Reviewed:15 September 2012

Of the 20 wines tasted, only a handful of wines made it to this review. Whilst the grape varieties and winemaking styles are varied, the one constant is that they deliver well on the value/quality proposition.

If I was only going to drink one wine, it would be the John Duval. A superb match to food. On the other hand, the Yangarra requires no food at all.

Reviewed

Yangarra – Viognier – 2010 (17.7). Rich apricot and tropical fruit on the nose. The palate is rich, textured, long and really builds. Honey, apricot and some complex nutty characters show on a palate that is dense. This is almost a meal in itself. The oak is well done but firm now, so I suspect that this will be even better in a year or two.

John Duval – Marsanne/Rousanne/Viognier – Plexus – 2011 (17.5+). A lovely wine this. Quite complex, with hints of lanolin and the palate is textured and round. This is quite a neutral wine, yet it evolves and captivates. The palate is seamless and very long. Lemony acid carries the finish. Superb drinking the next day, so do not be afraid to give it some air.

Mount Horricks – Semillon – 2011 (17.3). Grassy and textured with lemon and lanolin. In the mouth, this is long and textured. The oak is the main character on the finish now, but this works. The length is notable as is the creamy mouth feel. 100% barrel ferment, this is an excellent chardonnay alternative, but some time in the cellar is needed to express itself fully.

3 Tales – Sauvignon Blanc – 2011 (17). Wow, pungent lantana and tropical fruits in a full blooded NZ style. Pineapple and passionfruit pulp, with a long and tart finish. The hint of residual sugar makes this a great choice this summer. If you like the style, then this is worth a try.

Howard Park – Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon – Miamup – 2012 (17). Change in style. This is creamy and restrained. Some quality oak has been used. The palate is creamy, grassy and refined. There is lemon and lanolin and the finish is long and intense. A year or two in botlle will only help this wine.

Tyrrell’s – Sauvignon Blanc – Lost Block – 2012 (16.8). Restrained, fresh, grassy, gentle, silky, soft and round. This is a really good every day drink. It is not complicated, but it has decent length. Should be a bargain.

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Lost Block – 2011 (16.5). Lean and linear, this is fruit driven wine is a total contrast to the Mt Horricks. The palate is long and zesty. Not overly complex, but a good every day wine.