2014 Ceravolo Estate Sangiovese Rosé

Made from the first-run juice of the Ceravolo Estate's award-winning Adelaide Plains Sangiovese, this rosé delivers on all varietal fronts.

Clear dark pink, fuchsia colour in the glass. 
The nose is all strawberry, subtle sour black cherry and some orange peel complemented by cinnamon and rose petal nuances. 

The palate initially attacked with medium sweet berry fruits reminiscent of raspberry lollies before settling to be dry and crisp. Not cloying in any way. The mid-palate offered vibrant pomegranate, cranberry and cinnamon flavours refreshed by a nice line of acid.

Creamy smooth texture and light bodied. Dry to medium sweet summer berry flavours overall with soft tannins lead to an elongated finish. A bright, well made wine that is lovely to drink. 

Source: Sample. ABV: 13.5%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $18.00. Rating: 89 Points.

Website: http://www.ceravolo.com.au./

2014 Woods Crampton Barossa Valley Pedro

Predominantly Bonvedro with splashes of Graciano and Tempranillo, this Iberian-inspired blend tends to lean on the 'joven' style, more light than medium-bodied. Naturally fermented, 100% whole bunch pressed with bugger all chemicals added, as the back label states. I had to include that photo as the Pedro seems to reflect from what I've gleaned, the character of its dynamic winemakers Aaron Woods and Nicholas Crampton: likeable, easygoing and unconventional.  

Ruby red to a light purple colour. Aromas of blueberry, raspberry and notes of earth and violet. Juicy blackberry, blueberry and exotic spice notes on the palate are balanced by refreshing acidity. There's a smooth textural feel about this wine with some crunch and grip too. Fine lingering spicy tannins with white peppery nuances at the tail end leaves the finish satisfying. Good slightly chilled as well. 



This is a youthful, flavoursome, drink now blend that would be ideal with chorizo and seafood paella. An interesting take that bucks the traditional blends out of the Valley. Enjoyable and recommended.

Source: Sample. ABV: 13.5%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $22.00. Rating: 92 Points.

Wholesaler: Fourth Wave Wine -  http://fourthwavewine.com.au/

Website: http://woods-crampton.com.au/

2013 Woods Crampton Johns Vineyard Barossa Valley Bonvedro

Bonvedro is a red grape variety grown in Portugal as Bomvedro and in north-eastern Spain under the name Cuatendra. There is also some suggestion that this rare grape exists in France and northern Italy.

Recent DNA testing revealed that seventy year old vines masquerading as Carignan in the Barossa Valley were in fact the Bonvedro variety, adding yet another intriguing episode to Australia's Mistaken Grapes chronicle. How the variety originally got to the Valley is anyone's guess but evidence suggests that cuttings may have arrived in the colonies in the large James Busby collection. But the confusion with Carignan appeared to lay because of certain similarities between the two varieties.

The dynamic crew of Aaron Woods and Nicholas Crampton produce the only 100% varietal Bonvedro in Australia from a single dry grown vineyard in the Valley's Light Pass sub-region. 

Dark ruby red colour in the glass. Offers up an intense perfume of sweet dark red fruits, spicy qualities with some twig and smokey notes. Light to medium-bodied red wine. Supple in the mouthfeel. Well-balanced acidity and light chalky tannins that integrate into a spicy, slightly bitter palate composed of blackberry, black olive and dark chocolate.

An Interesting, complex and well worth exploring this obscure wine. As a summer red, it tastes just as good slightly chilled. A great find.

Source: Sample. ABV: 14.0%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $30.00. Rating: 92 Points.

Wholesaler: Fourth Wave Wine - http://fourthwavewine.com.au/

Website: http://woods-crampton.com.au/

2012 Devil's Lair Dance with the Devil Sauvignon Blanc Chenin Blanc

Dance With The Devil is a sub-range of Margaret River winery Devil's Lair portfolio. This white is a creative blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Chenin Blanc, varieties that you don't usually see together. After stainless steel maturation, both were given four months in French oak to add complexity and distinctiveness.

Very pale straw with greenish hue colouring. Lifted green apple, citrus, nutty and tropical fruit salad aromas present. 
Palate is similar with lychee, gooseberry and passionfruit notes held by zesty acidity and some crunchy, flinty tannins. 
It's a well balanced, light-bodied wine with a long and refreshing finish combining the best qualities of both individual parts but there's something missing here that leaves you unsatisfied. 

I wouldn't buy it again, it's far too expensive for what you get. Nevertheless, it's an excellent score for an everyday quaffer. 

Source: Retail Purchase. ABV: 12.0%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $24.99. Rating: 88 Points.

Website: http://www.devils-lair.com/

2013 Sorrenberg Vineyards Beechworth Gamay

Sorrenberg is a biodynamic, boutique 2.5 hectare vineyard and winery located outside Beechworth at the foothills of the Great Diving Range in north-east Victoria. Owned by Barry and Jan Morey, the vineyard dates from the mid-1980's with the first vintage of Gamay brought out in 1989.

Lauded as a benchmark Australian style, the Gamay produced at Sorrenberg is said to be more Burgundian in style than Beaujolais with a 10% Pinot Noir component adding complexity and a perfect edge.

The 2013 Gamay is a purple ruby hue in the glass, darker than I'd thought it would be. Black cherry, spice, leather and earthen aromas.
It's fruity upon entry then settles down to be savoury with notes of mushroom, soy and soil. A peppery, earthy and fleshy red fruit palate give it a warm, luscious mouthfeel. Medium-bodied with great balance between the fruit, its vibrant acid and supple tannins. Lingering savoury finish of dark chocolate adds to the overall deliciousness.


I hazard a guess that the Sorrenberg Gamay would match the very best grand 'crus' the Beaujolais region could offer or any other region for that matter.

A wine that is confident of its cult status. Complex, seductive and engaging.
Remarkable. Highly Recommended.

Source: Gift. ABV: 13.2%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $42.00 (Approx). Rating: 95 Points.

Website: http://www.sorrenberg.com/

2011 Oak Works Pinotage

A problematic reputation has appeared to dog Pinotage over the years, its high yields, burnt rubber and acetone flavours making generally unremarkable wines. I didn't know what to believe but it helped like most things, having an open mind. It's South Africa's signature variety, a Pinot Noir and Cinsault marriage back in 1925 designed to enhance the flavours of Pinot Noir with the yields of Cinsault. In terms of red varieties planted there, it is second only to Cabernet Sauvignon. 

The variety is still in its early days in Australia with only a few wineries, amongst them Oak Works in the Riverland Region producing anything while New Zealand has had a far longer relationship with it. Fourteen months in oak has added complexity to this mid-weight 2009 red.  

It is dark ruby, an almost purple colour in the glass.There are moderately intense flowery forest floor, earth and briary aromatics going on with hints of banana peel and gamey bacon.  
Rolling seamlessly over the palate were spicy plum fruit, pepper and cherry sauce flavours. These were underpinned by bold, structured smokey meat flavours and subtle tannins. A dry, texturally smooth and polished palate. Medium heat peaks mid-palate leading to what is a lingering sweet spice finish. Carries the heat fairly well otherwise.

This is a well-structured wine with bold Shiraz-type flavours that I found intriguing. It came out punching on the second night's drinking, boosting the score to the magic ninety. Well worth a try if you want an alternative to Shiraz. Very Good.

Source: Sample. ABV: 13.5%. Closure: Cork. Price: $20.00. Rating: 90 Points.

Website: http://www.riverlandwine.com.au/wine-of-the-riverland/the-wineries/16-oak-works-wines.html

2012 Lake Moodemere Vineyards Rutherglen Riesling

This noble variety has an unusual home in the north-east Victorian region of Rutherglen, better known for its reds and fortified wines.

Lake Moodemere is an historic, boutique winery owned and operated by Michael and Belinda Chambers who produce fruit from vineyards dating back to the mid-1880's.

This estate-grown Riesling is bright straw yellow in colour with a greenish tinge. Aromatically, there are fresh citrus, sweet florals and talc notes. 

Palate-wise, it's dry with flinty minerals, musk and a delicate sherbert presence. Some tropical fruit notes in the middle. A backbone of lime acidity holds proceedings together through to the lingering citrus finish.

Crisp, appealing and structurally elegant from what was an ideal growing season.


Source: Winery Purchase. ABV: 10.3%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $18.00. Rating: 90+ Points. Website: http://moodemerewines.com.au/

2012 Gemtree Vineyards Moonstone Savagnin

Since 2011 Gemtree Vineyards at McLaren Vale have had organic certification and have practised biodynamic farming for some years prior to that time. The Buttery family business works on minimal intervention during the winemaking process and the second release of their Moonstone (aka the lover's stone) Savagnin, reflects the clean freshness of this increasingly popular variety. 

Attractive pale straw colour. Fresh lifted aromas of honeysuckle, blossom, Nashi pear and Granny Smith apple. The palate exhibits crisp dry lime and pear with some suggestion of rosewater and minerality. It's viscous, zesty, light in structure and mirrors the bouquet's fruit characteristics. 

Fine crunchy tannins with a nice acid spike mid-palate. Even flavours throughout with a lingering fresh citrusy finish. If you like the texture of a Pinot Gris and the racy acidity of a Riesling, this is the variety to check out. An appealing, delicious and versatile wine for the holiday fare. 


Source: Retail Purchase. ABV: 13.5%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $18.00. Rating: 90+ Points.

Website: http://www.gemtreewines.com/

2011 Dunn's Creek Estate Mornington Peninsula Barbera

Some people see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not?
Robert Francis Kennedy quoting George Bernard Shaw.

Roger and Hannah Stuart-Andrews have been championing alternative varieties on the Mornington  Peninsula for years and their secluded, very picturesque vineyard, accommodation and nature reserve at Red Hill is in star contrast to some of the expanding corporate wineries now seemingly de rigueur on the Peninsula.

Their award-winning Barbera, an unusual variety for the Mornington Peninsula spent 15 months in French oak and was made by Sandro Mosele of Port Phillip and Kooyong Estates. There is also a rare Barbera Rosé and a classically varietal Arneis in the portfolio.

Bright cherry red hue in colour that almost gives the Barbera the appearance of a Pinot Noir. The nose is full of  juicy, vibrant raspberry and cherry with some hints of star anise. Medium bodied, the palate is soft and supple, full of juicy red fruits and chalky tannins. Well balanced and textural. A touch of spicy cedar oak and woody herb complexity with that classic Barbera acidity makes for an intriguing and very drinkable wine. Good.  

Source: Winery Purchase. ABV: 13.0%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $20.00. Rating: 88 Points.

Website: http://www.dunnscreek.com.au/

2012 Pizzini King Valley Brachetto

The red variety Brachetto originally hails from the DOCG region of Brachetto d'Acqui in Piedmont, the grape used in making not only dry still reds but also rosés and sparkling wines similar to Lambrusco.  

One of the many wines from Pizzini's Italian range, the winery founded in 1994 is the only producer of this variety in Australia to date making this intriguing grape into a slightly sparkling wine. 

A light pink to an orange hue in colour. There's an intense bouquet of rose petal, strawberry and cherry that translates to a light-bodied frizzante wine. A pearl necklace of small beads rings the glass. What you swallow I can only describe is a bubbly fresh rose petal moscato. Creamy, gentle mouthfeel with a smooth fruity, rather than dry finish. 

Subtle and refreshing low alcohol drink. If you were ever wanting to start the day off on a different note, serve this chilled for breakfast. 

Source: Retail Purchase. ABV: 5.5%. Closure: Crown Cap. Price: $17.50. Rating: 89 Points. Website: http://www.pizzini.com.au/pizzini/

2010 Dunn's Creek Estate Babbling Brooke Savagnin

No prizes guessing that the brook runs through the idyllic Dunn's Creek property at Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula. 

This Savagnin is yet another of the alternative varieties that Roger and Hannah Stuart-Andrews have grown and other than one or two other producers on the Peninsula, is an uncommon grape variety there.

Attractive pale straw colour with subtle aromatics of grapefruit, burnt orange, lime and melon.
Zesty, mineral-edged and showing some lime notes and melon fruit on an off dry palate.
It's light-bodied with a fine crunchy mid-palate. Smoothly textured but a watery, grapey finish that doesn't do this Savagnin justice. 

Pity though, it deserved a better score. Appealing wine nevertheless.

Source: Winery Purchase. ABV: 14.0%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $22.00. Rating: 89 Points.

Website: http://www.dunnscreek.com.au/

2010 Torbreck Woodcutters Roussanne Viognier Marsanne

There are some decent Australian blends of these noble Rhone Valley varietal divas around but nothing as yet compares to the synergistic trifecta that Barossa Valley's Torbreck Woodcutters brings to the table. Better known for their unsurpassed stable of red wines and on the success of The Steading Blanc, the Torbreck Woodcutters is - you know I can't resist - a cut above the rest and a delicious revelation !

A 61/21/16 blend, it's mid straw to gold in colour. The nose offers up lifted floral fragrances, apricot and honeysuckle. The fusion draws on the strength of each component variety. The Roussanne does the hard lifting here with its textural backbone and weight while the Viognier provides the apricot and floral aromas and the Marsanne, palate richness and secondary aromas.   


The palate experience is quite remarkable. Rich and dry initially, flavours of honey, candied fruit, clotted cream, doughy less, cashews and notes of flint. The fruit flavours match the bouquet. It sits in the medium-bodied range, seamless and silky, but not flabby in texture.

A big flavoursome white wine. Slippery, poised and very drinkable. Feminine, masculine, seductive, beguiling, decadent, powerful yet elegant with a fresh length at the finish. Has developed alluring complexity with age but not a flamboyant in your face wine.

If there is an opportunity, do something I don't often say. Buy !  Highly Recommended. 

Source: Retail Purchase. ABV: 14.5%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $21.50. Rating: 94 Points.

Website: http://www.torbreck.com/

2011 Guildford Vineyard Viognier

I struggle with Viognier. I try to like it and it tries to like me back, it has two loyal friends it blends in well with and is a great companion by itself at meals but I just haven't found the one that pops my cork yet.

Located at the far northern part of the Macedon Ranges Wine Region towards Bendigo, the boutique Guildford winery has been around for about a decade and the Viognier grows well alongside the vineyard's more celebrated Shiraz vines.

This mid-weight Viognier is pale yellow in colour. Muted aromatics of apricot kernel, ripe pears and nutmeg spice. Notes of honey, apricots and marmalade on a zesty acidic backbone. Fine pear tannins. Competently made but the palate peaks midway leaving it a little short. 

Taken out for a second date night, it did open up somewhat but sad to report, remained ultimately unloved.

Source: Winery Purchase. ABV: 12.2%. Closure: Screwcap. 
Price: $22.00. Rating: 87+ Points.

Website: http://www.guildfordvineyard.com.au/index.html

2013 Chrismont La Zona Mezzanotte Rosato

An interesting blend of Sangiovese and Barbera made into a rose style similar to those in Italy's Garda Lombardy DOC region. Previous vintages saw Chrismont add the rare Marzemino, a red variety native to Trentino Alto-Adige. Chrismont and its Alpine Valley neighbour Michelini Wines appear to be the only Australian producers of this variety outside of Italy.

Given the wine's name Mezzanotte, I'm guessing the grapes for his rose were picked in the wee small hours to maximise freshness. It is indeed that but it would have been interesting to see what the Marzemino could have brought to the mix.

Pale pink to an orange salmon coloured wine with fresh aromas of strawberry, cherry and grass. Dry and crisp acidity upon entry. Poached strawberry dominates the palate with cranberry and savoury cherry nuances towards the back end. Light-bodied, slightly candy sweet. But it's one-dimensionally strawberry. A quaffer to be sure. 

Source: Retail Purchase. ABV: 12.0%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $18.50. 
Rating: 87 Points. Website: http://www.chrismont.com.au/index.html

2011 First Drop Wines Lush Touriga Rose

I'm always on the look out for roses produced from the non-mainstream varieties and the Lush from the innovative guys at First Drop Wines, fits the bill. The Portuguese variety Touriga National is well suited to the diversity of the McLaren Vale region from which this dry rose is made.

Neon pink colour here. Loads of beautiful red fruits aromas, strawberry, cranberry and raspberry and herbal florals. Zesty strawberry and spicy watermelon palate with some creamy honey nuances at the back end really appealed. The mouthfeel from this lovely textured, beautifully-balanced rose, finishes dry. An exciting, delicious and refreshing wine. 

Source: Retail Purchase. ABV: 12.0%. Closure: Screwcap.          
Price: $20.00. Rating: 90 Points.

Website: http://www.firstdropwines.com/mm.php