2016 De Bortoli La Bossa Pinot Grigio

Posted on July 23, 2017 by Tony Peters

Let’s be honest right from the start.  Nobody expects much from a bottle of wine that only costs you a tenner (that’s a $10 note in case you were wondering).  I will admit to only deciding to try this wine because it had the name ‘De Bortoli’ attached to it, pure and simple.

Well, well, well! How on earth do they make this wine for the price?  I also have to admit to approaching this as a $10 bottle of wine and, quoting a famous (or infamous depending on your view) female Queensland politician, “Please explain?”

Don’t get me wrong, it is definitely grigio but it taps on the door of the gris style both on the nose and palate.

The surprises start on the nose.  Quite aromatic, not necessarily punchy but sort of “hello”.  The palate is where it impresses.  It’s quite light but textural, pinot grigio pears are evident,  a slight spicy nip…just, and very satisfying.  I clearly underestimated this wine.  This is easily a summer go-to white wine that will please plenty of punters without a doubt.

www.debortoli.com.au

Region: South Australia     Price: $10     Source: Retail Purchase

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2016 Craigie Knowe Riesling

Posted on July 23, 2017 by Tony Peters

It is not uncommon for me to walk around my garden and come across a plant or flower I had forgotten about.  The only reason I remember it is because it finally shows itself after some sort of hiatus.  Craigie Knowe riesling is that flower in everybody’s garden that has been forgotten about.

After tasting this wine, I’m sorry and embarrassed to say, I can not remember the last time I saw or was told about a Craigie Knowe Riesling.  I hope it never happens again!

Okay so it has those lovely citrusy characters we’ve come to love about Tassie rieslings. Limes grapple over the top of lemons while a slight, almost cheeky, minerality adds to the freshness.  A line of racy acidity that oysters would gravitate to (not that I eat them but I’m sure they would) providing length as well.  You’ll be happy to know, this is not going anywhere for a while yet.

craigieknowe.com.au

Region: East Coast, Tasmania     Price: $26     Source: Gift

 

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2009 Mitchell Wines Sevenhill Cabernet

Posted on July 16, 2017 by Tony Peters

The only people happy about a wine being made available to the punters at 8 years old would be the punters themselves.  The accountants would be pulling what’s left of their hair out.

As far as Mitchell Wines is concerned, it is all about wanting people to be able to enjoy their wines when they are at their (almost) best.

The colour is a good place to start, obviously.  There is still a slight purpleness to the rim and still has some depth to it.

The nose ain’t shy, not one iota.  Fragrant, a mix of berries and still a little oaky even (cedar, shellac maybe). It belies it’s age that’s for sure.

None of this alerts you to what you get when you taste it.  Although not primary, the black fruits are evident yet there is a berry that pulls it back into balance giving it elegance.  That berry could be red, it could be blue or it could be purple, but it doesn’t matter really.  Add the perfunctory dusty tannins and you have a wine that is showing it’s graceful grey hairs but is yet to show any wrinkles.

I tip my hat to Mitchell Wines for being so bold as to hold back wines then release them at such measly prices.  Good on you guys!

www.mitchellwines.com

Region: Clare Valley, South Australia     Price: $40     Source: Sample

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2015 Craigie Knowe Pinot Noir

Posted on July 15, 2017 by Tony Peters

I’m sure I’m going to get a bit of a ribbing about this, but when I saw the name Craigie Knowe, I automatically thought of some sort of little English country town.  You know like Ellesmere Port or Paddock Wood or Shepton Mallet (thanks Widipedia).  It just has that sort of ring about it.

Thankfully it is a vineyard on the East Coast of Tasmania.  A hop, skip and jump from my doorstep.

Established in 1979 this little pocket of Tassie sits in a tiny place called Cranbrook.  It was sold in 2009 to those who really didn’t treat the vineyard with the respect it deserved.  The vines welcomed new owners Glen and Sandy Travers in 2013 and it has now been lovingly brought back to life with a lot of hard work.  They have been richly rewarded with wines  of exemplary quality.

This Pinot is not for the faint hearted.  Not that it’s over the top, it’s just packed full of varietal characters but still elegant.

Colour: dark and  alluring.

Flavours: delicious and lingering.  Cherries, yep, black as you can find.  Currants, yep, black and juicy.  Both friendly and also best of friends not fighting for front position.

Enjoyment factor: hits the high notes for me.  This’ll hold it’s own in a battle with any game meat you care to pair it with.  It has the oomph but the elegance to go with it.

Loved it!

craigieknowe.com.au

If you intend on grabbing some of this (and their Riesling) don’t think about it for too long.

Region: East Coast, Tasmania     Price: $40     Source: Purchase

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2007 Mitchell Wines McNicol Shiraz

Posted on July 9, 2017 by Tony Peters

I thought I would google 2007 to see what happened in Australia 10 years ago.  I must say, there wasn’t much in the way of positive results from the search.

Thankfully, Mitchell Wines bottled a McNicol Shiraz to brighten up not only 2007 but 2017 when they decided to release this wine.  Hallelujah!!

I tell you what, everything about this does not point to a 10 year old wine and it starts with the colour.  It’s still deep, it’s still dark and it’s still looking good.

The nose gives a bit of a hint there is some life in it thanks to dark berries hanging about, but it’s tasting this that’ll make you think about hiding it for a few more years. Presenting those dark berries again but throw in black cherries, an ever so slight hint of fruit sweetness and a dusting of tannins and you have a bloody gem of an aged, current release, wine that has come together beautifully.

Richness, elegance and integrity pretty much sums up this wine for me.

mitchellwines.com

Region: Clare Valley     Price: $45     Source: Sample

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2013 Mitchell Wines Peppertree Shiraz

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Tony Peters

I’m a huge fan of wineries that seem to be not so ‘obvious’.  They have been around so long they don’t have to say or do much because people recognise them and respect them for their humble nature.

This Mitchell Wines shiraz fits neatly into this description.

I initially found it to be a reluctant, shy young soul to start with but as it’s confidence grew, it showed just how good it is and there was no rushing it either.  It’s aromatics came out of their shell beautifully with patience.

Taste it and this is where it comes into it’s own without fanfare or fireworks, just quietly impressing.  Medium bodied, red fruits at the riper end of the spectrum, a delicate savouriness all come together in an unpretentious, generous kind of way…and it keeps on giving.  You’ll get more than you bargained for at the price too.

mitchellwines.com

Region: Clare Valley     Price: $26 (seriously)     Source: Sample

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2016 LiNO RaMBLe Red Rover Pinot Noir

Posted on July 2, 2017 by Tony Peters

Politicians can be so frustrating at times.  They don’t seem to be able to make a decision with something that is difficult to deal with for fear of stuffing it up or upsetting their supporters.

Pinot Noir producers are no different…sort of (but they don’t frustrate me like politicians).  They have a difficult ‘subject’ to deal with and if treated the right way, the result will prove popular.  Muck about with it and you could find yourself being voted to the back bench of Pinot Noir Parliament.

This is a very interesting wine.  Aromatically, it’s light on it’s feet like red fruits and cherries but has a darker fruit weight and texture to it.  Think black currants and dark cherries on the palate.  The tannins are not trying to be difficult here that’s for sure.  They may sit in the bleachers of this wine but they have their say at the most appropriate time.

This wine’s winemaker is clearly the Speaker of the House.  Maintaining control of the subject matter from its conception to its finalisation,  ensuring a positive result for his constituents.

It gets my vote.  It should get yours too.

linoramble.com.au

Region: Adelaide Hills     Price: $30    Source: Sample

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2015 Yelland & Papps Greenock Shiraz

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Tony Peters

The 25th day of June means different things to different people.  I doubt, however, there are those who would remember this day in 1630 when the fork was introduced to American dining.  Others may remember it as the day in 1984 when Prince released his best selling album ‘Purple Rain’.  Some will remember it for the day in 2006 when two world famous Aussies, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban tied the knot.

The 25th day of June in the year 2017 was the day I was introduced to the 2015 Yelland & Papps Greenock Shiraz.  I’m sure this specific moment is not going to be a Trivial Pursuit question like the other significant events in history but it’s all relative I reckon.

I’m very familiar with the Greenock region of the Barossa having been introduced to wines from the region many years ago.

Fast forward to now and here is a team that has captured all the goodness of rich and plump, dark, slightly sweet fruit aromas and flavours, with a lingering smooth mouth-filling richness that reeks class.

What also needs to be said is the deft use of new & old, French & American oak that has assisted in producing a sumptuous Shiraz capturing the Greenock region perfectly for me, all at a modest 13.7% alcohol.

A welcoming, giving wine from start to finish that sits proudly in the upper middle class of the Y&P range but presents as a high end member of Barossa Society.

yellandandpapps.com

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $40     Source: Sample

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2016 Yelland & Papps Devote Rousanne

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Tony Peters

Have you ever watched a Quentin Tarantino movie?  They are so cool to watch.  Always interesting, always thought provoking and always leave you satisfied with the money you spent going to the movies to see it.

What I also love about his movies is the little sub-plots going on inside the main plot that makes sense when it comes to the end of the movie…if you get what I mean.

This Rousanne has all the sub-plots, intrigue and main players coming together perfectly. Here’s a preview:

You’ll see through all the intro stuff as soon as it’s poured.  That’s the only time everything seems…regular if you like.

The aromas are where the little side stories start.  There’s the fruit aromas that are doing their thing then the senses pan across to the hint of oak that is lifting the spice and nuttiness into the picture.

The palate is where the direction comes into it’s own.  The rich, ripe, textural prelude eases along while the spice, creaminess and slithered almonds come into the frame before that texture returns to bring it all together with lovely soft acid, hint of minerality, and length.  That’s where you realise, the script was so perfectly structured and all the players have been working together to bring the whole thing to an incredible, unsuspecting, satisfying finish.

Just like Quentin Tarantino, Michael and Susan have developed a cult following of wine lovers that are continually intrigued and impressed with their wines, and wait patiently for the next installment.

yellandandpapps.com

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $40     Source: Sample

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2016 Mitchell Watervale Riesling

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Tony Peters

I don’t know if you have ever eaten at Rockpool in Sydney.  It doesn’t matter when you dine there you are guaranteed a dining experience like no other and it is consistently like that…so I’m told.

Clare Valley Riesling is the same no matter how you look at it.  Every time you drink it, you are guaranteed a memorable experience.  Here is one from the guys at Mitchell reinforcing the thought and it does so with a lot more ease and at a very small percentage of the cost of eating at Rockpool.

Okay, so it’s definitely Riesling on the nose, no bones about that, but tasting it is where it really impresses.  Youthful and zesty right from the word go which stays with the wine, however it also has such a lovely texture about it giving a delightful balance and generosity that I just loved!

If you prefer your Rieslings with a little bit of age then you’ll have no problems with this one rewarding your patience.

This Riesling has everything going for it when it comes to drinkability, enjoyability, respectability, cellarability but most importantly, affordability.  Buy up I say.

mitchellwines.com

Region: Clare Valley     Price: $24     Source: Sample

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