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.

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.