ROBYN & JOHN'S PERSONAL SELECTIONS
FROM OUR DINNER TABLE
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deals
You can have great confidence in selecting from
the following wines . Make
great mixed dozens (all single + bottles ) with a very high degree of quality
and
moreishness. Whenever a wine gets a high score from our own tasting, it will
be
added to this list. Keep checking back for additions.
For those of you with minimal wine knowledge and want to make up a gift, this
is
the list you should select from.
SHIRAZ
LAUGHING JACK 2008 Jack's Shiraz BAROSSA VALLEY (rrp22)....$17.95... SOLD
awaiting '09 release
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN
Moreish 5.5/6
HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED for Moreishness and absolute VALUE
BIRD IN HAND 2010 Shiraz MT LOFTY RANGES Moreish
5.5/6 (rrp31) ....$23.95 ...
Aged
in French Oak, balanced intensity & finesse. Aromas & flavours of dark
red berries
& spice, complexed by fine integrated tannins & a long, rich
finish.
CICCONE 2002 Shiraz RESERVE KING VALLEY - current release
Moreish 5.5/6 (rrp28)
....$22.50 ...
WINERY PROMO PRICE FOR UNBROKEN FULL DOZEN - pay
ONLY $19.95 a bottle
DALWHINNIE 2007 Shiraz PYRENEES VIC LIMITED (rrp71.50)....$56.95 ...SOLD
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
Moreish 6/6
Dalwhinnie do not use a back label. The name speaks for itself.
The epitome of a classic, excellent colour, soft fruit,
fine fine tannins all marries to a
palate of perfection. A small sip engulfs the front to back sensory and
the length goes on and on.
"My kind of wine. Lovely
mix of ripe elegant flavour and smart oak,
the perfume and style of it both delicious and enchanting. This
is
a wine distinguished by its complex, elongated, integrated tannin,
by its fresh acidity, by its easy length of flavour. It
tastes of
spice, cherries, plums and musk, and after decanting it for an hour
or so, a bottle of this then disappeared in a flash.
DI GIORGIO 2006 Shiraz COONAWARRA Our Moreish
factor 5/6 (rrp27)....$21.95 ...
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
You may wonder where Peter Douglas went, yes the maker of some great
Wynns reds. Well,
he is now steering the Di Giorgio wines and are they great. Wonderful
flavours of blackberry,
smokey oak, peppermint & pepper & spice. A soft easy &
sumptuous style - very moreish with
great length & memories. Di Georgio acquired the Rouge Homme
vineyards originally established by
Bill Redman and consequently sold off to Lindemans. Thank god it has
returned to a family operation.
GROVE ESTATE 2006 Shiraz Viognier HILLTOPS NSW (rrp42.50)
....$32.50...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
Awards
Shiraz has been excelling in Young for years. Grove Estate
has joined
the credentials of the red volcanic
KEITH TULLOCH 2005 Shiraz Viognier HUNTER VALLEY
(rrp27) ....$21.95 ...
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN| Moreish 5/6
KEITH TULLOCH 2005 Shiraz KESTER HUNTER VALLEY (rrp47) ....$41.95 ...
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN| Moreish
5.5/6
METALA 2008 Shiraz Cabernet WHITE LABEL Langhorne Creek Moreish 5.75/6 (rrp24.65)....$15.75...SOLD
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
An absolute screamer - belts you into attention as soon as you open the bottle.
You
knew what follows will not disappoint and it didn't. I will say no more - add a
bottle
and come back for more. (SEE RIPPER DEAL BELOW)
SUGARLOAF CREEK 2002 Shiraz CELLARED @ 12.5C degrees ....$45.00 ...
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN| Moreish 5/6
Trophy 2004 Winewise
Small Vigneron Awards (Class 12 – Most Outstanding Shiraz)
Gold 2004 Winewise
Small Vigneron Awards (Class 12)
Gold 2003 Boutique
Wines of Australia Wine Awards (entered under Munari Wines)
Gold 2003 Cowra
Wine Show (Class 27 – Top of Class)
“Outstanding
- 2002 Sugarloaf Creek Vineyard Shiraz. The entrancingly fragrant nose of
blackberry, violets and pepper won the judges over immediately. When it
was followed by a fine,
long, supple palate full of ripe, pure, beautifully defined varietal
fruit, a gold medal was
a certainty. This is a superb expression of cool area Australian shiraz.”
Winewise Magazine, August 2004
THORN CLARKE 2009 Shiraz SHOTFIRE RIDGE Barossa V
(rrp26) ....$18.95 ...
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN| Moreish 5/6
Value 6/6
Immediate fruit driven shiraz nose, easily noting a rich
generous wine with hints of oak would follow. Big Barossa,
typical Barossa characters of dark chocolate, mariposa plums
(in season at tasting time) - an outstanding shiraz.
WATERSHED
2008
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS
PART OF A DOZEN
Halliday
92/100. 2 GOLDS, 4 Silvers, 5 Bronze|
Complex aromas of raspberries, liquorice & dark plums with hints of
coffee bean, spice &
dark chocolate. Dense velvety texture, vanilla, spice & mocha
flavours. French 7 American oak.
WERRINGTON 2009 Shiraz HILLTOPS NSW Moreish 5/6 (rrp19.95)....$13.95
...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
(wine note from a trusted palate)
Food: Scotch
Fillet
Nose: White
pepper and Earthy aromas supports the hint of spice with hints
of raspberry then blackberry tones good balance.
Good fruit and palate length tannins well balanced.
Moreish: Very
pleasant wine from the region and should improve with medium bottle age 5 +yrs
: Very youthful palate
with alluring 'fruits of the forest' flavours with hints of oak. Good fruit and
palate length tannins alanced.oreish: Very pleasant wine
from the region and should improve with medium bottle age 5 +yrs
Richard Parker, the winemaker crossed with the Hilltops Estate fruit from
Werrington vineyard,
was perfection in the making. We asked Richard Parker, the winemaker, for
an appraisal.
He prefers to keep this short and to the point - "A classic Hilltops
Shiraz showing red
and blackberry fruits with nice pepper and spice. A delicate wine with a
fine long finish.
Aged for 12 months on French oak."
Richard Parker - career winner of multiple TROPHIES, Golds & the
London International Wine
& Spirit Competition. We commend the wine to you.
We tasted our first bottle 30/3/2011 (release date) and we were both
ecstatic at
the depth and generosity, glycerine dripping off the inner glass, ink
black, massive flavours,
enormous depth, just a sip at a time filled every flavour profile and
lingered for minutes.
CABERNET
CHAPEL HILL 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
MCLAREN VALE (rrp34)....$24.95 ...
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN
Moreish
5.5/6
WINERY PROMO PRICE FOR UNBROKEN FULL DOZEN - pay ONLY $24.50 a bottle
CICCONE 2003 Cabernet Shiraz Merlot King Valley Moreish 5.5/6
(rrp22) ....$16.95 ... SOLD OUT
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN
KANGARILLA ROAD 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale Moreish
5.5/6 (rrp23.50) ....$17.95...
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN
WINERY PROMO PRICE FOR UNBROKEN FULL DOZEN - pay
ONLY $15.50 a bottle
Some of the magic comes from the added elevation of this block, slower ripening period
produces finesse
and elegance, yet masses of sumptuous lingering flavour. has classical
cabernet flavours.
We always say, when the last sip of the bottle is the same as the first,
you have a
winner.
MAJELLA 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra (rrp39)
....$32.50... SOLD
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN
Moreish
5.75/6 Fantastic
Universally regarded as one of
Coonawarra’s greatest wines, it continues to
and medals throughout
of black fruits, blue fruits and violets.
and ribena-like, with
SH
Gold
MERLOT
CICCONE 2002 Merlot Reserve
KING VALLEY Moreish factor 6/6 (rrp28)
....$22.50 ...SOLD OUT
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
CUTTAWAY HILLS 2006 Merlot SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS (rrp20.50)
....$16.50...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
Moreish factor 5/6
BEST WINE IN SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS REGION, Kiama Wine plus Show 2 SILVER
MEDALS
Ripe plum aromas and a soft fruit palate balanced by integrated
oak and mature tannins provide a long soft finish rounding out
a spectacular merlot to suit any duck or spatchcock in a red wine jus.
"Light, bright red-purple; while only of light-to medium body,
offers herb,
olive and cassis all within varietal expectations; lively and long, but
not
deep; tangy finish". Rating 90 James Halliday
DI GIORGIO 2006 Merlot Cabernet Cabernet Franc EMPORIO COONAWARRA
(rrp27)....$21.95 ...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
Moreish 5.5/6
You may wonder where Peter Douglas went, yes the maker of
some great Wynns reds. Well, he is now steering the Di Giorgio
wines and are they great. The Di Giorgio family bought the Rouge Homme
vineyards.
A fruit bomb, rich smooth delicious - if you were reticent about Merlot,
then
this one will turn your palate very positive as it did ours - sumptuous
to
the last drop and improving.
MAJELLA 2008 Merlot COONAWARRA (rrp40) ....$31.95
...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
Moreish 6/6 Value 6/6
Deep dark black ink colour. An alluring bouquet of dark
forest blackberries and notes of warmth
inviting you to partake. At times like this you know the nose does most of
the pre-judging.
Palate:- Scrumptious!
Who ever thought a Merlot is a blending wine - WRONG. Intense, balanced
berries, mint and
fine oak - a bombshell of flavour for ever exciting the full horizon of the
palate.
GLOWING WARMTH Worth every cent.
OTHER REDS
CHRISMONT 2004 Marzemino LA ZONA 12.5% Al KING VALLEY VIC (rrp21.50) ....$16.95...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN| Moreish 4.5/6
The marzemino grape made with a spritzig finish likens the wine to a
sweetish sparkling red with a
front palate of rich fruit sweetness with a back palate a
distinctive dryness.
Refreshing and different. Notes of violet perfume and red currants
exploding with juicy fruit. We
enjoyed slightly chilled, with a free range roast chicken dinner and would
equally suit
with a plate of cheese or tortellini and your favourite pesto.
CUTTAWAY HILLS 2009 Pinot Noir
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS NSW (rrp23.50)....$17.95...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN VERY VERY Moreish 5.5/6 AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
A perfumed nose of berry, plum and spicy oak compliments this firm fruit
structured
pinot noir, doe leather middle palate, that has great length and cellaring
potential and a
rewarding partner to those game dishes enjoyed at a fireside table.
DALRYMPLE 2009 Pinot Noir TASMANIA (rrp31.9)....$26.95 ...SOLD OUT SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN Moreish 6/6 ONE OF THE BEST AUSTRALIAN PINOT'S 13% "You can really taste the earth, the cool gentle climate, the careful handling. A beautiful wine, like silk and leather, black cherries and spices. Enjoyed to the last drop and looked for more."
KANGARILLA ROAD 2009 Sangiovese McLAREN VALE Moreish 5.5/6 (rrp24.7)....$19.95 ... SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN The 2008 vintage was hit with extreme high temperatures and vineyards and wineries were in a panic to get the fruit off and crushed before the grapes went jammy. We have noticed some reds of this vintage showing this fault, however, not Kangarilla Road. Those who were not affected by the heat are producing extremely good 2008 wines. This is one of them. Dark rich black cherries, sumptuous, full bodied, with a signature light tang in the back palate. We had no problem in consuming the bottle with a delicious tender scotch fillet - the butcher remains our secret!
LA ZONA 2010 Sangiovese CHRISMONT 14% Alcohol KING VALLEY VIC (rrp24) ....$17.95... SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN Moreish 5.25/6 Value 5/6 Deep crimson, absolute bouquet of plum pudding - rich and fruit driven. This is no light weight on flavours and balance - mouthfilling from front to back - very savoury of plums and cherries. Fine textured tannins and if you are a chocolate lover - indulge. Teach the Italians back home how to make Sangiovese the Aussie way. You may find this quality in their home country but boy you would pay a lot of Euro.
PINDARIE 2009 Tempranillo Sangiovese Shiraz
BAR ROSSA Barossa V Moreish 5.5/6 (rrp23.50)....$18.95
..
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN
Happy New Year to all.
This is our first offer for 2011. Although many wines have been assessed, we
thought we would bring your attention to just one label.
When we look at the label, there is one word that comes to mind - SAVOURY.
Last night Robyn and John consumed the wine with a matching meal and just had to tell
you it is a cracker.
We gave it a very high Moreish Rating of 5.5/6
Wendy & Tony's notes says it all:-
" Bar Rossa" is a name with two meanings; and more
than one spelling! The first describes
the red soils of the western ridge of the Barossa Valley where Pindarie is
located. The second refers to
the 'Battle of Barossa' fought during the Iberian Peninsula war in
1811.
Colonel William Light named the Barossa Valley after the Andalusian region where
this battle occurred.
Pindarie reminds us of this "Barossa" with its gentle slopes
overlooking the plains below.
Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Shiraz are three contrasting but friendly varities.
Together they combine
characters of cinnamon, blackberry, dark cherry, pepper and more - complementing
each other in a
delicious blend. Ideal cuisine evokes Mediterranean dishes rich in herbs, olive
oil and tomato.
70% Tempranillo: 25% Sangiovese; 5% Shiraz 14.5% Al
The wine has a retail point of $23.50 a bottle and we have it listed in the
Tempranillo varietal listing
at $18.95.
You can buy it by the bottle or we suggest you take a dozen
as this wine will not last long.
CHARDONNAY
WERRINGTON ESTATE 2009 Chardonnay
HILLTOPS (rrp17.90) ....$13.95 ...SOLD OUT
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN| Moreish
5.25/6
WINERY PROMO PRICE FOR UNBROKEN FULL DOZEN -
pay
ONLY $9.95 a bottle
Fresh, enticing, with scented aromas of pineapple, melon, peaches and
tropical fruits.
The softest hint of oak gives complexity to the crispness of tangy acidity and
creamy
textured middle palate that lingers with a long moreish finish.
Winemaker: Richard Parker - maker two Golds & Trophy IWSC.
The vineyard was planted in 1997 at approximately 1800 feet above sea level.
This area of Hilltops is famous as the Cherry Capital of Australia and is also
an ideal location for premium viticulture and excellent cool climate wines.
A small parcel of fruit was chosen from our 2.8ha Chardonnay block for our first
release.
The latest April 13 2010: An American couple tried a bottle, came back and
took
a dozen - they said it was the best Chardonnay they had ever drank. Same day,
another couple chose Werrington Chardonnay for their upcoming Wedding -
Robyn & John Brown were more than impressed with there first Estate
wine.
Proudly owned by Robyn and John
WERRINGTON ESTATE is 10 klms South East of YOUNG at 550 meters - cool
climate. First bottling is coming soon.
This particular area has recently scored Top Golds at the London International
Wine & Spirit Competition (most
important wine show in the world) and also won the coveted Jimmy Watson
Trophy all in the spate of three years. This
has now elevated HILLTOPS Wine Region as the DARLING new region in Australia and
the World.
BAILLIEU 2008 Chardonnay MORNINGTON PEN (rrp22.5)
....$17.95 ...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
Moreish 5/6
Excellent, rich and buttery, very clean with lots of balance with alluring
tropical flavours. TOP SCORE
CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY 2009
Chardonnay (rrp14) ....$10.50...
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN| Moreish 5.25/6
AN AMAZING VALUE FOR MONEY - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
COOL WOODS 2008 Chardonnay EDEN VALLEY VIC (rrp14.30)....$11.95...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN| Moreish value 4.75/6
CUTTAWAY HILLS 2009 Chardonnay
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS (rrp20)
....$16.95...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
Moreish value 5/6
"Here's a very impressive Chardonnay showing plenty of cool
area finesse backed by skilfully handled, lees-derived
complexity. TROPHY Excellent Value" GOLD 2008 Winewise Small Vigneron
Awards
USA Wine Enthusiast magazine "BEST
BUY"
"Great green hues; hint of oak on a creamy nose. Delicate and
elegant palate with lively, zesty lime flavours and a good dose
of acid to balance" 4 STARS WINESTATE may/June 2008 - Equal top in
class.
FORESTER ESTATE 2008 Chardonnay
MARGARET RIVER WA (rrp28)....$22.95 ...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
We rated it at 5.5/6 Moreish
The 2005 BEAT LEEUWIN ESTATE in a taste off. Fabulous
Nice nose, tropical flavours, pineapple and melons on a rounded palate.
Integrated, nutty, delicious.
GIN GIN Clone, hand picked, hand
crafted.
KEITH TULLOCH 2006 Chardonnay HUNTER VALLEY
(rrp25.50) ...$22.95...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
Moreish factor 5/6 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
MILLS REEF 2006 Chardonnay RESERVE HAWKES BAY NZ Moreish 5/6
(rrp29)....$21.95 ...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN
We found this gem at a recent trade tasting and it was the standout
with loads of flavoursome fruit, soft middle palate and very moreish.
OTHER WHITES
CICCONE 2006 Riesling Botrytis King
Valley 375ml Moreish 5.75/6 (rrp17)....$13.95 ...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN
Delightful - not the heavy overpowering style
DI GIORGIO 2008 Sparkling Pinot Noir COONAWARRA (rrp27)....$20.95 ...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN|
Moreish factor 5.75/6
12.5% Al. Pretty clear pink colour. Fresh zesty yeasty nose. Delicious dry,
strawberries & berries
& yeast. We enjoyed the whole bottle, before & during dinner of
spaghetti & seafood at
"ELSEWHERE" (don't ask where this is???) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
KREGLINGER 2004 ESTATE Vintage Brut PIPERS
BROOK (rrp50) ....$37.95 ...
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN
Moreish
5.5/6
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN Moreish 5/6
A brilliant bronze colour with crisp pear, fig and floral characters
complimented by a rich bodied
palate producing a classic full bodied Pinot Gris to match a soft cheese
and
fruit platter after an intimate dinner with a loved one.
DALZ OTTO 2011 Pinot Grigio KING VALLEY VIC (rrp23.10)....$16.50
...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN Moreish
5.5/6
Aromatics of blossom, honeysuckle and pear. This fresh & lively
wine finishes dry with good acidity.
This is probably the BEST expression of the Pinot Grigio (gris) we have
tasted
since this varietal hit the Aussie scene. We loved it to the last drop. Up
until
We gave it one our highest ratings.
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN Moreish
5.5/6
CUTTAWAY HILLS 2010 Sauvignon Blanc SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS NSW
(rrp20)....$15.25...
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN Very Moreish
5/6
2008 won TROPHY CANBERRA REGIONAL WINE SHOW 2008
A very classy style, and we were most surprised to find a wine
of this excellence coming
from the Southern Highlands. We met the vigneron and he solely the reason
along with superb
selection of vineyard and the unique micro climate they have.
Gooseberries, passionfruit and citrus.
VOYAGER 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon MARGARET RIVER (rrp26)....$18.50 ...
SINGLE
+ BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN Moreish 5.5/6
A delight to appraise - the bouquet was so pronounced we knew the flavours
to follow would be unmistakeable Margaret River SB/S of the highest order.
Wonderful fruit nose of gooseberries and citrus with tingling acidity to
continuously
freshen the palate - to say - more please!
KEITH TULLOCH 2005 Semillon HUNTER VALLEY (rrp28)
....$22.95 ...
SINGLE + BTL BUY AS PART OF A DOZEN| Moreish
factor 5.5/6
########################################################################
WERRINGTON ESTATE (HILLTOPS) is 10 klms
South East of YOUNG, NSW - a cool climate zone.
The Hilltops Wine Region recently scored Top Golds at
the London International Wine &
Spirit Competition - IWSC (one of the most important wine show in the
world) and also
won the coveted Jimmy Watson Trophy all in the spate of three years.
This has now
elevated HILLTOPS Wine Region as the DARLING new region in Australia and
the World.
The Werrington vineyard was planted in 1997 at approximately 1800
feet
above sea level. This area of Hilltops is famous as the Cherry Capital of
Australia
and is also an ideal location for premium viticulture and excellent cool climate
wines.
WERRINGTON ESTATE (HILLTOPS) Chardonnay, Shiraz,
Cabernet watch for first release.
"A MEAL WITHOUT WINE IS LIKE A DAY WITHOUT SUNSHINE" Brillat-Savarin
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Moreish factor of 2 to 6 -
is our a quick scoring technique we use to judge the
drink ability
of a wine
e.g. 6/6 would be the highest score we use when you want
more and possibly find it difficult to share the
"last drop" with others. Now forget all other complicated
judging techniques, in the end it comes down to:-
do you like it or not?
FREIGHT
E&OE