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#blackwood-valley
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Yeah Wines Bringing Sexy Back Merlot 2024
If Merlot is your thing, this Yeah Wines release may just bring sexy back. It's got a bit of get up and go, some swagger, energy and lift. Give it some air and it will pay dividends, coaxing out aromas of purple flowers and blackcurrant paste. A concentrated flavour profile is spearheaded by plums and blackberries with a satisfying core of dark fruit. What elevates its appeal is its honesty, and that is evident on the label where winemaker Andrew Dawson simply adds, "unfined and unfiltered without much mucking about". Notes of fennel and licorice add savoury delight late, but of interest is a noticeable alcohol warmth that pegs this back a notch or two. Perhaps that's just part of the wine's untamed spirit? In all, this will find its people with good company and some backyard barbecue beats to celebrate its appeal. 89/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and&nbs
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views30-402485-89ptsblackwood-valleymerlot - news
Yeah Wines Viognier 2024
Giving off a golden glow in the glass, this is a neat Viognier from Western Australia's Blackwood Valley region. Sitting on the richer side of the Viognier spectrum, it's not an oily type, and the fruit is able to express its freshness. Alive with peaches and cream, barbecued peaches, canned apricots and apricot nectar, barrel fermentation has imparted vanilla custard and vanilla oak nuances. A wine best enjoyed with food, this is a pretty tidy piece of work. 90/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views30-402490-94ptsblackwood-valleyviognier - news
Nannup Estate Phillip Stanley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
After tasting through 14 wines from Western Australia's Blackwood Valley region, this Nannup Estate Phillip Stanley Cabernet Sauvignon was my top pick. Seeing French oak for 18 months, I was absorbed by its elegance and poise. Opening with the savoury tones of black olive, Bay leaf, rosemary sprig and a subtle thread of menthol, these herby characters weave through a core of ripe blackberries and plums. Seductive hints of dark chocolate add depth and warmth, bringing further cause to lean in. Delicate through the palate, dark fruits unfurl with ease. Ripples of spice add structure and complexity with fine yet assertive tannins as a feature. Reminiscent of brick dust, they provide grip and a structural backbone, carrying the wine to a composed finish. Excellent stuff from a region that doesn't get the plaudits of its coastal neighbour, this is a Cabernet worth seeking out and is a standout example of the Blackwood Valley's potential. 95/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RR
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4 views50-1502195ptsblackwood-valleycabernet-sauvignon - news
St Johns Wine The Terraces Optimus Shiraz 2021
Signalling power and poise, this flagship Optimus Shiraz from St Johns Wine has some regal appeal. Full-bodied, it sees time in a combination of French, American and Hungarian oak. Rich and indulgent scents of caramel and rum 'n' raisin emerge and are interwoven with dense dark fruit. Ripe plums and blackberries dominate with a thread of licorice adding detail. The oak influence is clear with cedar still protruding, yet there is enough fruit weight to maintain balance. Despite its formidible 15% alcohol, it manages to avoid any sense of being overripe or weighty. Instead, there is a composure and restraint. Powdery tannins provide tension and grip with an impressive length that clings on for what seems like days. Beginning to show signs of development with a brownish hue creeping in, the core remains vibrant, suggesting many years ahead. For those who enjoy richer styles of Shiraz, this will impress. 95/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $51 Source: Sample Winer
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)5 views50-1502195ptsblackwood-valleyshiraz - news
Sunnyhurst Winery Cabernet Merlot 2023
An intriguing Cabernet Merlot blend from Blackwood Valley producer Sunnyhurst Winery, a splash of Petit Verdot works its way into the mix (50/40/10). Curiously, the website states 20% Petit Verdot, but the label says 10%... Each component was fermented separately and matured for 15 months in French oak before blending. On the nose, the aromas are tightly wound, pointing to a long future ahead. With air, it reveals a core of black fruits and berries and is layered with savoury notes of black olive, cloves and a touch of dark chocolate. The palate is firm and dry with assertive tannins that take charge for now, but these should settle with time. The concentrated fruit profile echoes the aromas. Those notes of spice and chocolate add depth and intrigue. The tension calls for time in the decanter if it were to be enjoyed now, but some more bottle age will see things unfurl and harmonise. 91/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $32 Source: Sample Winery Website S
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4 views30-402390-94ptsblackwood-valleyblendscabernet-sauvignon - news
St Johns Wine Round Puzzle Cabernet Malbec Merlot 2022
Bold and unapologetically rustic, this Bordeaux-style blend offers power and savoury depth in equal doses. Opening with a rush of drunken plums, ripe blackberries and evocative Black Forest cake, savoury notes of charred wood, barbecue smoke and crushed granite build anticipation. Firm and muscular to taste, the dense fruit is wrapped in a sheet of tense, dusty tannins. Structured rather than plush, layers of black pepper spice and charcoal peer through the mid-palate. Some granite-like minerality adds detail, offering tension and focus that carries through to a dry, gripping finish. Sit this beside a slab of protein and you're winning. It's nicely done. 91/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)6 views40-502290-94ptsblackwood-valleyblendscabernet-sauvignon - news
St Johns Wine Tweed River Shiraz 2023
A super buy for 20 bucks, this St Johns Wine Tweed River Shiraz struts with a cool climate-like Shiraz swagger. Brooding and tightly wound on first pour, it opens with an array of dark fruits. Think blackberries, dark cherries and plums that gradually reveal a gentle cola lift with some air. The palate shifts confidently into savoury territory, where notes of meat jus and cured meats add depth and intrigue. Layers of dark chocolate and finely handled oak frame the fruit, while a subtle granite-like minerality lends precision. A dusting of black pepper spice carries through the finish, enhancing the wine’s complexity. Structurally, it is firm and composed, with tightly knit tannins and a line of persistent acidity that keeps the profile fresh and energetic. Still youthful, it has the balance and concentration to evolve gracefully, rewarding cellaring over the next 5 to 8 years. A big tick from me. 91/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $20 Source: Sample Winery We
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views15-202390-94ptsbargainblackwood-valleyshiraz - news
Bridgetown Winery Redtale 2024
This Bridgetown Winery Redtale is a great drink that screams for yiros, burgers and anything in between. Give it some time to breathe and the attractive aromatic lift will whisk you away. A blend of Barbera, Tempranillo and Shiraz (40/40/20), all parcels were co-fermented. I love the vibrancy of the red and purple berries and the structure the Shiraz brings to tie it together. Some cola, dark chocolate, puffs of earthiness and pan juices all put their shoulder to the wheel. Woodsy spices, a touch of five spice and some fruit bun spices elevate its appeal on close. It's a terrific drink and one that I would enthusiastically recommend. 92/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4 views30-402490-94ptsbarberablackwood-valleyblends - news
Nannup Estate Phillip Stanley Chardonnay 2021
Nannup Estate's flagship Chardonnay rises to the occasion, delivering a wine of depth, character and one to cellar with confidence should you have the patience to do so. The fruit was machine-harvested and pressed to barrel where it remained for ten months. The best barrels were selected for this wine before blending. Generous yellow stonefruit sits at the core, partnered by an array of interest. Think lemon zest, key lime pie, pineapple husk and dehydrated mango with ribbons of pastry creaminess flowing through with ease. Roasted cashews and nougat rise up with time in the glass finishing with oak spices, cinnamon spiced pears and a tense acidity. Quality stuff, particularly for those who enjoy richer, oaky styles of Chardonnay. 93/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $51 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4 views50-1502195ptsblackwood-valleychardonnay - news
Beulah Chardonnay 2023
If a rich, oak-driven style of Chardonnay is your thing, head on over this way. Beulah Wines hail from Western Australia's Blackwood Valley, just inland from Margaret River. Dehydrated peach, peaches and cream, this is definitely on the yellow fruit spectrum. Lemon curd gets amongst the action with cashews and gingerbread adding some savoury interest. Warming and mouthfilling, woodsy spices linger long on a persistent finish. Of note, the acidity creeps up high on the palate and refuses to loosen its grip. It feels quite muscular and aggressive to close, perhaps some more bottle age will do the trick? 88/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4 views20-302385-89ptsblackwood-valleychardonnay - news
Sunnyhurst Winery Viognier 2025
Delightful, attractive and most approachable, this is a fruit-driven Viognier sure to please. It's my first look at a wine from the Blackwood Valley's Sunnyhurst Winery, and it has made a most positive impression. Scents of yellow flowers, yellow-fleshed stonefruit and gingernut biscuit spices get you in the mood. Mazipan, fresh apricots and yellow-fleshed nectarines plant themselves on the palate, framed by those spices that cling to the finish. Armed for long lunches or soaking up the weekend sunshine, the length rolls on with the acidity bringing the mouth the water. A most pleasant drink indeed. 90/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views20-302590-94ptsblackwood-valleyviognier - news
Nannup Estate Firetower SMT 2022
I recently received a few wines from the Blackwood Valley's Nannup Estate as I explore the district from the comfort of my east coast abode. Two wines down from this producer and they've delivered two rippers. This Shiraz Malbec Tempranillo nails the brief for great drinking. No information was received about the percentages in the blend, but that almost seems irrelevant when the going is good and the delish factor is high. Crushed purple petals set the tone. It's a wine with a rustic presence but polished with bevelled edges. Plums, mulberries and blueberries offer plenty of interest and depth with black earth and a notable minerally vibe. A faint eucalyptus note raises its hand with a neat dusting of dark chocolate crumb. Tense tannins soften over a couple of days. Built for food, it will take down some robust protein with ease. A terrific blend and rock-solid example of pleasure all for 28 bucks. 92/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)5 views20-302290-94ptsblackwood-valleyblendsmalbec - news
Nannup Estate Rolling Hills Malbec 2022
Smart drinking. A Malbec with great fruit and shape, find me a cozy place on a cold night and a generous glass. Plush plummy fruit leads the way with ripe mulberries and hints of blueberries framing the edges adding lift. Beneath the fruit lies an earthy core threaded with fruit bun spices that cling to a persistent finish. Dusty and cocoa tannins are tense and add some chew. Thoroughly enjoyable, this is great stuff. 92/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $38 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)5 views30-402290-94ptsblackwood-valleymalbec - news
Beulah Wines Shiraz 2023
Singing on the second and third day of tasting, this Blackwood Valley Shiraz from Beulah Wines certainly embraced the opportunity to take a breath and unfurl slowly. Initially quite tense, generous handfuls of plums and blue fruits released their grip. Pan juices, meat rub spices, fruit bun spices and black pepper peel off with ease. It's a wine with a long future ahead, and one I'd love to see in another 5-8 years. Dark chocolate and firm, tightly woven tannins make the last call and cling to a sustained finish. Give it a good decant to drink now or hold with confidence that reward will come. Nicely done and good going for $28. 91/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views2390-94ptsblackwood-valleyshiraz - news
St Johns Wine Round Puzzle SGT 2022
I read "Shiraz Grenache Tempranillo" on the label, and all I can think of is burgers and pizza. Load up. From the Blackwood Valley region, just inland from Western Australia's Margaret River, this is a 57/22/21 blend. Dense fruit and mouth-filling tannins describe this wine best - armed and ready for those casualmeals. Blackberries and plums are plentiful. Tense through the core with puffs of earth, an array of dried herbs and a slight oak influence, puckering tannins leave their mark, adding some chew. Best enjoyed in the medium term, match with food and some footy on the TV for the win. 90/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)5 views40-502290-94ptsblackwood-valleyblendsgrenache - news
Bridgetown Winery Barbera 2023
Tasted alongside another Barbera, this Bridgetown release speaks of a heavy oak impact from the first whiff, which detracts from the fruit that does its best to sing. From the Blackwood Valley, just inland from the famed Margaret River region, it is awash with red cherries and blackberry leaf, only to have them drowned out by the oak. The oak brings with it those ski lodge cedar scents which flow through to the palate. Twigs, caramel, Mars bar nuances and woodsy spices gang up and arrest the attention from the fruit. Pare back the oak and unleash the fruit, I say. 87/100 Region: Blackwood Valley RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4 views30-402385-89ptsbarberablackwood-valley