Bloodwood 2009 Big Men in Tights (4* $16) Almost luminous, and the nose has plenty going for it. Length on the palate and a solid, earthy style. Will be back for more.
Bloodwood 2009 Riesling (4.5 $22.50 ) From the first sniff we're definitely talking Riesling, but one without the angularity of some South Australian styles (and I really love Clare /Eden Valley Riesling). Where some of my favourites burst upon your palate saying something like I am Riesling, handle it, this one (and I'm using Madam's terms here) sidles up beside you and says Hi there! Like to get to know me better? A slinky style that will become increasingly familiar. Frequent reorders on the horizon. If I didn't like it, I suspect Madam would insist anyway...
Bloodwood 2007 Shiraz (4.5* $26.75) White pepper on the nose and palate, medium bodied elegant style that's extremely moreish. Given comments in the Riesling department and my own liking for the Rose, this seriously good Shiraz complicates matters.
Brook Eden 2009 Chardonnay (4.5* $29/$25.60 Vintage Club) Soft peachy style with great elegance. Could drink any number of these in vast quantities, but they've yet to find a niche in the LHoC wine/food matching environment apart from the roast chicken, which isn't a seven days a week proposition, which it'd need to be to cover the rising Oz Chard wave. Fantastic wine but looking elsewhere....
Brook Eden 2009 Pinot Gris (4.5* $20) Straw-coloured, fragrant nose with loads of pear notes. An impressive subtler style that's quite delicious with plenty of lingering flavour. Definitely one to reorder.
Brook Eden 2009 Riesling (4.5* $22.50/ $20 Vintage Club) Nicely balanced expression of the regionality you get with the variety, with depth of flavour and crisp acid. Will probably be looking at some more if/when I line up for the Pinot Rose.
Brook Eden 2009 TRS Riesling (4* $22.50) Lower alcohol (11%) semi-sweet (TRS = 30g/litre residual sugar) in a German Kabinett style. Pale straw, subtly fragrant nose, softly elegant with interesting interplay between acid and sugar. One of the numerous off dry Rieslings emerging onto the market and worth further investigation for those who like that dash of sugar.
Grosset 2010 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (5* $18) Stunning. From the opening sniff, a rounded complex blend of Clare Valley semillon (60%) and Adelaide Hills sauvignon blanc (40%) with vibrant tropical fruits and refreshing acidity. Will be a regular part of future orders.
Lake's Folly 1999 Hunter Valley Cabernets (5* n/a) Fragrant earthy berries on the nose, savoury palate with well defined length. Wonderful event wine where the drinking experience more than matched the anticipation and reputation. Would like to think I can try other vintages, but am not holding my breath. That said, if I see one I'll more than likely be buying.
Olssens of Watervale 2006 The Olssen Six (5* $60) Possibly unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Carmenere and Petit Verdot. From the first whiff there's a considerable Wow! factor. Intense, focussed, layered and elegant, a wine to savour at length and leisure.
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