Category Archives: $20 to $50

Ashton Hills Estate Pinot Noir 2009

This is a note that I started a couple of weeks ago. Rich red fruits and an undercurrent of mulch. A lot more vegetative on the palate, cherry liqueur, cassia bark, some acid with a bit of harshness. Tough work. … Continue reading

Posted in $20 to $50, Adelaide Hills, Australia, Notes, Pinot Noir, Price, Varietal/Style | 3 Comments

Yering Station Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

I think I have mentioned this before, but I am not a big Cabernet drinker. So when I opened this bottle I did not expect to be compelled to write a note. Lovely balance on the nose, with currants, soft … Continue reading

Posted in $20 to $50, Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Notes, Price, Varietal/Style, Yarra Valley | 2 Comments

Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2010

The first of four tasters from the winery, all from the Vineyard collection of wines. And all red. If you’re interested to know, the Miamba vineyard is located at the southern end of the Barossa Valley near the town of … Continue reading

Posted in $20 to $50, Australia, Barossa Valley, Notes, Price, Shiraz, Varietal/Style | Leave a comment

Yering Station Village Pinot Noir 2010

Well the summer holidays are over and it’s time to get off the wagon. I haven’t written a note for a while, so I think it might take me some time to get back into the swing of things. This … Continue reading

Posted in $20 to $50, Australia, Notes, Pinot Noir, Price, Varietal/Style, Yarra Valley | 1 Comment

2010 Mayford Tempranillo

How good is this?  Pours bright purple.  Juicy blueberries and ribena fruits, bursting out of the glass.  Touched by some brown spices, and a lick of spicy new oak.  Moderate chewy tannins round out an effusive appealing package.  Cellar if … Continue reading

Posted in $20 to $50, Australia, Tempranillo, Yarra Valley | 2 Comments

Cavallotto Barbera d’Alba Bricco Boschis Vigna del Cuculo 2004

This has been sitting in the cellar for a few years. And since I have high humidity it was covered with all sorts of growths. God knows what they are. A bit of stink, which ebbed with time. Earthy cherries … Continue reading

Posted in $20 to $50, Barbera, Italy, Notes, Piedmont, Price, Varietal/Style | Leave a comment

Miscellany 3: Christmas day 2011

My Christmas Day selections: Ployez Jacquemart Selection Rose: Lovely – just right, and its pinkness was Christmas-appropriate.  And it won over a non champagne crowd with its delicate strawberry and lemon notes. Ployez Jacquemart Brut 2000: Served too warm – … Continue reading

Posted in $20 to $50, $50 to $100, Australia, Champagne, France, Germany, McLaren Vale, New Zealand, Otago, Price, Riesling, Shiraz, Sparkling | Leave a comment

Hentley Farm Shiraz 2010

Had a glass of this last night with some brie, and it was then into the fridge. Today it is out on the stage again, and I cannot believe I’m saying this, but this one is a real glass stainer. … Continue reading

Posted in $20 to $50, Australia, Barossa Valley, Notes, Price, Shiraz, Varietal/Style | 1 Comment

Stonier Pinot Noir 2010

Year in year out I eagerly anticipate this release – I recall at a 10 year vertical where the regular wines out performed the reserves and are half the price. The 09′s were tidy but the 2010′s have ramped up … Continue reading

Posted in $20 to $50, Australia, Mornington Peninsula, Notes, Pinot Noir, Price, Varietal/Style | Leave a comment

Cape Mentelle Margaret River Chardonnay 2010

Yes yes fish again-local line caught snapper- fresh squeezed lime juice from our tree & the obligatory chard. I will say it again- New World chardonnay has gone ahead leaps & bounds the last few years. Complex barrel ferment integrated … Continue reading

Posted in $20 to $50, Australia, Chardonnay, Margaret River, Notes, Price, Varietal/Style | Leave a comment