2015 Green Man Wines Vermentino

Another release from the team at Green Man in Central Victoria and it's a corker, even though it is under screw cap ! Biodynamically grown, dry farmed, hand crafted with little intervention it was awarded a silver medal at the 2015 AAVWS in the crisp, fresh and dry Vermentino Class. There is another category for fuller-bodied ones. 

The 2015 is pale yellow in colour with very attractive aromas of florals, nashi pear and bathroom perfumes.

It feels crisp and zingy on the palate with a green apple, lemony lift through the centre.

Tastes fresh and vibrant with a talc-like texture of nashi pear, green apple and bitter herbs. Aromatic, dry and slatey. 
Has the length, good structure and plenty of character.

It's a beautifully balanced mid-weight wine, the lemon acidity keeping it seamless throughout. On the finish a subtle lemonade-like sweetness adds interest. Not hard to enjoy. Delicious drinking. 

Source: Sample. ABV: 13.5%. Closure: Screw Cap. Price: $33.00. Rating: 92 Points. 

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

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2014 Head Wines Nouveau Red

The Head Wines Nouveau Red is one of those intriguing drops that had me in a quandary. It's easy to drink, perhaps too easy straddling that grey zone between being an excellent quaffer and a good premium wine. And that's where the dilemma lies. 

Without over-thinking things, this blend is vibrant and bright purple in colour. Un-oaked Touriga Nacional (60%) and Montepulciano (40%) from Marananga in the Barossa Valley. Portuguese and Italian varieties that may be unique as a blend. Where else but here ?

Earthy, meaty, fresh cherries, burnt toffee and rose petal florals. An utterly fascinating and inviting bouquet.

Fleshy and fresh throughout the palate. More towards a light than medium bodied palate with juicy sweet fruit. Plum, cherry and licorice flavours. Light tannins, well balanced. Savoury cherry and chocolate finish of decent length. Crunchy and vibrant. Flair and passion. 

Good value for a quaffer/premium wine. Find it. Recommended.

Source: Retail Purchase. ABV: 13.0%. Closure: Screw Cap. Price: $19.00. Rating: 91 Points. 

Website: http://www.headwines.com.au/Home

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2012 David Treager Maranoa Verdelho

The Maranoa brand takes its name from an historic farming property near Nagambie in central Victoria. Winemaker David Treager knows Verdelho like the back of his hand, crafting dry styles since 1990 to national and international acclaim.

This current release is a light green coloured wine. Engaging fresh tropical fruit aromas of guava, melon, pineapple and honeysuckle. 
Minerally, punchy and spicy upon entry. Not a fat wine but has a generous flavour profile that again reminds of a grapefruit, melon and guava fruit cocktail. Slight creaminess through the mid-palate. 

Crisp, balanced, approachable acidity drives through the palate and adds to the intense mouth-filling characteristics of the Verdelho. 
A little hot mid-palate but it doesn't take away from the overall enjoyment of this dry, mid-weight wine. There's a persistent spicy, lime and melon finish that really satisfies. 

There's a lot to like about this underrated variety that deserves more attention here. 

Source: Gift. ABV: 14.7%. Closure: Screw Cap. Price: $18.00. Rating: 90+ Points. 

Website: http://www.davidtraegerwines.com.au/index.php

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