best australian wine 2012
Granite Belt Regional Report 2017 Mike Bennie headed to Queensland’s Granite Belt to put the region’s wines under the microscope. Misconceptions be damned: the result was as full of surprises as it was incredibly good wines. Poll: The best Australian wine region to “tour” is? Simple question: what’s the best Australian wine region to tour? Maximum of 3 answers allowed, though you can click on one only if your choice is overwhelmingly in one direction. Pierro Chardonnay – a ten year collection from 2006 to 2015 From seemingly nowhere, a ten year collection of Pierro chardonnay arrived at my front door. Hatherleigh Pinot Noir – Full Retrospective Tasting Established in 1996 with most plantings going on in 1999, this is Nick Bulleid MW’s labour of love, all planted to pinot noir. McLaren Vale Regional Report The Winefront’s Mike Bennie and Gary Walsh visited McLaren Vale in June to assess exactly where the region’s wines are at.
The result was a thorough health check of the region with more than a few surprises. Indeed, the odd shock was in store. Churton: Vineyard as a garden of Eden You get the feeling Sam Weaver is tired of the nincompoops. Birds of a feather: Rudi Bauer and his Quartz Reef Sometimes the luck runs against you. Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc 2009-2014 A precious afternoon one on one with the bloody great Kevin Judd. Riesling Rendezvous 2016 – general riesling tastings Riesling Rendezvous 2016 held in Seattle is over and done with, a large scale event that drew riesling winemakers, lovers, wine writers, MS, MW, CMS, you name it, like riesling, they were there, from all over the riesling planet. Do preservative free wines age? Accepted wisdom is that ‘preservative free’ or (very) low sulphur wines must be consumed within a year or at most two from bottling. UPDATE: WET changes have wine producers hopping mad #2 Opposition to the proposed changes to the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) is mounting.
Terroir Unlimited: Terroir Al Limit 2016I can think of few Spanish producers making wines of such excitement, charisma and transparent-feeling representation of place. Mount Pleasant 1965 Vines Rosehill Vineyard Shiraz 2014 The Mount Pleasant winery is my special subject. It was the home of Australia’s first great winemaker – Maurice O’Shea – and until the early 1960s it was known as the producer of Australia’s best table wines. Balnaves The Tally : Vertical Tasting 1998-2013 “When I first started making wine in Coonawarra,” Balnaves long-term winemaker Pete Bissell says, “we always thought the warmer vintages were the better vintages. Now I’m starting to think the cooler vintages are better.” Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 I enjoy looking through wine show results every now and then. This got exactly no medal in the 2016 Margaret River wine show. So, 87 points or lower on the TWF scale. Not quite sure what was wrong with it, as no notes are published to support the score.
More great value from Rosily. Posted in chardonnay, Margaret River Hoddles Creek Estate Syberia Chardonnay 2015 To be released in a month or so, I believe. Posted in chardonnay, Tip Top Tipple, Yarra Valley Hoddles Creek Estate Chardonnay 2016 A warmer year in a cooler site is often a winning combination. No 1er made this year, as I understand it. Posted in chardonnay, Tip Top Tipple, Top Value, Yarra Valley Tar & Roses Heathcote Sangiovese 2016 I didn’t get to spend much time at all with winemaker Don Lewis, so it was neat to see this wine pop up recently. The Tar & Roses range really was maverick for its time, and Lewis’ diligence and thoughtful approach to winemaking has always been writ large in his work. Posted in Heathcote, sangiovese et al Margan Tempranillo Graciano Shiraz 2015 At last check this is a true field blend, all from the same vineyard and picked on the same day. Posted in Hunter Valley, other reds, shiraz et al, tempranillo et al
Tizzana Vineyards Portland Head Tannat 2013 Tizzana is one of New South Wales’ under the radar historical wineries. Located in the Hawkesbury River area, the property and vineyard sites date back to the 1880s. The old, sandstone winery stands proudly, despite a mid 20th century arson attack. The wines are good, but could have more potential, I believe. Posted in New South Wales, other reds Adelaide Hills chardonnay from a single vineyard in Balhannah. These Eccolo wines balance the price/drinking pleasure/quality equation so nicely. Posted in Adelaide Hills, chardonnay Chapel Hill The Parson Shiraz 2016 Shiraz aimed at the ‘fighting variety’ stakes. Posted in McLaren Vale, shiraz et al Cape Mentelle Chardonnay 2015 A fuller, more powerful iteration of Cape Mentelle Chardonnay. No medal at the last Margaret River wine show. Logan Weemala Central Ranges Merlot 2014 Mid-range value brand from reliable Peter Logan. Mudgee and Orange are his stomping grounds, but the evocative Central Ranges gets the billing on the label.
Posted in Central Ranges, merlot et al Faber Vineyard Donnybrook Durif 2015 Famed variety from this producer. Well handled in past tastings. Posted in durif, Western Australia Risky Business Margaret River Malbec 2015 Joel, you wanna know something? Every now and then say, “What the f***.” “What the f***” gives you freedom. Opportunity makes your future. Posted in Margaret River, other reds Pindarie TSS Tempranillo Sangiovese Shiraz 2016 Quality/price ratio is in a good place here. Such a good style of red. Not too heavy but not too light. Ripe but not too sweet. Clove and gumnut influences but plenty of fruit and spice. Red berried flavours edging into deeper, darker waters. Modern without being a smart-arse about it. Posted in Barossa Valley, shiraz et al, tempranillo et al, Top Value Oakridge 864 Cabernet Sauvignon 2015Vines planted in 1994. Posted in cabernet et al, Yarra Valley Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013