by Ray Johnson | Aug 23, 2010 | Australia, Clarendon, South Australia, Syrah
Clarendon Hills, Clarendon, Piggot Range, Syrah 2005 The nose shows smoky oak and sweet black fruit. In the mouth the fruit is quite expressive and ripe, with an extremely silky texture and great length. It’s a treat to taste a wine that has such density while...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2010 | Australia, Barossa, South Australia, Syrah
Thorn-Clarke, Barossa, Shotfire, Shiraz 2008 This is oak city, smelling of freshly split logs and coconut. On the palate the theme continues, quite rich, with ripe tannins and a nice sense of acidity. The grapes are sourced from the family’s Kabiningie Vineyard on the...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 20, 2010 | Australia, South Australia, Sparkling Dry, Syrah
Mollydooker, South Australia, Goose Bumps, Sparkling Shiraz 2006 In the nose the oak makes a statement with sweet black fruit. The texture in the mouth is masterful, actually velvety displaying the flavors of blackberry, coffee and freshly-split oak. Proprietors Sarah...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2010 | Australia, Pinot Noir, Victoria
All three of the wines in this flight were bottled under screwcap closures. I made my notes after lecturing a bit so they sat in the glasses for about 40 minutes before I started typing. Innocent Bystander, Victoria, Pinot Noir 2008 The cherry fruit is delightful,...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 28, 2010 | Australia, Pinot Noir, Victoria
Innocent Bystander, Victoria, Pinot Noir 2009 There are lively black fruits in the nose, especially after 30 minutes. Add to that brown spices, a hint of thyme, spearmint and bubble gum sweetness. In the mouth this light-bodied Pinot delivers on the fruit, with...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 28, 2010 | Australia, Langhorne Creek, Pinot Gris and Grigio, South Australia, Viognier
Heartland, South Australia, Viognier, Pinot Gris 2006 The nose features fresh peaches, candied tropical fruits and spicy flowers. On the palate this wine is quite broad, lowish in acidity, conveying a richness yet emphasizing the vineyard over the winemaking. The body...
