2011 Nicholson River Winery Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

These two varieties are a classic combination best known from regions such as Margaret River. This wine comes from the other side of the country, Victoria's cool climate Gippsland Region and is quite a different creature from examples out west. 

Straw yellow in colour with a pale green hue. Crushed lime leaves, green beans and grassy aromas. Palate has green capsicum notes with a strong herbaceous and tropical guava fruit element. Fresh and zingy throughout with a crisp long finish. A light- to medium weighted dry wine.

The Sauvignon Blanc brings the fruit and crunchy acidity to the party while the Semillon, from the winery's 36 year old vines gives the blend ageing potential and its solid structure. A stylish drop.

Source: Winery Sample. Alcohol: 12.5%. Closure: Screwcap.        Price: $25.00. Rating: 91 Points.
Website: http://nicholsonriverwinery.com.au/

2012 Nicholson River Winery Sangiovese

Established by Ken and Juliet Eckersley in 1985 after vines were planted in 1978, Nicholson River is regarded as a trailblazer of the Gippsland Wine Region. Located by the Gippsland Lakes between Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance, it is part of the eastern zone of the region. 
With glorious views of the Nicholson River, the vineyards are subjected to it is claimed, some of the longest ripening periods in the world resulting in complex Chardonnay and delicate Pinot Noir wines and a buttery lemon Semillon that I recall with considerable fondness from many moons ago !    

Dark ruby red colour with a purple tinge in the glass. 
Dark cherry, tobacco and savoury earthy aromas. Hints of oak and a bacon fat undertone. Sweet entry then a concentrated dark cherry flavour, piquant raspberry and savoury dried herb mid-palate. Firm tannins with an earthy finish. Lingering acidity suggest a wine still in its youth. Fresh yet elegant. Good structure, light- to medium-bodied with a smooth texture. Shows true varietal definition. 
There is a little European panache about this delicious first vintage Sangiovese. A refined example in line with the reputation of other Nicholson River wines. Very impressive and worthy of consideration.  

Source: Winery Sample. Alcohol: 12.5%. Closure: Screwcap.       Price: $22.00. Rating: 92 Points.
Website: http://nicholsonriverwinery.com.au/