Author Archives: Weinman on Wine

New Release Reds

Reviewed: 26^th January 2014

The most interesting part of this tasting was the different expressions of merlot. Two stand-out wines were the Bird in Hand Merlot and the Cumulus Merlot. The Bird in Hand had all of the ripe, plump fruit that we have come to expect in a Australian wine. Delicious, but with enough structure to handle time in the bottle.

The Cumulus on the other hand was structured, tight and a touch austere. Destined to blossom with time in the cellar, this is more akin to a right-bank bordeaux than a “sunny” Australian merlot.

If you are after a cheap BBQ red, then the Tyrell’s and Angove will keep the in-laws happy this summer.

Reviewed:

Bird in Hand – Merlot – 2012 (18). Cedar, cinnamon and savoury spice on the nose. The fruit on the palate is a standout, being bright and fresh, with delicious red berry flavours. This finish is very long and fine, with real finesse. An impressive wine that is a great each-way bet. RRP $42.

Cumulus – Merlot – 2011 (18). Opens with vanilla, cedar and cinnamon. Whilst this is a structured wine that lacks a little joy now, there is excellent fruit quality and high quality, well-integrated oak. This took a couple of days to open up and show its best, so give it some air. One for the cellar.

Castelli – Tempranillo – 2011 (17.5+). Firm, structured, dense and very closed right now. The fruit is subdued, with firm acidity to close. Chewy, with cooler fruit characters, this is an excellent rendition of this traditional Spanish variety.

Groom – Zinfandel – Bush Block – 2012 (17.5). This has dense, chocolate and plum-like fruit with a touch of raisin. Juicy and vibrant fruit, with admirable length. The finish is slightly warm, but suits the style. This will be a great winter red for those who like a BIG red.

Tyrrell’s – Cabernet Sauvignon – Lost Block – 2012 (17.2). Cedar, spice and well handled oak on the nose. Good length, though the dense, plum-like fruit is a little muted on the palate. Given a bit of air, this will make a good mid-week quaff. $10.

Angove – Merlot – Long Row – 2012 (17). Amazing quality fruit for a wine of this price. Whilst the fruit is quite soft and generous, there is decent structure, with bright acidity and firm tannins. Hints of tobacco and spice to close. Excellent value at $10.

Redbank – Merlot – Long Paddock – 2012 (16.5). Plump and fresh, though not over-ripe or jammy. Nice tannin structure, subtle oak, good length and reasonable persistence. Good drinking, medium-bodied red that is fair value at $13.

New Release White Wine

Reviewed: 20^th January 2014

Jericho – Sauvignon Blanc – Fume – 2013 (17.5+). Lemony fruit to the fore here, with grassy notes and a touch of spice. This has a delicious palate, with gentle creaminess combined with lemony freshness and focused minerality on the finish. Nice acidity combines with complex, barrel fermentation characters. Excellent length and balance!

Lindeman’s – Semillon – Bin 1155 – 2011 (17- 17.5). Very pale colour. This is a smart wine of some quality, though the whole package is very restrained at present. It is on the palate that the quality of this wine becomes apparent, with lemon and lanolin. The mouth-feel and depth are spot on. Just give it 5 – 10 years. $30.

Deen De Bortoli – Semillon – Vat 5 – Botrytis – 2009 (17). Pungent (glorious) nose that is packed full of ripe apricot, with nutty overtones. The palate is viscous and dense, with decent power and length. Just needs a little more acidity to really set the palate alight, but at around $13, this is mighty drinking.

De Bortoli – Pinot Noir/Chardonnay – Windy Peak – NV (16.8). Gentle richness here, coming from the red fruit characters. The palate is lively, balancing fresh, apply characters with just enough yeasty notes to make this quite interesting. Good length and excellent acidity make this an excellent quaff. Value at $15.

De Bortoli – Chardonnay – Sacred Hill – 2013 (16.3). Quite a complete wine that has real interest. Quality, lemony fruit with some depth on the palate combines nicely with a savoury twist. This is in no way a great wine, but it actually tastes like chardonnay and is a bargain at $7.

Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon

Vertical Tasting.

Reviewed: 19^th January 2014

The reputation of Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon needs no introduction. It is one of Australia’s iconic white wines. Along with the Lovedale Semillon from McWilliams, this represents the pinnacle of Hunter Valley semillon.

The challenge for un-oaked semillon is that, outside of NSW, not many people have a lot of experience drinking this style of wine. Sure, there are some lovely semillons from the Barossa and Clare, but these have typically spent time in barrel.

I approached this tasting with a sense of anticipation as it provided the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how Hunter Valley Semillon develops, and importantly, to see just how good the Vat 1 is. There was much discussion amongst those present about what to expect. There were questions about style and also about aging possibilities.

What was most interesting was the commentary from attendees around when to drink these wines. The young wines were so delicious that, initially, several tasters did not see the point of aging them any further. This was until they tried the older wines.

By the end of the tasting, the point for discussion was “just how long will these wines continue to age?” Good bottles of the older wines were a revelation as they were outstanding drinking, but still had the potential to age further. The wines were nothing short of brilliant.

There was consensus about a few points though:

The Vat 1 Semillon is one of Australia’s great white wines.
Under screw-cap, they present tremendous aging potential.
The 1997 was the clear favourite, (closely followed by 2013 and 2007 for me personally).

A special thanks must go to Mick Hutchins who generously provided the wines from his cellar!

Bracket One

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 2013 (18.3+). Pure and bright! Quite savoury, with lanolin and a delicious creamy character. There is lemon-like fruit on the palate, though this is remarkably restrained and fine. The superb length/persistence and mouth-feel are the key here, though this wine really only hints at potential. Seamless, with air it develops perfume and minerality, and is a wonderful drink, (reminds me of a great Polish Hill riesling). $40 ex-winery.

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 2009 (17.7). Lovely honeyed notes on the nose and palate, with hints of peach, toast and brioche. The palate is fine and taut, but has built more richness compared to the 2008. The acidity remains in the lemon spectrum. Drinks remarkably well now, but sure to develop more.

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 2008 (18.5). Much more perfume than the previous wines. Gentle talc and floral notes to the fore on the nose. The palate is restrained and taut, with precise lemon acidity and a near seamless palate. Remarkable wine at the start of a very long journey.

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 2007 (18.7). More in common with the 2013 than the 2009. Fresh, taut, steely and filled with mineral-like complexity. Developed floral fruit with air. Remarkable purity and balance. A great wine.

Bracket Two

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 2006 (18). Another steely, mineral-driven wine, with talc and musk notes on the nose. The palate is near seamless, with the precise fruit cutting through the finish. Supple, subtle and very long. Needs a few years to evolve, but was superb drinking once it opened up.

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 2005 (17.8). Quite closed and austere on the nose, but opened to show complex citrus characters. The palate is actually quite thick and viscous, but the finish perhaps lacks a little drive. Drinking well now, the gentle toasty notes on this continue to build long after the fruit has subsided.

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 2000 (18). The first wine under cork and a much more golden colour. The nose has both honey and caramel notes. The palate is glorious, with honeyed fruit offset by bright, fresh acidity that adds a lemony zing to the finish. Full developed and drinking a treat.

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 1999 (18.5). More restrained than the 2000, and more balanced. There is delicate fruit with hints of minerals and talc. This has some of the toasty notes that were evident on the 2005, but still has remarkable freshness and balance. A superb wine that is drinking superbly, but is also capable of aging further.

Bracket Three

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 1998 (17.5). Very golden colour, darker than the 97 and 95. Honey, mushroom and truffle on the nose. The palate has amazing lemony acid, though the fruit is very subdued, making the palate a touch unbalanced. But this opens up with time in the glass, developing complexity and length. A very good drink, but perhaps not the best bottle.

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 1997 (19). The lightest colour of all the wines under cork! Amazingly fresh on the nose. This has all of the subtle, floral characters of the 2007 and 2013, with the merest hint of toast and caramel. The palate is rich, round and viscous, with lemon/lime brûlée, tropical fruit and gentle, toasty complexity. Incredibly youthful, this is a great wine!

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 1995 (18.3). Closed and taut, this is remarkably elegant and delicate, with gentle toast and caramel notes. Not as dense as the 97, but a lovely drink, with still fresh acid.

Tyrrell’s – Semillon – Vat 1 – 1993 (17.3). Very developed colour. The palate is notable for the lack of toast. This is a gentle wine that, whilst a good drink, lacks the depth of the best here.

New Release White Wine

Reviewed: 10^th January 2014

With the warmer weather upon us, I was pleased to be able to look at a cross-section of whites and rosés. During this tasting, it struck me that there were two distinct brackets to which the wines could be assigned:

Those that were easy-drinking and perfect for consuming on a warm summer’s day. Imminently satisfying, yet without too much distraction. (Wines by Peos and Jericho).
More complex/savoury wines. Perhaps better suited to pairing with food and made for sipping and exploring. (Wines by The Lane and Shingleback).

Reviewed:

Jericho – Fiano – 2013 (17.5). Lovely, floral fruit with hints of sage and parsley. The palate is very long and enticing. Whilst there is some attractive, floral fruit on the palate, this is drier than the Sahara Dessert. Leaves you wanting (needing) another sip. Served cold, this will be a knockout this summer. From the Adelaide Hills.

Shingleback– Viognier – John Foolery – 2013 (17.3). Lemon and lanolin on the nose, with grassy notes. Opens to show stonefruit, orange peel and clove. The palate is full of ripe fruit in a generous, creamy style (probably aided by a degree of barrel fermentation). Having said that, there is good acidity and apricot kernel astringency that adds substance to the finish. Powerful, but precise, this is an excellent effort. (RRP $18).

The Lane – Pinot Gris – Block 2 – 2013 (17). Golden tinge to colour, typical of pinot gris. Opens with red fruit, and a touch of bees wax. The palate is slightly viscous and textured, with a touch of phenolic richness adding complexity. This is quite a serious wine that appears to have had partial barrel fermentation to add depth and creaminess to the palate. (RRP $25).

Peos –Verdelho – Four Kings – 2013 (17). Quite a neutral nose. The palate is taut and fresh, with gentle citrus and nutty overtones. Long and balanced, this would make an excellent summer drink.

Shiraz – New Release

Reviewed: 4^th January 2014

Shingleback – Shiraz – D Block Reserve – 2010 (18). Fresh and taut, with a degree of power that belies the elegance and balance of the mid-weight fruit. Opens to show the full spectrum of ripe shiraz characters including plum, mocha, redcurrant and lovely, spice undertones. The quality fruit has absorbed the oak, leaving palate texture and just a hint of cedar and vanilla on the back palate. Savoury, very young and all in place, but requires time to blossom. A restrained and delicate McLaren Vale shiraz. (RRP $60). I was in two minds as to whether to review this wine as it is not a typical example of McLaren Vale shiraz. That said, the sheer quality of the fruit won out!

Willow Bridge – Shiraz – Gravel Pit – 2012 (18). I like this. There is a dense vein of chocolaty fruit that runs from the nose right through to the finish on the palate. Rounded and almost plump, yet the fine acid/tannin balance keeps the whole thing in check. The slightly chewy texture adds appeal. Very good now, but will be better in 5 – 10 years. (RRP $30).

Singlefile – Shiraz – 2011 (18). A very dense wine, however this needs time to open up. Well rounded and balanced, with floral fruit highlights. Supple, but with firm acid and fine tannins to close. Another superb wine from this Great Southern producer. ($37 RRP).

Redbank – Shiraz – The Anvil – 2009 (17.9). The nose on this wine stands out for its vibrant, spicy fruit. Think white pepper, red fruits and spice. The palate is firm and tight, though there is a core of mulberry that builds with air. The sour cherry acidity and firm tannins keep the finish fresh. A stylish/sophisticated wine that needs time to evolve. (RRP $52).

Willow Bridge – Shiraz – Dragonfly – 2012 (17.8). A dense wine that needs a little air to express itself. Powerful, high quality fruit that is firm, textured, chewy and quite closed initially. Impressive length and balance, while the oak has been handled superbly. A brilliant wine for $17!

Devils Lair – Shiraz – Fifth Leg – 2012 (17.7). Fragrant, spicy and medium-bodied (but not overly dense). The palate has chocolate, with citrus highlights, while the tannins are fine and will soften with time. A youthful, elegant wine, that should be quite a bargain.

Cimicky – Shiraz – Trumps – 2012 (17.5). Chocolaty, sweet fruit, with decent intensity and depth. This is quite silky and supple, yet there is a seam of souring acidity and fine tannins that adds life. Builds spicy/savoury notes and has a subtle, vanillin oak lift on the finish. Another good wine from this underrated producer. (RRP = $22).

De Bortoli – Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot – La Bossa – 2011 (16.9). Plum, cinnamon, vanilla and white pepper on the nose. Chewy, textured and long, with souring acid, delicious. Fruit-driven, easy-drinking wine that is great value.

Cross Stitch – Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon – 2012 (16.9). Chewy wine with mocha notes and firm tannins. The oak is apparent though not intrusive. A more traditional Australian red for those who like a big red.

Cotes Du Rhone – New Release

Reviewed: 11^th December 2013

Cotes Du Rhone to me is synonymous with spicy grenache-based red wines that offer immediate drinking pleasure and, in some cases, are also capable of short-term cellaring.

The region is quite diverse, with wines from the better sites able to carry the village appellation as part of the name.

In general, I would recommend consuming these wines young, so as to enjoy the fresh/vibrant fruit and spicy overtones.

Many of the better wines for this tasting are imported by Lamont’s in Cottesloe. They appear to offer excellent value at +/- $20 and are worth seeking out.

La Cabotte – Massif d’Uchaux – Cotes Du Rhone Villages – 2011 (17.8). Wow, this could easily be from the McLaren Vale. Gorgeous, fleshy, ripe fruit that is dense and vibrant. This follows on to the palate, where it is only on the finish that the wine gives away its Rhone heritage, with pepper and spicy notes. Souring tannins add life to the vibrant fruit, making this my pick for the tasting.

Pas Des Roches – Grenache – Cotes Du Rhone – Old Vine – 2012 (17.5). An impressive wine that is in a more traditional style, with savoury characters melding well with the mid-weight fruit. Ripe, precise and focused, the palate has decent depth and good mouth-feel. Juicy, grenache-like fruit carries the fine tannins well on the finish. Was even better after being open for a couple of days.

Domaine Magellan – Shiraz/Grenache/Carignan – L’Herault – Vin de Pays – 2010 (17-17.5). Significantly more depth and power here. A savoury, spicy wine that has serious fruit and decent texture. A serious effort, with tannins that cut through the fruit richness on the finish, conferring drive to the palate. Could even take some bottle age.

Able’s Tempest – Pinot Noir/Chardonnay – 2010 (17). Light and fresh though initially, this appears a touch straightforward. In the glass this showed apple blossom and hints of citrus. The palate is nicely textured, clean, fresh and refreshing. The dosage has been very well handled. At around $30, this is not exactly cheap, but I have seen it advertised for under $20 and, at this price, it will make an excellent aperitif this festive season.

La Cabotte – Cotes Du Rhone – Colline – 2011 (17). Attractive nose combining plump, ripe fruit and sweet vanilla highlights. Spicy/earthy notes add complexity. Only medium-bodied, with little in the way of oak on the palate, this is supple, savoury and long. Quite a delicious red that will take food well. Do not be afraid to give this time in a decanter prior to drinking.

Guigal – Cotes Du Rhone – 2010 (16.6). Clean/fresh nose that has attractive fruit and subtle spicy notes. The palate is light and fresh, with souring acidity adding drive. A fruit-driven, easy-drinking style without strong characters. With air, the fleshy fruit opens up and is complemented by black pepper and spice.

Domaine La Vitalis – Cotes Du Rhone – Villages – Cairanne – 2011 (17). Quite closed on the nose, but the palate is a riot of ripe fruit and spice. Medium bodied, but with delicious pepper and spice over juicy plum. Perhaps a bit more new-world in its approach, but this will appeal to those who like a good value, fleshy red.

Chalkboard – Cotes Du Rhone – 2012 (16.5). Pretty, floral, red fruits and supple white pepper on both the nose and the palate. There are also spicy notes and a hint of celery. Supple and textured, the spicy fruit is the predominant character on the finish, though the fine tannins build on the close. A versatile wine that is excellent value at around $13 from Vinatge Cellars.

Cabernet Sauvignon – New Release

Reviewed: 23^rd November 2013

Devils Lair – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2011 (18/18.5+). Initially this shows a crisp, clear nose that has supple ripe fruit over gentle cedar and spice. The palate is ripe, fleshy and generally delicious. The finish is defined by a sprinkling of fine tannins and fine grained oak. With time in the bottle and glass, the quality of this wine shone through, developing complex, briary notes and real depth to the fruit. Very approachable now, but the patient will be rewarded.

Yalumba – Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz – The Signature – 2009 (18.5). Ripe fruit, with chocolate, vanilla and spice on the nose. The palate is very textured, possessing depth of fruit, concentration, tremendous length and persistence. The finish is defined by fine, though slightly chewy, tannins. Superb wine that will evolve for years, yet can be drunk now with pleasure.

Forest Hill – Cabernet Sauvignon – Estate – 2011 (18). Concentrated, essence-like fruit on the nose. The palate hints at the same, though the fruit is enveloped in a blanket of fine, silky tannins. Slightly souring plum-like acidity carries a very long finish. This is a style that will work a treat with food now, yet will age for many years. A serious wine that, at $30 is a worthy cellar addition.

Grant Burge – Cabernet Sauvignon – Corryton Park – 2010 (18). Another impressive wine that combines superbly ripe and concentrated fruit with supple oak and tannins. Excellent length to a finish that is fine and lingering. Balanced, elegant and silky, a remarkable cabernet from the Barossa Valley.

Deep Woods – Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz – Ebony – 2011 (17.5). Bright, fresh and vibrant with blackcurrant, licorice, fennel, spice and supple, cedary oak. A surprisingly serious wine that combines quality fruit and oak in a deftly handled package, with excellent length on the finish. Only medium-bodied, this will still handle a few years in the cellar. Why wait though?

Willow Bridge – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – Dragonfly – 2012 (17.5). Impressively inky colour in the glass. The nose is redolent of blackcurrant and spice. The fruit is chewy and dense on the palate, and opens up nicely on the finish. A well-made wine that would suit short term cellaring.

Devils Lair – Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz – The Hidden Cave – 2012 (17+). Silky, soft, ripe and very easy to drink. Supple, everyday drinking.

Loire Whites

New Release – Loire Whites

Reviewed: 11^th November 2013

The team at Lamont’s has landed another couple of containers of imported wines and suggested that I pop in and try a cross section of their sauvignon blancs from the Loire Valley. These wines are quite different in style to that which we see from NZ or Australia or the SBS blends from Bordeaux.

Oak use can vary significantly, but is often used for at least a part of the cuvee to add creamy complexity via barrel fermentation.

In this tasting, the wines from Sancerre tended to be a little lighter than the Pouilly Fumes, but this is a broad generalisation. The wines from Sancerre were also a little less expensive on average, but no less enjoyable.

Below are my picks.

Reviewed.

Domaine Fouassier – Sauvignon Blanc – Sancerre – Les Chailloux – 2011 (17.3). Clean, crisp and fresh, with a lovely, taut minerality running the length of the palate. Nicely textured, with a finish that has a slightly creamy texture. This is quite a neutral wine that will take light food well, but is a good drink solo. (A smart wine that does not show any overt oak characters, but does possess a creaminess that suggests at least part barrel fermentation).

Domaine Fouassier – Sauvignon Blanc – Sancerre – Les Chasseignes – 2011 (17.8). Another neutral wine, though there is a savoury/nutty character running through the palate. The finish is textured and creamy, whilst the persistence is admirable. The palate is mineral-like and flinty, with hints of spice and ripe fruit. A complex and powerful wine, with some winemaking inputs adding interest. (Would definitely handle food well).

Pierre Maudry – Sauvignon Blanc – Sancerre – L’Antique – 2012 (17.7). Pristine, lemony fruit and savoury complexity make this quite a complete wine. Bitter almond and supple acid carry the finish, with smoky notes to close. Savoury and long, this will be a great match to seafood.

Balland Chapuis – Sauvignon Blanc – Pouilly Fume – 2012 (17.2). I like this. Whilst it is quite neutral, the wine has zip and life. Hint of minerals and struck match add interest. The palate is long, silky, creamy and refined. I would like a touch more mid-palate weight, but this has lovely mouth-feel and texture. Sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Pierre Maudry – Sauvignon Blanc – Pouilly Fume – Tradition – 2012 (17.8). Viscous, mouth-coating and savoury, with good minerality. Restrained and supple, with quality fruit and winemaking. This should build and develop in the bottle as everything is in place, it is just very closed and tight. Quality fruit and winemaking on show.

Chardonnay – New Release

Reviewed: 8^th November 2013

This was a fascinating tasting that highlighted the quality and diversity of chardonnays being made in Australia. From the taut austerity of the Devils Lair, the balance of the Frankland Estate, to the richness and depth of the Singlefile, they are all quality wines.

Interestingly, there were a couple of wines from 2013 in the tasting. These have not been reviewed, as they were just too young to properly assess them at this point.

Reviewed.

Devils Lair – Chardonnay – 2012 (18). A very fine wine made in a lighter style. The fruit has been picked early to retain freshness and vitality, though this comes at the cost of immediate drinkability. There is no denying the quality of the fruit, and this has been very well handled. The key feature here is the excellent length and persistence. This wine took four days to really open up and shine, so cellaring is recommended.

Singlefile – Chardonnay – Reserve – 2012 (18). Wow, superb nose that has powerful fruit combined with complex winemaker’s inputs that adds a struck match character to the minerals and quality oak. The palate is rich, dense and very long. The oak sits well with the fruit, though a year or two should see this settle back a little and allow the fruit to really shine. The finish is very long and complex, with curry leaf and spice to close. Expensively made.

Frankland Estate – Chardonnay – Isolation Ridge – 2012 (17.9). This wine takes the middle ground between the Devils Lair and Singlefile. The fruit is attractive and well matched to the subtle winemaking notes. Aroma wise, there is lemon, stonefruit, melon and a hint of tropical fruit. The palate is supple, creamy and quite savoury. The finish is very balanced and near seamless, though the acid cuts a swath through the creamy texture. A smart wine that will be even better in 2 – 3 years.

Xanadu – Chardonnay – DJL – 2012 (17.4). Fresh, vibrant and very smart. A modern style that has a portion of earlier picked fruit to retain freshness. Good quality fruit is matched by lovely, citrus-like acidity, with the oak adding texture to the palate. Well made.

Willow Bridge – Chardonnay – G1-10 – 2012 (17.5). Lovely wine this, in a subtly worked style. There is excellent fruit and winemaking and quite a seamless finish. The oak sits nicely with the fruit and adds texturally. Good mouth-feel and length to close.

S.C. Pannell – Current Release

Reviewed: 28^th September 2013

When Bill Pannell first established Moss Wood in the early 1970’s I am sure that not even he could predict the impact his family would have on the Australian wine industry. After entrenching Moss Wood’s reputation, Bill went on to establish Picardy winery in Pemberton where he and his son Dan are producing world class wines.

Whilst Bill and Dan are household names in Western Australia, the fortunes of another Pannell winemaker are somewhat overlooked. Steve Pannell (Bill’s son) was instrumental in producing some of the great wines of Hardy’s, where he was chief winemaker from 1999 – 2003.

S.C. Pannell was established in 2004 and produces an array of both Red and White wines. These range in style from softer, more approachable (and affordable) wines to the serious and age-worthy. Time prevented me from reviewing their white wines, so these will have to wait for another day and, perhaps, a trip to McLaren Vale.

The current release wines served to underscore the quality of the operation, with the 2011 reds demonstrating just how good wines from this vintage can be.

NB: This was not a blind tasting. My points are best used as a guide only.

Reviewed:

S.C. Pannell – Grenache Blend – Tinto – 2011 (16.8). This has a lovely, bright red colour that seems the perfect match to the floral fruit notes on the nose. There is bright fruit on a palate that has cherry and hints of tar and spice. Simple, easy to drink and food friendly.

S.C. Pannell – Tempranilo\Touriga – 2012 (17.3). I like this a lot! There is plenty of dense, ripe fruit that is succulent and deliciously juicy. Long and sappy acid on the finish adds life. Really good wine that would be a great mid-week wine served with a bowl of pasta.

S.C. Pannell – Shiraz – Adelaide Hills – Syrah – 2012 (17.7). Spectacular red/purple colour. Dense, tannic, ripe, chewy, long, lean, angular. A wine of real potential, with lovely peppery fruit to close. Fine, silky tannins are firm and plentiful. A textural treat.

S.C. Pannell – Grenache/Shiraz – 2010 (17.7). Gorgeous, fragrant and lifted red berry fruit on the nose, courtesy of the grenache. The palate is flooded with redcurrant and spice, with silky, texturing oak and tannins. Long and savoury, this will be best in 5 – 10 years, once it has had time to open up and evolve.

S.C. Pannell – Nebbiolo – 2008 (18). The colour alone stands this apart from the rest of the range, tending to rusty orange at the rim. A superb rendition of nebbiolo that is true to its Italian heritage, with hints of floral fruit and tar-like characters building on the finish.

S.C. Pannell – Grenache – 2011 (18). The colour is fantastic. There is ripe, perfumed fruit, though this is subdued and cloaked in structure. The palate is powerful, ripe, and precise. The tannins are silky and fine, while the oak is there primarily for texture. Excellent length and mouth-feel. This is a superb effort.

S.C. Pannell – Shiraz – 2011 (18.5). Remarkably restrained and tight. There is a density to the fruit on the nose, with the McLaren Vale fruit characters developing in the glass with air. The palate is restrained and near seamless, with great precision and focus. Again, the latent power starts to express itself as the wine opens in the glass and on the palate. Near seamless, this is a wine that can be consumed now or any time to 2030.