Robert Skalli Minervois 1999

From what I have tried from this Appellation, which isn't that much, I have quite enjoyed, so was looking forward to this wine. Made by Robert Skalli, who seems quite a large wine entrepreneur based in Sète (itself renowned for the trade of bogus wines), this wine seems to be a blend of Syrah and Grenache. Opened to a fairly big bouquet of blackberries and blackcurrants, with a little spice, raspberry and leather underneath. On the palate it was light to medium in body, with quite dry and almost dusty tannins. Oak was evident but not dominant, and finish was reasonable and quite dry. All in all I did quite like this wine, particulary its dominant bouquet, and would consider trying more of Mr Skallis wines. Not bad value at $16.
50+4+13+16+7 = 90/100

Te Henga Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006

I did notice that these wines, particulary the Sauvignon Blanc were selling out fast at the local bottle shop, so quickly got another 2 bottles, one being their Pinot Gris. Produced by Wakefield Downs Vineyards, this wine opened to a refined and floral bouquet with ripe pear flesh, apple, some soft citrus and a little honey and spice. On the palate it was well balanced, with soft and rounded acidity, clean fruit and a nice soft minerality. Overall this was quite an elegant example of the variety, almost French in style, and certainly a bargain at $12.
50+4+12+17+7 = 90/100

Howling Wolves White Shiraz 2006

At lunch Greg and I, and some others managed to partake in about 3 bottles of this unusual wine, which I think is not technically a rose, but a blushed white wine made from shiraz grapes and has had no contact with skins. From the Willyabrup and Jindong sub-regions of the Margaret river, the colour of this wine was a very attractive pale copper pink, with aromas of tropical fruits such as papaya, guava, and red apples. On the palate it was quite well bodied, with rich sour-fruits, some oak character and a fairly long and sour finish. There was a little alcohol heat but not enough to spoil the palate. Overall I have become quite taken with this wine, and should market well due to its unique colour. However I think its taste and flavours may not click with a popular palate. I do hope the winemakers stick with it and further refine it.
50+5+13+16+7 = 91/100

Jacob's Creek Three Vines Shiraz Grenache Sangiovese 2007

Again on the specials shelf, this new release rose style from Orlando looked and sounded interesting as a blend, and opened to a melange of plums, raspberry, strawberry and a some muted spice. On the palate it was well balanced, light to medium bodied, with juicy berry fruits and a slightly savoury finish. Overall it seemed a little banal, lacking any distinction or character. Still not a bad wine, just a tad boring.
50+4+12+15+7 = 88/100

Te Henga Malborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Straight to the specials shelf and saw this Malborough SB for $12, so knowing the consistency and general overall quality of NZ SB's had to take a punt. Opened to a lively and generous bouquet of gooseberry, grass, some tropical fruits, citrus and some green capsicum. On the palate it was quite fresh with citrus zest, lemon sherbet and lime juice with quite a tight and dry finish. Good balance and decent body, this wine is quite a bargain. Keen to try their Pinot Gris next.
50+4+12+17+7 = 90/100

Collin Bourisset Rose NV

When I initially saw this on the shelf, I did get excited thinking it was an Anjou, but alas it wasn't, only a meager Vin de Table made from Cinsault, but thought what the hell and gave it a try. A lovely rusty rose in colour, the bouquet was light with some strawberry and raspberry and a touch of cherry. On the palate it was borderline volatile, thin and watery, with definite residual sugar and alcohol exposed. Very plonkish on the palate, almost rasping on the back palate. Further, I did have a distinct hangover the next day, which I could with little doubt attribute to this wine. Pity as it did have a respectable label. Most definitely overpriced at $13. Should be $3.
50+5+11+11+6 = 83/100

Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling 2007

I had read some good reviews of the latest vintage of this riesling from the Clare Valley, and not having had it for some time, decided to give it a try. Opened to a powerful bouquet of lemon, orange peel, limes, spices and minerals. On the palate it was again quite powerful, surprisingly so for such a young wine, with very clean acidity, minerality and a touch of viscosity. Length was pretty long and finish lingering. This riesling is certainly notable, and very good value at around $23.
50+4+13+17+8 = 92/100

SHW Altitude 676 Rosé 2007

The new vintage of this rosé, of which we do get quite often as our cheap $10 rosé. The wine seems quite similar to the 2006 vintage, with a soft bouquet of gooseberries, strawberries and some spices. Palate wise it held juicy fruits and almost crunchy acidity. Again the depth and length are lacking somewhat, but still this is an interesting and bargain rosé. Needs further development, but at the price perhaps not prudent for the makers.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Henry Pellé Menetou-Salon 2006

This Sauvignon Blanc is from Menetou-Salon, an appelation about halfway between Sancerre and Quincy, and an appelation of which I have not had experience of. Opened to quite a fresh bouquet of gooseberries, chalk, green apples and a hint of green capsicum. On the palate it was quite citrussy and zesty, with a balanced mouth-feel, good length and flavour on the front, mid and back palate. Finished quite tight and pleasantly sour. Overall quite a refined SB, which was a nice balance between a new and old world style. Certainly cheaper than your Sancerres or Quincys, and certainly worth it at around $20.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100

Moillard Domaine Fort Michon Brouilly 2003

Another French find at our local, this red wine made I believe with Gamay grapes, is from AC Brouilly in the Beaujolais region. To our regret the wine was corked, with the cork breaking and a distinct wet cardboard aroma dominant. However underneath was an amiable wine with some hints of coffee beans, sap notes and some minerals. On the palate it was obviously flat, but with some nice tannins and drying finish. Due to the condition of the wine I really can't rate it here, but would be interested in getting another fresh bottle.
NO RATING.

Casal Mendes Vinho Rose NV

I have to say Deb grabbed this, obviously swayed the small and 'cute' bottle, made for children or gypsies perhaps. But we had it to wash down our hot chicken curry and did the job relatively well. On the bouquet were sweetish aromas of strawberry, raisons and a little hay. The palate was mid-sweet, but dry enough to drink without confusion. Again I am coming to the conclusion that the Portuguese do like their wines with some sweetness. Really an un-complicated light rose, which is cheap at $7, and indeed the bottle is a handy small size, as it did fit in out meat crisper tray with ease. I think we try the Mateus next time.
50+4+11+15+6 = 86/100

Quinta das Sentencostas Alenquer DOC Vinho Tinto 2005

My second wine from Portugal, this red, blended from Castelao, Camarte, Tint Miuda and Preto-Martinho is from the Alenquer appelation in the Estremadura region. Opened to a big sweet bouquet of red and black berries, red apple, marzipan, raspberry licorice, raisons and some vanillan oak. On the palate it was quite rich and full bodied, with a nice balance of fruity acidity and soft tannins. The finish was dry with a savoury edge, which did help to curb the sweetness of the bouquet. Overall this was a very moreish wine, well made and very generous with its flavours. Very good value for $12.
50+4+13+16+8 = 90/100

Annie's Lane Clare Valley Rose 2006

At Deb's request, I picked up some rose, this one from Annie's Lane who's rieslings are pretty outstanding. A vibrant deep fuscia, this shiraz based rose opened to aromas of cherries, strawberries, apple, red-currants and a little mint lurking. On the palate it was quite juicy and fresh, with balanced acidity and softly gripping mouthfeel. One thing it did lack was length, and the finish could have been a bit tighter. But a pretty good attempt. A bit overpriced at $21 though.
50+4+13+15+7 = 89/100

Jim Barry Watervale Riesling 2007

I do remember having the 2004 and 2005 vintages of this wine some time ago, and did like them from memory, so it wasn't that hard to pick up a couple of bottles, being on special as well as sporting a new striking label. Opened to quite a generous and fresh bouquet of lime, orange sherbert, spices and some vanilla. On the palate it was quite rich, with more citrus flavours, some apricot, good minerality and a decent length. Overall it was quite a big flavoured riesling, a little more aggressive than I remember, but should do well perhaps with a "young adult" market.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Portone Soave DOC 2006

And a new vintage of this great value light Italian table wine. From what I could tell, it was pretty similar to the 2005 vintage, perhaps a little fresher in acidity, and a sprinkling of flowers and herbs on the bouquet. Again this has to be one of the most consistent and cheap white wines I have come across. Still around $7 to $8 and absolutely worth it.
50+4+13+16+7 = 90/100

Baritone Maxim 1000 Cabernet Shiraz 2004

I had never bought a 1000 ml bottle of wine before, nor seen one from memory. Checking bottle size nomenclature, there seems to be no official or historical reference to a 1000 ml bottle, so I guess you could say that this "Baritone" sits between a standard and a Magnum. Made by Baritone Gully Wines, from fruit sourced from Coonawarra and Padthaway, it opened to a generous bouquet of blackcurrant, plum, cassis, red-licorice, earth and oak. On the palate it was light to medium bodied, with balanced acidity and slightly drying but well supporting tannins. Also it did seem to develop more with a good airing. Easy drinking and finishing well, this is quite a decently crafted wine, and at around $10 quite a bargain, especially for 10.7 standard drinks.
50+4+13+16+7 = 90/100

Illuminati Campirosa Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Cerasuolo 2005

Feeling like a Rose before dinner, Deb grabbed this Italian rose from Illuminati, of which I have seen around before, but not sure if I ever tasted. From vineyards located in Controguerra near the Adriatic, it opened to a fresh bouquet of juicy berries, cherries, a little spice and florals. On the palate it was soft and well balanced, with a crisp and juicy texture, and soft dry finish. Not a lot of depth or complexity, but quite a decent table rose, which would suit food well. Still, good value at $9.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier 2005

Another cheap red, and from Yalumba. I picked this up as it was labelled Quaff 2007 Red Wine of The Year, so sounded promising. Opened to quite a fine bouquet of sweet berries, violets, musk, apricot and a little sweet spice. On the palate it was quite smooth, and well balanced, with relatively plush and soft tannins and smooth dry finish. It did lack a little complexity, but really quite a well made wine for $11. Whether it is the Ultimate Australian Wine under $15, I'd like to hope not.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Shiraz 2004

While looking for a cheap red in the local, this caught my eye due to having eight medals on the lable, albeit from shows I've never heard of in Italy, Belgium, France and of course Cairns. But it was $10 so picked it up. Opened to a big lush bouquet of cherries, ripe plums, marzipan, pepper and some spice. On the palate it was quite fruity and lush, with a little alcohol heat. Tannins were dry and overall relatively well balanced. Finished fairly long for such a cheap wine, and certainly could cellar well.

50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Yalumba Y Series Pinot Grigio 2007

For our apertifs we picked up this wine, one from the Y Series we've not tried to date. Opened to a pretty lush and hot boquet of tropical fruits, pears, spice and a little mineral. On the palate it was borderline-volitile, with grabbing acidity, some alcohol heat and residual sugar. But sadly for these short-comings there was a good example of the variety lurking underneath, and I suspect with improved wine-making it will emerge, which exactly has happened with their Viognier.

50+4+12+14+6 = 86/100

Labeye Grenache-Syrah Vin de Pays D'Oc 2005

A cheap red for dinner, which Deb picked up, this blend from Caunes-Minervois, Languedoc, opened to a light and pleasant bouquet of cherries, berries, plum, licorice and some candied-musk. On the palate it was relatively light in body, but with good balance and tight dry finish. It did lack some complexity but would work well as a light lunch table wine, with say some stiff cheeses and baguettes. Not bad value too at $10.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Telmo Rodriguez LZ 2006

And then to some Rioja. This wine, which is un-oaked tempranillo, showed quite a sweet and candied bouquet of cherries, marzipan, raspberry licorice and some earthy notes. On the palate it was quite light, almost pinot-ish in weight, with initially sweet cherry notes, but did settle down to some savory and dry-ish tannins. Overall it was quite refined and easy drinking, although it did lack the depth you would find on most oaked Riojas. A bit of a 'ladies' Rioja perhaps. Overpriced at $29.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Te Mata Estate Woodthorpe Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Friday night and Deb brought home this single vineyard SB from Hawkes Bay NZ. On the bouquet were classic gooseberry aromas, which abated to show red-currant, tropical fruits, minerals and some vanilla. On the palate it was quite refined, with clean balanced acidity, nice minerality and good length and finish. It showed classic NZ SB characteristics, as well as having a slight French feel in terms of secondary aromas and palate structure. Quite a refined wine and good value at $21.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100