News and Wine Reviews

Skillogalee, Shiraz 2000. Clare Valley.  Retail: $36 Members: $32.40

Always exceptional when you are rewarded for your patience.  Still plenty of fresh, ripe red fruit on the nose, think raspberries and spice which is followed on by a generous palate containing flavours of stewed plum and a hint of milk chocolate.  The silky tannins are backed by a lingering finish, making an absolute bargain.

Elgo, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. Strathbogie.  Retail: $22 Members: $19.80

Although Central Victorian Shiraz gets most of the accolades, there is some fantastic Cabernet to be found. The nose is dominated by cassis which is complimented by flavours of mulberry and some slightly earthy flavours. The fine yet still quite grippy tannin structure supports a fantastic dry finish.

Pebble Row, Sauvignon Blanc 2010. Marlborough.  Retail: $18 Members: $16.20

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is still ticking along and this provides a better than most example of what can be achieved. A pale golden hue with aromas of ripe tropical fruit coming to the fore are backed up by some zesty acidity and flavours of passion fruit and pineapple providing a crisp, refreshing finish.

Quite possibly Bendigo’s most well known wine in terms of exceptional quality and longetivity. I personally would give a bit more time to develop,  however  this shows all the qualities of years past with ripened red fruit, balanced oak and a superfine tannin structure providing a long lasting finish. Buy now, be rewarded later as it will not last!

Reilly’s, ‘Dry Land’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. Clare Valley. Retail: $27 Members: $24.30

Extremely interesting wine produced from vines that are up to 85 years old. Very strong nose of blackcurrants and highly concentrated red fruit. The palate provides slightly grippy tannins that provide flavours of dark chocolate and menthol, finishing with a lingering, dry finish.

La Casa, Vino Rosso Della 2008. King Valley. Retail: $15 Members: $13.50

A blend of Merlot and Sangiovese from the Chrismont family, this is an ideal pizza and pasta wine or simply for those who enjoy an elegant, dry red. Fine chalky tannins lead into flavours of black cherry and blackcurrant. The finish is dry, and savoury yet completely balanced by some great winemaking.

Pizzini, Pinot Grigio 2010. 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.

Houdini, Pinot Noir 2008. Sunbury. Retail: $20 Members: $18

An extremely fine Pinot at a very reasonable price and is ideal for a sneaky bottle or two with dinner! Shows a blood plum colour, with a lovely nose of blackberry and mulberry. The soft tannins, along with flavours of red cherry and a touch of earthiness all help provide a long, dry finish.

Craggy Range, ‘Fletcher Vineyard’ Riesling 2008. Marlborough. Retail: $31 Members: $27.90

Fantastic to see a lovely wine come out of Marlborough that is not a Sauvignon Blanc. This off-dry style Riesling makes a welcome change. A lovely bouquet of nectarine and citrus leads into a fresh, juicy palate that has strong mineral characteristics. Fantastic wine to take to any Asian restaurant.

Terra Felix, Shiraz Viognier 2008. Strathbogie. Retail: $20 Members: $18

There are some lovely dark fruit aromas involving cherries and plums following straight onto the palate with the addition of cinnamon spice and mulberry notes. The addition of Viognier gives the typical lifted apricot characteristics somewhat softening the wine without detracting from the depth and concentration of fruit.

Don David, ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2007. Cafayate Valley, Argentina.  Retail: $26 Members: $23.40

This fantastic Malbec gives a nose of chocolate, black fruit and raisins.  Flavours that shine through this wine include ripened blood plums, black cherries and a hint of vanilla spice. This is a very rich wine that is dominated by dark fruit which helps produce a long lasting, strong finish. Will handle a variety of foods but try with a slow cooked beef casserole.

Whistling Eagle, ‘Eagle’s Blood’ Shiraz 2008. Heathcote. Retail: $50 Members: $45

Having recently had the 2007 vintage, this is just as fantastic. The Rathjen family is celebrating their 10 year anniversary and this wine belies its 15.5% alcohol content. Shows an overall lovely balance with a rich nose of black forest fruit, with spice, chocolate and earthy flavours. The decadent, soft tannin structure gives a finish with great depth.

Passing Clouds, ‘Daylesford’ Sparkling Chardonnay. Daylesford. Retail: $34 Members: $30.60

With fruit from Passing Clouds Daylesford vineyard, this shows the beginning of a new era. Cool climate sparkling with a balance of the natural high acidity and sweetness. On the nose there are hints of almonds and dried pear followed by delicate bubbles and citrus and apple flavours.

Blanche Barkly, ‘The Hut’ Cabernet Shiraz. Kingower. Retail: $18 Members: $16.20

A very distinctive Kingower nose of vibrant and intense dark fruit which is dominated by the Cabernet. Giving time to breath allows it to show its true characteristics. Touches of mint and mocha along with indicative red fruit, it shows signs of further development, try with beef ragu in the middle of winter.

Glenwillow, Nebbiolo D’Yandoit 2008.  Retail $25  Members $22.50

An often unsung light within the region, Glenwillow is certainly becoming a favourite of Bendigo wine lovers. While the Shiraz and Cabernet are brilliant, this Nebbiolo steals the cake. Lighter than a lot with a deep, rusty fed hue, there are sour cherry and raspberry flavours yet remains soft and elegant. Drink with Pasta All’ amatriciana & extra chilli.

Whistling Eagle, ‘Eagles Blood’ 2007. Heathcote.  Retail $50 Members $45

This is how full bodied Heathcote Shiraz should be made. Ian Rathejan and family have made a knack of this, with a rich, muscly Shiraz that still shows restraint. Classical deep, rich fruit matched with savoury spice, it has an amazing depth of flavour and a long, distinguished finish. Definitely up there with the best.

BlackJack, Cabernet Merlot 2000. Bendigo. Retail $45 Members $40.50

Right at its peak – patience is certainly a virtue in this case when you hang on to a top wine for this long. Slowly mellowing in colour, it surely has retained some of its classical youthfulness. Well balanced acidity, plenty of ripe red fruit, there is still vanilla and menthol poking through. The finish lingers with milk chocolate, red berry flavours shining.