia     Price: $70    Source: Samples thanks kindly to Yalumba

I have a few of these in my collection of wines and there are many reasons for that. Apart from the fact I have always been a fan, it is very well made, ages very well, is very well priced, and may very well be the best (arguably of course) ‘Claret’ blend in Australia. This release is definitely up there with the best of ‘The Signature’ releases. It has everything in its kitbag to take on whatever comes its way. A lovely sheen to the deep purple colour as it sits in the glass. Aromas of dominating dark fruits lure you in with ease, a hint of oak and spice have a say too. The palate is simply divine. Lovely bold, generous and concentrated dark fruits coat the palate complemented by a hint of licorice and a little chocolate too. The beautifully handled oak and tannins slide alongside as it slowly fades from your taste buds.

Take a bow Kevin Glastonbury and thank you…again…for yet another terrific ‘The Signature’ release.

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Chalk Hill Wines White Wine and Rosé Releases

Posted on June 22, 2024 by Tony Peters

Most people who know me are familiar with the fact I don’t mind a chat. It becomes worse when it involves talking about wine. Ratchet it up again if it involves talking to a winemaker or winery owner. I think, secretly, my wife feels sorry for anyone who gets stuck in a conversation with me that involves anything about wine.

Anyway, recently I attended a wine and food event at which there were a number of wine exhibitors. When I saw Chalk Hill, I knew who they were due to hearing of them from a McLaren Vale wine producer, however I had never tasted their wines so, over I went. After tasting their three white wines and the Rosé, I became very interested in the Chalk Hill wines. In saying that, all four of these wines are worth speaking about. I have always said I will never pick a favourite and I intend sticking to that mantra because they are all wines that I would be happy to drink and share.

Chalk Hill Wines Website

Region: Various, South Australia     Price: $30 each (bargain buying)     Source: Wines kindly provided by Chalk Hill Wines

2023 Vermentino

Refreshingly flavoursome, crisp and dry. Those five words just about sum up this wine but wait, there’s more. A vibrancy on the palate gives this wine a light feel, yet it is closer to medium bodied once you finally taste it after taking in the inviting citrusy, saline like aromas. A fresh, citrusy palate of apple and grapefruit like characters are balanced by a deft touch of texture as it finishes nice and dry. This has ‘versatile food wine’ written all over it.

2024 Fiano

How many people do you know who, having visited a bottle-shop on the way to your home, have turned up with a Fiano? I know the answer and it is such a shame, especially after you taste examples such as this one. For such a young wine, it is drinkable already providing the vibrancy of citrus fruits with an added fleshy-like feel of stone-fruit characters, all sitting so nicely on the palate. If you’ve never tried Fiano, I strongly suggest you start here.

2022 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

How good is Australian Chardonnay? I had a bit of a think about it and, I can not remember the last time I had a not-so-good Australian Chardonnay. It has lovely aromatics that give a good introduction to what to expect when tasting it. Peach and pear fruits combine nicely with delicate acidity and a creamy cashew nut feel on the palate as it finishes dry with a pretty good length. This Chardonnay is a very good example of everything you want at a very good price. Jump on it!

2023 Rosé

Whoever brought Rosé back into the drinking habits of Australians should have been nominated for a King’s Birthday honour. The shelves of Rosés in bottle-shops now are impressive and this release supports that nomination. Very fragrant (a little Gewürztraminer like I thought) on the nose with red berries showing too. The palate is flavourful thanks to cherries and strawberries with a dab of acidity on the nice dry finish. Here it is folks, your poolside, or picnic, or afternoon on the verandah, wine.

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2022 Huntington Estate Semillon Releases

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Tony Peters

The English language is so strange at times. By this I mean, some words are spelt different ways but are pronounced the same, some words have letters in them that have no reason to be there and some words have letters in them that are sometimes used and sometimes not. It is easy to understand why people of other nationalities get confused.

Semillon is a word that fits into one of the aforementioned categories. From the day I came across the variety, I was told it was pronounced Semi-on and I heard many in the industry pronounce it that way. However, watching a show on television and, having recently visited some wine regions in New South Wales, I found in some cases it was pronounced Semi-lon. As it turns out, there is more than these two ways to pronounce it. Either way, I have been lucky enough to try Huntington Estates Semillons over the years and I have found there…I mean they’re…I mean their Semillons to be right on the mark.

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Source: Thanks kindly to Huntington Estate

2022 Estate Semillon ($28)

Aromatically appealing straight up when it comes to this Semillon. Lemon citrus aromas tickle the senses into life with a slight floral/blossom scent as well. The palate is the Semillon party place though. It is vibrant, fresh, citrussy, mouth-coating and nicely balanced with a finish that has you reaching for the bottle again. This is the type of Semillon that has me scratching my head as to why more people don’t drink the variety. Get onto it is my advice!

2022 Special Reserve Semillon ($35)

Goodness me! This exudes youthful Semillon from the aromas through to tasting it and finally the impact it leaves after swallowing it. It shows a lovely, lime like citrus intensity, a nice little herbal touch too along with a generous, smooth, elegant feel to the palate, finishing with a pretty good length.  As much as I very much enjoyed it now, this has ‘hide me away for a few years’ embedded in its structure.

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Chardonnay Stars from Hill-Smith Family Estate

Posted on June 6, 2024 by Tony Peters

Back in the day, when I started on my wine appreciation journey, I would hear of a wine tasting event and have to drive to it. I would always be mighty careful how many wines I tried simply because I had to drive myself home.

Fast forward to this day and ‘world wide web’ age and I find myself sitting in my study, pleasingly, invited to a virtual tasting, over the internet, of four Chardonnays. How cool is this?

 Those involved in this tasting included three winemakers, Heather Fraser (Ringbolt & Yalumba), Marc van Halderen (Heggies Vineyard) and Clive Jones (Nautilus Estate), a bunch of wine people and me. What an absolute privilege it was to try four excellent Chardonnay’s among such an esteemed group of individuals. Thank you to Lauren Hampel of Hill- Smith Family Estates for providing the opportunity for me to try these wines.

2022 Yalumba Eden Valley Chardonnay ($28)

This, to me, is the type of Chardonnay that would woo somebody reticent to try the variety. It is fresh, fruit-forward, textural and varietal (in a good, non-overt way) while the touch of oak is so nicely done it will easily be seen as part of the complete wine that it is. Here is your easy drinking, go-to, bargain buying Chardonnay if ever there was one.

2023 Heggies Vineyard Eden Valley Chardonnay ($36)

Gee I like this. If I had to put a finger on why, it would be how everything was covered in its profile. The aromas? Inviting, to say the least. Tasting it? Stone fruit characters offer plenty (thanks to its youthfulness) sitting pretty on the palate, lovely creamy feels in the mouth, soft citrussy notes chime on in right at the really good finish. I repeat, gee I liked this, and so will many.

2022 Nautilus Chardonnay ($36)

New Zealand. Well known for being the home of…the long white cloud (not what you were thinking). I have always, unashamedly been a fan of their Chardonnay and I was rapt to get to see this one. The whole palate does not miss out when it comes to this wine. It’s elegant, so smooth, textural, nicely balanced with lovely acidity and a terrific finish. What a ripper Chardonnay this is!

2023 Ringbolt Margaret River Chardonnay ($36)

Another lovely Chardonnay! Great fruit weight on the palate with a richness that takes nothing away from the elegance this displays. It sits perfectly in the medium bodied zone, varietally spot on with peaches, pears and melon fruits calling the shots while a delicate acidity hit comes in on the lovely finish. This is indeed an excellent addition to the Ringbolt range. Find it, fridge it, pour it, drink it.

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2020 Levantine Hill Estate Pinot Noir

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Tony Peters

How often, on a clear and sunny day, have you come across a lake or large pond that is so still that it perfectly reflects all that encompasses it? And, when something touches upon the surface, a ripple is sent out transforming the mirror image into waves of colours and patterns before returning to calm, and its surrounds are mirrored once again upon the surface. I have been lucky enough to see such things and, while the ripples are silent, they make an indelible impression on your ‘feel good’ senses.

When I tasted this wine a similar thing happened. It seemed to send elegant ripples of intense flavour to the outermost areas of my palate and kept going until it hit my cheeks causing a small wave which curled gracefully back onto the palate repeating, and enhancing, the flavour experience. It is such a perfectly varietal and sensory pleasing example of Pinot Noir that it, too, leaves an indelible impression on whomever has the privilege of trying it. Terrific!

Levantine Hill Website

Region: Yarra Valley, Vic     Price: $80     Source: Generous gift

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Castle Rock Estate 2023 Pinot Noir Releases

Posted on May 19, 2024 by Tony Peters

I have not been to the Pyramids of Giza, however people we know have and they speak of how they wondered at them and could not help but be captivated. They were built about 4,500 years ago, so it is a testament to their construction that they are still standing today. If you did not know, there are three main ones.  The Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Kafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Historians speak of the Great Pyramid in ways such as, “the perfection of its geometry is extraordinary,” and I’m guessing the other two smaller, no less significant, pyramids are spoken about in similar terms.

As far as I know, winemaker, Rob Diletti, has not have built a pyramid, and probably never will, but he has certainly crafted three Pinot Noirs that are individual in their own right, yet form a trio of captivating, wondrous and extraordinary wines. Okay, so they will not be around in 4,500 years but they have the structure to easily stand a few years in the cellar if you have the patience to do so.

Castle Rock Estate Website

Region: Porongurup, WA     Source: Thanks kindly to Castle Rock Estate and Define Wine

2023 Estate Pinot Noir (Price: $44)

Straight up, I have to say, this is by no means the little sibling of the trio. It was the first of the three I tried and it set the bar high, providing an excellent prelude into what lies ahead with the ‘Diletti’ and ‘A&W’. Juicy red fruits are ever-present with a delicate savoury character combining for a good palate presence and an impressive finish where the fine tannins and lovely fruit linger very nicely. A fresh, deliciously fruit focussed and very approachable wine to say the least. Well done indeed.

2023 ‘Diletti’ Pinot Noir (Price: $52)

As much as these Pinot Noirs have their own identities, there is little separating them when it comes to quality, drinkability and value. This ‘Diletti’ has a different flavour profile with the 78% whole bunch and carbonic maceration providing a characterful angle to the wine but taking nothing away from the abundant fruitful and expansive palate. Plenty of black and red berry fruits are the star of the show, a slight herbal and stemmy character complement the fruit as it finishes smooth with a pretty good length. This was the more thought provoking of the three but in a really good way.

2023 ‘A&W’ Pinot Noir (Price: $57)

Terrific! That about sums it up really. It has everything; Richness, elegance, power, poise, focus and persistence. Abundant black fruits, a nice savouriness and earthiness, the oak perfectly in line with the lush fruit and spice feel on the palate, velvety tannins, and great great length to cap it off. I could go on and on. This one had me shaking my head in wonder at its brilliance. The Great Pinot Noir of the Porongurup!

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Mayfield Vineyard 2023 ‘Eighteen Fifteen’ Chardonnay & ‘Mrs Crawford’ Pinot Noir

Posted on May 10, 2024 by Tony Peters

Amongst other things, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, more commonly known as Michelangelo, was a famous sculptor. He is quoted as saying, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” As we know, this fellow made many a famous sculpture, some of which are still around today.

It made me wonder if a winemaker looks at a block in a vineyard the same way. When the grapes are ripe and ready for picking, do they think to themselves, ‘these grapes have great wine inside them and it is my task to make that great wine.’  I can’t help but think they do, especially when I have the pleasure of tasting wines such as these two from Mayfield Vineyard, situated in the Orange Wine Region of New South Wales.

Mayfield Vineyard Website

Region: Orange Region, NSW     Price: $37 (each)     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Mayfield Vineyard and Define Wine

2023 ‘Eighteen Fifteen’ Chardonnay

Hello Orange Region Chardonnay! This wine first had me when pouring it, then it pulled me in further when my sense of smell was activated by the aromas, and then had me dancing a jig when I tasted it. It is youthful and vibrant, as you would expect from a young Chardonnay, while having a smooth, textural feel as it sits nicely on the palate. There’s a deft touch of oak poking through also and, I have to mention the long goodbye it gives as it leaves your mouth to make room for another hard-to-resist sip.

2023 ‘Mrs Crawford’ Pinot Noir

When it comes to a young wine, there are things you expect and, no surprises here, this is youthful in its appearance, aromatically and on the palate. Having said that, gee this is a lovely Pinot Noir to drink and savour. Bright cherries, strawberries and a slight dried herb like character present nicely on the palate to begin with. Then, a good swirl in the glass helped it open up more, seemingly coating the palate and locking the flavours in for a dry, savoury and long finish. A very good addition to the Mayfield Vineyard wine line up.

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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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