Old Caves 2008 Cabernet Merlot

Review of Wine:

I have to say I haven't had a lot of experience with the Pinot Noir variety of wines as one of my first experiences with this grape type didn't encourage me to order another bottle if you get my drift. Quite some time has since past so I thought I would give the variety another try and I'm glad I did. The wine is a nice change from your typical CabSav's and Shiraz's as seems all most lighter in texture but doesn't seem to disappoint in taste. I have read that you can't seem to find a nice Pinot Noir for under $40 a bottle but I think I have as a look forward to drinking the other bottle or so I have left.

Wine Region: Granite Belt, Queensland Australia

Drink Until: N/A

Varieties: Pinot Noir

Food: Veal cutlets with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Colour: Medium crimson in colour.

Nose: This wine shows vibrant cherry and plum fruits with a hint of spice.

Palate:

This 2008 Cabernet Merlot displays lovely Rich, soft berry flavours with hints of cinnamon, subtle oak and soft, Fine tannins.

Background:

Nova Vita Wines is a small family business, run by Mark and Joanne Kozned. The name Nova Vita was chosen for as it reflected the beginning of their new life in the production of premium wines from their small family-owned vineyard.The 2009 Mad Russian Pinot Noir is a testimony to George Kozned, Mark's father. The winemaking is a collaborative effort between winemaker Peter Leske and Mark Kozned, with Peter's two decades of experience with one of the Adelaide Hills most renowned wineries providing the platform for the production of premium cool climate wines.

Alcohol: 14.5%

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased directly from Cellermasters online in a 6 pack of different Pinot Noir bottles for around $90 or so. Also have seen on there website that it is available as a dozen as well for about $180.

Nova Vita Mad Russian Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2009

Review of Wine:

I have to say I haven't had a lot of experience with the Pinot Noir variety of wines as one of my first experiences with this grape type didn't encourage me to order another bottle if you get my drift. Quite some time has since past so I thought I would give the variety another try and I'm glad I did. The wine is a nice change from your typical CabSav's and Shiraz's as seems all most lighter in texture but doesn't seem to disappoint in taste. I have read that you can't seem to find a nice Pinot Noir for under $40 a bottle but I think I have as a look forward to drinking the other bottle or so I have left.

Wine Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia.

Drink Until: 2013

Varieties: Pinot Noir

Food: Veal cutlets with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Colour: Medium crimson in colour.

Nose: This wine shows vibrant cherry and plum fruits with a hint of spice.

Palate:

There's no doubt that the Adelaide Hills is South Australia's leading producer of Pinot Noir. This early-ripening variety thrives in the climatic conditions, highlighting the typical Pinot Noir characters of cherries and plums, together with a slight smokiness. This one is on the savoury side, with soft integrated tannins and an elegant yet long finish.

Background:

Nova Vita Wines is a small family business, run by Mark and Joanne Kozned. The name Nova Vita was chosen for as it reflected the beginning of their new life in the production of premium wines from their small family-owned vineyard.The 2009 Mad Russian Pinot Noir is a testimony to George Kozned, Mark's father. The winemaking is a collaborative effort between winemaker Peter Leske and Mark Kozned, with Peter's two decades of experience with one of the Adelaide Hills most renowned wineries providing the platform for the production of premium cool climate wines.

Alcohol: 14.5%

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased directly from Cellermasters online in a 6 pack of different Pinot Noir bottles for around $90 or so. Also have seen on there website that it is available as a dozen as well for about $180.

Symphony Hill Wines White Serenade 2008

Review of Wine:

Symphony Hill Wines are unknown to most but on my first trip out to the Granite Belt I stopped in at a local bottle shop and decided to look at their local selection of wines. I happened to pick up a bottle from Symphony which I really enjoyed that night. Since then I have enjoyed quite a few bottles and always enjoy the chance to stop in at their cellar door for a tasting. Now my partner isn’t much of a red wine drinker like I am so she prefers to enjoy a white wine which is a little sweeter but this can be hard to find as some are just too sweet. On opening this bottle it has a lovely aroma to it and is nice and smooth to drink. The wine also has a lovely balance of sweetness which pleased my partner and myself which is hard to achieve in a sweeter wine.

Wine Region: Granite Belt, Queensland Australia

Drink Until: 2012

Varieties: N/A

Food: N/A

Colour: N/A

Nose: N/A

Palate:

A German style medium sweet wine. A bunch of flowers sprinkled with honey! Beautiful spices and floral notes fill the mouth. Gorgeous with desserts, cheese platters and curries or sipped while enjoying a bubble bath!

Background:

Symphony Hill Wines is a family-owned boutique winery located in the cool climate Ballandean highlands of Queensland's Granite Belt. Ewen and Elissa Macpherson bought the old table grape and orchard property in 1996 after falling in love with the area and its potential for premium wine production, and in partnership with Ewen's parents Bob and Jill Macpherson have developed the vineyard to its present high standard. Symphony Hill Wines is a family focussed venture with, at one stage, four generations of the family living on the property. Ewen's parents, Bob and Jill Macpherson, moved from the Sunshine Coast and are now living on the vineyard enjoying an idyllic retirement. Ewen has completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Viticulture and found the information gained in his studies invaluable in establishing the vineyard to produce ultra-premium quality from the first vintage. Ewen is Managing Director and focuses his efforts on distribution of their divine wines to top restaurants. Elissa is Marketing Director and is responsible for label design, cellar door presentation and overall promotional activities. Their children, James (9), Hamish (6) and Zara (3) are responsible for making their parents' tasks even more challenging! Symphony Hill's winemaker and vineyard manager, Mike Hayes, has also studied Viticulture and is a third generation viticulturalist in the Granite Belt area. His links with the property go back to his childhood where he had his first kiss on the property's tennis court! Mike's proudest achievement to date is making our 2003 Reserve Shiraz which became Queensland's first ever gold medal winner at the 2005 Sydney Royal Wine Show. Symphony Hill specialises in high quality wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Verdelho, Chardonnay and Viognier grapes proudly grown on the estate.

Alcohol: 13%

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased directly from Symphony Hill Wines directly which is out at Stanthorpe for around $15 a bottle. Can also be purchased online from there website and a few select bottle shops around Brisbane seem to stock them.

Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Review of Wine:

Yellow tail is a well known brand in Australia which you will fine at all the major liquor stores and due to this I quite often steer clean from there wines but I purchased a special dozen of wines at a very good price and 2 bottles of the Yellow Tail were included. The wine was quite enjoyable to drink and although winning a gold medal (Not sure what for) I wasn't overly sold on it. Don't get me wrong I look forward to drinking the other bottle I have but it isn't something that I will rush out to purchase again.

Wine Region: South Eastern Australia.

Drink Until: 2008

Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon

Food: Sunday roast, gourmet snags, casseroles, or flavoursome meat recipes.

Colour: A vibrant, deep purple colour.

Nose: A touch of mint and aromas of blackberries, chocolate and vanilla.

Palate:

Wine structure shows rich berry flavours, peppered with spice. The palate is tremendously long and well-structured with toasted oak supporting soft fruit and velvety tannins.

Background:

The Casella family has been making wine since 1820 - first in Italy and since 1965 in Australia. Filippo and Maria Casella immigrated to Australia from Italy in the 1950s bringing with them their hopes and dreams and the know-how acquired through three generations of grape-growing and winemaking in Italy. Recognising the potential of the region, Filippo purchased a farm in the town of Yenda, New South Wales, in 1965. After selling the grapes from his farm to local wineries, he decided in 1969 that it was time for a new generation to put its winemaking skills to use, and the winery was born. John Casella, one of Filippo and Maria's three sons returned to the family business in 1994 and embarked on an ambitious expansion to build a new winery with the mission to blend old world heritage and new world technology. Casella Wines shot to the forefront of the export arena in mid 2000 with the hugely successful brand Yellow Tail. Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon is made with grapes sourced from the highest quality vineyards and fermented on skins in contact with oak. Temperatures are kept high to ensure maximum colour and tannin extraction. The wine is bottled on the estate.

Alcohol: 13.5%

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased online from the Wine Market in a special 12 pack of different wines for around $90. Cellarmasters was the wine online for $120 for a dozen.

Gran Centenario Reposado 100% Agave Tequila

Review of Wine:

Enjoying a shot of Tequlia from time to time I have really started to understand the difference between good and bad Tequlia and what spending an extra $40 or so brings to the table. The burning down the throat as you shot or sip the drink disappears and the morning head holding is also a think of the past. I'm sure there is better Tequila's on the market but it is a nice smooth drink which you can enjoy shotting or slipping at a leisurely pace.

Wine Region: Jalisco, MEXICO

Drink Until: N/A

Varieties: 100% De Agave

Food: N/A

Colour: Brilliant medium golden hue

Nose: N/A

Palate: Brilliant medium golden hue. Tropical fruit, meringue and clover honey nose. A soft supple entry leads to an dry, glycerous medium body with fruity roasted agave, honey, and spice notes. Finishes with a lengthy and elegant fade of caramel roasted nuts and spice. Smooth, elegant, and well-structured.

Background:

In 1858, Lazaro Gallardo, a tavern owner and tequila producer, invented a unique tequila-making process called Selección Suave, of Smooth Selection. This unique process blended newly rested tequilas with the smoothest, aged tequila reserves creating the highest quality and best tasting tequila available. In the late 1800s, Lazaro Gallardo named his tequila, Gran Centenario to commemorate the beginning of a new century and began selling it as his tavern. In 1920, Lazaro's son, Luciano decided to bottle Gran Centenario. Inspired by the Art Deco style of architecture, he designed a bottle similar to the one we use today. The makers of Gran Centenario still uses the Selección Suave when crafting this deluxe tequila.

Alcohol: 38%

Where to Purchase:

This tequila can be purchased from most larger bottle shops as well as a number of online stores. From memory I purchased it online from a website like Vintage Direct for around $80-$85.

Robert Channon Wines CASANOVA'S STORM VINTAGE PORT 2004

Review of Wine:

Firstly I have to say that I quite enjoyed this port during the taste testing at the cellar door but was very disappointed after having a glass or two after dinner one winters night. Compared to the other bottles of port we purchased on the same trip this port wasn't smooth at all and I felt the oak taste wasn't strong enough to balance the sweetness if the shiraz grapes. I do love there wines but can't say I will be purchasing port from them again.

Wine Region: Granite Belt, Queensland Australia

Drink Until: N/A

Varieties: Shiraz

Food: N/A

Colour: Rich light red with brown shadows

Nose: A pleasant light oak aroma

Palate: A fine vintage port with rich fruit characters and delicate spirit

Background:

This fine vintage port was made entirely from specially selected shiraz grapes grown at our Granite Belt vineyards. It was aged in old oak barrels for two years before bottling. The port is named in honour of there horse Casanova who was saved from certain death by the lucky arrival of a thunderstorm.

Alcohol: 17.5%

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased directly from Robert Channon Wines Vineyard which is out at Stanthorpe for $20. Can also be purchased online from there website.

Abbey View Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009

Review of Wine:

Was in the mood for a glass of white wine the other night which doesn't happen all that often as I'm more of a red fan. I do enjoy my Sauvignon Blanc's so settled on the Abbey View bottle from the wine rack. After leaving the wine for a little while so it was the right temperature I open it and the aroma of the wine is just beautiful. The wine taste quite nice on the pallet and is quite smooth.

Wine Region: Maragret River, Western Australia.

Drink Until: 2012

Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon

Food: Scallops in a lemon grass broth.

Colour: Pale straw

Nose: Lovely tropical fruit and green apple characters with hints of flinty/gun smoke.

Palate:

Finely structured acids support this richly flavoured wine. Juicy tropical fruit, green apple and citrus from the Semillon combine well with Sauvignon Blanc varietal characters of passion fruit and cut grass. It has a delightful lingering finish.

Background:

WA produces some of the best wines in the country thanks to a glorious maritime climate. The grape crops are treated to coolish growing seasons and some of the mildest winters in Australia; long, sunny autumn days ripen them to absolute perfection and winemakers have little fear of damage from frost or rain at vintage time. Apart from gale force winds creating problems at times because of the salt they carry inland, the Margaret River is a veritable paradise for grape-growing and winemaking. The resultant wines, like Abbey Views sublime Semillon Sauvignon Blanc are testament to this.

Alcohol: 12.5%

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased online from Cellermasters in a pack of whites but you can purchase a dozen of these for around $144.

JACOBS CREEK RESERVE SHIRAZ 2006

Review of Wine:

Firstly this wine was purchased as we were looking for a nice shiraz and noticed that it had won a few awards from different wine shows so thought it would be worth a try. Had to purchase it in a 6 pack which always has me a little worried when I haven't tried the wine before but it was well worth the purchase. The wine is incredibly smooth and a real pleasure to drink. Had a glass while marking a hardy meal in the kitchen as it was very cold and windy outside but the wine really shined once I had another glass with dinner as the plum and berry favors with a hint of pepper complemented the olives in the dish so well. I can see having quite a few great nights with this wine. Well worth the purchase I can say.

Wine Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia

Drink Until: 2016

Varieties: Shiraz

Food: An ideal accompaniment to most red meats, game and cheeses.

Colour: Deep crimson with dark red hues.

Nose: Lifted aromas of mulberry and blackberry with underlying hints of cloves and anise, balanced by spicy oak notes.

Palate:

The 2006 Jacobs Creek Reserve Shiraz is a full bodied wine displaying rich fruit flavours of dark berries and plums and velvety tannins. Lovely acid balance and integration of flavours result in a supple and engaging wine with a lingering finish of spice, chocolate and mocha.

Background:

In 1847, a young Bavarian immigrant by the name of Johann Gramp planted the Barossa Valley's first commercial vineyard on the banks of Jacob's Creek. Today, Johann's original cellar is still standing at Jacob's Creek. It's a testament to his enduring passion for wine. Johann's legacy instilled a simple winemaking philosophy that gave birth to one of the world's most popular wine brands. This premium, full bodied wine is an outstanding example of South Australian Shiraz, displaying an intensity of ripe plum with pepper spice, balanced by soft grape and oak tannins, leading to a lingering smooth finish. An ideal accompaniment to most red meats, game and cheeses. A wine that will develop further with cellaring.

Alcohol: 14.3%

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased online from Cellermasters for around $85 per 6. At the time of order we found an online coupon which gave a $50 discount if ordered with another 6 wines so worked out to be quite a deal. Have also seen a case of 6 on Deals Direct for around $70.

CASTLE GLEN VINEYARD 2005 VINTAGE CABERNET PORT

Review of Wine:

Our first experience with this port wasn't overly great. We visited the vineyard firstly to see the actual castle they have among the vineyards. After looking around we decided to taste test a few ports and settled on the 2005 Vintage Cabernet Port although at the time we didn't think much of this but this may have been due to brushing our tenth 30 minutes before tasting and also being before midday. To our pleasure surprise on opening this port one night at home for a night cap it really hit the spot. The port is extremely smooth and seems to have a really natural taste and Castle Glens approach to using nothing but 100% natural produce pays off.

Wine Region: Granite Belt, Queensland Australia

Drink Until: N/A

Varieties: Cabernet

Food: N/A

Colour: Rich light red with brown shadows

Nose: N/A

Palate: Lovely sweet taste which doesn't over power and really smooth taste.

Background:

All Castle Glen Vineyards Wines are 100% manufactured and produced in Queensland at our property on the Granite Belt. Our Stanthorpe Wines, Ports and Wine Products are 100% Natural, Chemical Free and Preservative Free! Great care is taken in harvesting and processing our wonderful grapes. They are all hand picked and transported carefully to our processing plant. The grapes are then squeezed by a unique press. This grape press is the only one of its kind in Australia. It is more like the traditional methods of old. If great care is taken in the harvesting and production process the use of sulphur dioxide or any other sulphites is not needed. Wonderful, natural, sulphur free wine is the result. At Castle Glen we do not add other nasty chemicals to our wine like tannins or colouring. There are no additives to change or modify the wine in any way. Many wine companies are using a cocktail of chemicals to make wines taste and look more appealing. Sulphur dioxide and other sulphur products are not the only chemicals added to todays wines. Every year in our lives is different. So to it is with wine. There is no need to laden wines with chemicals or preservatives if great care is taken in growing, harvesting and production. Mass produced wine has become a mish-mash of preservatives, colours and flavours. It might be said that sometime you would be safer eating a bright red candy. That this could very well contain less chemicals and irritants that your glass of wine. Where have the days gone where wine was just made from grapes?

Alcohol: 18%

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased directly from the Castle Glen Vineyard which is out at Stanthorpe (Yes they really do have a castle) for around $20 but can't quite remember. This port seems hard to find as isn't available from your local bottle shop or online discount liquor store. Castle Glen has an online ordering option but can't even see the port available there either.

YELLOWGLEN YELLOW SPARKLING

Review of Wine:

Now this Sparkling wine isn't you most exciting bottle on the market today but is certainly one of the most popular. Is a great versatile sparkling wine as can be used for many different purposes but lately we prefer to use it in a White Sangria recipe which we have been making lately that is a hit with the friends. There isn't to much to say about this sparkling wine besides it being the work horse of sparkling wines that we will purchase time and time again.

Wine Region: SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA

Drink Until: 2011

Varieties: Premium sparkling varieties

Food: Light meat and seafood dishes

Colour: Light straw in colour with a persistent bead

Nose: The wine displays melon, pineapple and citrus characteristics

Palate:

It is a full and generous wine with a lovely mouthfeel and creamy mousse. It is fresh with a classy, crisp, clean finish.

Background:

This is non-vintage wine with fruit being sourced from vineyards throughout South East Australia. The best wine is sourced from the best vineyards to ensure a consistency in style and quality.

Alcohol: 11%

Where to Purchase:

This can be purchased from any independent bottle store as well as the normal Coles and Woolworths owned bottle shops. Got a special from Liquor Land last night where got two bottle for $8 each. Normally costs around $10 or so a bottle.

OLD CAVES ARMCHAIR PORT

Review of Wine:

Quite a pleasant port to drink. Isn't the best port or worst we have ever tried but would purchase again specially at the price we paid. Can't remember but not a bad deal at all or at least drinking it had us convinced. We tried this port on a weekend away and it was second out of the three we tried in terms of smoothness. Without the discount I would suggest maybe the Robert Channon Port we tasted the same weekend as think it is a little better value then the Old Caves Port. We have enjoyed this port even before or during dinner when you feel like trying something different so is great for any occasion.

Wine Region: Granite Belt, Queensland Australia

Drink Until: N/A

Varieties: N/A

Food: Serve this port with your favourite desserts and coffee.

Colour: N/A

Nose: N/A

Palate:

This is our most famous port. It is a five to six year old Tawny Port style. The Armchair Port has a slight chocolate overtone, soft, smooth and silky. Serve this port with your favourite desserts and coffee.

Background:

Situated on the New England Highway, just north of Stanthorpe, Old Caves specialises in producing “everyday” wines, non-vintage styles that are inexpensive enough for people to enjoy on a regular basis. A range of vintage wines are also produced at the winery. We are one of the smaller, commercial wineries in the Granite Belt area. Old Caves has grape planting covering 12 acres, including varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, White Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. We also have contract growers to fulfil all our grape variety needs.

Alcohol: 16.5 %

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased directly from Old Caves Winery on a weekend away. Can't remember exactly what we paid but we purchased a range of wines and the guy gave us a nice discount. Can be purchased from the cellar door directly or online at $22.50 a bottle. Have done a quick search online and can't seem to find any discount wine stores selling it.

ROBERT CHANNON WINES SINGING LAKE CHARDONNAY VERDELHO 2007

Review of Wine:

A great wine which has a nice balance of flavors. Is very versatile as can be enjoyed at lunch as we have on many occasions (Have purchased a few bottles) while we have also taken as a BYO bottle to the local Indian restaurant. We find it a beautiful wine which can be enjoyed by wine lovers and the not so big wine drinks as offers that balance of fruit without being overly sweet.

Wine Region: Granite Belt, Queensland Australia

Drink Until:

Varieties: Chardonnay and Verdelho

Food: Excellent aperatif that also works well with spicy foods

Colour: Clear yellow

Nose: Lovely fruity aromas with a hint of citrus and peach

Palate:

Our very popular blend of Chardonnay and Verdelho. Fresh citrus and peach aromas lead into a medium bodied wine and medium sweet palate but still fresh, balanced with good acidityand fruit. A favourite wine for summer lunches.

Background:

Robert Channon Wines is producing some of Australia’s finest Verdelho, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon from its family-owned winery and vineyard in the Granite Belt district of Queensland. All of our wine is made at our winery from grapes grown in our cool climate vineyard at an elevation of about 950 metres.

Alcohol: 12%

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased direct from the vineyard on a weekend away in the Granite Belt for $14.50 a bottle. Can also be purchased directly from there website. Also did see on the Wine Experience website for $13.05 a bottle when purchased as a case.