2019 Frederic Mabileau, Cabernet Franc ‘Les Rouillères’

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Tony Peters

The more I read about the wines sent to me from VindeLoire, the more I am learning about the Loire Valley region.  As it turns out, it is the world’s largest Cabernet Franc growing region. If my research serves me correctly, 63% of the world’s Cabernet Franc plantings are in the Loire Valley. In all seriousness, that is huge and something to be proud of if the resultant wines, such as this one, are anything to go by.

The vines for this wine were planted at Domaine Frederic Mabileau in 1983, and are the first plot planted at the biodynamic vineyard. The fruit is all hand-picked from the terraced vineyard, indigenous yeast is used and does not see any oak during maturation. This is such a pure and unadulterated wine that I could not help but admire as it sat in my glass while making my notes. As much as it sits in the upper price range for a Cabernet Franc, once you try it, you will realise and appreciate the value.

Also, the good thing about Cabernet Franc is its versatility as a grape variety. It can be, and is, used to produce a Rosé style of wine and sparkling wine. I have been an advocate of Cabernet Franc being the ideal variety for a Rosé, however, I am yet to try it in a sparkling wine format. I’m intrigued to say the least.

Between 7 and 20 November 2024, and, 5 and 18 December 2024, selected Dan Murphy stores across Victoria and New South Wales will be conducting tastings of wines from the Loire Valley thanks to Vinsdeloire.  Check out the list of wines here. When you peruse the list, you will see there is a good variety of wines to try, and some are very well priced too…and that’s what we like.

Region: Loire Valley, France     Price: $52.99     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Vinsdeloire and Hopscotch Season Groupe 

Stop the press! Cabernet Franc may well become my favourite Cabernet family red wine variety. I have tried one or two lately and this one from Domaine Frederic Mabileau certainly sits alongside them for quality, that’s for sure. Straight up, I am liking the look of it in the glass. Even at 5 years of age, it is still quite a youthful purple colour. On the nose it has dark cherry aromas coupled with a slight fennel and leafy character. On the palate it sits at a little below medium-bodied range due, I think, to some nice bold flavours while having a certain fresh-like youthful feel too. The fruit profile sits mainly in the black cherry and blackcurrant zone which is complemented by that leafy character here too. Tannins are present but do not distract from the overall charm of this wine. A damn good wine!

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2021 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, Plessis-Duval

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Tony Peters

I have to admit to being quite excited about trying this wine for a couple of reasons. One; it’s from the Loire Valley which I have heard a lot about but have rarely been exposed to wines from the area. Two; it’s a variety I am not familiar with.

Muscadet, produced from the variety Melon de Bourgogne, goes back a long way in the region. It is believed to have been planted sometime in the 17th century. It became more widely planted after a ‘hard freeze’ in 1709 at which time Dutch traders, who clearly liked the variety, encouraged the planting of more vines of Melon de Bourgogne.

This is quite an intriguing grape variety, Muscadet. Grown near the city of Nantes in the Pays de la Loire region, it is so called because of an apparent characteristic of wine produced by the aforementioned melon grape variety, Melon de Bourgogne, vin qui a un goût musqué (wine with a musk-like taste). It is debatable whether or not the variety has any musk like flavours or aromas and I did not detect them in this rather attractive white wine.

Between 7 and 20 November 2024, and, 5 and 18 December 2024, selected Dan Murphy stores across Victoria and New South Wales will be conducting tastings of wines from the Loire Valley thanks to Vinsdeloire.  Check out the list of wines here. When you peruse the list, you will see there is a good variety of wines to try, all well priced too…and that’s what we like.

Region: Loire Valley, France     Price: $16.99     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Vinsdeloire and Hopscotch Season Groupe 

I am always keen to try unfamiliar varieties. This wine from Plessis-Duval did not disappoint in any way. Quite aromatic, fresh, vibrant, and ‘full’ on the nose (and I mean that in a good way) with a citrusy vibe too. The palate is a lovely surprise. It’s rich yet elegant, fresh and textural, and fruitful with balanced acidity. White peaches, pears and some lemon/lime like acidity enlivens the palate with a pretty good finish and invites you back for another sip. May I suggest, if you have read this far into my thoughts about the wine, look up at the price. It is incredibly good value. I would have no hesitation in making this a summer staple in our home.

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Pure Loire, Vouvray, Famille Bougrier

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Tony Peters

It is quite remarkable what I learn just from trying a wine, especially a variety I rarely see and from a region that I am not over familiar with.

It was pleasing to read that 73% of wineries in the Loire Valley are committed to organic farming or looking at achieving environmental certification. 32% of wineries in the Loire Valley are already farmed organically. By 2030 their aim is to have 100% of wineries environmentally certified. Bravo I say.

The Loire Valley in France is the world’s largest Chenin Blanc (Vouvray) growing region. 37% of the Loire Valley is planted in Chenin Blanc. Having read that, I am surprised I don’t drink more of it or, at the very least, see more of it in bottle shops.

I have tried a small number of still wines made from the variety but it was with a delighted sense of curiosity that I had the opportunity to try a sparkling version of Chenin Blanc, and I was pleasantly surprised. Something I didn’t know was, Chenin Blanc is also made in a very fine sweet and dessert style wines. I’ve not tried them so it may be that I will seek them out.

Between 7 and 20 November 2024, and, 5 and 18 December 2024, selected Dan Murphy stores across Victoria and New South Wales will be conducting tastings of wines from the Loire Valley thanks to Vinsdeloire.  Check out the list of wines here. When you peruse the list, you will see there is a good variety of wines to try, all well priced too…and that’s what we like.

Region: Loire Valley, France     Price: $24.99     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Vinsdeloire and Hopscotch Season Groupe 

What a delightful, fresh, energetic and easily drinkable sparkling wine from Famille Bougrier. From a variety I have not experienced having been made in the methode traditionnelle way, this shows Chenin Blanc in a different light that is most appealing. The aromas are ever so inviting thanks to fleshy stone-fruits and a hint of honey too. The palate is fresh and zesty but, in saying that, there seems to be plenty of fruit flavours yet they seem so subtle. I realise this sounds a bit contradictory but that’s how it seems…and in a good way. Add to that a little minerality, acidity and just a little creaminess and you have a lovely, excellent value bubbles to see out your afternoon soiree with family and friends or celebratory event.  

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Oxford Landing ‘Regenerate’ Releases

Posted on October 26, 2024 by Tony Peters

It is World Sustainability Day today. Having read the information that accompanied these wines, I can’t help but tip my hat to Oxford Landing for the work they are doing on the ‘regenerate’ side of the wine world. Let’s be honest, there is only so much we can do to help with sustainability when it comes to a planet the size of Earth. However, committing to doing something and contributing to its regeneration can only be a positive no matter how small.

The approach and the intent of Oxford Landing is admirable to say the least. They recycle 100% of the winery waste water, the bottles they use are light-weight, the varieties are drought tolerant so require less water and they focus on biodiversity in their vineyards, all contributing factors to the end goal of a healthier planet Earth.

Region: Riverland, SA     Price: $15 each     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Oxford Landing and  Hill- Smith Family Estates 

2024 Pinot Grigio

In an environment where this variety is taking over from Sauvignon Blanc, you are going to find wines that provide everything you need at really good prices. This is such a wine. Juicy pear flavours show the way while honeydew melon characters play a role as it sits nicely on the palate while finishing quite refreshingly inviting. It’s a very good, flavourful wine that is ideal to be enjoyed with a catch-up with friends on a lazy weekend afternoon.

2024 Chardonnay

Plenty to see and read on the label of this wine but there is one word missing. Delicious! This has everything you’d want from a bargain-priced Chardonnay. Varietal characteristics of stone fruits play a big part on the flavour front while a little fleshy feel comes in with a creamy texture adding some good interest on the palate. There’s very little oak influence on the refreshing finish to this wine thanks to a fine line of acidity.

2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my favourite varieties and this Cabernet Sauvignon may well end up being a mid-week quaffer (hopefully I haven’t offended the Oxford Landing crew) that I have no hesitation in opening. Again, varietal in its appearance via the aromas and flavours thanks to black berries and currants and a dark cherry note in there too. There’s a nice herbal touch that complements the good fruit flavours, a little tannin influence and the fresh feel it has on the reasonably good length. An all-round, pretty good wine.

2023 Shiraz

Taking nothing away from the previous wines, this was the pick for me. For the price, this steps up to the plate, or should I say palate, with ease. Dark fruits combine nicely with blue fruits providing the majority of the fruit profile across the palate. It’s so soft and smooth and a little spicy too while the generous fruit hides any oak that may have passed by this wine on its path to being bottled. Easy drinking and very approachable at a little over a year young, a wine sure to capture the attention of the bargain buying Shiraz drinker.

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2024 Yalumba Barossa Grenache Rosé

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Tony Peters

Walking into bottleshops these days and looking in the refrigerated wine section brings a smile to my face. The number of Rosés that have taken up their rightful place is pleasing to see. I realise there has been a ‘revolution’ of sorts over the last few years but I think Rosés are now an important part of the wine landscape. They are no longer just a summer drink. They are being made with ‘versatility’ being a factor in the winemaking approach, so they are not just viewed as a warm weather friend. More than one is being included on wine lists in restaurants and, at the same time, many are also being cast beside a variety of dishes, complementing flavours and textures. I think it’s great and let’s hope it continues. This one from Yalumba is made from a variety that I think is ideal for a Rosé. Grenache.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia     Price: $28    Source: Sample thanks kindly to Yalumba

It’s a pretty salmon pink in the glass and quite an aromatic wine for a Rosé with ripe strawberries showing the way and a hint of musk also. The palate seemed a little pedestrian to start with which may have been my fault because it was a little colder than I would normally serve a Rosé. Raspberries soon showed themselves, watermelon had a say, a deft touch of texture, a hint of spice and some soft acidity add to the overall ‘niceness’ of this Rosé. It was well received by those who tried it with me and, no surprises, the bottle was empty by the time we finished discussing it.

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2022 First Ridge Wines Barbera

Posted on October 12, 2024 by Tony Peters

Barbera is a variety that not many people know about. In fact, I would go as far to say that most wine drinkers would not be familiar with Barbera at all. Shame really because it is a good alternative to the usual suspects of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and blends of these three.

Confucius once said, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” I think this is true when it comes to Barbera. Clearly, the crew at First Ridge could see the beauty in the variety and it shows when you see such good examples as this one. I think more people will see the beauty in Barbera, sooner rather than later.

First Ridge Website

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $45 Source: Samples thanks kindly to First Ridge and Define Wine

It’s a beautiful, deep, glossy purple colour as it sits in the glass from where aromas of dark fruits emanate with a slight herbal note too. The slightly better than medium bodied palate is packed with plenty of flavour thanks to blackberries and dark cherries showing the way. There’s a good plummy mid-palate feel, a little chocolaty influence, a nice touch of oak and gentle tannins all having a say as it finishes nice and long. A wonderful wine indeed.

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2022 Yalumba Barossa Bush Vine Grenache

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Tony Peters

I have no doubt, sometimes, it must be hard being a sibling in an extended family. Knowing that those before you, or even after you, have the reputation stakes all wrapped up. The Yalumba Grenache range is such that, when you pick any of the Grenache wines regardless of the price, you are, without doubt, going to get something that is pleasing to the palate and great value no matter where it sits in the ‘Yalumba Grenache Family Tree’. In saying that, for me, this one has always been a winner for the money.

Having been a buyer and drinker of this wine for a little while now, there seems to have been a bit of a shift with the style. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a fan, it is still a good Grenache for the dollars, and I will continue to buy it.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia     Price: $28    Source: Sample thanks kindly to Yalumba

It is in the more ‘fruit forward’ style but with a bit more body to it this time around, seemingly edging towards the ‘Shiraz’ realm. Notwithstanding that, dark cherries, juicy blackberries and blueberries provide the fruitfulness component, a nice spiciness savouriness in there too with little or no oak or tannin influence as it finishes with a little pleasing texture. Still a good wine to consider buying if you are in the Grenache section of your local bottle shop.

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2021 Slow Wine Co. Family Reserve Pinot Noir

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Tony Peters

This is such a delightful wine, such an impressive Pinot Noir, that I decided I just wanted to tell you about it from the get-go. It was fruitful and flavoursome while maintaining the elegance expected of Pinot Noir. Dark cherries and ripe red fruits to the fore on a lovely savoury, medium bodied palate with a gentle oak influence, soft tannins as it sits, stays and persists for a good while. It was indeed a pleasure to get the opportunity to try this wine. An excellent example of why Pinot Noir is a favourite variety of mine.

Slow Wine Co Website

Region: Orange Region, NSW     Price: $60    Source: Samples thanks kindly to Slow Wine Co and Define Wine

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2023 Yalumba Vine Vale Grenache

Posted on October 5, 2024 by Tony Peters

I can’t say I have ever watched a movie with Dwayne Johnson in it. However, I was quite taken by something he is quoted as saying.

“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.”

Thinking about the vintages of this Vine Vale Grenache I have tried; I think this quote is pertinent. Not that I have a great memory but it’s good enough for me to remember the consistent quality that exudes from this wine every year. It is a testament to the vineyards from where the fruit is sourced for the wine and to the winemaker, Kevin Glastonbury.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia     Price: $40    Source: Sample thanks kindly to Yalumba

It has delightful aromas that purvey a freshness and a juiciness alerting the palate as to what to expect prior to even the first sip. Blue fruits aplenty, red fruits providing a freshness as it sails along the palate, and it’s a little savoury too with virtually nil tannins as everything keeps hold for a good length of time. It gets a little bolder the longer it sits in the glass but it doesn’t exceed the medium-bodied spectrum. It is all about the fruit at this early stage of its life. As “The Rock” said, “Greatness will come.” Well, this is great!

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2021 Slow Wine Co. Chardonnay

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Tony Peters

John Ruskin was an English writer (many moons ago) whose subjects varied from geology to architecture to literature and botany.  One quote I found of his makes me think he must have written about, or at least drank, wine. That quote? “When love and skill come together, expect a masterpiece”. Will Rikard-Bell is the winemaker at Slow Wine Co and, after trying this Chardonnay, it seems to me his love of winemaking and his skill at the craft has produced another masterpiece of a wine.

Slow Wine Co Website

Region: Orange Region, NSW     Price: $35     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Slow Wine Co and Define Wine

The aromas are the first impression you get from a wine and they did everything to show how good this wine was going to be. The varietal and fleshy palate is intense yet so so elegant. Stone-fruits show the way with some gentle citrus notes providing some lovely structure and balance to the whole of the wine. Add to that a deft touch of oak, a little spice and good length and it equals a great Chardonnay. What I must also mention is the price. Amazing value to say the least.

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