Taylors Estate Label 2018 Shiraz

I reckon that anytime you can pick this up under $15 it's a bargain. That goes for the rest of this impressive range.

This is a very fine everyday drinking shiraz that ticks all the boxes. We enjoyed quite a few bottles of its outstanding 2017 vintage predecessor but at this stage of its evolution this falls just a little short. It's also overshadowed by the currently available cabernet in the range. As well as the big brother Jaraman 2018 at $20.

4/5 is arguably a harsh score so I look forward to revisiting it in a few months time




GRAPE VARIETIES: Shiraz
VINTAGE: 2018 
REGION: Clare Valley, South Australia
A/V: 14.5%
PRICE: $13.20
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 4/5

Highly recommended at this price

STONYFELL 2018 "THE CELLARS" SHIRAZ CABERNET

Stonyfell started off as an Adelaide winery in 1859. Through numerous ownership changes it seemed to have been inexorably linked to the Barossa winery Saltram Those days have changed with Saltram being part of the Treasury Wine Estates empire and Stonyfell looking like it's owned by Woolworths. [The hint here is that all the website listed stockists are Woolworths retailers]

Sometime in its history Stonyfell wines started being made from Langhorne Creek fruit and tasting this I'm delighted this tradition remains. 

Rich and voluptuous this is a serious red wine and obviously Woolies want to clear some stock by offering it on a "Buy one, get one free" deal. 



GRAPE VARIETIES: Blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
VINTAGE: 2018
REGION: Langhorne Creek , South Australia
A/V: 14.5%
PRICE: $8.50 on a buy one get one free promotion
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 5/5 at $8.50

Our first taste of 2019 and it's a beauty

                                          JACOB'S CREEK 2019 RIESLING

This is a dazzling little crisp dry white that I picked this up at Liquorland in Broome for just $8. I then did a search and discovered Dan Murphy have it and the range on at a mere $5,95. That really is ridiculous but make sure you are buying the new vintage. It's very possible they may still have the 2018 on their shelves. I haven't tasted that but it would be unlikely it's better than this.

A/V: 11.7% 
PRICE: $5.95 - $8
FROM: Dan Murphy/ Liquorland
RATING: 5/5 from me at anything under $10

BROUGHT TO YOU BY MARKETING

19 CRIMES 2017 RED BLEND

I first saw this label in the UK, earlier this year, dismissing it as a standard stereotype that was only missing a kangaroo. It was considerably more expensive than the $10 I've just paid, which was a low enough cost to tempt me. 
It was a pleasant surprise with a jammy mid weight palate in perfect balance. The wine is so much better than the silly nonsense on the label.
GRAPE VARIETIES: Not specified
REGION: Not specified but probably some Barossa
A/V: 13.5% 
PRICE: $9.90
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 4.5/5 from me at this price

IT'S JUST A BIT TIRED

YALLINGUP  2017 SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC
The problem with so many wines like this is that they need to be drunk in their year of vintage. It's perfectly drinkable, dry and austere and really starting to show it's age. It may morph into something complex but that's the risk you take.

GRAPE VARIETIES: Blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc
REGION: Clare Valley, South Australia
A/V: 12.5% 
PRICE: $8.90
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 3/5 from me

DAN MURPHY'S "SECRET SELECTION" NUMBER ONE

CLAYMORE "GOD IS A DJ" 2017 RIESLING 

I recently placed my first on line order with Dan Murphy. It was an interesting experience. The 4 dozen order was split over two deliveries which partly explains the 18 emails I received advising the evolving status of my request.
I ordered a number of their "Secret Selection" wines available on line. They tell you the vintage, the area and the grape varieties as well as a vastly inflated original price. That's unfortunate because overall the wines have been quality drinking at a very reasonable price. They're just not the huge bargains that Woolworths would like you to believe.
This is a very drinkable riesling. Crisp and dry with a little bit of age creeping into the palate. Enjoy at this price.
GRAPE VARIETIES: Riesling
REGION: Clare Valley, South Australia
A/V: 12% 
PRICE: $8.90
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 4/5 from me

I'M STRUGGLING WITH THIS WINE

ANNIE'S LANE 2017 SHIRAZ
When this first came onto the market back in the mid 1990s it was positioned as a premium label. This isn't. It gives the distinct impression of being made to a price point. So while I can understand the excitement of seeing it at this price, it's hardly a bargain if it's not worth its perceived value.
The problem with this wine is it's so one dimensional. It opens hot and charry and stays that way. We've had two bottles open over 4 and 2 days. There's been no bottle variation and sadly no evolution of the wine. There's nothing subtle, no nuances and certainly no charm. I'm sure this style must appeal otherwise it wouldn't sell in such volume. My rating is based on the current price. Much more and it would slip down to a 2.

GRAPE VARIETIES: Shiraz
REGION: Clare Valley, South Australia
A/V: 14.5% 
PRICE: $9.40
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 3/5

A TRIFECTA OF SAUVIGNON BLANCS

TANGAROA $8.55  RATING: 4/5 from me

AMIRI $6.90   RATING: 4.5/5 from me

SILVER MOKI $6.65   RATING: 4/5 from me


They are all from Marlborough's 2017  vintage, they are all sauvignon blancs weighing in around the 12% a/v mark and they are all to be found on Dan Murphy's shelves. I suspect they've all come from the same marketing thinktank - ''Let's do a label design based on a Maori word and then explain it all on the back label". Read them and you'll see what I mean
Thankfully they are all very drinkable and exactly what you're hoping for from a budget priced NZ savvy. Don't laugh but the most important thing to remember is to drink them quickly. We tend to road test wines over at least two days, often more, and these all fell apart on day two. The Tangeroa and Amiri opened brilliantly but were really flat the next day. The Tangeroa had the most palate weight but the Amiri starred with it's zing. The Silver Moki won't disappoint but the others are better.

WOOLLIES SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO BETTER THAN THIS

PAUL MAS 2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
This is one of their controlled import labels found on the Dan Murphy shelves. That it's not the noted region for SB in France should be no excuse as this just doesn't measure up. Once again it's drinkable but if you didn't know better this would put you off ever trying French savvies again. 


GRAPE VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc.
REGION: Languedoc, France
A/V: 12% 
PRICE: $7.60
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 2/5

PURE FUN IN A BARGAIN BOTTLE

SEAVIEW SPARKLING SHIRAZ

First a confession - I LOVE sparkling reds made in that unique Australian style that had its beginning way back in 1880. They are genuine red wines that sparkle and appeal to me far more than similar priced white sparkling.
Clearly this is not the best you'll ever taste but it's a perfect introduction to the style and the best we've tasted under $10. Chill it right down and enjoy with cold Christmas meats or even a curry. If you like the concept get adventurous and spend a few more dollars. There are far more out there than you could believe.


GRAPE VARIETIES: Shiraz
A/V: 13.5% 
PRICE: $5.90
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 5/5 from me 

THERE ARE SO MANY, SO MUCH BETTER AT THE PRICE

LOXWOOD LANE 2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC

The back label promises "fresh and vibrant" along with "citrus, honey and passionfruit". Sadly it delivers none. It's drinkable but why bother?

GRAPE VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc
REGION: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
A/V: 11% 
PRICE: $6.65
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 2/5 from me 

HALF PRICE SPECIALS INVITE SCEPTICISM

Dan Woolworths are at it again with a "buy one get one free" offer.
Is this worth $17? Definitely not although the packaging might suggest otherwise. Which for my money makes a half price special something to be wary about.
Is it worth $8.50? Definitely providing you ignore the meaningless back label. This is a thowback to the old herbaceous Marlborough style. With the added factor of a palate weight which suggests some yeast lees lurking about. If you like that style you'll rate this far higher than I have. 



TE RUA BAY 2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC





GRAPE VARIETY: Sauvignon Blanc
REGION: Marlborough, New Zealand
A/V: 12.5% 
PRICE: $8.50 [based on a regular price of $16.99 and "buy one get one free"]
FROM: Dan Murphy, Australia
RATING: 4/5 from me