News and Wine Reviews

Galli Estate, Tempranillo, Grenache, Mouvedre 2010. Heathcote  Retail: $20  Members: $18

This wine just screams ripe, juicy red fruit from the initial nose, following on through the lovely soft palate that is jam packed with strawberry, red cherry  and blackberry flavours all shining through. Fine tannins, a touch of cinnamon spice and a finish that makes you want another mouthful indicate an excellent wine.

Leamon Estate, Sparkling Pinot Noir, Chardonnay 2006. Macedon.  Retail: $44 Members: $39.60

Produced in tribute to Alma Isabella Leamon, a key factor in the success of Chateau Leamon. Made in the traditional method from Macedon fruit, it shows a zesty nose, followed by hints of toasted almonds yet remains fresh and crisp. Finish is long, dry and definitely up there with some of the better cool climate sparkling wines.

Camelback ‘Man is not a Camel’ Shiraz. Heathcote.  Retail: $18 Members: $16.20

First whiff of this wine gives a strong display of raspberries and a hint of darker fruit which carries the flavours of this wine with plum, raspberry and vanilla all balancing together nicely. It is quite restrained in alcohol, yet remains expressive with depth of fruit, elegant use of oak and a lengthy finish.

Segura Viudas, ‘Aria’ Cava Brut. Spain.  Retail: $20 Members: $18

The traditional Spanish sparkling produced from the Macabeo, Xarello & Parallada varietals. A crisp, vibrant upfront nose with hints of lime juice carries through the front palate with flavours of green apple and citrus zest. Bubbles are fine, light and delicate; this certainly offers something slightly different!

Wild Rock ‘Infamous Goose’ Sauvignon Blanc 2011.  Retail: $22 Members: $19.80

Love it or loath it, no matter the doubters, Savvy B is here to stay and this proves why. Intense tropical aromas on the nose, the palate is quite soft and lush with guava, pineapple and passionfruit flavours dominant. Fruit sweetness and acidity balance perfectly giving a crisp, refreshing finish.

Mt Gisborne, Pinot Noir 2007. Gisborne.  Retail: $38 Members: $34.60

Excellent style of cool climate Pinot Noir. Quite a rich ruby colour, it shows red currant and strawberry aromas initially lead into a mid-weight palate with flavours of slightly sour cherries, forest fruit, vanilla spice and just enough of a hint of oak and the finely grained tannins lead to an exceptional wine.

Perry’s Key, Riesling 2011. Clare Valley.  Retail: $18 Members: $12

Riesling is one of summer’s finest drops and this gives plenty of value for money.  Young and fresh on the nose with hints of orange sherbet and zest, the palate is crisp with just an underlying hint of sweetness. A touch of tropical fruit and orange zest flavours lead to a clean, refreshing finish.

Montevecchio, Bianco. Heathcote.  Retail: $23 Members: $20.70

Produced by the up and coming Chalmer’s family from their Heathcote vineyard. A blend of Vermentino, Fiano and a touch of Moscato, the nose provides upfront aromas of ripened stone fruits. Quite lush and textural on the palate with flavours of crisp peach and pear, the finish remains fresh and dry.

De Forville, Dolcetto d’Alba 2008. Piedemont, Italy.  Retail: $22 Members: $19.80

Traditional Northern Italy varietal, it shows a crimson hue with a spicy, red berry nose. A drier, savoury style of wine with flavours of red cherry and plum, it displays a faint smoky edge. The tannin structure is grippy, yet quite fine and drinks extremely well with a mix of cured meats, terrine and the like.

Pondalowie, Shiraz 2008. Bendigo.  Retail: $25 Members: $22.50

Latest Shiraz release from Dominic and Krystina and absolutely retains Pondalowie’s reputation for making some of the region’s finest Shiraz. The nose gives plenty of juicy, ripe fruit leading into a palate of juicy plums, blackberries and a hint of caramel richness. Smooth fine tannins and rich finish complete a fantastic wine.

Charles Sturt University, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2007. Multi-Regional. Retail: $15 Mem: $13.50

Predominantly Cabernet, these grapes were chosen from three select vineyards.  Shows a slightly restrained nose with hints of cassis and black cherry. Quite smooth on the palate with flavours of blackberry and an underlying spiciness that compliments the fine tannin structure. Barbecued lamb cutlets would match nicely.

Guildford Vineyard, Rose 2010. Macedon.  Retail: $15 Members: $13.50

Produced entirely from estate grown Shiraz, this is an excellent example of a, crisp vibrant Rose.  A pale pink colour in the glass gives aromas of young strawberries and a tiny touch of vanilla. The palate is fresh and lively showing red berry flavours and nicely balanced acidity. Fantastic with cured meats and antipasto.

Wellbush Vineyard, Handpicked Chardonnay 2009. Bendigo.  Retail: $21 Members: $18.90

Bendigo’s white wines are getting better every vintage. This Chardy shows a quite striking golden colour with a nose of apricot, citrus and a hint of coconut. The palate is soft with flavours of ripe stewed peaches and apricot and a touch of zest shining through. The subtle use of oak provides a lovely balance.

Marc Bredif, Vouvray 2009. Loire, France. Retail: $30 Members: $27

Chenin Blanc, a classical old world varietal is enjoying a re-emergence in the new world. Shows quite a tropical fruit driven nose which leads into a lush, viscous palate. Flavours of honey, poached quince and summer stone fruit are matched with fine acidity. Drink with oven baked chicken or will also age very well.

Coriole, Sangiovese 2010. McLaren Vale.  Retail: $25 Members: $22.50

These Sangiovese vines were planted in 1985 with this the 24^th consecutive vintage, Red plum colour, the nose shows strawberry and cherry with just a tiny smidge of candy to it. Flavours are soft and delicate with red cherry, mulberry and milk chocolate all showing. Match with rabbit and duck terrine,

Wanted Man, Marsanne Viognier  2010. Heathcote  Retail: $34  Members: $30.60

Heathcote is becoming known for producing some excellent white varietals and this certainly joins the club. Stone fruit and vanilla nose, it is light on the palate with seamless integration between fruit and texture. Flavours of peach and nectarine with hints of minerality provide great length.

Monteveccchio, Rosso 2010.  Retail: $23 Members: $20.70

Don’t be put off by the foreign varietals here - Lagrein, Nero d’Avola and Sagrentino, along with Shiraz, this is a lighter style red that certainly benefits from being lightly chilled, red berries and cherries are complimented by a slight sour acidity. The forest fruit flavours on the palate certainly draw you back.

Knappstein, ‘Riposte’ Riesling  2011. Clare Valley.  Retail: $24 Members: $21.60

This shines through as a classic Clare Riesling. Pale golden straw colour with plenty of zestiness and lime juice aromas. The palate shows a fantastic balance between acid and fruit with lemon, lime and grapefruit dominating the flavours but are never overpowering. A delicate, well made wine.

Guildford Vineyard, Cabernet 2010. Macedon  Retail: 22.00 Members: $19.80

Boutique, family run winery that certainly tick all the right boxes when it comes to producing wines. Lighter, ruby hue in the glass, the nose is packed full of red fruit. The fruit carries through the palate, with hints of white pepper and the fine tannin helps provide a delicate, yet lingering finish.

Tamar Ridge, ‘Devil’s Corner’ Chardonnay 2010. Tasmanina.  Retail: $20.00 Members: $18.00

Light straw colour appearance, with upfront citrus aromas. The mid weight palate displays the characteristics of a fresh, vibrant Chardy! Zesty, nectarine and white peach flavours produce a crisp finish making a wine that would definitely be at home with barbecued scallops and prawns.

Moo Brew, Pale Ale. Tasmania. Retail $6 Four Pack - $20

Another in the fantastic collection of Moo Brew beers.  An American Pale Ale style, it has an upfront citrus and hoppy aroma and deep straw/orange colour. With the bitterness kept to a minimum, citrus, and tropical fruit flavour carry through with a hint of vanilla on the finish. Absolute cracking beer.

Henry of Harcourt, ‘Perry’ Cider. Harcourt  Retail: $5 – 500ml Bottle

Cider is the hip new cat on the block – and this version has a slight twist – it is produced from 100% Harcourt grown pears. From the initial nose, it is crisp and refreshing and the palate is quite smooth and delicate – like biting into a freshly picked pear. Hints of vanilla cream are evident making a smashing drink for summer.

Babich, ‘Black Label’ Sauvignon Blanc 2011. Marlborough, N.Z.  Retail: 22 Members: $19.80

Released as an on-premise only wine, this is a great chance to purchase a Sav Blanc that is equally at home with or without food and offering something more than others on the market. Think all things tropical on the nose, the palate is well balanced between fruit sweetness and acidity and the finish offers great length.

Moo Brew, Pilsner. Tasmania. Retail $6 Four Pack - $20

A fuller bodied style Pilsner produced from 100% German hops; this is quite a unique drop. Initially showing hints of tropical fruit on the nose, the palate is quite textural and mouth filling. Bitterness shines through yet not overpowering, definitely best served ice cold.

Moo Brew, Hefeweizen. Moorilla. Tasmania. Individual: $6 Six Pack: $30

This is inspired by the classic Bavarian wheat beer. A rich heavy golden colour with a quite creamy texture there is a very slight bitterness and it is not overly effervescent. Very light tropical fruit flavours are evident on the palate making it a beer that would be perfect served ice cold with traditional Indian food.

Ansted & Co, Variation No.1 Syrah. 2009. North Harcourt. RRP: $25 Members: $22.50

Made to personal tasted and styles, there are some red berry flavours initially on the palate. These lead into something more complex with hints of plums, vanilla and nutmeg like spice flavours being displayed. The finish can be described as fruit driven but not overpowering. Quite a luscious wine.

Cantina Tollo, ‘Rocca Ventosa’, Pinot Grigio 2010. Abruzzo, Italy. RRP: $14 Members: $12,60

Italy, the traditional home of Pinot Grigio and this entry level wine  clearly exceeds expectations. Fresh and light aromas of citrus and grapefruit lead into a crisp, refreshing palate. Flavours of green apple and crunch pear provide a long, dry finish. Pair with Asian salad and crisp skin salmon.

With the end of the year approaching, it seems to be fashionable to present a ‘Best of 2011’ feature although this is not exactly that. It is not definitive – it cannot be and is open to individual interpretation. These 13 wines, to me, all exhibit something extra special, quality, style, winemaking skills, value for money or varietal exhibition. However, there is one thing that cannot be denied, these are all fantastic wines! It would also be rude not to name my pick as my favourite for the year! Read through to the final wine!

Cien Y Pico, Grenache 2007. Spain. Retail: $29 Members: $26.10

Produced from vines that are over 100 years old, this highly rated wine gives a nose of soft delicate red berries. The palate shows what the perfect balance of fruit, oak, alcohol and acidity can do for a wine. Blue and blackberry flavours, touch of cedar and pepper make for a wine that is impeccable!

Amulet, Nebbiolo 2009. Beechworth. Retail: $32 Members: $28.80

A traditional northern Italian varietal, this Australian example is full of cranberry and red currant aromas, and is a very approachable wine right now. The palate is sot, lush and full of ripe, yet fine tannins which compliment cherry, ripe strawberry and some savoury like flavours with just a smidge of fruit cake spice.

Carlie, ‘Green Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2002. Bendigo. Retail: $40 Members: $36

Always fantastic when you put a wine away and bring out three years later, right at its peak! Still plenty of lively blackcurrant fruit and a touch of menthol on the nose, the palate shows a balance between the earthy characteristics and sweetened black fruit which fills the mouth. Fantastic present for the wine lover.

Oakdene, ‘William Vineyard’ Shiraz 2009. Bellarine. Retail: $28 Members: $25.20

Absolutely magnificent example of a cool climate Shiraz. A touch softer than most, Oakdene continues to prove itself as a superior winery within the Bellarine. Elegant, delicate on the palate with raspberry and dark cherry flavours that provide some silky tannins along with a ripe, red fruit driven finish

Bress, ‘Silver Chook’ Shiraz 2010. Bendigo/Heathcote. Retail: $22 Members: $19.80

This wine continues the tradition of excellent wines from Adam Marks. With light, fine tannin structure, flavours of black cherry and vanilla/cream nuances along with an impeccable balance of fruit, spice and sweetness, makes a fantastic wine at the price. Perfect time to visit the cellar door as well!

Paul Jaboulet Aine, ‘Parallele 45’ Rose 2010. Cote Du Rhone, France. Retail: $22 Members: $19.80

Spring is a great time to drink a fresh, young Rose. This blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah has a delightful pale pink hue and accompanies a delicate raspberry candy like aroma. A creamy palate is complimented with flavours of red berries with zippy acidity and spice. A great late afternoon drink!

Brown Brothers, ‘Limited Release’ Prosecco 2011. King Valley. Retail: $20 Members: $16

Prosecco, the traditional Italian sparkling varietal is now finding its home in the King Valley. A fresh, vibrant nose with crunchy apple and citrus aromas leads into a crisp palate with minimal sweetness. Flavours of green apple and mandarin peel are complimented with a refreshing finish.

Mandurang Valley, Riesling 2010. Bendigo. Retail: $21 Members: $18.90

Quality Riesling is not all that common in Bendigo, but Mandurang Valley is leading the way. Light golden hue with lime zest, apricot blossom and crunchy apple flavours on the palate. With a crisp finish that continues to linger and a delicious balance of fruit and acidity make a perfect match to crispy prawns.

Ellis Wines, ‘Signature Label’ Viognier 2010. Heathcote. Retail: $24 Members: $21.60

Second vintage of Viognier from the Ellis team and it has the classical aromas of freshly cut apricots and white peaches. The luscious palate has a hint of spice, with lovely mango and apricot flavours leading into a lengthy, dry finish. An absolute delight to drink by itself on a balmy evening or pair with Thai food.

Pizzini, Pinot Grigio 2011. King Valley. Retail: $21 Members: $18.90

An always reliable and top quality producer of Italian varietals, Pizzini has certainly lived up to expectations with this. Very pale straw hue from the glass with aromas of nectarine and melon. A crisp mouth feel, flavors of zesty citrus, fresh apples and apricot abound, providing a refreshing finish.

Simonnet Febvre, ‘Millesime’ Chablis 2009. Burgundy. Retail: $37 Members: $33.30

A traditional Chablis offering excellent value for money. There is some racy minerality on the initial palate along with grapefruit, nectarine and zesty, citrus flavours. The crispness of this wine is matched by the right amount of fruit to offer impeccable balance. Drink with sautéed scallops with chilli.

Plunkett Fowles, ‘490m’ Frizzante 2011. Victoria. Retail: $17 Members: $15.30

Produced in a Moscato style, this is a lovely example of an everyday, easy drinking, sweeter style of wine. Plenty of fresh fizz upon opening with fantastic musky aromas, flavours of apricot, rosehip and Turkish delight all shining. A great lazy afternoon drink, but has enough acidity to drink with dessert

Pondalowie, ‘Special Release’ Tempranillo 2008. Bendigo. Retail: $42 Members: $37.80

Having spent numerous vintages in Portugal, Domenic is no stranger to Tempranillo and being quite partial to the varietal myself, I am happy to say this one of the finest examples I have seen in Australia. With juicy aromas of raspberries and plums, initially the fruit is quite concentrated on the palate. Yet it quickly opens up, milk chocolate, blood plum and a hint of savoury spice and the soft tannin structure lead to a rich, fruit driven finish, supported by fruitcake like spice. Buy six now, three to enjoy and share with friends and three to hide away and open up over the next 5 years.