Thomas Wines Cellar Door

Posted on July 9, 2023 by Tony Peters

Considering the number of wine regions I have visited over the years, some more than once or twice, it is slightly embarrassing for me to admit that I have never been to the Hunter Valley and I really do not know why that is the case.

To remedy that situation, as part of a road trip to a warmer state of our big island, we made the decision to call into the Hunter Valley and, Thomas Wines was always going to be on my list of must visits.  Thanks to a good wine friend of ours, Steve Leszczynski (Qwine) we were kindly treated to a tasting at their cellar door.  It was an amazing experience, to say the least, and I really feel the need to tell you about it.

Firstly, the cellar door has a modern feel to it yet it is still warm, spacious and inviting.  We were met by Belinda and immediately felt welcome.  When the conversation started, we knew it was definitely not scripted.  It was genuine, humorous and convivial. 

Secondly, the tasting experience would have to be one of the best and relaxing we have had and we have been to many cellar doors around Australia.  Brodie looked after us and his knowledge of the wines was informative without being too technical, and presented in a fun and inclusive way, so much so it would not intimidate those learning about wine or new to the wine scene.

And last, but by no means the least, the wines.  I could easily sum them up in two words.  Genuine and exquisite.  However, they deserve much more attention to detail than that, just like what the wines receive.  We were lucky enough to try five white wines with four of those being Semillon and the other a blend of Semillon and Chardonnay, while seven Shirazes crossed our palates as well.

The 2022 ‘Fordwich Hill’ Semillon is a great introductory wine for those not sure if Semillon is ‘their thing’.  It is so approachable in its infancy with the fruit being the star while the acidity is soft and complementary.  The 2022 ‘OC’ Semillon is a little more generous on the palate with some good acidity adding zip and freshness. 

We were lucky enough to try the, yet to be released, 2023 ‘Braemore’ Semillon which was citrussy and fresh (as you’d expect) with a lovely mouth-watering apple-like acidity.  This is going to be a winner!  The ‘Vat 32’ Semillon Chardonnay deserves its place in the line-up. I don’t know the percentages of the two varieties that make up the wine but they definitely get on well together resulting in a flavourful, textural and delicious wine.

When it came to the Shiraz line-up, the 2021 ‘Synergy’ is ridiculous value.  It’s vibrant, it’s juicy and so adorably drinkable.  The 2021 ‘Belford’ and ‘Dam Block’ wines were lovely ‘go-to’ styles while the 2021 ‘Sweetwater’ seemed it would love you to leave it in the cellar for a while.  All three had plush fruit, texture, fine tannins and judicious use of oak with the ‘Sweetwater’ having that little extra tannin structure to support cellaring.

The 2021 ‘Elenay’ and ‘Kiss’ Shirazes are truly something.  While both wines are elegant and so seamless with great length, the ‘Elenay’ maintains a lovely medium body fruit weight across the palate while the ‘Kiss’ slowly builds to a beautifully balanced intensity.

I would have no hesitation in recommending a visit to this cellar door.  It is something you will tell your friends about, and not just those ‘wine boffins’ you know.

Thomas Wines Website

Posted in Cellar Door, Other Whites, Semillon, Shiraz | Leave a comment

Angullong Orange Region 2022 Chardonnay Releases

Posted on June 24, 2023 by Tony Peters

Isn’t Chardonnay just a lovely grape variety.  It seems to be so attractive in such an effortless way, not seeking any sort of distinguished ‘name’ to place itself above other white varieties. 

I have been a fan for quite a few years now but my focus was quite narrow in the early days.  Tasmanian Chardonnay was it for me until I discovered others from more commonly known regions and producers that entered the Royal Hobart Wine Show.

Thanks to David Cumming of Define Wine, my Chardonnay experiences have been extended to regions that, as far as I am concerned, deserve to be alongside the big shots of the Chardonnay scene in Australia.

I was first introduced to the Angullong wines just on five years ago and about the same time frame since I had the pleasure of trying one of their Chardonnays (2017 Fossil Hill).  Here are two that are definitely going to be spring and summer time people pleasers for sure.

Angullong Website

Region: Orange, NSW     Source: Samples thanks to Angullong and Define Wine

Angullong Chardonnay ($25)

Lovely, fresh citrus characters immediately present on the fruit driven nose giving a good indication of what is to come.  The palate has a good intensity, yet approachable, with the fruit showing its best.  Stonefruits, pear flesh and an apple like crispness are the main players.  I didn’t detect any oak influence, however, there is slight creamy like feel that tells me it probably saw a little oak during the winemaking process, and there is a refreshing touch of acidity on the good length finish.  An attractive wine with an early-drinking vibe to it.  Very good value!

Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Chardonnay ($30)

Taking nothing away from the previous wine, this Chardonnay is worth more than the five dollars extra you pay for it.  It has a lovely delicate like richness on the palate thanks to the good fruit intensity with the oak running alongside nicely, and texture adding to the nice mouth-feel with every sip.  Some nice acidity shows itself as it lingers nicely on the palate for a very good finish.  Elegance is the key to this terrific value Orange Chardonnay.  A delicious wine indeed.  Bravo!

Posted in Chardonnay | Leave a comment

2017 Levantine Hill Samantha’s Paddock Mélange Traditionnel

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Tony Peters

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” A fellow by the name of Aristotle uttered these words many moons ago. It suggests that, if something was to be broken down into its parts, those parts would be good and valuable on their own but, put them together and the final product is of tremendous value and purpose. The grape varieties used in making this wine have been selected because of their high quality, and, I have no doubt they would be excellent if bottled on their own, as individual wines.

This is a wine that demands your attention from the get-go thanks to a weighty bottle with a punt so deep it has an echo! Then it’s the colour when you pour it that is truly gorgeous. Deep, dark and inky, and so glossy in the glass. I’m in love with this wine already just by how it looks! While the nose has intensity, it is just so delightfully fruitful and broodingly captivating. The medium bodied palate shows richness and elegance at the same time with lovely juicy dark fruits abound and show the way early, slight herbal and spice notes chime in while the tannins get carried along with ease by the lush fruit on the mighty fine finish.

This feels terrific on the taste buds, indicative of the quality fruit which is what this wine is all about, and I can’t help but think it will show the splendour of the 2017 vintage for many years to come.

Levantine Hill Website

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

Posted in Red Blends | Leave a comment

Clandestine Wines Red Wine Releases

Posted on June 3, 2023 by Tony Peters

Henri Murger was a French author and poet around the early to mid-1800’s. I would expect his name is not necessarily ringing any bells for you right now but, if I mention that the opera La Bohème is based on his book, “Scenes of Bohemian Life” that may cause an “oh okay” or possibly an “of course” from you. Prior to when he was ‘famous’, he was a member of a group who called themselves “The Water Drinkers” simply because they couldn’t afford to buy wine. Ironically, that brings me to what I was drawn to mostly about him, which was his quote, “The first duty of wine is to be red. Don’t talk to me of your white wines.” When I lined these three red wines up to try, I thought of Mr. Murger and how he would probably be more than happy to drink all three of them.

Source: Samples thanks kindly to Clandestine Vineyards and Savvy Comms

2022 Pinot Noir

This is certainly going to get your red wine juices flowing.  It is a little better than light weight providing excellent varietal flavours of red cherries and ripe strawberries.  Add to that a slight herbal note, a bit of cherry spice and a pretty good, elegant finish and you have a very good wine at a damn good price! Good stuff this.

Region: Adelaide Hills, SA     Price: $30

2021 Shiraz

Moving up a notch from the Pinot Noir, here we have a Shiraz that certainly walks the walk.  Offering up generous flavours of black cherry, plums and some spiciness all coming together very nicely for such a young wine.  It sits on the top-side of medium bodied but has a richness and a fruitful smoothness that gives the impression of being better than that.  I liked this a lot!

Region: Mount Barker, WA     Price: $35

2021 Malbec

This looked so strong and impressive in the glass thanks to the terrific colour. Great start! It has a blue fruit perfume to it that I couldn’t help but take in more than once. Great middle! Rich and bold on the palate, blackberries and plums come to the fore with a delightful savoury appeal too as it finishes elegant and long. Great ending! Makes you want to head back to the start, doesn’t it? I certainly did. Two thumbs up.

Region: Margaret River, WA     Price: $35

Posted in Other Reds, Pinot Noir, Shiraz | Leave a comment

2017 Levantine Hill Melissa’s Paddock Syrah

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Tony Peters

Close to 300 years ago, Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”  When I write something, whether it is worth reading or not is up to the reader.  However, when it comes to writing about wine, I try to cover both parts of this quote by Mr Franklin.  Tasting wine is something worth writing about, and I also try and make what I write worth reading.

When it comes to this wine, there is plenty to write about, however that would mean there would be plenty for you to read, so I will do my best to keep it reasonably short.

It is easy for me to write this because you can’t see it but, it is such a very pretty colour in the glass, so attractive to the eye for me.  Very expressive on the nose, clearly showing its youthfulness with fresh dark cherry, pepper and spice.  The palate is the epitome of the balance between power and elegance.  It’s full-bodied yet is so enjoyably silky smooth.  Lovely blue fruits, a nice plum fruit influence, a spice character (that I can’t put my finger on), and a lick of liquorice, all adding to the savouriness of this wine, with an incredibly long finish. 

Benjamin Franklin is also quoted as saying, “Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.”  I think Levantine Hill wines are constant proof they want to see us happy!

Levantine Hill Website

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

Posted in Shiraz | Leave a comment

2022 Colmar Estate Riesling Releases

Posted on May 14, 2023 by Tony Peters

I have always wondered what dogs liked about having their head out of the car window and the wind blowing into their face at speed, with their ears flapping about as the vehicle motors along.  Turns out, their head is full of sensory receptors and, as the air rushes over their head, those receptors are massively stimulated and lasts for as long as they can keep their head out of the window.  Not something I have ever considered doing. 

However, I could not help but imagine what it would be like as you are driving along a coastal road with the fresh sea air in your face, or through snow covered mountains where the air is so invigoratingly cool on your face you cannot help but want more of it.  A bit like when tasting fresh, young, and vibrant Riesling that triggers off three main pleasure receptors; sight, smell and taste. Tasting these Rieslings did exactly that, which meant I had three times the sensory stimulation.

https://colmarestate.com.au/

Region: Orange Region, NSW     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Colmar Estate and Define Wine

2022 Estate Riesling ($35)

A lovely introduction to the Rieslings of Colmar Estate. It is invitingly fresh and perfumed on the nose. The palate has zip and verve thanks to the citrus fruit hit of acidity tending toward a lemon influence.  With just a smidge of sweetness, it sails very close to the label of ‘bone dry’ while providing a refreshingly long finish.  Very enjoyable to say the least.

2022 Block 5 Riesling ($45)

This Block 5 takes up where the previous Riesling left off perfectly but the flavour feel on the palate has gone up a notch with this one.  Citrusy characters aplenty (more limey than lemony for me), a hint of residual sugar providing a lovely balanced mouthfeel while finishing long and moreishly fresh.  This has ‘classic’ written all over it.  Lots to enjoy too.

2022 Reserve Riesling ($55)

Goodness me!  Presence, power, poise and persistence.  Sums this Riesling up perfectly, I think.  What a lovely, lovely wine.  Taking nothing away from the previous two Colmar Estate Rieslings, this sits deservedly at the top of the tree.  Intensity, freshness, elegance, refinement and great length.  An abundance of positive adjectives could be added, but I think I’ve made my views of this wine clear. 

Posted in Riesling | Leave a comment

Nightfall Wines 2019 ‘The Noble Beasts’

Posted on May 7, 2023 by Tony Peters

There are many photos posted regularly on social media of sunrises and sunsets. I have to admit, some are just beautiful.  Recently, when I was working an afternoon shift, I drove along an Esplanade here where I live and the moon was up and about on a clear, almost cloudless night.  The light from the moon was like a blanket across the water.  There was a gentle breeze as well and this caused the water to ripple just enough to make the moonlight seem to sparkle and glisten giving new meaning to the words “sea of stars.” 

When you experience something like this, there is certainly something to be said for Nightfall which seems to have been captured in these Noble Beasts.  A glistening array of Coonawarra wine stars in the Australian sea of red wine varieties.

Website: nightfallwines.com.au

Region: Coonawarra, SA     Price: $360 for the set     Source: Thanks kindly to Sam Brand and Nightfall Wines

2019 ‘The Leo’ Cabernet Sauvignon

I’ll tell you what.  Coonawarra does Cabernet Sauvignon bloody well.  Stating the obvious, I know, but I just had to say it after being lucky enough to try the Draco, and now this one from Nightfall Wines.  This is delightful in every way.  Terrific fruit, a beguiling intensity, lovely balance and poise, captivating and charming, silky smooth with elegance in spades.  I could go on and on just like it does on the finish.  A very well made wine that is great to drink and even ponder over.

2019 ‘Aquila’ Cabernet Franc

I was pleased, very curious and a tad excited to see this variety bottled as a stand-alone variety, and I must say, this is quite an impressive wine.  It presents beautifully in the glass, and so perfumed and pretty on the nose.  Rich, lush and delicious dark fruits, delicate herbal notes, nicely played oak and really good length finishing soft and graceful.  I very much enjoyed this wine and, just my opinion of course, it has set the bar high for Cabernet Franc in this country.

2019 ‘Lupus’ Merlot

Merlot from a cool climate region is always going to raise some questions but I think that is due to wines from years past.  This is a medium bodied wine providing really good varietal plum fruit characters, a tickle of spice and herbs, a nice touch of oak is in there too and finishes with some fine tannins on a pretty good length.  This probably takes the bronze medal out of these three wines, but it was a close call and definitely not a reflection on the quality of this wine.  Far from it.

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

2018 Levantine Hill Blanc de Blanc

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Tony Peters

On a recent podcast, I heard it said, “Wine for me is everything in one convenient glass.  It’s history, it’s conviviality, it’s chemistry, it’s art, it’s science, it’s ceremony, it’s spirituality…” 

Now, for me, I’d go as far as to say, wine for me is everything in one convenient BOTTLE especially when it comes to sparkling wine.  There seems to be an extra sense of celebration when the cork makes that ‘pop’ sound, glasses are presented and filled with the fluid of frivolity, then ‘clinked’ together by happy souls in a toast to someone, something, or anything for that matter. 

When I opened, poured, tasted and drank this Blanc de Blanc, I couldn’t help but notice just how fresh, bubbly, generous and full of character it is.  The wine itself boldly offers up a terrific palate presence and weight, with lemony and grapefruity like citrusy notes providing structure for it to live a little longer.  Add to that a lovely mouthfeel, a deft touch of sweetness and good, good length and you soon find yourself at the bottom of the glass with a mile wide smile on your face. Cheers!

Levantine Hill Website

Region: Yarra Valley, Vic     Price: $80     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Levantine Hill

Posted in Sparkling Wine | Leave a comment

2018 Grey Sands Pinot Gris

Posted on April 20, 2023 by Tony Peters

I have to admit to being a little, no, a lot, excited about getting to try this wine.  It is an all-time favourite in our home and I am lucky enough to get to try it each year which, ultimately, leads to me buying some.  Oh well.  What do they say?  Life’s too short to drink bad wine, and, on this occasion, we are drinking very good wine.

This is everything I’ve come to expect from Grey Sands Pinot Gris and, maybe on this occasion, a little bit more.  The aromatic introduction is both rich and generous to the olfactory senses which leads into the usual lovely texture, coating the palate, that I’ve come to know and love. There is, as always, the intensity and depth of flavour yet, on top of that, there is a youthfulness like character to it that I can’t seem to put my finger on, but it sits ever presently on the long and fulsome finish. Another delightful release.

Grey Sands Website

Region: Glengarry, Tasmania     Price: $55     Source: Generous gift

Posted in Other Whites | Leave a comment

2022 Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Tony Peters

I was listening to a podcast recently where Adam Wadewitz was interviewed.  Right from the time he started his wine journey to landing at Shaw + Smith, it sounds like everything was a seamless, natural progression for him. When he talks about working at Shaw + Smith, he speaks of his team with such reverence.  What a hell of a humble human being! I have been fortunate enough to ‘work’ for Adam as a steward at wine shows in Tasmania. I can say he is an affable, congenial and approachable type and I never felt like ‘just a steward’. He made it a team environment where we all contributed to the best outcome for the show.

For me to request Sauvignon Blanc is, let’s say, rare, especially if there are other wines on offer.  However, I knew Adam had a hand in making this wine and knew it always sets the bar high when it comes to Australian Sav Blanc so, I was not hesitant at all to order a glass of this one and it did not disappoint.

Lemons, herbs and passionfruit on the nose get things started. On the palate the freshness is evident as it exudes tropical fruit-ness with citrusy characters coming through giving it balance and verve. There’s plenty of flavour on offer with this wine and it’s easy to see why it’s popular everywhere, every year with (just about) everyone. Nicely done again team Shaw + Smith and its captain, Adam. Cheers!

https://www.shawandsmith.com/product/2022-Shaw—Smith-Sauvignon-Blanc

Region: Adelaide Hills, SA Price: $25 Source: Interstate flight

Posted in Other Whites | Leave a comment