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.

2001 Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged

If you had asked me 4 years ago if I like sparkling wine my answer would have been a resounding, no!  I was introduced to it by friends whose 'go to' was, and still is, the most popular Tassie bubbles, Jansz.  Around the same time I was lucky enough to be able to steward at a wine show and this exposed me to other Australian brands and more Tasmanian producers.  One of those producers was Arras.  I have since discovered these are exceptional wines with base wines of the highest quality and held on lees for many years.  I have also had the luxury of tasting some of them many times but must speak about the 2001 Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged which I managed to score as a leftover bottle from a tasting.  I also must say, EJ (Ed) Carr is a quietly spoken, humble but proud, unassuming magician when it comes to sparkling wine.
When I poured the wine the colour was a pale green and the bead was fine and delicate.  The aromas were unmistakable.  Toasty, biscuity almost nutty and still quite intense.  On the palate it was amazingly fresh, zesty, long and complex but so, so elegant.  At around $150 per bottle it puts it up there in terms of luxury sparkling wine but it matches it with the best imports at, sometimes, half the price.
 Until next time and remember, live simply, laugh often, wine alot.