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.

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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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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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