Tyrrell's 2009 Fordwich Verdeho

We were first impressed by the 2007 release and here are my notes from February 2008: "This is from the same quality/price range as the Rufus Stones and Brokenbacks so while we expected a top wine we didn't know what to expect in terms of a verdelho. It's a funny old grape which rarely has the zing of riesling, complexity of chardonnay or intensity of sauvignon blanc. This though is up there with the best we've tasted with lashings of fruit salad and a delicious balancing crisp acidity. If you enjoy quality whites and you're looking for something different, this is very highly recommended."
This is now the 2009 vintage and the only change has been the price - it's come down from $18.
A quality white without blowing the budget.

Cellar Door $25
Our Price: $15 per bottle by the doz

SOLD OUT

Tyrrell's 2010 Moon Mountain Chardonnay

I was gobsmacked with how good this is. Don't particularly like the name but it's the stuff inside the bottle that counts. It combines old fashioned crunch with New Age zing. A glorious complex chardy that would still over deliver at $25.

Cellar Door $25
Our Price: $15 per bottle by the doz

SOLD OUT

Tyrrell's 2006 Brokenback Shiraz

I am forever grateful to Helen from Tyrrells who showed us the 2004 vintage of this wine in June 2007. Once again here are my notes:
"The nose is unmistakeable, classic earthy Hunter. I've never been comfortable with the "sweaty saddle" adjective as to me it's not a particularly compelling endorsement. This one has it but in an attractive appealing way that I've rarely encountered.
The earthiness continues on the palate but there is none of the dirt stink that characterises so many Hunter shiraz. This also offers a rich roundness of fruit that carries on to an incredible length. This is an outstanding red that is a must for lovers of Hunter quality and an absolute must for anyone who's never been convinced. Enjoy now or confidently cellar."
This was the wine that rekindled my enthusiasm for Hunter reds and let me tell you that this 2006 release is even better. The label is a huge improvement and the stuff inside the bottle is sensational. $15 is ridiculous.

Cellar Door $25
Our Price: $15 by the doz

SOLD OUT

Haselgrove 2008 Bella Vigna Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Haselgrove website notes
COLOUR
Deep cherry with a cherry red hue.

AROMA
The aroma displays blackberry, red currants, cassis with underlying menthol and eucalypt.

PALATE
Fresh blackberry, clove and spice abound on the palate with an underlying tone of menthol, Matured in new and old French oak barriques for 15 months, this Cabernet Sauvignon was selected by the method of barrel classification and has a smooth tannin finish with great length.

ALCOHOL 13.5%

SERVING
Enjoy now or cellar for up to ten years to enhance complexity. Serve this wine at room temperature with Beef Ragu or a platter of matured cheeses.
Our Price: $18 per bottle by the doz

SOLD OUT

Mt Monster 2005 Shiraz

Mt Monster website tasting notes:

"Deep crimson red with brilliant, purple hue. Rich, ripe black berry fruits on the nose with Satsuma plum softness and generosity. Subtle oak use adds complexity and provides the structural framework whilst allowing the primary fruit to shine through. A fruit driven and focused palate,with dark chocolate, berry fruit, spices and Christmas pudding characteristics. Fine, soft tannins complement the fruit and lingering soft finish."
Couldn't agree more.

http://mtmonster.com.au/winebox/winedetail.asp?productID=4&vs=&vcat=

RRP: $???
Our Price: $ 12 per bottle by the doz

SOLD OUT

Mt Monster 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

On first glance it may appear to be a wacky made up name but there is definitely a Mt Monster vineyard and winery which you can find 300km south east of Adelaide.
The Bryson family have been farming in South Australia for over 150 years. Wine is a more recent enterprise but it still very much a family business that utilises the winemaking talents of Ben Riggs. Yes, it's that ubiquitous Mr Riggs who has a well deserved reputation as a very talented winemaker.
There are quite a few things that I REALLY like about their two current release reds. For starters they taste like their variety should and for cabernet, in particular, that's a rare thing nowadays. They are both extremely user friendly and while short term cellaring is an option they are ready to enjoy now. Fruit dominates rather than wood and there are nice tannins and acids supporting the fruit. And best of all they are brilliant value.
Not a huge fan of the label but as we all know, it's the stuff inside the bottle that counts.

RRP: $ No idea????
Our Price: $12 per bottle by the doz

SOLD OUT