Angullong 2022 Barbera and Sangiovese Releases

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Tony Peters

I have a good friend who is Italy mad. Literally. So much so he has learnt the language. If you ask him why, his response is pretty simple. He loves the place and everything about it. He visits regularly and has decided to move there when he retires.

My wife and I have visited Italy once (sadly) and that was with a bus tour. As much as we enjoyed what we saw, ate and drank, it was mostly on the ‘touristy’ route and the places every man, woman, child and their dog visit. Having spoken to my mate, it seems there is so much more to experience.

At the very least, we can enjoy eating Italian style dishes coupled with Italian wines in our own country. And let’s face it, if you are going to go down that path at home, you may as well make the wines good ones, excellent ones even! Here are two Italian varieties from Angullong that are terrific and, dare I say, bargain buying.

Angulong Website

Region: Orange Region, NSW     Price: $30 each     Source: Sample courtesy of Angullong Wines and Define Wine

2022 Barbera

This is a lovely wine. It is delightfully aromatic with plums and blue fruits getting the juices flowing. The palate is perfectly medium bodied, lush and mouth-coating yet elegant and smooth with the tannins tamed by the abundant dark fruits. With a gold medal and trophy from the 2023 Orange Wine Show to its credit already, there is a high likelihood this wine will end up surrounded by silverware (or goldware).

2022 Sangiovese

Another absolute delight from the Angullong team. Attractive on the nose, the red fruit and slight herbal/spicy aromas poke the olfactory senses into life from the get-go. There is a pleasing palate feel to this wine in that it has a fruit richness but sits nicely in the medium bodied zone. There is a slight savouriness too and the tannins are sleek, but I think the fruit is the winner here. Two out of two! (This also has a gold and a silver medal draped around its neck.)

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2022 Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rosé

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Tony Peters

The entire Yalumba Y Series wines are very good for the price. I remember reading a review about this rosé and felt it necessary to buy a bottle and give it a try. Besides, rosés are back on trend and my wife and I have been enjoying quite a few of them since arriving in Queensland.

This one hits the mark on every level. Now I’m not saying it is a complex wine but, what I can say is, it will have you wondering if you were charged the right amount of money at the checkout.

Region: South Australia     Price: $15 (I paid $11!)    Source: Bottleshop Purchase

Plenty of red fruits to talk about. Strawberries (with a little cream), cherries and cranberries add plenty of aromas and flavours even though you wouldn’t expect that when you see the regulation salmon colour. There’s a nice bit of acid at the finish but it’s soft enough that it adds to the little bit of length this wine has without taking anything away from those refreshingly good flavours.

I’d be more than happy to pay the RRP for this wine and even at that price, it is a steal!

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2021 Clandestine Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on November 25, 2023 by Tony Peters

My late Dad was not (with emphasis) a wine drinker. He loved his beer and I’m pretty sure if a glass of wine came within a foot of him, he would recoil so quickly that people would have thought a snake (he hated snakes) had crawled onto the table!

My late Mum certainly enjoyed her wine. She was pretty much a white wine drinker only and I did try some of the wines Mum drank. I have to say, I am thankful for that because it exposed me to some of the types and styles of wines I would not go on to drink myself.

When you consider the previous paragraphs, it is safe to say my wine appreciation ‘genes’ came from my Mum although I don’t remember red wine ever being in our home. What I am able to remember is, the first Cabernet Sauvignon I tried was an early 1980’s Tasmanian one from Heemskerk. I know Cabernet Sauvignon back then was a different wine to those of today, and Tasmanian Cabernet Sauvignon would have been different again due to the cool (maybe even cold) climate. Regardless of that, and probably due to trying the Tassie Cabernet Sauvignon, I am a fan of this noble grape variety and have been lucky enough to have been exposed to wines of a high calibre like this one from the big island.

Clandestine Vineyards Website

Region: Frankland River, WA     Price: $35    Source: Thanks kindly to Clandestine Vineyards and Savvy Comms

This has such a lovely colour sitting in the glass. It’s dark yet has an appealing glossiness too. The aromas whet your appetite for what is in store when tasting it. There is certainly plenty to like on the palate. It’s Cabernet through and through. There’s abundant blackcurrant and plum fruit flavours, it is bold yet sleek, the oak and tannins so complementary, and smooth and textural through to the persistent finish. This is quite a polished and pretty Cabernet at the same time for very few dollars in the scheme of things. Nicely done indeed.

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2017 Stockman’s Ridge Chardonnay

Posted on November 20, 2023 by Tony Peters

There is so much Chardonnay in bottle shops ready for immediate drinking, which is not a bad thing and not unexpected. However, it is quite unusual to release an aged Chardonnay into the wine drinking world, for two reasons I think.

Firstly and sadly, from my conversations with punters, Chardonnay doesn’t seem to be the ‘go-to’ white wine these days so, aged Chardonnay will probably be less so.

Secondly, aged Chardonnay is so unappreciated and under-appreciated. I’m not saying all Chardonnays will do well with some age but those that do provide the drinker with some intriguing and thought provoking complexities. This lovely Stockman’s Ridge aged Chardonnay does just that.

Stockman’s Ridge Website

Region: Orange, NSW     Price: $40     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Stockman’s Ridge and Define Wine

It still looks youthful in the glass and, on taking in the aromas, apart from the stone-fruit characters, there is a slight citrusy note that tells me there is still some acidity hanging around which got me excited.

The palate sits close to the medium bodied range, however, this one has the crispness and subtle citrus like acidity giving balance to that medium bodied-ness. It maintains the varietal characters expected from a cool climate Chardonnay while providing a good level of interest thanks to the 6 years bottle age.

I enjoyed trying this wine, but I think it is probably sitting in the ‘don’t put me in the cellar, put me in the fridge and drink me’ zone. Definitely work seeking out and very well priced for an aged Chardonnay.

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2021 Clandestine Vineyards ‘Hearts and Minds’ Cabernet Malbec

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Tony Peters

We all know who Charles Spurgeon is, right! No? Same. However, I came across a quote of his that read, “Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.” Charles passed away 1892 but, if he were alive today I would suggest he change that quote to, “Carve your name on hearts and minds, not on marble.”

Nick and Trudy, owners of Clandestine Vineyards have proudly carved their hearts and minds into their range of wines, figuratively speaking of course, and it is none more obvious than if you try this wine. I think Mr Spurgeon would be comfortable with the new quote if he too tasted this wine.

Clandestine Vineyards Website

Region: King Valley, Vic     Price: $60    Source: Thanks kindly to Clandestine Vineyards and Savvy Comms

What a lovely colour this wine is! It’s deep, it’s dark, it’s impenetrable yet so youthfully purple around the edges. The nose and palate are in sync at this early stage of its life. By that I mean, what your olfactory senses detect, as will your taste buds, and both will be sensorily satisfied. Dark berries galore and I could lap them up for ages…which I did, of course. Subtle herbal characters and juicy dark plum notes play second fiddle but walk at the same pace as it finishes with smooth, albeit slightly drying tannins. Very easy to like and the type of wine you would share with friends…selected friends…hesitantly…on the third Sunday…of February…in a leap year…when I’m home…and you ring ahead.

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2022 Stockman’s Ridge Primrose Sparkling

Posted on November 5, 2023 by Tony Peters

There is an event about to happen in the city of Melbourne, Australia. Apparently, it “stops the nation”. It involves a score or more horses running around a track for a couple of miles with the fastest one crowned the winner. For those who don’t know, it is called the Melbourne Cup. Now, I am not interested in horse racing or betting on horse racing. However, what I have noticed on the news and in the print media is those that attend these events tend to wear pretty fancy head gear and drink a lot of sparkling wines. If you can’t get to the racecourse and intend watching the Melbourne Cup from the comfort of your lounge room, don your most precious hat, hunt down a bottle of this tasty bubbles and cheer to your hearts content.

Stockman’s Ridge Website

Region: Orange, NSW     Price: $35     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Stockman’s Ridge and Define Wine

Looking for something flavoursome, fun and full of frivolity on Melbourne Cup day? Get your mits around a glass of this delightfully easy drinking sparkling wine and you’ll find yourself with a glass in one hand and the bottle in the other…drinking responsibly of course.  And, on that note, you are definitely on a winner right here and all you have to do is get the cork out of the top of it, pour it into your glass, sit back, and watch the day go by. It’s that type of sparkling wine. Easy!

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2023 Clandestine Vineyards Pinot Gris

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Tony Peters

Having recently moved to Queensland, it has certainly been living up to its nickname, the Sunshine State. I was told by a friend that the recent hot weather, a number of days in the 30-degree area, is unseasonal.  When I asked him what the winter was like up here, thinking the winter temperatures may have been unseasonal also, his response was, “There were two days in June I think so, don’t worry mate, you’ve missed them.” Coming from the southernmost state of Australia, this may take some getting used to.

However, there is an upside. Warmer weather usually means drinking wines that like to be chilled. When it comes to white wines, it is not often people reach for a Pinot Gris to sip on. It tends to be the more ‘common’ ones that get the nod. If there was a Warm Weather Wines list compiled, I would not hesitate to say there would be several quality Australian Pinot Gris, just like this one, that deserve to be on it.

Clandestine Vineyards Website

Region: King Valley, Vic     Price: $28    Source: Thanks kindly to Clandestine Vineyards and Savvy Comms

This Pinot Gris greets you with a lovely aromatic intensity in the glass. On the palate there is an intensity too, but it is more measured and elegant in its demeanour. While it has lovely palate weight, texture and mouthfeel, there is a nice touch of acidity adding a crispness to it that takes nothing away from the expected varietal characters expressed by Pinot Gris. Make no mistake, this wine is very easy to drink.

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2023 Clandestine Vineyards Prosecco Rosé

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Tony Peters

There is a big difference between encouraging people to drink wine and suggesting or recommending a wine.  Let me put it this way.

I am not encouraging you to drink this Prosecco with your brunch, on a warm Spring or Summer morning, alfresco style at a marina or a beachside café.  Not at all.

However, if you were looking for a Prosecco to have with your brunch, on a warm Spring or Summer morning, alfresco style at a marina or a beachside café, then this is the perfect one.

Clandestine Vineyards Website

Region: King Valley, Vic     Price: $28    Source: Thanks kindly to Clandestine Vineyards and Savvy Comms

Nicely presented in a clear bottle, you can’t help but be drawn to the lovely colour. It reeks of freshness as you take in the aromas provided by the bursting bead of bubbles as you move into tasting it.  It is light yet lively while not shy on flavour either. There’s an apple like crispness that works so well with the red berry flavours and a nice touch of acidity adding to a good length.

May I suggest a second bottle as you ease into the afternoon and order a cheese/fruit platter to keep your metabolism going.  It’s just a suggestion…of course. 😊

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Clandestine Vineyards 2023 ‘Break Free’ Releases

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Tony Peters

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” Thank you, Albert Camus, for that insight.  This had me wondering, who started the ‘natural wine’ thingy and when?  I ask this because, it must have been a winemaker who thought they could do things differently from the ‘unfree’ way of making wine.  I am not saying it was deemed an act of rebellion at the time but I would imagine whoever kick-started this winemaking style decided to ‘break free’ and do ‘their thing’ with a large bunch of grapes.  It has certainly proven to be a winner around many wine drinking circles.  Here a two from Clandestine Wines that will be great for those summer alfresco gatherings.

Clandestine Vineyards Website

Region: Frankland River & Swan Valley, WA     Price: $38 each     Source: Thanks kindly to Clandestine Vineyards and Savvy Comms

2023 Bliss Bomb Pet Nat

As I have mentioned before, Pet Nat wines are not something I normally gravitate toward.  However, this is the second Bliss Bomb from Clandestine Wines I have had the pleasure of trying. 100% made using Chenin Blanc, this is a refreshingly ‘fruit salad’ of a wine with an enjoyable amount of fizz, some acidity and spiciness come to play making this a very easy wine to drink. I would not hesitate to serve this up to Pet Nat sceptics.

2023 Petite Blancs

I really like this wine.  For me, it was the blend of Chardonnay and Gewurtraminer which generated intrigue, attraction, and a sense of eagerness to try this wine (having tried the 2022, my interest was already high). As I poured it, the lovely aromatics were accentuated when I swirled it in the glass. On tasting, there’s a nice bit of funkiness and freshness, a touch of spiciness and acidity, some texture adds good palate appeal on the finish. Drinkability factor is high for this wine.

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2019 Yalumba ‘The Cigar’ Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on September 16, 2023 by Tony Peters

There are three words in the heading that could not be more connected when it comes to wine than ‘Cigar’, ‘Coonawarra’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’.  It is widely known the Coonawarra area has a section where the dirt is commonly referred to as the ‘terra rossa’ or red soil.  This section was mapped some time ago and, when it was, it showed up in the shape of a cigar.  Add to that just how well Cabernet Sauvignon does in this famous wine region of Australia and, taa daa, a damn good wine from a damn fine Australian producer.

I realise this particular wine has sort of sat in the shadows of its more well known sibling, The Menzies, but I’ve been a fan of this wine for some time.  As a matter of fact, I opened a 2012 (under cork) fairly recently and it was great!  So, for pretty much half the price of The Menzies (bear in mind the fruit comes from the same vineyard), you can have a wine that is very approachable now but will cellar for a heap of years.

Even though it is already four years old, it still has an abundance of youthful vibrancy and shows plenty of fruit freshness from start to finish.  It is unequivocally and proudly showing its Coonawarra regionality in such a refined and elegant manner.  Yes, there is a richness but it comes to you in way that coats your palate gently, almost in slow motion.  Then, those plush fruit flavours seem to hang around for a considerable time before you realise you no longer have any of the wine in your mouth!  This is indeed a lovely wine and it is easy to see why it has won 7 gold medals over the last two years.

Yalumba Website

Region: Coonawarra, SA     Price: $35     Source: Retail Purchase

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