Téssera Wines Pop-Up Cellar Door Tasting

Posted on April 4, 2024 by Tony Peters

Recently I went to a Téssera Wines ‘pop-up’ cellar door at Lumbr Cafe in Brisbane. I knew the owners, albeit not for very long, and I knew Jen Venardos was a pretty vivacious person, so I expected to have a really good experience. It was everything I expected and more. When it came to speaking about the wines, Jen was relaxed, passionate and knowledgeable, and told the stories behind them with feeling and a sense of pride while appearing humble and appreciative to those in attendance.

As for the wines, well, there were nine available for tasting and we were poured a good amount of the ‘Peggy Sue’, a NV sparkling Pinot Noir and what a delightful way to start a tasting.

There were three whites on offer all from the 2023 vintage. The fresh and fruity ‘Straw Boss’ Riesling with its slight texture provides for immediate drinking, the nicely flavoured ‘Stompa’ Sauvignon Blanc’s gentle acidity and crisp finish should be your seafood matching go-to wine. The ‘Monarch’ Chardonnay was the pick of the whites for me having fruit salad like flavours, nicely played oak and natural acidity adding to the good length. The 2022 ‘Hulah Hoop’ Rosé is a great food wine. Made using Tempranillo grapes, there is plenty of flavour, a bit of body to it and a nice touch of acidity too.

Interestingly, the first red wine was the 2016 ‘Foxtrot’ Reserve Pinot Noir that showed characteristics of dark cherry, earthy notes with the tannins all but integrated. Certainly a drink now proposition. The remaining three 2021 vintage red wines were no slouches that’s for sure. The ‘Chaste’ Shiraz with its lovely blackcurrant flavours, slight spicey notes, soft smooth tannins with the oak and fruit nicely in balance proved to be a bit of a favourite of mine. The ‘Good Oil’ Cabernet/Shiraz packed dark fruits into its great fruit profile while the subtle oak and soft tannins add to the nice long finish. Last, but by no means the least, the ‘Middle Child’ Cabernet Sauvignon is all about the black and blue fruits with good support from soft silky tannins, a little oak influence and really good length.

All of these wines offer really good value buying and they also have mixed case options for those who can’t quite work out what which one or ones they liked the most.

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Cellar Door, Chardonnay, Other Whites, Pinot Noir, Red Blends, Riesling, Rosé, Shiraz, Sparkling Wine | Tagged , | Leave a comment

2019 Levantine Hill Estate Syrah

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Tony Peters

For fear of stating the obvious, clouds are made up of millions and millions of drops of moisture. They form some of the softest looking and thought-provoking shapes. If you’re honest, there would have been times when you look at one and think to yourself, that looks like a (insert your image here). They seem to move along the sky so effortlessly with, what seems, no real purpose but we know they can be a great sun blocker or rain provider or a simple time waster depending on your mood. One thing is for sure, there will always be clouds…somewhere.

When you think about it wine is, in effect, no different. Take this wine for instance. Thousands upon thousands of Syrah grapes have been brought together to form bottles of delicious moisture that provokes thought, conversation and conviviality. It is a given too that, there will always be Levantine Hill wines as good as this one…somewhere.

Levantine Hill Website

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

Quite perfumed and pretty on the nose, this wine has you swirling and sniffing repeatedly, and you don’t even realise you’re doing it. Elegance, sophistication, restrained power and richness. Lovely dark fruits to the fore with a sprinkle of white pepper, subtle oak and tannin offer so much in the form of complexity of character and flavour. I continued ‘tasting’ this wine to experience the palate persistence even more. Drink it now or park it in your wine rack, or buy two bottles of this wine and do both. Either way, you will be pleased. 

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Aristotelis ke Anthoula ‘Little Red’

Posted on January 19, 2024 by Tony Peters

Andy Warhol once said, “If you want to know all about Andy Warhol, just look at the surface of my paintings and films and me, and there I am. There’s nothing behind it.”

I can’t help but think that this is what Tony Zafirakos was thinking when he produced his first bottle of wine from the home garage in Bowral. I say that because their wines are, in effect, raw and vulnerable. I know that sounds weird but it is like Tony Zafirakos and his family have exposed themselves to the wine world in a natural way for all to see, like saying this is us, hiding nothing when it comes to their principles, their winemaking, and their winemaking principles. I have to say, it is quite refreshing and by the same token admirable. They have every reason to stand tall beside their wines and marvel at their excellence. Nicely done indeed and thank you.

Five red grape varieties make up this juicy, slightly spritzy bottle of fun. Even a slight chill seemed to bring out a red fruit freshness for me that added a ‘go back for more’ character. The wild ferment provides a little funkiness while those five varieties don’t hesitate to bring plenty of good berry flavours to the palate, finishing with a nice touch of acidity and that freshness feel again. Definitely a likeable Little Red with a captivating label that will catch your attention just as much as the contents of the bottle.

Aristotelis ke Anthoula Website

Region: Hilltops, NSW     Price: $35     Source: Sample courtesy of Aristotelis ke Anthoula Wines and Define Wine

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Colmar Estate 2022 Orange Region Pinot Noirs

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Tony Peters

Cabernet Sauvignon is often referred to as the King of the Grapes of which I take no issue with. However, if there was ever a Prince of the Grapes then Pinot Noir would be it…easily. It can have an air of sophistication and a certain handsomeness about it, and it can be generous, yet elegance and grace are the pièces de resistance when it comes to this variety.

We have friends who struggle with “heavy reds” and quite often ask for a Pinot Noir thanks to it having plenty of flavour while remaining reasonably light on the palate. And let’s not forget its versatility with food! That’s what the we love about it, right?

Pinot Noir can be a fickle bugger of a grape to grow so it needs the right climate and location to do well.  Orange in New South Wales is proving to be the region in New South Wales for the variety.  Take my word for it.  Thanks to Dave Cumming of Define Wine Marketing, I have been lucky enough to try a few from the area now and it was a pleasure to try these two absolute beauties from Colmar Estate.

Colmar Estate Website

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

Block 1 (Price: $65)

Sophistication, complexity, elegance and class. That about sums up this Pinot Noir from Colmar Estate. Gee I liked this wine and there is so much to like. The aromas announce the variety in one extended inhale of the plentiful red fruits. It seems to move across the palate like a gentle wave across the sand bringing with it the youthfulness of fresh red and (a delicate touch of) dark fruits, a savouriness and flavourfulness (it’s a new word) that just doesn’t seem to want to let go. In a word, terrific. It is quite the Pinot Noir.

Block 3 (Price: $55)

Delightful and pretty are words that spring to mind when smelling and tasting this wine. Appealingly perfumed on the nose with lovely red cherries and a hint of oak too. The palate is gorgeous! It has that Pinot Noir refinement with a subtle intensity (yep that’s how it is). Elegance personified! The tannins are so silky and fine with some gentle acidity coming into the mix at the lovely long ending. I am not ashamed to admit I swooned over it for some time. Also, quite the Pinot Noir.

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2020 Leventine Hill Estate Mélange Traditional Blanc (MTB)

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Tony Peters

Sorry, but I am going out on a limb here and say that, as much as acronyms are a common thing these days, and shortened wine names such as ‘GSM’ will always be a part of the vernacular in Australian wine circles, some wine blends should not be reduced to an acronym. Just my opinion of course, but I think Mélange Traditional Blanc suits this wine perfectly. Apart from being the perfect indicator of the class of this wine, I think it looks so much better on the label too (a minor thing I know). Okay, so one of the reasons may be because my late mum was a huge fan when she knew it as its previous identity. However, the wording of the wine takes nothing away from what is behind the glass receptacle that houses this lovely blend.

Levantine Hill Website

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

Although dominated by Sauvignon Blanc (81%), the Semillon (18%) and Muscadelle (1% and to a lesser extent) let you know they play a part in the complexities of this wine. Yes, the intense aromas tell you it is mainly SB but they have you contemplating the supporting varieties in a way that causes your head to nod and your instinct to try it. Goodness me! The palate! This is the place people come with elevated expectations regardless of a wine and ‘disappointment’ is not a noun that will be used when it comes to this blend, or this wine, that’s for sure. It is very far from that. Texturally pleasing, richly varietal, beautifully balanced and great length too. It needs to be in yours, and my cellar.

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Yalumba Y Series Low Alcohol (7%) White Wines

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Tony Peters

Unlike some other words, the word ‘why’ can only be pronounced one way and have one meaning. The user of the word is curious about something or wants to know a reason for something. I would imagine that many a wine drinker in the world used ‘why’ when companies began releasing low or no alcohol wines. Having been involved in wine shows for many years (as a steward), it was never a matter of ‘why?’ but ‘when?’ Considering low or no alcohol beers have been around for many years, it was inevitable, and I think it is a good thing. It provides a lot more options for the punter. Not necessarily that they can drink more wine, because I doubt that is reasoning behind these types of wines, but more to allow a person to have their glass or two with dinner and be comfortable with their level of sobriety. And let’s not forget the health-conscious folk. They would be mindful of the less empty calories they are consuming. After trying both of these wines, I have no doubt they will be popular over the summer months ahead.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: South Australia     Price: $15    Source: Samples thanks kindly to Yalumba

Chardonnay

This seems hardly affected by the lower alcohol content. It is varietal, it has really good level of flavour (think stone fruits and a hint of citrus fruits also), is nice and refreshing thanks to a nice dash of acidity on the finish and is certainly a very drinkable option for the consciences consumer.

Pinot Grigio

This one does not miss a beat either when it comes to it being varietally correct. The ‘trademark’ pear characters are very much on show with a satisfying yet gentle apple like acidity and a nice creaminess/texture like feel adding to the ample flavour profile.

If you are a white wine drinker and not sure of the ‘low alcohol’ option, here is a good place to start.

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2020 Levantine Hill Estate Chardonnay

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Tony Peters

I recently wrote that there are many ‘drink now’ wines lined up on bottle-shop shelves and fridges at generally pretty good prices. Let’s be honest, it’s hard to imagine someone going into a bottle-shop and buying a wine at this price, thinking it will be a ‘drink now’ proposition. Hold that thought. Taking nothing away from the ‘drink now’ wines at that lower end of the price range, credit must be given to winemakers who use their talent to present a wine that is of high quality, drinkable, and desirably shareable in its youth while being a great cellaring prospect. This is one such wine.

Levantine Hill Website

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

Impeccable in its presentation both on the nose and palate, I defy anyone who can find an issue with this Levantine Hill wine. As much as it is so approachable now, this calibre of Chardonnay is not going anywhere in a hurry. There is plenty of flavour, beautiful texture, a lovely creamy mouth-feel balanced with soft and mouth-watering acidity, finishing long and incredibly satisfying. Pretty amazing, it has to be said.

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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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