by Ray Johnson | Oct 6, 2009 | Australia, Fortified dessert, Muscat, Rutherglen, Victoria
Chambers Rosewood Vineyards, Rutherglen, Muscat nv The nose smells of oranges and brown spices, as if wound into a custard. In the mouth the wine is rich, very complex, soft and luxurious. This wine and others like it from Rutherglen are a great value, giving you a...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 12, 2008 | Australia, Pinot Noir, Victoria
Innocent Bystander, Victoria, Pinot Noir 2007 This is one of those Pinots that has the smoky character of an ashtray. In the mouth, there are green characters and astringency – a disappointment from this producer. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in Sexton,...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 14, 2007 | Australia, Sweet Sparkling, Victoria
Innocent Bystander Victoria Moscato 2007 This wine is so pretty – it has the essence of Muscat’s perfume in a light-bodied format. It would be perfect with a light dessert of fresh berries in the summer. Produced in Healesville 5.5% $8.99 (375ml) at...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 16, 2007 | California, Central Otago, Mornington Peninsula, New Zealand, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Victoria
On a later date we tasted the substantial Pinot from Amisfield alongside this gem from Australia. Kooyong Mornington Peninsula Haven Pinot Noir 2004 This is one of the single vineyard bottlings from Kooyong. Tasted a year later in December ’08, there are stewed...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 16, 2007 | Australia, Chardonnay, Hawke's Bay, McLaren Vale, New Zealand, South Australia, Victoria
In this latest taste-off, we look at a Kiwi Chardonnay alongside the Giaconda. Babich Hawke’s Bay Unoaked Chardonnay 2006 This wine is all stainless steel. P&B in Henderson 13.5% $10.99 at K&L Babich Two delicious wines, two very different...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 9, 2007 | Australia, Barossa Valley, Muscadelle, Muscat, Rutherglen, South Australia, Victoria
Two Hands Barossa Valley Brilliant Disguise Moscato 2006 This wine shows like Moscato d’Asti, not to the same level of fresh orange blossom as the best from Piedmont, but still in a similar vein. Made from White Frontignac or Muscat Frontignan by Two Hands in...
