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/