NV Hentley Farm Black Beauty Sparkling Shiraz

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Tony Peters

I am a huge fan of sparkling red.  Whether it be shiraz, cabernet, cab franc, chambourcin…etc.  I love it and we drink quite a bit of it.  This one is very special indeed.

Everything about this example is full on but not heavy going.  Full on flavours that’s for sure. Blackberries are to the fore in every facet of this wine but are supported by a cranberry/red fruit freshness and a touch of sweetness.  The balance comes from a savoury edge that is oh so subtle but still manages to make it’s mark.  It’s all so nicely done and presented.

This is more like Black Caviar than Black Beauty.  It has power, presence, class and is definitely a winner in many ways.  A sure bet when it comes to matching it with your Christmans turkey.

www.hentleyfarm.com.au

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $62     Source: Sample

black-beauty-sparkling-shiraz

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2016 Ridgemill Estate Riesling

Posted on December 10, 2016 by Tony Peters

The reaction from my mates to me pouring them a Queensland wine is interesting but, when I poured them this Riesling from the sunshine state it was with a certain level of trepidation from them.  They were not particularly enthusiastic but I could tell they were mighty curious.

Lovely floral nose that exudes citrus fruits. Lemons and limes tickle the sinuses but a hint of sweetness shows itself.  Similar on the palate but, with an added touch of crunchy apple acidity, there is no sweetness to speak of (dare I say, thankfully).  While it doesn’t hang on the palate, it fills out on the finish with a subtle dryness that I really liked. (One fella said, “It’s so deliciously cool climate, yum!”).

A hint.  Don’t underestimate the Granite Belt when it comes to cool climate varieties.

ridgemillestate.com

Region: Granite Belt, Queensland     Price: $26     Source: Sample

ridgemill-estate_riesling2016_front-247x300

 

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2016 Yelland & Papps Vermentino

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Tony Peters

Some people may think it weird that sometimes, and probably more often than not, when I’ve finished a big day in the garden, or like on this occasion, completed some demolition work, I make a b-line for a white wine.  Not beer or water (god forbid) but a cool, tasty white wine and this one fitted the bill perfectly.

Quite aromatic thanks to it’s youth but it was in the drinking that it proved it’s worth.  The freshness and juiciness was a welcome relief, and the lively flavours of citrus fruits, almonds and a little hint of spice provided an ideal epilogue.

A hard earned thirst needs a nice cold wine.  And the best cold wine is Vermentino.  Yelland & Papps Vermentino.

yellandandpapps.com

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $25     Source: Sample

bottlepage-ypvermentino-nv-1

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2016 Hentley Farm Blanc de Noir

Posted on November 28, 2016 by Tony Peters

Unique.  Intriguing.  And I love it!  How’s that for a start.

When I read the notes saying it was “…a blend of red varieties…” I couldn’t help but be interested.  Who wouldn’t?!

There’s no mucking about with this bottle of bubbles right from the start.  It has a blush that tells me it’s almost embarrassed to be so nice.

Red fruits are evident on the nose (light pinot-esque) and they presented again on the palate too.  It’s fresh, lively and flavoursome, and it lingers thanks to the bright acidity and some texture (I’ve not seen that in a bubbles.  A nice touch).

This is a lovely, fun sparkling wine that has the added bonus of being great value too!! Festive frivolity drinking at its best.

www.hentleyfarm.com.au

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $27.50     Source: Sample

blanc-de-noir-sparkling-white

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2016 Irvine Eden Valley Riesling

Posted on November 25, 2016 by Tony Peters

The youthfulness is obvious as soon as you pour it.  Almost water-like in colour.  The floral and citrus aromas that rose from the glass were a sign of things to come.

Lemons, limes do their bit, of course, but with some added texture hangs on the palate, then a fresh ‘biting-into-an-apple’ acid tang to finish it off.  Actually, everything is so fresh and new about this wine, and so attractive too (even the label!).

I’m going to take my hat off to the crew at Irvine.  To produce a Riesling for the first time from a region well known for the quality of this variety is pretty gutsy.  If they felt any pressure in doing so, it is not reflected in this excellent example.

irvinewines.com.au

Region: Eden Valley     Price: $22 (Bargain!)     Source: Sample

springhill_riesling_bottle

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2015 Yelland & Papps Sete Di Vino

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Tony Peters

The night I opened this wine, it proved to be an evening of interesting blends.  The first wine I had was a smart, ‘dare to be different’ white blend followed by this partnership of Primitivo and Barbera that works very well together too.

What a lovely deep colour this wine is!  Do your sense of smell a favour a dive your nose in. There are red fruits, blue fruits, dark fruits and probably fruits I’ve never met before.  You’ll encounter similar flavours when you try this wine with the added dimension of a savoury note that balances out the lush fruit.  There’s a deliciousness, sort of freshness about it too on a medium bodied palate.  Okay so it’s not built for the long haul but that’s not an issue. While it’s offering all of this, tuck in now I reckon!

yellandandpapps.com

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $25     Source: Sample

bottlepage-ypsetedivino2015x

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2012 Grey Sands Chardonnay Viognier

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Tony Peters

A curriculum vitae (CV) is something someone puts together hoping that somebody will be impressed by it.  Well here is a Chardonnay Viognier (a CV of sorts) that has been developed knowing it will attract attention across the board.

I found the aromas to be a very interesting and pleasant surprise.  Soft floral aromas, a hint of apricot (thank you 10% viognier) and just a touch of a spice (that I couldn’t put my finger on) adds some character.  On the palate, the chardonnay provides the stone fruit characters you expect but the Viognier chimes in with some lovely texture and there’s a deft touch of acid on the finish.  I thought it was still pretty fresh for a 4 year old wine too.

This Chardonnay Viognier offers everything up front both on the nose and the palate. But it is not forceful or pushy.  It is ‘this is who I am’ until it calms down and eases into a lengthy tête-à-tête allowing you get to know it very well.

Sadly, this is the last vintage of this white blend, so click the link and scoop some up while it is still available.

greysands.com.au

Region: Glengarry, Northern Tasmania     Price: $40     Source: Sample

grey-sands

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2016 Yelland & Papps Pinot Blanc

Posted on November 6, 2016 by Tony Peters

Up front, I’m going to admit the name, Pinot Blanc, did not excite me.  I’m guessing for the everyday punter it would be the same.  Engage the ‘reconsider’ section of your brain…please, because the label is an excellent source of information about the variety.

If there is one bit of advice I can give, don’t serve it too cold.  There’s always that one person who says “Why?” so, the answer is, because it killed everything this wine had to offer.

On the nose it presented like another white wine that starts with the word ‘Pinot’.  Apples, pears (and floral) aromas which then appeared again on the palate with a touch of stone fruit to finish it off very nicely if a tad short.  As strange as it sounds, this wine actually opened up even better the longer it was in the glass.  The down side, it didn’t stay in the glass long enough very often.

I have to also admit, it was an easy wine to like…in a good way.  One that you can open, pour, sit back, relax and enjoy on a sunny afternoon over lunch…with cheese or with salt & pepper & chilli squid or simply on its own.  Don’t be shy, tuck in!

yellandandpapps.com

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $25     Source: Sample

yp-pinot-blanc

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2016 Irvine Pinot Gris

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Tony Peters

Let’s kick off this tasting note with a confession.  I like Pinot Gris.  I have to add though, it has to be quality Pinot Gris.  This isn’t just quality, it’s classy and definitely one I like.

I’ll give you a little heads up.  There is not a hair out of place with this gem.

It looks clean, pristine and dressed to impress.  Pears kick it off on the nose then peaches coupled with pear skins bring it down softly onto the palate where it makes it presence felt. Rich, textural with a lovely mouth feel, it finishes a touch dry but is as smooth as silk and has impressive length to it too. This is also a terrific food wine.

Summer is just around the corner.  Find it, buy it, serve it up.  Your friends will love you for it.  At only $22, how could you not!!

irvinewines.com.au

Region:  Eden Valley     Price:$22     Source:  Sample

springhill-pinot-gris-2016-with-illustration

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2015 Yelland & Papps Shiraz

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Tony Peters

This wine gets off to a flying start.  A lovely concoction of berries on the nose and they are incredibly fresh and aromatic.

The juicy dark fruits have some pretty impressive class to them I have to say.  It could be thanks to some mid palate plums but, you know what, there is slight cool climate influence to this wine.  Spice/savouriness/pepperiness are most complimentary to the lush fruit characteristics that seem to soak it up perfectly.

All the facets of this wine work together beautifully resulting in a lingering smile on your face as you drink it.  What a wine for the price!  Yes please.

yellandandpapps.com

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $25     Source: Sample

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