2017 LiNO RaMBLe ‘Domino’ Montepulciano

Posted on June 27, 2018 by Tony Peters

Montepulciano! I love saying that word.  Try it.  Mon-ta-pull-chee-arno!!  And make sure you emphasise the ‘ar’ bit and use plenty of hand movements.  It’s quite invigorating, just like this wine.

How cool is it that you can get such an excellent example of a popular Italian variety in Australia?  Thanks to the crew at Chalk Hill for growing the fruit and the ‘cool as a cucumber Coppard’ at Lino Ramble for bringing it to the table, you and I get to enjoy it in the comfort of our own homes, in our favourite chairs and (may I suggest) a bowl of beef cheek ragout.

Pretty good nose for the intros.  Cherries, blackberries and cocoa powder kick things off.  Black fruits are loving the attention at the forefront of the flavours.  Juicy sweet/sour red cherries nudge in for a good look and the cocoa powder has turned into a lovely smidge of chocolate, filling out the palate.  The tannins are definitely not shy and why should they be.  They deserve to be a part of this show and they are there at the end while those dark fruits come back for an encore.  It’s pretty easy to want more of this wine as the night goes on.

Lino Ramble Website

Region: McLaren Vale, SA     Price: $40     Source: Sample

Lino Ramble Monte

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2014 Robert Stein The Kinnear

Posted on June 26, 2018 by Tony Peters

Many moons ago, English wine connoisseur, Professor George Saintsbury, stated that “Hermitage is the manliest wine I have ever drunk”.  What do you get when you add a small amount (3%) of the noble grape, Cabernet to it?  Well, let me tell you; it’s called the Kinnear.  This wine that is.

The Kinnear was actually a three mast barque (ship, to put it simply) that sailed one or more of the seven seas to bring Johann Stein, among others, to Australia in 1838.  Quite appropriately, and in honour of the year, there were only 1838 bottles of this flagship wine produced.

The excellent vintage is evident from the start.  It smells of class and precision if not a bit of smoky oak and dark fruits, but on the palate is where this wine shines for me.  I tasted it over two nights and it hardly moved in that time.  A dark berry basket of flavours with rich plums being the misfit that fits, strangely.  By this I mean they seem to add a platform of depth and width on which those dark fruits are able to be the main player. Then, some delicate spice and pepper add a nice dimension to the array of flavours.

It is clear this wine has seen a fair bit of oak, 18 months in new and one year old French and American oak to be exact.  However, the rich quality fruit has soaked it up to show that with time, this is going to be an absolute beauty.  Tannins were, thanks to the time I gave it, silky smooth and refined adding to the complexity of this wine.

If you buy some, by all means have a look at one now then put the others away for eons.  Your patience will reap rewards!  What an honour it was to try this wine.

Robert Stein Website

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $80     Source: Sample courtesy of Define Wine

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2017 Paracombe Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris

Posted on June 25, 2018 by Tony Peters

This may come as a surprise to some but, on the weekend I was speaking with a fellow who works in a Hobart bar and, dare I say it, the talk was about wine.  Something he said came as no surprise to me though.  Pinot Gris and Grigio seem to becoming more popular than SB (I don’t need to spell it out).  He didn’t hesitate to say how pleased he was that things were turning around.  I have to agree and the good thing is, there are some very good Pinot Gris (what’s plural for Gris?) around and the crew at Paracombe have this very good one in their stable.

It has a very aromatic and very varietal nose.  Pears aplenty and mouth-watering melons are offered up with a hint of spring flowers (very general I know, sorry).  Juicy delicious pears are obvious as the nose on your face when tasting it but this flavour is ably supported by some stonefruit characters, some pear skin texture and the faintest touch of spicyness.  A heads up; it’s menacingly moreish!

Paracombe Wines Website

Paracombe pinot gris

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2014 Gartelmann Wines ‘Jesse’ Shiraz

Posted on June 24, 2018 by Tony Peters

When it came to writing the review for this wine I realised when I see a person’s name on the front label, I’ve gotten into the habit of using ‘google’ to see if there is history or a story behind that name.  It was no different with this one, except after I did so, I thought I should really look to see if there is a Gartelmann family story or some history behind the ‘Jesse’ name.  As it turns out, it’s both.  Here’s how it goes.

Jorg Gartelmann is the owner.  His son is Phillip and Phillip’s son is Jesse.  Jesse is Jorg’s grandson.  On their website, young Jesse is affectionately described as “…a delightful handful”.  Mind you, I did find out that one of the biblical meanings of Jesse is, “God’s gift” and after having tasted this wine for the first time, I consider it god’s gift to the punters who partake in this delightful handful.

The colour didn’t really give much away but it has a pretty impressive start on the nose.  It made me think that the progression from step 1 (colour) to step 2 (aromas) was so good it could only mean the third and final step (taste) is going to be even better.  Answer, yes, definitely yes!

Tasting it, those softer, mid range berries are the go here.  Blueberries for sure, dark(ish) berries as well without dominating, plums too that seem to give it a nice fullness (or richness is probably a better descriptor but I’ll let you work that out).  There is a nice little touch of sweetness thereabouts, dark chocolate I reckon, that balances out all the fruit influence and does a very good job of it too.  The tannins are there but they are not nasty buggers.  They are there offering up some good support/structure so it will live for a few years benefiting the wine and ultimately benefiting you.

Gartelmann Wines Website

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $30     Source: Sample courtesy of Define Wine

2014JesseShiraz

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2015 Clemens Hill ‘777 Clone’ Pinot Noir

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Tony Peters

You’ll have to excuse me for being curious.  That’s just me and it’s part of my job.  The succession of numbers, 777, intrigued me so I googled it thinking it would return details about the Pinot clone in question.  Ummm, initially, no.

I bet you didn’t know that Lamech, the father of Noah (the bloke who built that big floating zoo that saved a heap of animals, except the Unicorn, called The Ark) lived to be 777 years old.  And 777 is used in most US slot machines to identify a jackpot.  When it comes to the significance of the numbers, the ‘jackpot’ wins hands down for me especially when it comes to this wine.

Getting back to the 777 Pinot Clone, I was under the impression it was always blended with other clones, not one to be bottled on its own.  I can only go on what I researched but it appears to me that, on its own, it can be a big version of the variety depending on how it’s treated.  Whoever makes the Clemens Hill Pinots knows exactly what they are doing and how to treat it.  Just my opinion of course but, spot on I reckon (bearing in mind this is my first straight 777 Pinot).

From top to toe it will have you more curiouser (excuse my english) than you have ever been before when it comes to this grape variety.  777 possibly like you’ve not seen it before.

Love the colour, not like your regular pinot that’s for sure thanks to some depth at the core of it.  Smells of dark fruits in the whole bunch style (?), stemmy/herbal which added so much interest for me.

Rich, intense, lush.  I certainly did not expect that from this clone considering what I had been told.  Tasting it; quite a medium weight wine, mid palate blackcurrants, dark cherry, Italian herbs and delicate spicy stuff going on.  It has a silky smooth, long finish too.  I really liked this.  I only wish I had had two of them!

(Image from the Pinot Shop Website )

Clemens Hill Website

Region: Coal Valley, Tasmania    Price: $55 (I think)     Source: Good Question

Clemens_Hill_2015_777_Aurelia_1024x1024

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2013 Huntington Estate Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on June 18, 2018 by Tony Peters

How often do you see ‘Winemakers Reserve’ or ‘Vineyard Selection’ or, in this case, ‘Special Reserve’ on a bottle of wine?  I’ve seen a few and I don’t have a problem with that except when it’s not backed up with quality contents.  This Huntington Estate Cabernet bottle is packed full of quality contents and deservedly wears the ‘Special Reserve’ label and here’s why.

I wish I could put a picture of the colour here which would do it justice.  It’s  deep, dark and delectable.  It’s also a shame I can’t paint a picture of the aromas.  The only thing I can do, of course, is try and describe them as best I can.  Plenty of dark berries that smell ripe, lush and mouth-wateringly juicy.

This time, close your eyes and get someone else to read this bit to you.  Dark berries and plums do most of the talking with a nice touch of freshness from medium weight red fruits bringing some flavour balance (if you know what I mean).  It’s not all about the fruit here either.  There’s a terrific soft, creamy oak addition on the finish that sits perfectly with the complementary tannins.  All this bodes well for the future of a wine that is five years old!!

Huntington Estate Website

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $36     Source: Sample courtesy of Define Wine

2012_HE_SR_CabSav_web__24509.1497997498.500.800

 

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2017 Yelland & Papps Second Take Shiraz

Posted on June 15, 2018 by Tony Peters

I’ve read a couple of reviews about this wine already (here and here) so I had a pretty good insight about what to expect when it came to trying this wine.  I actually debated whether to even review this wine because of just how renown these two bloggers are.  I was thinking, what could I add?  Anyway, here goes.

Dee-bloody-licious!  I’d like to finish my review there but I owe it to the Yelland & Papps team that sent me this gem to put on my Sherlock Holmes hat and have a closer look.

I have to tell ya it was difficult even to get past the first stage!  Smelling it.  I felt a bit like a council worker at this point.  I lent on the shovel(s) of black and red fruit aromas while getting my breath back but nothing progressed at a fast pace.

Tasting it revealed there was a private contractor involved.  No time wasted, plenty going on and lots to think about yet in an orderly manner.  73% whole bunch to get your mind ticking over, 14 days on skins to add another layer of interest, wild yeast fermentation and 28% new French oak.  Plums, blueberries and earthiness adding to the appeal.  There’s a licorice effect but it’s not quite licorice.  Fennel, maybe (because I’ve experienced a bit of it recently) could be the flavour.  Either way, I like it.  Actually, I love this wine!

Y&P Website

Region: Barossa Valley, SA     Price: $40     Source: Sample

Y&P 2nd Take Shiraz

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2017 LiNO RaMBLe ‘Simon Says’ Saperavi

Posted on June 14, 2018 by Tony Peters

I can’t help but mention the game that everyone is familiar with, ‘Simon Says’.  Everyone would have played it at least once in their life whether it be voluntarily or because your parents made you when you were a youngster.

My research tells me (google of course) that ‘Simon’ may be a fellow by the name of Simon de Monfort who, back in the year 1264, captured King Henry III at the Battle of Evesham.  Over the next year, if King Henry III barked an order it was possibly revoked by Mr de Montfort.  Unfortunately for Simon, King Henry III got his seat back on the throne thanks to some loyal supports who ‘did away’ with Simon (maybe because they got a little tired of doing what ‘Simon Says).

Now, I have no doubt if this Saperavi was around in 1264, and Simon said to drink it, things would have been markedly different for Mr de Montfort.

So, let me tell you that it has a beautifully deep, inky, glass staining colour.  The nose has fruits as black as the ace of spades and so delightfully intense and fragrant.  This is maintained on the palate too but add some silky dark chocolate and slightly powdery tannins and it all comes together as a bold,  glossy, deliciously drinkable wine.  Loved it to bits!

Lino Ramble Website

Region: Mclaren Vale, SA     Cost: $40 (Sorry, sold out)     Source: Sample

Lino Ramble Saperavi

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2015 Patina Reserve Chardonnay

Posted on June 13, 2018 by Tony Peters

Zip-A-dee-doo-dah Zip-A-dee-A, my oh my what a wonderful Chardonnay!!

This is my second Patina Chardonnay in a very short period of time and I am mighty impressed.  From start to finish, I simply could not put the glass down.  Whether it was swirling it, smelling it, tasting it or (eventually) drinking it, it didn’t matter.  My wife and I constantly spoke about it in glowing terms.

I realise this is going to seem lazy when it comes to doing a review but, when it comes to this wine, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” is the best way to sum it up.

‘Generous’ is the easiest word to use for starters.  Aromas and the palate have this is spades.  Stone fruits, creaminess, a delicate citrus hit, textural, lovely palate weight, beautifully balanced and long, long, long, long and long!!  And that’s a wrap.

Just so you know, “This wine has been fermented and aged for twelve months in new and seasoned French Oak”, and it has been used so judiciously it adds some good complexity to the wine and not obvious at all.

Patina Website

Region: Orange, NSW     Price: $45     Source: Sample thanks to Define Wine

2015 Patina Reserve Chardonnay

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2015 Gartelmann ‘Rylstone’ Mudgee Petit Verdot

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Tony Peters

Let me start by saying, there is nothing petite about this Petit Verdot.  The colour, the aromas, the flavours, the level of interest it generated or the bang you get for your buck.  I’m not saying it’s the type of wine that wants to be a scene stealer either, not at all.  It’s more like it wears its heart on its sleeve and just wants to be exactly what it is supposed to be.  A full bodied, full flavoured, food wine.

Crack the screwcap and you will immediately know what I mean.  It was like the wine exhaled the rich black fruit aromas as though they had been (literally) bottled up against their will and what terrific aromas they were.  There was no mistaking how full bodied this was going to be.

A lovely deep, dark colour greets you with open arms then wraps them around you providing a warm comforting hug.  Dark fruits aplenty is the go and they dominate for sure.  Not that that is a bad thing, not by any means.  It’s a very good indicator of how young this wine is.  Complementing the fruit beautifully was dark chocolate, a dash of spice and a hint of licorice.  Put all these flavours together and you can just imagine how delicious and moreish it was.

On the back of the bottle it mentions “…significant tannins”.  Now, I didn’t get that.  They were there, don’t get me wrong, but they worked in conjunction with the powerful fruit flavours as did the oak (14 months in new and older American & French).

I must add that these notes were made on the second night of tasting it.  Not that there was anything wrong with it when I tasted it on the first night.  It seemed to have come together, seemed better balanced and was smooth on the finish with plenty of length.  This definitely has a bright future.

Gartelmann Website

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $35     Source: Sample courtesy Define Wine

2015 Gartelmann PetitVerdot

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