Mainly French from Federal Geo

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Grandin Methode Traditionnelle Brut Rosé NV
  Sparkling Wine from France - Loire

  Review Date : 11-Apr-2012

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Grandin is a Loire-based methode traditionnelle producer. This is made from mainly Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented to 12.0% alc., the wine aged 9 months on lees. Pale salmon pink colour, pale on edge with a moderately persistent bead. This is soft and gently full with subtle aromas of ripe fresh and savoury strawberry fruit and red florals, with very light yeasty elements. Dryish to taste, delicate strawberry fruit flavours intermingle with light bready yeast flavours. The palate is soft with sufficient acidity and effervescence to lift the dry, textural line. The finish is gently sweet and lush with attractive fruit notes. This is a delicate and soft rosé to serve with antipasto and with summer or autumn fruits over the next 2 years. 16.0+/20 Apr 2012 RRP $N/A
• Grandin Methode Traditionnelle Demi-Sec NV
  Sparkling Wine from France - Loire

  Review Date : 11-Apr-2012

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright lemon-hued straw-yellow colour with fine bubbles and some persistence. Full, intense aromas of yellow stonefruits and citrus fruits are complemented by definite bread and yeasty autolysis notes. Medium-dry to medium in taste, bright stonefruit and citrus fruits with a sweet, lush richness are balanced by clean, crisp acidity and fine bready autolysis. Fine textures are enhanced and lifted by excellent effervescence and the finish carries delicate honied flavours with fresh citrussy notes. This medium sweet sparkling is bright and fresh with delicate honied notes and autolysed yeast interest. Serve as an aperitif or match with fruit desserts over the next 2 years. Made from Chenin Blanc, Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc and Chardonnay, fermented to 11.5% alc., the wine aged on lees 9 months. Grandin is a method traditionnelle specialist based in the Loire Valley. 17.5-/20 Apr 2012 RRP $N/A
• Red Tussock Marlborough Pinot Gris 2011
  Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Marlborough

  Review Date : 11-Apr-2012

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Marlborough fruit fermented to 13.0% alc. Vey pale straw-yellow, even coloured with the faintest blush. Full on nose, this has powerful banana-like fermentation esters with ripe, spiced pear and honey aromas underneath. Dry to taste, the esters lift is prominent, but subtle pear and tropical fruit flavours emerge in the glass. The wine has good volume and weight, the acidity soft, and a little phenolic texture runs through the palate line, leading to a soft, dry finish. Somewhat dominated by youthful esters, this dry Pinot Gris has good weight, and a little textural thread. Match with Asian cuisine over the next 2 years. 16.0-/20 Apr 2012 RRP $N/A
• Ch. de Lamarque Haut-Medoc 2009
  Cabernet Sauvignon from France - Bordeaux

  Review Date : 11-Apr-2012

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep ruby-red colour with garnet hues. The bouquet is soft and full, the aromas of ripe blackcurrants, blackberries and earthy notes somewhat restrained, though voluminous. Medium-full bodied, the weighty mouthfeel and firm, dusty tannins are the feature, with the fruit a little shy and mellow in expression. Black and dark red fruit flavours sit with iron-earth interest, and the low acidity results in a solid, chunky and soft presentation on the finish. This is a soft, solid and well-extracted claret to match with slow-cooked red meat dishes over the next 4-6 years. Cru Bourgeois property at Lamarque planted to 42% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot., the wine with a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% alc. 16.0+/20 Apr 2012 RRP $N/A
• Ch. Lestage Simon Haut-Medoc 2009
  Cabernet Sauvignon from France - Bordeaux

  Review Date : 11-Apr-2012

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Cru Bourgeois property at St. Seurin de Cadourne. 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. 14.5% alc. Very dark, black-hued red colour, youthful in appearance. This has a firm and intense nose of ripe black berry and dark red fruits, along with oak spice and some game-like elements. Medium-full bodied and elegant in proportion, this is tightly bound and finely textured on palate, the bright black berry and plum fruit flavours lifted with notes of liquorice and oak spices. A little complexing brettanomyces is noticeable, but the palate remains sweet and lively, with good acidity in support. The fine-grained tannins provide line and structure, and the wine has a long, concentrated finish of black fruits. This is a youthful, fresh and modern Bordeaux red with fine tannins and some attractive funky elements. Match with roasted red meats over the next 6-8+ years. 17.5+/20 Apr 2011 RRP $N/A