2010 Hahndorf Hill Winery Blueblood Blaufrankisch

Hahndorf Hill is one of those Australian wineries doing remarkable things with alternative varieties, in particular pioneering those with an Austrian bent. One of such is Blaufrankisch (Blue Frankish) or Lemberger as it is known in Germany.

Blaufrankisch is a dark-skinned variety that has its stronghold today in the large wine-producing region of Burgenland in Austria's east and is that country's second most important red grape. Significant evidence exists that its origins were in fact present day Slovenia, once under the Austro-Hngarian Empire. 

In the glass it's a deep blue to purple coloured wine as you would expect with a name like Blueblood.

Offers attractive blueberry, blackberry, black cherry and earthy spice aromas. Some liquorice nuances add more complexity.



Translates to a palate that is all intense, spicy and juicy fruited. Black fleshy fruits and white pepper with some sweet oak. Smoothly textured, medium-bodied with soft dry tannins and finishes with an herbal edge. 

This is an elegant and seriously drinkable wine that will happily develop with age. Recommended.

Source: Winery Sample. Alcohol: 14.0%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $40.00. Rating: 92+ Points.

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

2010 Currency Creek Estate The Viaduct Roussanne Viognier

An unusual blend of two of the three Rhone Ranger whites. Normally, it's either a Marsanne Roussanne, Marsanne Viognier combination or a MRV ménage à trois but you rarely see these two partners saddling up together.

Currency Creek Estate is located on the eastern part of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, just south of Langhorne Creek. It belongs to the Currency Creek Geographical Indication (GI) Region, a status awarded in 1969. The Viaduct name pays tribute it seems to an old railway viaduct on the property that was officially unrecognised. 

A fairly simple wine, light on, nothing too complex or cerebral here. Pale straw yellow in the glass. Muted aromatics of herbal tea, citrus blossom and honey with a subtle hint of apricot fanning out to the palate. 
Herbal honey and apricot notes linger for a while on the mid-palate then do a disappearing act at the end like fair weather friends. 
I tried to find things to like about this blend but to no avail. 
Pleasant enough effort but it failed to challenge or impress. 

Source: Retail Purchase. Alcohol: 12.5%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $12.00. Rating: 82 Points.
Website: http://www.currencycreekwinery.com.au/index.php