It’s that time again. Time to inspire me to spend more money on drinks, even though the WineArk cabinet can’t be closed properly, and the Amex is maxed out.
So, what wine, beer, and other refreshing liquids have you been buying and drinking this month?
It’s another month of not buying much and depleting the cellar, although I really couldn’t help myself to load up on a few more bottles of the latest Windows Estate releases.
Largely, that’s because I wanted more of the Windows Estate Petit Lot Chardonnay 2023. The 2021 vintage of this wine hit like a bomb two years ago, and I couldn’t help opening this new ’23 version straight away.
Stylistically, this is very much built in the modern, low-alcohol, crystalline and lean Margaret River Chardonnay style. But for all of its white flowers and grapefruit tight frame, there’s a certain expression and weight here that really convinces. It feels absolutely perfectly poised, refreshing and yet not ungenerous. It’s a star.
I’ve got one bottle left…
Meanwhile, I tasted some of Brett Grocke’s Esperosa wines at the Young Guns of Wine tasting in Sydney and immediately thought about buying some (which doesn’t often happen with Barossa Shiraz). The Esperosa Magnolia 1896 Shiraz 2023 is such a complex creature – all black olives and dark spicy edges and layers of flavour to complement the serious plushness. Really impressive.
What about you? What have you been buying this month?
With a ridiculously long ultra run being the big focus this month, I’ve not really been drinking much either, although two bottles really deserve a mention.
From the cellar, this Latta Siq Ouille Blanc Chardonnay 2021/2023 was such a satisfying and complex wine. A blend of 2021 and 2023 vintage fruit made from topped up barrels, this Jura-esque white has all of the nutty waxy leesy influence, with this fascinating split personality, at once mealy and wide but also tight and taut, the end result provocative and guaranteed not to be enjoyed by everyone but I bloody loved it.
Finally, I’ve had this Castrum Roche Nebbiolo 2023 twice now, and it’s a pretty enjoyable wine. It’s all La Morra Nebbiolo fruit, but released early as a Langhe Nebb rather than a Barolo, with red cherry vitality and energy. It’s a bit light on the tannic length, although a smashable expression.
What about you? What have you enjoyed drinking this month?
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17 Comments
Ohhh the ’23 Windiws Estate Chardonnay is beautiful. Try any of the Sem or Sauvignon Blanc? Tend to prefer their whites over the reds which lack a bit of tannin for my liking. Semillon was atypical but lively, other end of spectrum to Moss Wood say.
Bought – Stefano Amerighi Syrah, new Bulman release and more Muraje nebbiolo.
Tasting highlights – Caesar Marquez Sufreiral mencia (pinotesque elegance, real surprise from a variety i typically find unimpressed), Rosehill 1946 vibes ’18 – just brilliant, probably equal best Australian shiraz for me and would opt for this over plenty of old world takes too.
I like the Windows Sem and fume Sauv, though the Chardonnay is another level. I need to try the Bulman wines – on my list.
Agree re Chardonnay being level above. Same goes for their Chenin, tasty but a step behind the sem/sav even I thought. Look forward to your La Fenetrê review one day! 😉
Me too – the Latta chardonnay 21/23. Agree with your review completely. Also been imbibing Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger 21, always good, Eldorado Road Durif and Shiraz – never fails. And 2020 Macedon Balgownie Pinot Noir – just ordered more. Tried Robe brewery beer which comes in many different labels. It’s OK for a beer but all the supposed different varieties taste the same to me
Need to try these Robe beers now
Rieslingfreak was my drink of June. I’d heard the buzz but never tried it.. until I cracked open No.34 and No.2. Genuinely impressed – limey, racy, and mineral-driven with pinpoint acidity – especially at that price point. Though with all the hype, it seems the price is creeping up (unfortunately).
Great wines and great people at Rieslingfreak.
The more interesting reds I’ve been drinking last few months
Daniel Bouland Morgon corcelette 2020
Farr Rising Gamay, 2022
Domaine Drouhin Oregon Dundee Hils Pinot Noir, 2018
Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir, 2021
Chateau de Beaucastel CDP,2020
Ochota Barrels A Sense of Compression Grenache, 2015
Ochota Barrels Fugazi Grenache, 2022
Ministry of Clouds Silk & Stone Grenache, 2023
Yangarra Ovitelli Grenache, 2022
MMAD Blewitt Springs Grenache, 2023
SC Pannell Koomilya JC Block Shiraz, 2021
Best’s Great Western Bin No 0 Shiraz, 2021
D’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz, 2019
School House Coonawarra Shiraz, 2019
Tyrell’s Vat 8 Shiraz Cabernet, 2021
Nice lineup. How was the Beaucastel looking?
Best of the line up, drinking beatutifully now. You get what you pay for in this case. If I just had more money… Drank the same evening as the Tyrell’s and completely overshadowed it. Ovitelli the pick of the Aussie grenaches for me; there was a seductive quality that increased as the bottle progressed. Morgon bettered Farr Rising in the Gamay head to head. Are there any other Australian Gamays you might recommend trying? Glyn
I’d definitely hook into the Sorrenberg Gamay, I like the lucid Sapling Yard Gamay (new vintage reviewed soon), and Eldridge can be excellent too.
Just to add in the Gamay stakes, the Domenica one is pretty smart albeit different to Sorrenberg (took cuttings from there). Pennyweight, also from Beechworth, getting plaudits too.
Did try Bass Phillip’s the other week and whilst good, outshone by Sorrenberg/Domenica for me.
Had lunch at Attwoods. Had a flight of the Glenlyon Chardonnay 2023, Garibaldi Chardonnay 2023, 2023 ‘Mon Climat’ Pinot, 2023 Hommage Pinot. Loved the Glenlyon and Hommage and enjoyed the others.
2016 Seppelts Chalambar Shiraz. Very very drinkable
2021 Kerri Greens Duke Pinot Noir. Very nice and I could taste cherries.
Indigo Umpires Decision Shiraz 2022. No and had fallen over the next night when I tried again.
At a fried’s 60th birthday dinner the other night:
1977 Wendouree Pressings
1988 St Henri
How was the Wendouree?
At a recent visit to Giant Steps our highlight was the 2023 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir. Yes it cost me $100 but you might get it for $95 if you are quick. Randall’s only had 6 bottles left., when I last checked. It’s the most I have ever paid for a bottle of wine. EVER!
I really like the Giant Steps wines. The basic Chard & Pinot are bargains too