Domaine Belle Rouge
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Maison Bleue
"Replacing the Petit Chapelle cuvee and first made in 2015, the 2016 Hermitage La Maison Bleue is smoking good. Black fruits, charcoal, powdered rock, currants and chocolate notes all give way to a big, concentrated, impressively structures barrel sample that has tons of potential. I expect the tannin will have integrated by the time this is released, but a few years of bottle age still recommended." - Jeb Dunnuck
Levantine Hill Melissa's Paddock Syrah
This single vineyard, award-winning Levantine Hill Melissas Paddock Syrah, has its own inimitable characteristics of the unique site and inherent signature expression. It features a complex nose, featuring blackberry, liquorice, tar, spice and cherry oak. The resounding sophisticated palate features fine tannins leading to a long finish. There is a delicate nervy balance between savouriness and sweet fruit with an emphasis on balance and length for a resounding echo of flavour.
M Chapoutier Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne
Pooley Cooinda Vale JRD Syrah
Pooley Wines was established in 1985 when the late Denis and Margaret Pooley planted ten rows of Riesling and seven rows of Pinot Noir on their 16-hectare farm at Cooinda Vale in the Coal River Valley in southern Tasmania. Cooinda Vale Vineyard was established in 1985 by Pooley’s founders, Margaret and Dennis Pooley. Sitting between 80-100m above sea level, the vineyard is tucked away in a nook of hills North of Campania making it much more protected from prevailing weather conditions. Being more continental it also experiences greater extremes in temperatures bringing more frequent frosts, snow and heat waves. The iron lacking grey brown sandy loam over clay subsoils at this site tend to bring a moderate level of struggle to the vines by restricting deep root growth and water accessibility but in turn creates a wine that is more delicate and finer. Named after the second generation John Roy Denis Pooley and sourced from a very small block of Syrah that was planted in 1999 Matt Pooley as a trial block of Syrah looking specifically at climate change and where it would lead Tasmania's wine future. Four rows of this varietal were planted, later expanded to eight rows which is enough to make 2-3 barrels depending on the vintage. 100% destemmed, with wild fermentation for 10 days and pressed to French oak barriques for 14 months. Crunchy notes of bramble, blueberries, violets, and a dusting of white pepper on the nose. A mouth-watering display of aniseed, red liquorice, tobacco leaf, and cocoa continuing on the palate. Brilliant tension, integrated tannins, and layered complexity. Simply wondrous. This wine will continue to develop with careful cellaring. Drink now til 2040.
Swinney Farvie Syrah
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Selection Farconnet
Eric Et Joel Durand Confidence
Torbreck Descendant
Torbreck Descendant Shiraz Viognier
The Torbreck Descendant has a powerful nose of blackberry and tar complemented by floral lavender and a violet lift. Full-bodied and concentrated with ripe silky tannins and plenty of extract this wine has a great future ahead.