Orange Wine Region, NSW

It was only in the last 6 months or so I found out that wine was produced in Orange, New South Wales.  I have to admit I scoffed at the suggestion that good wines would come out of an area that I had never heard of considering I had been enjoying my 'hobby' for 30 years.  I decided to investigate this little known area.
Grape production, along with other fruits, started in the 19th century and the first commercial production of table grapes was in 1877.  It was not until the very early 1980's that the first vines for table wine were planted.  Considering the Orange Wine Region, at 600m to 1000m above sea level, is the highest wine region in Australia, I would have thought it was an ambitious project.  However, coupled with the regions terroir* this made it a true cool climate region and perfect for growing certain varieties of wine grapes and now there are about 80 vineyards and 40 plus wineries.
The most widely panted grape variety in the region is Shiraz (approx 27%) with Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Chardonnay (14%) a distant second and third respectively.  This was a surprise to me but a bigger surprise, or should I say shock, to read was that Pinot Noir and Riesling, which generally go hand in hand with cool climate viticulture, have very small plantings (5% and 3% respectively). Some of the wineries have also planted small areas of the newer varieties to Australia.  These include Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Zinfandel in the reds and Marsanne, Semillon and Gewürztraminer in the whites.
I have been lucky enough to taste a Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and a Riesling from Orange and they are very impressive.  Both reds had red and dark fruits on the nose and palate with some spicy/savoury characters, were medium body with nice fine tannins, balance and elegance.  The Riesling had the typical citrus notes of limes and lemon dominating with stone fruit characteristics in the background and enough acid to age nicely.  The Chardonnay, for me, had the exact opposite.  The stone fruit characters were more obvious with the citrus characters playing a secondary role, along with the deft use of oak, producing a very nice wine.  It's a real shame that these wines are not more widely available in Tasmania.
Overall, there is much to be excited about when it comes to this region.  It has lived in the shadow of the Hunter Valley and Mudgee districts for way too long and needs to start letting the rest of Australia know it exists and can produce some ripper wines.
A very good website to visit for more information, and the place I sourced some of my information, is www.winesoforange.com.au
*Terroir (pronounced tear-wah) is a French word used to (very basically) define the features of a wine growing region which includes its climate, geology, topography and soils which contribute to the individuality and renown of wines produced there (Martin 2000).
Until next time and remember to live simply, laugh often, wine alot.

2012 Grey Sands The Mattock

Bob and Rita Richter have a small vineyard on the west Tamar in northern Tasmania.  They have 18 different grape varieties growing on their 3.5 hectare vineyard and three of those have been used in this blend.  Constisting of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, this wine has an amazing dense, glossy purple colour. It begins with a lovely floral lift, quite plummy and very inviting.  The palate is medium bodied, full of red and blue fruits and finishes with a touch of sweet, creamy oak and fine tannins.  I described it on social media as "wanting to let people know how good it is but was too polite" (a bit like Bob and Rita actually).  At $30 a bottle is very good value for money and is a very versatile wine to say the least.  You could have it with sausages, eggs and chips or osso bucco or with a block of good hard cheese.  This beauty should cellar for 6-8 years and is definitely worth stocking up on for the rest of this winter and the next one and the next one.... Until next time and remember, live simply, laugh often, wine alot.
www.greysands.com.au

2012 Yarnbomb by Corrina Wright Shiraz

For those who don't know, and I have to admit I had no idea until I looked it up, Yarnbombing is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre rather than paint or chalk (thanks Wikipedia).
Corrina Wright is the winemaker at Olivers Taranga in McLaren Vale and is highly respected in the industry.
I read about this wine on Twitter and it was getting some good reviews so I decided to buy a bottle to check it out.
Initially it seemed a little bit reticent to show itself on the nose but, with a bit of a swirl and rest in the glass it really opened up.  Blue fruits, chocolate and a touch spicy on the nose leads to a similar palate.  Mouth-filling, medium to full bodied with the tannins obvious but the fruit carries them nicely.  This is the type of wine that, for me, is perfectly pitched as a quaffer or one to be enjoyed with food.  At the mid $20 a bottle it is also very well priced.  Available exclusively at Dan Murphys or BWS bottleshops.
Until next time but remember to live simply, laugh often, wine alot.

2012 Bowen Estate Coonawarra Shiraz

The Bowen family have been in the Coonawarra district for about 40 years and it continues to evolve.  Doug and Joy Bowen's daughter, Emma, is now involved in the winemaking.  They only produce a Chardonnay, Shiraz and, of course, Cabernet Sauvignon.  The vineyard is in the prime terra rossa soils of Coonawarra and perfectly display the terrior of the region.  The red wines are made so as to show true varietal characteristics with plenty of flavour but with a lovely elegance and approachability.  This wine fits this descriptor perfectly.
This colour of this wine is dense, deep and inky.  The nose has brilliant blue/black fruit and licorice aromas with a terrific violet lift (you could be mistaken for thinking there was a touch of viognier included).  The nose flows through to the palate being silky smooth with a subtle vanilla oak touch and that slight pepper characteristic you expect from cool climate shiraz.  An outstanding wine which I'm glad I bought 6 of.  It is around the $30-35 mark but is regularly found discounted to below $30.
www.bowenestate.com.au
Until next time but remember to live simply, laugh often, wine alot.

2009 Kay Brothers Block 6 Shiraz

The Block 6 Vineyard was planted in 1892 from selected shiraz cuttings collected from the Hardy's Tintara vineyard.  Originally there were 12 acres but, the very small quantity of grapes hand picked from Block 6 is now gathered from only 4 acres.  The wine is still produced the same way it was from the first wine made in 1897.  All grapes are hand picked and fermented in the original open top fermenters at the winery.
It's also interesting to note that this is a single vineyard wine made from fruit grown on vines that are 122 years old and it is only $70.00 a bottle.  That may sound a lot of money for one bottle of wine, and it is but, this would have to be one of the cheapest single vineyard wines on the market.  I know of others that are $600 a bottle.
When I opened the bottle (under screwcap) the wine was closed and displayed little of what was about to reveal itself.  With a little time in the glass, it opened up with lovely aromas of dark fruits and slightly spicy characteristics.  The medium to full bodied palate was pretty amazing.  Dark fruits were obvious again and a savouriness melded in beautifully with the silky smooth tannins.  The length on the finish was something to behold.  To try and describe it would not do it justice.  A truly magnificent wine.
www.kaybrothersamerywines.com
Until next time and remember, live simply, laugh often, wine a lot.

2012 Fox Gordon 'The Sicilian' Nero D'Avola

I have posted about Fox Gordon wines before and, after opening this wine last night I felt I needed to again.  I was lucky enough to be sent one of these prior to release but have resisted the temptation to drink until last night.  Why?  I have no idea but either way, I'm glad I finally opened it.
The colour was quite dense and not what I expected for the variety but the deep purple tinge was.  On the nose it's like a cherry ripe without the sweetness but added spiciness. The palate was delicious.  Black fruits dominate with a slight plummy mid-palate with a silky smooth savouriness on the finish.  I liked it a lot and at $25.00 a bottle, it is really good value. The good news is, it is now available for purchase via there website or at Bottega Ratollo Australia wide. It went particularly well with home-made pizzas too.
www.foxgordon.com.au
Until next time and remember, live simply, laugh often, wine alot.

The Coterie at Coal Valley Vineyard

I have to admit it is very rare that forgetting to do something results in a successful outcome.  I'll explain shall I.  I was supposed to make a reservation for dinner for my wife and I at a rather swish Chinese Restaurant in Hobart.  Well, I made the call (the night before) and, of course, they were fully booked.  I happened to be reading a wine magazine the same day and read about The Coterie at the Coal Valley Vineyard about 20 minutes from Hobart.
I decided to give them a call and, no worries, booked in for 7pm the next night. Phew, saved...for now anyway. There were some concerns that we were able to land a reservation for dinner when ringing the night before but for us it was somewhere new, the write up was really good and we knew the wines from Coal Valley are good.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a familiar face, Sharelee Davies, CEO of Wine Tasmania.  My first impression of the place was it was going to be cold but, the modest heating did an adequate job allowing us to feel warm and comfortable.
The menu was not extensive, which I thought was a good thing, but had a good array of meals to choose from.  We both had fairly basic starters but the quality of both were certainly up there.
Now for the mains we shared.  Pork belly with quince and a side of green salad, candied walnuts and walnut dressing.  Absolutely, exquisite and, for a total of $40, great value.  We received 4 pieces of pork belly and plenty of quince paste to go with it.  We were also provided with some Riesling jam with coriander seed crust which also matched perfectly with the pork belly.  There was plenty for the two us.  The Coal Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir we had with it was the ideal wine too.
We left there comfortable in the knowledge we had eaten well for what we had spent, very well in fact.  Do yourself a favour and get out there.  You will not be disappointed, believe me.
They are open 10am-5pm Monday and Tuesday, and until 9pm Thursday to Sunday.

2012 Freycinet Vineyard Chardonnay

The Freycinet Vineyard on Tasmania's East Coast is nestled in an amphitheatre type of area with spectacular views towards the east.  Winemaker, Claudio Radenti, graduated from Roseworthy College in 1982 and honed his skills at Pipers Brook (Tasmania), Tyrrells and Cassegrain (both in NSW).  He also completed vintages in Bordeaux in the late 1980's.  All of their wines are grown, vinified and bottled on the estate with minimal winemaker intervention.  You have to admire somebody that has so much trust and faith in the vineyard site and fruit, and allows the wine to do the talking.
This is truly one of the best young Chardonnays I have tasted.  It has gone through 100% barrel fermentation (20% new) for 10 months and regular lees stirring.  The wine has lovely aromas of peaches and cream with a citrus addition that doesn't scream "look out here comes the acid".  The palate is similar but has the added complexity of subtle oak characteristics that balance it out perfectly and the length is incredible.  I wish I had some in the cellar to see what it is like in 10 years because I think it has that length of cellaring potential.  A brilliant wine to say the least.
www.freycinetvineyard.com.au
Until next time and remember to live simply, laugh often, wine alot.

2013 Freycinet Vineyard Riesling

The Freycinet vineyard was planted in 1979 by Geoff & Susan Bull and established the first commercial winery on the East Coast of Tasmania.  They started what is now an area dotted with many established vineyards and cellar doors producing fine wines.  Claudio Radenti and his life partner Lindy Bull, both experienced winemakers, now make the wines under the Freycinet and Louis labels.  All of their wines are made with particular attention to detail, great cellaring potential and regularly receive high scores from journalists.
Freycinet produce a high quality range of wines including this amazing Riesling.  The nose is typically cool climate with lovely citrus/lime blossom.  The palate is similar with limes, lemons and a beautiful line of crisp acidity.  Everything about this wine is harmonious with a long, lingering finish.  It is set for a great future and at $25 it is a wine that you don't feel guilty about putting away for a few years.
www.freycinetvineyard.com.au
Until next time but remember to live simply, laugh often, wine alot.

2012 Ballandean Messing About Malbec

Hands up those who have bought and drank a bottle of Queensland wine.  Yep, thought so.  Not many.  Well, you should give them a try.  I've tried a few lately thanks to some very helpful Queenslanders. It may surprise you to know Ballandean Wine Estates has been on the Granite Belt for 80+ years spanning 5 generations.  A cellar door was opened to the public in 1970 and is open 9am-5pm almost every day of the year.  They produce a large range of wines including alternative varieties such as durif, saperavi, fiano, sylvaner and this little beauty, malbec.
The 2012 is very, very good wine from a great vintage.  I just loved the colour when it was poured and I could smell dark cherries immediately without putting the glass anywhere near my nose.  The flavours were of rich dark fruits and plums which linger on the palate.  Oak is there but is not assertive by any means and plays a good supportive role.  With just over 14% alcohol and all of these lush aromas and flavours, it was like a nice warm cuddle in a bottle.  Winter is fast approaching and this would go well with a hearty meat casserole.
At $35 a bottle it is not an everyday quaffer and not within everybody's budget but it is still excellent value for money.
Until next time and remember, live simply, laugh often, wine alot.