Wine & Spirit Insider May June 2016

insiderthe wine & spiritAUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALANDMay/June 2016 Issue 147 THE WINE & SPIRIT INSIDER IS A PROMOTIONAL GUIDE FROM THE LIQUOR TRADE TO THE CONSUMER. Winestate Publishing ABN 56 088 226 411 In this issue... New Releases & Best Value Buys Under $20

273 TASTED149 AWARDEDNEW RELEASESA wine judging of the latest new releases with the mainstays of Vondeling Babiana Vuurberg Reservechardonnay, cabernet and shiraz performing well. The ABC’s South Africa Dry Stellenbosch Dry(anything but chardonnay) group may have to eat their words as White 2012 HHH1/2 White 2013 HHHthis variety is becoming more refined and extremely drinkable. Funky lift to the pleasant A pleasant easy drinking,Nice to see some quality experiments with alternative varietals fruity nose. Lovely full-flavoured wine withsuch as schonburger, vermentino and montepulciano. palate texture with toasty oak and tropical citrus flavours layered fruit characters. $30SPARKLING Brygon Reserve Bream Creek with some toasty Wines Bin 880 Tasmania development. $30 SAUVIGNON7 TASTED South East Schonburger Andrew Peace BLANC &4 AWARDED Australia Sparkling 2015 HHHH Wines Masterpeace BLENDS Chardonnay NV HHH A very interesting wine Victoria PinkThe judges found some Crisp and lively with nice that has a lovely floral Moscato NV HHH 27 TASTEDreasonable quaffers in yeasty notes to the nose lift to the aromatic nose Delicate pink wine; 9 AWARDEDthis group. and some citrus on the and very good length slight lollipop-like palate. $19.99 of spicy tropical/floral characters to the nose The judges found,Saddler’s Creek flavours. $26 and nice summer berry overall, these winesWines Bluegrass OTHER WHITE Andrew Peace Wines flavours. $11 generally lacked flavour.Langhorne Creek VARIETALS & Heart and Soul SEA Byrne Vineyards Whilst many wereSparkling Cabernet BLENDS Moscato NV HHH1/2 Pairings SA acceptable for quaffingSauvignon A crisp lively moscato Semillon Sauvignon the panel expected2014 HHH1/2 25 TASTED with grapey aromas and Blanc 2015 HHH a bit more. ThoseA sweet, earthy 12 AWARDED zesty sweet palate that A leaner crisp style of recommended wereand quite tannic is nicely balanced with a wine of fresh grass few and far between butsparkling red with nice Lots of diverse varietals spritz-like lift. $11 and citrus-like fruit with worth looking at.blackcurrant varietal here with plenty of Berton Vineyards herbal notes. $20characters and good interest. Those that Metal Label SEA Mr Riggs Mrs. Giesen Estate VBBAEULSYUTSEflavour. $42 showed varietal The Vermentino McLaren Vale Marlborough character and some 2015 HHH1/2 Viognier 2015 HHH SauvignonAndrew Peace flavour were awarded Nice example of style A good food wine Blanc 2015 HHHHWines Masterpeace with higher scores. “No with delicate citrus with delicate apricot Very well made; veryVictoria Sparkling real ‘dogs’ here, just bouquet and soft characters on the nose varietal with green bean,Moscato NV HHH the better wines were pleasant palate with and nicely textured coriander, some tropics,Appealing sweet fruit- chosen,” noted one good fruit weight. Very palate. $24 some residual sugardriven style with a nice judge. drinkable. $12 Heritage Estate underscored with crispmix of tropical and citrus Molly’s Cradle Granite Belt Fiano lively acidity. $16.99characters. $13 Pokolbin Estate Estate Hunter Valley 2014 HHH Vineyard Phil Verdelho “Prickly” aromatics - Robert Oatley ROMichelini Wines Swannell Hunter 2015 HHH1/2 peaches with herbal Signature MargaretSparkling Moscato Valley Semillon Light toasty fruit aromas notes. Good overall River SauvignonAlpine Valleys 2015 HHHH and a nice length of flavour length. Lots of Blanc 2015 HHH1/2Isabella Rosé A nice youngster that honeyed citrus flavours acid. $20 A sound and very wellNV HHH will age well. It is loaded edged with dried pear- Vina Las Perdices made wine that is veryConfectionery sweet, with fresh lime fruit like notes. $19 Mendoza Torrontes varietal and is layeredbright pink, commercial characters, has a hint 2014 HHH with fresh green apple-style but well done and of grass and has zesty Lifted sweet grapey like acid. $22.95very good. $15 acidity. $25 aromas and firm palate; interesting peach/green apple flavour combo. $22120 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tasting Robert Oatley Saracen Estates Robert Oatley Wild Oats Western Margaret River Pocketwatch Central Australia Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc Ranges Pinot Gris Blanc 2015 HHH Semillon 2015 HHH 2015 HHH Simple lifted green A bigger, slightly oily Lifted tropicals on the bean/capsicum aromas style with subdued nose nose with a hint of rose and intense succulent and lean crisp oak-driven petals and a light slightly mouth puckering palate. palate. $22 sweet commercial $17.95 palate. $16.95 Robert Oatley Robert Oatley Wild Oats Western Pocketwatch RIESLING Australia Sauvignon Western Australia Blanc Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 14 TASTED 2015 HHH 2014 HHH 4 AWARDED A carefully made and Lovely fresh lift toKaiora Bay elegant wine with a the nose and a clean The young wines Millon Estate VBBAEULSYUTSEMarlborough perfumed floral bouquet varietal palate; some here were either too The Roots 26Sauvignon Blanc and a sound palate. development beginning. acid or phenolic. The Eden Valley2015 HHH $17.95 $16.95 older vintaged winesA powerful varietal - very Tapestry Vineyards performed the bestgrassy and herbaceous Adelaide Hills PINOT GRIS/ showing the potential forwith slight funkiness and Sauvignon Blanc GRIGIO ageing with this variety.flinty crisp acid. $9.99 2015 HHH Lovely lifted green bean 9 TASTED Riesling 2014 HHHH nose with herbal notes. 1 AWARDED A very appealing style Some broadness on the already showing the palate but very varietal. Just one wine showed classic ‘kero’-like $20 flavour and varietal development. Some Knee Deep Margaret character and freshness. citrus sweetness and River Sauvignon Disappointing. Blanc 2015 HHH Nice aromas with a touch of toastiness. perfumed notes and $19.95 mouth puckering varietal characters on a sound palate. $22ALDI’s collection aFlSdOTINROAi.VRSDcAEEEoLSITLmE,AACVIBTLI.SESaLIDETuof premium wines atnot-so-premium pricesAUSTRALIA Margaret River W.A. McLaren Vale S.A.9$ 99 9$ 99 9$ 99 9$ 99 ea ea ea ea A.C. Byrne & Co A.C. Byrne & Co A.C. Byrne & Co A.C. Byrne & CoMargaret River Semillon Margaret River Margaret River McLaren Vale Shiraz 750mlSauvignon Blanc 750ml Chardonnay 750ml Cabernet Merlot 750ml Classically McLaren Vale with concentratedClassically Margaret River with Modern and wonderfully expressive Rich and opulent with generous wild berry, blackberry and blueberryexpressive fruits of citrus blossom, with citrus blossom, white peach flavours of blackberry, plum and soft flavours finishing with light spice, chocolatelemon, passionfruit, herbs and tropical and nectarine fruits and a delicate dark fruits. A wine with charm, and clove characters.fruits with an underlying minerality. integration of French oak. elegance and flavour through the finish. A wine of richness and generosity.ALDI supports the responsible service of alcohol. It is illegal to purchase alcohol for people under 18.Available in selected stores. See aldi.com.au for locations. While stocks last — Please note stocks are limited and will vary between stores.ALC7501_Winestate_Mag.indd 1 The W ine & Spirit INSI2D0/0E1/1R6 10:061A2M1

NEW RELEASES Gilbert & Gilbert Willow Bridge Estate Agnew Wines Museum Reserve G1-10 Geographe Poole’s Rock Eden Valley Riesling Chardonnay Premier Hunter 2010 HHHH 2015 HHHH Valley Chardonnay A drier style with A very crisp style that 2015 HHH1/2 amazing freshness has delicate flinty/green Crisp and youthful wine for a six-year old with melon aromas and with nicely weighted buttered toast evolution, quite savoury flavours nose and palate good acid and some on a lovely “lively and exhibiting melon and phenolic heat. $38 energetic”, palate. $30 citrus fruit elements. $45 Perfectly Byrne Vineyards Saddler’s Creek Vella Wines Harvest balanced. Criminal Minds Wines Reserve Widow Adelaide Riverland Riesling Hunter Chardonnay Hills Chardonnay DW Fox Tucker is a sophisticated, 2015 HHH1/2 2015 HHHH 2014 HHH1/2 yet refreshingly earthy legal “blend”. A perfumed lift to the Nice example of A somewhat old Our bold service offering is built on attractive floral-like nose a modern style of fashioned style with a full-bodied foundation of vast and a classic, well- chardonnay with a honest varietal fruit general commercial experience, yet balanced, riesling palate. touch of funkiness to characters, decent oak overlaid with distinctive specialist $18 the fine nose and zesty treatment and toasty expertise in a number of key grapefruit/lemon fruit notes. $30 industries and niche market Jordan The Real palate. $36 sectors. McCoy South Africa Indigo Vineyard Claymore Wines It’s a winning combination that Riesling 2014 HHH Secret Village Voodoo Child Clare allows every client who opens a Developed aromas and Beechworth Valley Chardonnay “case” to get exactly what they toasty lemon curd-like Chardonnay 2015 HHH need. So whatever your business palate. Holding together 2015 HHHH A nice ripe quaffer with or legal objectives, don’t hesitate well. $30 A zesty style of melon and tropical fruit to contact us. chardonnay showing lifted with and a hint of At DW Fox Tucker, every CHARDONNAY lovely bright green blossoms. $22 client matters. melon fruit delicacy 26 TASTED and some savouriness Haselgrove Wines L14, 100 King William Street 11 AWARDED adding complexity. $50 ‘Staff’ Adelaide Adelaide SA 5000 Bird in Hand Nest Hills Chardonnay p: +61 8 8124 1811 “Overall there were Egg Adelaide Hills 2015 HHH few bad wines here Chardonnay White peach aromas e: [email protected] just ones needing 2015 HHHH with a hint of spice and dwfoxtucker.com.au a little tweaking to A lovely drinkable nice depth of citrus and build structure and style with soft buttery stonefruit flavours. $25 COMMERCIAL | CORPORATE complexity,” said one varietal fruit with some DISPUTES | INSOLVENCY | TAX | IP judge. Most were made upfront sweetness. ROSÉ EMPLOYMENT | WORKERS COMPENSATION in the modern style of Good depth of solid fresher, more elegant varietal flavours. $75 7 TASTED SELF INSURANCE | PROPERTY fruit characters, less Bowen Estate 3 AWARDED malo-lactic influence and Coonawarra 122 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER lighter use of oak. Chardonnay Some nice drinking 2015 HHH1/2 wines here. “LovelyDWFT 2364 - DWFT_WS_Vert 59x270_March 2016.indd181/01/2016 2:26:41 PM Saddler’s Creek Quite a refined and colours and fresh berry Wines Ryan’s elegant chardonnay with noses,” said one judge. Reserve Stephanie’s ripe pineapple/citrus fruit, Vineyard Hunter decent oak use and nice Chardonnay bit of lees work. $24 2015 HHHH1/2 Bird in Hand A lively green tinted Adelaide Hills wine with citrussy Chardonnay aromas showing a hint 2015 HHH1/2 of pineapple. A crisp Savoury and interesting and refreshing lemon with toasty green sherbet-like palate with a edged fruit, appealing nice flavour intensity. $36 aromatics and soft flinty and well-textured palate. $35

wine & spirit insider tastingVina Las Perdices Mr Riggs Jones Winery & PINOT NOIR Robert Oatley ROMendoza Malbec Montepulciano Vineyard Rutherglen Signature YarraRosé 2015 HHH1/2 d’ Adelaide Hills Durif 2013 HHH 19 TASTED Valley Pinot NoirA sound well-made wine Adelaide Hills Super dark intense wine 10 AWARDED 2015 HHH1/2- very pretty colour with Montepulciano - unusually refined style Light, bright and juicya delicate lifted nose and 2014 HHHH with juicy brambly fruit The better wines here with good barnyardysimple palate. Very easy Nice example of style characters. $35 had appropriate ‘flesh’ varietal lift to the leafyto drink. $22 with good intensity of 919 Wines and balanced tannins nose and lovely cherry lifted spicy fruit aromas Reserve Riverland whether from oak or palate with a very oakyGilbert by Simon and medium-bodied Tempranillo fruit skins. “So far the end. $22.95Gilbert Saignee palate with good fruit 2013 HHH 14s were better than the Johner EstateOrange Mudgee interest and grippy Oak-driven style with early release 15s,” said Reserve GladstoneRosé 2015 HHH tannins. $30 savoury fruit cake-like one judge. Some were Pinot NoirA dry style with fresh Millbrook aromas, spicy berry ageing prematurely or 2014 HHH1/2pretty aromatics and a Geographe fruit flavours and firm showed excess oak for Lifted spicy oakfine delicate palate. $24 Sangiovese tannins. $42 the level of fruit involved. fragrance with rich 2014 HHH1/2 919 Wines Reserve cherry flavours andWillow Bridge Dark savoury fruit Riverland Durif Sidewood ‘777’ some excellent tobacco/Estate Rosa De aromas with earthy 2013 HHH Adelaide Hills Pinot barnyard-like varietalSolana Geographe notes and lovely Squid ink colour. Warm Noir 2015 HHHH1/2 elements. $70Tempranillo Rosé textured palate with soft and minty dark fruit Good varietal expression Cooks Lot Allotment2015 HHH cherry and blackcurrant aromas and firm fleshy with lots of funky/ 1111 Orange PinotA well-made rosé - a flavours. $22 fruit palate. $50 smoky elements. The Noir 2015 HHHtad sweet but good Mr Riggs Yacca nose has very intense Light strawberrycommercial wine. Lovely Paddock Adelaide lifted meaty/barnyardy characters on the nosechilled. $25 Hills Tempranillo fragrances and the and attractive varietal 2014 HHH1/2 palate shows true palate. Elegant use ofOTHER RED Lifted sweet fruit varietal flavours. $35 oak. $22VARIETALS & aromas with savoury Johner EstateBLENDS notes and firm, Rockburn Central Wairarapa Pinot appealing spicy berry Otago Pinot Noir Noir 2014 HHH17 TASTED flavours on a weighty 2014 HHHH1/2 A powerful oak-driven11 AWARDED palate. $30 A big flavoursome wine style but has plenty of that has a delightful intense ripe varietal fruitAlways interesting with Finca Mevi Barricas cherry berry nose to match. $26lots to choose from. Del Plata Mendoza showing spicy oak Lyons Will Estate“Each wine shows a Malbec 2014 HHH notes and lovely fleshy Macedon Rangesnice depth of varietal Savoury rather than varietal fruit intensity Pinot Noircharacter rather than fruity with some on the palate layered 2014 HHHjust offering dry red mintiness. Quite firm with subtle vanilla oak. Very open and appealingflavours,” observed and tannic in the $49.99 with juicy, jubey andone judge. “Worth mouth. $20 spicy Ribena-like fruit;trying these different Bream Creek touch of licorice. $31examples, particularly Millbrook Vina Las Perdices Tasmania Pinot Noir Staete Landtwith food.” Geographe Reserva Don Juan 2012 HHHH1/2 State of Grace Tempranillo Mendoza Malbec A sound beautifully Marlborough Pinot 2014 HHH Syrah Bonarda ageing wine coming Noir 2014 HHH Slightly firm but well- Merlot 2012 HHH together very nicely. More masculine in style structured wine with A big-bodied drying Has lovely texture and with lovely lifted spicy some licorice characters tannic style with nice shows great varietal oak and chocolaty jubey and obvious tannins. $22 balance of berry fruits definition with its meaty/ fruit. $35 Vina Las Perdices and spice. $45 strawberry-like fruit. $37 Mendoza Malbec 2014 HHH Johner Estate Ripe berry notes to Gladstone Pinot the nose and sweet/ Noir 2014 HHHH sour fruit intensity on A big dark wine with the palate with fine good honest varietal fruit tannins. $22 characters. Good use of spicy oak, tarry touches Handcrafted and some barnyardy by Geoff Hardy notes. “Yummy.” $36 Limestone Coast Adelaide Hills Lagrein 2014 HHH Lovely wine; bright, fresh and youthful with fresh plum aromas and intense licorice flavours. $30 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 123

NEW RELEASESGRENACHE & MERLOT & Alkoomi White Label CABERNET Eldredge VineyardsBLENDS BLENDS Frankland River SAUVIGNON RL Clare Cabernet Cabernet Merlot Sauvignon7 TASTED 6 TASTED 2014 HHHH 30 TASTED 2013 HHHH1/2 Lovely wine drinking, 17 AWARDED Lovely fruit/oak varietal4 AWARDED 2 AWARDED drinking beautifully with expression here with honest sweet varietal A mixed group of quite fine cassis aromas“Lovely sweet fruited A couple of good fruit, good oak, relatively solid wines. “The really and excellent flavourwines that are at their examples with ripe soft mid-palate and ripe good wines had lovely profile on a seamlesslybest; fresh and lively,” sweet red fruits. The tannin backbone. $15 middle palate varietal balanced well-said one judge. A nice rest were too lean and Mr Riggs Outpost fruit and appropriate structured palate withbunch! green, although the oak Coonawarra level of oak,” said one firm tannins. $30 balance was generally Cabernet judge. “A few wines Reillys Dry LandMillbrook good. 2014 HHHH did have issues with Clare ValleyGeographe Grenache Slightly stalky nose sulphides or excess, or Cabernet SauvignonShiraz Mourvedre Robert Oatley Wild with a berry lift; some bad, oak.” 2013 HHHH2015 HHHH Oats Mudgee Merlot attractive chocolate A sound wine with greatAn intense fruit-driven 2014 HHHH notes. Solid but elegant structure and complexitystyle but exhibits some A very tannic but good sweet fruit palate; good and a lovely generositygreat savoury notes. A style of merlot with varietal characters and of varietal fruit that istouch funky on the nose youthful Ribena-like spicy oak. $24 slightly on the mintyand chewy tannins in the varietal fruit, good use side. $35mouth. $22 of oak and some herbal Plantagenet Koonara Ambriel’s hints. $17.95 Three Lions Great Gift CoonawarraRed Knot by Southern Cabernet Cabernet SauvignonShingleback Robert Oatley Copia Merlot 2014 HHH1/2 2013 HHHHMcLaren Vale Frankland River Fresh bright and very Still a very bright colourGrenache Shiraz Merlot 2014 HHH1/2 appealing with an for its age. It shows aMourvedre A sound commercial abundance of lovely fair bit of oak but has2015 HHH1/2 style of wine. Very sweet berry fruit and plenty of big powerfulGood commercial style. attractive dark berry great tannin balance. $24 sweet varietal fruit toNose a tad ‘pongy’ but varietal fruit, some slight carry it. $40with an attractive red leafiness and oak in Saddler’s Creek Beresford Classic Pertaringa Rifleberry/chocolaty palate balance. $18.95 Wines Bluegrass McLaren Vale and Hunt Adelaideand lovely tannins. “The Blend” Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon$14.95 CABERNET Langhorne Creek 2014 HHHHH 2014 HHH1/2 BLENDS Cabernet Shiraz Inky Ribena-like nose Some lifted leafy notesHugo McLaren Vale 2014 HHH with very attractive to the nose and aGrenache Shiraz 8 TASTED Huge oak dominated oak elements. Soft sweet porty palate with2014 HHH 5 AWARDED nose and a big oak- and rounded in the good oak use. GoodDecent example of style driven palate; some mouth with lots of oak commercial style. $40with lovely aromatics, A solid group with sweet porty fruit over voluptuous sweet Saddler’s Creekplenty of sweet fruit and very good structure beneath. $36 berry fruit flavours and Wines Bluegrassgood, but heavy, oak. $25 and some nice, well- Finca Mevi Barricas ripe tannins, but all in Langhorne Creek maintained, ripe fruit. Del Plata Special balance. $28 Cabernet SauvignonBeresford Barrel Blend Mendoza 2014 HHH1/2Select McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon Developing chocolatyGrenache Shiraz Malbec Syrah aromas with raisinedMourvedre Viognier 2012 HHH notes and Ribena rich2014 HHH Very solid, firm, full- palate with elegant oakOak dominates this bodied blend with and lovely tannins. $40wine. Nice spicy lift masses of oak andto the nose and fruit very ripe fruit peekingsweetness in the through. $35mouth. $28JUDGES - DAY 1 Bill Hardy Ian McKenzie Corporate oenologist for Wine consultant. Rebecca Kennedy Accolade Wines (formerly National wine show Currently Production Constellation). 28 years’ judge and former co-chief Planning Manager with Fox winemaking experience in winemaker for Southcorp, Creek Wines. Previously places such as McLaren Vale, Seppelt and Berri Estates. winemaker with Accolade Western Australia and France. Over 40 years’ experience and senior winemaker Has judged internationally in the wine industry at Boar’s Rock and (France and Japan), and been with more than 30 years Langhorne Creek Wineries. an associate or senior judge at participation in the wine Has extensive judging more than 20 state and regional show judging circuit. experience at capital city wine shows in Australia. and regional wine shows.124 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tastingKoonara Angel’s Red Knot by Brothers at War I’m SHIRAZ Robert Oatley WildPeak Coonawarra Shingleback Always Right Eden BLENDS Oats Mudgee ShirazCabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale Valley Cabernet Cabernet 2014 HHH2013 HHH1/2 Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon 8 TASTED An elegant blend.Marked oak influence 2015 HHH 2014 HHH 4 AWARDED Attractive bright,here but is balanced by Gorgeous young Lifted leafy bouquet with perfumed aromatics andthe complexity of sweet wine showing lots of a dash of pepper and A solid, if not assertive licorice/soy-likelicorice and blackcurrant promise. Has some a very ripe and porty spectacular, range. flavours. $17.95fruit characters. $20 decent sweet fruit palate. Drink now. $30 Those recommendedFernfield Wines characters. $14.95 K1 by Geoff Hardy offered good drinking. Saddler’s CreekOld River Red Eden Fox Creek McLaren Adelaide Hills “Shiraz does offer good Wines Saddler’sValley Cabernet Vale Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignon blending options,” said Langhorne CreekSauvignon Sauvignon 2014 HHH one judge. Shiraz Viognier2013 HHH1/2 2014 HHH A simple, honest, 2014 HHHA very appealing Very oaky nose but medium weight Byrne Vineyards Chocolaty fruit nosesweet, flavoursome there is intense fruit cabernet with good Pairings SA Shiraz with hints of violets andand ‘open’ style with aromas underneath. depth of ripe sweet Grenache Merlot full-bodied palate withinky blackcurrant fruit Sweet palate; lots of fruit. $40 2014 HHH1/2 sweet raspberry fruitand seamless oak oak. $20 Brangayne Of A lighter style. “Be great characters. $36balance. $35 Claymore Wines Orange Orange with pizza or pasta.”Saddler’s Creek Bittersweet Cabernet Sauvignon Upfront confectionery SHIRAZWines Reserve Symphony Clare 2013 HHH berry fruit, hint of spice 2015-2014Langhorne Valley Cabernet Lovely flinty smokiness and creamy mouthfeel. $25 & UNDERLanghorne Creek Sauvignon to the nose and very $20Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 HHH long varietal palate. 24 TASTED2013 HHH1/2 Some lovely ripe sweet Beautifully made. $32 K1 by Geoff 16 AWARDEDLovely sweet oak fruit here with nice oak R Brands F.U Barossa Hardy Tzimmukincovering the super treatment - lots of it! $22 Valley Cabernet Adelaide Hills Shiraz An excellent classsweet brambly fruit. Alkoomi Black Label Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon of value for moneyShows slight porty Frankland River 2010 HHH 2010 HHH1/2 wines with mostnotes and some age Cabernet Sauvignon A drying, well advanced Dark tarry fruit aromas recommended. “Thetoastiness. $65 2014 HHH wine but still shows with a touch of leathery variety has flavour Ripe and generous, some lovely sweet fruit maturity with good and fruit expression slightly porty nose with characters. $300 primary and secondary so winemakers menthol notes and flavour mix and should leave it alone,” simple plum palate. $24 intensity. $150 suggested one of the panel! The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 125

NEW RELEASES Reillys Wines VBBAEULSYUTSE Byrne Vineyards SHIRAZ Rockridge Criminal Minds 2015-2014 Clare Valley Shiraz Riverland Shiraz OVER $25 2014 HHHH 2015 HHH A full-bodied fruit-driven Blackberry nose with 21 TASTED style. Subtle raspberry a touch of vanilla. 19 AWARDED aromas and lovely Appealing flavours with length and vibrancy some firm balancing Excellent class with of black plum flavours tannins. $18 greater interest from and balancing tannins. the higher priced wines. $14.99 Trentham Estate “One hopes to have Estate Shiraz higher quality at this GMH South 2014 HHH price (but this is not Australia Shiraz “An honest wine,” always so), fortunately, 2014 HHHH noted one judge. Has in this case, the wines Big powerful, yet solid blackberry-like delivered.” understated style with fruit and nice tannins. good honest varietal fruit; Time! $16 Fox Creek Old Vine sweet and ripe and the McLaren Vale Shiraz spicy oak in seamless Shingleback 2014 HHHHH balance. $20 Haycutters McLaren A huge rich wine with Vale Shiraz heaps of punch andRobertson of Clare Robert Oatley RO Haselgrove VBBAEULSYUTSE 2014 HHH interest. Toasty oak noseBlock 6 Clare Valley Signature Heathcote Wines First Cut A simple shiraz with has ripe blackberriesShiraz 2014 HHHHH Shiraz 2014 HHHH McLaren Vale cherry and blackberry- underneath with a dash“An excellent A bit dusty on the nose Shiraz 2014 HHH1/2 like fruit, charry oak of spice. Beautifullyyoungster,” according but has nice spiciness Ripe cassis aromas and a tannic finish. layered palate hasto one judge. Stewed behind it. Palate is $16.95 fleshy ripe fruit withplums and berries lift bright, juicy and still confectionery notes. $60off the nose and the youthful with licorice and and flavours with good Red Knot bypowerful rich palate tar-like flavours. $22.95 tannin support. Still a TeAro Estatehas lovely freshness of very tight wine that Shingleback VBBAEULSYUTSE Charred Doorplum and raspberry fruit needs more cellaring. Classified Barossa Shirazedged with mocha and Claymore Wines McLaren Vale 2014 HHHH1/2vanilla. $25 Dark Side of the $19 Shiraz 2014 HHH A traditional Aussie styleK1 by Geoff Hardy Moon Clare Valley of shiraz with chocolaty/Middle Hill Adelaide Shiraz 2014 HHHH Waterhouse Range Youthful blackberry nose raspberry nose andHills Shiraz Porty ripe nose with Vineyards Governor and big bold palate with big bold and nicely2014 HHHH1/2 heady hit of blackberry Robe Selection lots of ripe fruit flavours. structured palate tastingLovely intensity fruit aromas and a soft Limestone Coast $19.99 of dark tarry fruits. Veryof spicy raspberry well-structured wild Shiraz 2014 HHH1/2 youthful still needingaromas showing hints raspberry palate. Nice More savoury in Tellurian Redline more time. $35of eucalypt. Nicely use of oak. $25 style with lovely fruit Heathcote Shirazweighted and textured spectrum. Some 2014 HHH Woodgatepalate with a big hit of Shaw Family raspberries on the Attractive eucalypt lift to Wines Reserveberry flavours and long Vintners nose and upfront fruit the nose and a shy and Pemberton Shirazfine tannins. $25 Windjammer flavours. $22 youthful palate. Needs 2014 HHHH1/2 McLaren Vale Shiraz more time. $22 A simple honest wine 2014 HHH1/2 with reserved raspberry Spicy eucalypt characters Heritage Estate Robert Oatley RO aromas and full-bodied on the nose and a fleshy Old Vine Reserve Signature McLaren palate with lovely well-rounded palate with Granite Belt Shiraz Vale Shiraz blackberry conserve/ an abundance of oak! 2014 HHH1/2 2014 HHH sour cherry-like fruit $17 A fair bit of oak influence Youthful, unevolved expression with firm but has lovely intensity shiraz with fresh chunky tannins. $35 and expression of varietal raspberry, blackcurrant fruits. Nice tannin length and plum-like fruit and finish. $25 characters. $22.95JUDGES - DAY 2Simon Rowe Ian McKenzie Steve WarrickBuying & Promotions Wine consultant. National Wine marketer withmanager for Sip n Save wine show judge and 20 years experience inretail Group. Stint with former co-chief winemaker McLaren Vale, Coonawarra,Down Under Cellars in for Southcorp, Seppelt and Adelaide Hills and MargaretSydney. Diploma of Wine Berri Estates. Over 40 years’ River. Extensive wineMarketing. Thirteen years experience in the wine judging experience atin the retail liquor industry industry with more than 30 the Adelaide, Hobart andincluding managing Parade years participation in the McLaren Vale wine shows.Cellars in Adelaide. wine show judging circuit.126 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tasting Robert Oatley Four Heathcote Winery 919 Wines Reserve in Hand Barossa Mail Coach Riverland Shiraz Valley Shiraz Heathcote Shiraz 2015 HHH1/2 2014 HHHH 2014 HHHH “A smart youngster,” A bouquet of plums and A big bold shiraz with said one judge. It’s bright violets; hints of spicy very good varietal and fresh with vibrant oak. Big, flavoursome, expression. Smells of primary fruit and vanilla/ nicely textured palate has plums and vanilla with mocha-like oak. $42 layers of bold fruit, charry plenty of chocolaty Beresford Classic oak and tannins. $26.99 flavours and firm McLaren Vale Shiraz Eldredge Vineyards tannins. $35 2014 HHH1/2 Blue Chip Clare K1 by Geoff Hardy Smells of wild Shiraz 2014 HHHH Adelaide Hills Shiraz raspberries and is soft A simple old school style 2014 HHHH and spicy in the mouth of shiraz brimming over A lovely elegant cool and tasting of berries with big ripe chocolaty climate shiraz showing and plums. $28 fruit that shows some typical spicy peppery minty overtones and fruit that has a slight lovely oak influence. $35 savoury character and balancing tannins. $40Haselgrove Wines Pertaringa Over the Sew & SewCatkin McLaren Top McLaren Vale Adelaide Hills SyrahVale Shiraz Shiraz 2014 HHHH 2014 HHH1/22014 HHHH1/2 A plum and fruit A very nice exampleThe nose is a combo nose with chocolaty of style with its minty/of plums, vanilla, elements. Plenty of raspberry bouquet andviolets and roses. Well- intense fruit flavours on medium-bodied plumstructured palate; lovely the bold palate. Good fruit palate. $35fresh berry varietal fruit level of tannins. $40expression with a hintof chocolate on thefinish. $40 We are delighted to announce our upcoming Business Luncheon for May with Stephen Rue Chief Financial Officer of the NBN WHEN: Friday, 6th May 2016 WHERE: InterContinental Adelaide TICKETS: $160 for Members of the AICC $175 for Non-MembersBookings can be made via our website, www.aicc.org.au, where you can also find any other information regarding the Chamber around Australia Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce (SA/NT) Inc. A: 239 Magill Road, Maylands 5069 P: 0411 113 749 E: [email protected] W: www.aicc.org.au The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 127

NEW RELEASESKarrawatta Dairy Cooks Lot Allotment Brothers at War Fist Jones Winery & Mr Riggs Mr.Block Adelaide Hills No. 8 Handpicked Fight Barossa Shiraz Vineyard Rutherglen McLaren ValeShiraz 2014 HHH1/2 Orange Shiraz 2013 HHHH Shiraz 2013 HHHH Shiraz 2013 HHHHLifted spicy small berry 2014 HHH Concentrated dark Creamy raspberry A black cherry/lavenderfruit aromas and supple A floral nose; smells fruit nose - smells of fruit aromas; attractive bouquet and a veryfleshy palate with sweet of lavender. Palate is black forest cake. Well- lavender lift. Deep, well- flavoursome well-upfront fruit and a dash powerful and strong rounded, nicely balanced structured palate with structured palate withof pepper and spice. $38 with firm grippy tannins. palate. Good flavour bold intense chocolaty/ bold fruit expression andHaselgrove Wines Time! $46 length and slightly grippy berry flavours. $32 big dose of tannins. $50The Ambassador tannins. $30 Fernfield Wines Noogoora Short RibSingle Vineyard Pokolbin Estate Mr Riggs Piebald Old River Red Eden McLaren Vale ShirazMcLaren Vale Shiraz Vineyard Reserve Adelaide Syrah Valley Shiraz 2013 HHH1/22014 HHH1/2 Limited Release 2013 HHHH 2013 HHHH Hint of licorice to theReserved dark fruit Hunter Valley A traditional style of Very appealing style blackberry aromas. Nicearomas and a beautifully Shiraz 2014 HHH shiraz. Lovely depth of shiraz, with a nose intensity and vibrancystructured palate full A straightforward shiraz of honest sweet ripe fresh with blackcurrant of fruit flavours withof plum and cherry pie with dark plumy fruit, varietal fruit, good use of aromas and rich fruit warming alcohol. $25flavours. Slight acid some savoury touches vanilla oak and warming cake flavours. $37 Jordan Theend. $85 and drying tannins. $60 alcohol. $30 ProspectorTellurian Pastiche Stellenbosch SyrahHeathcote Shiraz SHIRAZ 2013 2013 HHH1/22014 HHH & OLDER Made in a Rhone styleMore rustic in style with with peppery spicya deep rich colour, plenty 16 TASTED varietal fruit, slightlyof oak-derived characters 15 AWARDED smoky oak and savouryand blackberry fruit. $27 tannins. High acidBowen Estate Very consistent results finish. $30Coonawarra Shiraz across the board with Robert Oatley2014 HHH wines generally holding Finisterre GreatPowerful and intense up well. “In this group Southern Syrahwith plenty of flavour, there were less oaky 2013 HHH1/2just needs more time to wines,” noted one A flavoursome winereally shine. $33 judge. “With many with a lovely intensitySaddler’s Creek offering good every day of raspberry, coffee andWines Ryan’s drinking.” chocolate charactersReserve Vanessa’s with quite firm tannins.Vineyard Hunter $36.95Shiraz 2014 HHHMasses of savoury oakbut the dark raspberryfruit shines through.Some grip on thefinish. $40 38 38 is the number of days this wine spends on its skins in fermentation. Most wines are just 8 or IMPORTANT less. The extra 30 days of very slow fermentation increases the extraction and integration of skin DAYS tannins giving a greater depth of structure and lifting the savoury characteristics. The practicalities and costs of this process dictated that only two tonnes of grapes be fermented, and that means just 1536 bottles. 38 DAYS 2012 vintage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. It will cellar very well but if you are looking at a slow cooked leg of hogget perhaps you shouldn’t wait. Send us an email and we will let you know where you can buy 38 DAYS. [email protected] The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tastingPossums Vineyard Koonara Angel’s “Rated highlyDr John’s Willunga Peak Coonawarra by all judges.”Shiraz 2013 HHH1/2 Shiraz 2013 HHHA warm, open, upfront Consumer-friendly style 162 Hamilton Rd, Warkworth, New Zealandshiraz. Plums and with nice layers of oak and Ph +64 9 425 0306 / [email protected] mingle with fruit and showing plentychocolaty elements, of complexity. $20 www.mahurangiriver.co.nztoasty oak and grippytannins. $25 Settlers Ridge The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 129Saddler’s Creek Organic MargaretWines Reserve River ShirazLanghorne Creek 2012 HHHShiraz 2013 HHH1/2 An oak-dominated styleBig, bold and very tannic underscored with darkwine with briary/berry plum fruit and quitefruit and plenty of oak- assertive tannins. $25derived chocolaty-likecharacters. $65 SWEETRobert Oatley WHITESPocketwatch CentralRanges Shiraz 2 TASTED2013 HHH 2 AWARDEDUnderstated raspberryaromas and a fleshy Two lovely sweets here!sweet palate with somezesty acidity. $16.95 Trentham EstateShingleback Estate MurrayDavey Brothers Darling NobleMcLaren Vale Taminga 2013Shiraz 2013 HHH (375ml) HHHHFull-bodied shiraz with Lovely lifted sweetlovely layers of ripe apricot and cashewblackberry fruit and bouquet and similarchocolaty oak. $17.95 characters echoed on the palate. Slightly hot on the finish. $16Molly’s Cradle Brygon ReserveEstate Langhorne Wines Bin 876Creek Shiraz Margaret River2013 HHH Late PickedNice depth and length Riesling Semillonof fresh plumy fruit 2012 HHHHaromas and flavours; Lovely rich sweetearthy hints and savoury bouquet and a verycomplexity. $19 sweet palate filling the mouth with very pleasant citrus and apricot-like flavours. $19.99 STAR RATINGS Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs ofexcellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill.All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industryprofessionals and are compared in peerclasses by three judges.CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters,a major mail-order business.CD Cellar door price.CDO Cellar door only.SO Sold out.$N/A Price not available at time of printing. Contact information pg 136. RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). BEST VALUE for $20 & under.For a complete list of what we tastedplease refer to www.winestate.com.au

BEST VALUE BUYS - All under $20Millon Estate Atkins Family Vineyards Fox Gordon Sassy TomichThe Roots 26 Eden Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Wing and a PrayerRiesling 2014 Slight nuttiness to the bright Sweet aromas with a citrus edge Sauvignon Blanc 2015A very appealing style already tropical fruit nose. Warm and fresh, well balanced, sweet/ Grassy herbal bouquet and someshowing the classic ‘kero’- and rounded in the mouth sour flavour profile. $18.95 ‘zing’ to the fresh clean flavourslike development. Some with grassy notes. $17.99 with a balance between thecitrus sweetness and a Fox Gordon sweetness and acidity. $18touch of toastiness. $19.95 Atkins Family Winemakers P: 08 8377 7707 P: 0408 163 687 E: [email protected] Tomich WinesMillon Wines E: [email protected] www.foxgordon.com.au P: +61 8 8299 7500P: 02 9955 2008 www.atkinswine.com.au E: [email protected]: [email protected] www.tomichhill.com.auwww.millonwines.com.auBEST VALUE WINES OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND$U2N0DE&R Is updated in each issue of The Wine & Spirit Insider. TO QUALIFY (NZ $25 & UNDER) Some wines may - if they are still available - remain in the next issue’s Best Value Wines listing. Others 1 Wines must have first been recommended will sell out, or be replaced by higher-rated wines. in Winestate Magazine style or new release The Wine & Spirit Insider’s Best Value Wines listing tastings. Style tastings are defined as varietal comprises the best wines currently available, from big- tastings - eg, shiraz, chardonnay, etc. - or name brands and the higher volume ‘second labels’ blended styles such as shiraz/cabernet wines. from the smaller producers, as tasted by Winestate 2 Wines from designated regional tastings Magazine panels. The Best Value Wines listing gives are eligible provided they are widely available. credit to the value wines in the marketplace - wines 3 All wines must be currently available from that would otherwise be overshadowed by their much the winery, or be readily available in the more expensive cousins. marketplace. Cellar door wine is ineligable.130 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Molly’s Cradle Wines Estate Giesen Estate Marlborough Te Kairanga Martinborough Te Kairanga MartinboroughAdelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Pinot Gris 2015Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Mouthfilling, creamy-texturedLifted varietal aromas with Very well made; very varietal Ripely scented and mouthfilling, wine with ripe, peach, pear andslight mineral edge and fresh, with green bean, coriander, with fresh gooseberry and lime spice flavours and a slightlysimple flavours; high level of some tropics, some residual flavours and a rounded finish. sweet, well-rounded finish.acid. $19 sugar underscored with crisp Good weight and texture, with (15% barrel-fermented). $22 NZ lively acidity. $16.99 a subtle seasoning of oak from 10% barrel fermentation. $19Molly’s Cradle Wines Giesen Wines Te Kairanga (Foley Family Wines) Te Kairanga (Foley Family Wines)P: 02 9979 1212 P: +64 3 344 6270 P: +64 6 306 9122 P: +64 6 306 9122E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.giesen.co.nz www.tekairangawines.co.nz www.tekairangawines.co.nz The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 131

BEST VALUE BUYS - All under $20Te Kairanga Martinborough Haselgrove Wines Red Knot by Shingleback Reillys Wines RockridgeChardonnay 2014 First Cut McLaren Vale Classified McLaren Vale Clare Valley Shiraz 2014 Shiraz 2014 Shiraz 2014 A full-bodied fruit-driven style.Mouthfilling and fleshy, with Youthful blackberry nose and Subtle raspberry aromas andgood weight and depth of ripe, Ripe cassis aromas and flavours big bold palate with lots of ripe lovely length and vibrancygently oaked flavours, showing with good tannin support. Still fruit flavours. $19.99 of black plum flavours andsome complexity. Fresh and a very tight wine that needs balancing tannins. $14.99vibrantly fruity, with good Shinglebackharmony. $24 NZ more cellaring. $19 P: +61 8 8323 9199 Reillys Wines E: [email protected] P: 08 8358 0480Te Kairanga (Foley Family Wines) Haselgrove Wines www.shingleback.com.au E: [email protected]: +64 6 306 9122 P: 08 8323 8706 www.reillyswines.com.auE: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.haselgrove.com.authe wine & spiritA U S T R A L I A N & N E W Z E A L A N D Issue 147 | May/June 2016Editor & Publisher Winestate Web Site electronic medium or machine-readable form without E-mail: [email protected] the express permission of the publisher. Every care isPeter Simic E-mail: [email protected] taken in compiling the contents of this publication, butManaging Editor Printing DAI Rubicon the publisher assumes no responsibility for the effects Website: www.distalliance.com arising therefrom. ABN 56 088 226 411Lara Simic E-mail: [email protected] Bozsoki E-mail: [email protected] Designer WINESTATE is published seven times a year by Winestate Publishing Pty Ltd.Naomi Fry E-mail: [email protected] WINESTATE PUBLISHING PTY LTD, Telephone (08) 8357 9277Marketing Manager 81 King William Road, Unley SA 5061. Facsimile (08) 8357 9212 Copyright 2016 by WINESTATE PUBLISHING PTY LTD. E-mail [email protected] Jackson E-mail: [email protected] This publication may not, in whole or in part, be copied, Website www.winestate.com.auTasting Coordinator photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any E-mail: [email protected] The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

HOW WE JUDGE WINESTATE MAGAZINE TASTING CRITERIA OUR STAR RATING SYSTEM Our tastings and published ratings are designed with one thing in mind: to provide a useful and genuine balanced guide on wines to our readers. In order to achieve this we follow certain procedures in an activity that is notoriously difficult! There are regular criticisms of wine shows and various scoring systems; here is how we approach our tastings.A wide selection of wines there are unpleasant flavours. These advertise if they wish, their awarded final ‘medals’ are then converted into wine’s review will be featured regardlessWines are invited from any producer, a star rating system for publication in of advertising. The judges’ decisions areprovided that they meet the criteria Winestate. A gold means 5 stars, silver final and these are published accordingof the class being judged. The class is 4, and bronze is 3 stars. to the judges’ scores, whether advertisingmay be a regional, style or new release is taken or not.tasting and generally the wines must be The biggest judging systemavailable for consumers to purchase, The judgesalthough we have museum and rare Winestate examines on average morewine tastings as well. Australasian wines per year than We take care in selecting our judges. any other forum - more than 10,000. But remember: judges are human andAwarding scores Compare this to the biggest show in their own preference will influence Australia, the royal Melbourne wine their scores. We use judges withWinestate carries out the judging show, with just over 4000 entries. complementary backgrounds and ausing Australian capital city wine show three-person panel for each flight willprocedures; the wines are not known Independence of advertising include winemakers with technicalto the judges. The three judges taste expertise and often a marketing/retailthe wines blind and assign a score Winestate does charge a nominal expert who knows consumer tastes.without reference to each other. Once entrance fee for wines submitted which Often one or more of the judges arethis is done, only then do they compare covers our administration costs only, masters of wine with vast internationalscores, and if there is dissension they and will often purchase ‘yardstick’ experience, and most judges havere-taste the wines and come to an wines to be evaluated where we believe experience at major Australian wineagreement. Scores are compiled using that these are of consumer or trade shows. We are also aware of expertise.the 20-point international system: gold interest if these have not been entered If we are judging a region, for example,is 18.5 and above; silver is 17 and by the wineries. In order to produce we will have a winemaker judge fromabove and is an excellent wine; bronze the biggest and best wine magazine, that region because that person knowsis 15.5 and above and represents good Winestate includes advertising; the local style. We balance that withwine. A reasonable, sound everyday- however, this is fiercely independent a judge from outside the region anddrinking wine scores 15 (but does of any wine tasting editorial. Wine generally someone with broad andnot gain a medal). A bland but clean companies are advised of the blind mature experience.wine scores 14. Below this score tasting results and it is their choice toHOW WE COMPAREWinestate Rating Comment Wine show Medal International 20 100 Point System Point System HHHHH Outstanding Gold 18.5 - 20 97 - 100 HHHH1/2 Excellent High Silver 95 - 96 Very Good 18 - 18.4 93 - 94 HHHH Silver 91 - 92 HHH1/2 Good/Very Good High Bronze 17 - 17.9 89 - 90 Good HHH Bronze 16.5 - 16.9 15.5 - 16.4 Wine judging is an inexact art, not a science - even at the highest levels of proficiency. Accordingly, Winestate uses the star ratingsystem which reflects a range, rather than a specific point score. Point systems indicate a level of accuracy that simply does not exist. The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 133

GRANGUSTO 6Developed to assist venues with their portion control, these all-purpose glasses assist to reducethe alcohol odours within the wine, allowing the pleasant characteristics of the winesaromas to rise to the opening. The aeration of the wine is properly balanced due to the triangularshape of the contact surface. Each glass features 3 discrete pour-lines allowing for the correctmeasure to the pour.