Leconfield Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

I have been quite impressed with this Cab Sav in the past so it was time for another. Opened to solid aromas of raspberries, plums, menthol, eucalyptus chocolate, oak, vanilla and spice. On the palate fruits, oak and tannins all in a lovely unison, with sound structure and taught finish. Again this was again very well crafted Cab Sav in the Bordeaux style, and excellent value at around $30.
50+4+13+18+8 = 93/100

La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo 2007

An Italian red for dinner, this Nebbiolo showed aromas of red fruits, rose petals, tar, oak, pepper and vanilla. On the palate it was well proportioned, with nice balanced fruit, acid and tannins, which were quite fine and integrated. There seemed quite heavy barrel input on the fruit, which did hide the fruit somewhat, but I didn't mind that so much. A very elegant wine.
50+4+13+18+7 = 92/100

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Valdadige DOC 2008

A new vintage of this great Pinot Grigio (still under cork?). On the bouquet aromas of citrus, pear, pineapple and some vanilla. On the palate was good balance, good acidity and minerals. Finished tight, smooth and dry. It seemed more tropical and fruit driven than previous vintages but again another good vintage for a great value Pinot Grigio.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100

Henschke Johann's Garden 2008

This GSM from the Barossa showed aromas of bright berry fruits including blueberry, raspberry plums and spice. The palate displayed lots of juicy fruit, soft tannins and balanced acidity. Mouth feel was smooth and in control. Quite a delicious and well made red. Very nice.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100

The McAlister 2003

I have never heard nor seen this wine around, so was curious to try. From South East Gippsland Vic and made from a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, it opened to a rather locked bouquet, which did slowly reveal deep plum, blackberry, tar, coconut, rose and musk. On the palate it was quite solidly integrated, with a smooth core of black fruits, minerals, dryish tannins and decent acidity. Quite linear in structure, it did slowly unfurl with airing. A good decant is recommended. Old fashioned in style but well made nonetheless.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100

Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon 2003

Time to try the latest offering of Vat 1. Opened to sharp aromas of lemon curd, lime sherbet, toast, fennel, honeycomb and some nuts. On the palate it seemed quite spritzy, with a little C02 evident, with prominent acidity and a slightly tart finish. Obviously this is still quite young in the bottle, and should age very well.
50+4+13+17+8 = 92/100

Clonakilla O'Riada Shriaz 2008

Moving back towards Shiraz, this shiraz-viognier blend from the Canberra district showed aromas of black cherry, sap, meat, stalks and black pepper. On the palate it was medium in body, with nice minerality, savoury spicy tannins and lengthy finish. Seems a touch young now and would cellar further easily. Distinctive Shiraz.
50+4+13+18+7 = 92/100

Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2008

For our aperitifs we opened this blend of 85% sauvignon blanc, 11% semillon and 4% sauvignon gris from Hawkes Bay. On the bouquet were aromas of lime, ruby grapefruit, passion fruit, tangerine and spices. The palate was quite robust in flavour, with good balance and dry finish. Quite zesty and spicy in character, this was a very pleasant SB.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100