Winestate Magazine Special Edition 2012

How have your wine tastes personallychanged over the years?I’ve made a fairly predictable shift in tasteaway from impact and winery artefacttowards subtlety and the earth.How would you describe your ownpersonal wine collection?Lots of Barbaresco, even more Mosel.Currently, what’s the most coveted itemin your wine collection - is there a storybehind this bottle and a suitable timeto open it?Well, it’s ‘bottles’. I have an unbroken verticalof every Roda 1 yet made, including the threeforthcoming finished vintages, all of which I’llopen for a trade lunch early next year.Can you recall your first wine encounter(drinking that is!)?Yep. I got hammered on marsala on an inter-association under-18 footy trip to KangarooIsland (the night before the match).What bottle/s will you open to ring in theNew Year with?In the heat of January, I’m most likely to drinkice-cold tumblers of lovely dry Rosado.Who in the wine business has givenyou the best piece of advice - and whatwas it?When I was about to start TSA, it’s fairto say I was approaching it as a ‘hobby’to accompany other, more commercialactivities. My mate Rob Elderton had juststarted his own thing (Mezzanine Wines),and he warned me to treat it seriously asa business. He was right; there’s nothingmore boring than going broke!Name your favourite cellar door andwhat makes it a stand-out for you?At Delgado Zuleta in Sanlucar de Barremeda,you can buy the best Fino sherry in theworld, La Goya Manzanilla, ding-ding fresh,and also terrific artisanal raw milk cheesesfrom the nearby mountains. There’s no betterway to get through to the next siesta. Special Edition 2012 W I N E S TAT E 101

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W H AT ’ S I T WO RT H ? WINESTATE’S AUCTION PRICE GUIDE Prices listed are exceptional auction highs and do not include buyer’s premium. AUSTRALIAN 2005 $260 2002 $140 Armagh Shiraz Quintet  1999 $400 1998 $190 WINES 2006 $250 2004 $190 1990 $200 1990 $160  2000 $420 1999 $95 2005 $120 1991 $180 1991 $80 2001 $370 2000 $80 BASS PHILLIP 2006 $120 1992 $120 1992 $90  2002 $450 2001 $85Premium Pinot Noir CLONAKILLA 2007 Not Released 1993 $110 1993 $80 2003 $400 2002 $110 Shiraz Viognier 2008 $140 1994 $130 1994 $90 2004 $460 2003 $100 1990 $75 1990 $65 1995 $130 1995 $100 2005 $420 2004 $95 1991 $90 1993 $65 Meshach 1996 $180  1996 $120 2006 $500 2005 $95 1992 $95 1994 $85 1990 $75  1997 $150 1997 $110 2006 $95 1993 $80 1995 $65 1991 $85 1998 $220 1998 $160 Bin 707 2007 $80 1994 $110 1996 $100 1992 $80 1999 $130 1999 $100 1980 $180  2008 $95 1995 $80 1997 $130 1993 $70 2000 $120 2000 $120 1981 Not Released 2009 $75 1996 $110 1998 $150 1994 $90 2001 $140 2001 $110 1982 $150 1997 $140 1999 $55 1995 $65 2002 $190 2002 $110 1983 $160  THREE RIVERS 1998 $110 2000 $90 1996 $85  2004 $140 2003 $90 1984 $190  Chris Ringland 1999 $110 2001 $130 1997 Not Released 2005 $120 2004 $110 1985 $170 2000 $110 2002 $130 1998 $110 2006 $160  2005 $110 1986 $220 Shiraz 2001 $180 2003 $100 1999 $85 2007 $95 2006 $90 1987 $180  1990 $520 2002 $145 2004 $100 2000 $70 2007 $70 1988 $190  1991 $650 2003 $110 2005 $110 2001 $110 Chardonnay 2008 $95 1989 $180 1992 $550 2004 $110 2006 $100 2002 $95 Art Series 1990 $220  1993 $650 2005 $80 2007 $150 2003 $55 1991 $220 1994 $650 2007 $120 2008 $90 2004 $70 1990 $60 1992 $200 1995 $450 2008 $80 2009 $95 2005 $65 1991 $60 1993 $180 1996 $710 2009 $85 1992 $70 1994 $200  1997 Not Released GREENOCK 1993 $65 1995 Not Released 1998 $850 BINDI Cabernet Merlot CREEK 1994 $85 1996 $220 1999 $600Block 5 Pinot Noir 1999 $95 1995 $100 1997 $190  2000 $4501997 $80 2000 $70  Roennfeldt Rd 1996 $65 1998 $280 2001 $8501998 $95 2001 $110  Shiraz 1997 $90 1999 $200 2002 $8001999 Not Released 2002 $90  1998 $70 2000 Not Released 2003 $5002000 $150 2003 $85  1995 $280 1999 $75 2001 $1902001 $120 2004 $90  1996 $260 2000 $75 Bin 95 Grange 2002 $180 Shiraz2002 $110 2005 $85  1997 $160 2001 $80 1951 $45,000 2003 Not Released 1990 $1452003 $85 2006 $70  1998 $350 2002 $75 1952 $17,000 2004 $200 1991 $1302004 $110 2007 $85  1999 $180 2003 $80 1953 $14,000 2005 $200  1992 $802005 $120 2008 $90  2000 $220 2004 $90 1954 $10,000 2006 $180 1993 $902006 $90 2001 $240 2005 $75 1955 $3,200 2007 $160 1994 $1202007 $110 2002 $320 2006 $70 1956 $13,000 2008 $190 1995 $952008 $110 2003 $200 2007 $85 1957 $12,000 1996 $1602009 $90 2004 $210 1958 $4,100 1997 $702010 $95 2005 $250 MOSS WOOD 1959 $2,000 Bin 60A 1998 $140 Cab Sauv 1960 $1,500 1962 $4,000 1999 $80 Hill of Grace 1961 $1,600 2004 $460 2000 $70 1980 $250 1990 $130 1962 $1,600 2001 $95 Graveyard Shiraz Command Shiraz 1981 $230 1991 $150 1963 $1,000 Stonewell Shiraz 2002 $150 1990 $90 1990 $120 1982 $220 1992 $120 1964 $1,100  1990   $100 2003 $80 1991 $95 1991 Not Released 1983 $220 1993 $100 1965 $550 1991  $90 2004 $120 1992 Not Released 1992 $100 1984 $210 1994 $100 1966 $700 1992  $65 2005 $130 1993 $75 1993 $65 1985 $280  1995 $100 1967 $700 1993   $80 2006 $130 1994 $80 1994 $95 1986 $340 1996 $100 1968 $550 1994   $75 2008 $100 1995 $70 1995 $75 1987 $220 1997 $100 1969 $550 1995  $70 2009 $130 1996 $95 1996 $95 1988 $320 1998 $150 1970 $400 1996   $105 1997 $75 1997 $80 1989 $260  1999 $130  1971 $780 1997    $80 Para Liqueur 1998 $110 1998 $90 1990 $460 2000 $110 1972 $400 1998  $100 1878 $2,000  1999 $90 1999 $60 1991 $400 2001 $120 1973 $400 1999   $100 1879 $1,200 2000 $100 2000 $65 1992 $250  2002 $85 1974 $400 2000   $85 1880 $800 2001 $80 2001 $65 1993 $260  2003 $85 1975 $400 2001  $70 1881 $800 2002 $75 2002 $80 1994 $340 2004 $80 1976 $580 2002    $85 1882 $1,000 2003 $80 2003 $60 1995 $300 2005 $90 1977 $400 2004  $70 1887 $800 2004 $80 2004 $70 1996 $460 2006 $65 1978 $400 2005   $80 1893 $1,000 2005 $85 2005 $65 1997 $320 2007 $75 1979 $380 2006   $80 1899 $1,000 2006 $100 2006 $65 1998 $420 2008 $85 1980 $360 1901 $650 2007 $90 1999 $380 1981 $400 Basket Press 1908 $550CLARENDON HILLS 2001 $360 1982 $370 Shiraz 1910 $500 GIACONDA 2002 $440 1983 $430 1922 $350 Astralis Shiraz Chardonnay 2004 $380 1984 $370 1990 $150 1925 $600 1994 $200 1990 $110 2005 $350 1985 $400 1991 $140 1927 $280 1995 $200 1991 $60 2006 $310 1986 $550 1992 $95 1930 $120 1996 $300 1992 $85 1987 $350 1993 $75 1933 $110 1997 $200 1993 $90 1988 $350 1994 $90 1939 $80 1998 $260 1994 $100 1989 $360 1995 $65 1944 $70 1999 $260 1995 $85 1990 $580 1996 $140 1947 $55 2000 $270 1996 $130 1991 $480 1997 $95 2001 $290 1997 $90 1992 $380 2002 $330 1998 $125 1993 $360 2003 $210 1999 $110 1994 $380 2004 $350 2000 $110 1995 $370 2001 $110 1996 $500 1997 $360 1998 $580 Special Edition 2012 W I N E S TAT E 103

wine investment & collectingAUCTION DATES Aruecptioonrts interest in the large collection of Moss Wood cabernets, including rarely seen magnums LANGTON’S WINE ODDBINS WINE AUCTIONS from 1997 through to 2003. Most of the AUCTIONS & EXCHANGE (SPRING PREMIUM AUCTION REVIEW, lots on offer sold successfully. November 27-December 4 (Sydney) by GRAHAM WRIGHT) November 29-December 6, Opera Change of season, change of heart - and September’s auction was a mixed Australia Charity Auction (Sydney) the news is positive with buyers spending, bag for the two majors: Henschke December 4-11 (Melbourne) vendors listing and a little more confidence and Penfolds. Good clearances can December 11-18 (Sydney) injected into the Australian wine auction be reported for Hill of Grace from the December 18-25 (Melbourne) market. The issue of undersupply of mid-1990s, 1995 Keyneton Estate and December 25-January 1 (Sydney) auctionable items was put to rest in 2000 Mt Edelstone. With Penfolds, the (Stock entry cut-off 10 days prior) September when Oddbins had its largest Grange market remains tight, with buyers sale in six months, with three substantial once again only seeking out vintages STERLING WINE collections and a number of small but from the mid-1990s and an offering AUCTIONS & EXCHANGE well-cellared collections put up for sale. from 2002 and ’04. However, there was November 30-December 12 Clearances improved, prices paid moved good bidding on the various Bin ranges, (Consignment deadline: November 26) more to the centre of the guides and two of including 707, 389, 138 and 407. RWT the headline lots, the Seppelt Para 100-year- and St Henri also cleared well. A word ODDBINS WINE AUCTIONS old collection and the 1945 Chateau Mouton of caution - both the Hill of Grace and December 11 both sold. The former achieved $630 per Grange markets remain flat. Buyers (Closing November 23) half bottle while the latter, in less than still appear to be turned off by the large perfect condition, achieved a hammer price selection of poorly presented examples GRAYSONLINE of $2000. along with those with a few minor level Daily wine auctions featuring a range and label issues. Other “quiet” producers of red and white wines and regional I’ve been suggesting for some time in September included Greenock Creek, and country-specific sales. Australian buyers have been slowly Parker Estate First Growth, late vintage returning to cabernet-based wines and Rockford Basket Press and the perennially CRACKA WINES the early September sale certainly proved difficult but sadly misunderstood wines Live wine auctions every day at a point. 2002 and’04 Bowen Estate, 2003 of Wendouree. 1pm and 8pm on weekdays and Grosset Gaia, early Thomas Hardy, 1998 St 8pm on weekends. Hugo, early Petaluma Coonawarra, Primo Special mention should be made of Estate Moda and Wynns John Riddoch the excellent clearances for Rockford (All dates subject to change, attracted strong bidding with resulting good Sparkling Black and the large offering of without notice) clearances. There was also good buyer Seppelt Millennium Sparkling Shiraz. Could this be a sign of resurgence in the market for what was once an almost moribund wine style? Ancient and vintage fortifieds, especially from Chateau Reynella, Hardys, Orlando, Penfolds and Yalumba all cleared well. The flood of vintage dated Para’s Oddbins has been experiencing over the last six months looks like coming to an end. Buyers have returned and stocks are rapidly declining! The influx of a large selection of classic and well-aged Bordeaux created quite a bit of interest, but when push came to shove, overall clearances were a little light on. pre-1970 vintages, but the large offering of ’82s only attracted a handful of buyers. However, Chateau Lascombes and Chateau Mouton generally fared well. With the white Bordeaux, the Sauternes segment was quiet, with buyers picking up Chateau Coutet and Chateau Rieussec while leaving the famed d’Yquem alone. Buyers were attracted to champagne though, with all the Grande Marques (Krug, Cristal, Dom Perignon etc) clearing well.104 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012

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wine investment & collecting At the Budget end of the market, from originally commissioned by Andrew Caillard well with a bottle of 1971 Penfolds Binthe bulk offerings the Chapman Stevens MW for the Red Cross Farm Hand Appeal 95 Grange achieving $1047. Severaland Riversea reds cleared well - as did in 2004 and was purchased at the time by bottles of rare Grange were also enteredBarossa Valley Estate chardonnay. In terms an Australian collector. The only continuous into auction, including a 1955 Penfoldsof prices paid, it was all within the guides collection under the original Seppelt name, Bin 14 Grange which fetched $2539 andwith a tendency towards the bottom, but the set sold in August for $27,000. a bottle of ’59 Penfolds Bin 46 Grangebuyers were willing to bid up on fortifieds which achieved $2875.and a smattering of table red. Another highlight of the quarter was the single vendor auction featuring Vega-Sicilia, Although we encounter rare and prestigious For more information visit www.oddbins. Spain’s very own superstar winery. The wine in auction every day, once in a whilecom.au. wines of this prestigious estate have rarely you come across a bottle which is truly been seen in Australia, and this incredible breathtaking. One such bottle featuredLANGTON’S FINE WINE AUCTIONS auction was the first time a wide selection in our September Sydney catalogue - a(THIRD QUARTER MARKET REPORT of wines and back vintages were made magnificent 1811 Chateau Lafite Rothschild.& HIGHLIGHTS) available on the secondary market. With An exceptional vintage and a comet year,Langton’s finished the third-quarter with the entire catalogue of wine enjoying this is one of the greatest wines ever made.solid sales results derived from both our impeccable provenance, collectors flocked Considered to be one of the finest wines ofregular weekly auctions and an exciting to the sale to secure the very best of Spain. the 19th century, this extremely rare bottleseries of single vendor sales. The balance In September, two separate unreserved had never before been offered at auctionof supply and demand at auction continues single vendor auctions brought out eager in Australia.to be fragile, but an easing of supply buyers keen to snap up a bargain. Withtowards the end of the quarter helped the bids starting at $2, extremely competitive As we enter the fourth quarter there’s amarket regain buoyancy. Overall, current bidding ensued; harking back to the drama tangible increase in market momentum.market sentiment is positive - evidenced of the live-auction days as buyers furiously Already there is a noticeable upswingby increased buyer participation and strong out-bid each other in an effort to secure the in demand, as buyers seek out wine forbidding volume - a trend which suggests the wines of their choice. festivities and gifts for the summer holidaysecondary market will continue to perform season. Langtons has a number of specialwell through the fourth-quarter. Australian wine continued to perform auctions planned for the final months of the strongly throughout this quarter. As year, including our annual Opera Australia The single vendor auctions held during always, wines from the Langton’s charity auction and our Classification sale.winter and early spring provided additional Classification of Australian Wine V were Other exciting events include a regularsparkle to the auction calendar. The first snapped up with 2004 Bass Phillip Reserve series of master-classes and our monthlyof these special auctions featured a set of Pinot Noir ($483) and a magnum of 1986 Cellar Club Tasting.rare Seppelt Liqueur Tawny ports dating Henschke Hill of Grace ($944) among thefrom 1878-1902. This remarkable set was highlights. Penfolds Grange performed For more information visit www.langtons. com.au (all prices include buyer’s premium). Auctioneers & Valuers of Wine www.oddbins.com.auOddbins Wine Looking for Wine? Auctions Let Oddbins Wine Auctions show you how Address: 33 Sunbeam Rd Glynde SA 5070 to buy wine in three easy steps…Phone: (08) 8365 4722 Fax: (08) 8365 4788 Step 1 - Call us about our subscriptions 08 8365 4722 Step 2 - View the wines online or posted catalogue Email: [email protected] - www.oddbins.com.au Step 3 - Set your budget & place your bids! - From 1 to 1,000 bottles With over 30 years experience... we do Best! It’s What106 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012

wine investment & collectingCRACKA WINES Shiraz - an export label from Howard Park continues to sell very strongly, with(SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER REPORT, which starts at just $1 a bottle and makes this grand marque champagne enjoyingby ANGUS HUGHSON) its way to almost $11 a bottle with 300+ seemingly effervescent popularity as theWe were happy to celebrate Cracka’s 2nd bids in an average auction. It’s a similar celebratory drink of choice. With somebirthday in September, the month also story with the Toro Loco Shiraz, a little very big developments in the works, we’reseeing two massive milestones achieved Barossa number from a secret SA winery looking forward to a very big Christmaswith some 3000 wines now available for which starts unreserved and 300 odd bids period at Cracka and a huge 2013.sale and supported by an industry-leading later, ends up realising over $11.50 per109,000 wine reviews. bottle. The same wine, when not starting Cracka Wines conducts live wine at our $1/bottle unreserved price, is lucky auctions every day. For more information, Speaking of sales, this period also saw a to realise $9 a bottle - showing just how visit www.crackawines.com.au or emailfurther increase in popularity for Cracka’s much stronger the unreserved format is. [email protected]. All quotedfixed price, cellar door sales - the price- prices are per bottle with no buyers’point again sitting at a $20 per bottle The most popular item at auctions premium applicable.average price. Suffice to say, the market recently has been the Premium Goodiesfor premium wine continues at a pace. pack. This is a selection of critically STERLING WINEOf particular note is the ongoing story acclaimed regional heroes from the likes AUCTIONS & EXCHANGEof Elmslie - a tiny, relatively unknown of Wise Vineyards, Pirramimma and St (2012 REVIEW, by LYNTON BARBER)producer based out of Tasmania’s Tamar Hallett, which regularly sees 400+ bids for We saw the wine auction industry come ofValley. With some of the oldest vines on what is a six-pack that retails for $23.95 age in 2012. Corporatisation has been thethe Western Tamar, and a track record per bottle. Again we are seeing how name of the game with Woolworths usingfor strong pinot noir and chardonnay, this premium brands with show medals and its wine auction outlet to ramp up theirlittle estate has been a massive success at positive reviews get the most attention, on-line business and move big ticket stockCracka, largely based on our Cracka word reinforcing our view that buyers want stuck in its retail liquor empire. Bigger,of mouth, which saw 200 cases of the quality, not bottom basement cleanskins. stronger and faster - we’ve never seennew vintage wines sold in just 24 hours, so much wine auction attention. This isthe wines then hotly contested in Cracka Among the premium wines, Penfolds the year consumers officially graduatedauctions. We’ve noticed that Tasmania, Bin 28 has seen lots of activity (over 600 from being kings to emperors; totallyand pinot noir in general, is so very hot bids in one sale), hitting $27/bottle in spoiled with bargains at every fingertipright now - with much interest across the auction and the prices higher again when and access only dreamed of a few shortspectrum of styles. the wine starts unreserved. Among the years ago. more mainstream examples, Penfolds In other buying trends, evergreen shiraz Bin 389 and Seppelt Silverband Shiraz This is the real “coming of age”. Technologycontinues to be the variety of choice under have also been popular, although in a has turned spoiling into the new norm. Buy$15, led by wines like the Strait Jacket particular quirk, Louis Roederer Cristal fast, buy cheap and have it delivered quickly. Special Edition 2012 W I N E S TAT E 107

wine investment & collectingThe online revolution is now the online grind, fueled by the rampant Australian dollar and GRAYSONLINEwith huge droves of the market too young to driven by wonderful, creative and exciting (2012 WRAP UP,remember the old ways or too comfortable Euro wines - is so advanced I think the by GREG FITZSIMMONS,with control on their own personal wine average Australian knows more about a cross PRIVATE CELLAR MANAGER)kingdom to care. section of Euro premiums wines than their Over the first few months of the new counterparts from Italy, France and Spain. financial year, Grays has seen an Where to from here? The strange days of extraordinary amount of volume comebelow cost “online dumping” will dry up. The What to buy - what to drink? Sure, go for the through its warehouses, both in the privatefine wine market continues to move towards imports. For me, Chateauneuf keeps exciting, cellar/fine wine side of the business andconsuming less at a higher standard and but don’t miss out on the big wave coming the bulk market. Over 240 pallets havethe obvious - selling any product for a loss - out of the Barossa and McLaren Vale. Vintage been moved for one wholesaler alone andcan’t be sustained. The need for speed and 2010 is likely to be a classic of classics. The over $200,000 worth of fine wine fromquality will start to dominate. The pressure lower and mid-range wines already in the one collector. Yet, despite this increaseis on for overnight processing of sales, with market are stunning and the few premiums in volume, prices held firm largely duebuyers trained by the “e-market” expecting I’ve seen were mind-blowing. Hold on and to Grays’ large customer data base andthe time between purchase to play to take buy hard. Go mid to upper mid-range. Don’t the high number of unique visitors theno more than a week. invest in the top shelf unless it pleases you. Grays’ website attracts. So, whether it’s Such an investment, if you pay too much, will ultra premium aged wines, undiscovered Sterling has benefited from these strange be forgiven in the 20-40 years these wines quaffers, or the brands you know and love,days. Not only has small business personal will continue to shine and unwind - such is the Grays has them all.and accountable service paid dividends, strength of this wonder vintage. Also, buy thethe real move has been to a firm position usual suspects: Penfolds small number Bin September saw the receivers of one ofin the premium and super premium wine wines, Wynns cabernet and shiraz and the Sydney’s most famed restaurants, oncemarket. The expertise and experience best of the emerging boutiques like Murray owned by the acclaimed Justin North,needed cannot be corporatised and the buy Street, Laughing Jack and Ballycroft. provide Grays with some outstandingless, drink better trend has seen buyers wines to sell. Great results were achievedbeing very selective and gracing the dinner 2013 might be the year you have another by using a successful marketing campaigntable with every day premiums during the look at old whites. The aged riesling and across multiple media outlets. Highlightsweek, not just for showy occasions. The semillon stories are well known but, be bold. included a 2003 Chateau Mouton Rothschildtaste for foreign exotica has been the other Look at old chardonnays, sauvignon blanc 1er Cru which reached a hammer price ofmajor shift. Your average newly graduated and Rhone whites (marsanne, roussanne and over $1200, well above expectations.Australian beer drinker has picked up the viognier). The picking can be disappointing There was also a 2003 Chateau Haut-Burgundy, Bordeaux, Tuscan and Rioja but the good bottles are a revelation. Brion Premier Cru which achieved $750,stories big time. In fact, the love affair with a 1996 Chateau d’Yquem 1er Cru Superiorforeign wine exotica (not the cheap stuff), For more details visit www.sterlingwine. com.au.108 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012

wine investment & collectingwhich reached $710, a rare 2000 Giuseppe 49 Grange achieved a staggering $3999 AuctionQuintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella and the 1985 St Henri went for $140.Classico DOCG which attained $600 and Having these distinguished wines tried Cashthe 2007 Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf- and tested by the Penfolds’ team removed NOW!du-Pape hitting $354. Add in some great any fear associated with the purchasesommelier’s picks such as Pyramid Valley, leaving only the promised pleasure of In a Hurry?Mac Forbes, Lark Hill, Fromm Estate and the ultimate wine experience. GraysBass Phillip, and all up over 400 different also carries a cache of bargains, including The Wine Auction Process will getwines sold via Grays’Private Cellar auctions 1996 Petaluma Tiers Chardonnay, 1984 you better returns, but it could takein September. Lake`s Folly Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 months to sell every last bottle. Cullen Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, 1993 An extremely impressive private wine Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon Consider a quick cash deal?collection came in from a Western Australia and 1996 Grant Burge Shadrach Cabernetcollector. It included a comprehensive roll- Sauvignon - all selling for under $50. Sterling has a monthly “Live on Line”call of virtually every iconic Australian wine Wine Auction that taps hugeof the last 20 years: Wolf Blass, Henschke, Coming to Grays with a background of International demand for premiumGrant Burge, Leeuwin Estate, Penfolds, over 12 years in the wholesale side of back vintages. Find out how SterlingMoss Wood, Wynns and Rosemount to the industry, selling to fine restaurants works harder and smarter to producename a few. Among them, the impeccable and bottle shops where the wines are the best results for you.Wolf Blass Black Label Cabernet Shiraz generally consumed without delay,stood as a beacon with the 1987 vintage I’ve been impressed by the number of FREE Auction Cataloguesaveraging over $120 per bottle, the 1990 customers who lovingly purchase wines FREE Bidder Registrationover $200 and $254 for a 1979. and wait for them to reach maturity via careful cellaring before finally enjoying Phone Lynton 08 9388 9955 Henschke Hill of Grace continues to them. However, my tip for investors is or 0418 949 837,achieve very high prices with the 1992, that wines which have been stored under’96 and ’99 all exceeding $400. However inhospitable conditions, and show signs or www.sterlingwine.com.auGrange remains the benchmark of all of leaking, will not improve in quality orauction wines with solid volumes matched increase in value. Drink them or dispose STERLINGby strong demand. September saw of them. Wine Auctions & Exchangethe first of our Penfolds re-corked clinicauctions, featuring wines tested by the GraysOnline auctions, wines 24 hours aPenfolds team headed by chief winemaker day, 7 days a week. For more informationPeter Gago. The 1962 Grange reached visit www.graysonline.com (prices listed$2400, the ultra rare 1959 Penfolds Bin don’t include buyers’ premium). Special Edition 2012 W I N E S TAT E 109

128 TASTED72 AWARDEDSAUVIGNON BLANC & BLENDSWith massive amounts of this varietal available in both Australiaand New Zealand, watch out for cheap ‘specials’ that fail to deliver.A low-priced wine that is insipid or poorly made is no bargain atall. However, having said that, there are some lovely expressivevarietals on show here with that distinctive herbaceous edge thatcreates interest.SAUVIGNON SAUVIGNONBLANC BLANC 2012UNDER $15 $15 - $2013 TASTED 28 TASTED3 AWARDED 15 AWARDEDGood wines were few A step-up from the Two Rivers Griffin Adelaideand far between in this “cheapies”. One judge Convergence Hills Sauvignongroup, with very little commented that “a fancy Marlborough Blanc 2012 HHHHvarietal fruit concentration. yeast does not make up Sauvignon Blanc Smells of passionfruit for good fruit and there 2012 HHHHH and apples with aToi Toi Marlborough were too many ferment Full-bodied, pale green perfumed floral lift, andSauvignon Blanc yeast esters here”. wine with a big, vibrant lift has a slightly oily palate2012 HHH1/2 However, on the good of citrus showing tropical with tropical flavours andBig attack of asparagus, side were some nicely touches and a big, soft crisp acid backbone. $18pea and capsicum made wines offering mouthful of sweet and Eradus Awaterearomas and some lovely great-value drinking. lingering grassy/tropical Valley Sauvignongrassy/lime flavours with flavours laced with lovely Blanc 2012 HHHHgood acid spine. $9.99 acidity. $19.99 NZ Bright, lifted floral/ Seifried Nelson asparagus/passionfruitKaiora Bay Reserve Black Cottage Sauvignon Blanc aromas and a palateMarlborough Marlborough 2012 HHHH that’s true to the nose,Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Very lifted, punchy, is packed full of flavour2011 HHH 2012 HHH herbaceous bouquet and and has a long, fruityLifted, pungent bouquet Soft, light, attractive a very grassy palate with finish. $19.99and sweet tropical style with lifted, fruity lots of pungent asparagusflavours with crisp aromas and a mouthful characters. Long and wellbalance of acidity. $12.99 of bright tropical balanced. $18 NZ flavours. $14.99 NZJUDGES David Fleming Don Young Simon Parker Winemaker for Scarpantoni Sparkling and white Senior winemaker and Wines. Has vintaged in winemaker for Orlando winery manager with California, Italy, Canada Wines. Previously Haselgrove Wines. A Kiwi, and Hungary. Formerly winemaker for Botobolar born in Gisborne, he has also winemaker at Seppeltsfield Wines and Richmond been a “flying winemaker” in the Barossa Valley. Grove Wines. Has been in France for two vintages. an associate judge for the Previous positions were at Mudgee and Rutherglen Pirramimma and Buronga Wine Shows. Hill wineries.110 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012

varietal tastingRapaura Springs Wignalls Albany Yealands WaySingle Vineyard Western Australia Premium SelectionMarlborough Sauvignon Blanc Awatere ValleySauvignon Blanc 2012 HHH Marlborough2012 HHHH Soft, full-bodied style Sauvignon BlancObvious rich and full- with soft, toasty, citrus 2011 HHHHbodied NZ style of sav characters and subtle Pungent, grassy noseblanc with plenty of hints of oak. $18.99 with some greentropical characters, subtle bean characters.oak and some residual Taylors Adelaide Full-flavoured palatesweetness. $19.99 NZ Hills Sauvignon with good tropical-likeGoundrey Blanc 2012 HHH elements and lovely acidHomestead Western Flinty/smoky nose - balance. $16.95Australia Sauvignon some toast. Palate Lil RippaBlanc 2012 HHH balanced with good MarlboroughPunchy grassy/citrus weight and length of Awatere Sauvignonaromas and ripe tropical tropical fruits. $19 Blanc 2011 HHHflavours; some floral Slightly stewed,notes and tight acid Grant Burge Kraft developed, grassy/finish. $16.99 Adelaide Hills tropical aromas andJacob’s Creek Sauvignon Blanc beautifully balanced, full-Reserve Adelaide 2012 HHH bodied palate. $16Hills Sauvignon Subtle grassy/citrus Mojo By RockbareBlanc 2012 HHH bouquet and simple, Mt Lofty RangesFloral apple bouquet fleshy, lemon palate South Australiaand fruity palate with good acid Sauvignon Blancwith slight medicinal structure. $19.95 CD 2011 HHHcharacters and long, Some pungent, muskytight acid spine. $17.99 Shottesbrooke characters on the nose.K1 By Geoff Hardy Adelaide Hills Complex, savouryAdelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc palate with good flavourSauvignon Blanc 2012 HHH profile. $17.952012 HHH Pretty grapefruit/Good commercial style frangipani-like aromas- light and elegant, with and good balance ofcitrus/apple varietal fruit citrus flavours on thecharacters. $18 palate. $19.99PertaringaScarecrow Adelaide SAUVIGNONSauvignon Blanc BLANC2012 HHH 2011 & OLDERLight, simple, grassy wine; $15 - $20nice line of citrus fruit,some residual sweetness 14 TASTEDand good acid. $18 3 AWARDEDPlantagenet OmrahGreat Southern Development wasSauvignon Blanc an issue here, with2012 HHH some wines becomingGrassy apple nose and flabby and oily withfleshy green asparagus age, but a few showedpalate with fresh retained freshness.acidity. $18Sticks Yarra Valley SAUVIGNONSauvignon Blanc BLANC 20122012 HHH $20 - $25Some lime and applearomas and a long, 20 TASTEDbalanced palate withlovely texture and citrus 13 AWARDEDflavours. $18 Excellent bracket of 2012s at a fair price. “Smack on the green side of mid-weight,” said one judge. Special Edition 2012 W I N E S TAT E 111

SAUVIGNON BLANC & BLENDS Minnow Creek The Silver Minnow Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2012 HHH Smells of gooseberries and rose petals and has a pretty, perfumed, confectionery palate. $20 Windows Estate Single Vineyard Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2012 HHH Pungent lift to the citrus nose. Nice balance of lime fruit and fresh acid on the palate. $22Babich Marlborough Sileni Estates Catalina Sounds Anvers Adelaide SAUVIGNONSauvignon Blanc Marlborough Marlborough Hills Sauvignon BLANC2012 HHHHH Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Blanc 2012 HHH 2011 & OLDERComplex, lifted 2012 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHH Pale and elegant, with $20 - $25bouquet - all grassy and “Wow!” was one Big, rich style with light tropical characterstropical. Palate offers judge’s reaction on trying grassy/citrus nose lifted by some pretty 22 TASTEDa big, rich mouthful of this wine. Big, lifted, showing a tropical lift. floral elements. $20 15 AWARDEDlime, asparagus and punchy, passionfruit Lovely lime flavours Koonara Bay ofgooseberry flavours with nose and long, vibrant, etched with some crisp, Apostles Mount Lots of interestinga lovely citrus acid finish. warm and soft palate drying acidity. $23 NZ Gambier Sauvignon wines here. Solid classGood now - great with with loads of rich tropical Blanc 2012 HHH of controlling stylestime! $20 NZ fruit flavours. $20 Flinty citrus nose and with more European floral and fruity in the ‘solids’ characters. Thornbury mouth, with minerally Marlborough acidity. $20 Selaks Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2012 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon Blanc A lovely, elegant, 2011 HHHH1/2 seamlessly balanced Lovely complex aromas wine with great tropical of honeysuckle with fruit characters layered an attractive toasty with excellent toasty edge. Full bodied, elements. Fresh, lifted grassy palate showing aromas and long, some residual sugar lingering flavours. $20.99 sweetness and a touch of oak. $22.99Lake Chalice Tinpot Hut Cumulus Climbing Signature WinesMarlborough Marlborough Orange Sauvignon Reserve Range Goldwater WairauSauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Blanc 2012 HHHH Adelaide Hills Valley Marlborough2012 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHH Bright, lifted aromas and Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon BlancPungent, estery aromas Pungent but elegant very herbaceous palate 2012 HHH 2011 HHHHof grass and asparagus. tropical bouquet and exhibiting some green Floral nose with some Pungent and complexLovely balanced and good balance of grassy/ bean and citrus fruit lime characters that are on the nose, with someseamlessly integrated asparagus flavours characters with a subtle echoed on the balanced spiciness. Palate hasherbaceous characters with some residual hint of oak. $23.99 palate. $22 good balance betweenfill the mouth with sweetness and long, varietal fruit, residualflavour. Very well made lingering end. $21 sugar and acid. $22 NZwine. $20 NZ Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Vidal Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Series Marlborough 2012 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc Complex pungency to 2011 HHHH the nose. Soft palate Smells of honeysuckle with good balance and grapefruit. Long, between residual well-balanced palate with sweetness and tropical gooseberry and grapefruit fruitiness. $21.99 NZ flavours and a crisp acid backbone. $22.99 NZ112 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012

varietal tasting YILGARNIA W I N E SAtaahua Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH1/2Auntsfield Single European-like style SAUVIGNONVineyard Southern with complexity on BLANCValleys MarlboroughSauvignon Blanc $25+2011 HHH1/2Soft, rich and ripe, with the nose and lovely 16 TASTEDsome age complexitystarting to develop mineral elements to the 15 AWARDEDand great balancing complex, grassy, fruityacidity. $24 NZ palate. $22 NZYealands Estate As to be expected,Reserve AwatereValley Marlborough Nobilo Icon a really solid classSauvignon Blanc Marlborough of interesting styles2011 HHH1/2 Sauvignon Blanc ranging from fresh andFumé style with toasty 2010 HHH1/2 vibrant, pure fruit winesoak on the green Big, oily and complex, to some oak-addedcapsicum nose and oak with good balance and fumé styles. Well done!obvious on the grassy length of toasty oakpalate. Good acid. $24.95 and tropical/citrus fruit Babich IndividualWaimea Nelson characters. $24.99 Vineyard CowslipSauvignon Blanc Sam Miranda King Valley Marlborough2011 HHH1/2 Valley Sauvignon Sauvignon BlancSome grassiness and Blanc 2011 HHH 2012 HHHHHpungency on the nose. Delicate, light-bodied Lifted, vibrant, perfumedSlightly oily palate with wine with floral/rose bouquet with hints ofgood balance of fruit petal bouquet and tropicals and someand acid with a hint of honeyed, malo-flavoured herbaceous notes.age. $20 NZ palate. $20 Palate elegant, yet rich Lawson’s Dry and complex, with lifted, Hills Marlborough grassy, varietal fruit Sauvignon Blanc characters. $25 NZ 2011 HHH Complexity of green apple, tropicals, hints of citrus and touch of toastiness wrapped in acid. $21 VNO Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH Nice secondary characters developing on the floral/ fruity nose. Good flavour profile. $21.99 Brangayne of Orange Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH Delicate floral fragrances and lovely crisp palate with nice light lime fruit flavours. $22Elephant Hill Kim Crawford Taltarni ThreeHawkes Bay Regional Reserve Monks Victoria &Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Tasmania Sauvignon2010 HHH1/2 Sauvignon Blanc Blanc 2011 HHHH1/2Long, well-balanced 2011 HHH Full-bodied, balancedwine with plenty Pungent and herbal on wine that’s a complexityof flavour. Grassy the nose and balanced of toasty/smoky oak,green bean nose and citrusy on the palate; spicy/grassy fruit andand asparagus-like some toastiness. $23.99 very lemony acidity. All itcomplexity on the Vavasour Awatere needs now is a little morepalate. $22 Valley Marlborough time to integrate. $25 Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH Pear skin-like aromas with a mineral element. Elegant palate - toasty and grassy. $24 NZ Special Edition 2012 W I N E S TAT E 113

SAUVIGNON BLANC & BLENDSTamburlaine Reserve Amos Adelaide Hills Spring Vale Babich Black Cumulus RollingOrange Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc Freycinet Coast Label Marlborough Central RangesBlanc 2012 HHHH 2010 HHHH Tasmania Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon BlancSubtle perfumed Soft with age, smelling Blanc 2012 HHH1/2 2011 HHH Semillon 2012 HHHnose and tight, steely/ buttery and toasty and Long, linear style with Rich, full-bodied wine Quite a herbal style. Someminerally palate with with a great length of grassy aromas and toasty with tropical/citrus fruit, green bean notes on thegood length of grassy pungent, nutty, oaky notes. Lovely balance and some oak and lovely nose. Good length of crispflavours. Another one flavours. Good powerful texture to the pungent, acid. $25 NZ acid on the palate. $18.99that needs more time to style of sauvignon grassy palate. $25 Selaks Reserveblossom. $30 blanc. $30 Fromm La Strada SAUVIGNON Marlborough Marlborough BLANC Sauvignon BlancLake Chalice Symphony Hill Sauvignon Blanc BLENDS Pinot Gris 2011 HHHThe Raptor Wines Reserve 2011 HHH1/2 Complex tropicalMarlborough Sauvignon Blanc Tropical-like nose with 15 TASTED aromas with toasty/Sauvignon Blanc 2012 HHH1/2 a spicy lift and a nicely 8 AWARDED grassy/apple flavours2011 HHHH Lifted floral perfume ageing, rich and balanced and soft acidity. $22.99Apple blossom-like aromas, with more of palate with some lovely Solid group of nicefragrances and lovely the perfumed characters acidity. $26 NZ commercial drinking Nardone Bakersimple palate with fruit on the long palate. Nice Bird In Hand wines that are, according Sauvignon Blancat the greener end of level of crisp acidity. $25 Adelaide Hills to one judge, “hitting the Semillon 2010 HHHthe flavour spectrum Logan Orange Sauvignon Blanc mid-weight flavour of Kero lift to the citrusyand some good Sauvignon Blanc 2012 HHH sauvignon blanc”. nose and toasty,acidity. $25 NZ 2012 HHH1/2 Smells like a tropical fruit developed flavours. Complexity of pungent salad. Soft and slightly The People’s Great length, great aromas with subtle oaky oily in the mouth, with Marlborough balance. $15.95 notes. Very linear grassy/ light, bright flavours. $25 Sauvignon Blanc citrus palate with a green Houghton Wisdom Pinot Gris bean-like edge. $25 Pemberton 2010 HHH1/2 Sauvignon Blanc Very lifted and complex STAR RATINGS  2012 HHH aromas and full-bodied, Melange of citrus and asparagus-like palateThree-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of tropical fruit with some with long, lingering andexcellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill. grassiness and good pleasant flavours. $22.99All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry acid support. $27.49professionals and are compared in peer The Crossings Four Sistersclasses by three judges. Reserve Awatere Central VictoriaCM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanca major mail-order business. Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012 HHHCD Cellar door price. 2011 HHH Lifted nose and grassyCDO Cellar door only. Creamy oak and citrus palate with someSO Sold out. fruit with some honeyed creaminess and a good$N/A Price not available at time of printing. aged characters adding backbone of acid. $13.95 Contact information pg 152. complexity. $25 Tupari Awatere Wirra Wirra Scrubby RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). Valley Marlborough Rise from AdelaideFor a complete list of what we tasted Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blancplease refer to www.winestate.com.au 2011 HHH Semillon Viognier Lovely balance between 2012 HHH delicacy and richness. Subdued herbal/fruit Nutty, toasty aromas aromas and quite simple and long tropical but very well balanced flavours. $25 palate. $16.50 Auntsfield South Oaks Southern Plantagenet Omrah Valleys Marlborough Great Southern Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2011 HHH Semillon 2012 HHH Hints of hair oil on Tropical fruit esters and the spicy nose and good balance of grassy/ some yeasty complexity gooseberry fruit flavours to the grassy/oaky showing toasty notes. $18 palate. $39 NZ Redgate Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012 HHH Pungent tropical bouquet and soft, integrated gooseberry palate that has plenty of length. $22.50114 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012

UNIQUE AUSTRALIANWINE TOUR FOR TRADESouth Australia has been regarded Australia’s ‘wine state’ formore than 150 years. It produces roughly half of the nation’swine, both by value and by volume, and is home to the vastmajority of its iconic, high-end wines.Over the last weekend of February each year, The world-class Adelaide Convention Centre,more than 150 wineries from 12 regions located in the Adelaide Central Business Districtaround South Australia come together for the by the picturesque River Torrens is closehighly successful Cellar Door Wine Festival at to a range of international hotels, Adelaidethe Adelaide Convention Centre. international airport and public transport.It is a unique opportunity for anyone in the If you have your eyes onwine business to meet winemakers, discuss Australian wine, the Cellarstyles, blends and vintages, and sample Door Wine Festival tour isthe best – all under one roof. For those not to be missed.wishing to grow their knowledge of Australianwine, or their wine portfolios, no otherevent in Australia showcases such a largerepresentation.For the rst time in 2013, an exclusive 4-day For more information on tradeor 8-day package for the international wine trade opportunities or to request a fullis being organised to coincide with the festival. brochure of this package, contact:Participants will also:• attend a specially-designed wine masterclass by Winestate magazine’s CEO Peter Simic, a highly respected wine connoisseur and judge• exclusive opportunity to network at the Giovanna Toldi, Festival directly with winemakers and Marketing Manager establish valuable business contacts [email protected] +61 8 8210 6720• attend a unique tasting in the dining room exclusive to Members of the Parliament of www.cellardoorfestival.com South Australia• visit the home of world-famous labels including Wolf Blass, Penfold’s and Jacob’s Creek.SATC SATC SATCfacebook.com/CellarDoorWineFestival twitter.com/@CellarDoorFest www.cellardoorfestival.com

travelbriefsWINSOR DOBBINQUEENSLANDBIG IDEAS, OCEAN VIEW’S ACCOLADE - and local produce is featured wheneverSMALL EMPHASIS possible. Featured in the 2012 Queensland OCEAN View Estates, part of the emerging Good Food Guide, the kitchen offers generousTHE TEAM behind Brisbane’s Limes Hotel Somerset Valleys vineyard region north of portions of dishes ranging from cured salmonand Rooftop Bar has launched a new multi- Brisbane, was named the state’s top cellar with roe and a balsamic reduction sauce tovenue venture, Alfred & Constance, which door at the 2012 Queensland Wine Awards, venison pie marinated in the winery’s own port.will offer a range of different hospitality the culmination of almost 20 years of hardexperiences. The innovative space features work. The Ocean View property 10km north Ocean View Estates hosts live musica gastro-pub, beer garden, laneway cafe of Dayboro, was purchased in 1993 by nights, the annual ‘Jazz and Shiraz’ event,and four themed bars situated within, and Rosemary and Calvin Irons. In partnership Christmas in July and other special eventsaround, two old timber houses. with Kate and Thomas Honnef, they planted throughout the year, and future plans include“There’s a holistic overarching concept their first vines in 1989 with early varieties the construction of more cottages and a smallthat trickles through everything, centring including chardonnay, viognier and shiraz. conference centre. The restaurant is openon warmth and authenticity,” says ownerDamian Griffiths. “But at its heart we’re There is a fully operational winery on site, Thursday to Saturday from 10am until latecreating a series of small bars, not a big along with a restaurant that seats up to 100 and on Sundays from 8.30am to 5pm. It is atvenue where you become a number. Coming people, a tasting room and vineyard cottages 2557 Mt Mee Rd, Ocean View; phone (07)from a boutique hospitality background with available for rent. The eatery, opened in 2007, 3425 3900, www.oceanviewestates.com.au.Limes, we’re always looking at 24-hour, very overlooks vineyards and the property’s iconicpersonalised service and we’ll be bringing lake. A glass and pole construction means WHISKY AND MOREthat level of service to Alfred & Constance. just about every seat has a great view.We really wanted it to be the antithesis of GOURMETS have plenty to look forward towhat’s been happening with a lot of pub The menu lists modern Australian cuisine in Brisbane, with Tasmania’s Nant Whiskyrefurbishments. You know, gut it, render it, matched to the estate-grown and made wines announcing it will open a whisky bar at theand fill it with chrome.” Emporium Hotel and celebrity chef MattThe new venues have a strong focus on Moran opening a second Brisbane restaurantfood, with a menu offering an array of hearty after enjoying great success with thedishes and delicious snacks, while all the Brisbane spin-off of his Sydney flagship Aria.bars serve boutique beers, quality winesand crafty cocktails. “I think globally there Matt and hospitality group Solotel have takenis a real movement against a mainstream over the defunct Boardwalk Bar and Bistroapproach.” Damian says. “It’s really coming and the Brisbane River Bar was scheduledfull circle, where people want what’s real, to open in time for the peak summer season.what’s authentic.” Matt says the new offering will resemble OperaWell-known local chef Jocelyn Hancock Bar at the Sydney Opera House. “There willsteps in as patron chef for Alfred & be a pizza oven and there will be lots of shareConstancem saying her approach will plates and a grill similar to Opera Bar, but webe “clean food” - letting the quality and don’t want to take away from Aria.”freshness of the meat and produce set thetone for the menu. “When I say clean food,I mean that it’s not been played with,” shesays. “If you’ve got a roast pig coming outof the oven, or a whole rack of beef rib,you add a lovely salad and a few roastpotatoes and that’s it. Things don’t have tobe tricked up.”Alfred and Constance is on the corner ofAlfred and Constance streets, FortitudeValley, Brisbane; phone (07) 3257 7410,www.alfredandconstance.com.au.116 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012

travelbriefsUNRUFFLED AT RUFFLES SPRUNG INTO LIFE patriarch Angelo Puglisi says that after the recent woes there was a silver liningPERCHED on a ridge in the Gold Coast THE FOLK on the Granite Belt will tell you with the quality of wines from the 2012hinterland at Willow Vale - just a short drive that spring is the best time of year to visit the vintage. “I wasn’t sure how we couldfrom Mt Tamborine - is a very different style vineyards of Stanthorpe, Ballandean and recover after the fire. But the quality ofof resort from those at Surfers Paradise. surrounds - and the season coincides with the grapes from vintage this year reallyPeppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa is a dramatic the annual Primavera festival, just concluded. buoyed our spirits.”year-round adults-only retreat that’s perfect forromantic getaways. The lodge offers a range “This spring has been an exciting one with TWO DECADESof packages and boasts five-star service, fine the opening of The Providore at Mason’s OF GOOD TASTEdining and leisure facilities including a day Cafe, the opening of the Stanthorpe tospa, heated outdoor infinity edge swimming Ballandean Bike Trail, as well as new ANDY and Marcia Georges, two ofpool and a golf practice area. It is set in 50 cafes,” says Granite Belt wine and tourism Brisbane’s best-known restaurateurs,acres of garden, parkland, bush and forest. marketing manager Sarah Reeves. “Spring recently celebrated the 20th birthday of their is a time of renewal, rejuvenation and riverfront restaurant Il Centro, a remarkable There are five different styles of regeneration as produce comes into feat in a difficult market. The pair has nowaccommodation, ranging from garden season, delivering a visual feast in the branched out by opening Mr and Mrs Gvillas to the owner’s private villa, and the paddock and on the plate.” Riverbar just across the Eagle Street Pierrestaurant showcases fresh local produce walkway in what was previously a rotunda.with a gourmet a la carte dinner menu, Also back in full swing after a devastating The eatery and bar has spectacular watera selection of light lunch options and cellar fire in December 2011 is regional views and looks onto the Story Bridge.a comprehensive breakfast menu. The icon Ballandean Estate, as signifiedwine cellar has been selected by leading by the recent release of its 2012 SSB The bar boasts its own kitchen, servingwine expert Peter Bourne and Sunday (semillon sauvignon blanc). Family mainly tapas-style dishes, while the interiordegustation lunches are extremely popular. was created by the owners and local designer Anna Spiro with a Mediterranean There are eight local wine producers theme. Blue-and-white tiling along theand Mount Tamborine Wines Tasting bar contrasts with hand-painted stools,Tours offer a range of tours. See www. while there is a wall of framed newspapertamborinewinetours.com.au for details. clippings, menus and old photos of Andy and Marcia, spanning 20 years of memories. Peppers Ruffles Spa and Lodge is at 423 “I wanted it to be a bar that attracts theRuffles Rd, Willow Vale. Phone (07) 5546 same clientele that’s attracted to all the7411, www.peppers.com.au/ruffles-lodge. fine dining restaurants on the (Eagle St) strip,” Andy says.WINERY’S GOLDEN YEAR Standout dishes include terrine withTHE COSTANZO family from Golden Grove brioche and chutney and scallops withEstate on the Granite Belt swept several major black rice, chorizo and red peppers. Therehonours at the Queensland Wine Awards is an extensive wine list with offerings fromfor 2012. Sam and Ray Costanzo took out France, Italy, Argentina and Spain, as wellprizes for Queensland viticulturist of the as Australia and New Zealand, and localyear, Queensland winemaker of the year, and imported beers. Mr & Mrs G Riverbar, atQueensland winery of the year and champion Eagle St Pier, 1 Eagle St, Brisbane, is openalternative wine variety for their 2010 durif. Monday and Tuesday 4pm to 10pm and“We are now producing at an unprecedented Wednesday to Sunday noon to midnight.level of consistency and quality,” says Phone (07) 3211 9834.winemaker Ray Costanzo, “and it is time forQueensland wine lovers, restaurateurs and Above: Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa.sommeliers to recognise the calibre of wine Below: Peppers Treehouse pool villa.produced by supporting the Queenslandwine industry.” Golden Grove Estate is on Opposite pageSundown Rd, Ballandean; phone (07) 4684 Above: Emporium Hotel entrance.1291, www.goldengroveestate.com.au. Below: Ocean View Estates exterior. Special Edition 2012 W I N E S TAT E 117

43 TASTED30 AWARDEDQUEENSLANDSome really excellent wines were on show here, which Clovely Estateshows how far Queensland wines have come, reflecting South Burnett Verdelhoboth fruit maturity from the higher-altitude regions and 2012 HHHH1/2an understanding by the winemakers of how to handle A gorgeous nose that smellsthe fruit. A number of these wines have also done well of mangoes and pear juice.in national tastings. The lovely palate is quite exotic and very zesty with a delicacy of varietal fruit characters. 1-2 $14 Barambah First Grid South Burnett Chardonnay 2010 HHHH1/2 Sweet melon and white peachSPARKLING bouquet with nice use of oak. Oak also fills out the complex2 TASTED palate with its good depth of2 AWARDED varietal fruit and excellent acid backbone. 3-5 $29A couple of easy drinking, fresh Sirromet Wild CHsparklings in the context of Granite Belt Chardonnay Clovely Estate Left Fieldgood Aussie sparklings. 2009 HHHHH South Burnett Semillon A very refined style with lovely 2009 HHHH1/2Sirromet Seven Scenes melon fruit complexity to the Tropical nose with lovely toastySignature Collection nose. Palate shows good length aged notes and hints of lanolin.Granite Belt Sparkling of varietal fruit, high acidity, light Lovely sense of freshness andPinot Chardonnay oak handling and good line of lightness to the palate. Good2008 HHH1/2 complexity. 1-2 $55 varietal characters and lemonyElegant nose; touches of acidity. 5+ $20stonefruit and musk. Subtle,delicate fruit flavours with a Sirromet 820 Above Sirromet 820 Abovenice amount of yeast autolysis. Vineyard Selection Vineyard Selection Granite Belt Verdelho Granite Belt Pinot Gris 1-2 $33 2012 HHHHH 2011 HHH1/2 Fresh pears lift off the nose Attractive musky pear bouquetSirromet Seven Scenes and shows some after shave- with light apricot notes andSignature Collection like nuances. Honey and lemon good flavour concentration andGranite Belt Sparkling flavours on the nicely textured, excellent acid length. $18Red 2010 HHH acidic palate. Lovely zippyFresh berry aromas and nice freshness to this wine. $18 Clovely Estate Left Fieldripe berry flavours nothing South Burnett Semilloncomplex but a nice wine. $30 2006 HHH1/2 Rich full bodied wine with greatOTHER DRY texture, lovely creamy tropicalWHITES characters and mild acid. Good drinking wine. 2-3 $2018 TASTED12 AWARDED Robert Channon Wines Granite Belt Pinot GrisA strong class of nicely crafted 2012 HHHchardonnays with good varietal Herbal/nettle aromas. Touch ofcharacters, palate weight and sweetness on the fresh lightflavour concentration. Sirromet Seven Scenes palate. 1-2 $19.50 Signature Collection Granite Belt Chardonnay Ridgemill Estate Granite 2010 HHHH1/2 Belt Verdelho 2012 HHH Intense toasty nutty aromas Simple but balanced easy blend with bright melon fruit drinking wine with herbal and hints of vanilla bean. aromas and sweet fruit Complex palate with excellent flavours. $20 flavour intensity and length and some warmth. 1-2 $28118 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012

regional tastingSirromet Seven Scenes Saint Jude’s Road Sirromet Private Jester Hill WinesSignature Collection Vineyard Grand Reserve Collection LM Reserve Touchstone Granite BeltGranite Belt Viognier Monopole Granite Belt Assemblage Granite Belt Shiraz 2009 HHH1/22011 HHH Merlot 2010 HHHH1/2 Cabernet Sauvignon Petit A pretty nose with refinedExotic tropical fruit characters - A text book nose - all fruit cake Verdot Merlot spicy aromas and a simple oaklots of oak and slightly honeyed and berries with a serious 2010 HHH1/2 driven palate with good flavourelements with good acid merlot palate showing great An elegant and soft black fruit intensity. $25length. 3-5 $28 flavour concentration, some bouquet and refined fruit palate green aspects and long line of with plenty of tannic grip and Clovely Estate ReservePreston Peak Reserve tannins. $300 powerful oak. $99 South Burnett ShirazGranite Belt Chardonnay Preston Peak Reserve 2010 HHH2008 HHH Granite Belt Merlot Jester Hill Wines Earthy spicy bouquet andSmells like marzipan and grilled 2010 HHHH Touchstone Granite Belt sweet full bodied palate withnuts. Palate offers mild fruit, good Powerful oaky nose with nice Cabernet Sauvignon simple fruit and moderatelength and complexity. $28 CD development evolving. 2009 HHH1/2 tannins. 3-5 $28 Loads of flavour and terrific Nice black aromas with slight tannin length with high level vegetal notes. Full bodied varietal Sirromet Seven ScenesOTHER DRY REDS of acid. A complete wine. palate with big tannins and a hot, Signature Collection acidic finish. 3-5 $25 Granite Belt Shiraz5 TASTED 3-5 $32 CD Viognier 2010 HHH Jester Hill Wines Lovely lifted fragrances and4 AWARDED Touchstone Granite Belt powerful concentrated fruit Cabernet Sauvignon palate with some dusty oak.The judges thought this Jester Hill Wines 2010 HHHan excellent class of smart, Touchstone Granite Belt A fine fresh cassis nose and 1-2 $28very varietal, wines with Petit Verdot 2010 HHHH attractive fruit flavours. Goodobvious tannins. A pretty delicate berry bouquet oak use, slightly dominant. SWEET WHITES with lift of exotic spices and a huge fruit palate with powerful 3-5 $25 2 TASTED oak and good level of tannins. Robert Channon Wines 2 AWARDED 5+ $25 CABERNET Granite Belt Cabernet Good flavour profiles here but & BLENDS Sauvignon 2008 HHH the judges thought these wines A full bodied oaky style with were on the sugary side. 9 TASTED simple berry aromas and leafy green palate. Good level of 6 AWARDED tannins. 3-5 $22.50 Clovely Estate Solid class with the best SHIRAZ & BLENDS Left Field South Burnett showing nice varietal Botrytis Semillon 2010 characters whilst others were 7 TASTED (375ml) HHH dried out and lacked length. Attractive citrus pungency to 4 AWARDED the nose and a viscous palate with honeyed apricot flavours. Sirromet Seven Scenes A solid group of mid-weight wines tending to elegant rather 1-2 $20 than full bodied. Some showed a Signature Collection nice level of spice whilst others Barambah First Cut Granite Belt Cabernet were dominated by excess oak Rack Dried South BurnettSirromet Wild NE Granite Sauvignon 2010 HHHH for the level of fruit involved. Semillon 2010Belt Nebbiolo 2009 HHHHHAttractive floral/rose fragrances A fine closed nose - for now (375ml) HHH - with a nice linear cabernet Lovely botrytis characters ofwith hints of brambles. Rich, varietal palate and some fruit apricots and honey. Nose apowerful and expansive cherry-like palate with some long and richness. Good overall length touch medicinal with luscious and weight. 3-5 $28 Jester Hill Wines flavours. 1-2 $34powerful tannins. Good cellaring Touchstone Granite Beltpotential. 3-5 $55 Ridgemill Estate Granite Shiraz 2010 HHHH1/2 Great blue fruit and creamy oak Belt Cabernet Malbec aromas. Excellent palate length 2010 HHH1/2 A gentle mature style of wine and texture with intense rich ripe sweet fruit flavours balanced by with generous berry fruit, good some good spicy oak and silky oak integration and lovely soft tannins. 3-5 $20 tannins. 3-5 $25 JUDGES Andrew Corrigan MW Dylan Rhymer Tony Harper Master of Wine, wine/liquor Senior winemaker at Wine writer and retailer consultant. Wine educator; Ballandean Estate for the for the Brisbane Wine radio presenter for ABC radio past four years. Previously Emporium. Formerly (612 4QR) on ‘Tabletalk’ a wine assistant winemaker manager for the Cru Wine and food program. Judges at at Hunters’ Wines, Bar & Cellar. Regular wine shows including Royal Marlborough NZ. Associate judge on the national Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, and judge at the Australian wine show circuit, Australian Small Winemakers; Small Winemakers including Tasmania, teaches wine courses to the show, plus judge at Adelaide, Brisbane, trade and public, and is a partner Sheraton, Queensland and Mudgee, Clare & NSW wine consultant through ‘eWine’. Toowoomba wine shows. wine awards shows. Special Edition 2012 W I N E S TAT E 119

98 TASTED64 AWARDEDRIESLINGApart from those in the know, this is a variety that you need to Old Coach Road RIESLINGget into people’s hands. When consumers are given a glass of fine Nelson Riesling 2011 & OLDERriesling and not told what it is, the compliments flow. Here we 2012 HHH1/2 $15 - $20have an excellent line-up of highly drinkable, lively wines to enjoy Very aromatic nosenow or put away for further cellaring improvement. with a huge lift of lime 9 TASTED cordial. Palate slightly 5 AWARDEDRIESLING funky and a touchUNDER $15 sweet, with great flavour Solid group of ageing volume. $15.50 NZ rieslings showing what5 TASTED Taylors Clare Valley one judge described1 AWARDED Riesling 2012 HHH1/2 as “the wonderful Very aromatic brown change that rieslings go lime bouquet and simple through”. Hard to beat! floral/lime juice palate; great residual sugar/acid balance. $19A small line-up with one Eldredge Gomersal Eden Valley Richard Hamilton Yealands Waygood, well-balanced wine. Clare Valley Riesling Riesling 2012 HHHH Slate Quarry Marlborough Riesling 2012 HHHH1/2 Subtle citrus blossom McLaren Vale 2011 HHHH1/2Takutai New Beautifully made wine nose and fine, elegant, Riesling 2012 HHH Very complex wineZealand Riesling with a nose that smells varietal palate with Quite ripe melon/fig showing intense citrus2009 HHHH of baked apple tart. pleasing acid and aromas with crunchy aromas with a delicateA good, inexpensive Some generosity on a a touch of residual fresh citrus flavours. floral edge, and plentyexample of a well-aged palate with excellent sugar. Very tight at the Food and people of flavour on the palateriesling. Hints of toast length and with the moment. $15 friendly! $15.50 with its great lineand citrus on the nose fresh acid and fruit Logan Weemala Duke’s Single of acidity. Still veryand vibrant, lifted, sweetness in perfect Orange Riesling Vineyard Porongurup youthful. $16.95toasty, lemon juice balance. $17 2012 HHHH Riesling 2012 HHH Leasingham Bin 7palate. $12.50 NZ d’Arenberg Good citrus nose with a Pungent aromas and Clare Valley Riesling The Dry Dam touch of floral/rose-like very well structured 2011 HHHHRIESLING McLaren Vale Riesling characters. Quite a palate with pungent Toasty, honeyed2012 $15 - $20 2012 HHHH1/2 sweet palate but has flavours and zingy development obvious Crowd pleaser that, a refreshing citrus acid acidity. $18 on the nose. Fleshy16 TASTED according to one judge, burst to match it. $18 Reillys Watervale citrus palate, touch of11 AWARDED is “just begging for salt Clare Valley Riesling sweetness, reasonable and pepper squid”. 2012 HHH length and some zippy“Riesling is improving,” Lifted stone-fruit aromas Lovely nose - lots going acidity. $19.99noted one judge. “The and great palate length on. Very long fruitfruit and acid need to be with crisp citrus flavours flavours and excellentspot on,” said another. dominating. $18.95 acid/sugar balance. $18A very good class of Tapestry MVwines at this price, McLaren Valewhere the variety is Riesling 2012 HHHgreatly undervalued. Lifted citrus blossom bouquet and fresh, crisp acid. “Needs oysters,” thought one judge. $18 Grant Burge Thorn Eden Valley Riesling 2012 HHH Full, ripe, fleshy riesling of limes and lemons; some florals. Good acid. Solid commercial style. $19.95 CD120 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012

varietal tasting St John’s Road RIESLING Peace of Eden 2011 & OLDER Eden Valley Riesling $20 - $25 2012 HHHH Smells of vanilla pod and 21 TASTED citrus with subtle floral 11 AWARDED notes. Palate alive and fresh with citrus flavours The panel found this and good acidity. “A job a hard class to judge. well done!” $20 “There is a trend to McLean’s Farm higher sugar levels, Eden Valley Riesling which sometimes works 2012 HHHH and sometimes doesn’t, Good citrus lift to the depending on the acid floral nose. Palate tight balance,” said one judge. and pure, with good length of fresh citrus and floral flavours and warming finish. $20.99Trout Valley Nelson Tinpot Hut Mt Beautiful North Waimea ClassicRiesling 2010 HHHH Turner Vineyard Canterbury Riesling Nelson RieslingNeither young nor old, Marlborough Riesling 2010 HHHHH 2009 HHHHHwith developed citrus 2012 HHH1/2 Beautiful wine ageing Another fantastic winenotes on the nose and Sauvignon blanc gracefully. Toasty showing attractivevery lengthy, vibrant, aficionados will love brown lime aromas and age development.acid palate. Good this! Floral aromas and fantastic palate built Some pleasant brownflavour profile. Some very herbaceous/green for ageing with great lime characters onwarmth. $16 flavours. Good acidity. $21 acid, sensible sugar the nose and huge Mr Riggs Watervale and lovely length. “Very concentration of lime/The Crossings Clare Valley Riesling pleasing style,” said one citrus flavours. $20 NZAwatere Valley 2012 HHH1/2 judge. $21.95 Villa MariaMarlborough Nice Fruit Tingle Cellar SelectionRiesling 2011 HHH characters to the nose Lawson’s Dry Hills MarlboroughNice colour. A touch and crunchy green apple Marlborough Riesling Dry Rieslingclosed on the nose. flavours among the limes. 2010 HHHHH 2011 HHHH1/2Lovely blend of citrus “A purist’s wine.” $22 Lovely big, zesty lift of Lovely varietal aromasflavours. Very inviting. $19 Rileys of Eden citrus peel-like aromas of limes and lemons. Valley Family and a lovely lively feel in Beautiful palate withSpinyback by Eden Valley Riesling the mouth, with musky more limes and someWaimea Nelson 2012 HHH1/2 floral/citrus flavours. floral notes. GreatRiesling 2009 HHH Unusual pungent guava/ Slight sweetness balance betweenThe beginnings of a fairy floss bouquet. with balancing acidity. crunchy acidity andlovely old riesling with Pretty palate with Refreshing style. $20 residual sugar. Hasgreat toasty, honeyed delicate florals, lots potential. $23.99 NZage. Good value! $16 NZ of acid and matching sweetness. $22 STAR RATINGS RIESLING Taylors Jaraman2012 $20 - $25 Clare Valley Riesling Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of 2012 HHH1/2 excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill.8 TASTED Tight, lean, pure and All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry7 AWARDED clean, with subtle floral professionals and are compared in peer aromas and nice citrusy classes by three judges.The 2012 vintage is palate with attractive CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters,looking very good chalkiness. $24.50 a major mail-order business.for this variety. Good Dolan Clare Valley CD Cellar door price.potential for a fair price. Riesling 2012 HHH CDO Cellar door only. Herbaceous, floral SO Sold out. aromas and long, $N/A Price not available at time of printing. fresh and minerally  Contact information pg 152. clean flavours with “enthusiastic” acid. $20 RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). For a complete list of what we tasted please refer to www.winestate.com.au Special Edition 2012 W I N E S TAT E 121

RIESLINGYealands Estate Mud House Duke’s Invitation Mockingbird Hill Patrick EstateSingle Vineyard Waipara Valley Winemaker No.1 Reserve Clare Valley Grown RieslingAwatere Valley Riesling 2011 HHH1/2 Riesling 2012 HHHH Riesling 2012 HHH 2011 HHHHMarlborough Riesling Enticing floral nose and Pungent and grassy Huge lift of mandarin-like Subtle lemon zest2011 HHHH1/2 a great palate that’s on the nose; almost aromas and a touch of aromas and lovely freshDelightful aromas of layered and interesting. sauvignon blanc-like pungency on the sweet, palate full of vim andbath salts and rose Quite sweet but has aromas. Palate shows ripe palate. $25.99 vigour and with a citrichips with a zesty lime balancing acidity. $21 attractive lemony tang. Excellent acid/lift. Tight, dry, citrus- freshness with length Poonawatta sugar balance. Welldominant palate. Great Te Kairanga and weight. $27 The Eden made. $29example of the variety. Martinborough Estate Plantagenet Eden Valley McGuiganNeeds some time to Riesling 2011 HHH Mount Barker Riesling 2012 HHH The Shortlistflesh out a bit. $24.95 Hint of development to Riesling 2012 HHH1/2 Lively, chalky and Eden Valley RieslingVavasour Awatere the steely citrus nose Excellent citrusy/crunchy minerally lemon/lime 2007 HHHHValley Marlborough and reasonably long, apple fruit characters nose and fine, elegant, “Busy” nose - nutty,Riesling 2011 HHHH sweet palate. $20 NZ with tangy acid and some slightly restrained toasty and limey, withComplex blend of sweetness. “Just how a palate. $26 lots of development.floral, citrus and toasty Esk Valley riesling should be.” $25 Palate refined, definedaromas. Balanced Marlborough Dry Pokolbin Estate RIESLING and elegant. Drink nowpalate with good flavour Riesling 2011 HHH Hunter Valley & BLENDS and enjoy. $28.99intensity and a fresh Some toast on the floral Riesling 2012 HHH1/2 2011 & OLDER K1 by Geoff Hardyand lingering crisp acid nose and softer, delicate The nose has a smart lift $25 - $30 Silver Label Rieslingspine. $24 NZ citrus palate with tight of citrus and blossom. GewurztraminerFifth Bridge acidity. $23.99 NZ Lovely long, fleshy 17 TASTED 2011 HHH1/2Central Otago palate layered with 12 AWARDED Interesting blend - veryRiesling 2011 HHH1/2 Kahurangi Estate citrus and tight acid. different, with lovelyLift of juicy lime aromas Mt Arthur Reserve Great wine. $25 At the top end here, lime and lemon juice-likeand a warming and quite Nelson Riesling Duke’s Magpie Hill with a high proportion of characters and somecomplex palate with 2010 HHH Reserve Riesling wines in the flight getting residual sweetness. $25generous hit of varietal Spicy and limey with 2012 HHH1/2 a great recommendation.fruit flavours. $20 some freshness and a Simple but pure, with touch of age evolving. Will tight, fresh and subtle Villa Maria Reserve develop nicely. $21.90 varietal fruit and good Marlborough Dry zippy acid with matching Riesling 2011 HHHHH RIESLING residual sweetness. $27 Mouthwateringly fresh & BLENDS 2012 Bird In Hand wine with fantastic $25 - $30 Honeysuckle colour and lovely toasty/ Clare Valley Riesling citrus aromatics. The 11 TASTED 2012 HHH steely, bright lime 9 AWARDED Lovely lift of pure palate has fruit richness varietal fruit and musky/ and long, persistent Consistent and solid limey flavours with a flavours. “One for the class of well-balanced level of sweetness. $25 purists!” $26.99 NZ rieslings offering a safe Bird In Hand option for consumers. Clare Valley Riesling Saddler’s Creek 2012 HHH Reserve Riesling Robert Stein Still young and fresh, 2010 HHHHH Off Dry Mudgee with lemons and limes Fantastic wine with Riesling 2012 HHHH dominating. Lovely length, years ahead of it yet. Subtle floral/musky balance and poise. $25 Complex, toasty nose bouquet and quite a with brown lime lift sweet, musky and green and very graceful palate with searing palate showing a hint acidity to balance. of lovely honeyed aged Leaning more towards characters. $28 sav blanc. $25JUDGES Luke Steer Matt Holdstock Stuart Bourne Associate Winemaker with Senior Oenologist with the Senior winemaker at Jim Barry Wines. Consultant Australian Wine Research Chateau Tanunda. Formerly winemaker in Germany’s Institute. Has vintaged in winery manager and Pfalz region along with South Australia, Sonoma winemaker for Barossa vintages in Hermitage, (California), and Bordeaux Valley Estate. Has 13 Hawkes Bay, Napa Valley (France). Associate judge years’ winemaking and Frankland River. at the Australian Small experience. Associate Organiser at the recent Winemaker’s Show. judge at the Barossa Wine Clare Valley wine show. Show. Vintages in WA, Victoria and SA.122 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012

varietal tastingNorthburn Station Greystone Jacob’s Creek THE WOLF BLASSCentral Otago Waipara Valley Steingarten Riesling FOUNDATIONRiesling 2009 HHH1/2 Riesling 2011 HHH 2012 HHHH1/2“This would be a Simple floral/citrus Interesting pungent, Established 1994lovely intro to an aged bouquet and slightly herbaceous charactersriesling,” suggested sweet palate already on the nose with hints ofone judge. Great varietal developing. Good but grass. Well-integrated,characters and good will age quickly. $27.95 chalky, lime/lemonbalance. $25 NZ palate with wonderfulBabich Individual McGuigan length and excellentlyVineyard Cowslip The Shortlist focused acidity. $31.99Valley Marlborough Eden Valley Riesling Taylors St AndrewsRiesling 2011 HHH 2011 HHH Clare Valley RieslingWell-structured, steely Subtle aromas with hints 2012 HHHHlime style showing of coconut. Fresh and Top quality wine withsome attractive crisp in the mouth, with very intriguing floral/development and tight, great varietal fruit. $28.99 citrus bouquet and wel-zesty acidity. $25 NZ balanced, citrusy palateFromm Dry RIESLING with an extremely tightMarlborough $30+ acid backbone. $35Riesling 2011 HHH TupariInteresting lift of almond 11 TASTED Awatere Valleymeal and tangelo-like 8 AWARDED Marlborough Drycharacters with a high Riesling 2011 HHHHacid presence. $25 NZ Classic riesling styles and, Citrus bomb with subtleHartz Barn Wines again, the majority were aromas and a fleshyReserve General recommended. Great feel to the palate withStore Eden Valley ageing potential here. beautiful bright fruit.Riesling 2011 HHH Slightly hard now butBeautifully complex will age gracefully. $30aromas and a tight, Chard Farmslight and beautifully Vipers Vineyardrefined palate. $25 Central Otago Riesling 2010 HHHH Lovely sweet fruit palate with pleasant lemony feel, a touch of stone- fruit-like characters and good level of acidity to balance it all. $38 NZ Robert Stein Mudgee Riesling 2011 HHH1/2 Tight, elegant, refined and focused wine with long, citrusy palate balanced by some residual sweetness. $30Konrad Bunch Tamburlaine Reserve Capel Vale Single Proudly SupportingSelection Orange Riesling Vineyard Series •Australian Wine Education,Marlborough 2012 HHHHH Whispering Hill •Viticultural, OenologicalRiesling 2008 HHH Hugely aromatic nose Mount Barker Research & Development,Very toasty nose and with lovely citrus and Riesling 2012 HHHquite a sweet, warming floral elements. Very Highly complex aromas •Wine & Health,palate with some drying steely/slatey lime and and a tight, restrained and •Global Wineacidity. $28.99 lemon palate with great elegant palate with lovely Industry Profile length and finesse and citrus flavours. $32.95 a seamless balance Capel Vale Single phone +61 8 8232 5322 between acid and Vineyard Series [email protected] residual sugar. $30 Whispering Hill Mount Barker Riesling 2011 HHH Sweet-smelling floral bouquet. Good palate length - a touch chalky/ minerally and with simple fruit. $32.95 Special Edition 2012 W I N E S TAT E 123

105 TASTED36 AWARDEDPINOT GRIS/PINOT GRIGIOA very difficult tasting for the judges, where wines ranged from racy, Sam Miranda King Seifried Nelson Pinotacid styles to rich, oily styles, with lots in between. Strangely, the Valley Pinot Grigio Gris 2012 HHH1/2higher the price the worse the wine, it seems. These can be great 2012 HHH The nose has guavaslunch wines, but the range from very good to boring is extraordinary! Complex fruit bomb and stone-fruits and the with nice weight and palate is loaded with ripe mouthfeel and some varietal fruit flavours with crunchy acidity. $20 a sweet finish. $18 NZPINOT GRIGIO The Black Chook PINOT GRIGIO Black Cottage& BLENDS Adelaide Hills Pinot $20 + Marlborough PinotUNDER $20 Grigio 2012 HHH1/2 Gris 2012 HHH Subtle lemon/lime 6 TASTED A wine with grunt!12 TASTED bouquet and delicate fruit 3 AWARDED Pungent, fruity nose concentration on a long Mixed bag, with and buttery, baked7 AWARDED limey/citrus palate with some good examples apple-like characters on good acid finish. $17 but also there were the palate. $14.99 NZ some pretenders!Some nice fresh, easy Grant Burge GB15 Thorn Clarkedrinkers here offering South Australia Hahndorf Hill Winery Sandpiper Edengood aperitif sipping. Pinot Grigio Adelaide Hills Valley Pinot Gris 2012 HHH Pinot Grigio 2012 HHH Sweet and very floral 2012 HHHH1/2 Long, steely, Chablis-like on the nose, with more Great with food! Fresh, style with floral aromas of the same on the nice aromatic tropical bouquet and a bright, crisp long palate. $14.55 CD and lovely palate with palate. $16 steely acid to balance the Zonte’s Footstep pronounced melon-like Elena Walch Castel Trout Valley Nelson Langhorne Creek flavours. Lovely wine Ringberg Alto Adige Pinot Gris 2012 HHH Pinot Grigio with weight, balance and Senominazione Di Floral nose with a 2012 HHH length. $25 Origine Controllata strawberry-like lift and Aromatic, perfumed Italy Pinot Grigio good fruit weight on aromas and quite an 2010 HHH the steely, minerally austere palate with Firm wine with complex palate. $16 intense fruit flavours. toasty/honeyed aromas and warm, rich, lingering Grant Burge 5th 2-3 $16.50 flavours. $45.50 NZ Generation Barossa Pinot Gris 2012 HHH Sticks Yarra Valley PINOT GRIS Very crisp, grippy, aperitif Pinot Grigio 2012 style in the ginger-like 2012 HHH UNDER $20 spectrum of varietal Generous and buttery characters. $18.95 CD on the nose; rich 9 TASTED and generous in the 6 AWARDED Old Coach Road mouth. Good fruit Nelson Pinot Gris concentration. $18 Generally riper fruit 2012 HHH characters coming Lemons and pear dropsSerafino Bellissimo Alta Adelaide Hills through here, but still on the nose and aAdelaide Hills Pinot Pinot Grigio in a light to middle- complex palate - slightlyGrigio 2012 HHHH 2012 HHH weight format. fat and sweet. $19Full-blown, tropical-like Attractive, crisparomas and a crisp and style with fresh pear PINOT GRISfruity style of palate characters and hints of 2011 & OLDERthat has long, lingering citrus/lemons. $19.95 UNDER $20and well-balanced Jacob’s Creek Coolflavours. $18 Harvest Pinot Grigio 17 TASTED 2011 HHH 8 AWARDED Bright pear/apple aromas and lovely balance of Lots of easy-drinking, acid and varietal fruit neutral dry white wines flavours. $14.99 here that are ready for drinking now.124 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012



PINOT GRIS/PINOT GRIGIORabbit Ranch Tussock Nelson 8 Ranges Central Vidal White Series Riversdale EstateCentral Otago Pinot Pinot Gris 2011 HHH Otago Pinot Gris East Coast New Coal River ValleyGris 2011 HHHH Very simple, faultless 2012 HHHH Zealand Pinot Gris Pinot Gris 2011 HHHPungent citrus aromas style. Fresh honey and Passionfruit/lychee 2012 HHH Reasonable limeywith a light floral lift. citrus elements. Needs aromas and long, lean Very crisp and structurally varietal fruit intensity onRich, long and well- more time. $19 palate that offers a complex wine with the nose, which lingersbalanced palate showing mouthful of fruit flavours fresh, clean aromas and on the palate. $24.99excellent varietal fruit Koonara Lucy & perfectly balanced by flavours. $20.99 NZconcentration. $18 Alice Limestone the acidity. $25 NZ PINOT GRIS Coast Pinot Gris Lake Chalice Kellermeister The $25 +Mount Fishtail 2010 HHH Marlborough Pinot Rambling RuinsMarlborough Pinot Toasty honeyed Gris 2012 HHH Eden Valley Pinot 25 TASTEDGris 2011 HHH characters developing, Fresh, floral nose and Gris 2012 HHH 3 AWARDEDSpicy, floral nose with with steely acidity and some fig characters Lemonade-likehints of licorice. Very some grip. $19.95 and bright lime characters to a nose Another disappointingherbal palate - balanced sherbet elements on with interesting class for the judges!and long. $18.95 Takutai New the palate. $20 CD medicinal notes. Crisp Again, quite a fewNobilo Regional Zealand Pinot Gris Sileni Estates palate. $22 borderline wines with littleCollection Hawke’s 2009 HHH Hawke’s Bay Pinot or no flavour or varietalBay Pinot Gris Alluring lime Gris 2012 HHH PINOT GRIS character. “At this price2011 HHH marmalade-like nose Very delicate style; a 2011 & OLDER neutral doesn’t cut it andSmells of honey, lemons and good flavour intensity melange of lemons, $20 - $25 sugar certainly doesn’tand pear drops. Nice grip on a long, balanced figs, passionfruit and replace fruit flavour,” theto a palate with good palate. $12.50 NZ honeydew melon. $20 24 TASTED panel concluded.fruit characters. $14.99 3 AWARDEDThe Crossings Spinyback by Lawson’s Dry HillsAwatere Valley Waimea Nelson “A very disappointing Marlborough PinotMarlborough Pinot Pinot Gris 2009 HHH class, with a complete Gris 2011 HHH1/2Gris 2011 HHH Simple, delicate style lack of any character Complex and interesting,Tight, austere, aperitif with hints of toasty at all, let alone varietal with tinned peas andstyle with pear drop marmalade and some character,” said the passionfruit charactersand citrus characters on strawberry notes. $16 NZ judges. Quite a few on the nose and a well-nose and palate. $19 wines were borderline balanced palate. $26 PINOT GRIS but didn’t have quiteJUDGES 2012 enough flavour to get Ceres Full Circle $20 - $25 over the line. Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Gris 12 TASTED Dashwood 2011 HHH 6 AWARDED Marlborough Pinot Subdued floral bouquet Gris 2011 HHH and nice length and Little difference overall Simple citrus/floral concentration of figgy from the previous flight, bouquet and simple, flavours. $28 NZ apart from a couple of slightly peppery, palate examples which showed with steely acidity. $20 NZ Lethbridge Geelong more varietal characters. Pinot Gris 2011 HHH Main Divide New Funky, pungent aromas Rapaura Springs Zealand Pinot Gris and a complex palate Marlborough Pinot 2011 HHH made in a European Gris 2012 HHHH1/2 Delicate hints of limes style. $30 Very fresh and light and nectarines on the style but still distinctly nose and a fresh, lively a pinot gris! Has lime palate. $20 tropical/fig aromas and great structure, length and balance to the very flavoursome palate. $20.99 NZDi Genders Scott Rawlinson Andrew WoodWinemaker for Genders Wine consultant with Owner/winemaker ofMcLaren Park Wines. Winescope. Former chief Waywood Wines.Three years as associate winemaker for Serafino Has vintaged in Italy,judge at the Adelaide Wines at McLaren Vale. Portugal, Spain, McLarenWine Show. Seven years’ Previously winemaker with Vale & the Granite Belt.winemaking experience Mildara at Jamieson’s Run Associate judge at thewith Tolley’s Wines. and Wolf Blass. Associate International Wine & Spirit judge at Canberra wine Competition, International shows and worked a vintage Wine Challenge, McLaren in Northern California. Vale and Australian Small Winemakers Show.126 W I N E S TAT E Special Edition 2012

insiderthe wine & spiritAUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND Special Edition 2012 Issue 127 COMPLIMENTARY COPY&new releasesINTHISISSUE top 40 best wine buys under $20 THE WINE & SPIRIT INSIDER IS A PROMOTIONAL GUIDE FROM THE LIQUOR TRADE TO THE CONSUMER. Winestate Publishing ABN 56 088 226 411

281 TASTED148 AWARDEDNEW RELEASESThe pick of the bunch here were the shiraz blends and other white Ballandean Estate Bimbadgen Regionsand red varietals and blends, creating an interesting mix of both Wines Viognier Adelaide Hillsvarietals and styles. Also, a small but worthy class of semillon came to 2012 HHH1/2 Gewurztraminerthe fore, along with a surprisingly consistent group of pinot gris/grigio. Smells of tropical fruit 2012 HHH salad, has a slippery Quite perfumed on the texture in the mouth nose and with simple, and tastes of apricots pretty, floral flavours. and lychees with a Would go well with a spicy lift. $18 salad. $26SPARKLING Blue Pyrenees Sirromet Seven Spring Creek Heritage Estate Méthode Scenes Signature Estate The Jumper Granite Belt7 TASTED Traditionelle Vintage Collection Granite Marlborough Marsanne 2011 HHH5 AWARDED Brut 2009 HHH1/2 Belt Viognier Gewurztraminer Interesting style withA sound class of diverse Savoury/yeasty bouquet 2010 HHHH1/2 2011 HHH1/2 pleasant, fruity notesstyles with a nice level with some nice yeasty Ample aromatic aromas Described as a \"painted on the nose and barrelof freshness overall. complexity on the sweet, with lovely honeyed, lady\" by one judge, ferment characters on fruity palate. A fresh and toasty bottle age with its subtle floral the palate. $20Aurelia Prestige lively wine. $24 developing. Excellent nose and long, soft,Cuvée Pemberton depth of rich, creamy spicy, sweet varietal Heritage EstateChardonnay Pinot Domaine flavours with a slight flavours. $15.90 NZ Wild FermentedNoir NV HHH1/2 Chandon Methode grippy touch and some Richard Hamilton Granite BeltLovely quaffer with citrusy Traditionnelle nice use of oak. Good McLaren Vale Viognier 2011 HHHaromas and moscato- Blanc de Blancs food wine. $35 Marsanne 2012 HHH Attractive melon skinlike flavours with sweet 2009 HHH1/2 Hunter's Jane Simple floral nose with aromas and ripe, full-citrusy notes and some Well-made, lean, crisp Hunter Marlborough a lemony accent. High flavoured palate withdevelopment. $24.95 style - very elegant. Gewurztraminer acid on the light lemon subtle woody notes. $25 Funky notes on the 2011 HHHH palate. $15.50 nose and 'champagne' Fresh, perfumed aromas Dowie Doole SAUVIGNON complexity on the with hints of spice and McLaren Vale Chenin BLANC & palate. $39.95 musk. Lovely seductive, Blanc 2012 HHH BLENDS musky flavours. Apple-like fragrances Bimbadgen Sparkling Palate has great weight with a hint of sherbet, 21 TASTED Rosé NV HHH and texture. An easy and a crisp and drier 9 AWARDED Subtle strawberry drinker. $22.50 NZ style of palate. $16 fragrances and pretty Parri Estate Too many 'green strawberry flavours with Southern Fleurieu canopy' wines here, plenty of acidity. $20 Savagnin 2012 HHH lacking ripeness and Interesting honeydew flavour concentration. MistyGlen Wines melon bouquet and lovely Hunter Valley Blanc integration of citrus/ Vita Novus Margaret de Blanc 2011 HHH biscuity flavours. $20 River Sauvignon Nice clean, lemony Ballandean Estate Blanc Semillon aromas with a touch of Wines Fiano 2010 HHHH1/2 yeast. Palate dry and crisp 2012 HHH Lemony nose showing with tart flavours. $25 Subdued light pear nice oak treatment, and aromas and high-acid a good dry white style OTHER WHITE palate with good fruit of palate with plenty of VARIETALS intensity and leesy 'attitude'! Lovely oak & BLENDS notes. $25 CD characters on a well- balanced palate showing 15 TASTED good complexity. $29 11 AWARDED Lots to like here, with a lovely range of different varietals and styles.128 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tasting Paracombe Adelaide WINESTATE Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2012 HHH1/2 eS UvB SeC RnI BtE Rs Pleasant, sweet, herbal nose with interesting Friday 25 January 2013 minty notes which follow through onto the The Best of the West citrusy palate. $21 Perth Hyatt Regency Hotel, Sidewood Adelaide 99 Adelaide Tce, PERTH WA Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2012 HHH 6.30pm - 8.30pm Grassy, herbaceous bouquet and some Tuesday 9 April 2013 powerful green gooseberry flavours. $20 Subscriber Tasting and Dinner Celebration of VinitalyPatrick of Barwick EstatesCoonawarra Mother Western Australia VERONA (ITALY).of Pearl Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc Selection of the Best of AustraliaBlanc 2012 HHHH Semillon 2012 HHHVery well made, very Very intense tropical and New Zealand.varietal style. Long and bouquet and interesting At the \"Pizzeria Olivo\" on the Piazza Brà,balanced and loaded with tart green apple-likepleasant tropical fruit palate. $16.99 18, Verona, Italy from 7pmflavours with a lovely Tomich Singlesherbety touch. $19.95 Vineyard Adelaide Friday 12 April 2013 Hills Sauvignon World Cabernet Challenge Blanc 2012 HHH National Wine Centre, ADELAIDE Complexity of citrus and floral aromas and subtle 6pm - 8 pm tropical flavours with plenty of acid. $20 Friday 31 May 2013Wirra Wirra Scrubby RIESLING Worlds Greatest Shiraz/SyrahRise Adelaide Challenge VIIISauvignon Blanc 20 TASTEDSemillon Viognier 7 AWARDED National Wine Centre, ADELAIDE2012 HHH1/2 6pm - 8 pmLifted gooseberry/ Overall the judges foundhoneysuckle bouquet this group disappointing. Subscribers enjoy these events FREEand good sour citrus- Generally it was a lighter Register online at www.winestate.com.aulike flavours nicely group of wines, whereasbalanced with the crisp the judges expectedacidity. $16.50 more lift and intensity.Black Cottage The better wines hadMarlborough very clean, intenseSauvignon Blanc flavours with nicely2012 HHH1/2 balanced acidity.Very aromatic, grassy,capsicum-like nose,with similar charactersappearing on the long,lingering palate. $16Boston Bay The GreatWhite SauvignonBlanc 2012 HHH1/2Pungent, funky aromasat the tropical end of thespectrum, with morepungency on the palate.Well-made wine. $20 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 129

NEW RELEASESBoston Bay Riesling Crabtree Watervale Rileys of Eden The Willow Lane VERDELHO2012 HHHH1/2 Clare Valley Riesling Valley Family Mudgee Pinot Grigio & BLENDSLovely perfumed 2012 HHHH Riesling 2012 HHH 2012 HHHlift to the spicy, Spicy floral nose - quite Floral, perfumed Great little quaffer with 4 TASTEDfloral, varietal nose. intense and showing bouquet and very limey subtle, sherbety aromas 1 AWARDEDPerfectly maintained great depth of varietal palate with residual and a lovely fresh andfreshness and varietal flavours with mineral-like sugar sweetness but lively palate. $23 Disappointingfruit characters on elements and a solid balancing acidity. $22 group of simple,the vibrant and well- acid backbone. $25 Red Dot & Feather undistinguished wines.balanced palate. Sound PINOT South Easterncommercial style. $20 The Lindsay GRIGIO/GRIS Australia Pinot Heritage EstateGalafrey Dry Land Collection Edge Grigio 2012 HHH Granite BeltMount Barker of the World Eden 11 TASTED Funky nose - nice Verdelho 2012 HHHRiesling 2012 HHHH Valley Riesling 7 AWARDED intensity. An approachable Well-made wine. NiceVery delicate green 2012 HHH1/2 palate with attractive pineapple/pear-likeapple aromas with lovely Buttery nose with Solid class but there aromatic notes. $15 characters and someperfumed elements. light lemon notes and is still confusion about Bimbadgen Regions interesting funkiness. $25The palate is simple delicate spicy citrus the difference between Adelaide Hills Pinotand austere, with crisp characters - very varietal, gris and grigio styles. Gris 2012 HHH SEMILLONvarietal flavours. $20 with good flavour However, there are some Very intense pear aromas BLENDSBarossa Valley persistence. $25 nice, easy-drinking wines. and high-acid palate withEstate Barossa Austins Geelong nicely integrated fruit 20 TASTEDRiesling 2012 HHHH Riesling 2012 HHH1/2 Sidewood flavours. $24 8 AWARDEDAttractive sweet, floral Delicate, lifted citrus Adelaide Hills Pinot Brokenwoodbouquet and very good aromas with a big Gris 2012 HHHH Beechworth Pinot Mixed bag with fewcitrus freshness on the perfumed lift, and a Clean, well-made wine Gris 2012 HHH winemaking faults,beautifully structured very lively, mouth- with fresh stone-fruit Creamy, melon pulp but some fruit appearedpalate. Perfect puckeringly austere bouquet showing subtle fragrances and good to be either too greencommercial style. $25 palate. A keeper! $25 spicy notes, and intense retention and depth of or overripe. varietal flavours with varietal flavours. $28 crisp acidity. $20 Celestial Bay Margaret River Mojo By Rockbare Semillon Sauvignon South Australia Blanc 2011 HHHH Pinot Gris 2012 HHH Interesting tropical Fresh citrus and aromas with lovely pear nose, and perfumed characters. chalky, dry white wine Lovely palate has crisp, flavours showing some dry citrus flavours with grip. $17.95 some mouth-puckering tannins. $20 Paracombe Adelaide Hills Pinot James Estate Gris 2012 HHH Reserve Fumé Clean, elegant, Hunter Valley somewhat austere style Semillon Sauvignon with lifted varietal fruit Blanc 2012 HHH1/2 aromas and flavours. $20 Very attractive cool-climate style with intense, lifted, herbaceous nose and simple, crisp, stalky green palate. $23JUDGES Peter Simic Duane Coates Leigh Francis Editor/publisher Winestate Winemaker for Cleggett’s, Sensory Research Magazine. More than 35 years’ Coates & Raydon Estate Manager at the experience in the wine industry. Wines. Duane has a Australian Wine Formerly founding publisher of Masters of Oenology Research Institute a US wine magazine, manager from Adelaide University (AWRI). On AWRI of the SA Wine Information and has gained overseas Teaching Advisory Bureau, and wine educator with winemaking experience Panel and Technical Regency College of TAFE in in Burgundy, the Northern Quality Panel. SA. Peter is also a regular wine Rhone Valley regions in Associate judge, commentator on national radio France, and the Douro Adelaide wine show. and television programs. Valley in Portugal.130 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tastingBarossa Valley SEMILLON CHARDONNAYEstate EntourageBarossa Valley 5 TASTED 28 TASTEDSemillon Sauvignon 4 AWARDED 14 AWARDEDBlanc 2011 HHH1/2Complex nose with nicely Small but consistent The 2012 vintage winesdeveloping perfumed, group with one were generally toolemony aromas. Lovely outstanding example of simple, which was notpalate texture; good how well this variety ages. surprising given theirflavour persistence. $16 age but maybe alsoTrentham Two Thirds Brokenwood the vintage. The olderSemillon Sauvignon Maxwell Vineyard wines either showedBlanc 2012 HHH Hunter Valley premature developmentSubtle tropical fruits Semillon or were over the hill!on the nose. Pleasant 2006 HHHHHsweet/sour lemony Lovely maturing Dromana Chardonnayflavours. Good acid semillon nose starting 2011 HHHHspine. $14 to develop honeyed Mellow melon aromasBird in Hand Two in toastiness. Beautifully with plenty of spicy oakthe Bush Adelaide aged and seamlessly influence. Nicely balancedHills Semillon balanced palate with sweet citrus and melonSauvignon Blanc amazing length and flavours with a good acid2012 HHH \"immaculate\" acid. Very backbone. $30Pleasant Turkish delight well made. $50nose and nicely textured K1 by Geoff Hardygreen apple palate. MistyGlen Wines Adelaide HillsGood quaffer. $20 Hunter Valley ChardonnayEldredge Clare Semillon 2010 HHHHValley Semillon 2010 HHH1/2 Nutty/savoury oak-Sauvignon Blanc Perfumed nose; some dominated nose, and2012 HHH smokiness. Developing rich palate showingSweet, fruity, herbaceous savoury palate; soft powerful oak andstyle with plenty of seductive melon fantastic varietalacidity to balance the flavours. $20 fruit weight. Ageingsweetness. $16 beautifully. $35Abbey View High Brokenwood HunterAltar Margaret River Valley Semillon Hungerford HillSemillon Sauvignon 2012 HHH Vinefire ChardonnayBlanc 2011 HHH Very interesting, lifted 2012 HHH1/2Minerally, green apple citrusy aromas and mouth- Simple style with softaromas and pleasing puckering acid palate with peach fruit on thesweet citrus flavours attractive lemon/hay-like nose and quite intensewith good acid to flavour profile. Persistent apricot/peach flavours.balance. $22.99 CM finish. $25 Nice acid level toTaylors Promised balance. $18Land South MistyGlen WinesAustralia Semillon Hunter Valley Ernest Hill OverSauvignon Blanc Semillon 2011 HHH The Hill Hunter2011 HHH Pungent, savoury nose UnwoodedVery perfumed/floral and quite a rich semillon Chardonnaybouquet. Perfumed palate that's very soft in 2011 HHH1/2palate, sweet up-front the mouth. $20 Melon rind aromas withbut with good acid attractive honeyed notes.crispness. $13 Good retention of varietal fruit flavours and excellent acid balance. $20 CDRebecca Kennedy Ernest Hill AlexanderSenior winemaker at Hunter ChardonnayBoar’s Rock for the past 2011 HHH1/2two years. Previously she Real crowd pleaserworked with Langhorne with its honeyed peach/Creek and Norman Wines. melon fragrances andAssociate judge at Adelaide sweet, rounded palateand McLaren Vale wine showing good use ofshows and judge at the oak. $35 CDRiverland wine show. Hasvintaged in California. The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 131

NEW RELEASESAngas Plains Estate Sirromet Wild Granite French Island Elderton BarossaPJ's Langhorne Belt Chardonnay Vineyard Pinot Noir Zinfandel 2010 HHHCreek Unwooded 2009 HHH 2010 HHH Savoury nose with a liftChardonnay Old-fashioned style with Developing black cherry of mint and a dash of2012 HHH toasty caramel bottle aromas and nice sweet pepper, and good depthLight floral/melon nose age, plenty of oak and varietal fruit flavours. $23 of savoury, varietaland pleasant, soft, varietal lovely soft fruit. $55 flavours. $30fruit flavours. Good OTHER REDcommercial style. $16.95 Geoff Merrill VARIETALS Hand CraftedMojo By Rockbare Wickham Park & BLENDS by Geoff HardySouth Australia McLaren Vale Limestone CoastChardonnay Chardonnay 10 TASTED Lagrein 2010 HHH2012 HHH 2009 HHH 7 AWARDED Some meaty/leatheryAttractive savouriness Simple, lighter style aromas and a solid,to the nose, and fleshy showing good nutty Very interesting and raisiny fruit palate.palate with a long, fresh bottle age, subtle fruit exciting group of wines A keeper. $30finish. $17.95 and nice balance of reflecting their varietalBoston Bay acidity. $21 base extremely well. MERLOTChardonnay & BLENDS2012 HHH ROSÉ Kalleske BuckboardDelicate style. Nice Single Vineyard 6 TASTEDsavoury aromas showing 12 TASTED Barossa Durif 4 AWARDEDa perfumed lift, with 8 AWARDED 2011 HHHHsimilar characters on the South Point Estate Crimson-black monster Some good powerfulpalate. $20 Quite a good class for South Eastern of a wine with solid, flavours here withoutPenley Estate this style with, as one Australia Rosé porty aromas and the usual greenAradia Coonawarra judge put it, \"the sins of 2012 HHH powerful, spicy, sweet fruit characters.Chardonnay sugar not as apparent\". Dark pink wine with fruit flavours with plenty2011 HHH raspberry aromas and of alcohol heat. $23 Fox CreekQuite intense, fresh Kalleske Rosina very intense, candied McLaren Vale Merlotmelon/citrus bouquet Barossa Rosé palate. Nice acidity. $4.99 Captain Barossa 2011 HHH1/2and crisp, lively, lightly 2012 HHH1/2 AK Ebenezer Smells of plum puddingflavoured palate. $19.99 Light red fruit nose Paracombe Red Barossa Petit Verdot and has rich, spicy,Domaine Chandon almost bordering on Ruby Adelaide Hills 2009 HHHH fruit cake flavours withYarra Valley melon. Good candy/ Rosé 2012 HHH Sweet/spicy herbal/ great depth of powerful,Chardonnay sherbet-like flavours with Fleshy, estery red fruit cassis bouquet, with grippy tannins. $232011 HHH balancing acidity. $18 nose and full raspberry similar characters echoedLow-intensity peach flavours with a subtle on a very attractive Galafrey Dry Grownfragrances. Nice apple/ Crabtree Bay of peachy edge. $21 palate with appealing Mount Barker Merlotcitrus flavours with a Biscay Watervale creamy oak. $17.99 2009 HHH1/2crisp acid spine. $27.95 Clare Valley Pepperwood Estate Lovely oak on the noseVita Novus Margaret Grenache Rosé Putting on the Ritz Quilty Silken Thread with hints of mint, and aRiver Chardonnay 2012 HHH1/2 Capel Western Mudgee Petit Verdot big, unyielding red fruit2011 HHH Pretty, lifted, floral Australia Rosé 2011 HHH1/2 palate that is long and wellSmells of cashews, fruit bouquet and 2012 HHH Lifted, perfumed nose structured. 5+ $28cream and citrus and vibrant strawberry Very aromatic - verging with subtle hints ofhas similar flavours on flavours. Good balance on sauvignon blanc- licorice. Palate shows Penny's Hill Malpasa beautiful and complex between sweetness like, with funky fruit good depth of dense, Road McLaren Valepalate. $29 and acidity. $22 flavours. $16 cassis-like flavours. $22 Merlot 2011 HHHThe Colonial Estate Classic fruit cake nose,Exodus Margaret Bethany Barossa Kellermeister Captain Barossa AK rich, sweet flavours,River Chardonnay Cabernet Franc The Rascally Koonunga Barossa lovely oak and strong2010 HHH Rosé 2012 HHH Rabbit Barossa Durif 2009 HHH1/2 tannins. 3-5 $19Lovely honeyed Smells of raspberries Rosé 2011 HHH Amazing densebutterscotch aromas and melons, with similar Lighter style with crimson-black colour, Leconfieldand an elegant, well- flavours. Different and elegant melon fruit huge sweet cherry/ Coonawarra Merlotbalanced, oak-driven interesting style. $18 characters and some raspberry fruit, intense 2011 HHHpalate. $50 early development. $22 cedary oak and high Subdued herbal Bimbadgen Ridge level of tannins. $17.99 aromas and firm grippy Rosé 2012 HHH PINOT NOIR red fruit palate - very Subtle raspberry nose Teusner The Dog youthful, has potential. and good length of 6 TASTED Strangler Barossa quite savoury and zesty 1 AWARDED Mataro 2011 HHH 3-5 $24.95 flavours. $16 Rhonish nose - all pepper The judges were and spice - with intense, disappointed with the savoury flavours and number of developed, some lovely tannins. $25 unclean and simply 'odd' wines in the group.132 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

“Hospitality of a high order with an agreeable soupcon of eccentricity at Heritage-listed Cotter House….. a sumptuous Auckland retreat”... The main salons and the two guestrooms and two suites are layered with generously replenished. WiFi coverage is available throughout the houseobjets-d’art, exquisite bibelots, masses of decorative mirrors and myriad and all guestrooms have cable television. Laptops and iPod dockingoriginal paintings. stations are yours upon request.The high-ceilinged, high-tech suites are particularly sumptuous affairs Breakfast is a silver-service gourmet affair where everything is home-featuring big beds piled with pillows, bolsters and cushions, looming made and a range of hot dishes and freshly baked croissants andarmoires and exotic antique furniture. Ensuites gleam with marble and pastries are on offer. The garden is full of sculptures and installations byare stocked with quality toiletries and veritable alps of towels. Tall New Zealand artists, some of which are for sale...windows let in abundant natural light, fresh flowers and chocolates are Susan Kurosawa - The Australian.www.cotterhouse.com Cotter House 4 St. Vincent Avenue, Remuera Auckland 1050, New Zealand ph: +64 9 529 5156 email: [email protected]

NEW RELEASESGRENACHE The Colonial Estate Bimbadgen Museum House of Cards ShowBlock Estate& BLENDS Emigré Barossa of Contemporary The Joker Margaret Cabernet Sauvignon Grenache Mataro Art Sangiovese River Cabernet 2010 HHHH1/28 TASTED Shiraz 2010 HHH 2011 HHH Merlot 2011 HHH Deep bright purple5 AWARDED Lovely oak-driven, savoury Velvety fruit nose with a Berry fruits and dusty oak wine with a nose that nose, big, ripe, sweet fruit peppery lift and a high- on the nose, and vibrant offers an unctuousSolid group of ripe flavours and some chewy acid, high-tannin palate. cassis flavours with good integration of plum fruitgrenache styles, with tannins. $110 Needs food! $26 savoury edge. $21 and oak. Palate hasa few that were too lovely tarry oak blendingover-the-top. Pertaringa Two CABERNET Barwick Estates with bright varietal fruit Gentlemen's SAUVIGNON Crush Western and some great pepperyZ Barossa McLaren Vale BLENDS Australia Cabernet notes. $19.95Grenache Shiraz Grenache 2009 HHH Merlot 2010 HHHMataro 2011 HHH1/2 Developed, savoury/ 6 TASTED Lovely quaffer withJuicy strawberry nose leathery bouquet and 3 AWARDED youthful berry fruits, ashowing a blackcurrant- sweet, porty palate with touch of mint, lots oflike lift. Lovely blend of drying tannins. $26 The 2010 vintage wines acid and high tanninsweet, spicy, peppery were better in this levels. $11.99flavours. Well made. $25 SANGIOVESE group than the 2011s. The judges note that CABERNETVinrock McLaren 4 TASTED winemakers appear to SAUVIGNONVale Grenache 2 AWARDED be moving away fromShiraz Mataro excessive use of oak. 25 TASTED2011 HHH Small group, with a 12 AWARDEDFresh, lifted jubey couple worth trying. ShowBlock Estatefruit nose and dense, Cabernet Shiraz Mixed group, with thosecomplex, spicy fruit Dromana Merlot 2010 HHHH wines showing intensityflavours with drying I Range Heathcote Lovely deep purple wine and balance beingtannins. $22 Sangiovese with intense inky/aniseed rewarded. \"The use of 2011 HHH nose, and solid fruit oak is more elegantMcLaren Vale Earthy/leathery aromas palate with high level now,\" noted one judge.III Associates Four and a lighter-style, of acid and tannins and A few wines showedScore Grenache astringent, palate. good use of oak. $19.95 some heat stress or late-2010 HHH Good food wine. $20 picked, overripe fruit.Attractive leathery/tobacco aromas andseamless sweet fruit/oak palate. Crowdpleaser. $30134 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

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NEW RELEASESPenley Estate Penley Estate SHIRAZ Teusner SHIRAZ 2011Phoenix Coonawarra Reserve Estate BLENDS The IndependentCabernet Sauvignon Grown Coonawarra Barossa Shiraz 17 TASTED2010 HHHH Cabernet Sauvignon 11 TASTED Mataro 2011 HHH1/2 9 AWARDEDGood varietal nose 2009 HHH1/2 9 AWARDED Solid herbal aromas - The 2011 vintage was ansmelling of blackcurrants Vibrant blackcurrant hints of smallgoods. extremely difficult one,with a touch of fragrances with some Very strong class, which Palate shows nice resulting in these lighterraspberries. Great depth attractive leathery shows that shiraz is a influence from the and more youthful wines.of vibrant fruit flavours age, and sweet, porty great blender. mataro. Good oak, high A few showed earlywith drying tannins. palate with lots of heat. acid. 3-5 $22 development but a few stood out from the crowd. 5+ $19.99 3-5 $50.50 Robert Oatley Pirathon BarossaPenny's Hill Mojo By Rockbare Vineyards Shiraz 2011 HHHH1/2Edwards Road South Australia Wild Oats Victoria Plenty of oak on theMcLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Viognier nose, sitting on top ofCabernet Sauvignon 2011 HHH 2010 HHH1/2 some ripe black fruit2011 HHH1/2 Cassis and mint on the Endowed with rich red with a nice minty lift.Spicy oak nose with a nose and peppery/herbal fruits, hints of florals, Lovely flavour depth tolift of pepper. Huge, palate with charry oak nice oak influence, high the palate - very big andtannic palate; attractive and high tannins. $17.95 level of acid and lingering rich for a 2011 - with ablackberry fruit Richard Hamilton Hut tannins. 5+ $18.99 nice citrus finish. $23flavours. Has cellaring Block McLaren Valepotential. $24 Cabernet Sauvignon Captain Barossa Paxton MV 2011 HHH Elytra Barossa McLaren Vale Shiraz Smells of nutmeg and Shiraz Cabernet 2011 HHHH aniseed and has lots 2009 HHH1/2 Loads of smoky oak on of acid on the tannic Pretty aromas of the nose and plenty of raspberry palate. $19.95 black fruits, violets tannins on a palate with Fox Creek Reserve and bath salts. Plenty plenty of youthful and McLaren Vale of oak on the astringent well-retained sweet fruit Cabernet Sauvignon palate. Excellent depth flavours. $20 2010 HHH of fruit. $17.99 Pepperwood Estate Attractive, intense, Premium Capel blackberry aromas ShowBlock Estate Warrenmang Western Australia and porty, Christmas Shiraz Cabernet The Miracle Shiraz Shiraz 2011 HHH1/2 pudding flavours. Old- Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Subdued nose with fashioned style. $40.50 2010 HHHH Cabernet Sauvignon hints of smallgoods. Vinrock McLaren Pretty, youthful, Merlot 2008 HHH1/2 Excellent depth of cassis Vale Cabernet violet aromas and Smells like a cherry and plum fruit flavours Sauvignon 2011 HHH good concentration cola and has a firm, with attractive spiciness. Inky/meaty nose that's and persistence of assertive, tannic palate lifted and intense, and blackberry fruit flavours offering a sweet 5+ $20 a palate that's soft and with hints of olives. mouthful of raspberry porty in the mouth. $22 Another with potential. fruit and oak. $75 Karatta Robe Cabernet Sauvignon 5+ $19.95 Twisted Gum Wines 2010 HHH Granite Belt Shiraz Simple, lifted berry Cabernet SauvignonGrowers Choice bouquet and full-bodied 2010 HHHLot No. 2 South palate with sweet, porty Gilligan McLaren Young and intense. fruit over good oak. $19 Vale ShirazAustralia Cabernet Howard Vineyard Mourvedre Grenache Plenty of oak on theSauvignon Amos Adelaide Hills nose; lean, austere2009 HHH1/2 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 HHHH palate. A wine for 2010 HHH Deep purple, herbal styleSlightly subdued Sweet berry notes to of wine with nice oak, cellaring. 5+ $25raspberry bouquet and the nose and nicelyintense sweet fruit integrated oak with lots some solid black fruit Barossa Valley of sweet varietal fruit. characters, grippy tannins Estate Barossaflavours with furry and a good level of acidity. Shiraz Tempranillotannins. Extremely 3-5 $60 2009 HHHfresh. 5+ $13 A keeper. 5+ $25 Slightly leathery/ chocolaty developmentCowaramup Wines Paxton AAA McLaren on the nose and anReserve Margaret Vale Shiraz Grenache attractive Rioja-likeRiver Cabernet 2011 HHH1/2 palate. $25Sauvignon Savoury and Rhonish in2010 HHH1/2 style. Soy notes to theElegant, charry aromas nose, and warm, forestwith strawberry fruit flavours with goodnotes. Excellent, acid/tannin balance.well-balanced, solid,flavoursome palate high 3-5 $20in acid. 3-5 $35136 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tastingMcLaren Vale III Leconfield Thinking of exporting orAssociates Squid McLaren Vale importing wines to/fromInk Reserve Shiraz Shiraz 2011 HHH Australia and New Zealand?2011 HHH1/2 Smoky oak/dark fruitStrong stewed fruit nose, and tight, firm, The Italian Chamber of Commerce andbouquet with a touch tannic palate with nice Industry in Australia offers a comprehensiveof spearmint. Similar dry red flavours. $24.95 range of services to assist European wineyouthful flavours with producers and buyers to link their businessalcohol warmth and firm SHIRAZ activity with the Australian and Newtannins. $55 2010 & OLDER Zealand markets. 28 TASTED The Chamber is in the best position to 16 AWARDED facilitate trade in a manner that will serve individual companies on a one to one basis. The 2010 vintage With its broad business related membership, was generally a good it promotes business networking and provides one, resulting in good commercial services to assist with the intensity of black fruit-like development of international activities. characters evidenced by this line-up. There were The Chamber offers the following services: also a few very nice – General consultancies wines among the older – Introduction into the local markets vintages, showing they – Import/export information still had it! – Workshops, seminars, tastings, customisedA.C Byrne & Co promotional activitiesMcLaren Vale Shiraz – Local market support through participation2011 HHHGood depth of fruit at trade fairs and trade missionsaromas. Youthful sweetfruit flavours matched by For more information contact:strong tannins. $9.99 Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia – MelbourneHouse of Cards Tel: 03 8341 3200 • E: [email protected] Joker www.italcham.com.auMargaret RiverShiraz 2011 HHHBlack cherries and bootpolish on the nose. Niceflavour depth to the funkypalate. 5+ $21Richard Hamilton The LindsayCenturion 119 Year Collection The SumitOld Vine McLaren Barossa ShirazVale Shiraz 2010 HHHH1/22011 HHH Deep purple-red in colour,Subtle oak aromas and with a huge concentrationpowerful flavours with of sweet, rich blackberryunyielding tannins. Keep fruit and an abundancethis one! 5+ $75 of fragrant oak. Nicely balanced palate with aPenny's Hill drying finish. $35Cracking BlackMcLaren Vale Shiraz2011 HHHIntense black fruit bouquetwith rich, nutty, bottle ageflavours. Slightly high acid.A keeper. 5+ $22 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 137

NEW RELEASES Captain Barossa Boston Bay Shiraz The Colonial Estate Mackenzie 2010 HHH1/2 Mungo Park Barossa Williamstown Shiraz Savoury oak nose Shiraz 2010 HHH1/2 2010 HHHH with a perfumed lift. Savoury nose with Intense blackcurrant Plenty of oak on a sweet aromas of smallgoods. bouquet and interesting, fruit palate showing Palate shows some pristine palate with slight development. nicely integrated sweet youthful black fruits black fruits and oak nicely complemented by 5+ $22 flavours. 3-5 $110 the savoury oak. $17.99 Domaine Chandon Z Barossa Shiraz Yarra Valley Shiraz Barossa Valley 2010 HHHH 2010 HHH1/2 Estate Barossa Powerful mocha and Firm style with good Shiraz 2009 HHH1/2 dense fruit aromas, and length and intensity of Refined, complex and a rich palate that is a sweet blackberry fruit nicely developed wine concentration of black nicely balanced by some with intense, sweet dark fruits, anise, cedar oak well-handled oak. $33.95 fruit and plenty of good- and fine tannins. $45 90 Mile Destination quality oak. $25 Rojomama Raj's McLaren Vale ShirazMr Riggs Pick Barossa Shiraz 2010 HHH1/2 Dog Day Wines Rusty Growers ChoicePiebald Adelaide 2006 HHHH Deep crimson wine Mutt McLaren Vale Lot No. 1 SouthSyrah 2010 HHHH Intense, chocolaty nose with dense, peppery Shiraz 2010 HHH Australia ShirazBig, rich style with with a youthful, minty nose and solid, sweet, Loads of fragrant oak on 2009 HHHdense, brooding, spicy lift. Warm palate - still youthful palate with the plummy nose, and Black cherries and colablack fruit aromas and lively, with lots of wood attractive oak. A keeper. intense, youthful, peppery, on the nose, and well-masses of toasty wood and sweet stone-fruit black fruit flavours. $27 integrated palate withon the lovely sweet flavours. $57 5+ $40 hints of leathery age. $13plum varietal palate. $25 Gotham Wines Regional Vineyard Series McLaren Vale Shiraz 2010 HHH Savoury style with powerful, well-handled oak, but the jammy fruit lifts above it. $16Adelaide Cellar Door (HK) LtdHong Kong’s leading boutique wine & yachting CUOSNTTOADCATY!events company.※ Customised Wine Functions ※ Blind Tasting Challenges※ Corporate Networking Evenings ※ Personalised Wine Gifts※ Food & Wine Matching Evenings ※ Team Building Evenings※ Winemaker Talks ※ Online Store & Shop※ Sunset Wine Cruise ※ Premium Wines※ Wine Club Wines from Around the World Fantastic Customer ServiceExperts in Corporate & Private Events www.adelaidecellardoor.com.hk [email protected] +852 2526 0151138 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tastingJacob's Creek Oxenberry Farm Fromm MarlboroughReserve Barossa White Grapple Riesling SpatleseShiraz 2010 HHH 2012 HHH 2011 HHHHSubtle fruit aromas and Bright colour and lifted Fine, delicate, Germanicfirm, grippy, tannic palate floral/citrus nose with style with a light floralwith smooth blend of a crisp, sweet fruit nose showing a touchfruit and oak. $17.99 palate. $8 of age developing and some simple, sweet,Capel Vale Cellar SWEET Pegasus Bay Aria Reillys Moscato varietal flavours. $28Exclusive Mount Waipara Late Picked 2012 HHHH Pegasus Bay EncoreBarker Shiraz 15 TASTED Riesling 2009 HHHHH Slight spritzig on the Noble Riesling 20102009 HHH 5 AWARDED Golden wine with floral/muscat nose and (375ml) HHHHSavoury nose smelling green hues and rich a very intense sweet Good style of agedof beef stock, with A couple of good botrytis nose smelling fruit palate. \"One for the riesling with intensesimilar characters on the moscatos to rival the of apricots. The palate is sweet tooth,\" said one apricot/botrytis bouquet.interesting palate. $26.95 best of Italy and a couple a lovely balance of fruit, judge. Serve cold. $15 Rich, thick and soft in of excellent wines with sugar and acid and tastes the mouth; masses ofKopparossa Estate one outstanding example of marmalade. Perfect lychee/apricot flavours.Coonawarra Shiraz among the late-picked example of style. $55 $36.95 NZ2008 HHH styles. However, far too Shag on a RockVery developed, many wines that didn’t Moscatoherbal aromas and make the grade 2011 HHH1/2nicely aged dry red palate because they were either Fresh floral fragranceswith firm tannins. At its stale or unbalanced. with a sweet apricotpeak. $24.90 character, and some rich, ripe muscat flavours.CIDER Serve chilled. $102 TASTED1 AWARDEDThere was 70 per centwine in this cider mix. Winestate 2013 Best of the West. Don’t miss this public wine tasting featuring over 500 of the very best wines from Western Australia. Friday 25 January, 2013 6.00pm – 8.30pm Terrace Ballroom at Hyatt Regency Perth Email [email protected] for tickets HYATT REGENCY PERTH 99 Adelaide Terrace Perth Western Australia 6000 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 139

TOP 40Bimbadgen Hunter Valley Babich Individual Minnow Creek The Silver Patrick of CoonawarraSparkling Semillon NV Vineyard Cowslip Valley Minnow Adelaide Hills Mother of PearlTangy aromas with floral Marlborough Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Sauvignon Blanc 2012notes. Refreshing up front fruit Blanc 2012palate. Soft in the mouth. Well Lifted, vibrant, perfumed Smells of gooseberries and Very well made, very varietalmade. $16 bouquet with hints of tropicals rose petals and has a pretty, style. Long and balanced and and some herbaceous notes. perfumed, confectionery loaded with pleasant tropicalBimbadgen Estate Palate elegant, yet rich and palate. $20 fruit flavours with a lovelyPh: (02) 4998 4600 complex, with lifted, grassy, sherbety touch. $19.95E-mail: [email protected] varietal fruit characters. $25 NZWeb: www.bimbadgen.com.au Minnow Creek Wines Patrick of Coonawarra Babich Wines Ph: (08) 8278 8866 Ph: (08) 8737 3687 Ph: +64 9 833 7859 E-mail: tony@ E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] minnowcreekwines.com.au Web: www.patrickofcoonawarra.com Web: www.babichwines.co.nz Web: www.minnowcreekwines.com.auBEST VALUE WINES OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND$U2N0DE&R Is updated in each issue of The Wine & Spirit Insider. TO QUALIFY 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.140 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Nardone Baker Sauvignon Cumulus Rolling Central Barwick Estates Western Barwick Estates CrushBlanc Semillon 2010 Ranges Sauvignon Blanc Australia Sauvignon Blanc Western AustraliaKero lift to the citrusy nose and Semillon 2012 Semillon 2012 Cabernet Merlot 2010toasty, developed flavours. Great Quite a herbal style. Somelength, great balance. $15.95 green bean notes on the nose. Very intense tropical bouquet Lovely quaffer with youthful Good length of crisp acid on and interesting tart green berry fruits, a touch of mint,Nardone Baker Wines the palate. $18.99 apple-like palate. $16.99 lots of acid and high tanninPh: (08) 8445 8100 levels. $11.99E-mail: [email protected] Cumulus WinesWeb: www.nardonebaker.com Ph: (02) 6390 7900 Barwick Wines Pty Ltd Barwick Wines Pty Ltd E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 9755 7100 Ph: (08) 9755 7100 Web: www.cumuluswines.com.au E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.barwickwines.com Web: www.barwickwines.comOPPORTUNITY TO PARTNER WITH WINESTATE www.topwinechina.com AT THE WORLD’S LARGEST WINE SHOW! The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 141Winestate will be conducting professionalwine buyers tasting events at the world’sbiggest wine expo - directly promoting a strictlylimited number of Australian and New Zealandwines direct to the buyers and wholesaler/importers during the week of 4-6 June, 2013.If you are interested in participation pleasecontact Peter Jackson [email protected]+61 8 8357 9277. Complimentary advertising andon site marketing support included.

TOP 40Yilgarnia Denmark Yilgarnia Denmark Goldwater Wairau Valley Vavasour Awatere ValleySauvignon Blanc 2012 Semillon Sauvignon Marlborough Sauvignon Marlborough SauvignonAlmost gingery-like characters Blanc 2012 Blanc 2011 Blanc 2011on the nose. Pleasant, well- Delicate, floral, passionfruit Pungent and complex on the Pear skin-like aromas with abalanced palate. Good flavour aromas. Seamless palate, nose, with some spiciness. mineral element. Elegant palateprofile. $19 zippy structure and simple fruit Palate has good balance - toasty and grassy. $24 NZ flavours. $17 between varietal fruit, residualYilgarnia Wines sugar and acid. $22 NZ Foley Family Wines NZ LimitedPh: (08) 9845 3031 Yilgarnia Wines Ph: +61 0 418 183 840E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 9845 3031 Foley Family Wines NZ Limited E-mail: [email protected]: www.yilgarnia.com.au E-mail: [email protected] Ph: +61 0 418 183 840 Web: www.foleyfamilywines.com Web: www.yilgarnia.com.au E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.foleyfamilywines.comchampion sauvignon blanc 2011 air new zealand wine awards www.dashwoodwine.co.nz DASHWOOD www.facebook.com/pages/dashwood-wines142 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Vavasour Awatere Valley Te Kairanga Dashwood Marlborough Serafino BellissimoMarlborough Riesling 2011 Martinborough Estate Pinot Gris 2011 Adelaide HillsComplex blend of floral, citrus Riesling 2011 Simple citrus/floral bouquet and Pinot Grigio 2012and toasty aromas. Balanced Hint of development to the simple, slightly peppery, palate Full-blown, tropical-like aromaspalate with good flavour intensity steely citrus nose and reasonably with steely acidity. $20 NZ and a crisp and fruity style ofand a fresh and lingering crisp long, sweet palate. $20 NZ palate that has long, lingeringacid spine. $24 NZ Foley Family Wines NZ Limited and well-balanced flavours. $18 Foley Family Wines NZ Limited Ph: +61 0 418 183 840Foley Family Wines NZ Limited Ph: +61 0 418 183 840 E-mail: [email protected] Serafino WinesPh: +61 0 418 183 840 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.foleyfamilywines.com Ph: (08) 8323 0157E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.foleyfamilywines.com E-mail: [email protected]: www.foleyfamilywines.com Web: www.serafinowines.com.au “Where the soil is rich and the food is plentiful” www.tekairanga.co.nz www.facebook.com/pages/Te-Kairanga-Wines The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 143

TOP 40Rapaura Springs Sam Miranda King Valley The Crossings Awatere Peter Lehmann Art 'n' SoulMarlborough Pinot Grigio 2012 Valley Marlborough Pinot Grigio 2012Pinot Gris 2012 Complex fruit bomb with nice Pinot Gris 2011 Nice varietal fruit spiciness weight and mouthfeel and Tight, austere, aperitif style with here with honeyed/floralVery fresh and light style but some crunchy acidity. $20 pear drop and citrus characters characters. Light aromas andstill distinctly a pinot gris! on nose and palate. $19 crisp, dry flavours. $14Has tropical/fig aromas Sam Miranda King Valleyand great structure, length Ph: (03) 5727 3888 Yealands Estate Wines Ltd Peter Lehmann Wines Limitedand balance to the very E-mail: [email protected] Ph: +64 3 575 7618 Ph: (08) 8563 2500flavoursome palate. $20.99 NZ Web: www.sammiranda.com.au E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: malcolm.stopp@ Web: www.yealands.co.nz peterlehmannwines.comRapaura Springs Ltd/ Web: www.peterlehmannwines.com.auSpring Creek Vinters LtdPh: +64 21 768 307E-mail: [email protected]: www.rapaurasprings.co.nzEXPRESSING THE UNIQUE COOL CLIMATE CHARACTERS OF OUR FAMILY OWNED AND MANAGED LIMESTONE COAST VINEYARDS‘Seriously Drinkable Wines’ Since 1994 the Tidswell family vineyards have produced high quality varietal wines favourably awarded in Australia and abroad. Importantly, the property Heathfield lies within the environmental precinct of Bool Lagoon, 20 km north of Coonawarra in the heart of the Limestone Coast of South Australia. Open Now CITY CELLAR DOOR @ 14 Sydenham Rd Norwood SA SALES Mon to Thurs 9am - 4pm | Fri and weekends by arrangement TASTINGS & FUNCTIONS enquiries welcome | 8363 5800 | [email protected] W W W. T I D S W E L LW I N E S . C O M . A U144 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Zonte's Footstep Eldredge Clare Valley The Black Chook Adelaide Penny's Hill Malpas RoadLanghorne Creek Riesling 2012 Hills Pinot Grigio 2012 McLaren Vale Merlot 2011Pinot Grigio 2012 Beautifully made wine with aAromatic, perfumed aromas nose that smells of baked apple Subtle lemon/lime bouquet and Classic fruit cake nose, rich,and quite an austere palate tart. Some generosity on a palate delicate fruit concentration on sweet flavours, lovely oak andwith intense fruit flavours. with excellent length and with the a long limey/citrus palate with strong tannins. 3-5 $19 fresh acid and fruit sweetness in good acid finish. $17 2-3 $16.50 perfect balance. $17 Galvanized Wine Group/ Galvanized Wine Group/ Penny's HillZonte's Footstep Eldredge Vineyards Woop Woop Wines Ph: (08) 8557 0800Ph: (08) 8556 4460 Ph: (08) 8842 3086 Ph: (08) 8557 0800 E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.pennyshill.com.auWeb: www.zontesfootstep.com.au Web: www.eldredge.com.au Web: www.pennyshill.com.auNot your averageChristmas turkey.Introducing our newly hatched varieties of Rosé & CuvéeMade from grapes we love & made with love. Galvanized Wine Group281 Main Road McLaren Vale ph: 08 8557 0800 www.pennyshill.com.au The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 145

TOP 40Galafrey Dry Land Mount Lawson's Dry Hills Angas Plains Ernest Hill OverBarker Riesling 2012 Marlborough Estate PJ's Langhorne The Hill Hunter UnwoodedVery delicate green apple Riesling 2010 Creek Unwooded Chardonnay 2011aromas with lovely perfumed Lovely big, zesty lift of citrus Chardonnay 2012 Melon rind aromas withelements. The palate is simple peel-like aromas and a lovely Light floral/melon nose and attractive honeyed notes.and austere, with crisp varietal lively feel in the mouth, with pleasant, soft, varietal fruit Good retention of varietal fruitflavours. $20 musky floral/citrus flavours. flavours. Good commercial flavours and excellent acid Slight sweetness with style. $16.95 balance. $20 CDGalafrey balancing acidity. RefreshingPh: (08) 9851 2022 style. $20 Angas Plains Wines Ernest HillE-mail: [email protected] Ph: (08) 8537 3159 Ph: (02) 4991 4418Web: www.galafrey.com.au Lawson's Dry Hills E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Ph: +64 3 578 7674 Web: www.angasplainswines.com.au Web: www.ernesthillwines.com.au E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.lawsonsdryhills.co.nz146 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Flying High Richard Hamilton Slate Richard Hamilton Hut Gotham Wines RegionalChardonnay 2011 Quarry McLaren Vale Block McLaren Vale Vineyard Series McLaren Riesling 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Vale Shiraz 2010A carefully made, crisp, Smells of nutmeg and aniseed Savoury style with powerful,mid-weight wine. Fresh, light Quite ripe melon/fig aromas and has lots of acid on the well-handled oak, but thepineapple aromas and lovely with crunchy fresh citrus tannic raspberry palate. $19.95 jammy fruit lifts above it. $16depth of fruit flavours. $17.99 flavours. Food and people friendly! $15.50 Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ Gotham WinesBrygon Reserve Wines Richard Hamilton Ph: (02) 9999 1284Ph: 0419 865 556 Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ Ph: (08) 8323 8830 E-mail: [email protected]: dean@ Richard Hamilton E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.wineinc.com.aubrygonreservewines.com.au Ph: (08) 8323 8830 Web: www.leconfieldwines.comWeb: www.brygonreservewines.com.au E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.leconfieldwines.com The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 147

TOP 40Pepperwood Estate Putting Dromana I Range ShowBlock Estate Cabernet ShowBlock Estateon the Ritz Capel Western Heathcote Sangiovese 2011 Shiraz Merlot 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010Australia Rosé 2012 Earthy/leathery aromas and a Lovely deep purple wine with Deep bright purple wine withVery aromatic - verging on lighter-style, astringent, palate. intense inky/aniseed nose, and a nose that offers an unctuoussauvignon blanc-like, with funky Good food wine. $20 solid fruit palate with high level integration of plum fruit andfruit flavours. $16 of acid and tannins and good oak. Palate has lovely tarry oak Dromana Estate use of oak. $19.95 blending with bright varietalPepperwood Vineyard Estate Ph: (03) 5974 3899 fruit and some great pepperyPh: (08) 9727 2027 Web: www.dromanaestate.com.au ShowBlock Estate Wines notes. $19.95E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 0438 005 536Web: www.pepperwoodwines.com.au E-mail: [email protected] ShowBlock Estate Wines Web: www.showblock.com.au Ph: 0438 005 536 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.showblock.com.au148 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Captain Barossa Captain Barossa AK Captain Barossa Captain BarossaAK Koonunga Barossa Ebenezer Barossa Petit Elytra Barossa Shiraz Mackenzie WilliamstownDurif 2009 Verdot 2009 Cabernet 2009 Shiraz 2010Amazing dense crimson-black Sweet/spicy herbal/cassis Pretty aromas of black fruits, Intense blackcurrant bouquetcolour, huge sweet cherry/ bouquet, with similar violets and bath salts. Plenty and interesting, pristine palateraspberry fruit, intense characters echoed on a very of oak on the astringent palate. with youthful black fruits nicelycedary oak and high level of attractive palate with appealing Excellent depth of fruit. $17.99 complemented by the savourytannins. $17.99 creamy oak. $17.99 oak. $17.99 Captain BarossaCaptain Barossa Captain Barossa Ph: 0477 440 014 Captain BarossaPh: 0477 440 014 Ph: 0477 440 014 E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 0477 440 014E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.captainbarossa.com.au E-mail: [email protected]: www.captainbarossa.com.au Web: www.captainbarossa.com.au Web: www.captainbarossa.com.au ‘...championing the growers and the vineyards is a bold and courageous effort to put egos aside and break through the Barossa stereotype that brands and winemakers rule’. Tyson Stelzer, Gourmet Traveller WinePASSION. FAIRNESS. VALUE. Only available direct from www.captainbarossa.com.au The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 149

Scarpantoni Brothers Blockmade by the Scarpantoni brothersTop 5 Cabernet Sauvignon Finalist, 2012 Winestate Wine Of The Year AwardsTrophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 McLaren Vale Wine ShowJimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, 2007 Royal Melbourne Wine Show