Montalto Mornington Peninsula Pennon Hill Chardonnay 2013

Its not exactly chardonnay weather, but hey, when in Rome whiz in the Trevie. The Montalto Mornington Peninsula Pennon Hill Chardonnay 2013 is everything I love about Oz chardonnay - lean grapefruit, integrated oak, tart white peach flesh and soft and subtle white licorice powder: I know I bang on about white licorice powder, but its there I tell ya. And the price? A bargain at sub $30.

Cannot wait for summer.This and my coal BBQ with some whiting and snapper. Yep, SOD-OFF winter.

Drink with chicken risotto now, the above when warmer.
Drink till 2018
96
Screwcap 13.5%v/v $27-$30

Ruggabellus Barossa Valley Fluus 2013

My favourite South Oz producer I reckon. The Ruggabellus Barossa Valley Fluus 2013 - Grenache, Mataro, Cinsault and Syrah - has brought sexy back for this style with such unassuming style and finesse all the while walking in to the room loaded with sweaty hairy armpits; its super-suave and bogan all in one package; Sort of like The Drones - band not spy object.

Anywhoo, the wine. Dusty graphite on the nose with concentrated black fruit and savoury black olive brininess too. The palate has a very clear line of savoury gaminess and black fruit all held together with precise fine graphite like tannins. Theres almost a hint of lip smacking fish sauce at the back. This is as close to Pinot Noir from the Barossa Valley I reckon. I just love it!!!




Drink with peppered rare steak
Drink till 2018
96 Screwcap
13.6%v/v $29-$32

Cullen Margaret River Mangan Vineyard Merlot/Malbec/Petit Verdot 2013

As far as Bordeaux blends go, for me its the Right side of the Gironde that floats my boat; Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot et al. In Australia this is also the case, with the left side of Australia - Margaret River in particular. And Cullen are at the forefront as usual. The Cullen Margaret River Mangan Vineyard Merlot/Malbec/Petit Verdot 2013 is everything I love about Merlot blends - blueberries, graphite like tannins, green peppercorns and super finely balanced cut-throat acid.
This is probably not for the people who have poo-pooed Merlot because of either a stupid movie or a stupid duo, so if you follow the the latter two, good!!! Leave this to people who purely and simply love good wine.

Drink with rare kangaroo fillet
Drink till 2019
94
Screwcap 12.5%v/v $30-$33

Cavallotto Piedmont Vigna Scot Dolcetto d'Alba 2012

The Cavallotto Piedmont Vigna Scot Dolcetto d'Alba 2012. The 2011 made my best of last year. This one will also and is my new Clubhouse leader.

I do love Dolcetto. This wine is just soooo beautiful and balanced and sexyasnuts and all the stuff that makes the wine drinker swoon. Full of roasted brown spices on the nose - cardamon, cinnamon and cassia bark. After a while in the glass the wine evolves with subtle scorched earth and prickly dark fruit. The palate is more spice and dark fruit with hints of salty fish sauce all held together perfectly with tight and fine tannins and acid. Superb. Just superb.

Drink till 2017
Drink with Guinness braised beef pie
97
Quality cork 13.5%v/v $36-$39