2011 Giant Steps Pinot Noir, Sexton Vineyard, Yarra Valley, Australia
Nearly transparent, light ruby hue. The nose is delicate, perfumed and distinctly feminine, showing dusty red cherries, cinnamon and clove woodspice, paraffin, and hints of brown sugar and earth. The aromas intensify as the wine opens up, picking up… Read more
2011 Giant Steps Chardonnay, Sexton Vineyard, Yarra Valley, Australia
Clear straw color. Initial aromas of smoky oak and clove frame sweet white peach and citrus blossom. Medium in body, this white is crisp and vibrant in the mouth, leading to a creamy, juicy finish that invites the next sip. The citrus component… Read more
2010 d’Arenberg ‘The Feral Fox’ Pinot Noir, Adelaide Hills, Australia
Transparent light ruby in color, this wine has an initial floral eucalyptus/mint scent, leading to impressions of moderate red berry/cherry fruit, along with notes of tea and root beer. The wine is quite light in the mouth, catching some grip at the… Read more
2009 Penley Estate ‘Chertsey,’ Coonawarra, Australia
This Bordeaux-style blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) is translucent ruby in hue, lightening at the edges. When first uncorked, the wine is super tight, with eucalyptus, tar and earth notes dominating the aroma. Sampled again one… Read more
2010 d’Arenberg ‘The Noble Wrinkled’ Riesling, McLaren Vale, Australia
The color is a beautiful glowing apricot/amber shade. The lush, ripe nose oozes honey, marmalade and dried apricot, pear and peach aromas, along with a subtle note of spice. Thick in the mouth, just short of cloying, the wine coats the palate with… Read more
2011 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Australia
Nearly transparent garnet color, with orange shadings, lightening at the rim. The nose has notes of smoked oak and dried orange peelings that frame delicate, perfumed cranberry and sour cherry fruit. The wine is feminine and silky in the mouth,… Read more
2009 Leeuwin Estate ‘Siblings’ Shiraz, Margaret River, Australia
Translucent dusty ruby color, lightening at the edges. Polished leather, floral eucalyptus, briary dark berries, beeswax and vanilla interplay in the forward nose. The dark berry fruit follows through in the mouth, picking up earthy black olive,… Read more
2011 d’Arenberg ‘The Olive Grove’ Chardonnay, McLaren Vale/Adelaide Hills, Australia
Very light straw color with green glints. Scents of spiced oak and light butter frame citrus blossom, lime, minerals and green apple. On the palate, initial sharp citrus tang leads to sweeter, rounder fruit impression in the mid-palate. At the… Read more
2008 Leeuwin Estate ‘Art Series’ Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia
Pale straw in color, with glints of emerald. Lovely aromas of grilled Meyer lemon, hazelnut, vanilla, smoke and pear lead to additional fleshier fruit flavors and creaminess in the mouth. Remarkably balanced, with a finish that seems to build with… Read more
2010 Greg Norman Shiraz, Limestone Coast, Australia
Nearly opaque ruby/crimson. Light notes of eucalyptus and smoke lead to deeper fruit impressions of raspberry, black plum and black cherry juice. Once in the mouth, a pleasing note of blueberry joins the mix of flavors. At the finish, mocha notes… Read more
