De Bortoli 2011 Odd dry Riesling

Variety: Riesling
Region/G.I.: Port Phillip, Yarra Valley
Vintage: 2011
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 11.5%
Colour: Lime yellow
Bouquet: Petroleum and bottle notes with lemon evident
Flavour: Lemon and musk flavours with some weight, held together with good acidity. It has a pleasant, refreshing tartness that lingers.
Points: 85 (3+7+11+7+7+50)
Notes: A surprise from our visit to the region which is famed for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
 

Printhie 2013 MCC Pinot Noir

Variety: Pinot Noir
Region/G.I.: Central Ranges, Orange
Vintage: 2013
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 14.5%
Colour: Garnet
Bouquet: Ripe sour cherry
Flavour: Although sour cherry is the main feature, it is complemented very nicely with hints of earthy spice and the smallest amount of charcoal/smoke. Well integrated and good even length.

Points: 86 (3+7+11.5+7+7.5+50)

Notes: Purchased on our wine trip to Orange earlier this year

 

Plaga 2014 Rose

I thought this was an Indonesian wine and we cracked it yesterday post-tennis match.

Good colour and nice acidity. Not much in bouquet and the flavour was more sweet stalk and strawberry. Perfectly good for summer.

The grapes are actually Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Western Australia.

12.0%

Will have to wait a little longer to try Indonesian wine

Details from producer are here.

di Luso 2013 Barbera

Variety: Barbera
Region/G.I.: Central Ranges, Mudgee
Vintage: 2013
Colour: Ruby/brickish
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: screwcap
Bouquet: Cherry and liquorice
Flavour: Cherry, some earthy spice, excellent acidity and some tannin in the finish. All wonderfully integrated, although the acidity of this wine is a highlight.
Points: 87 (3+7+12+7+8+50)
Notes:  I rated this best of the Barbera wines that we tasted. Oddly, I was not that fussed when we visited the winery but blind, this was the winner for me.

La Cantera 2008 Reserva

Varieties: Tempranillo 100%
Region: Carinena
Vintage: 2008
Colour:  Dark purple
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Cork
Bouquet: Plum, mulberry and
sour cherry with a touch of florest floor
Flavour: The fruit is according to the nose with
 lovely oak integrated nicely. Lingering tannins last
 for a long time on the front of the tongue.
Points: 86.0 (3+7+11+7.5+7.6+50)
Notes:  About $15.60~270 when bought a couple of years ago. Sunday lunch sorted.
 

Baron Amarillo 2010 Rioja Reserva

Varieties: Tempranillo 100% (presumed)
Region: Rioja
Vintage: 2010
Colour:  Ruby
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Bouquet: Very ripe cherries, some oak and the smallest hint of menthol
Flavour: Fruit according to the nose with some excellent tannin in the finish giving very nice length. A dip of fruit in the middle but overall very nice balance
Points: 85.0 (3+7+11+7+7+50)
Notes:  This is the $10~180Kc offer from Aldi. Great value for money given the quality. Easily beats many a tempranillo
 

The Islander Estate 2012 The Red

A final drink for the evening. I really like this because it is uncharacteristically savoury. I think I was the only fan. I'd probably give it an extra point for an 87. The description from last year still applies.