Winestate Magazine May June 2019

regional tasting Brygon Bin 848 Oakover SEMILLON Margaret River White Label Sauvignon Blanc Margaret River 1 TASTED 2018 HHH Sauvignon Blanc Light, pure and fresh Semillon 0 AWARDED with a pungency of 2018 HHH ripe melon aromas and A well-made wine. OTHER flavours. $24.99 Great balance of citrus WHITES fruit, tropical notes, acid Plantagenet Omrah and subtle phenolics. 3 TASTED Crossing Great $12.99 Southern Sauvignon 3 AWARDED Blanc 2017 HHH Sandalford Estate A \"prickly\" nose; hints Reserve Margaret Good examples of of white pepper with River Sauvignon commercial styles. subtle fruit flavours and Blanc Semillon Flowstone Margaret a good phenolic line. 2018 HHH Story Bay Margaret Flowstone River Sauvignon $16.99 Nose is very fresh and River Semillon Margaret River Blanc 2016 HHHH very tropical with hints Sauvignon Blanc Gewurztraminer Nice developed toasty/ SAUVIGNON of green peas and 2018 HHH1/2 2016 HHH1/2 confectionery nose with BLANC lovely pungent flavour Bright green pea aromas A classic nose with some awesome powerful SEMILLON intensity. $25 with an oaky background great tropical aromas varietal fruit flavours with and a lifted aromatic and a burst of melon. slight autolysis on the 10 TASTED Choosy Beggars palate that finishes on Warm and tropical in finish. $32 6 AWARDED Margaret River the sweet side. $7 the mouth. Good food Saracen Estates Sauvignon Blanc Fuddling Cup wine. $32 Margaret River These wines tended to Semillon 2017 HHH Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc be greener in character Bruised apple- Semillon Sauvignon Oakover White 2017 HHH1/2 with semillon perhaps like aromas. Good Blanc 2017 HHH1/2 Label Classic White Crunchy green bouquet picked earlier. \"The straightforward flavour Toasty/lime cordial Western Australia with a citrussy lift better wines were more profile with high level of bouquet with kero-like White Blend and lovely purity and aromatic, citrussy and acid. $15 aged notes. Good 2018 HHH intensity of varietal fruit juicy,\" noted one judge. ageing flavour profile A clean fresh citrus/pear on the palate. Great Swings & with phenolics adding bouquet with an elegant, acidity. $22 The Alchemist's Roundabouts structure. $22 nicely textured, palate. Talisman Barrique Margaret River Margaret River Fermoy Estate Good flavour length. Ferguson Valley Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Margaret River $12.99 Fumé Blanc Semillon Semillon 2017 HHH Semillon Sauvignon 2016 HHH1/2 2018 HHHH A good example of Blanc 2018 HHH Paul Conti Wines Flinty peppery nose Tropical bouquet with the blend with warm Funky flinty tropical nose Tuart Block Western with a citrussy a line of zesty citrus ripe tropical nose and and fresh vibrant palate Australia Chenin undertone. Nicely underneath. Lovely good varietal flavour underscored with nice Blanc 2018 HHH lifted sweet fruit palate flavour intensity and high intensity. $24 mineral line. $25 Very pleasant wine with showing freshness and level of acidity giving Fuddling Cup a balance of pear, talc complexity. $30 excellent freshness. SEMILLON Margaret River and floral characters. Brash Vineyard $20 SAUVIGNON Semillon Sauvignon Great acidity. Will age Single Vineyard BLANC Blanc 2018 HHH well. 5+ $18 Margaret River Driftwood Attractive lifted Sauvignon Blanc Artifacts Margaret 6 TASTED herbaceous nose and CHARDONNAY 2018 HHH River Sauvignon 5 AWARDED rich full flavoured palate; 2018 - 2017 Smells of snow peas Blanc Semillon warm finish. $25 with hints of canned 2018 HHH1/2 Consistent and rounded Forester Estate 23 TASTED beans with a light green Intriguing toasty oak/ wines but without the Margaret River acid palate. $22.95 perfumed bouquet. fruit purity, line and Semillon Sauvignon 16 AWARDED Lovely oaky texture length of the sauvignon Blanc 2018 HHH to the palate well blanc semillon blends. Vibrant mix of tropical Quite an eclectic matched by the fruit. and cut grass aromas group ranging from Very nice! $28 with fresh varietal fruit intense flavour and flavours. $26.99 complexity with varying degrees of oak use to the uncomplicated commercial styles. May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 51

BEST OF THE WEST Evoi Reserve Saracen Estates Sandalford Estate Thompson Estate Margaret River Margaret River Reserve Margaret Margaret River Chardonnay Chardonnay River Chardonnay Chardonnay 2017 HHHHH 2017 HHHH 2018 HHH 2017 HHH The nose is flinty, funky A seriously classy wine Slight flinty nose Nose has hints of and slatey with layers with oak dominating opens up to layers peaches, toasty oak and of grapefruit, melons the spicy rock melon of stonefruits and citrus with floral/grassy and toasted pine nose and lovely buttery almonds with a classic palate high in acidity. nuts. Excellent flavour characters on the palate chardonnay palate. contrasts on the creamy full of fruity flavours. $35 3-5 $50 palate. Has real power 3-5 $35 and savoury complexity. CHARDONNAY Swings & Plantagenet 2016 & OLDER 5+ $69 Roundabouts Lions Circle Backyard Stories Great Southern 16 TASTED Singlefile Family Margaret River Chardonnay 11 AWARDED Reserve Denmark Chardonnay 2017 HHH Chardonnay 2017 HHHH Restrained nutty fruit \"Again, we see here 2018 HHHH1/2 Creamy peachy bouquet aromas but has powerful a great variation of Attractive toasty with subtle toastiness stonefruit flavours with styles from light and complexity to the and flinty notes. Rich some lively acidity. commercial to rich nutty melon bouquet. flavour profile layered and complex,\" said Beautifully balanced with nougat-like malo 5+ $16 one judge. \"All are palate with lovely melon characters. A classic. $45 holding up well across and grapefruit flavour Brygon Bin 868 the various vintages.\" intensity. Great acid Margaret River \"Western Australian Deep Woods Single drive. $55 Forester Estate Chardonnay chardonnays have the Vineyard Margaret Evoi Margaret River weight and balance to River Chardonnay Chardonnay Margaret River 2017 HHH age well,\" said another. 2017 HHHH1/2 Chardonnay Aromatic tropical/peach 2017 HHHHH Funky floral fragrances 2018 HHH1/2 nose and funky flavours Evoi Reserve Pleasant uncomplicated with slight leesy spicy Margaret River wine with layers of fruit, characters and a lovely Crisp nettley aromas of citrus, rock melons Chardonnay powerful and rich fruit with some vanilla and almonds. 3-5 2016 HHHHH oak and flinty fragrances. driven palate. Very sweetness. Warm $24.99 A powerful wine with The long, balanced and textural. \"Give it more classy toasty oak on very creamy palate has time.\" $28 and creamy in the the nose layered with Brash Vineyard mouth with peachy/ Howard Park melon and stonefruit a generous explosion Single Vineyard oak flavours. 3-5 Margaret River characters. Rich palate - of lime fruit and melon Margaret River great stonefruit flavours flavours. 3-5 $50 Chardonnay $39.99 Chardonnay with a juicy line of acid 2017 HHHH 2017 HHH and a touch of spice. A fragrant complexity of Zarephath Wines Luscious exotic tropical Brookland Valley white peaches, sweet Single Vineyard bouquet and a fresh 5+ $69 Estate Margaret oak and toasted brioche Great Southern appealing palate with River Chardonnay with long lingering oak Porongurup nice fruit drive and 2017 HHHHH driven palate and vibrant Chardonnay intensity. 3-5 $30 A richer riper style with acidity. $34.95 2017 HHH1/2 layers of nutty oak, Savoury toasty bouquet Byron & Harold citrus blossom and lime and very flavoursome Partners Great zest aromas. Some nutty/nectarine flavours. Southern sweetness on the fruit Beautiful creamy Chardonnay driven palate with bbq mouthfeel and subtle 2017 HHH meat-like characters oak. 3-5 $30 Pleasant nutty nose adding complexity. with plenty of ripe fruit flavours. Developing 5+ $48.99 a hint of butterscotch. 3-5 $50 JUDGES - DAY 1 Andrew Bretherton Tony Devitt Winemaker for Deep Director of Ashbrook Matt Godfrey Woods Estate, part of Estate Wines. Judge at Winemaker for Devils the Fogarty Wine Group. the Perth Royal Wine Lair Wines. Previously Graduate of Oenology Show for the past 30 with Wolf Blass Wines, in 2008. Has vintaged in years and recently Barossa Valley, (for ten Mosel (Germany), Burgundy panel chairman. Also vintages) and involved (France) and Chianti Classico panel chairman at WA across a number of (Italy) as well as Adelaide Wine Show, and other Treasury brands during Hills, Yarra Valley and now regional shows. Has this time. Trips to Margaret River. judged in South Africa. Oporto, Mendoza, Italy and Spain first sparked his interest in wine. 52 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Fermoy Estate ROSÉ PINOT NOIR OTHER REDS Reserve Margaret River Chardonnay 9 TASTED 7 TASTED 8 TASTED 2016 HHH1/2 6 AWARDED 5 AWARDED 6 AWARDED High impact wine with masses of intense varietal The judges found these A strong bracket A solid group of fruit characters, toasty line to be a group of good showing complexity, interesting varietals of oak and strong acidity. commercial wines. \"The balance and good that were true to trick to a good rosé is varietal characters. style. \"These varietals 3-5 $60 to balance the acid with Some potential for are showing great the sugar - which these cellaring here. potential for the future,\" Flowstone Margaret wines did,\" said one commented one of the River Chardonnay judge. Zarephath Wines judges. 2015 HHH1/2 Single Vineyard The nose is both Myattsfield Perth Great Southern Swings & savoury and spicy with Hills Rosé Porongurup Pinot Roundabouts Novus a fruity lift and sweet 2018 HHH1/2 Noir 2017 HHHHH Margaret River oak adds complexity to Complex confectionery A lovely example of Malbec 2018 HHHH the savoury fruit palate. nose with musky the variety with an A classic and characters. Lovely dry intriguing but restrained uncomplicated example 3-5 $36 crisp palate with good blue fruit bouquet and of the variety with its fruit sweetness to a complexity of savoury vibrant juicy blue fruit Heydon Estate The Redgate Wines balance. $20 flavours layered with aromas and lovely Willow Margaret Single Vineyard vibrant acidity and youthful juicy palate. $24 River Wilyabrup Margaret River Plantagenet succulent tannins. $35 Chardonnay Chardonnay Lions Circle Great Paul Conti Wines 2015 HHHHH 2016 HHH Southern Rosé Below&Above Western Australia An attractive complexity Subtle zesty citrus peel 2018 HHH Single Vineyard Nero D'Avola of nougat, almond and aromas and a palate Sherbet-like characters Pemberton Pinot 2018 HHH1/2 citrus aromas with lovely that is very youthful to the cherry bouquet Noir 2014 HHHH1/2 Savoury and spicy on length and generosity with lots of life in it with a soft gently sweet Ageing beautifully and the nose with a youthful of nutty creamy flavours yet. 3-5 $25 palate. $16 drinking well now. sweet fruit palate and layered with some Smells of the forest vibrant racy line of acid. classic chardonnay fruit. Rosabrook Margaret Talisman Arida floor with cherry-like Just needs more time. River Chardonnay Geographe Cabernet flavours layered with $20 3-5 $60 2016 HHH Rosé 2018 HHH earthy elements which Gooseberry-like An attractive floral nose is echoed on the supple Redgate Wines Below&Above bouquet with some and generous sweet palate. $35 Single Vineyard Single Vineyard sherbet characters. fruit palate with a slightly Margaret River Pemberton Palate is rich, savoury drying finish. $25 Plantagenet Cabernet Franc Chardonnay and weighty. $25 Three Lions Great 2017 HHH1/2 2015 HHHH Forester Estate Southern Pinot Noir Leafy capsicum and Nutty fruit driven The Alchemist's Margaret River Rosé 2018 HHH1/2 dried herb characters on nose and a beautiful, Elixir Margaret River 2018 HHH Subdued nose opens up the nose with flavours in fine, almond meal-like Chardonnay Nice lift of raspberry and to a lush juicy aromatic the sweet varietal fruit textured palate that 2014 HHH cherry aromas with a palate showing excellent spectrum. $40 has great fruit and oak Toasty nose with a palate that is rich with fruit freshness and firm flavour integration. light citrus lift. Palate flavour. $26.99 drying tannins. $25 Talisman Geographe still quite a tight with Merlot 2016 HHH1/2 3-5 $35 classic chardonnay Swings & Wignalls Single Perfumed mulberry flavours. $35 Roundabouts Vineyard Albany bouquet with a rustic Backyard Stories Pinot Noir note. Palate is rich Talisman Gabrielle Chalkboard Margaret River Rosé 2017 HHH1/2 with savoury interest Geographe Margaret River 2018 HHH Mulberries lift off the and has a grippy tannin Chardonnay Chardonnay Pretty rose-like nose while strawberries backbone. $40 2015 HHHH 2013 HHH aromatics with an fill the mouth with Smells toasty and buttery An exotic mix of attractive sweet/sour flavour. Has some Talisman Aged with hints of popcorn. gooseberry and mango flavour profile. $34 greenness with complex Release Geographe Very good citrus/toasted aromas. Excellent bottle tannin profile. $35 Zinfandel almond flavour intensity age characters on the Choosy Beggars 2010 HHH1/2 with excellent acidity. palate. 3-5 $14 Margaret River Rosé Singlefile Single Rich prune/plum-like 2017 HHH Vineyard Pemberton aromas with some 5+ $40 Well-made crisp and Pinot Noir earthiness and a very complex rosé showing 2018 HHH savoury palate with Evoi Reserve good balance between Smoky bacon oak on the nice fruit behind. Drying Margaret River fruit, sweetness and spicy strawberry nose. finish. $60 Chardonnay phenolics. $15 Nice fruit sweetness on 2015 HHHH the palate. $35 A classic chardonnay; beautifully textured with subtle flinty citrus and stonefruit characters, great oak and balancing phenolics. 5+ $55 May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 53

BEST OF THE WEST Iron Cloud Deep Woods Choosy Beggars Thompson Estate Sandalford 1840 Rock of Solitude Single Vineyard Margaret River Margaret River Range Swan Valley Single Vineyard Margaret River Cabernet Merlot Cabernet Merlot Cabernet Merlot Purple Patch Cabernet Malbec 2016 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH 2016 HHH Ferguson Valley 2016 HHHHH Developed complexity Confectionery Ribena An elegant style with G.S.M. 2016 HHH A deep crimson wine of licorice aromas bouquet with a floral caramel/toffee apple Spicy blue fruit nose that one judge described with cedary elements. perfumed lift. Lovely nose and sweet with a jammy element as being \"regal and Vibrant varietal fruit fleshy ripe black plum complexity to the and a lolly sweet palate complex\". Shy nose palate; loads of fruit and cassis flavours with palate. $33 with leathery aged but opens up to sweet sweetness with high savoury complexity. $35 notes. $32 vanilla and blackberries acidity to balance and Evoi The Satyr Woody Nook Single with intense black fruit drying tannins. $15 Margaret River Vineyard Margaret CABERNET flavours. $50 Miles from Nowhere Cabernet Petit River Cabernet BLENDS Margaret River Verdot Malbec Merlot 2015 HHH Cabernet Merlot 2015 HHHH Lovely balanced wine 20 TASTED 2017 HHHH Intriguing smoky with lifted perfumed fruit, 12 AWARDED Smells of blackcurrants roasted meat bouquet vibrant acidity and tannins with a violet lift with more with confectionery nicely in check. $35 A diverse group of of the blackcurrant fruit fruit behind and vibrant cabernet blends. following through onto fruit flavour, some Flowstone Margaret Generally, a high the crunchy palate. Good sweetness with supple River Cabernet standard here with line of acid. $18 tannins. $69 Sauvignon Touriga good backbone of Swings & Evoi The Satyr 2014 HHH fruit expression and Roundabouts Margaret River Floral brambly bouquet suppleness. Margaret River Cabernet Petit and lovely juicy palate Cabernet Merlot Verdot Malbec with red berry/chocolaty 2016 HHHH 2014 HHHH flavours. $36 Intense aromatic lift to Bright lifted floral/ the spicy plum nose cassis aromas and CABERNET with generous dark solid, well structured, SAUVIGNON plum flavours, nice palate with sweet 2017 backbone of tannins and fruit concentration a lingering finish. $24 and wrapped in drying 13 TASTED tannins $55 7 AWARDED Sandalford Margaret River Range As the judges said - the Margaret River good, the bad and the Cabernet Merlot ugly were all here! 2017 HHH1/2 \"Some showed ripe Dark cassis fruit tannins while others fragrances with hints were too green,\" said of plums and succulent one judge. \"This cooler blackcurrant flavours vintage offers good with grainy tannins. cellaring potential,\" said $21.95 another. Saracen Estates Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2016 HHH A savoury/earthy old school style showing a rustic profile, fresh acidity and nice tannins. $26 JUDGES - DAY 2 Jason Conti Matt Godfrey Winemaker for family Winemaker for Devils Lair Kim Tyrer business, Paul Conti Wines. Previously with Wolf CEO and Owner, Wines. Has judged Blass Wines, Barossa Valley, Galafrey Wines. Has regularly at the Perth (for ten vintages) and involved been full time in the Wine Show and across a number of Treasury management and regional shows at brands during this time. Trips marketing role since Mt Barker and Swan to Oporto, Mendoza, Italy and 2003, after the passing Valley. Also involved Spain first sparked his interest of industry legend, Ian in vintages in Tuscany in wine. Tyrer. and the Rhone Valley. 54 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

- EST 1929 - Saviour the moment... Oakover Wines is a WA owned family operated winery located in the heart of the Swan Valley. The historic estate was one of the Today, Oakover Wines reflects a original properties established in the synergy between past and present. Swan Valley in the 1830’s and has Mark Yukich and sons Graeme and been continuously used for grape Kim have continued the proud family growing since it was first cleared by tradition of growing quality grapes convict labour. Some of the Swan and producing premium wines Valley’s first grapevines were planted reflecting the ‘terroir’ of the region. on Oakover land by Samuel Moore in the early 1850’s. True varietal character, depth of flavour and approachability, guide the Inspired by Samuel Moore, and with philosophy of the winemaking team. three generations of Swan Valley heritage behind them, the Yukich family In turn, the future for Oakover Wines acquired the estate off Houghtons in lies in its ability to continue to produce 1990 and Oakover Wines was born. quality wines that offer customers The family has been involved in grape exceptional quality value for money. growing in the Swan Valley since Nicholas Yukich purchased his first vineyard in 1929. 14 Yukich Close, Middle Swan Tel 08 9374 8000 Email [email protected] www.oakoverwines.com.au

BEST OF THE WEST Cape Margaret My Other Self Redgate Wines Saracen Estates Margaret River Reserve Great Single Vineyard Reserve Margaret Cabernet Sauvignon Southern Cabernet Ullinger Reserve River Cabernet 2017 HHHHH Sauvignon Margaret River Sauvignon Nose is a complexity of 2017 HHHH Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 HHHHH cassis and herbs with A solid rich style with 2016 HHHHH A complex cabernet with some rustic characters. masses of lovely A lovely cabernet excellent concentration Beautifully velvety red fruit showing a style with its intense of some lovely sweet smooth in the mouth perfumed lift, cedary blackcurrant varietal cassis fruit, hints of with inky fruit flavour oak, succulent acidity fruit characters showing licorice, spicy/perfumed profile and a high level and ripe tannins. $25 nice herbal nuances, nuances, fine tannins of acid. $NA the excellent oak and and cedary oak. $70 Lange Estate the firm mouthcoating Saracen Estates Swings & Providence Road tannins. $65 Reserve Margaret Roundabouts Frankland River River Cabernet Backyard Stories Cabernet Sauvignon Rosabrook Margaret Rosabrook Single Sauvignon Margaret River 2017 HHHH River Cabernet Vineyard Estate 2016 HHHH1/2 Cabernet Sauvignon Lovely nose - smells Sauvignon Margaret River A powerful oak driven 2017 HHHHH of fruit cake with a 2016 HHHHH Cabernet Sauvignon nose with a core of Very pure blackcurrant hint of cedary oak. Slightly closed nose; 2015 HHHHH cassis fruit sitting aromas layered with Generous savoury palate opens up to rustic cassis Deep crimson wine, underneath and intense sweet and spicy oak has upfront fruit and fruit layered with cedary bordering on black, with mouthcoating black fruit elements. Generous some attractive spicy oak. Silk smooth savoury lifted blackcurrant fruit flavours supported by fruit sweetness on the elements. $32 style of palate with pastille bouquet and a the grainy tannins. $56 palate with richness of lovely black fruit flavours big hit of oak and loads Fermoy Estate spices and good use of Lange Estate TSR and \"voluminous\" of juicy fruit flavours Reserve Margaret some classy oak. $65 Frankland River tannins. $25 laced with grainy River Cabernet Alkoomi Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon tannins. $45 Sauvignon Frankland River 2017 HHH1/2 2016 HHHH1/2 Cabernet Sauvignon Rustic lift of red Brash Vineyard Flowstone Queen of A very intense fruit 2017 HHHH licorice aromas with Single Vineyard the Earth Margaret driven cabernet with a Subtle savoury aromas sweetness of fruit on Margaret River River Cabernet subtle bouquet of herbal with lifted forest fruit the palate integrated Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon aromas and the lovely notes. Soft and juicy with caramel oak and 2016 HHHHH 2014 HHHHH acidity giving the palate plum flavours with acid supple tannins. $21 Very attractive wine Minty blackcurrant freshness with a fine nicely melding with the with predominantly interest on the oak line of tannins. $95 tannins. $24 Sandalford Estate oak aromas showing dominated nose and a Reserve Margaret a minty lift. Beautifully savoury profile to the Fuddling Cup River Cabernet structured and palate with good fruit Margaret River Sauvignon flavoursome palate with sweetness textured Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 HHH savoury/meaty notes tannins and a long 2016 HHHH Lovely purity of varietal and classy oak. $39.95 lingering finish. $74 Sweet dark fruit fruit here with an earthy expression to the nose rustic nuance and fine with nice depth of lingering tannins. $45 fruit cake-like flavours showing some age CABERNET developing with good SAUVIGNON tannins. $30 2016 & OLDER 25 TASTED 18 AWARDED Excellent class! \"The cooler 2016 vintage is coming into its own offering complex dark fruit and attractive herbal elements,\" noted one judge. \"These wines leave you with a sense of joy!\" 56 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Fermoy Estate Thompson Estate Margaret River The Specialist Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River 2016 HHHH Cabernet Sauvignon A dark brooding style 2015 HHH of cabernet with hints Savoury meaty of olive tapenade-like elements to the intense aromas and fine dark blackcurrant bouquet. fruit palate. Still very Soft, sweet and round in young. Needs time. $45 the mouth. $90 Sandalford Estate Heydon Estate WG Reserve Margaret Grace Margaret River Cabernet River Wilyabrup Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 HHHH 2013 HHH Nose shows hints of Old school style of blackcurrants with an cabernet with a savoury intense eucalypt lift and profile backed by lovely lovely minty freshness ripe tannins. $75 to the uncomplicated red fruit palate. $45 SHIRAZ AND BLENDS Howard Park Plantagenet 2018 - 2017 After Hours Swings & Margaret River Lions Circle Great Margaret River Roundabouts Cabernet Sauvignon Southern Cabernet 18 TASTED Shiraz 2017 HHHHH Margaret River 2016 HHHH Sauvignon 13 AWARDED A lovely soft lifted black Shiraz Tempranillo Cassis aromas with a 2016 HHH and red fruit nose that Malbec licorice backing and a Sarsaparilla-like sweet The 2017 vintage has a \"rich polished\" feel 2017 HHHH1/2 vibrancy of blackberry fruit aromas and earthy started off early with to it. Great concentration Spicy plum aromas and mulberry-like blackberry flavours. cool weather and of rich fruit flavours with with raspberry liqueur- flavours and good weight Some nice aged notes never really heated up excellent mouthcoating like nuances. Super of fine tannins. $30 showing. $16 resulting in a mixed tannins to balance. $30 interesting red fruit group of wines. \"There palate that has a savoury Saracen Estates Thompson Estate were those wines, edge, some greenness Margaret River Margaret River however, that were and loads of supple Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon able to hold on for tannins. $24 2016 HHHH 2016 HHH some warmth resulting A fresh lift of spicy oak Lovely perfumed/jelly in a better outcome,\" Byron & Harold aromas and a long well- crystal-like aromas with commented one judge. Wandering Lane balanced savoury palate a somewhat grippy Great Southern laced with attractive herbal/cassis palate. $50 Shiraz sweet plum flavours. Woody Nook 2017 HHHH1/2 \"Delicious!\" $35 Gallaghers Choice Attractive minty nose Margaret River with perfumed plum Cabernet Sauvignon notes, some pepper and 2015 HHH spice. Palate showing Good varietal fruit boiled lolly-like fruit expression to the nose characters layered with and a bright juicy fruit succulent tannins. $28 palate with succulent tannins. $65 Connect on social with Winestate Follow us and keep up to date www.facebook.com/Winestate-Magazine with all our latest wine info, twitter.com/winestateed www.instagram.com/winestate/ tastings, competitions and events on facebook, twitter and instagram. www.winestate.com.au May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 57

BEST OF THE WEST Redgate Wines Singlefile Run Free Oakover Nicholas Saracen Estates The Alchemist's Single Vineyard Western Australia Western Australia Margaret River Twin Cellars Margaret River Shiraz Cabernet Shiraz 2017 HHH Shiraz 2016 HHHH Margaret River Shiraz 2017 HHH1/2 A big bold and jammy A load of creamy cedary Shiraz 2013 HHH 2017 HHHH1/2 Very youthful blend Amarone-like style of oak on the nose with Still showing plenty of Dark fruit fragrances with an attractive spicy/ shiraz with loads of sweet raspberries freshness for a six-year- layered with spicy/ peppery bouquet and oak. $35 underneath. Lovely old with good bottle age floral elements. One pleasant fresh sweet red soft rounded feel to the characters developing. dimensional, high acid, fruit flavours. $25 SHIRAZ flavoursome palate. $35 $20 palate with an intense Oakover White Label 2016 & OLDER Fermoy Estate concentration and Western Australia Reserve Margaret SWEET & depth of varietal fruit Shiraz 2017 HHH 13 TASTED River Shiraz FORTIFIED flavours. $35 Confectionery fruit 8 AWARDED 2016 HHH1/2 Zarephath Wines fragrances with more Bright confectionery 2 TASTED Single Vineyard of those sweet fruit A very mixed result fruit bouquet with a 2 AWARDED Great Southern characters echoed on here. \"Lots of green fruit dash of pepper and Porongurup Syrah the palate. $12.99 wines from the 2016 hint of mint and a solid The two wines here 2017 HHHH Mile from Nowhere vintage with the older straightforward red showed good wine Old fashioned claret-like Margaret River wines extracting diverse fruited palate. $65 making bordering on the style of shiraz with a Shiraz 2017 HHH opinions from the Byron & Harold very sweet. lifted floral/peppery Bright sweet primary judges,\" commented Partners Great bouquet and sweet fruit fruit nose and a dry one judge. Southern Shiraz Myattsfield Perth flavours with a dash of palate with lots of 2016 HHH1/2 Hills Swan Valley pepper. $30 acidity and good tannin Sandalford Estate Plenty of luscious lifted Pedro Ximenez Byron & Harold integration. $18 Reserve Margaret varietal fruit with an NV HHH1/2 Wheelabout Great Brygon Bin 882 River Shiraz equal amount of classy Nutty creamy nose with Southern Shiraz Margaret River 2016 HHHHH oak to match and aromas of orange peel. 2017 HHHH Shiraz 2017 HHH A very solid wine with supported by good acid Palate has viscosity Subtle raspberry liqueur- Typical cool climate a nose that shows a spine. $75 with a sweetness and like characters to the peppery aromas with lifted complexity of dark Sandalford 1840 complexity of flavours. nose with a dark fruit a light fruit palate and plums, cherry liqueur Range Swan Valley $40 flavour profile on a drying tannins. $24.99 and spices. Excellent Shiraz 2016 HHH sweet smooth palate. The Bruce Margaret depth and intensity of Lifted floral/perfumed Alkoomi Black Good acid line. $40 River Shiraz shiraz fruit flavours with fruit fragrances and nice Label Cordon Cut Sandalford Margaret 2017 HHH some lovely tannins. $35 fruit sweetness on the Frankland River River Range Plenty of attractive spicy chewy palate. $33 Cane Cut Semillon Margaret River cabernet fruit on the Brash Vineyard Plantagenet Omrah 2017 (375ml) HHH Shiraz 2017 HHH1/2 lifted nose and the rich Single Vineyard Crossing Great Zesty lemon and Lifted cedary oak smooth palate. $24.99 Margaret River Southern Shiraz passionfruit bouquet aromas with hints of Shiraz 2016 HHHH 2015 HHH with a sweet and Asian spices. Palate A big oaky style with A rich, beautifully ageing complex palate and has fruit weight, a lovely perfumed shiraz that has some drying finish. $20 mouthcoating tannins profile to the nose and light floral and spicy and nice acid. $21.95 succulent fruit flavours elements and warm with well-integrated finish. $16.99 drying tannins. $34.95 Visit our website and keep up to date with all our latest wine info, news, competitions, tastings and events. Become a subscriber to enter into our exciting regular competitions. www.winestate.com.au 58 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

“Consistently good & remarkable value.” Huon Hooke JAMES HALLIDAY AUSTRALIAN WINE COMPANION CHARDONNAY • PINOT GRIS • RIESLING • SAUVIGNON BLANC • ROSÉ • C ABERNET MERLOT • SHIRAZ • PINOT NOIR • HANDPICKED CHARDONNAY • HANDPICKED SHIRAZ • HANDPICKED PINOT NOIR www.cookslot.com.au The wine experts agree, these award-winning wines are modestly priced and exceptional value, from a boutique, family-owned winery. Winemaker Duncan Cook exemplifies the cool climate of Orange with fruit sourced from individual vineyard lots, handcrafting the wines with minimal intervention to exemplify the vineyards’ terrior.

travelbriefs WINSOR DOBBIN NEW SOUTH WALES HISTORY BECKONS the hotel will make upgrades to the vegetable Mid-week prices are from $239 per night. garden, minimise food waste with on- Weekends can be more expensive. Visit ONE of the Hunter Valley’s most historic property animals, install a solar farm, serve www.mercurehuntervalley.com.au. accommodation properties, Kirkton Park, filtered water to conferencing guests, has undergone a refresh and re-branding, consciously reduce plastic usage and install FESTIVAL FADES AWAY emerging as voco Kirkton Park Hunter sustainable in-room amenities and shower Valley, making it the fourth signing in concepts. Guests will also be able to collect AUSTRALIA’S most famous chamber music Australia since IHG launched the upscale their own eggs, help the staff feed the on-site event will close in November 2019 after voco brand globally last June. farm animals and learn about the vegetables 30 years, with tickets to the 30th and final from the chef. The IHG group has 48 hotels Huntington Estate Music Festival now on sale. With 70 voguishly appointed rooms, operating under four brands in Australasia, the property was one of the first hotels including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Family-owned-and-operated Huntington established in the region. IHG took over Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, Estate winery will celebrate 50 years of management of the hotel in 2017 under with another 27 in the pipeline, including operation in 2019. the banner of Kirkton Park Hunter Valley. voco, EVEN Hotels and Hotel Indigo. www. As part of the re-brand, voco Kirkton Park kirktonparkhuntervalley.com.au. Owners Tim and Nicky Stevens said they Hunter Valley has been given a makeover had reluctantly decided to end the festival by interior designer Greg Natale. Located LOCATION LOCATION in its prime in order to focus on the core just off the main Pokolbin strip and just business of growing grapes and making minutes away from the region's most popular SO you want to visit several cellar doors in wine. “It’s been a privilege to partner with wineries, the Australian colonial heritage the Hunter Valley without having to drive? Carl Vine and Musica Viva Australia to host property is surrounded by 30ha of rural the Huntington Estate Music Festival in surroundings, including farmland, vegetable There are a few hotels and motels close Mudgee,” says Nicky Stevens, festival CEO garden and picturesque walking trails. Guest to one or more wineries but it is hard to and winery general manager. experiences include tennis courts, billiards beat the Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens room, indoor heated pool, sauna and spa, Resort when it comes to location. It's an Bob and Wendy Roberts established and gymnasium. They will also be able to old favourite within a very short stroll of the Huntington Estate in 1969 and, with Richard enjoy access to the welcome lounge, open- McGuigan and Brokenwood cellar door Tognetti and the Australian Chamber fire library, 24-hour reception and room- complexes, with the newly refurbished Orchestra, established the festival in 1989, service and on-site restaurants and bars. Wine House just across the road, as is the the first of its kind in Australia. Roche complex (formerly Tempus Two), with General manager Penny Crossley said: draw cards including Hunter Valley Smelly Since 2006, the Stevens family has “The Hunter Valley is famous for local Cheese Shop, Oishii, Meerea Park’s cellar presented the festival, with Carl Vine AO as wineries and produce growers. voco is door and Goldfish cocktail bar. Head in the artistic director and Musica Viva providing the perfect fit for us to deliver genuine, opposite direction to Hunter Valley Gardens the artistic content. Fine music, wine, local passionate service every day. “Our approach and Harriga’s Irish Pub. produce and a beautiful countryside location is personalised, friendly and charming, and have proved a winning combination for we want to ensure every stay is memorable. Each of the 72 rooms opens on to a audiences, musicians and critics alike. As a hotel, we are connected with the local private balcony or courtyard and suites community, so can offer a truly localised each feature a separate lounge, fireplace Discussing the reasons for the change experience as our beautiful country estate and spa bath. Rooms have comfortable Tim Stevens said: “An event of this stature serves as the perfect spot to unwind. We are beds, mini bar and fast free wifi. All rooms and duration requires weeks of intensive very proud to bring this amazing property are air conditioned and have tea and preparation. Our barrel hall is transformed to life as voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, coffee making facilities. On-site elements into a concert hall, the packing shed into an and to further build on our personal passion restaurant offers French-accented cuisine. art gallery and the grounds into a restaurant for sustainable stays. We look forward to and bar. Presenting 10 concerts across continuing to offer the charming, memorable Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens is a eight days is exhilarating but exhausting for and distinctive hallmarks we are famous for, premium 4.5 star property with a pool, sauna, all concerned. Running a small business is with a dash of the voco flair.” spa with massage facilities, tennis courts and already more than a full-time job, and we have function space for conferences and weddings. taken the decision that the grapes, the wine, The newest of voco hotels will have a our young children and staff must come first.” sustainable and paddock-to-plate mindset. It is 45 minutes by car from Newcastle Mirroring IHG's global focus on sustainability, and two hours from Sydney if the traffic Beyond 2019, Huntington Estate will gods are kind. continue its long association with chamber music as an active wine sponsor of Musica Viva, Opera Australia Foundation and the 60 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

travelbriefs Omega Ensemble, and by supporting music Rewards members globally, who now have present our wines. We have been working development in the community of Mudgee. an option when they travel throughout one with The Agrestic Grocer for a number of Huntington Estate Music Festival will run on of the regional highlights.” years and this is a logical next step for both November 16-17 and November 20-24. Visit of us. There is no other business in the area www.huntingtonestate.com.au/music-festival The four-star property’s facilities include an that aligns so well with our philosophy of or phone (02) 6373 3825. outdoor pool, gym, meeting and conference producing local products that are sustainable, rooms and the onsite One Seventy Four organic and reflect the quality of the region. DOORS SWING OPEN Bar and Restaurant, offering Australian cuisine that it boasts features some of the “The Agrestic Grocer is a proud locavore ONE of the most recent cellar door arrivals region's finest local produce and wines. that presents these products within their straw in the Hunter Valley is Comyns and Co, Best Western Plus Ambassador Orange bale brick building. Their restaurant and live the tasting facility of winemaker Scott Manager Ben Cullis is positive about the music is the whole experience.” Comyns and wife Missy, who is the cellar move. “We're excited to come on board with door manager. the Best Western Plus brand and to take The Pig in the House wines will be available advantage of all the benefits it offers,” said for a structured tasting at The Agrestic Grocer Comyns has been chief winemaker at Cullis. “We're looking forward to introducing seven days a week from 10am-3pm. For $10 Tempus Two, Pepper Tree and Briar Ridge, our newly refurbished rooms to all guests guests will be presented with a hosted tasting and more recently has been assisting and Best Western Rewards members, and of the five Pig in the House wines. Andrew Thomas at Thomas Wines. Located to showcase the region to visitors who in the Peppers Creek Village complex - haven't been to the Central West yet.” As Danielle and Lucas Martin, along with along with Cafe Enzo, Pukara Estate Olives well as being a popular destination for partners Katie and Beau Baddock, are the and David Hook Wines - the new tasting wine lovers, local activities include horse team behind The Agrestic Grocer. “We are facility is in the heart of wine country and riding, ballooning, the Mount Canobolas looking forward to adding these wines to our has a wonderful view. “The space had been State Conservation Area and three 18-hole organic tasting experience,” said Danielle. unused for a couple of years and we couldn’t golf courses in Duntryleague Country Club, “Our beer and cheese tasting plates are believe how nice it was when we saw it,” Wentworth Gold Club and the Orange Ex- particularly popular with visitors and this Comyns said. “It’s light and airy, and has Services Country Club. Travellers can also will add another level to this experience.” a warm feel.” One of the hallmarks of the join in the celebrations at the FOOD Week The Agrestic Grocer/Pig In The House, 426 Comyns and Co wines has been the striking (Food of Orange District) in autumn and the Mitchell Highway, Orange. bottle labels designed by Scott’s brother, Orange Wine Festival in spring. Visit www. Angus. Visit www.comynsandco.com.au. ambassador-orange.com.au. JOIN THE GLAMPING REVOLUTION STRENGTHENING ITS JOINT VENTUE PAYS OFF REGIONAL OFFERING NASHDALE Lane vineyard outside Orange PIG in the House Wines has teamed up with is a place to disconnect, to relax and BEST Western Hotels and Resorts has Orange locavore The Agrestic Grocer to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. strengthened its offering in regional Australia launch a new cellar door experience. with Best Western Plus Ambassador Guests can enjoy simple pleasures - Orange joining the network. Jason and Rebecca O’Dea established Pig sleeping in the vineyard, enjoying local in the House Wines in Cowra 17 years ago produce and fine wine by the wood fire “We're delighted to welcome Best Western and the brand immediately began conversion and the Central West New South Wales Plus Ambassador Orange to the Best to organic practices in 2001 after the couple night sky. Glamping at family-owned Western network,” Graham Perry, managing moved into an old house that sits among the Nashdale Lane, 10km outside Orange, director of Best Western Hotels and Resorts vines and once housed a number of free- offers an outdoor experience without Australasia, said. “This addition provides range pigs. “We are thrilled to be working giving up any of the comforts expected of our corporate and leisure guests with yet with the team at The Agrestic Grocer to offer high-end accommodation. The Nashdale another high calibre destination in which to an organic wine experience to visitors to the Lane Glamping experience is nestled in stay, complementing the brand's presence region,” said Jason O’Dea, whose family also an established vineyard (planted in 2000) in nearby Dubbo and Bathurst. With a range owns Windowrie Wines. at almost 900m above sea level. Each of room types and quality facilities, Best glamping cabin (for just two people) Western Plus Ambassador Orange is the “We have been making these wines for enjoys privacy, mountain air and views perfect place to stay for business travellers, many years and have lacked a home for the to Mount Canobolas. With hardwood families and our 37 million Best Western brand where we can meet our customers and flooring throughout, private luxurious toilet and bathroom facilities, kitchen, custom-made four-poster queen-sized bed and sunken outdoor lounge, each cabin also includes an al fresco deck and barbecue area. Visit www.nashdalelane. com/pages/glamping. Opposite: The Mercure Hunter Valley lodge. This page: Tim and Nicky at cellar door Huntington Estate. May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 61

194 TASTED 182 AWARDED WINES OF NSW An exceptional result this time with a very high strike rate, Centennial Ross Hill Orange showing that those who entered this competition are confident Vineyards Brut Blanc de Blancs in their products and this was confirmed in the results. Not Bowral Sparkling 2015 HHH1/2 surprisingly semillon was the star of the show with chardonnay Rosé NV HHHH A crisp fresh and shiraz also performing well. Great to see the alternative A lively pink wine with straightforward sparkling varietal reds and whites coming to fruition with a greater appealing grapey aromas with intense citrus understanding of these varietals. and red berry and oak aromas and flavours and complexity on the plenty of acidity to carry SPARKLING palate with good acidity it. $35 showing through. $35 Centennial 9 TASTED Vineyards 9 AWARDED Traditionelle Bowral Brut NV HHH A consistent group Reserved tight citrus of well-made wines. peel aromas and crisp \"Excellent acid balance dry palate revealing a overall with the best flavoursome profile. $35 wines showing that extra complexity,\" De Beaurepaire noted one judge. Blanchefleur Rylstone Blanc de Blancs 2017 HHH A bouquet of green apples and limes and slightly sweet palate with good fruit weight. $45 Centennial Colmar Estate Gallagher Duet De Beaurepaire Vineyards Limited Orange Sparkling Canberra District Marie Louise Bowral Blanc de Chardonnay Pinot Sparkling Pinot Noir Prestige Rylstone Blancs NV HHHHH Noir 2015 HHHH1/2 Chardonnay Cuvée 2016 HHH A golden wine with a Toasty leesy characters NV HHHH Citrus/orange-like aromas peachy bouquet with on the nose mixing with Nose has lovely with a touch of musk and a honeyed tinge of apple/citrus-like fruit. grapefruit freshness interesting raspberry fruit bottle age. Light brioche The tight palate carries with apple intensity. profile. $65 characters on the palate gentle citrus flavours Gentle palate with with nice nuttiness, across the palate with refreshing acidity and a RIESLING/ some acid notes and refreshing acidity. $60 tight finish. Good with TRAMINER good acid line. $39 food. $35 Quarisa 30 Mile 12 TASTED Australia Prosecco 11 AWARDED NV HHH1/2 Light sherbet nose A diverse range of with lovely floral apple styles from the soft notes and a drier style and round to the leaner of palate with apple/ acid driven ones. pear flavour freshness. $9.99 62 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Gilbert Skin OTHER WHITE Mt Eyre Vineyards SEMILLON Contact Orange VARIETALS & Three Ponds Hunter 2018 Gewurztraminer BLENDS Valley Fiano 2017 HHH1/2 2018 HHH1/2 12 TASTED Nice perfumed fruit 13 TASTED Just a hint of peach-like on the nose with good 12 AWARDED aromas with a floral lift. 11 AWARDED spiciness and hints of Very soft in the mouth lychees. Soft melon The better wines with lingering floral fruit A very strong flavours with an acid here showed mineral flavours. $30 consistent group finish. $26 complexity. \"Great Tamburlaine Organic with the riper softer Lowe Family Wines potential to keep Wines Reserve characters seen here Nullo Mountain Icon experimenting with Orange Fumé Blanc being representative of Mudgee Riesling these varieties,\" 2018 HHH1/2 the 2018 vintage. 2016 HHH1/2 suggested one judge. Appealing minerality Gallagher Canberra Attractive citrussy on the gooseberry/lime Tempus Two Copper District Riesling varietal fruit aromas with Topper's Mountain nose and a fresh, light Hunter Valley 2018 HHHH1/2 nice toasty notes and a Wild Ferment and seamlessly balanced Semillon An expressive yet big citrus driven palate New England fruit driven palate. $33 2018 HHHHH elegant style with a with a juicy finish. $50 Petit Manseng Quarisa Three Light lemon hues with perfumed nose showing Cooks Lot Allotment 2016 HHHH1/2 Jailbirds SEA Pinot very fresh lifted fruit a touch of tropic 333 Orange Riesling An excellent nose with Grigio 2018 HHH fragrances and bright complexity. Steely 2018 HHH an exotic perfumed fruit A subtle suggestion of varietal fruit flavours minerally elements Perfumed orange profile. Interesting palate white stonefruits with lingering across the on the palate with blossom bouquet and that has powerful nutty a touch of florals and a lovely weighty palate underlying stonefruit subtle fruit flavours with fruit flavours and strong pleasing grippy finish. that finishes with crisp flavours $30 refreshing acidity. $23 long line of acid. Good $9.99 acidity. $22 Colmar Estate Block Robert Stein Dry food drink! $35 Gilbert Mudgee 5 Orange Riesling Mudgee Riesling Blanc 2018 HHH Audrey Wilkinson 2018 HHHH 2018 HHH Toorak Road Honeyed melon over Winemakers Lovely refreshing floral/ Constrained steely Tumbarumba tones to the nose with Selection Hunter lime-like aromas with a apple/pear aromas and Sauvignon Blanc plenty of juicy peach Valley Semillon touch of spice and bright gentle, slightly sweet, 2018 HHHH flavours across the 2018 HHHHH elegant palate with flavour profile. $30 Subtle bouquet with palate. $24 A lovely fruit package. subtle minerality and Tamburlaine Organic delicate aromas of Centennial \"Very complex aromas crisp acidity. $35 Wines Reserve passionfruit and cut Vineyards Reserve for a young semillon,\" Topper's Mountain Orange Riesling grass with a gentle Single Vineyard observed one judge. Barrel Ferment 2018 HHH elegant palate showing Bowral Gruner Great steely minerally New England A tight nose - needs a good line of acidity. Veltliner 2018 HHH complexity flowing Gewurztraminer time to open up with $15 Subdued aromas; hints across the varietal 2016 HHHH soft, slightly short, but of citrus peel. Nice palate. 3-5 $30 Strong spicy/floral pleasant flavours. $33 Cooks Lot Allotment balance and weight to fruit fragrances which Robert Stein Single 689 Orange the crisp palate. $29 McGuigan carry on to the bright Vineyard Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Glandore Single Site Bin 9000 varietal palate with Mudgee Riesling 2018 HHHH Cameleon Hunter Hunter Valley some smokiness adding 2018 HHH Pronounced green pea Valley Savagnin Semillon complexity. $35 Smells of sweet pears and passionfruit aromas 2018 HHH 2018 HHHH1/2 Robert Stein Half and citrus peel with ripe lift off the nose. Pleasant Simple citrussy nose Fresh lemon and pear Dry RS15 Mudgee fig nuances and simple refreshing grassy with a hint of figs and bouquet that has steely Riesling floral flavours. $50 palate. Good degree of pleasing pear fruit appeal. Big hit of varietal 2018 HHH1/2 Gilbert By Simon complexity. $23 flavours. Firm finish. $35 fruit flavours carries Constrained intensity Gilbert RS14 Colmar Estate across the palate and of floral/green fruit Mudgee Riesling Gallagher Canberra Orange Pinot Gris well supported by crisp fragrances and a palate 2017 HHH District Sauvignon 2017 HHH acidity. $25 that is soft in the mouth Very musky aromas and Blanc 2018 HHH1/2 A lighter style with with gentle citrus well balanced, nicely Slightly green aromas attractive aromatics and Gartelmann flavours. $35 structured, sweet fruit with a touch of honey. gentle fruit impression Benjamin Single palate. $36 Good palate length and on the palate. $28 Vineyard Hunter depth with refreshing Valley Semillon acidity and lingering 2018 HHHH1/2 floral finish. $25 \"Plenty of substance here,\" noted one judge. Saddler's Creek Attractive lime/lemon Saddlers Hunter nuances to the nose Valley Verdelho with similar flavours 2018 HHH1/2 echoed on the palate Some green plum with crisp acid in aromas with a hint of support. $27 mango. Palate opens up with firm fruit flavours and crisp line of acid. $26 May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 63

WINES OF NSW McGuigan The Tempus Two Coolangatta Estate Pooles Rock Vinifera Organically Shortlist Hunter Pewter Hunter Wollstonecraft Premiere Hunter Grown Mudgee Valley Semillon Valley Semillon Shoalhaven Coast Valley Semillon Semillon 2018 HHHH1/2 2018 HHHH Semillon 2017 HHHH1/2 2017 HHHH Nose shows nice lime Light flinty lemon 2011 HHHHH Solid lemon/lime citrus Surprisingly different intensity with slight aromas and a bright and An aromatic mix of characters lift off the pear/apple-like aromas toastiness with hints of fresh medium weight honey wax, caramel and nose with vanilla notes for a semillon with a lean grapefruit. Light bodied varietal fruit palate. \"Very rich sweet fruit with a and a firm varietal fruit and steely citrussy palate palate with nice juicy pleasing,\" enthused one smoky note. Soft and palate with a touch showing a bright zing of length of good clean judge. $40 smooth in the mouth of nutty complexity acidity. 3-5 $25 citrussy flavours. $30 with a beautiful balance developing and nice line Gundog Estate Saddler's Creek of almond, caramel and of acid. 3-5 $40 The Chase Hunter Saddlers Hunter honeyed fruit. Drink CHARDONNAY Valley Semillon Valley Semillon soon. $35 Coolangatta Estate 2018 2018 HHHH1/2 2018 HHH1/2 Coolangatta Estate Wollstonecraft Lovely lemon/citrus Faint caramel notes to Shoalhaven Coast Shoalhaven Coast 18 TASTED nose with hints of the lime-like aromas Semillon Semillon butterscotch-like with nutty fruit flavour 2009 HHHHH 16 AWARDED characters. A light, fine complexity and great Very appealing rich fruit but well-balanced palate line of juicy acidity. $26 pastille-like fragrances 2015 HHHH1/2 with lifted floral notes showing lovely aged A delicate nose, still There is more and vibrant acidity. $35 SEMILLON characters with the soft very youthful and only complexity here than Mount Eyre 2017 & OLDER palate following suit just starting to develop you expect from young Three Ponds and underscored by a some aged characters. wines! \"Generally, Grosser Hunter 10 TASTED long crisp spine of acid. Lovely vibrant fruit however these are also Valley Semillon 10 AWARDED palate layered with more traditional than 2018 HHHH 1-2 $50 honeyed notes and flinty the 'modern' savoury Bright and shiny wine Superb class! This Coolangatta Estate elements. 3-5 $30 styles,\" suggested one with minerally citrus great Australian Wollstonecraft judge. aromas and a smoky varietal of world class Shoalhaven Coast McGuigan touch and generous wines. Excellent Semillon Bin 9000 Tamburlaine Organic up-front fruit on a well- consistency here and 2009 HHHHH Hunter Valley Wines On The structured palate. $30 all offering further A lovely, well developed, Semillon Grapevine Orange Ridgeview ageing potential. \"A real lighter style of semillon 2013 HHHH1/2 Chardonnay Generations Reserve treasure,\" enthused with an elegant nose A bright light golden 2018 HHHHH Hunter Valley one judge. of delicate sweet fruit wine with somewhat Great example of a new Semillon aromas and lovely fruit- constrained aromas with wave style. Refreshing 2018 HHHH Coolangatta Estate pastille flavours across some hints of pineapple floral bouquet with Fresh limes on the nose Shoalhaven Coast the length of a well-aged and lemon barley. Soft plenty of lovely zesty with a floral lift and a Semillon palate. Drink soon. $50 and smooth in the citrusness! Excellent nice steely thread. The 2015 HHHHH Ridgeview mouth and still a baby. integration between oak ripe lemon/lime flavours An excellent nose still Generations Reserve and tropical/stonefruit well balanced by the with plenty of fruit Hunter Valley 3-5 $25 characters. $20 acidity. $30 and lovely pronounced Semillon Misty Glen Wines honeyed development. 2009 HHHHH Margan Aged Gartelmann Sarah Hunter Valley The palate is complex Typical semillon Release Hunter Elizabeth Orange Semillon with layers of lingering development obvious Valley Semillon Chardonnay 2018 HHHH fruit flavours carried by on the nose with a 2013 HHHH1/2 2018 HHHHH A rich fruit driven the crisp acidity. sharp lift of lemons and Lovely golden hues Delicate floral fruit \"package\" with quite a limes. Rich soft palate here with a lifted sweet fragrances with light minerally lime bouquet. 5+ $30 with aged varietal fruit lemon bouquet and a oaky notes. A solid palate Fresh and steely in the flavours that carry all the beautifully structured, structure showing great mouth with good level way across the palate. seamlessly balanced, length and intensity with of acidity. $35 palate that is still buttery/leesy elements 1-2 $50 amazingly youthful for and the oak adding a 6-year-old! 3-5 complexity. $30 $50 JUDGES - DAY 1 Denis Gastin Andy Chen Wine writer & judge. Wine & Spirit Education Stephen Knight Asian Wine Editor for Trust Certified Wine With over 30 years’ Winestate. Regular Educator in both English wine experience judge with the Japan & Mandarin. Wine and covering retail, wine Competition and investment consultant wholesale, hospitality Korean wine Challenge. and judge. and education Stephen Contributor to world- is currently Corporate wide wine reference Sales Manager for the books. Director of the Sydney-based Red Asian Wine Review. Bottle Group. 64 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Tempus Two Pewter Lerida Estate McGuigan Personal Vinifera Organically Midnight's Promise Hunter Valley Cullerin Canberra Reserve Hunter Grown Reserve Hunter Chardonnay Chardonnay District Chardonnay Ridge Vineyard Mudgee Chardonnay 2018 HHH1/2 2018 HHHHH 2018 HHHH1/2 Hunter Valley 2018 HHHH A complexity of melon A huge mouthfilling A pleasant Chardonnay Hints of tropical fruit on and light oak aromas and wine that's powerful uncomplicated drink 2018 HHHH1/2 the nose with yeasty a buttery butterscotch- and balanced. Big hit with delicate perfumed Excellent expression of complexity and a like palate that shows a of peach aromas and fruit fragrances and pure chardonnay fruit savoury palate with the long firm finish. $24 rounded buttery palate typical chardonnay with powerful pineapple oak in a supporting role. Gartelmann Lisa with lovely bright floral varietal fruit flavours aromas laced with Good food wine. $30 Orange Chardonnay fruit, good use of oak and with nice nutty notes charred oak and rich fruit Tamburlaine Organic 2018 HHH1/2 refreshing acidity. $40 and a soft finish. $38 flavours with a strong Wines Reserve A subdued Glandore Regional Glandore DPJ Single finish. A solid drink! $50 Orange Chardonnay straightforward style Series Hunter Valley Site Hunter Valley Quarisa Three 2018 HHHH currently dominated by Chardonnay Chardonnay Jailbirds SEA A good all-round citrus the oak with light varietal 2018 HHHH1/2 2018 HHHH1/2 Chardonnay peel varietal fruit profile fruit underneath. Will Quite a reserved nose Bright golden wine 2018 HHHH here with plenty of open up with time. $45 with subtle hints of which, said one judge, Peach and mango refreshing acidity, a Dindima Orange fresh pineapple and a suggests substance! aromas with a touch of touch of oak and leesy Chardonnay pleasant and refreshing Appealing honeysuckle/ oak adding complexity. characters. $33 2018 HHH fruit palate with ripe melon aromas Fuller style palate rich Boutique Wines By Honeycomb/lemon minerally elements and and very rich honeyed with solid, slightly CSU Tumbarumba characters on the nose a gentle finish. $25 pineapple and light oak honeyed, varietal fruit Chardonnay which is echoed on the flavours. $42 flavours. $9.99 2018 HHHH well-structured palate. $25 Light elegant fragrances Ross Hill Family with a funky wild Series Maya & Max ferment element. Nice Orange Chardonnay varietal fruit flavours 2018 HHH with crisp acidity and A delicate floral peach/ yeasty complexity. lemon nose and apple, citrus and pear flavoured 3-5 $27 profile. $25 Let yourself be transported to our vast, rich, beautiful land Available for export & Australian domestic market through Sun Valley Exports [email protected] M: +61 417 641 470 sunvalleyexports.com.au bigaussiewineco.com.au May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 65

WINES OF NSW Tamburlaine Highgate Orange Hanging Tree Horse Cooks Lot Iconique Pooles Rock Organic Wines Chardonnay Whisperer Hunter Barrique Orange Premiere Hunter Reserve Hunter 2017 HHHH1/2 Valley Tumbarumba Chardonnay Valley Chardonnay Valley Chardonnay Delicate floral/citrus Chardonnay 2017 HHHH 2017 HHH 2018 HHH aromas reminiscent of 2017 HHHH Varietal fruit aromas Floral elegance to the A lighter style with fairy floss! Tight, slightly A youthful wine with a with tropical notes, a nose with a tight lean and moderate varietal fruit savoury, palate with tight, light tropical fruit/ touch of nuts and honey. refreshing citrus driven in the citrus spectrum. hints of ripe tropical oak nose and lifted Palate is a lean minerally palate. 3-5 $40 A nice understated fruits and nice oak. pineapple-like flavours compact of stonefruits wine. $33 Needs time to gain and still showing plenty and delicate oak. $50 Colmar Estate complexity. 3-5 of crisp acidity. $30 Ridgeview Block 1 Orange CHARDONNAY $25 Impressions Hunter Chardonnay 2017 & OLDER Audrey Wilkinson Valley Chardonnay 2016 HHH De Beaurepaire Winemakers 2016 HHHH Muted aromas with oak 17 TASTED Jeanette Reserve Selection Hunter Lychees on the nose tending to dominate the 17 AWARDED Rylstone Valley Chardonnay and moderate varietal citrus peel fruit characters Chardonnay 2017 HHHH fruit impression on the on the palate. $38 An excellent class of 2017 HHHH1/2 Elegant chardonnay palate with hints of oak highly rated wines. A well-structured food fruit fragrances and and a touch of minerality ROSÉ \"These wines show style wine showing great pineapple/tropical- for complexity. $35 fantastic subtle use layers of fruit ranging like notes to the tight Gilbert LCR Orange 5 TASTED of oak, good acidity from lemon to pineapple well-balanced citrus/oak Chardonnay and great winemaking with some savoury palate. $35 2016 HHHH 4 AWARDED skills,\" said one judge. notes and judicious use Gentle muted oak nose These are all worth of oak. $60 Ross Hill Pinnacle with lemony notes An excellent line-up of cellaring. Series Griffin Road and understated \"low fresh and lively fruit Cooks Lot Iconique Vineyard Orange key\" and apple/citrus driven wines. McGuigan Cellar Barrique Orange Chardonnay flavours with some Select Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2017 HHHH complexity developing. Colmar Estate Chardonnay 2016 HHHH1/2 Subtle varietal fruit Orange Pinot Rosé 2017 HHHHH A nose of floral fruit aromas with a delicate 3-5 $42 2018 HHHH1/2 A shiny bright golden and delicate oak with touch of oak and a Cooks Lot Allotment A confectionery nose hued older style of light smoky overtones. steely palate with 168 Orange that smells of roses and chardonnay with loads The palate is youthful, refreshing tropical Chardonnay strawberries with a fresh of oak dominating the complex and a touch notes and warming 2017 HHH1/2 bright drying palate that nose and upfront peach oaky. A well-made alcohol. $35 Light spicy fruit aromas has plenty of delicate red fruit flavours in balance wine with good acid with good rich fruit fruit flavours and good with the oak. Great line support. $50 Saddler's Creek flavour profile across the level of acid. $28 of acid. $25 Alessandro Reserve length of the palate. \"A Saddler's Creek Hunter Valley nice package!\" $23 Gundog Estate Cooks Lot Allotment Saddlers Hunter Chardonnay Robert Stein Canberra District 3 Handpicked Valley Tumbarumba 2017 HHHH Reserve Mudgee Rosé 2018 HHHH1/2 Orange Chardonnay Chardonnay Attractive gentle fruit Chardonnay A vibrant pink, dry 2016 HHHHH 2017 HHHH bouquet with buttery/ 2017 HHH1/2 style of rose showing Clean youthful wine - Tight minerally bouquet leesy notes. Palate is An older bolder style faint rose petal aromas still a baby! Some green with a touch of honey bright and fresh with with lemon tones to the and gentle red cherry banana tones to the and a delicate, lively and citrus flavours and oaky nose and more fruit impression on the nose with a palate that juicy palate with intense mineral tones. Will age lemons on the buttery reasonably long juicy is long and crispy and and slightly funky well. palate. Good oak use. palate. A good balanced exhibiting great varietal flavours. $26 3-5 $38 drink. $30 fruit with lingering malo 3-5 $40 elements. $35 JUDGES - DAY 2 Denis Gastin Andrew Margan Wine writer & judge. Owner winemaker for Stephen Knight Asian Wine Editor for Margan Wines, for With over 30 years’ Winestate. Regular the past 23 years. Has wine experience judge with the Japan judged at the Hunter covering retail, wine Competition and Valley wine show over wholesale, hospitality Korean wine Challenge. many years. Previously and education Stephen Contributor to world- began as Tyrrell's is currently Corporate wide wine reference winemaker, under Sales Manager for the books. Director of the the late-great, Murray Sydney-based Red Asian Wine Review. Tyrrell. Bottle Group. 66 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Cooks Lot Allotment De Beaurepaire 1111 Orange Pinot Perceval Rylstone Noir 2018 HHHH1/2 Pinot Noir An uncomplicated 2017 HHHH straightforward wine Plums and cherries on with good cherry/berry the nose with delicate varietal fruit intensity meaty/oaky notes. Firm nicely integrated and rich palate with plenty layered with the oak of cherry fruit and oaky charcters and the overtones. 3-5 tannins. 5+ $23 $40 Lerida Estate Gilbert by Simon Cullerin Field Blend Gilbert Orange Pinot Canberra District Noir 2017 HHH1/2 Pinot Shiraz A good food wine with 2018 HHHH1/2 gamey earthy cherry \"A muscular Burgundian berry fruit showing pinot style,\" according to one complexity, fine tannins judge. Still tight and and warming alcohol. young with plum and cherry fruit layered with 3-5 $28 savoury meaty/bacon elements. Fine food Tamburlaine Warburn Estate W wine. 5+ $32 Colmar Estate Block Organic Wines Warburn Estate Australia Rosé 1 Single Vineyard Single Vineyard 1164 Riverina 2018 HHHH Orange Pinot Noir Orange Pinot Noir Montepulciano A delicate mix of 2017 HHHH1/2 2018 HHH 2017 HHHHH red berry and peach Attractive savoury An uncomplicated The minty/eucalypt fragrances and a very complexity to the Beaujolais style with aromas with licorice- approachable red fruit raspberry varietal fruit slightly jammy mixed like characters promise palate supported by showing hints of cherry berry fruit. A wine an impressive palate lovely gentle acidity. liqueur and a touch of for salmon and tuna! - and it delivers! $8.99 chestnuts with some Fantastic integration charry/bacon oak. 3-5 $25 of fruit components, Gilbert Mudgee & Drinking well now. $45 chocolate oak and juicy Orange Rosé Boutique Wines By acid. 5+ $20 2018 HHHH Cooks Lot Iconique CSU Tumbarumba Very pale pink wine Barrique Orange Pinot Noir Vinifera Organically with a subtle floral Pinot Noir 2017 HHH Grown Mudgee bouquet but more fruit 2016 HHHH1/2 Plums and strawberries Graciano expression on the firmly Delicate red cherry on the nose with very 2017 HHHHH finished palate. Good aroma profile with a good varietal palate and Bright purple wine aperitif style. $24 savoury earthy, gamey soft tannin backbone. $27 with a bouquet of edge and a refreshing violet perfume and lots PINOT NOIR & juicy plum flavoured ITALIAN & of attractive sweet, BLENDS palate with subtle oak SPANISH peppery and spicy spices and \"bitey\" tannic VARIETALS & berry fruits. Very well- 13 TASTED finish. $50 BLENDS balanced plum palate 12 AWARDED that ticks all the boxes. Toorak Road Lerida Estate 15 TASTED Lingering finish. $35 \"Surprisingly good, Tumbarumba Pinot Cullerin Canberra 12 AWARDED diverse range of pinots Noir 2017 HHHH1/2 District Pinot Noir from the fresh and Nose is lovely 2018 HHHH Another surprising Glandore Regional varietal to the savoury integration of cherries, Loads of delicate class with very good Series Hilltops and complex,\" said violets and delicate oak. peppery red cherry and potential for these Nebbiolo one judge. \"Great to Good fruit weight on spicy oak aromas and a varietals. \"It is great to 2018 HHHH1/2 see winemakers no the palate with sweet palate of red fruits, black see varietal definition Great grippy example longer scared of lighter and spicy cherry fruit fruits, meaty touches across the board,\" said of the nebbiolo variety. colours!\" developing earthy/meaty and tight acidity. $38 one judge. \"Excellent Has a savoury nose notes. 3-5 $18 savoury food wines with delicate underlying here.\" red cherry aromas Gilbert 777 Saddlers Creek and smooth lingering Saddlers spicy/leathery red fruit Orange Pinot Noir Tumbarumba Pinot flavours. $30 2017 HHHH1/2 Savoury delicate red berry Noir 2017 HHHH A nose of subtle red aromas with a touch of fruits with some oak and earthy complexity. Silky smooth in the mouth attractive soft smoky cherry/berry fruit filling with very pleasing pinot the tightly structured flavours developing some complexity. 5+ $42 palate. 3-5 $36 May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 67

WINES OF NSW Glandore Regional Margan Breaking OTHER De Beaurepaire Le Berton Vineyards Series Hunter Valley Ground Hunter FRENCH Chevalier Rylstone Metal Label Riverina Tempranillo Valley Tempranillo STYLE RED Merlot Cabernet Durif 2018 HHHH1/2 2017 HHHH1/2 Graciano VARIETALS & Petit Verdot Complex spectrum of \"Good drinking here,\" 2017 HHHH BLENDS 2016 HHH fruit aromas with sweet observed on judge. A softer, uncomplicated, Slightly subdued spices and chocolaty A lovely nose that style of red offering 7 TASTED black fruit bouquet nuances. Big lift of fruit smells like a Cherry enjoyable drinking. 6 AWARDED and lightweight palate on the soft rich palate Ripe chocolate bar. Big Appealing spicy fruit with obvious vegetal with lots of oak, strong rich up-front chocolaty nose and robust sour A strong diverse flavours. $35 tannins and nutty notes. flavours with a hint of cherry palate. 3-5 group of French Gallagher Canberra cherry liqueur. $30 $40 varietals ranging from District Merlot 3-5 $12 elegant wines to the 2016 HHH Mount Broke Wines blockbusters. Good Cherry Ripe aromas Quarisa Caravan Margan Breaking modern winemaking to and comparatively SEA Durif Hunter Valley Ground Hunter express the fruit makes light palate with fruit, 2017 HHHH1/2 Barbera Valley Barbera all the difference. tannins and acid all in Big ripe aromas of 2017 HHHH1/2 2017 HHHH balance. $35 plums and cherries and A vibrant Beaujolais Vibrant purple hues Ridgeview Hunter sweet spices. A huge \"Villages\" style that, with leathery red Valley Chambourcin DURIF alcoholic palate with according to one cherry aromas and high 2017 HHHH1/2 pleasant juicy savoury judge needs spicy acid red cherry palate Stunningly deep inky 4 TASTED characters. Needs more Asian food - another with a delicate thread purple hues with 4 AWARDED time to soften. 5+ thought pizzas! Meaty of charry oak. True to intense, slightly jammy, A small group of $12.99 complexity to spicy/ style. 3-5 $40 cherry/berry bouquet. blockbusters! sweet plum fruit with Complex palate Quarisa Caravan good acidity. 5+ Mount Eyre Holman revealing ever changing Quarisa Johnny Q SEA Petite Sirah $30 Three Ponds Hunter rich fruit flavours with NSW Petite Sirah 2017 HHH Valley Nero D'Avola nice tannic grip. $25 2017 HHHHH Nose and palate shows 2017 HHHH A dark inky wine with a lots of black cherry An unusual style Tamburlaine nose that opens up to intensity with a violet with different and Organic Wines sour cherry and roasted edge and grippy tannins. very expressive spicy Single Vineyard chestnut with some air. A $12.99 confectionery red fruit Orange Malbec strong sultana and prune- characters and some 2017 HHHH1/2 like fruit impression on nice tannins on the Very fresh aromas of the warming palate. CABERNET & finish. 5+ $45 fruit and vegetables; BLENDS pleasing and different. 5+ $14.99 Centennial Great palate structure 14 TASTED Vineyards Reserve and balance with fine Bridge Creek Bowral ripe fruit, silky smooth 14 AWARDED Rondinella Corvina tannins and a firm finish. 2016 HHHH \"Great to see a lack Easy drinking, upfront, 3-5 $25 of the leafy green fruity wine. Earthy notes cabernets of the past,\" to the berry bouquet and Ross Hill Family noted one judge. \"It good flavour intensity Series Isabelle shows the influence with a light tannin finish. Cabernet Franc of good viticulture in Merlot 2017 HHHH changing this.\" \"The 5+ $35 A deep purple wine that excess use of oak exhibits a wide fruit has also gone, which Warburn Estate Audrey Wilkinson spectrum with a tinge of is a good thing,\" said 1164 Limited Series Hunter Valley smoky bacon elements another. Release Riverina Tempranillo and very fine soft Lagrein 2017 HHH1/2 tannins. $25 Quarisa 30 Mile 2016 HHHH1/2 A firm solid savoury red Australia Cabernet Intense dried flower/ fruited style with sour Tamburlaine Sauvignon rose, black cherry and cherry and raspberry Organic Wines 2018 HHHHH sultana aromas. Silky characters, powerful Single Vineyard A very young, firm, smooth mouthcoating acidity and upfront Orange Cabernet deep purple wine; good tannins. $23 Franc 2017 HHHH one for cellaring. Nose Masses of peppery has inky black berry palate with robust spicy Topper's Mountain blackcurrant aromas and licorice intensity, chocolaty flavours and Bricolage Rouge and intense inky black all of which is echoed grippy tannins. Years in New England Red cherry/nutty flavours. on the beautifully it yet. 5+ $20 Blend 2014 HHH1/2 Drinking well now with structured palate. good cellaring potential. Different! A good food 5+ $9.99 wine. It smells like fruit 5+ $25 cake with plenty of spicy flavours that match the nose. 5+ $30 68 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Quarisa Three Gilbert Rouge Vinifera Organically Hanging Tree Jailbirds SEA Mudgee Shiraz Grown Reserve Blacksmith's Cabernet Sauvignon Blend Mudgee Cabernet Hunter Valley 2017 HHHHH 2018 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon Shiraz Cabernet A big ripe style that Spicy edge to the 2013 HHH 2013 HHHH1/2 needs some cellaring. blueberry aromas. Palate Intense dark dried fruit Some good age and The inky medicinal starts off round and dominates the nose complexity here nose has a backbone of soft and finishes firm with loads of fruit and with cedary aromas black cherries. Palate and grippy with plenty masses of oak on the showing earthy notes. is an elegant package of warming shiraz fruit palate. 5+ $60 Nicely evolved tertiary of true varietal flavours characters. \"Needs characters on the palate; with oaky complexity. years!\" 5+ $20 some sweetness. Fully SHIRAZ developed; drink now. $65 5+ $9.99 Ross Hill Family BLENDS Series Tom & Harry Orange Cabernet 8 TASTED Vinifera Organically Sauvignon Grown Gran Tinto 2017 HHHH1/2 8 AWARDED Mudgee Shiraz A vibrant purple cabernet with aromas of Blend 2017 HHHH plums and berries and A soft approachable attractive oak adding \"These are typically style offering good complexity. Palate Aussie blends, mainly drinking. Smoky/earthy is richer and more shiraz and cabernet berry bouquet and varietally expressive which complement well-balanced ripe fruit than the nose suggests. each other well,\" said flavours with a lingering Meadow Croft one judge. A good finish. 5+ $35 5+ $25 Southern Highlands overall result. Cabernet Sauvignon Margan Breaking Gooree Park 2017 HHHH Ground Hunter Crowned Glory Good aromas of black Valley Shiraz Mudgee Cabernet and red cherries with Mourvedre Sauvignon some floral nuances and 2017 HHHH 2016 HHHH1/2 hints of mint. Smooth Nose opens up to Lovely aromatic licorice/blackcurrant spirity floral black cherry profile of dried fruits, flavours. Years ahead. aromas and the juicy black cherry/chocolaty 5+ $28 palate is not overly complex but good chocolate, tobacco and Toorak Road NSW varietal expression. $40 cherry liqueur notes. Gundagai Cabernet Grove Estate Palate builds up good Sauvignon The Partners varietal character and 2016 HHHH Cabernet Sauvignon expression across the Warming meaty Gooree Park Don 2017 HHHHH palate. 3-5 $38 nuttiness to the plum Eduardo Mudgee Deep ruby wine with nose with the palate Shiraz Cabernet a purple edge. Lovely Cooks Lot Iconique also showing a soft 2016 HHHH complexity of typical Barrique Orange & meaty nutty impression A subtlety of plum, olive cabernet characters Hilltops Cabernet from start to finish. and violet fragrances on the nose. Well- Sauvignon and a big solid spirity constructed palate that 2016 HHHH1/2 3-5 $15 red palate with good delivers fragrant floral Very appealing floral length of fresh varietal fruit flavours and subtle berry aromas overlaid Centennial flavours. $40 oak. 3-5 $27 with nice oak characters. Vineyards Bridge Velvety smooth in the Creek Limited Robert Stein The Dindima Orange mouth with good degree Release Bowral Quarisa The Great Kinnear Mudgee Cabernet Merlot of berry fruit flavours Cabernet Sauvignon Bonza SEA Shiraz Shiraz Cabernet 2016 HHHHH and oak complexity. 2016 HHHH Cabernet 2017 HHH1/2 Deep purple wine A lean lightweight with 2017 HHHH1/2 Smoky oak nose and with a bright berry 5+ $50 leafy green elements A typical warmer climate straightforward sour mingling with the red good for drinking now cherry and berry-like bouquet showing a Tamburlaine Organic blackcurrant fruit but also offers cellaring flavours spread across pomegranate-like edge. Wines On The characters and a long potential. Bold and spirity the entire palate. Young, slightly chunky, Grapevine Orange lingering drying finish. mulberry and red berry palate. Good hit of fruit Cabernet Sauvignon fruit characters with dusty 3-5 $80 on the mid palate. \"A 2017 HHHH 3-5 $45 oak and juicy acidity. A well balanced, well- different style to the made wine smelling McGuigan Cellar 5+ $12.99 Lowe Family Wines others!\" 3-5 $35 of blackcurrants and Mudgee Blue sweet spices with a Select NSW Mudgee Shiraz very approachable, Gundagai Cabernet typical cabernet, palate. Sauvignon Cabernet 2017 HHH1/2 5+ $20 2017 HHH Aromas of blackberries Still a tight closed youth with soft delicate berry with forest floor-like notes and nice oaky lift and a fruit and grippy tannins. brooding full flavoured Time! 5+ $30 palate. 5+ $30 May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 69

WINES OF NSW SHIRAZ Ben's Run Hunter Mount Broke Wines Tempus Two Copper 2018-2017 Valley Shiraz Neil's Block The Gundagai Shiraz 2017 HHHHH Mayor Reserve 2017 HHHH 28 TASTED Colour has crimson Hunter Valley Shiraz A constrained nose of 27 AWARDED tinges with aromas of 2017 HHHH1/2 red berries and roasted Great consistency black cherry fruits and Spicy aromas on top nuts with quite a lean here with wines spices and smoky notes. of the plum and cherry palate profile but has showing good varietal Soft and fleshy in the fruit with incense-like good fruit spread gently characteristics. mouth with a pleasing nuances. Dark juicy across the palate. $30 Generally, most built fleshy fruit impression. cherry flavours with for early to mid-term nutty oak and tannins Ridgeview drinking rather than for 3-5 $20 holding it together. Impressions Effen long term cellaring. Hill Vineyard Hunter Saddler's Creek 3-5 $40 Valley Shiraz Quarisa 30 Mile Saddlers Hunter 2017 HHHH Australia Shiraz Valley Shiraz Audrey Wilkinson Well defined zippy 2018 HHHHH 2017 HHHHH Winemaker's inky aromas and an Intense inky licorice A bouquet of plums, Selection Hunter impressive palate, bouquet with nutty blackberries and Valley Shiraz balanced and complex complexity. Masses chocolate with typical 2017 HHHH1/2 and rich with dark fruit, of charry smoky Hunter leathery notes. A Syrupy medicinal notes oak and tannins. $40 oak characters on good all-round lingering to the red berry aromas the palate but well chocolaty/cherry varietal and full-bodied fruit supported by appealing palate that ticks all the flavour profile with Centennial varietal fruit flavours. boxes. 3-5 $36 balancing acidity and Vineyards Hilltops some alcohol warmth to Boutique Wines By Shiraz 2017 HHH1/2 5+ $9.99 Margan White Label the finish. 5+ $45 CSU Canberra Syrah A nose of sweet Quarisa Hunter Valley Shiraz 2017 HHHH1/2 cherries with a touch of Three Jailbirds 2017 HHHHH Pooles Rock Deep purple wine with roasted nuts and some NSW Shiraz Deep ruby red hues with Post Office Hunter a leafy/peppery nose complexity of red and 2017 HHHHH strong berry/plum fruit Valley Shiraz showing a blue fruit lift. black cherry flavours. Nose is intense and complexity on the nose 2017 HHHH1/2 Good sweet peppery inky with floral black and nicely balanced, Cherries and berries lift berry palate with nice 3-5 $25 cherry fragrances and off the nose showing use of oak, soft tannins a touch of licorice with beautifully soft palate an attractive floral edge. and a crisp finish. Gundog Estate a well-structured, full with good varietal Loads of cherry flavours Estate Canberra flavoured, warming expression and no linger across the palate. 5+ $27 District Shiraz palate with fine tannins. excesses. 3-5 $50 Will improve with more Lowe Family Wines 2017 HHH1/2 age. 5+ $45 Block 5 Organic Berry bouquet with 5+ $9.99 Margan BC4 Mudgee Shiraz beetroot-like tinges. White Label Hunter 2017 HHHH1/2 Elegant palate structure Valley Shiraz Saddler's An aromatic complexity that delivers very 2018 HHHH1/2 Alessandro of cedary oak, blue pleasing varietal fruit Plenty of floral black fruit Reserve Hunter fruit, nuts, herbs with flavours. 5+ $40 aromas with a sweet Valley Shiraz powerful peppery shiraz spicy edge. Pleasant, 2017 HHHH1/2 fruit flavours and lovely Ross Hill Pinnacle very well structured, Bright ruby wine with rich, beautifully textured, Series Griffin Road palate with great flavour lovely rich impression of tannins. $50 Vineyard Orange complexity and good syrupy floral plum varietal Grove Estate Shiraz 2017 HHH1/2 tannin/acid balance. $50 fruit, some warming Hilltops Shiraz Confectionery berry alcohol and smoky oak 2017 HHHH fruit nose and vibrant Gundog Estate No.1 characters. Good for early Smoky berry bouquet palate structure with Hilltops Shiraz drinking. $65 with a dash of pepper lean flavour profile. 2017 HHHH1/2 and some licorice with \"Finish calling for An exotic nose with McGuigan upfront sweetness more!\" 5+ $45 intense perfumed/violet Personal Reserve obvious on the very fragrances. Slightly Vanessa Vale good, complex, palate. Cooks Lot Allotment syrupy, but savoury, Hunter Valley Shiraz 1010 Orange Shiraz palate intense with black 2017 HHHH1/2 3-5 $30 2018 HHH fruits and roasted nut The rich spicy plum and Mount Broke Wines A leaner style with complexity. 3-5 cherry aromas are layered Riverbank Hunter farmyardy/rustic $35 with smoky oak and Valley Shiraz aromas and youthful the palate has intense 2017 HHHH peppery fruit flavours. chocolaty complexity Some meaty elements mixing with the varietal to the plum fruit 3-5 $23 fruit. 3-5 $80 fragrances with a round and warming palate Lerida Estate expressing juicy sweet Cullerin Canberra cherry fruit flavours. District Syrah 2018 HHH 3-5 $30 Soft peppery varietal fruit nose and warm rounded juicy fruit palate with a vibrant finish. 3-5 $38 70 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Berton Vineyards McGuigan Cellar Gartelmann Diedrich Reserve Limited Select NSW Orange Shiraz Gundagai Shiraz Gundagai Shiraz 2015 HHHH 2017 HHH 2016 HHHH1/2 Smoky sour cherry Toasty berry aromas Nose has meaty/gamey aromas and well and syrupy red cherry complexity mingling structured, well palate with lots of with the earthy black balanced palate with attractive nuttiness. cherry fruit characters good flavour profile, and gentle syrupy palate warming alcohol and 5+ $20 with bright fresh fruit, drying finish. 5+ some alcohol warmth $50 Tamburlaine Organic and tannic grip. $30 Wines On The Ridgeview Grapevine Orange Impressions Effen Shiraz 2017 HHH Hill Vineyard Hunter Subtle spicy peppery Valley Shiraz nose and lean tight 2016 HHH palate. \"A very nice Unusual nose - youthful wine.\" noted one judge. and leathery with $20 excellent juicy black fruit balance on the Gooree Park palate. $35 Mudgee Shiraz 2017 HHH Centennial Berton Vineyard Nutty berry bouquet Vineyards Single Reserve with a touch of violets Vineyard Limited Riverina Botrytis and warm, slightly Release Bowral Semillon (375ml) jammy, fruit palate with Hilltops Shiraz 2017 HHHHH a \"bitey\" end. $22 2016 HHH Pretty delicate floral/ Slightly volatile eucalypt candied apricot Grove Estate The bouquet and a warming fragrances with an Cellar Block Young palate with intense uncomplicated style of Shiraz 2017 HHH licorice-like flavours. $45 palate that has honeyed Attractive earthy/ sweetness dominating mushroom nose and Gallagher Canberra SWEET the dried apricot-like robust palate with silky District Shiraz WHITES flavours. $20 smooth fruit flavours. 2016 HHHH1/2 Plum fruit nose with 3 TASTED Saddler's Creek 3-5 $37 a meaty edge and Hunter Valley graphite-like oak notes. 3 AWARDED Botrytis Semillon SHIRAZ Silky smooth palate 2015 HHHHH 2016 & OLDER with long lingering fruit Classic example of A rich, luscious and driven flavours and great sweet wines. The well-balanced wine 7 TASTED good tannin support. judges agreed there showing honeyed 7 AWARDED Easy drinking! $35 should be one of these complexity of cumquat in every bar fridge for a fruit with almond-like \"Mixed results here Gartelmann Jesse great finish to a meal. elements and Oolong but still damn good Mudgee Shiraz tea characters on nose wines from the difficult 2015 HHHH1/2 De Beaurepaire and palate. $36 2015/16 red vintages.\" An aromatic profile of Coeur d'Or red and black cherries Rylstone Botrytis STAR RATINGS  Glandore Regional with a rich combination Semillon (375ml) Series Hilltops of meaty, earthy, nutty, 2018 HHHHH Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of Shiraz 2015 HHHHH chocolaty and spicy Rich semillon fruit excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill. A dark, complex and flavours on a warming aromas with distinct All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry still youthful shiraz palate. 3-5 $35 botrytis characters. professionals and are compared in peer with plenty of cherries Sweet and syrupy in the classes by three judges. obvious on the nose and mouth and heavy with CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, a soft rounded palate botrytis but has lots of a major mail-order business. that's ageing beautifully. very refreshing acidity to CD Cellar door price. \"Drink within the next balance it out. $40 CDO Cellar door only. couple of years!\" $30 SO Sold out. $N/A Price not available at time of printing.  Contact information pg 113. RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). BEST VALUE for $20 & under. For a complete list of what we tasted please refer to www.winestate.com.au May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 71

travelbriefs WINSOR DOBBIN MCLAREN VALE, LANGHORNE CREEK, FLEURIEU & SURROUNDS OUT OF THE SHADOWS grown and we’ve got 12 different products vintage as organic wine. Certification was under that label now, and that’s really what obtained through NASAA, Australia’s most IT may surprise many wine lovers to learn made us decide to spread our wings and respected certification organisation. that Langhorne Creek is the fourth-largest have a cellar door in our own right,” Clark wine-producing region in Australia behind said. “We’ve spent a fair bit of time pairing “From 2005, we trialled organic and the Riverland, Riverina and Barossa Valley. our wines with cheeses. If you get the right biodynamic practices in three vineyards wine and cheese matches it’s an amazing for three years, balancing productivity with Just south-east of Adelaide, Langhorne experience.” low impact on the environment,” said chief Creek lives in the shadows of McLaren Vale winemaker Chester Osborn. “We found and Adelaide Hills. ORGANIC CREDENTIALS our wines to be richer, with more earthy flavours. Changing crushers in 2019 will add Kimbolton Wines recently opened the HEAD to the ever-expanding d’Arenberg more minerality and purity to the wine; the region’s eighth cellar door and Langhorne facility in McLaren Vale to taste the Osborn biodynamics will add complexity.” Creek Grape and Wine marketing manager family’s first wine labelled with full organic Marina Goldsworthy said cellar door statistics certification - The 2018 Money Spider The Money Spider Roussanne retails at $20 across the region had shown growth in visitor Roussanne. and throughout 2019 d’Arenberg will release numbers of 10 to 15 per cent year-on-year further organic wines from the 2018 vintage. since 2016. “We’re definitely getting a lot Vegan friendly and made with biodynamically more traction in the marketplace and it’s grown grapes from family-owned vineyards, Meanwhile, the d’Arenberg Cube being seen as a destination that’s different the wine is a product of d’Arenberg’s ongoing Restaurant has been recognised as Regional and authentic, with an old-fashioned country commitment to environmental sustainability. Restaurant of the Year at the Gault & Millau feel,” Goldsworthy said.“We don’t have a Since 2016 all d’Arenberg estate-owned Restaurant Guide Awards. d’Arenberg was Seppeltsfield or a (d’Arenberg) Cube but the and leased vineyards have been certified for nominated in eight of the categories with the experiences we have are good wholesome organic and biodynamic processes, approval d’Arenberg Cube Restaurant placed 11th in country food, great wine that’s really good has now been granted to label the 2018 value and we’re not far from the city.” the top 100 restaurants nationally, and the highest-ranked South Australian restaurant Kimbolton Wines joins Bleasdale, Lake with a score of 17.5 out of 20 and four hats. Breeze, Bremerton, Vineyard Road, Angas Plains, The Winehouse and Rusticana to “The incredibly talented and innovative become the region’s eighth cellar door. It South African head chef partnership of follows the opening of the Vineyard Road Brendan Wessels and Lindsay Durr delivers cellar door in 2016. the necessary substance on the plate to match the unique experience and style that Run by brother and sister vignerons Nicole is presented at the d’Arenberg Cube,” said Clark and Brad Case, Kimbolton began the awards committee. making wine commercially in the early 2000s with a presence in the shared cellar door now Since opening in December 2017, the known as The Winehouse, which is home to d’Arenberg Cube Restaurant has received several local brands, including Heartland, dozens of awards. Ben Potts, Gipsie Jack and Meechi Brewing. Clark says the cellar door specialises in cheese and wine flights. “Really it’s been the last three years that the label has really 72 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

travelbriefs MODERN TWIST IN AN cellar door is the Gemtree Biodynamic Hut, door. The restaurant’s focus is seasonal, ANCIENT LANDSCAPE an informal interactive experience providing locally sourced, locally produced and foraged visitors with a deeper understanding of fare. The casual, grazing-style menu utilises ASK McLaren Vale winemakers for the biodynamic viticulture. Adjacent to the cellar the on-site kitchen garden as well as many swishest accommodation base in the region door is the Gemtree Ecotrail, a meandering local artisan producers. Chef Tom Tilbury, and several will recommend Luxe Haus, 1km path through 10ha of regenerated natural formerly of Gather Food and Wine in Robe, which offers ultra-luxurious accommodation bushland, offering visitors a connection to matches his dishes to the Lloyd family’s wines. for individuals, couples or groups. With its the surrounding land. Experiences on offer Think tastes like chicken liver parfait with expansive modern internal architecture, at Gemtree include: Being Biodynamic - a quandong and mountain pepper; carrot tart, Luxe House is located on top of the ancient guided tour of the Biodynamic Hut and whipped Woodside chevre and crystallised rugged coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula vineyard, a tutored wine tasting, regional pepitas or perhaps market fish with Goolwa and boasts modern art and furnishings. produce platter lunch with a glass of wine and cockles, coastal herbs, parsley puree and Luxe showcases tranquil views, while surf a bottle of wine to take home, priced at $60 per seaweed cream. The restaurant and cellar and swimming beaches are only a short person; and premium experience The Gem - door are open daily and guests of Coriole stroll away. There is a private pool and spa a private guided tour of the Biodynamic Hut are encouraged to soak up the breathtaking for relaxation, an extensive surround sound and vineyard with co-owner and viticulturist views the region offers and beautifully system and even a grand piano. There are Melissa Brown, tutored premium wine and maintained gardens and grounds. The four large bedrooms, two on each floor. All barrel tastings, private tour of the winery sprawling lawns and stunning setting provide rooms have king beds, individual control with co-owner and winemaker Mike Brown, the perfect backdrop for the many wine, food, air conditioning, under-floor heating, Stan as well as a private chef and degustation arts and music events, and weddings Coriole TV, automated blinds, full-glass double rain lunch with Mike and Melissa, paired with hosts annually. Cellar door opening hours are showers, separate toilets with bidet and deep matching wines, priced from $1200. Kate Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, weekends 11am- designer bath tubs for soaking up either urban Shilling, executive officer of UWEA says: “This 5pm. Visit www.coriole.com. or sea views. Luxe Haus is at Moana, 45km is a very exciting time for us, as Australian south of Adelaide. It rents from $2000 per wineries increasingly recognise the benefits GENERATIONAL CHANGE night for the whole property. There are on-site of enhancing their visitor experience. We’re staff quarters, should you need them, a chef thrilled to have the opportunity to spread the McLAREN Vale has a new cellar door with the can be arranged and there are sea kayaks, word.” Visit www.gemtreewines.com. opening of J&J Wines’ tasting room. J&J is stand-up paddle boards and jet skis. Visit family owned and produces single vineyard, www.luxehaus.com.au. PIONEERING SPIRIT certified-organic boutique wines. Founders Jeff and Joan Mason planted the property GEMTREE SPARKLES CORIOLE winery and restaurant sits on with vines in the late 1990s. Having reached the Seaview ridge and since the 1980s his 80th birthday, Jeff has now taken a step ULTIMATE Winery Experiences Australia has has been known for pioneering a range of back from working life and son Darrell is now announced the inclusion of Gemtree Wines in Mediterranean grape varieties, including the owner of the J&J Vineyard. Tastings, sales, McLaren Vale as its newest member. Gemtree’s sangiovese, fiano and picpoul. wines by the glass, regional platters and 145ha of vineyards are certified organic and coffees are available to enjoy on the balcony biodynamic, and Gemtree’s philosophy is not The relaxed Gather Restaurant is nestled overlooking the vineyard. Open Thursday just about winemaking, it is about setting new between the original 1850s homestead and to Sunday 11-4, 67 Rivers Lane, enter from standards for sustainable and generational the ironstone barn, now home to the cellar Caffrey St, just off Main Rd, McLaren Vale. farming. Gemtree’s sustainably-built cellar Visit www.jjwines.com.au. door takes in elevated views over McLaren Vale to the ocean beyond. Located at the Top: Luxe Haus exterior at sunset. Below left: Gemtree cellar door. Below right: Gather at Coriole cellar door. Opposite page, top: Kimbolton cellar door exterior. Opposite page, middle: d’Arenberg cube restaurant. May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 73

229 TASTED 195 AWARDED McLAREN VALE, LANGHORNE CREEK, FLEURIEU & SURROUNDS A terrific result for this region involving McLaren Vale and the d'Arenberg The Lino Ramble Ludo broader Fleurieu region as a whole. The benefit here is that Money Spider McLaren Vale Fiano we have micro-climates that range from warm to downright McLaren Vale 2018 HHHH cool offering great growing conditions for every kind of varietal. Roussanne A fruit and oak complexity When matched with expert winemaking you get this result. Lots 2018 HHHHH on the nose with of great wines to choose from here. Light straw-coloured subtle smokiness. The wine with excellent palate is rich and well SPARKLING Shingleback Black complexity on the nose balanced with attractive Bubbles McLaren and that complexity savouriness. $25 5 TASTED Vale Sparkling follows through to the Lino Ramble 3 AWARDED Shiraz NV HHH honeyed/apricot palate Solitaire McLaren Brooding raspberry showing lovely savoury Vale Grillo A mixed group. bouquet with a dash of elements. $20 2018 HHHH \"The serious players licorice and full flavoured Zonte's Footstep Complex oily fruit produced good wines palate with good Lady Marmalade bouquet and a pleasing whilst the other wines mouthfeel. $25 Fleurieu Peninsula texture to the palate with were just sweet Vermentino great length of estery, commercial sparklings OTHER WHITE 2018 HHHH1/2 savoury, yeasty, lemon with overdone sugar,\" BLENDS & Light, fresh and herbal on skin-like flavours. $25 said one judge. VARIETALS the nose and lightweight Coriole McLaren palate with an interesting Vale Fiano 14 TASTED flavour profile showing 2018 HHHH 11 AWARDED a sea spray/oyster Fresh lemon fragrances shell-like edge and good with hints of peaches acidity. $22 and musky/honeyed biscuit-like complexity Scarpantoni Black A mixed result. Pick of to the palate with good Tempest McLaren the bunch came from phenolic presence. $28 Vale Sparkling roussanne, fiano and Dyson McLaren Vale Shiraz NV HHHH vermentino. \"There is Viognier Excellent dark cherry potential for further 2018 HHH1/2 nose with a peppery lift experimentation with A beautifully structured and sweet dark cherry the varieties represented wine that is clear, clean fruit flavours with yeasty here,\" said one judge. and elegant with layers complexity. A real crowd \"Interesting to see the of apricot and cumquat- pleaser. 3-5 $28 first example of the like fruit characters. $25 Sicilian variety grillo.\" Mollydooker Summer of 69 McLaren Vale Verdelho 2018 HHH Green hued wine with oily aromas and flavours of cut grass and honey dew melons. $25 Mr. Riggs Battle Scarpantoni Arakoon McLaren Axe McLaren Vale McLaren Vale VBBAEULSYUTSE Vale Viognier Sparkling Shiraz 2017 HHH NV HHH1/2 Sauvignon Blanc Clean, elegant and a 2018 HHHH touch savoury with hints Aged complexity A pale wine exhibiting of perfumed/lime cordial obvious on the herbal aromas and solid fruit blackberry nose with light herbal varietal fruit palate. $18 fragrances leading on mouthfilling black fruit to a good, crisp and flavours and a sweet finish. 3-5 $35 herbaceous green fruit palate. $14 74 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Oxenberry VBBAEULSYUTSE Nick Haselgrove OTHER RED Hand Crafted Settlers Spring Wines Clarence BLENDS & by Geoff Hardy McLaren Vale Hill Adelaide VARIETALS McLaren Vale Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Nero D'Avola 2017 HHH 2017 HHH1/2 32 TASTED 2018 HHHHH Woody herbal bouquet Nose is light with 25 AWARDED An attractive purple hued and attractive varietal primary fruit and the wine with a nose showing fruit flavours. Some straightforward palate Interesting diverse lovely expression of sweetness but balancing has fresh, clean red range of varietals which blueberry and raspberry acidity. $20 apple-like flavour profile. caused a polarization of fruit aromas with crunchy $15 preferences from the cranberry fruit flavours on Mollydooker The judges! \"This makes the acid driven palate. $30 Violinist McLaren ROSÉ judging of these wines Vale Verdelho interesting because Haselgrove 2017 HHH 9 TASTED they show distinctive Alternative Series Clean fresh stonefruit 4 AWARDED differences which McLaren Vale aromas and slightly oily adds enjoyment to the Sangiovese melon palate with a hot Generally disappointing journey,\" enthused one 2018 HHHH1/2 spicy finish. $25 flight although the better judge. Deep russet red wine wines showing vibrancy with a lovely nose CHARDONNAY and balance. \"These smelling of strawberries Pirramimma should have drinkability and chocolate and a McLaren Vale 5 TASTED but a number not only characteristically light Tannat lacked this character but bodied tannic palate 2015 HHHH1/2 3 AWARDED also lacked freshness,\" with good length of A big rich dense wine commented one judge. varietal flavours. $26 with excellent, slightly stewed, varietal fruit Haselgrove characters layered with Alternative Series leathery-like complexity. McLaren Vale \"Love the flavour Grenache Rosé delivery,\" said one 2018 HHHH judge. $30 Soft pink wine with a light berry bouquet and floral/rose petal lift and a richer, creamier style of palate with upfront meaty fruit flavours. $25 Richard VBBAEULSYUTSE Hamilton Gida's McLaren Vale Merlot Rosé 2018 HHH1/2 Bright pink/orange colour Richard Hamilton Morgan Simpson with attractive bright Farm Twelve Two Clowns berry fruit characters McLaren Vale Haselgrove McLaren Vale layered with excellent Mourvedre Alternative Series Chardonnay savoury elements. 2017 HHHHH McLaren Vale 2017 HHHH Lovely complex wine. Very typical spicy gamey Montepulciano A delicate light straw $20 mourvedre bouquet with 2018 HHHH1/2 wine beautifully an earthy lift and a great Luminous purple wine balanced and showing Ekhidna She Viper powerful leathery tannic with a huge plum and Scarpantoni good length, excellent McLaren Vale Shiraz varietal palate with good raspberry fruit nose and McLaren Vale structure and subtle Rosé 2018 HHH length and depth of a very complete and Gamay 2018 HHHH chardonnay fruit Pale salmon hues with spicy/earthy flavours. $30 complex palate deep Subtle berry bouquet characters. $20 aromatic strawberry with berry flavours with slight greenness Nick Haselgrove nose and clean simple and laced with grippy and lovely flavours of Wines Blackbilly sour cherry flavours. $25 tannins. $26 plums and raspberries Adelaide on the well-balanced Chardonnay Scarpantoni palate. Soft tannic 2017 HHHH McLaren Vale finish. $25 A softer broader style Gamay Rosé VBBAEULSYUTSE of chardonnay with peach-like varietal 2018 HHH aromas and intense but Sweet berry aromas delicate varietal fruit layered with herbal flavours. $25 elements and a flavoursome, drying, palate. $14 May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 75

McLAREN VALE, LANGHORNE CREEK, FLEURIEU & SURROUNDS Richard Hamilton Langhorne Creek Dyson Scarpantoni La Curio The Panacea McLaren Area Red Blend McLaren Vale McLaren Vale Original Zin Vale Barbera Langhorne Creek Pinot Noir Barbera McLaren Vale 2017 HHHH Red Blend 2017 HHH1/2 2015 HHH1/2 Primitivo Youthful perfumed 2017 HHHH Warm mushroom-like Still a very youthful wine 2016 HHH berry fruit aromas with A rich and complex red aromas showing some just starting to develop Youthful, warm and powerful eucalypt notes blend with a warming maturity and a complex some complexity. \"Has spicy; very attractive which are echoed on the bouquet and bright stewed fruit and subtle a lovely big red feel,\" wine with hints of cherry- fresh, acid driven acid, juicy blackcurrant fruit oak flavoured palate. $35 suggested one judge. $25 like varietal fruit. $25 palate. $22 flavours showing a Karrawatta The Lino Ramble Hastwell & cedary oak lift. $39.15 Meddler Langhorne Domino McLaren La Curio Lightfoot McLaren Dyson Creek Malbec Vale Montepulciano New World Order Vale Montepulciano McLaren Vale 2017 HHH1/2 2017 HHH McLaren Vale 2017 HHHH Sangiovese Quite a tarry character to Big tannic wine with Sangiovese Very attractive dense 2015 HHHH this nose with a pleasant excellent colour and 2015 HHH fruit driven style with Warm spicy complexity and uncomplicated attractive, slightly Nose is dark, rich and aromas of black berry of blueberry-like fruit and ripe red and black fruit spicy, purple fruit chocolaty with a big, fruit and great flavours subtle oak aromas with palate. $54 characters. $40 rich and well-developed on the lean and slightly good varietal definition Richard Hamilton tannic palate. $25 grippy palate. $25 on the nicely ageing Scarpantoni Lot 148 McLaren Hastwell & Lightfoot palate. $35 McLaren Vale Vale Merlot Pirramimma McLaren Vale Angas & Bremer Pinot Noir 2016 HHH Ironstone McLaren Barbera Langhorne Creek 2015 HHH1/2 A full, soft and fleshy Vale Petit Verdot 2017 HHHH Red Blend Lovely plum fruit and wine bright with varietal 2015 HHH A complexity of 2017 HHH1/2 oak complexity on the fruit and with a slightly Powerful savoury blackberry, cherry A bright, youthful and nose and a complex, drying finish. $22 aromas and very dense and oak aromas and appealing style with true pinot, palate with palate with generous very attractive oaky/ juicy blueberry fruit nice mature notes. $25 flavours and a balance of fruit flavour complexity characters and nice use tannins. $60 showing nice aged of oak with a drying notes. $25 tannic finish. $15 GRENACHE & Zonte's Footstep Stonyfell Langhorne BLENDS Violet Beauregard Creek Malbec Langhorne Creek 2017 HHH1/2 24 TASTED Malbec 2017 HHHH Deep rich colour with 23 AWARDED Attractive mature bright youthful aromas shades of red with and typical stewed \"A really strong class,\" some very nice complex fruit-like flavours with a agreed the judges. varietal fruit characters cleansing line of tannins. McLaren Vale is making of black berries with $24.99 a name as the grenache cleansing tannins. Rusty Mutt centre of Australia. $27.50 Conejo Joven \"A pleasure to judge,\" Lino Ramble Tom McLaren Vale said one judge. \"You Bowler McLaren Tempranillo can confidently choose Vale Nero D'Avola 2017 HHH1/2 any of these wines 2017 HHHH A rich, youthful and and enjoy some great Aged characters bright purple wine with drinking.\" tending to dominate powerful oak influence the nose but has but has enough spicy lovely bright plum and varietal fruit to carry blackberry sweetness it. $27 and complexity on the palate. $30 JUDGES - D A Y 1 Nick Haselgrove Rob Ruediger Winestate’s 2010 Australian Wine consultant. Marc Allgrove Winemaker of the Year. Formerly senior Partner at Evans and Owner/Winemaker of production winemaker Ayers consulting Nick Haselgrove Wines. at Accolade Wines firm. With over 20 Former chief winemaker (Hardy Wine Company) years in the Australian at Haselgrove Wines. A involving all varieties and wine industry, both ‘flying winemaker’ from styles. Wine judge at Australia and abroad. 1993-95. Judge at Hobart Brisbane wine show. Worked at Hardy’s, for 3 years and associate Constellation, Chapel judge at Adelaide in 1996- Hill (CEO) and director 97. Extensive International of the Phylloxera export activities. board. 76 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Blood Brother Grounded Cru Ekhidna Republic McLaren McLaren Vale She Viper Vale Grenache G.S.M. 2017 HHHH McLaren Vale 2018 HHHH1/2 Powerful spicy peppery Grenache A lovely fresh lifted nose with strong blue 2016 HHH1/2 grenache with aromas fruit characters which Aromatic complexity of ripe berries and dusty are echoed on the of red cherries, spices oak and mouthfilling ripe elegant palate. Very and tarry notes. Nice sweet muscaty flavours good tannin structure. vinosity and weight to and big soft tannins with the ripe berry palate. a lively finish. 5+ 3-5 $22 3-5 $30 $33.25 Jericho McLaren Vale Grenache d'Arenberg d'Arry's Richard Hamilton Shiraz Mourvedre Original McLaren Colton's McLaren 2017 HHHH Vale Grenache Vale Grenache A great food wine - light Shiraz 2015 HHH1/2 Shiraz Mourvedre and straightforward Fresh spicy fruit aromas 2017 HHHH1/2 with elegant ethereal with a spicy lift. Elegant Rounded leathery varietal fruit, soft tannins fruit flavours with a firm licorice aromas with and hints of complexity tannin structure to the floral undertones. Big developing. 3-5 palate. 5+ $20 and rich in the mouth $26 but has elegance Fox Creek Limited with lovely fruit/oak Patritti Section Release McLaren Arakoon Rusty Mutt complexity and good 181 McLaren Vale Vale Grenache Full Bodied Red Rocky Ox 2017 HHH McLaren Vale McLaren Vale tannic finish. 5+ Grenache Clean, soft and elegant Grenache Shiraz $22 2017 HHHH wine with red fruit Mataro G.S.M. 2017 HHHHH Clean lifted green cherry characters, malty oak 2017 HHHHH Complex briary/dark and hints of licorice. Brooding chocolaty fruit fragrances with Nick Haselgrove nose and soft tannin bouquet with a herbal Wines Blackbilly structure to the green 3-5 $38 berry fruit lift and a hints of spices and McLaren Vale berry palate that exhibits powerful, chunky, palate light minty notes. Grenache Shiraz with sweet ripe berry Full flavoured ripe Mourvedre some earthy/farmyard-like and muscaty flavours and 2017 HHHH1/2 characters. 5+ $40 Ekhidna powerful but soft tannins. berry palate has Toasty oak complexity She Viper good complexity, on the nose underscored 5+ $20 soft tannins and crisp with ripe blue fruits Pirramimma McLaren Vale characters. Great poise Ironstone McLaren G.S.M. 2016 HHH acidity. 5+ $27 to the palate with nice Vale Grenache Spicy peppery berry blue fruit weight and Ekhidna She Viper older oak complexity. Shiraz Mourvedre bouquet with oak McLaren Vale 2016 HHHH support. Ripe fruit Patritti Grenache Shiraz 5+ $25 A dark and brooding flavours with good line Merchant 2016 HHHHH McLaren Vale A big powerful wine that's briary bouquet with of tannins. 5+ rich and complex with licorice-like elements. $27.50 G.S.M. 2017 HHHHH dark briary fruit, some Interesting vinosity to the Spicy peppery red forest floor elements, currant aromas with hints hints of licorice and an Richard Hamilton rich and complex berry Nick Haselgrove edge of menthol. Lovely Burton's Vineyard fruit palate. 3-5 $60 Wines Blackbilly Old of menthol and a dash soft tannin structure. McLaren Vale Vine McLaren Vale of tobacco leading on to a lovely rich ripe berry 5+ $30 Grenache Pirramimma Grenache 2016 HHH 2018 HHHH Ironstone Old Bush Dense aromas of briary palate with a soft tannin Lovely fragrances of pot Vine McLaren Vale bushes and forest structure and balancing acidity. 5+ $24 pourri and lavender with Grenache floor with a violet lift. a youthful, full flavoured 2014 HHHH Powerful ripe berry Pertaringa Two palate, firm but juicy Strong spiciness to the flavours. 3-5 $25 Gentlemen's with a big finish. Needs chocolaty/malty nose McLaren Vale time. 5+ $30 and big ripe sweet red La Curio The Nubile Grenache Shiraz currant fruit flavours with McLaren Vale G.S.M. Mourvedre Grounded Cru aged characters and soft 2015 HHH 2018 HHHH1/2 McLaren Vale tannins. 5+ $60 Lifted spicy sweet berry Ripe and primary style Grenache bouquet and obvious - smells of berries and 2017 HHHH Shingleback Red ripe grenache flavours chocolate with hints of Dark slightly ethereal Knot Classified with a strong finish. $25 menthol and sweet and cherry aromas with a McLaren Vale peppery berry flavours, marzipan edge. Soft in Grenache Shiraz La Curio Reserve licorice notes, soft tannins the mouth with light Mourvedre McLaren Vale with a soft finish. $22 varietal flavours and 2018 HHH1/2 Grenache 2014 HHH bright line of acidity. $22 Fresh and fruity on the Rich ripe fruit nose with nose with malty notes. malty notes. Slightly Good palate weight developed spicy sweet with juicy ripe berry varietal fruit flavours. length and soft tannins. 3-5 $32 3-5 $19 May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 77

McLAREN VALE, LANGHORNE CREEK, FLEURIEU & SURROUNDS CABERNET Lake Breeze Bull Ant BLENDS Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 8 TASTED Merlot 2017 HHH 7 AWARDED Herbal/menthol-like bouquet with complex \"The best here were in herbaceous red currant the brighter rather than flavours. $17 stewed fruit spectrum,\" said one judge. \"Here Zonte's Footstep the winemaker craft Blackberry Patch comes more into play Fleurieu Peninsula rather than the regional Cabernet Sauvignon varieties involved.\" Tempranillo 2017 HHH Stonyfell Bin 62 Complex nutty nose Langhorne Creek with cool black fruits on Cabernet Sauvignon the palate showing a Shiraz Malbec rhubarb edge. $27.50 2017 HHHH Strong red cherry and Ekhidna Haselgrove First Haselgrove Whale Coast VBBAEULSYUTSE red currant driven She Viper Cut McLaren Vale Protector McLaren Kondole aromas with an elegant McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon Vale Cabernet Currency Creek palate that has a Cabernet Shiraz 2017 HHHHH Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon complex balance of oak, 2015 HHH Complex brambly 2017 HHHHH 2017 HHHH fruit and acidity. $37.50 Dusty spicy black olive black fruit fragrances, Mulberries and walnuts A generous well fragrances with sweet a subtlety of oak and fill the glass with lovely balanced deep red Grounded Cru fruit palate showing nice a slight mintiness with aromas and leads on cabernet with excellent McLaren Vale maturity. $27.50 that mintiness obvious to an elegant and very persistence and Cabernet Shiraz on the fruit. Great palate herbaceous fruit palate complexity of varietal Malbec Hastwell & Lightfoot balance with leathery with eucalypt-like fruit and well-handled 2017 HHH1/2 McLaren Vale elements. $23 undertones. $40 oak. $18 Bright youthful berries Cabernet Shiraz and ripe cherries lift off 2015 HHH Shingleback VBBAEULSYUTSE Patritti Merchant the nose with a well- Complex plum and red Red Knot McLaren Vale structured, balanced, currant aromas with McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon sour cherry and lively stewed plum/oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 HHHH blackberry palate. $22 palate. $15 2017 HHHHH Good complexity to the An elegant and quite nose with ripe plum Land Of The Vines CABERNET savoury style of fruit flavours and some McLaren Vale SAUVIGNON cabernet with excellent cherry nuances balanced Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 intensity and weight by the oak and with a Cabernet Franc of plum, rhubarb and drying tannic finish. $24 2017 HHH1/2 13 TASTED blackcurrant-like varietal Some berries on the 11 AWARDED fruit characters with Coriole nose with a herbal lift some good chalky Estate Grown and a balanced, medium Quite a solid class of tannins. $15 McLaren Vale weight, tarry red fruit drinkable wines showing Cabernet Sauvignon flavoured palate. $25.99 good matured fruit 2017 HHHH characters rather than Excellent mixed fruit herbal green ones. aromas with coffee and cocoa-like complexity and a lean, but well balanced, cassis driven fruit palate. $32 JUDGES - D A Y 2 Marc Allgrove Mark Lloyd Partner at Evans and Proprietor and winemaker Neil Jericho Ayers consulting firm. for Coriole. More than 25 Winemaker, Jericho With over 20 years in years’ experience in the Wines. Former the Australian wine wine industry. Associate general manager industry, both Australia judge at the Adelaide Wine of Taylors Wines. and abroad. Worked at Show. Member of Olive Oil Former winemaker Hardy’s, Constellation, Assessment Panel. for Brown Brothers Chapel Hill (CEO) and in North East Victoria. director of the Phylloxera Regular fortified wine board. judge. 78 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Karrawatta Christo's Pertaringa Heartland Langhorne Lake Breeze Paddock Langhorne Rifle & Hunt Creek Cabernet Langhorne Creek Creek Cabernet McLaren Vale Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 HHHHH 2016 HHHHH 2017 HHHH 2017 HHH Lovely fresh fragrances A big blockbuster of A complex wine with The nose is dense, dark of violets lift off the a wine with excellent jammy blackberry and mature with a plum nose. Palate shows boysenberry-like characters, some black and rhubarb complexity good balance and sweetness on the olive elements, a hint of on the palate. $40 excellent length of blue nose and attractive greenness and grippy and purple fruit flavours bright syrupy red tannic finish. $54 CABERNET with a rhubarb edge and fruit flavours on the Mollydooker SAUVIGNON chewy tannins. $19 warming palate. $27 Gigglepot McLaren 2016 & OLDER Morgan Simpson Vale Cabernet Angas & Bremer d'Arenberg The High Row 42 McLaren 2017 HHHH 24 TASTED Langhorne Creek Trellis McLaren Vale Vale Cabernet A lovely wine with 18 AWARDED Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon attractive varietal fruit 2016 HHHHH 2016 HHHH1/2 2017 HHHH on the nose and a bright A mixed bag with the Nose is a youthful Very rich syrupy style Pungent spicy and and lively black fruit largest percentage here complexity of intense of cabernet with a ripe tarry-like characters on palate with hints of made in the classic fruit characters and sweet nose tinged the nose with soft and aniseed and spices. $55 style. \"Those who lovely oak. Excellent with black olives and a generous blackcurrant Shingleback missed out were either juicy rich flavour brambly rich palate with fruit flavours with Davey Estate too tannic, too hot or expression with very intense varietal a savoury balance. McLaren Vale too ripe,\" suggested leathery \"Chesterfield- flavours and drying Enjoyable! $22 Cabernet Sauvignon one judge. \"The best like\" notes and drying tannins. $20 2017 HHH kept their energy and tannins. $20 Attractive spiciness to brightness by not the nose and a rich and overdoing it.\" aromatic sweet mulberry fruit palate. $25 Our growing global network offers over 28,000 Mainfreight to Mainfreight connections, helping you to move your wine and spirits globally, worry free. Across the beverage industry we supply services from global movements of ISO tanks to single bottles. We store and distribute wine, beer and spirits and deliver daily across the country and export globally to retail distribution centres, on premise locations and direct to consumers. Talk to a local Mainfreight team member about how we can build a tailored solution for your domestic and global needs. www.mainfreight.com May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 79

McLAREN VALE, LANGHORNE CREEK, FLEURIEU & SURROUNDS Howlin' Gale Wines Grandeur Wellington SHIRAZ Category 5 McLaren Vale BLENDS Langhorne VBBAEULSYUTSE Cabernet Sauvignon Creek Cabernet 2016 HHH1/2 12 TASTED Sauvignon An elegant cabernet 2015 HHHH with youthful shades 11 AWARDED of purple and showing A mix of coconut, sweet a refreshing mix of \"It shows that the region fruit and mahogany-like mature menthol fruit does a good shiraz blend aged aromas with rich characters. $70 giving lots of ripe fruit sweet fruited flavours Arakoon McLaren characters,\" said one and a dash of black Vale Cabernet judge. \"Shiraz from this pepper. $18.33 Sauvignon region reinforces any 2016 HHH variety that is added to A fresh lively number the blend.\" with ripe sweet cherry berry fruit characters Angas & Bremer and good use of oak. Langhorne Creek $18 Shiraz Cabernet Twinwoods Estate Sauvignon Kalamanda Reserve 2017 HHHH1/2 McLaren Vale Ripe berries and dark Grandeur Wellington Cabernet chocolate on the nose Dyson McLaren Bin 62 McLaren Vale 2016 HHH with hints of violets and a Vale Shiraz Viognier Cabernet Sauvignon A big mouthfilling rich, full flavoured, palate 2017 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH1/2 style with inky olive with good fruit weight Ripe berries and toasty Very good wine and tarry characters and length supported by oak mingle on the developing some lovely showing some early the ripe tannins. 5+ nose with slight leafy bottle age characters development. $25 $15 notes. Tight, elegant but still has freshness Scarpantoni but complex palate with with an abundance of Brothers Block dark briary varietal fruit inky berry fruit, roasted McLaren Vale flavours dominating. nut notes and cleansing Cabernet Sauvignon tannins. $35 2016 HHH 5+ $35 Richard Hamilton Blackberry fruit nose Hut Block McLaren Grandeur Wellington with a greenish note Shingleback Vale Cabernet Cellar Reserve and excellent oak and Local Heroes Sauvignon McLaren Vale fruit complexity of McLaren Vale 2016 HHHH Cabernet Sauvignon flavours. $35 Shiraz Grenache A full-bodied cabernet 2015 HHHH Fox Creek 2018 HHHH with lively aromatics A complex mature Three Blocks Spicy cranberry aromas and excellent youthful cabernet but still McLaren Vale with chocolaty notes licoricey fruit flavours quite fruity with great Cabernet Sauvignon and an elegant palate supported by the furry- spicy characters and 2016 HHH with dark chocolaty like tannins. $22 interesting cola-like Dense and youthful fruit flavours laced with Grounded Cru notes. Has energy and style with perfumed nice line of acidity. Inc (Gold Label) vibrancy. $70 fruit aromas and lovely McLaren Vale Nick Haselgrove uncomplicated fruity 5+ $25 Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Clarence Hill palate. $38 2016 HHHH Adelaide Cabernet Pertaringa Mollydooker Two Coriole McLaren Dense rich complexity of Sauvignon Tipsy Hill Left Feet McLaren Vale Shiraz Fiano black olive-like aromas. 2016 HHH1/2 McLaren Vale Vale Langhorne 2018 HHHH The palate is, \"In great A generous, soft ripe Cabernet Sauvignon Fresh ripe peppery fruit shape.\" A little on the style with a lifted spicy 2016 HHH nose with a violet lift sweet side with grippy oak nose and big rich Sweet ripe fruited nose and a full flavoured firm tannins. $36 black fruit palate with an and a juiciness to the tannic palate. Nice fruit Shingleback D Block abundance of tannins. red berry fruit palate weight and good use of Reserve McLaren $15 with furry tannins. $295 oak. 5+ $32 Vale Cabernet Pertaringa Rifle & Sauvignon Hunt McLaren Vale Creek Shiraz Lake Breeze 2016 HHHH Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet A complex cabernet 2016 HHH1/2 2017 HHHH1/2 Bernoota Langhorne with excellent varietal Juicy rich fruit bouquet Creek Shiraz fruit and nutty oak with cool refreshing Toasty oak bouquet Cabernet Sauvignon characters. A tight palate fruit palate and black with layers of spicy structure with good pepper notes with dusty fruit and hints of bacon 2016 HHHH balance and length. $55 tannins and warming Pretty blueberry bouquet alcohol. $40 with similar characters shows savoury/meaty echoed on the soft, smooth well-balanced notes. Good weight of sweet fruit carries palate. Strong tannin across the length of the presence. 5+ $30 palate. 5+ $22 80 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

S C A R PA N T O N I 40 ESTATE GROWN - FAMILY MADE Celebrating 40 Years of Family Winemaking in McLaren Vale 1979 - 2019 Cellar Door Tasting & Sales: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, weekend & public holidays 11:30am - 4:30pm Scarpantoni Drive McLaren Flat SA 5171, Ph: 08 8383 0186 email: [email protected]

McLAREN VALE, LANGHORNE CREEK, FLEURIEU & SURROUNDS d'Arenberg The Patritti Merchant I Am George Laughing Magpie McLaren Vale Shiraz Langhorne Creek McLaren Vale Shiraz 2017 HHHHH Shiraz Viognier 2015 HHHH Developing toasty oak 2017 HHHH1/2 Spices and blueberries nose with great line of Unusual aromatic on the nose showing dark sweet cherry fruit. spicy green fruit some aged notes with An ageing palate but characters to the nose an elegant black fruit has plenty of powerful with attractive spicy/ palate, soft tannins and sweet fruit showing herbal fruit flavours drying finish. 5+ through. Big drying with an elegant palate $29 tannic finish. 5+ structure. Good level $24 of tannins. 5+ Arakoon Lighthouse $19.99 Langhorne Creek Shingleback Shiraz Cabernet Davey Brothers 2017 HHH1/2 McLaren Vale Malty plum aromas Shiraz verging on mocha 2017 HHHH1/2 with a strong tannin \"Very good wine.\" structure to the blue Slight sweetness to the fruit palate with tart red cherry/cranberry acidity. 5+ fruit fragrances. Rich $18 balanced black and blue fruit palate - nice Mollydooker Whale Coast VBBAEULSYUTSE Pruner's Hut Single peppery notes and Enchanted Path Crows Nest Vineyard McLaren grainy tannins. 5+ McLaren Vale Currency Creek Vale Shiraz Shiraz Cabernet Shiraz 2017 HHHHH 2017 HHHHH $17 2017 HHH1/2 Nose shows fresh Mocha oak and blue Stalky briary fruit bouquet aromatic jubey fruit Bird's Eye View fruit bouquet with a big with hints of forest floor- threaded with spicy ripe fruity palate, strong like notes. Nice palate peppery elements McLaren Vale Shiraz tannins and crisp acid. with more spicy/ 2017 HHHH1/2 weight; full and rounded peppery varietal fruit Very good vanillin/ 5+ $80 and brimming over with on the palate with good peppery green fruit balance of sweetness. tobacco-like oak characters on the nose with balancing acid and 5+ $22 with plums and cherries tannins. 5+ $18 Haselgrove First Cut Morgan Simpson McLaren Vale Shiraz underneath. Dense and Barcore McLaren 2017 HHHHH intense fleshy varietal Vale Shiraz Mataro Grounded Cru A big full flavoured flavours with a soft acid Richard Hamilton 2017 HHH McLaren Vale shiraz - silky smooth Little Road McLaren Shiraz 2017 HHHHH with a seamless finish. 5+ $18 Vale Shiraz Blueberry nose with a Strong spicy aromas balance of briary fruit, herbal/bay leaf lift and with dark cherry, ripe berries, light oak Shingleback 2017 HHHH1/2 violet and lavender and some menthol Haycutters Darker fruit characters a cranberry driven fruity characters. A rich, full notes and supported by McLaren Vale Shiraz evident here and palate. 5+ $20 flavoured, ripe berry strong tannin structure. palate with powerful 2017 HHHH1/2 layered with some Hastwell & Lightfoot tannin structure and 5+ $23 pretty blueberry McLaren Vale Shiraz good oak complexity. Nose reminiscent of a nuances and nicely Cherry Ripe chocolate bar Cabernet Sauvignon 5+ $22 with an excellent weight balanced by the mocha- 2016 HHH like oak, tight tannins and density to the palate and acid. 5+ $22 Rich ripe musky berry with the oak and sweet aromas and dark fruit berry fruit in perfect flavours enhanced by the Pertaringa harmony. 5+ Parsons Paddock ripe tannins. 5+ Undercover $18 Langhorne Creek $40 McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018 HHHH Shiraz 2017 HHHHH Shingleback A powerful young wine SHIRAZ Big peppery fruit lift to Red Knot VBBAEULSYUTSE with a pretty violet 2018/2017 the nose with light floral Classified bouquet, an oaky lift and UNDER $25 nuances. Good weight McLaren Vale Shiraz hints of licorice. Peppery and length of bright 2017 HHHH1/2 blackberry fruit palate 19 TASTED crunchy spicy peppery A big wine! The nose is with strong tannins. fruit flavours with a very a mix of spices, mocha 19 AWARDED good tannin structure. 5+ $16 5+ $22 oak and blueberry fruit with a full tannic palate ripe with berry fruit and The group exhibits hints of chocolaty oak. the consistency of 5+ $19 reds from this region. \"Even at these prices you get great flavour and complexity,\" said one judge. \"Incredible value for money,\" said another. 82 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Chain of Ponds Grounded Cru Nick Haselgrove Acquaintance Inc (Gold Label) Wines Blackbilly McLaren Vale McLaren Vale McLaren Vale Shiraz Shiraz 2017 HHH Shiraz 2017 HHHHH 2017 HHHH1/2 An uncomplicated Inky dark nose with Brooding briary/ shiraz layered with red a brooding brambly blackberry bouquet rich cherry fruit, oak and bouquet showing some and juicy in the mouth soft tannins. 5+ lovely oak elements. with excellent varietal $20 The huge ripe sweet fruit, good oak and palate showing flavours strong balancing tannins SHIRAZ of olives, blackberries with a warming finish. 2018/2017 and oak. Nice tannins. $25+ 5+ $25 5+ $36 23 TASTED Karrawatta McLaren 23 AWARDED Vale Shiraz 2017 HHHHH Distinct blackberry- like aromas with an A classic bracket attractive violet lift of wines. \"A great and great persistence standard with just small of peppery berry fruit preferential differences flavours. Great palate between the judges,\" texture with lovely soft Arakoon Big, Fat & noted one judge. \"Great tannic finish. 5+ Mollydooker Gutsy McLaren Vale consistency; you would $54 Carnival of Love Shiraz 2017 HHHH not be unhappy with any McLaren Vale Shiraz As the same suggests - a of these!\" 2017 HHHHH big full flavoured shiraz A ripe but elegant style with great oak complexity, of shiraz that smells nice blue fruits and some of dark cherries, olives mouth puckering acidity. and hints of coffee with a syrupy sweet 5+ $20 fruit palate that has a long firm tannic finish. Nick Haselgrove Wines Clarence Hill 5+ $80 Adelaide Shiraz Hastwell & Lightfoot 2017 HHH1/2 McLaren Vale Shiraz Leconfield McLaren 2017 HHHH1/2 Vale Shiraz Attractive aromas of Powerful earthy nose 2017 HHHH1/2 sweet vanillin oak and but also has plenty of lightly herbal fruit. The ripe berry aromas. Nice An aromatic power of palate, well balanced chocolate, malt, briary oak driven palate is and offering a rich ripe fruit and violets with underscored with ripe mouthful of flavour with fruit. 5+ $15 strong tannin backbone. peppery fruit flavours on a tight palate with good 5+ $25 use of oak and \"piquant\" Lake Breeze Bull Ant acidity. 5+ $26 Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2017 HHH1/2 Patritti JPB McLaren Zonte's Footstep A fleshy style with slightly Vale Shiraz Chocolate Factory sweet vanilla/blue fruit 2017 HHHHH McLaren Vale Shiraz nose and more sweet Nose is a dense 2017 HHHH1/2 fruit on the palate with amalgam of black Lots of blue fruits toasty/bacon touches. fruits, cherries, licorice on the nose layered and toasty oak with with mocha-like oak 5+ $17 a lovely silky-smooth and plenty of cherry palate that's bright with flavours with chocolaty Shingleback Red Mollydooker The blackberry fruit, good elements, silky smooth Knot McLaren Vale Boxer McLaren Vale oak and fine tannins. tannins and nice acidity. Shiraz 2017 HHH Langhorne Creek A medium bodied wine Shiraz 2017 HHHHH 5+ $60 5+ $27.50 of sweet berry fruits, Gorgeous nose; all black hints of mint, chocolaty fruits and ripe figs with oak and strong tannins. a vanillin oak nuance. Nick Haselgrove Wines Clarence Hill 5+ $15 Excellent hit of sweet Red Label McLaren fruit on the palate that's Vin Vale by well integrated with the Vale Shiraz Shingleback 2017 HHHH1/2 McLaren Vale bacony-like oak and the Sweet red berry and Shiraz 2017 HHH tannins. 5+ $30 Big hit of sweet berry plum fruit fragrances aromas but more meaty with hints of orange on the palate with peel-like characters and slightly greenish fruit. a powerful tannic palate filled with chocolaty 5+ $15 sweet shiraz fruit flavours. 5+ $30 May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 83

McLAREN VALE, LANGHORNE CREEK, FLEURIEU & SURROUNDS Haselgrove Catkin Zonte's Footstep Pertaringa Lake Breeze Section McLaren Vale Shiraz Lake Doctor Over The Top 54 Langhorne Creek 2017 HHHH1/2 Langhorne Creek McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016 HHHHH A big, rich and ripe Shiraz 2017 HHHH Shiraz 2017 HHH1/2 Powerful sweet briary chocolaty fruit style The nose is all sweet Pleasant earthy and elements to the nose of shiraz with violet- vanillin oak and floral licorice characters on with a lovely silky- like aromatics with a fruit. Nice cranberry- the varietal fruit nose smooth palate with slight greenish thread, like flavours with slight with rich, rounded and ripe sweet richness silky smooth tannins green notes and soft ripe dark fruit flavours. of peppery black fruit and firm drying finish. line of tannins. 5+ flavours across the $27.50 5+ $40 length of the palate. 5+ $40 Mollydooker 5+ $27 Patritti Lot Three Hand Crafted Velvet Glove McLaren Vale Shiraz by Geoff Hardy McLaren Vale Shingleback The 2017 HHHH1/2 McLaren Vale Shiraz 2017 HHH1/2 Gate McLaren Vale Rich, ripe and Shiraz 2017 HHHH Ripe sweet dark fruit Shiraz 2016 HHHHH flavoursome with well Simple oak lift on blue/ nose with leathery A powerful tannic style handled, very pretty red fruit nose with a hint complexity and quite of shiraz that's firm, and nicely lifted blue of violets. An elegant a sweet fruit palate ripe and long with fruit characters nicely palate with nice weight that's soft with tannins. plenty of strong sweet matched by the oak and and length of dark fruits mulberry-like varietal showing a full tannin and oak. 5+ $40 5+ $195 fruit characters and structure. 5+ $40 nice malty oak adding Karrawatta Joseph Haselgrove complexity. 5+ Langhorne Creek The Cruth $39.95 Grandeur Wellington Shiraz 2017 HHHH McLaren Vale Cellar Reserve Nose reminiscent of Shiraz 2017 HHH McLaren Vale olive tapenade with Plumy aromas with Pertaringa Over the Shiraz 2016 HHHHH light spicy plum lift. briary undertones with a Top McLaren Vale A full ripe mocha, Excellent sweet/spicy ripe and nicely textured Shiraz 2016 HHHHH blueberry and stewed berry fruit flavours on a sweet berry palate. Subdued nose with plum nose with a slippery smooth palate. hints of varietal fruit powerful tannic driven 5+ $150 and herbs. Beautifully palate showing excellent 5+ $54 ageing palate with balance between the ripe SHIRAZ 2016 full-on tannins matched Blood Brother by powerful ripe fruit shiraz fruit flavours and 27 TASTED characters showing the oak. 5+ $70 Republic KG 27 AWARDED slight green notes. Vineyard McLaren Vale Shiraz 5+ $40 2017 HHHH Another lovely strong Dark briary fruit nose; class. The wines are slight herbal notes with holding up well and a lavender lift. Ripe and showing loads of flavour. rich in the mouth and \"The 2016 vintage was full of flavour with good a strong one for this depth of oak. 5+ region making it hard to $64.15 pick between the wines; a good problem! Many Mollydooker Blue Haselgrove The of these have 15+ years Eyed Boy McLaren Ambassador ageing potential.\" Vale Shiraz McLaren Vale 2017 HHHH1/2 Shiraz 2017 HHHH Ekhidna Linchpin A lovely wine - needs Sweet berry bouquet; McLaren Vale Shiraz time to settle. Smells nice oak and herbal 2016 HHHHH of chocolate, black complexity. Powerful A big, dark, complex and fruits and the forest sweet berry flavours on tannic wine with earthy floor. Palate has big a richly textured palate. brambly nose layered tannins, tight acid and Good line of acid. raspberry fruit flavours. 5+ $85 5+ $55 Haselgrove Jericho S3 with toasty oak and Zonte's Footstep Col Cross masses of mouthfilling Z Force McLaren Vale Shiraz McLaren Vale black fruit flavours McLaren Vale 2017 HHHH1/2 Shiraz 2017 HHH1/2 Shiraz 2016 HHHHH Described as \"Tempered Ripe fruit aromas with showing some red berry Morgan Simpson Lovely nose - smells like and tight,\" by one notes. 5+ $55 Reprieve McLaren a spicy fruit cake with judge. Pretty floral/ a slight pungency. Nice Vale Shiraz good palate weight and violet fragrances and sweet blue fruit palate 2016 HHHHH structure with lovely uncomplicated but with light oak use and Pleasant plum aromas layers of fruit, oak and very attractive red fruit soft tannins. 5+ with a pretty floral lift of tannins. \"This is a big palate. Nice tannins. $26 violets and roses. Lovely wine,\" noted one judge. palate layered with blue 5+ $90 and black fruits and coffee 5+ $70 and chocolate notes and strong smooth tannins. 5+ $45 84 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Angas & Bremer d'Arenberg Morgan Simpson Langhorne Creek The Dead Arm Basket Press Shiraz 2016 McLaren Vale Shiraz McLaren Vale HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH1/2 Shiraz 2016 HHH Spices and tobacco lift Lovely lifted aromas A lifted spice box of off the blue fruit nose. of blackberries and a nose and a softly Big strong ripe fruit olives with cedary oak structured palate full palate with slight herbal nuances. Big and tannic of sweet ripe flavours. notes, grainy tannins and quite drying in the and slightly warm on the mouth tasting of ripe 5+ $24 fruits and toasty oak. finish. 5+ $20 Twinwoods Estate 5+ $75 Kalamanda Reserve Shingleback McLaren Vale Davey Estate Pertaringa Yeoman Shiraz 2016 HHH McLaren Vale Shiraz McLaren Vale Shiraz Plum fruit aromas with 2016 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH1/2 a violet lift and a full A full flavoured shiraz Confectionery red flavoured sweet plum loaded with red fruit fragrances with palate that has a certain and black berry fruit a spicy note and oak elegance. 5+ $25 characters and some complexity. Well forest floor-like elements integrated palate full Nick Haselgrove all well integrated of sweet fruit and Wines Clarence Hill with the nutty oak and chocolate oak with a Reserve McLaren tannins. 5+ $25 full tannin structure. Vale Shiraz Grandeur Wellington Beklyn McLaren 2016 HHH 5+ $250 Bin 69 McLaren Vale Vale Shiraz Fox Creek 2016 HHHH Flavoursome complexity Short Row Ekhidna She Viper Shiraz 2016 HHHH Loads of smoky/ of sweet blue fruits, McLaren Vale Shiraz McLaren Vale Shiraz An elegant varietal nose cedary oak on both the 2016 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH that's all plums, herbs, nose and palate and malt, chocolate and new Impressive intensity of The nose is a underscored with spicy leather with a grainy dark chocolate and briary complexity of plums malt and oak. Very good plum-like fruit, soft tannic finish. 5+ bush aromas edged and prunes with minty intensity and weight tannins and crisp acidity. with forest floor notes. notes. Strong shiraz of the mulberry fruit $35 Big silky tannic palate flavours; all juicy 5+ $45 brimming over with black and spicy with flavours. 5+ $35 McLaren Vale III sweet chocolaty fruit. cleansing tannins. Associates Black 5+ $38 5+ $27.50 Bay Single Vineyard Mr. Riggs McLaren Estate Grown Vale Shiraz 2016 HHHH McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016 HHH Jericho McLaren Heartland Directors' An interesting shiraz; a Fragrant aromatic wine Vale Shiraz rich and nicely rounded 2016 HHHH1/2 Cut Langhorne style with obvious with perfumed herbal Powerful chocolaty lift Creek Shiraz bouquet and spicy fleshy to the complex varietal 2016 HHHH smoky bacon oak fruit flavours. 5+ fruit nose. The palate is aromas and spicy black big and broad with nice Herbs, plums and fruit flavours. 5+ $75 weight of silky smooth blue fruits on the sweet chocolaty fruit nose and layered with $50 and grippy tannins. SHIRAZ oak. Nicely ageing, Pirramimma 2015 & OLDER 5+ $38 uncomplicated varietal McLaren Vale Shiraz palate with grippy 2016 HHH1/2 12 TASTED tannins. 5+ $33 Spicy malty dark fruit bouquet with savoury- 8 AWARDED like characters on the Saddler's Creek Patritti Lot Three palate showing a good Some excellent wines Alessandro McLaren Vale Shiraz level of age complexity. here that are holding up Reserve Langhorne 2016 HHHH well for their age. \"What Creek Shiraz Flinty blueberry fruit 5+ $30 you lose in vibrancy you 2016 HHHH1/2 bouquet layered with gain in complexity,\" said A very big style of smoky/bacon-like Scarpantoni Block 3 Mr. Riggs Burnt one judge. shiraz. The nose is all oak with big drying McLaren Vale Shiraz Block McLaren Vale nuts and mocha and \"angular\" tannins slightly 2016 HHHH Shiraz 2016 HHH1/2 Jericho McLaren briary fruits with lots overpowering the fruit. \"A sleeping giant!\" A simpler uncomplicated Vale Shiraz of tannins on the ripe suggested one judge. style of shiraz with 2015 HHHH1/2 fruit palate showing 5+ $40 A big, malty oak driven, Alluring spicy plum good integration of oak. wine with nice lightly bouquet with a herbal varietal fruit and rhubarb tinged plum fruit seamlessly balanced 5+ $65 a full tannin structure. characters and big drying palate of stewed-like tannins. 5+ $50 fruit and well-handled 5+ $35 oak. Quite tannic with amazing freshness to it. $38 May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 85

McLAREN VALE, LANGHORNE CREEK, FLEURIEU & SURROUNDS Howling Gale Wines Rusty Mutt Original Patritti McLaren Force 10 Langhorne McLaren Vale Shiraz Vale Fortified Creek Shiraz 2015 HHH1/2 Gewurztraminer 2015 HHHH Complex but still 2008 HHHH An excellent wine that is youthful wine with Light honeyed complex and beautifully excellent length and sweetness to the nose aged and yet is still depth of rhubarb and with typical attractive quite youthful with licorice varietal fruit cold tea notes. Lovely good length of cherry characters. $27 varietal fruit flavours and chocolate flavours. offering light easy $22.50 Grandeur Wellington drinking for a fortified. James Haselgrove Bin 69 McLaren Vale $20 Futures Shiraz 2015 HHH Scarpantoni McLaren Vale A delicious complexity of Scarpantoni California Road Shiraz 2014 HHHH chocolate oak and cherry 30-Year-Old Old Vine McLaren Holding up well and still fruit nicely supported by McLaren Vale Tawny Vale Shiraz showing great red hues furry tannins. $35 NV HHHH1/2 2013 HHHH1/2 with some medicinal Nose exhibits lovely Still rich and bright for characters to the sweet Grandeur Wellington aged rancio complexity a 6-year-old wine with and peppery fruit. Nice McLaren Vale Shiraz with a delicious balance lifted spicy aromas and firm tannins. $50 2015 HHH of fruit, oak and aged great mouthfilling red Shingleback D Block Dense young spicy nose flavours. Quite a fruit flavours on the Reserve McLaren with a long, soft and straightforward palate silky-smooth palate with Vale Shiraz straightforward palate considering the age of furry tannins. $25 2014 HHHH with leathery age. $70 the wine. $45 Ageing very well with dense blackberry FORTIFIEDS bouquet and a flavoursome palate with 2 TASTED good balance of creamy 2 AWARDED oak, opulent fruit and furry tannins. $55 A couple of very good dessert wines here. MAKE GOOD ONE’S ESCAPE Our vineyards are unique remnant plantings which escaped popular vine pull schemes during the 1980s. Weathered, gnarly and magnificent in their defiance, they are true masterpieces of wine grape flavour. ADELAIDE PLAINS Mt. LOFTY RANGES ADELAIDE HILLS VIEW THE FULL RANGE OLDPL A INS .COM 86 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

2018 2012 & 2014 ‘Australian Winemaker Top 5 - of the Year’ 2016 & 2018 2012 & 2018

travelbriefs WINSOR DOBBIN NORTH ISLAND Nature & Nosh uses local guides to take (Gisborne, Auckland & Northland) visitors on some of the best walks in the Waikato and Coromandel regions, stopping OLDEST STILL A DRAWCARD along with the local food sector, to create a along the way to indulge in the pleasures new festival to liven up what is a traditionally of local produce, gourmet eateries and NORTHLAND is a surprising destination for quieter period for New Zealand’s largest city. artisan producers. Nature & Nosh promises many wine lovers; the oldest and the warmest Locals and visitors will have their pick of boutique accommodation in lodges or wine-growing region in New Zealand, where everything from Shakespeare, live music, art B&Bs with local hosts, unique food and vines were first planted two centuries and performances, food shows, craft beer wine experiences, all-inclusive tours with no ago. Warm spring temperatures, hot dry and boutique wine events, through to special hidden costs and small groups (maximum summers and calm, clear autumn days menus and progressive dinners. A range of of 10) for an authentic experience. Tours mean fruit ripens early, creating full-bodied, family-friendly events will include ice skating, range from one-day experiences to six or rich and generous wine. Key varieties are Maori dance and storytelling, giant glowing seven-day tours. Phone +64 204 130 5060 chardonnay, pinot gris and syrah. Stretching puppet shows, and lighting installations in or visit www.natureandnosh.co.nz. from Karikari in the north, to Mangawhai local parks, on central city streets, and on in the south, Northland offers a range of Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge. ATEED SAMPLE THE BEST NZ HAS experiences. Its northern location and close GM Destination, Steve Armitage, says TO OFFER proximity to the sea (nowhere is more than Elemental is designed to make Auckland a 50km from the ocean) give the Northland more compelling visitor destination during JUST minutes from the Auckland International region an almost subtropical climate. The winter; but will also add more vibrancy for Airport, Villa Maria’s cellar door is open seven first vines in New Zealand were planted in the locals. The Elemental Feast will feature fine days a week for wine sales and tastings. Bay of Islands by the missionary, Reverend dining restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, Samuel Marsden, in 1819. In the late 1800s, and food trucks plating up a unique festival Standard tastings cost $10 for five wines, Croatian gum diggers arrived bringing their dish or menu using ingredients sourced with premium tastings $15 for five wines. European tradition of winemaking. Visit from the Auckland region and inspired by There are daily tours departing from the cellar northlandwinegrowers.co.nz. the elements. Keep up to date with festival door at 11am and 2pm for a cost of $5. Villa announcements, calendars, accommodation Maria lays claim to the title of New Zealand's FESTIVAL OF LOCAL and travel detail via elementalakl.co.nz. most awarded winery. Its Vineyard Cafe is FLAVOURS open daily for lunch and guests can sip a STEP OUT FOR LOCAL FARE glass of wine on the terrace overlooking the AUCKLAND has unveiled a new winter Inhumation Vineyard and lake. Menus change festival, Elemental AKL, which will run from A NEW experience for food lovers, Nature with the seasons and feature the freshest New July 1-31. & Nosh, has been launched in Waikato. The Zealand produce, with vegetarian, gluten trips appeal to lovers of scenic day walks (or free and dairy-free options, as well as food The month-long festival is set to transform longer) and local food and wine. suitable for children. Think maybe a caesar Tamaki Makaurau (the original name of the salad accompanied by Reserve Barrique Auckland isthmus) into a creative canvas with Fermented Gisborne Chardonnay, or goats more than 40 free and ticketed events taking cheese mousse, summer peach, pistachio place in bars and eateries, theatres, hotels, crumbs and mango coulis, served with a pinot public spaces and more. Elemental will riff gris. Visit www.villamariawines.com. on the elements of air, fire, earth and water to create a program of events themed around JUST SO cuisine, light installations, entertainment and culture. Auckland Tourism, Events and AUCKLAND has a new destination hotel with Economic Development (ATEED) has worked the opening late last year of international with event partners from throughout the region, luxury lifestyle hotel SO/Auckland. SO/Auckland, an offshoot of Accor brand 88 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

travelbriefs Sofitel, opened in November, joining a Marc de Passorio, former owner of Michelin- Heritage Auckland began offering plant- portfolio of seven individual design hotels starred restaurant, L’Esprit de la Violette based menu items in both its lobby cafe and worldwide. “The arrival of SO/ brings a in Aix-en-Provence. “In 2012 I visited New Hectors restaurant in 2011. The hotel then new level of design audacity and boldness Zealand for the first time and fell in love with went on to be the first New Zealand restaurant to the Auckland hotel scene,” said SO/ the country,” the chef says. “It offers so many to be vegetarian accredited by the Vegetarian Auckland general manager Stephen Gould. things, from fantastic produce and wine to Society in early 2013. Hectors has a vegan “The decision to launch SO/ in Auckland amazing scenery wherever you go, fresh air range for breakfast, lunch, high tea and comes at a time when tourism in New and generous, friendly people.” The 130-room dinner. The hotel has a regular “The Creative Zealand is booming and reinforces that this hotel also features a cafe, Club Signature Kitchen - Meat Free Monday” menu with new stunning natural beauty is also a bustling lounge, SO Spa, SO Fit and indoor heated seasonal plant-based dishes each week. metropolis and the must-visit destination of pool. SO/Auckland, 67 Customs St, Auckland; The hotel also regularly hosts special dining the South Pacific.” phone +64 9 365 0000. Rates begin from events to celebrate vegan dining, including $NZ469 ($A440) per room per night. World Vegetarian and World Vegan Days Each SO/ hotel is brought to life by each year. Hectors restaurant is open seven celebrated names from the world of fashion VEGANS PLATE UP AT days and welcomes both in-house guests and and design. In Mauritius there is Kenzo HECTORS casual diners, and caters plant-based menus Takada, in Bangkok it is Christian Lacroix. In for conferences and weddings on request. Singapore, Karl Lagerfeld was the main man. HECTORS restaurant at Heritage Auckland Visit www.heritagehotels.co.nz/auckland. is the first New Zealand restaurant to achieve “We needed a designer with an approach vegan certification as part of a new scheme TOAST OF THE REGION as bold and enterprising as the SO/ brand created by the New Zealand Vegetarian - energetic, social, bursting with individual Society. The society is running the Vegan TICKETS will soon be on sale for Toast character but also inherently a reflection of Certification program in collaboration with Martinborough 2019, an iconic wine, food Auckland,” says Gould. the Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand. and music celebration held in the charming The certification is the only one of its kind in wine village of Martinborough. “WORLD (a design group that capitalise New Zealand. “The ever-increasing demand their own name) is a playful mix of for vegan food and products made this a The 28th edition of the event, to be held on sophistication and dynamic style and good time to launch such a program. The November 17. Earlybird group tickets will be therefore was an obvious choice. SO/ new certification symbol will make simple on sale from May 17 with general admission Auckland is an avant-garde masterpiece work of finding suitable products and dining available from September 17. The festival imaginatively inspired by WORLD.” The experiences that are authentically vegan,” sees vineyards team up with some of the hotel emblem reflects the volcanic history says New Zealand Vegetarian Society best chefs in New Zealand to offer wine of Auckland, the natural beauty of New president Julia Clements. For Heritage and food matches. New-release wines and Zealand and the history of the building itself. Auckland, the certification involved a stringent older vintages both feature. Martinborough, and independent audit of every ingredient in located just over an hour by car or train from Benny Castles, designer and director the hotel's Hectors restaurant plant-based Wellington, is home to over 20 boutique for WORLD, a Kiwi fashion group, talks menu range. The rigour of the process sent vineyards all located a short walk or cycle up the concept. “We created a stylised Heritage Auckland executive chef Gerrard from each other. A key part of what makes topographical map of Auckland and over- O'Keefe on a major culinary research project, Toast unique is the multi-site celebration inflated the role of volcanoes. The emblem but it was worth it to his mind. “We are allowing festival goers to easily walk or needed to be both nostalgic and futuristic, delighted Hectors restaurant has been vegan ride on the free shuttles operating between appealing to Auckland’s mythical past but certified by the New Zealand Vegetarian each vineyard. Keep up to date at www. setting itself in the future of what this city Society,” he said. “It took weeks of research toastmartinborough.co.nz. will become. to conduct a detailed examination of our suppliers’ ingredients that go into our vegan Opposite page top left: Marsden Estate exterior. “The swirling, hypnotic effect feels as menus. The thoroughness of the New Zealand Opposite page bottom: Villa Maria, Auckland. though you’re looking directly into the eye of Vegetarian Society process proved a great Top left: Auckland city scape. a volcano, reflecting that feeling of stepping discipline and their support is hard-earned, Top right: Toast Festival, Martinborough. into a boutique hotel; a hypnotic experience so it's a huge honour to be the first restaurant where the outside world is left behind and a to achieve their accreditation.” new experience begins.” SO/Auckland offers a taste of French inspiration at Harbour Society restaurant on the 15th floor, helmed by French chef May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 89

32 TASTED 29 RECOMMENDED NORTH ISLAND Wairarapa, Gisborne, Auckland & Nor thland The warmth of the North Island produces markedly softer, rounder Matawhero Church Matawhero Single wines than the aromatic, crisp styles typical of the South Island. House Barrel- Vineyard Gisborne The ‘intermediate’, rather than ‘cool’, grape-growing climates of Fermented Gisborne Chardonnay Auckland, Northland and Gisborne yield rich, rounded chardonnays Chardonnay 2018 HHHH and highly approachable, characterful white wines from albarino, 2017 HHHH1/2 This softly seductive a naturally high-acid variety. Favourably dry growing seasons also This is a classic wine is from a warm produce some classy Bordeaux-style reds and syrahs. (Note: Gisborne regional style growing season. Hawke's Bay, by far the largest wine region in the North Island, will – rich and rounded. Tank-fermented and be the focus of a separate regional tasting.) Fermented in old oak given a full malolactic barrels and given a full, fermentation, it is Prices shown are approximate New Zealand retail. Wines available softening malolactic weighty and sweet- in export markets are shown as (A) Australia; (UK); and (US). fermentation, it is fruited, in a classic full-bodied and creamy- regional style with CHARDONNAY Villa Maria Villa Maria Single textured, with generous, generous, ripe, Reserve Barrique Vineyard Ihumatao ripe, stonefruit stonefruit flavours and 9 TASTED Fermented Gisborne Chardonnay flavours, showing good a fresh, well-rounded 9 AWARDED Chardonnay 2017 HHHHH complexity, and a very finish. Very forward in 2017 HHHHH This very elegant, smooth, harmonious its appeal, it’s already Gisborne built a strong Already delicious, but youthful wine was finish. Drink now or drinking well. $23 reputation during the well worth cellaring, estate-grown at cellar. $26 Coopers Creek 1980s for deliciously this classy wine was Mangere, in South Coopers Creek Gisborne full-bodied, ripe-tasting fermented and matured Auckland, and SV Big & Buttery Chardonnay chardonnays, but those for 10 months in French fermented and matured Gisborne 2017 HHH1/2 from Auckland and oak barriques (50% for 10 months in French Chardonnay Partly barrel-fermented, Northland can also be new). A refined, youthful oak barriques (31% 2017 HHHH this wine offers good distinguished. Perhaps wine, it is full-bodied new). Fragrant, with Crafted deliberately in value. Light lemon/ Gisborne’s greatest and sweet-fruited, slightly smoky aromas, it the ‘full-on’ style popular green, it is full-bodied, asset is its ability to with concentrated, is tightly structured, with in the 1980s, this wine with very good depth of produce large crops peachy, citrusy flavours, deep, vibrant, grapefruit- was fermented in peachy, slightly toasty of ripely flavoured seasoned with biscuity like flavours, enriched American oak barrels flavours, and fresh chardonnay, yielding oak, finely balanced with biscuity oak, and (30% new) and given a acidity keeping things affordable, easy-drinking acidity, excellent a crisp, long finish. full, softening malolactic lively. Drink now or wines, delicious young. complexity and a lasting Showing excellent fermentation. Bright, cellar. $18 finish. $40 delicacy and complexity, light yellow/green, it Thornbury Gisborne it’s well worth cellaring is fragrant, with fresh, Chardonnay to 2021+. $40 strong, peachy, toasty 2018 HHH1/2 flavours, showing good Offering great value, this complexity, balanced is a softly mouthfilling acidity and a slightly wine, with very creamy texture. Drink satisfying depth of fresh, now-2020. $25 ripe, peachy, slightly Karikari Estate toasty flavour, gentle Calypso Chardonnay acidity, a slightly creamy 2015 HHHH texture and a smooth Full of northern finish. A typical regional warmth, while retaining style, it’s enjoyable freshness, this attractive young. (From Villa wine was fermented Maria.) $16 and matured in French oak casks (partly new). Light yellow/green, it has a mature bouquet, leading into a fleshy, ripe, well-rounded palate with balanced acidity and generous, peachy flavours. Drink now. $27 90 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

regional tasting Villa Maria Coopers Creek Villa Maria Single ROSÉ Awaroa Requiem Private Bin SV Bell-Ringer Vineyard Ihumatao Cabernet Merlot East Coast Gisborne Albariño Gewürztraminer 2 TASTED Malbec Chardonnay 2018 HHHH 2017 HHHH1/2 2 AWARDED 2016 HHHH1/2 2018 HHH1/2 Still unfolding, this is Estate-grown in South This is a powerful Already drinking well, a fragrant, full-bodied Auckland, this enticingly Matawhero Single Waiheke Island blend this is a good example of wine. Light lemon/ perfumed, weighty wine Vineyard Gisborne of cabernet sauvignon ‘fruit-driven’ chardonnay. green, it is fresh and was hand-harvested and Pinot Rosé (50%), merlot (30%) and Fresh and vibrant, it is tightly structured, with mostly (80%) fermented 2018 HHHH cabernet franc (20%), full-bodied, with ripe, youthful, ripe, peachy, in seasoned French oak Pale pink, this is a very matured in French oak peachy, citrusy flavours slightly citrusy and puncheons. Mouthfilling good example of slightly barriques (70% new). to the fore, a very subtle appley flavours, showing and fleshy, it has strong sweet rosé (9 grams/ Dark and fragrant, it is seasoning of oak, and very good vigour and pear, lychee and spice litre residual sugar). Full mouthfilling, with deep, very good depth and depth, and a crisp, dry, flavours, showing good of drink-young charm, youthful blackcurrant, harmony. Priced sharply. racy finish. Best drinking complexity, gentle it has lively, peachy, plum, herb and spice $16 2020+. $22 (UK, US) acidity and an off-dry, slightly spicy flavours, flavours, savoury, well-rounded finish. appetising acidity, and earthy, nutty notes ALBARIÑO Left Field Gisborne Drink now-2021. $30 excellent depth and adding complexity, and Albariño Coopers Creek harmony. $23 supple tannins. It’s 3 TASTED 2018 HHHH Coopers Gold 2017 already quite expressive; 3 AWARDED Handled mostly in (375ml) HHH1/2 Coopers Creek drink now or cellar. $75 stainless steel (tanks Simple but delicious, Kumeu Rosé Awaroa Waiheke An exciting recent and barrels), this is a this Gisborne wine was 2018 HHH1/2 Island Cabernet arrival in New Zealand racy, strongly varietal made from chardonnay Pale pink, this West Merlot Malbec (Cooper’s Creek’s 2011 wine. Fresh and full- grapes, partly freeze- Auckland blend of 2016 HHHH1/2 bottling was the first bodied, it is youthful, concentrated. Sweet, malbec (80%) and This fragrant, fleshy red true example from New with good intensity of vibrant and peachy, merlot (20%) is a dry is a blend of cabernet Zealand or Australia), peachy, citrusy, slightly with low alcohol (9.5%), style. Fresh and lively, sauvignon (50%), merlot albariño has loose spicy flavours, crisp and it is crisp, lively and it is medium-bodied, (30%) and cabernet clusters, thick skins fully dry. (From Te Awa.) flavoursome, with with peachy flavours, franc (20%), estate- and good resistance $19 instant appeal. $22 hints of watermelon, grown, hand-picked and to rain, making it well Coopers Creek apricot and spice, and matured in French oak suited to the country’s OTHER Kumeu Pinot Gris very good depth and barriques. Deep and wetter northern regions. WHITES 2017 HHH1/2 harmony. $18 (US) youthful in colour, it is Some early releases This West Auckland full-bodied, with strong had off-putting, searing 5 TASTED wine is less aromatic CABERNET blackcurrant, plum and acidity, but these 5 AWARDED than southern pinot SAUVIGNON, spice flavours, showing Gisborne wines, while gris but offers plenty MERLOT & excellent ripeness and appetisingly crisp, are a A small but varied class, of body and flavour. BLENDS complexity, and a firm pleasure to drink. featuring impressive Fleshy, it has fresh, tannin grip. Best drinking examples of two generous stonefruit 5 TASTED 2021+. $45 Villa Maria aromatic varieties, flavours, with hints of 4 AWARDED Matawhero Single Cellar Selection gewürztraminer and honey and spice, and Vineyard Gisborne Gisborne Albariño arneis. The two pinot a tight, dryish finish. Cabernet sauvignon Merlot 2018 HHH1/2 2016 HHHH1/2 gris lacked the perfume, Priced right. $18 and merlot flourish in This is a ‘fruit-driven’ Still on sale, this wine power and richness Matawhero Single dry growing seasons style, mouthfilling and is full of personality of the best pinot gris Vineyard Gisborne in the north, but in full-coloured, with and bargain-priced. from further south, but Pinot Gris wet vintages, heavy strong, fresh, plummy, Mostly hand-picked still offer good, easy 2018 HHH1/2 clay soils can produce spicy flavours. An and handled entirely in drinking. This fragrant, medium- slightly leafy, green- uncomplicated but stainless steel tanks, it bodied wine is a dryish edged reds. The top- attractive red, it’s is attractively scented, Coopers Creek SV style, with fresh, scoring, Waiheke Island delicious young. $23 with substantial body, The Little Rascal balanced acidity and blends from Awaroa are rich, ripe, tropical-fruit Gisborne Arneis good depth of peachy, weighty and fleshy, with flavours, lively but not 2017 HHHH 1/2 slightly spicy flavours. a Bordeaux-like, earthy, high acidity, and a fully This fleshy, weighty Still very youthful, it savoury complexity. dry, lasting finish. Drink wine has strong, vibrant, should be at its best now-2020. $19 peachy, slightly spicy 2020+. $23 flavours. Scented, with excellent intensity and harmony, it’s an ideal, all-purpose, dryish wine, offering delicious drinking from now onwards. $22 May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 91

NORTH ISLAND Karikari Estate Toa Awaroa Waiheke Coopers Creek SV Karikari Estate Iti Merlot Cabernet Island Syrah Guido in Velvet Pinotage Franc Tannat 2016 HHHHH Pants Huapai 2016 HHH1/2 NV HHH Delicious now but also Montepulciano This powerful red was This distinctive well worth cellaring, 2016 HHHH hand-harvested in Northland red is a this dark, sturdy red Estate-grown in Northland and matured blend of merlot (50%), has concentrated West Auckland, this for 29 months in French, cabernet franc (40%) plum and black pepper still-youthful red is Hungarian and American and tannat (10%), flavours, with a hint of full-coloured, with oak casks (30% new). hand-harvested in the liquorice. Fragrant and a berryish, spicy Fullish and fairly youthful 2016 and 2017 vintages spicy, it has slightly fragrance. Mouthfilling in colour, it is firm and and aged for up to two earthy notes adding and smooth, it has mouthfilling, in a gutsy, years in old French and complexity and a long, strong, vibrant berry, slightly rustic style American oak casks. structured finish. $45 plum and spice with ripe, moderately Developed in colour, Waitapu Estate flavours, savoury notes concentrated, spicy, it tastes quite mature Reef View adding complexity, earthy flavours. Drink – mellow and savoury, Northland Pinotage supple tannins and a now or cellar. $42 with hints of spices and 2015 HHHH1/2 lingering finish. Drink Waitapu Estate liquorice, good depth Popular in New Zealand now-2021. $28 Reef View and a fairly smooth several decades Coopers Creek Northland Syrah finish. $30 ago, pinotage is a Gisborne Malbec 2015 HHH1/2 South African cross 2016 HHH1/2 This medium-bodied, OTHER REDS of pinot noir with a Barrel-aged for a year, vibrantly fruity red heavy-cropping, more this easy-drinking red is deep ruby, with 8 TASTED rustic variety, cinsaut. offers good value. a distinctly spicy 6 AWARDED Hand-picked and French Full-coloured, it is bouquet. Estate-grown oak-aged for a year, this mouthfilling, with and French oak-aged Syrah is going from fragrant, full-bodied red satisfying depth of fresh, for a year, it is still strength to strength in is a top example, with vibrant, berryish, slightly developing, with ripe, Auckland and Northland, full, bright, youthful spicy flavours, a subtle plummy, spicy flavours, especially on sites that colour, generous, seasoning of oak, and a fresh acidity, and are relatively hot during berryish, spicy, slightly smooth finish. $18 (UK) savoury notes adding the day and retain the earthy flavours, showing complexity. Open heat at night. But the good complexity, gentle 2020+. $28 northern warmth is also tannins and great suitable for ripening drinkability. $28 several other varieties, such as montepulciano, pinotage and malbec. 92 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

MICHAEL COOPER RECENT RELEASES There’s something for everyone in the latest batch of recent Church Road Grand Greystone releases from New Zealand. The highlights include three striking Reserve Hawke's Waipara Valley Marlborough sauvignon blancs and a trio of distinguished Bay Syrah North Canterbury chardonnays from North Canterbury, Nelson and Hawke's Bay. 2016 HHHHH Chardonnay If you are a red-wine lover, don’t miss the several, very classy Lovely already, but 2017 HHHHH examples of Central Otago pinot noir, Hawke's Bay syrah and full of potential, this This richly fragrant, Hawke's Bay merlot. Gimblett Gravels red weighty wine was was matured for 17 barrel-fermented with Prices shown are approximate New Zealand retail. Wines available months in French oak indigenous yeasts. in export markets are shown as (A) Australia, (UK) and (US). barriques. It has bold, Bright yellow/green, it youthful colour, with a is powerful, deep and  Church Road 1 Church Road Grand spicy, highly fragrant complex, with lush, Single Vineyard Reserve Hawke's bouquet. Very rich and vibrant, peachy, gentle Brancott Estate Gimblett Gravels Bay Chardonnay supple, it is packed with toasty flavours, balanced Letter Series ‘B’ Merlot 2016 HHHHH 2017 HHHHH blackcurrant, plum and acidity, and a long, very Marlborough This very classy young Combining power and black pepper flavours, harmonious finish. Best Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay red elegance, this classy in a dense, yet smooth, drinking 2021+. $39 2018 HHHHH was matured for 18 wine was hand-picked style with a long, spicy Greystone Waipara Already a delicious months in French oak and fermented with finish. Best drinking Valley North mouthful, this wine barriques (54% new). indigenous yeasts in 2021+. $40 Canterbury Pinot was mostly handled in Deeply coloured, with French oak casks (30% Clericus Wild Gris 2018 HHHHH stainless steel tanks, but a fragrant, inviting new). Tightly structured, Sauvignon Blanc Already delicious, this 14% of the blend was bouquet, it is mouthfilling with a slightly smoky 2016 HHHHH powerful, robust, single- fermented in 10,000-litre and sweet-fruited, but bouquet, it has Maturing gracefully, this vineyard wine was French oak cuves. Light not heavy, with highly concentrated, youthful, distinctive wine was mostly handled in tanks, lemon/green, it has rich, concentrated, red berry grapefruit and peach grown in the Awatere with a small amount of ripe, tropical fruit aromas, and plum flavours, well- flavours, well-integrated Valley and made with barrel fermentation. Pale leading into a fleshy, integrated oak and a very biscuity oak, excellent indigenous yeasts and straw, it is concentrated, sweet-fruited wine with harmonious, seductively complexity and a finely ‘intelligent use of oak’. with rich stonefruit strong passionfruit/ smooth finish. Best poised, lasting finish. Bright, light yellow/ and spice flavours, a lime flavours, showing drinking 2022+. (Note: $34 (A) green, it is full-bodied, vague hint of honey considerable complexity, only available in ‘travel Church Road Grand with deep, still lively, (from a small amount and a dry, very retail and cellar door/ Reserve Hawke's tropical fruit flavours, of botrytis), and an off- harmonious finish. $25 online’.) $90 Bay Merlot Cabernet some herbal notes, dry finish. A complex, (A, US) Church Road 1 Sauvignon finely integrated oak, harmonious wine, it’s Single Vineyard 2015 HHHHH excellent complexity full of personality. $29 Gimblett Gravels This powerful, classy, and a finely textured, Jackson Estate Syrah 2016 HHHHH fragrant red was blended lasting finish. Drink Somerset Block This Hawke's Bay from merlot (86%) and now-2020. (From Clark 2 Single Vineyard red is hard to resist. cabernet sauvignon Estate.) $29 (UK) Waihopai Valley Matured for 18 months (14%), grown in the Domain Road Marlborough in French oak barriques Bridge Pa Triangle and Paradise Single Sauvignon Blanc (30% new), it is dark Gimblett Gravels, and Vineyard 2017 HHHHH and softly mouthfilling, was French oak-aged for Bannockburn Pinot Probably at its peak, this with beautifully rich, 20 months. The colour Noir 2013 HHHHH is an intensely varietal, ripe blackcurrant, plum is dark and youthful; Set for a long life, this high impact style. Full- and spice flavours, the palate robust and full-bodied, dense red bodied, it has fresh, and a velvet-smooth, well-structured, with was matured for over penetrating, tropical lasting finish. Likely to blackcurrant, plum a year in French oak fruit flavours, good acid be at its best from 2022 and spice flavours, casks (33% new). Still spine, just a hint of onwards, it’s already a showing excellent moderately youthful bottle-aged toastiness, memorable mouthful. freshness, ripeness and in colour, it has and a crisp, dry, lasting (Note: only available in concentration, good concentrated cherry, finish. $29 ‘travel retail and cellar tannin backbone, and a plum, spice and nut door/online’.) $90 long future ahead. Best flavours, showing drinking 2022+. $40 excellent complexity, and a long, savoury, fairly firm finish. Best drinking 2021+. $85 May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 93

MICHAEL COOPER Moutere Hills Sarau Pegasus Bay Bel ½ Church Road Clark Estate Block Reserve Nelson Canto Dry Riesling McDonald Series 8 Marlborough Chardonnay 2017 HHHHH Brancott Estate Hawke's Bay Riesling 2016 HHHHH This distinctive Waipara, Letter Series ‘O’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 HHHH1/2 Classy, sweet-fruited North Canterbury wine is Marlborough 2015 HHHH1/2 This elegant, Mosel-like young wine, hand-picked from the estate’s oldest, Chardonnay This is a powerful, wine offers good value. at Upper Moutere and ungrafted vines, picked 2017 HHHH1/2 bold style of cabernet Grown in the upper barrel-fermented. Rich, late with ‘a good portion Made in an upfront sauvignon, with dense, Awatere Valley, it is grapefruit and peach of noble botrytis’. A style, this wine was still purple-flushed fresh, light (8% alc/vol) flavours, with a strong very powerful, weighty hand-picked, fermented colour. Grown in the and lively, with strong, sense of youthful drive, wine (14.5% alc/ with indigenous yeasts Bridge Pa Triangle, it is citrusy, slightly appley mealy, savoury notes vol), it is bright, light in French oak barriques robust (14.5% alc/vol), flavours, a distinct splash adding complexity, and yellow/green, with (38% new), and given a with concentrated, well- of sweetness, firm a long, very harmonious concentrated, peachy full, softening malolactic ripened blackcurrant, red acid spine, and obvious finish. Distinctive, refined flavours, hints of fermentation. Bright, berry and spice flavours, cellaring potential. wine, still unfolding. oranges and honey, light yellow/green, it rich and smooth. Tangy, youthful and Open 2020+. $55 good delicacy and a has a fragrant, smoky Approachable now, but tightly structured, it lasting finish. It should bouquet, mouthfilling set for a long life, it’s should be at its best be long-lived; open body and strong, ripe, well worth cellaring to 2021+. $19 2021+. $37 (A, UK) peachy, slightly toasty 2022+. $28 (A) Clericus Wild Pinot Wild Earth Central flavours. A weighty, Church Road Gris 2016 HHHH1/2 Otago Pinot Noir high-flavoured wine, still McDonald Series Showing plenty of 2016 HHHHH youthful, it should be Hawke's Bay personality, this Awatere This lovely young red at its best 2020+. $25 Chardonnay Valley wine was made is a single-vineyard (A, UK) 2017 HHHH1/2 with use of indigenous Bannockburn wine, Ceres Swansong Still youthful, this refined yeasts and oak. Light estate-grown and Bannockburn wine was hand-picked yellow/green, it is matured for 11 months Central Otago and barrel-fermented medium to full-bodied, in French oak barriques Pinot Gris with indigenous yeasts. with concentrated (22% new). Deep ruby, 2018 HHHH1/2 Bright, light yellow/ stonefruit and spice it is finely perfumed, Invitingly scented, green, it is mouthfilling, flavours, hints of ginger mouthfilling and supple, single-vineyard wine, with a slightly toasty and honey, good with strong, vibrant full-bodied and fleshy. bouquet, strong, vibrant, complexity, and a gently cherry, plum and spice Concentrated, ripe peachy flavours, showing sweet, finely balanced flavours, excellent stonefruit flavours, with good complexity, and finish. (From Clark complexity, fine-grained gentle spicy notes and an fresh acidity keeping Estate.) $29 (UK) tannins and a lasting off-dry, creamy-textured things lively. Open Clericus finish. A notably finish. Already enjoyable, 2020+. $25 (A) Marlborough graceful red, it should but well worth cellaring. Church Road Wild Pinot Noir break into full stride $28 (UK) (US) McDonald Series 2017 HHHH1/2 2020+. $46 (A, UK, US) Church Road Gwen Hawke's Bay Syrah Still unfolding, this Hawke's Bay Rosé 2017 HHHH1/2 Wairau Valley red 2018 HHHH1/2 This ageworthy, is deep ruby, with Made in a fully dry style, intensely varietal red a fragrant, savoury, this is a merlot-based was grown in the slightly herbal bouquet. rosé, with splashes of Gimblett Gravels and Full-bodied, it has tempranillo and malbec. Bridge Pa Triangle. concentrated plum, Very pale pink, it is Deeply coloured, herb and spice flavours, vibrantly fruity, with with a highly fragrant, complex and savoury, strong, yet delicate fresh, spicy bouquet, fine-grained tannins and peach, strawberry and it is mouthfilling, with a lengthy finish. Best spice flavours, fresh strong, youthful, plum drinking mid-2020+. acidity, and a long and black pepper (From Clark Estate.) $42 finish. $27 flavours, showing good Domain Road complexity, and a long Bannockburn finish. Best drinking Central Otago Pinot 2021+. $28 Noir 2016 HHHH1/2 Estate-grown at two sites, this is a very ageworthy red. Deep ruby, with a fragrant, savoury bouquet, it is full-bodied and sweet- fruited, with youthful cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours, showing excellent complexity and length. Best drinking 2021+. $40 94 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

recent releases Domain Road Jackson Estate  Clark Estate Upper Jackson Estate Defiance Vineyard Vintage Widow Wairau Marlborough Stich Marlborough Central Otago Marlborough Brancott Estate Pinot Noir Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Pinot Noir Letter Series ‘T’ 2017 HHHH 2018 HHHH 2017 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH1/2 Marlborough Worth cellaring, this Fresh, aromatic wine, Well worth cellaring, Offering good value, Pinot Noir single-vineyard red is medium to full-bodied, this Bannockburn wine this red was hand- 2017 HHHH bright ruby, with good with excellent depth was fermented and lees- picked at two sites in Still youthful, this body and depth. It has of ripe passionfruit/ stirred for 10 months the Southern Valleys savoury wine was barrel- fresh, youthful, plummy, lime flavours. Finely in French oak barriques and matured for 10 aged for nine months. spicy flavours, with balanced, with (35% new). Light lemon/ months in French oak Ruby hued, it is fragrant savoury notes adding appetising acidity and green, it has a fresh, barriques. Fragrant and full-bodied, with complexity, and a fairly a dry, lingering finish. citrusy, slightly smoky and full-coloured, it is ripe, plummy, spicy firm finish. Open 2020+. $21 bouquet, showing good mouthfilling, sweet- flavours, showing good $24 (UK) Main Divide North complexity. An elegant, fruited, savoury and complexity, and a fairly Canterbury Riesling youthful wine, it is supple, with cherry, firm finish. Best drinking Dancing Petrel 2016 HHHH tightly structured, with plum and spice flavours, mid-2020+. $25 (A, US) Paewhenua Island Enjoyable now, this richly vibrant, grapefruit-like showing excellent Clark Estate Mangonui Northland varietal Waipara wine flavours, fresh acidity, complexity and Blackbirch Viognier 2018 HHHH is a distinctly medium savoury, biscuity notes harmony. Drink now or Marlborough From a coastal vineyard style. Bright, light yellow/ and a lengthy finish. cellar. $34 Pinot Gris in the Far North, this green, it has generous, Open mid-2020+. $28 Pask Declaration 2018 HHHH freshly scented, light citrusy, peachy, slightly Domain Road Gimblett Gravels Lively, youthful, lemon/green wine is spicy flavours, a hint of Duffers Creek Methode Awatere Valley wine. full-bodied and vibrantly honey, fresh acidity, and Bannockburn Traditionnelle Invitingly scented, it is fruity, with generous, excellent immediacy and Central Otago 2010 HHHH1/2 mouthfilling, with ripe, ripe, peachy, slightly harmony. (From Pegasus Riesling This nine-year-old stonefruit flavours, spicy flavours and a dry Bay.) $21 (A, UK) 2017 HHHH1/2 Hawke's Bay bubbly showing good vigour finish. Still youthful, it Approachable now, this is mature, but still and intensity, fresh should be at its best Mount Brown is a medium style, hand- extremely lively. Closed acidity and a dryish, 2020+. $24 Estates North picked at two sites. with a crown seal, it finely balanced finish. Domain Road Canterbury Bright, light lemon/ is a blend of barrel- Best drinking 2020+. Vineyard Pinot Gris green, it is invitingly fermented chardonnay $19 (UK) Bannockburn 2018 HHHH scented, with strong, (80%) and pinot noir Clark Estate Classic Central Otago Offering great value, this vibrant, citrusy, slightly (20%), disgorged after Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc attractively scented wine appley flavours, a gentle seven years on its yeast Riesling 2018 HHHH 2017 HHHH is mouthfilling and softly splash of sweetness, lees. Blended in early Delicious young, this Aromatic, with a slightly textured, with strong appetising acidity, 2017 and released in late attractively scented grassy bouquet, this peach and pear flavours, and a long finish. Full 2018, it is pale straw, wine was grown in the punchy wine was slightly spicy notes, of youthful vigour, it fragrant and full-bodied, upper Awatere Valley. estate-grown at two gentle acidity and an off- should be at its best with very toasty, biscuity Pale straw, it is fresh, Bannockburn sites. dry finish. A generous, 2021+. $25 aromas and flavours, medium-bodied and Pale lemon/green, it finely balanced wine, Domain Road rich and complex, and crisp, with a gentle is mouthfilling, with it’s already drinking well. The Water Race a dry, smooth, lingering splash of sweetness and vibrant, clearly varietal, $16 Bannockburn finish. $30 generous, ripe, peachy slightly nettley flavours, Central Otago Pegasus Bay flavours, showing good a touch of complexity, Dry Riesling North Canterbury vigour and length. and a dry, lingering 2017 HHHH1/2 Pinot Noir Balanced for easy finish. Best drinking Highly scented, this 2016 HHHH1/2 drinking, it should also 2020+. $23 vigorous, youthful wine is Estate-grown at reward cellaring. $19 dryish, rather than bone- Waipara, this fragrant, Clark Estate dry. Bright, light lemon/ deep ruby wine is full- Upper Awatere green, it is medium- bodied and rich. It has Marlborough bodied, with penetrating, deep cherry and plum Sauvignon Blanc vibrant, citrusy flavours, flavours, with hints 2018 HHHH firm acid spine and of herbs and spices, Full of youthful impact, obvious potential; open fresh acidity, and a this is a vibrant, punchy 2021+. $25 very harmonious finish. wine with incisive, Already delicious, it freshly herbaceous should be at its best flavours and a dry, 2020+. $50 (A, UK, US) appetisingly crisp finish. Already very expressive, it should be at its best now-2020. $19 (UK) May/June 2019 W I N E S TAT E 95

MICHAEL COOPER Mount Riley Renato Nelson Stoneleigh Wild Mount Riley Moutere Hills Limited Release Chardonnay Valley Marlborough Marlborough Nelson Pinot Gris Marlborough 2017 HHHH Rosé 2018 HHHH Pinot Noir 2018 HHH1/2 Sauvignon Blanc Already drinking well, Delicious now, this 2017 HHH1/2 Fresh, medium-bodied, 2018 HHHH but worth cellaring, vivacious, pinot Fresh and lively, with single-vineyard wine, Priced sharply, this this estate-grown wine noir-based rosé was more complexity than hand-picked and mostly is a single-vineyard, was fermented and fermented with you’d expect at its tank-fermented (10% Awatere Valley wine. matured for 10 months indigenous yeasts modest price. Matured oak-aged). Light lemon/ Light lemon/green, it in French oak barriques (hence the ‘Wild’ for nine months in green, it has good depth is aromatic, with fresh, (20% new). Bright, Valley). Bright pink, French oak barriques, it of citrusy, slightly spicy pure, ripely herbaceous light yellow/green, it is fragrant, with is ruby hued, with very flavours, showing a flavours, showing good it is full-bodied, with lively strawberry, good body and depth touch of complexity, intensity, and a crisp, vigorous, ripe, stonefruit watermelon and of ripe cherry, plum and lively, balanced acidity dry, lingering finish. flavours, showing good spice flavours and a spice flavours, showing and a fully dry finish. $18 (UK) concentration and dryish, smooth, finely some savoury notes, and $25 Mount Riley complexity, slightly balanced finish. Good a well-rounded finish. Marlborough Pinot toasty notes and well- value. $18 $21 (A, UK, US)  Gris 2018 HHHH balanced acidity. Open Mount Riley Fragrant and full- 2020+. $26 ½ Marlborough Gale Force bodied, this is a great Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough buy. Grown in the Wild Valley Haha Marlborough 2018 HHH1/2 Pinot Noir Wairau and Awatere Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Lively, medium-bodied 2017 HHH valleys, and made Pinot Gris 2018 HHH1/2 style, with fresh, Grown in the Wairau with a small amount of 2018 HHHH Fresh, medium-bodied tropical fruit flavours Valley, this red is barrel fermentation, it Already drinking wine, strongly varietal, and a herbaceous bargain-priced. Bright has excellent varietal well, this fragrant, with good depth of undercurrent. Good ruby, it is full-bodied character, with strong finely balanced wine lively passionfruit, green depth and delicacy, with and vibrantly fruity, pear and spice flavours, was fermented with capsicum and lime a finely balanced, crisp with youthful vigour, a touch of complexity, indigenous (‘wild’) flavours, crisp and dry. finish. Priced sharply. good depth of fresh, and a smooth, off-dry yeasts and handled It’s drinking well now. $16 (A, UK, US) plummy, slightly herbal finish. Drink now or with some use of oak $18 (A) Mount Riley flavours, and a touch cellar. $16 (A, UK) fermentation. Bright, Mount Riley The Bonnie of complexity. Drink Pask Gimblett light yellow/green, it is Marlborough Marlborough now-2020. (From Clark Gravels Small an off-dry style, with Chardonnay Pinot Rosé Estate.) $15 Batch Hawke's Bay generous, peachy, spicy 2017 HHH1/2 2018 HHH1/2 Gale Force Viognier 2018 HHHH flavours, showing a Skilfully balanced for Bright pink, this is a Marlborough Well worth cellaring, touch of complexity, and early drinking, this blend of pinot noir Sauvignon Blanc this youthful wine excellent vigour, depth wine was fermented (62%) and pinot gris 2017 HHH was cool-fermented in and harmony. $18 in stainless steel tanks (38%). An off-dry style, Grown in the Awatere stainless steel tanks (30%) and French oak it has vibrant peach, Valley, this is an and barriques, then barriques (70%). It strawberry and spice aromatic, strongly matured and lees-stirred has a fragrant, slightly flavours, showing good herbaceous style, still in oak puncheons. buttery bouquet, leading depth, gentle acidity, fresh and lively. Crisp, Pale straw, it is fresh into a full-bodied palate and a slightly sweet, with punchy, dry, green and mouthfilling, with generous, peachy, very smooth finish. $18 capsicum-like flavours, with generous, ripe, citrusy, slightly toasty (A, UK, US) it’s ready to roll. Fine stonefruit flavours, flavours, balanced value. (From Clark showing a distinct touch acidity and a dry finish. Estate.) $12 of complexity, and a dry, Bargain-priced. $16 (A, finely poised finish. Best UK) drinking 2020+. $25 Visit our website and keep up to date with all our latest wine info, news, competitions, tastings and events. Become a subscriber to enter into our exciting regular competitions to celebrate our 40 year anniversary! www.winestate.com.au 96 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2019

insiderthe wine & spiritAUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND May/June 2019 Issue 163 THE WINE & SPIRIT INSIDER IS A PROMOTIONAL GUIDE FROM THE LIQUOR TRADE TO THE CONSUMER. Winestate Publishing ABN 56 088 226 411 In this issue... New Releases & Best Value Buys Under $20 Partner with at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2019 WINE PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGY .com.au Glenelg Cnr Jetty & Brighton Rd 8350 5700 12 Pirie St 8113 8700 Adelaide 8562 3411 Barossa Valley 41A Murray St

Partner with at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2019 Winestate would like to present an opportunity to participate in one of Asia’s biggest wine shows – the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2019. With a shared display organised by Winestate Magazine - Australia and New Zealand’s leading private international wine marketing service. Doing Business in China, Macau Key Points and Hong Kong EVENT DATES – 7- 9 November, 2019 Since the removal of all duty-related customs and administrative LOCATION - Hong Kong Convention Centre controls in February 2008, the wine industry in Hong Kong has rapidly expanded, and infrastructure and business has developed Bookings to support the industry. To secure your spot please email or fax your application request Imports of wine into this market have grown rapidly to support to [email protected] without delay. We will then assess market demand. In 2007, imports were HK$1.6 billion, compared applications received (reserving the right to be selective to HK$8.4 billion last year. as to those accepted to attend). If accepted, we will advise confirmation of your participation. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council forecasts a growth rate of 7.8% per annum in terms of value for 2014 to 2019, so it Peter Simic shows no sign of slowing down. Chief Executive Officer & Publisher Winestate Publishing Pty Ltd The exhibition will play host to wineries from around the world P: +61 8 8357 9277 and visitors include distributors of food and beverages, retail, E: [email protected] trade, sommeliers, media and consumers. W: www.winestate.com.au With over 7 million people in Hong Kong and 1.3 billion on the mainland, the potential market size is vast. 98 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN NOW Why join with Winestate at our APPLICATION FORM international trade shows Name of Winery “Domaine Asmara had the opportunity to attend HK International ABN or ACN Wine & Spirits Fair with Winestate. Many business leads were Wine brand to be promoted also generated through Winestate referrals. An event not to be missed”. Andreas Greiving Proprietor www.domaineasmara.com “Zitta Wines has attended wine shows internationally including Contact Person Vinitaly with Winestate – we found the event to be very rewarding Contact Email and a great investment in increasing our overseas exports through Mobile Phone new engaged overseas distributors for our wines in Europe. Do you have a HK or China agent? Winestate organization before and during the event was very professional which made it easy for us and happy to say that PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO FAX 08 8357 9212 or [email protected] sales have steadily increase”. Angelo De Fazio Signed Title Proprietor Name Zitta Wines Barossa Valley “Wines by Geoff Hardy has attended a number of wine shows over a number of years with Winestate Magazine. The shows we’ve done have been well attended with good sales results achieved as a direct result of our participation.” Richard Dolan General Manager Wines by Geoff Hardy “We have found it very beneficial for our business to attend Date international wine trade shows, such as the Hong Kong Wine 81 KING WILLIAM ROAD, UNLEY SA 5061 Tel: 08 83579277 Fax: 08 83579212 ABN: 56 088 226 411 Trade Fair, with the Winestate team.” Web: www.winestate.com.au Email: [email protected] Eric Semmler Proprietor 919 Wines South Australia Disclaimer: The Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair is organised by the Hong Kong Trade & Development Council (HKTDC). Full details regarding the Trade Fair can be seen at www.hktdc.org Like all trade shows no guarantee of securing or even meeting the right buyer or distributor is given or implied. Winestate Publishing Pty Ltd ABN 56 088 226 411 does not accept any liability to any person or persons claiming they have been misled or deceived by any material published herein. Participants are advised to ensure they have full travel insurance, as well as insurance to cover damage and/or loss to stock if damaged or lost in shipment. Also participants are referred to ensure they understand and acknowledge all points and conditions available at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Trade Fair. Website http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkwinefair-en The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 99

292 TASTED 261 AWARDED NEW RELEASES A very consistent line-up in this new release judging, with few RIESLING Taylors Reserve that were not worthy of recommendation. A great compliment Parcel Clare Valley to the winemakers. The judges were quietly impressed with 9 TASTED Riesling 2018 HHHH the sauvignon blancs, alternative white and pinot gris this time, 9 AWARDED Lifted fresh fruit aromas which is not always the case. As expected chardonnay again with delicate nuances performed well with the usual expectation of great things A solid group of styles of rose petals. Soft from shiraz. from a range of regions. flavoursome lime driven “Some text book riesling palate with some “edgy” SPARKLING Sidewood Isabella Bream Creek styles and others that acidity. $25 Adelaide Hills Cuvee Traditionelle show textural influence Giesen Estate New 10 TASTED Sparkling Rosé Tasmania Pinot Noir giving interesting Zealand Riesling 10 AWARDED 2014 HHHH1/2 Chardonnay variations,” said one 2018 HHH1/2 Dark golden hues, lovely 2012 HHHH judge. A soft delicate wine Good commercial fine bead, subtle rose Nicely aged toasty with lively lifted lemon styles and upper petal bouquet and a cashew bouquet Peregrine Central sherbet-like aromas and level sparklings and lively palate that is full with the toastiness Otago Riesling fresh slightly sweet fruit Champagnes with a of delicate strawberry echoed on the complex 2018 HHHH1/2 flavours with balancing good example of a flavours with a tight acid flavoursome palate Lively lemon and lime acidity. $16.99 sparkling red. structure. $32 with a fine soft tannin style of riesling with oily Arlequin Step by Step South finish. $48 hints to the nose and a Eden Valley Riesling Champagne Canard Australia Cuvée Brut Champagne lovely acidity driving the 2018 HHH1/2 Duchene Vintage NV HHHH Canard Duchene well structured palate Delicate lemon/ Champagne Pinot Bright and full of life Champagne Brut with nice phenolics lime aromatics and a Noir Chardonnay with aromas of lime Rosé NV HHH1/2 adding texture. $27 NZ delicate and beautifully Pinot Meunier cordial and flavours A nutty smoky structured palate - it just 2012 HHHHH of fresh lemons with complexity to the nose Derwent Estate need time to evolve. Beautifully integrated yeasty complexity and with bright strawberry Tasmania Riesling $18 and seamlessly good acid structure. flavours laced with nutty 2017 HHHH1/2 Boston Bay balanced pale golden $15 complexity and fine Fine floral aromatics Peninsula Riesling champagne with lovely K1 by Geoff Hardy tannins. $NA with a dash of citrus 2018 HHH toasty development, a Adelaide Hills Mitchelton Preece oil. Smooth oily texture Reserved green apple fine bead and lingering Sparkling NV HHHH King Valley Prosecco to the palate with style of riesling with flavour crispness with a Nose shows nice toasty NV HHH lime cordial flavours underlying citrus long finish. $NA development and palate Bouquet of fresh green and starting to show characters and fresh line has subtle complexity apples, a fine bead and some nice bottle age of acid. $24 Champagne with an integration of bright citrus flavours characters. $30 Pauletts Polish Hill Canard Duchene citrus fruit flavours and with crisp acidity. $22 River Clare Valley Champagne Brut crisp acidity. $35 Walter Wines Pioneer Road Clare Riesling 2018 HHH NV HHHH1/2 Mr Riggs Battle Federation Hill Valley Riesling A fine delicate wine with Attractive toasty/ Axe McLaren Vale Single Vineyard 2018 HHHH a mix of rose petal and nuttiness to the nose Sparkling Shiraz Mudgee Sparkling An open easy drinking orange blossom aromas and broad toasty palate NV HHHH Chardonnay style with a lift of rose and flavours. $24 CD that fills the mouth with A lovely complexity 2018 HHH petals to the nose with a complexity of creamy of chocolate and dark Light lifted citrus aromas more rose petals echoed lemon curd flavours red fruit aromas with and creamy smooth on the lively acid palate. nicely balanced by mouthfilling plum-like citrussy palate with crisp $18 acidity. $NA fruit flavours layered finish. $28 with leathery notes. $35 Patrick of Coonawarra Estate Coonawarra Riesling 2018 HHHH A lifted floral/fruity bouquet and light, zesty and slightly sweet floral fruit flavours nicely balanced by the bright crisp acidity. $25 100 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER