It’s that time again.
Despite flood, sickness and other minor plagues hitting the Graham household, the time has come to replenish the cellar once again – especially now that I’m about to send a bunch of wines off to auction.
I’ve already added some of the new 2020 Te Mata Coleraine to the list this month (pre-ordered). Also in the shopping cart is some Herve Souhaut St Joseph (the Sainte Espine) and a bottle of 2017 Clos Mogador. So plenty to look forward to. I feel like I’m still missing some decent Chablis though, and the price rises of recent vintages are doing my head in. I keep meaning to buy more Bannockburn Chardonnay & Pinot, because I just like them.
What about you? What are you buying this month?
There has been limited drinking over the past week or so, but I can confirm that the new Range Brewing Back in Time WCIPA is delicious. Also, I had some of the Mountain Culture Psychonaut – the first in the mind-bending 10% alc microdosing series – and it was surprisingly drinkable. A huge beer, but an impressively balanced one (in context) with this texture that seems silken, despite the alcohol and bitterness.
Next week brings an excuse to open a few tasty bottles, as I’m headed to Canberra for the 2022 Winewise Championship (one of the more enjoyable wine shows on the calendar) so I’ll have more to report after then.
What have you been drinking?
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14 Comments
Andrew – I’m enjoying Yangarra Noir and Torzi Matthews riesling regularly, interspersed with Yangarra Ovitelli (occasionally) and Rob Hall pinot noir. Thanks for the tips! Oh, and there’s anything by Bondar – not sure if this is on your radar, but definitely worth a look
The Bondar Grenache is ace.
Bought a 6 pack masterclass of Gentle Folk to explore the range but not yet cracked into them. Opened a 2016 Meadow Bank Pinot the other night which immediately sent me searching for more – picked up the 2020 & 2021. Drinking aged Rieslingfreak & Eden Hall Rizza & indulging a current obsession with local & international Gruner’s.
Dredgey has done a great job turning Meadowbank around. Recent releases have been ace.
Throwing a bit of faith behind the 2018 Rockfords releases including Basket Press. Didn’t love the ’17s but yet to find any major Barossa 18’s I don’t like. And then still trying to find decent secondary prices for those darn Sami Odi’s. And then also a bunch of Torzi Matthews. Feeling a little Barossan this March…
Fraser’s wines are so good, but as you say, almost impossible to buy.
Been following your reviews for a while. I must say that you are spot on with the wines being produced down under. Appreciation comes from an avid lover of great Indian wines.
The Mike Press cabernet sauvignon, surely the best value red in the country, Collector Pinot Meunier, because the wife said we need more Pinot and Collector can do no wrong and Willow Creek chardonnay, because QWine exhorted all of us to do so.
Andrew
In the last month, my purchases have been 2019 Giant Steps Harry’s Monster Red Blend and 2018 Penley Estate Eos Cab/Shiraz.
Drinking wise, 2012 Patrick of Coonawarra Aged Riesling (for International Riesling Day) and the weekend before was 2014 Chain of Ponds ‘The Ledge’ Shiraz.
I like the Giant Steps, but don’t know the Ledge. Chain of Ponds have so many labels.
I gave in to The Australian’s pinot noir dozen (2 x 6 different pinot noirs – all sub $35 RRP). Quite a good deal on the surface, but we’ll see.
Tried a few Tahbilk wines recently. Marsanne was solid, obviously. The Pinot Gris was good, and the Merlot was not bad at all (hard to get a decent merlot in Oz, I find – but any recommendations?). The shiraz/cab blends were a little tannic/raspy for my taste, but none were at their premium level, so have to expect that.
Still doing the hyper-local thing: I’m hanging off the Attwoods’ train (and whooping), and I’m all-aboard the Passing Clouds’ airship (and not looking down, or back).
Other than that, champagne and some delicious American reds we picked up from Sonoma in Jan 2019, just before the world shut down.
Report back on your thoughts on the Piont case?
Hi Andrew, yes – a lot of labels from Chain of Ponds. This particular wine is sourced entirely from the Kenwood Bank Vineyard at Kuitpo.
Bought a bit of Punch Wines pinot/chardonnay and some of the more edgy Koerner drops like Pigato and Sciaccarello.
Drinking Torzi Syrah (2021 a great drop) and ’19 Luke Lambert Nebbiolo both great in very different ways. ’17 Punch Close-planted pinot was strikingly pretty and fruit-richbut maybe lacking a little more complexity for the price?