Canadian Wine Guy » Australian

SMALL GULLY THE FORMULA ROBERT’S SHIRAZ 2006

John Galea — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:44:16 +0000

Inky dark in color with a nose of blueberries. On the mid pallet the flavor matches the nose with bright vibrant fruit jumping up at you. I get a mouth full of blueberry, almost jam like. It’s sweet but not over the top. On the finish the wine has some mild tannins backing up the sweetness but not a hint of that Aussie pepperyness I like in a good shiraz. Alcohol and oak are well under control. The finish is on the lighter side of medium. This is very much a fruit forward wine in my book. Frankly it’s not what I expect or look for in an Aussie shiraz. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad wine, just not to my tastes. I would give it an 87-88. A disappointment given the glowing words Parker gave it below. If I had more in the house, quite frankly, I’d take them back. We paired it with a BBQ filet mignon. I endured -15C to BBQ the steak! Gotta love Canada! It went ok with the steak but for me, just too fruity and not enough tannins.

Update: Day two after opening this wine showed a VERY different wine. The fruit forward nature of the wine had died down and the tannins and pepper were a lot more noticeable. I think this wine is just too young. In another year it might show better.

From the LCBO web site:
SMALL GULLY THE FORMULA ROBERT’S SHIRAZ 2006 VINTAGES 142935 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.95
Wine, Red Wine 15.9% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : D

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Small Gully
Release Date: Jan 7, 2012

Tasting Note
Deep garnet colored, the 2006 The Formula Robert’s Shiraz gives moderately intense aromas of crushed blackberries, black cherries, toast with marmite, earth, chocolate box and a whiff of fresh rolling tobacco. Concentrated and full-bodied, the palate is more forward than the nose with plenty of vibrant juicy fruit countered by crisp acid and medium to firm fine tannins lending support. It finishes long and spicy with lingering clove and fennel seed notes. Drink it now to 2015. Score – 90. (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010).

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2009 Yellow Label Sauv Blanc

John Galea — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:46:41 +0000

Pale in color with a mild nose of citrus. On the mid pallet this wine is a light sauv blanc dominated by citrus and some acidity. The finish is on the milder side with not a lot going on or lingering. To my tastes this wine is watery with not a lot going on. Quite a disappointing wine given the price point. There’s nothing horrible about this wine, but nothing great either. For my cash I’d look elsewhere. This wine is quite food friendly and if you have guest who are not wine lovers it would be a good choice. I would give it an 87 or so.

From the LCBO web site:
WOLF BLASS SAUVIGNON BLANC LCBO 611475 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.00
Wine, White Wine 11.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 1

Made in: Region Not Specified, Australia By: Mildara Blass Limited

Tasting Note
Medium straw colour; aromas of pear, melon and hay aromas; dry, light to medium bodied, well balanced, with fresh cut grass, lime and herb flavours.

Serving Suggestion
Jambalaya, steamed asparagus, grilled veggies or herbed fish dishes.
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2004 Peter Lehman Cab Sauv

John Galea — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:16:03 +0000

I originally bought this wine in 2008 and have been cellaring it for a bit now. On the nose are some mild red berries in line with a typical cab sauv. On the mid pallet this wine straight out of the bottle is dominated by some strong pepper and bold acidity. Surprising given the age. With some breathing the edgeness gives way to allow the rich bold fruit to come through. This wine has held up well and likely will continue to hold up for a little while longer. Red berries match the nose. Some cherry for sure. On the finish the acidity comes through as well as some oak. I would say it’s a medium finish. I would give this a solid 90. The 2008 is in the LCBO now.Check LCBO stock. I haven’t tasted the 2008 but this has in the past been a consistent wine at a reasonable price. No bargain but does meet the target of <$20, 90 rated wine with some aging potential. I recently reviewed the 2002 and was disappointed in it. I had kept it too long. Seems like the 2004 might not have a whole lot left in it.

From Winecurrent.com
Like Peter Lehmann himself this Cabernet makes its presence felt in the room. It’s big brash and bold. There the analogy ends unless Lehmann is full of dark fruit and berry flavours with notes of licorice chocolate and coffee. It’s well structured well balanced and has a firm tannic grip. Drink it with red meats of course. (RP) (605741) $19.75 Rating 4.5/5

From the LCBO web site back when I bought it: PETER LEHMANN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 Barossa South Australia Tasting Note: Lithe in texture not a huge wine but beautifully focused aglow with blueberry currant and subtle bay leaf and spice flavors that persist with refinement through a long harmonious finish. Drink now through 2010. Score – 90. (Harvey Steiman www.winespectator.com Nov. 30 2004) 605741 $19.95

Check LCBO stock for the vintage currently at the LCBO.

DEVIL’S LAIR FIFTH LEG SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC mini review

John Galea — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:46:25 +0000

Another one from the Gourmet Food and wine show. Pale in color with a lovely citrus nose. On the mid pallet the wine is lemony and slightly grassy. It is medium in length and would be very food friendly. I would give it an 88-89.

From the LCBO web site:
DEVIL’S LAIR FIFTH LEG SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC LCBO 212613 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.95
Wine, White Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : 1

Made in: Region Not Specified, Australia By: Devil’S Lair Vineyard

Tasting Note
Pale straw verging on water white; vibrant and fresh on the nose with vivacious tropical fruit character; crisp and zingy with mouth watering citrus and tropical fruit on the finish.

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2000 Vasse Felix

John Galea — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:05:25 +0000

My regular readers know I’ve been going back and reviewing my cellar insuring I haven’t forgot anything. Imagine the horror of waiting too long, opening a bottle only to find it undrinkable. That would be an unspeakable tragedy worthy of a trip to the confessional … forgive me father for I wasted alcohol .

You may wonder what is the value in your reading about a wine you can’t buy? Well it will give you some idea of what the aging potential of a wine may be as well as to allow you to learn at my expense

This one slipped through the cracks. I had expected it would keep until 2008 and only the other night cracked it. Oops. So I was reluctant. A BBQ striploin was on the menu so a mild over kept wine would not have done.

Cab/Merlot’s like this are always an odd one for me. The only purpose for the Merlot IMHO is to tame the cab. Let’s face it the chance of actually tasting the fruit forward plummy nature of a Merlot with a Cab are slim to none.

Upon opening the cork was deep inky black. Classic Aussie. Poured into the glass the wine was quite dark with some browning around the edges, a classic sign of an aged wine. As it gets past it’s prime this brown becomes more and more pronounced. On the nose are some mild elegant black fruits with nothing in particular jumping out at me. On the mid pallet, right out of the bottle this wine is dominated by strong spices, pepper with some underlying fruit still there. 1/2 hour in the decanter did the trick and the spicy nature of this wine was more in check. The next day even more so! I was shocked to find that even after 11 years this is still a big wine. After the time in the decanter the mid pallet is dominated by red fruits currents and cherries, with the cab franc quite prominent. On the finish there are firm but smooth tannins, on a lovely velvety medium finish. I can not believe how well this wine has held up. Still a solid 90. It held up really well to the striploin and complemented it nicely!

From the LCBO web site at the time: (be sure and save ANYTHING you can about the wine you are going to cellar at time of purchase!)
Margaret River, Western Australia (D) 750 mL (Vasse Felix) Vasse Felix’s Cabernet/Merlot is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. Tasting note: Rich and generous, redolent of currant, cherry, mint and spice, with the tiniest hint of herb sneaking in on the round, beautifully polished finish. Drink now through 2008. Score – 90. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2002) 947879 CABERNET/MERLOT 2000 $ 24.95 Featured 3/9/2004

Currently not in the LCBO.
Copyright John Galea for CanadianWineGuy.com

2010 Lindemans Bin 95 Sauv Blanc

John Galea — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:42:00 +0000

Pale in color, with lots of citrus and lemon the nose. On the mid pallet are some lovely citrus, lemon and a hint of zest. The finish is medium in length and builds nicely as you sip. A very food friendly wine that would give Chilean Sauv Blanc’s a run for their money. This wine is a bargain for the price, $10.95! I would give it an 89. Be sure and check this one out!

From the LCBO web site:
LINDEMANS BIN 95 SAUV BLANC LCBO 181388 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 10.95
Wine, White Wine 11.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : 1

Made in: Region Not Specified, Australia By: Southcorp Wines

Tasting Note
Pale straw colour; complex aroma of pear, gooseberry herbs & grass; flavour follows nose, crisp acidity balances fruit, good quality

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PETER LEHMANN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002

John Galea — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:51:11 +0000

I’ve had this one in the cellar for quite a while and opened it with great expectation. On the nose the wine displays some varietal cherries on the nose but quite mild. The wine is dark in color with no discoloration on the edges (which might indicate I had kept it too long) On initial opening the wine is dominated by a strong alcoholic presence. This eased as it breathed but was still there. There were some nice black berry tastes but quite mild. All in all this wine is past it’s prime sadly. The distinctive fruit flavors are long gone. Guess the review was right.

Previously from the LCBO Web site:
PETER LEHMANN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 Barossa, South Australia Tasting Note: Lithe in texture, not a huge wine but beautifully focused, aglow with blueberry, currant and subtle bay leaf and spice flavors that persist with refinement through a long, harmonious finish. Drink now through 2010. Score – 90. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2004) 605741 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 Oct 28th 2006 release Featured 10/28/2006

DEVIL’S LAIR FIFTH LEG SEMILLON SAUV BLANC

John Galea — Fri, 27 May 2011 15:02:35 +0000

Fifth Leg recently had a launch party here in Toronto so I stopped by. This wine is pale in color with a grassy nose. Surprisingly the Semillon was unnoticeable in the bouquet. On the mid pallet the wine is smack on the nose with some citrus, and mild zest coming through. A little grassy but not overly strong. This is a milder sauv blanc. The finish was on the lighter side of medium. It would be a very food friendly wine. I was surprised how little the Semillon did for this wine. To the point I’m not sure why they bothered. I would give this wine an 88. It’s a pleasing simple wine. Now for the money you can get much better deals that I personally enjoy more. The Robertson and any number of the Chilean sauv blancs I’ve blogged about in the past. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the wine, I just don’t think the value equation is there …

From the LCBO web site:
DEVIL’S LAIR FIFTH LEG SEMILLON SAUV BLANC LCBO 212613 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.95
Wine, Still Table Wine, White Still Table Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 1

Made in: , Australia By: Devil’S Lair Vineyard

Tasting Note
Pale straw verging on water white; vibrant and fresh on the nose with vivacious tropical fruit character; crisp and zingy with mouth watering citrus and tropical fruit on the finish.
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2006 Ballast Stone Merlot

John Galea — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:25:11 +0000

I’ve had this one in the collection for a while now. Dark in color, starting to discolor slightly around the edges of the wine. Showing it’s age a bit. On the nose are lovely varietal plums coming through. On the mid pallet this is a fruit forward, California style Merlot with plums in spades, some chocolate/mocha and a hint of tannins. The finish is on the lighter side of medium with a little bit of pepper coming through. The flavors fall off quickly in the mouth. This is a VERY food friendly wine and it has held it’s own well. I’m not sure if it would keep a whole lot longer. For the price this was a good wine. I would give it a solid 90!

From the LCBO web site:
BALLAST STONE MERLOT 2006 Currency Creek South Australia Ballast Stone is not a name chosen lightly. In the 1800s ships used ballast stones to keep them seaworthy. When they arrived in Australia the stones were off-loaded to make room for goods such as grain and wool. The Ballast Stone winery buildings were constructed with the stones left behind. Filled with plum blueberry and cherry aromas this dry flavourful full-bodied and ripe wine is an excellent choice for your cottage barbecue. 127555 $16.95
Featured 8/29/2009

NUGAN ESTATE MCLAREN PARISH VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2006

John Galea — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:33:34 +0000

This wine is deep in color with a mild nose of cherries. On the mid pallet are some lovely deep and rich classic shiraz with cherries and dark berries coming through in spade in layer after layer. On the finish the wine is long in length with classic Aussie pepper on the finish. It coats the pallet beautifully in velvety tannins and a nice bit of dry pucker power. This is a solid well made big Aussie Shiraz. Spot on varietal. I would give it a 91. Yummy. We paired it with a lamb shank and I even marinated the lamb in it. Mouth wateriingly delicious! I’ve had this one in the cellar for almost 3 years and it is aging well!

From the LCBO (different year)
NUGAN ESTATE MCLAREN PARISH VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2008 VINTAGES 72603 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 24.95
Wine, Red Wine 15.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : D

Made in: , Australia By: Nugan Estate Pty.

Tasting Note
The 2008 McLaren Parish Shiraz was fermented and matured for 14 months in 75% new French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it delivers an excellent perfume of Asian spices, incense, blueberry, and chocolate. Full-bodied, dense, and spicy on the palate, it has the structure to evolve for 2-3 years and will offer a drinking window extending from 2011 to 2020. Score – 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2009)

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D’ARENBERG THE MONEY SPIDER ROUSSANNE 2008

John Galea — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:39:23 +0000

A friend gave me this wine as a house warming present. Thanks Dave! I had no idea what to expect when I cracked this one. I’m not well versed in this grape. The wine is golden in color with a nose of honey, somewhat reminiscent of a California style chard. On the mid pallet the wine has some chard like flavors. Some creamyness, some vanilla. Strangely this wine is unoaked. The wine starts subtely on the finisih which builds nicely. This is a VERY food friendly wine. I paired it with a pan fried cod and it went very well. I would give it an 89-90. Very nice!

From the LCBO web site:
D’ARENBERG THE MONEY SPIDER ROUSSANNE 2008 VINTAGES 656710 | 750 mL n/a Price: $ 19.95
Wine, White Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : D
Release Date: Jun 12, 2010

Tasting Note
The 2008 The Money Spider Roussanne is unoaked. Light gold-colored, It has an enticing bouquet of honey, candle wax, and melon aromas followed by a vibrant, ripe, smooth-textured wine with layers of flavor. Drink this outstanding effort over the next 2-3 years. Score – 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2009)

2007 Greg Norman Cab/Merlot

John Galea — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:53:20 +0000

This wine is dark in color with lots of dark berries on the nose. On the mid pallet are some deep rich cherries and dark berries to match the nose. This wine is big in the mouth with lots of complexity. On the finish the wine is big with lots of tannins and some nice dry pucker power. This is dare I say again a BIG wine. If you like your Cabs fruit forward, don’t buy this one. This is typical raucious Aussie style. Lots to like. And it should keep well for a number of years. I can see why they added some Merlot to take some of the edge off this puppy. I would give it a 90. Nice wine. It was given to me as a gift! Thanks Caroline!

From the LCBO web site:

GREG NORMAN CABERNET/MERLOT (V) VINTAGES 552075 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 24.95
Wine, Red Wine13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : XD

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Mildara Blass Limited

Release Date: May 15, 2010

Description
Always an exceptional value, this Cab/Merlot is also a critic’s pick. This standout has made the cut — not once but twice — for Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 list! Expect more sweet swings with this version. Aromas of blackcurrant, mint and toasty oak lead to lovely currant and plum flavours with hints of cedar and toast. Serve it with grilled steak and you’ve got yourself a hole-in-one.

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Cookoothama 2008 Chardonnay

John Galea — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:05:42 +0000

This wine is pale yellow in color mild on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine is a bit confusing. It has some mild varietal chard flavors blended with some Sauv blanc tartness. It did not work all that well in the mouth. There was some oak as well as some vanilla (my GF got caramel). The wine was medium in length with the finish more on the watery side of a chard. This was by no means an aweful wine, but I wouldn’t rave about it either. I would give it an 87-88. I won’t be running out for more. I paired it with lobster and it went ok, holding up to it just fine.

From the LCBO web site:
COOKOOTHAMA CHARDONNAY LCBO 619403 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 13.95
Wine, White Wine 14.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 1

Made in: New South Wales, Australia By: Nugan Estate Pty.

Tasting Note
Pale straw yellow colour; aromas of citrus and vanilla; dry, medium bodied, crisp with apple, citrus flavours. Grilled or roast poultry.

Serving Suggestion
Grilled or roast poultry.
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D’ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2007

John Galea — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:02:49 +0000

We cracked this one as part of our New Years eve celebration. The wine is dark in color with lots of lovely dark berries coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet this is a smooth well made, refined shiraz, more in the style of a Syrah. On the finish the wine is medium in length with soft gentle tannins, some chocoloate and almost no pepper. It is a well made wine with oak and alcohol well under control. I would give it an 89-90. Very nice!

From the LCBO web site:
D’ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2007 VINTAGES 981183 | 750 mL bottle
Price: $ 49.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: D’Arenberg Wines
Release Date: Nov 27, 2010

Tasting Note
D’Arenberg’s flagship is the 2007 The Dead Arm Shiraz. Opaque purple-colored, the nose gives up aromas of meat, game, truffles, chocolate, blueberry, and blackberry. Firm, layered, and complex, this beautifully rendered Shiraz demands 5-7 years of cellaring. It will be at its best from 2015 to 2027. Score – 92. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2009)

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2008 Grant Burge Shiraz

John Galea — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 23:06:09 +0000

This wine is dark in color with a lovely nose of dark berries coming through. On the mid pallet are lots of varietal Shiraz flavors coming through. Some chocolate and mocha to boot. Lots of dark berries. The finish the wine has a nice bit of spiceyness, some pepper and some nice tanins. The finish is medium in length with a nice bit of dryness that lingers. This is a well made wine. The oaks and alcohol are well under control. I would give it an 89-90. Very nice.

What winecurrent.com had to say:
The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour pick up a few. Darkbrooding fragrant aromas of blackberry jam and mixed spice abound. The rich and balanced flavours”black currant plum compote and ripe mulberry mingle with spice toast and nuances of mocha. Its mid weight and smooth as silk throughout. The long juicy fruit-forward finish is underpinned by a ripe tannin structure. (Vic Harradine) (738567) $16.95 Rating 4.5/5

From the LCBO web site:
GRANT BURGE BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2008 VINTAGES 738567 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 16.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : D

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Grant Burge Wines Pty Ltd
Release Date: Oct 2, 2010

Tasting Note
Fifth-generation winemaker Grant Burge is a master of Shiraz. This fine version showcases classic Barossa character, with individual flair to boot. Opaque ruby red in the glass, it’s brimming with spicy fruit – think fully ripe blackberry, plum and black cherry, with notions of menthol, cloves, dark chocolate and smoke. Dry, medium-full bodied and mouthfilling, with a silky texture, a ripe fruit core, and impressive tannic structure. Nice, lengthy finish. Hold for 1-2 years or savour it tonight with a sizzling steak. (VINTAGES panel, Aug. 2010)

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Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2008

John Galea — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:08:06 +0000

This wine is quite inky dark in color. Lots of lovely black fruits coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine is smooth, slightly sweet wine with lots of blueberry jam coming through. It’s not jammy. But that’s the taste I get. Lots of black fruits. On the finish the wine is smooth and well balanced with tannins and alcohol well under control. For me, this is not a Shiraz but instead a Syrah. There’s no pepper to be found on the finish. We paired it with a rack of lamb marinated in the same wine. It went well and held it’s own. I would give this an 89-90.

From the LCBO web site:
THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2008 VINTAGES 595306 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.95
Wine, Red Wine 15.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : XD
Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Thorn Clarke
Release Date: Sep 4, 2010

Tasting Note
The 2008 Terra Barossa Shiraz is opaque purple-colored. Aromas of pencil lead, pepper, violets, blackberry, and blueberry lead to a medium to full-bodied Shiraz with excellent depth and concentration, layered flavors, and a pure finish. It is an outstanding value for drinking over the next 5-7 years. Score – 89. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2009)

Winecurrent.com’s comments:
Displaying its Barossa Valley provenance this rich and concentrated Shiraz deserves your attention. The price-quality scale tips well in your favour pick up a few. Beautifully balanced flavours ”this no fruit bomb” of racy red pie cherry and tangy red currant meld seamlessly with rich succulent dark berry fruit. The lingering aftertaste delivers an endless stream of more of the same. Perfect sipped on its own or paired with grilled lamb chops. (Vic Harradine) (595306) $15.95 Rating 4/5 from Winecurrent

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Skillogalee 2006 Take Two (Shiraz/Cabernet)

John Galea — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:04:24 +0000

This wine is dark in color with a lovely bouquet of dark fruits jumping out at you. On the mid pallet are some lovely deep, rich and bold flavors. On the finish is a nice bit of oak and a medium finish with some nice tannins coming through. Overall this is a lovely wine. Not available at the LCBO yet but supposedly coming. I would give this one a 90 or so … Apparently $22.95.

Notes from the winery:
This is an 85:15 blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon – all dry-grown at Skillogalee and carefully made to retain good primary fruit characters and a fine acid tannin balance and structure. The wine was vinified in open fermenters and then basket pressed, matured in a combination of American and French oak before being bottled. It has rich, lively fruit characters on the nose and the palate with a light touch of oak showing through. The tannin structure is fine and soft, and there is enough natural acid to give it freshness and balance. This is an ideal wine for early consumption, but will last well in the cellar for up to five or six years.

Their web site.

SKILLOGALEE BASKET PRESSED SHIRAZ 2006

John Galea — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:59:08 +0000

This wine is dark in color with a nice nose of dark fruits. On the mid pallet the wine is slightly fruit forward with lots of varietal Shiraz coming through. On the finish the wine is quite complex with layers of flavors coming through on a medium finish. I would give this one an 89.

From the LCBO web site:

SKILLOGALEE BASKET PRESSED SHIRAZ 2006 VINTAGES 165753 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 20.65
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : XD

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Skillogalee Wines

Release Date: May 15, 2010

Description
Clare Valley is known principally for its racy and fresh Rieslings, but its producers are also showing a deft hand with Shiraz. The valley’s warm days and cool nights mean the Shirazes show impeccable balance and structure. This Shiraz lives up to the region’s growing reputation. It shows classic Shiraz/Syrah aromas of blackberry, pepper and spring flowers. It’s a definite must-have wine for the barbecue season.

Winecurrent.com’s comments:
Deftly balanced and incredibly delicious this is the real deal at a very attractive price. Expressive aromas of minty cherry along with spice and floral nuances dance from the glass of this mid-weight generously textured beauty. The palates treated to a gusher of flavour with succulent mulberry black damson plum and mixed spice persisting through the lengthy balanced aftertaste. Each sip and glass is better than the one before. (Vic Harradine) (165753) $24.95 Rating 4.5/5 from

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DE BORTOLI DEEN VAT 10 PINOT NOIR

John Galea — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:43:31 +0000

This wine is ruby red in color, varietal for a Pinot Noir. On the nose are the usual black fruits and some rustic bouquets again varietal for a Pinot Noir. On the mid pallet are the usual earthy notes with some rustic flavors. The wine has a long finish. This wine is a smack on varietal Pinot Noir. A good deal for the price. I would give it an 89 or so! Yummy.

From the LCBO web site:
DE BORTOLI DEEN VAT 10 PINOT NOIR LCBO 61622 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.05
Wine, Red Wine 13.6% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 1

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: De Bortoli Wines

Tasting Note
clear ruby colour; black cherry and cranberry aromas with a mineral tone; dry, medium body, fruit flavours with spice; well balanced with soft tannins to finish

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ELDERTON FRIENDS SHIRAZ 2009

John Galea — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:18:06 +0000

When I first read the description on the LCBO web site I was excited so I grabbed one of these. The wine is inky dark in color with some deep rich berry flavors coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet are some equally deep red berry rich flavors. This is definitely a fruit forward Shiraz. Lots of jammy flavors, cherry pie, semi sweet, some chocolate all coming through. There’s lots going on. On the finish the wine is on the lighter side of medium with some tannins and oak coming through. It’s moderately dry on the finish. This wine is a kind of a collection of different flavors. If you like fruit forward you might enjoy it. If your looking for a big bold shiraz as one would expect from Barossa you will not. We paired it with a BBQ steak and it went reasonably well. I would give it an 88 or so.

From the LCBO web site:

ELDERTON FRIENDS SHIRAZ 2009 VINTAGES 660480 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : D

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Elderton Wines

Release Date: Jul 24, 2010

Description
If you want to impress your friends without breaking the bank, then this is your wine. From Barossa, this crowd-pleasing Shiraz is rich and vivacious with aromas and flavours of crushed berries, black plum, vanilla, chocolate and earthy notes. A stunning wine, this smooth and luscious red is great with roasted lamb, grilled steaks or even meat-based gourmet pizza.

Winecurrent.com’s write up on this wine:
Sharp and spicy aromas ”spiced plum and dark berry” rip from this tangy red. Theres a gusher of palate-coating racy flavour, cranberry and cherry pie balanced with kirsch liqueur and spice-infused bramble berry. Its medium-bodied quite well balanced with just a lick of toasty oak and vanilla. It finishes dry and mouth-watering and pairs well with grilled lamb chops. (Vic Harradine) (660480) $17.95 Rating 4/5 from Winecurrent.com

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GEMTREE CITRINE CHARDONNAY 2009

John Galea — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:53:08 +0000

I first tasted this wine at an Aussie wine event … It is pale in color mild on the nose with some citrus coming through. The paleness leads me to expect this to be a milder chard and the pallet matched the expectations. On the mid pallet the wine is a middle of the road chard with some varietal chard coming through with some citrus, lemon flavors. On the finish the wine is also middle of the road with it being on the lighter side of medium. On the back of the bottle they say 1/2 of the wine received oak aging and half did not and that totally matches what you get on this one. You can taste some oak and oak imparted flavors a hint of butter but very mild. If your looking for a huge big California style chard you will be disappointed. If your looking for a crisp Chablis French style Chard you will also be disappointed. This is right in the middle of the two. So it depends on your tastes as to whether you will enjoy the wine. I liked it, and I would give it an 88. Gemtree seem to be making some good wines with good value in the equation. I last blogged about their Tadpole Shiraz which was lovely and good deal for the money.

From the LCBO web site:
GEMTREE CITRINE CHARDONNAY 2009 VINTAGES 138305 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.95
Wine, White Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D

Made in: South Australia, Australia
By: Gemtree Vineyards

Release Date: Jul 24, 2010

Description
‘Gemtree makes wine from estate-grown fruit … their focus appears to be on making quality wine as the new Gemtree collection is filled with outstanding value from top to bottom.’ (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2009)

Tasting Note
Pleasant citrus nose, with aromas of lemon, lime and lychee. The zesty citrus continues on the palate, joined by flavourful notes of tart green melon and juicy pear. All the flavours culminate in a lovely finish, with a touch of spearmint. Enjoy it tonight with a grilled vegetable frittata, or some shrimp penne with pesto sauce. (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2009)
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MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ 2008

John Galea — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:13:06 +0000

Our guests Jim and Katherine brought this wine over for dinner and it made a brief appearance in our glasses The wine is dark in color with a mild nose to it. On the mid pallet the wine is a soft fruit forward Shiraz more reminiscent of a french style Syrah than a Shiraz. For an Aussie Shiraz this is a smooth wine. Some nice cherries on the mid pallet. Reminded me a bit of a cab. On the finish the wine is on the lighter side of medium with next to no trademark Aussie pepper. This is a lovely food friendly wine. We paired it with a Roast Pork masterfully prepared by chef Lorraine and it went quite well. Before we knew it the bottle was gone. I would give this a 90 or so. Thanks Jim and Katherine, a lovely addition to dinner. Oh and did I mention molten chocolate cake for dessert? Yum …

From the LCBO web site:
MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ (V) VINTAGES 659607 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 21.95
Wine, Red Wine 15.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Mitolo Wines Pty Ltd.

Release Date: Oct 10, 2009

Description
Mitolo continues to garner international accolades under the talented hands of winemaker Ben Glaetzer and owner Frank Mitolo. Every vintage from 2001 through 2007 has received a score of 90 or above from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. This full-bodied, juicy Shiraz delivers upfront and approachable aromas of chocolate-covered dark cherries, anise, allspice, coffee and hints of oak. Enjoy it with your best prime rib or grilled rare tuna steaks.

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GEMTREE VINEYARDS TADPOLE SHIRAZ 2008

John Galea — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:12:39 +0000

Sometimes you need to go off the reservation and choose a wine from some rater you’ve never heard of before. That was my though when I grabbed this one. What the heck. The wine is deep in color with a lovely nose of dark fruits. On the mid pallet are some flavors to match the bouquet with blueberries coming through but not at all fruit forward. Just about right for my tastes. On the finish the wine has some lovely tannins, quite a bit of dryness, some pepper and a medium finish. There is a nice bit of complexity to the finish coming off in nice layers of flavors! This is a well made typically Aussie edgy wine with the oaks and alcohol well under control. I would give this a 90!

From the LCBO web site:
GEMTREE VINEYARDS TADPOLE SHIRAZ 2008 VINTAGES 142034 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 16.95
Wine, Red Wine, 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Gemtree Vineyards

Release Date: Jan 23, 2010

Tasting Note
… a deep coloured, thick textured wine with lovely richness and generosity to the fruit, as well as good definition and a bit of meaty savouriness. It’s one of those bottles that gets finished pretty quickly because it has that quality of deliciousness. Really superb effort, and I rated it as high as 90/100 for its lovely purity and relative complexity that you don’t normally find at this price point. Buy some now! Score – 90. (Jamie Goode, www.wineanorak.com, Aug. 26, 2009)

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2007 Tapanappa ‘Etages’ Tiers Chardonnay

CanadianWineGuy — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 01:58:25 +0000

Burgundy, France, is the epicenter of the Chardonnay grape’s world, but the world itself has taken on this white grape as it’s own. Chardonnay is one the most widely grown grape varieties in the world and can be found pretty much anywhere wine is made. The problem with this, of course, is a bunch of plonk has gone off and dragged this noble Vitis vinifera down in many drinkers eyes, this is always a downfall of popularity. Add to this a huge surge in the past few decades of over-oaking and over-creative winemakers and it leads to even more difficulty in gaining respect. I have found that all of my white-wine drinking friends fail to list Chardonnays in their preferences, most times because they simply have had too many poor bottles. This wine I am reviewing today is definitely not one of the aforementioned ‘misses’.

Tapanappa may be best described as a perfect reincarnation for the Croser family. After having started up and successfully cultivated Petaluma into such a hit that it was purchased from them, they have since started their second fine wine franchise. Luckily (or extremely intelligent) they were able to manage to secure rights to part of the Tiers Vineyard Chadonnay production which was planted in the late seventies by the Crosers. Already the source for the brilliant Petaluma Tiers, the thoughts were the Crosers would choose the ideal portion of Tiers and make a classic Chardonnay. So far those beliefs have all come true. The 2005 vintage has gotten nothing but huge praise and the 2007 growing season is said to have been similar, if only a slight bit warmer. With that said I was very pleased to have purchased a pair of these back in August on a visit down under. While I slightly overpaid at a more ‘touristy’ wine store (I should have known better to have waited to go to the regular shop on Crown in Redfern, but I was impatient) with the $95 price tag I was not scared off, especially having tasted and bought Petaluma Tiers before. Needless to say Mrs CWG and I were very eager to give this bottle a whirl, and so we did in late December. Here are the impressions!

Wow. I could just leave that there and it covers all that needs to be said. Wow. A fantastic wine. The acidity is perfect, the balance in your mouth is harmonious, the fruit is complimentary, the minerality conjures up thoughts of 1er Crus from Burgundy, and the finish lingers long enough to be pleasant not a pest. Lemons and peaches play together nicely while vanilla and honey occasionally join the party. Maybe I should have just stuck with Wow! Overall this is a classic Chardonnay that with a bit more time in the cellar will be mentioned in the all-star category. If you have the opportunity to purchase a few bottles ensure you do, you will be rewarded.

The CWGSR is 96 out of 100.

YELLOW TAIL MERLOT

John Galea — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:03:56 +0000

Critter wines are all the rage, put some silly animal on the label and some folks will buy it. This one is medium dark in color very fruity on the nose. Lots of sweet almost Merlot like smells coming off it. I was getting excited. Perhaps I have found an inexpensive easily available Merlot! On the mid pallet this wine is all about fruit forward flavors but not in a good way. Picture grape juice. Concord, Welches to be exact. That’s the dominant flavor. On the finish the wine dies out fast with little going on. This has the dubious distinction of being one the first wines in a while I poured down the drain. Yuk. I would conservatively give this one an 85.

From the LCBO web site:
YELLOW TAIL MERLOT LCBO 625350 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 11.95
Value Added Promotion 750 mL bottle comes with FREE Ornament until Jan 2, 2010 or while supplies last!
Wine, Still Table Wine, Red Still Table Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : 1

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Casella Wines

Tasting Note
Medium ruby red colour; candied fruit, vanilla, light spice aromas and flavours; not quite dry, medium bodied, with sweet fruit centre and a soft, lush finish.

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