Cape Mentelle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Margaret River, WA)
$25, Screwcap, 13%
Source: Retail
http://www.capementelle.com.au/

A remarkably consistent wine, I can’t remember ever having one of these that I didn’t enjoy, and this was particularly drinkable. Good vintage for this wine no question about it.

Crisp, lightly herbaceous and finely delineated nose of clear, nettle and grass Sauvignon aromatics, followed by citrussy Semillon underneath. Palate is dry and particularly fresh with a kiss of smoky oak only adding some more complexity, finishing quite long and crisp. Lovely wine. 18.3/93

Coriole Sangiovese 2009 (McLaren Vale, SA)
$22, Screwcap, 14%
Source: Retail
www.coriole.com

The most impressive thing about this Sangiovese? Tannins. Mouthcoating, fine grained tannins are one of the key characteristics of Sangiovese, yet so few Australian renditions feature them. Plenty here though, and they turn what is a bright, simple and plump red into something much more delicious and savoury. Good wine. Good quaffing wine, made more interesting thanks to some proper tannins. Awesome pizza wine. 17/90

Port Phillip Estate Pinot Noir 2008 (Mornington Peninsula, Vic)
$33 (RRP), Diam, 14%
Source: Wine List
www.portphillip.net

Really surprised by this. Surprised from the first whiff. Surprised to smell overripe grapes, which is so very unexpected from this winery. Warm on the palate too, with alcohol warmth trampling all over the finish. It’s still a proper Mornington Pinot underneath, with sappy strawberry fruit and some citrussy acids, but it’s just a bit blunt and shapeless, the oak mingling with the overripe fruit to yield something vaguely caramelised. I shared a bottle of this and by the end I just didn’t enjoy it anymore. Not terrible, not faulty, just a bit too ripe for real enjoyment. 15.8/85