Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 2005

After enjoying the Chateuneuf du Pape so much, we got another Rhone red from Gigondas, a little south-west from Chateuneuf du Pape. Made from a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Cinsault it opened to a rich and lively bouquet of blackberry, plum, flowers, pepper and spices. On the palate were more dark fruits, with some very nice soft tannins. Finished quite dry and a little chewey. Overall quite a lovely wine, though not as refined or delightful as the Chateuaneuf.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100

Langmeil Bella Rouge Rose 2007

I was surprised to see a rose from Langmeil, so was interested to give it a try. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it was deep red-purple in colour, and on the bouquet were raspberry, strawberry, sweet musk and some caramel/toffee notes. On the palate it was quite juicy with more berries. Acidity was balanced and there seemed a little residual sugar lurking, but did finish reasonably dry. Not a bad rose, and more Australian in style than European.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Chapoutier La Bernardine Chateauneuf du Pape 2005

On to dinner and splurged a little on this Rhone red made from 100% Gamay. Opened to an array of plum, blackcurrant, cherry, milk chocolate, mocha, coffee, licquorice, animal musk and big flashes of cinnamon. On the palate it was initially a little sharp, but did soften considerably to display fine minerals and silky tannins. Light to medium in body this was quite refined drinking, and an excellent treatment of Gamay. Has definitely pique my interest in this appellation and hope to try some more in future.
50+4+14+17+8 = 93/100

Joseph Drouhin Saint-Véran 2006

For our pre-dinner drinks, opened this white Burgundy from Saint-Véran. Opened to a lean but fresh bouquet of citrus, twigs, honey, flowers and nuts. On the palate quite youthful, relatively tight acidity and some minerals. Finished quite dry and not that long. Overall not a bad Burgundy even for its youth. Nice.
50+4+12+17+7 = 90/100

Gratien & Meyer Brut NV AOC Samur

Was pleased to find a new cheap sparkling wine, this one from Samur, Loire. Made from 77% Chenin Blanc, 17% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Chardonnay it opened to a soft array of citrus, some tropicals, floral notes and honey. On the palate beading was fair, with clean and balanced acid, some minerals and sherberty finish. A little sugar was evident but overall a fairly drinkable wine. Good as an aperitif, and certainly a cheaper option to Champagne.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Borie De Maurel Esprit d'Automne Minervois 2006

This wine was one of my star reds from 2007, and was keen to try the new vintage. Opened to a rich bouquet of dark berry fruits, mint, black pepper and cumin. On the palate more berries over furry tannins and dry savoury finish. Quite similar to the 2005, although perhaps a little younger and a touch sharper in acidity. I still do love this wine, rustic yet sofisticated with a harmonic combination of flavours. Now under screwcap.
50+4+13+17+8 = 92/100

Bourillon-D'orleans la Coulee d'Argent Vouvray Sec 2005

I've waited quite a while to have this wine again, as the 2002 was one of my favourite whites form Loire. Opened to quite a reserved bouquet of melon, apples, flowers, honey, vanilla and a touch of spice. The palate was quite rounded, with ripe pears, melons and some soft powdery minerals. Residual sugar seemed evident, and the palate overall not as tight and bouquet not as delightful as the 2002. A little dissapointing but good to try this Vouvray again.
50+4+12+17+7 = 90/100

Rippon Pinot Noir 2004

Moving on with our dinner, Mark and I opened this Central Otago Pinot much to our delight. The bouquet revealed sour cherry, sap, leafy notes, earth and a touch of spice. On the palate it was robust but balanced, with soft but strong tannins, savoury fruits and a grippy but seductive finish. This was a superbly crafted pinot, straight out of the bottle, and would have liked more time to explore it fully. A bit pricey at $50+
50+4+13+18+8 = 93/100

Leo Buring Eden Valley Riesling 1997

Another dinner, this time with my friend Mark, and managed to get the last bottle of this riesling for starters. Opened to aromas of lemon, lime, apples, honey, petroleum and some soft musky notes. On the palate it was quite rich white fruits with robust and clean acidity. Some slight powdery minerality and fizzy citrus characters. No great length on this aged wine, but the front and middle palate had enough action to make up for that. Overall quite an elegant wine, and could go a few more years in the bottle.
50+4+13+17+8 = 92/100

Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon 2000

Out for dinner with friends, I grabbed a bottle of the 2000 vintage, which I had yet to try. Opened to a lovely array of lemon curd, wax, vanilla, herbs and some sherbert notes. On the palate it was lean, soft almost creamy citrus, a little toast and a lovely almost powdery minerality. Overall a very tight and elegant example, which I do prefer in ways. Again a beautiful white wine.
50+4+13+18+8 = 93/100

Aradon Rioja DOC 2006

More of the cheap Imports, and an unoaked Rioja, made from 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha, this wine opened to a generous array of cherries, licorice and some herb notes. On the palate it was a little chewey, with some acceptable tannins, medium length and finish. A little rustic in ways, and some times a little flat. Not bad but not great. A tad dissapointing, even at $8.
50+4+12+15+7 = 88/100

Portone Pinot Grigio Trebbiano 2006

Another from my cheap import case, this wine from Verona showed quite a fruit laden bouquet of citrus, ripe peaches and pears, herbs and a little vanilla. On the palate it was quite clean, with robust acidity and juicy finish. There was some residual sugar and a little alcohol evident, and acidity was a little plonkish, but still a fairly drinkable wine. I do prefer the straight Soave from portone but was interesting to try this blend. Again cheap as chips at $7.

50+4+12+15+7 = 88/100

Cave de Lugny Mâcon-Villages 2006

This Burgundy from Macon opened to quite a generous bouquet of citrus, grapefruit, peach, hazelnut, cream and a little spice. On the palate quite generous again in fruit, with good acid balance and a nice tight, dry and mineral finish. Overall this was very pleasant drinking and pretty much a textbook white Burgundy. Great value at around $12.
50+4+12+17+8 = 91/100

Piana del Sole Negroamaro 2004

From Puglia Southern Italy, this wine made from 100% Negroamaro opened to quite a rich bouquet of blackcurrant, plum, raspberry, vanilla and some earthy notes. On the palate it was awash with stewed fruits, cola and some smoky notes. Not dissimilar to a fruitier pinot, this wine was quite generous, uncomplicated and rustic. Perhaps a little too fruity for me but still enjoyable. Good price at $9.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Ombra Prosecco NV

Another new import, this Italian sparkling wine made from Prosecco, opened to a fresh bouquet of green apples, flowers and musk. On the palate acidity was balanced, beading reasonably fine and finish very dry. A little residual sugar was noticeable but not enough to spoil the palate. Overall quite a nice, uncomplicated sparkling wine and good value at around $13.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Tandem Navarra Ars Nova 2004

A new import from Spain, this red made from a blend of 56% Tempranillo, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot opened to a savory bouquet of berries, licorice, fennel, olives and some spice. On the palate there was weight, but not overly done, with some nice fruits and slightly rustic tannins. Good length and dry finish made this wine quite enjoyable and modern in style. Decent value at $19.
50+4+12+17+7 = 90/100

Segura Viudas Rosado Cava NV

Was pleased to find a rose version of this great value Spanish Cava, and quite cheap as well. Opened to a relatively lean bouquet of citrus, raspberry, strawberry, cream, nuts and a little spice. On the palate the beading was fine, with a nice dry mouthfeel, fresh and clean acidity and reasonable finish. Quite easy drinking, but lacks the finesse of the white versions. But still a nice and good value aperitif.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon 1997

Being reduced in price, I grabbed a bottle of the 1997 vintage, which I have not had before, only 1998 and 1999 vintages. Opened to quite an austere or slow bouquet, with lemon, peach, honey, wax and some toast. On the palate it was quite robust in acidic terms, and was a little sharp consequently. Still rich and rounded, this was great stuff. My only reservation is that it seemed too young to be drunk now because of the acidity, and probably should be given another 10 years or so.
50+4+13+17+8 = 92/100

Concha Y Toro Casillerro del Diablo Carménère 2006

A recent vintage of this wine which we had last winter. Opened to quite a rich and fruity bouquet of berries, plums, coffee, cola and some spices. On the palate quite light with lots of juicy fruits and respectable tannins. Overall still quite a nice easy going red and relatively cheap at $13.
50+4+12+17+7 = 90/100

Moss Wood Amy's Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

A Cab Sav for dinner, and decided to give this medium priced bottle a try. On the bouquet were loads of pured berries, cola, sherbert and not a lot else. The palate again was rich in pureed fruits, with very nice furry tannins. A bit of a fruit bomb for me, a little oversweet and lacking the savoury edge and Cabernet characters I expect in the variety. Not bad though if you like them on the fruitier side.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir 2006

My search for a good priced Central Otago Pinot continues, and so tried this one which wasn't too expensive at around $40. Opened to quite a heady and sweet bouquet of berries, cola, herbs and a little spice. The palate was quite generous with fruits, and a little sweet with some savoury notes, but not really enough in my opinion. Overall I was relatively dissapointed with this wine, as it does lack the finesse I do enjoy in Otago Pinots. One to avoid in my opinion.
50+4+11+15+7 = 87/100

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sauvignon Blanc 2007

I intended to use this wine for cooking, but after a quick taste we decided to drink it instead. On the bouquet a pleasant array of gooseberry, flowers, passionfruit and citrus. On the palate it was quite respectable, with nice clean acid, soft fruits and clean dry finish. Overall not a remarkable wine, but nonetheless very nice drinking with no faults. Decent price at around $13.
50+4+12+16+7 = 89/100

Wirra Wirra The 12th Man Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2006

I do remember having the previous vintage of this wine (now relabeled) some time ago and enjoyed it quite a lot. On the bouquet was a lovely array of peach, grapefruit, nuts, spice and some soft oak notes. The palate was quite focused with citrus, spice and some nice minerality. Finished quite tight and dry. Overall this is a lovely chardonnay, somewhat in the heavier style, but not in a heavy way. Lovely drinking.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100