2/1/2015 - Bethinoz Likes this wine:

Franklin Bar & Restaurant, Hobart, TAS

First chance to try this cult natural wine from Birch Bay, Tasmania. Did not decant on sommelier's recommendation.

Nose of cola & cherry. After 5-10 minutes in glass one can see this is a very pure expression of pinot noir.
From reading wine reviews I did expect a more powerful wine, but perhaps this is the 2011 vintage speaking.

Light to medium body, unfiltered appearance with very light tannin in the background. Reminding me of a wine made by William Downie in 2011.

Texturally smooth & silky, accompanies the wood fired Abalone dish at Franklin quite beautifully.

12/8/2014 - Bethinoz Likes this wine:

Very hard to find information on this wine so thought I would add from the Importer's basic notes. 'Arbois' wine, the more you drink, the more it goes right!" according to Wikipedia! In this Arbois region they make Comte & Morbier, so try this wine with these cheeses.

The Aviet family have been quietly going about their business for generations. They were farmers for the local monks about 500 years ago and were one of the first in the area to bottle their own wine*. Today 95% of their production is sold via cellar door with just 3% percent being exported. The family farm 6 Hectares of vines in the Commune of Montigny-Les-Arsures which is one of the 13 communes included in the Arbois AOP. They practice lutte rassonee farming (reasoned agriculture). In the winery, everything is done with precision and thought. WIld yeasts and large old oak are used for all their cuvees. The table wines are made ‘ouille’, where by the barrels are topped up as they look for purity of fruit.

10/28/2014 - Bethinoz Likes this wine:

Delicious co-ferment Chardonnay Viognier.

Not usually a style I would be interested in but loving Castagna wines decided to try.

Colour is bright golden, medium body, lots of ripe fruit here, helping of nuts & butter, with a finish that goes on & on.

The 2009 is drinking fantastically now, and is not a wine for long term cellaring.

Every part of this wine has come together right now. Drink up!

9/10/2014 - Bethinoz Likes this wine:

Giaconda 2010 Chardonnay, Beechworth VIC

Colour pale golden. To begin very prominent matchstick character, which after time in glass lifts away & focuses on rich stone fruit, apricot nectar, with notes of toasted oak.

On the palate there is a sense richness, pleasurable texture & gentle minerality which lifts the nutty oily nectar characters in this Chardonnay.

As wine warms the finish becomes smoother & longer, and fruit & oak becomes beautifully integrated.

Like to revisit this in 3-5 years.

Tried with semi hard cheeses from Italy, Spain & France

10/19/2014 - Bethinoz Likes this wine:

Served at cellar temp, decanter not available. Drank over 2 hrs.

Medium ruby & showing slight signs of age.

Tears & alcohol appears high upon opening, falling away to an offering of high intensity. Ripe stewed red fruits, particularly strawberries & nuances of white pepper & cinnamon. Wine showing no fruit sweetness, and improving greatly with time in the glass.

Medium bodied on the palate, with presence of fine oak tannins, lively acidity. Medium to long finish with potential to age another 5 years.

Tasted w Greek Olives & brought out a lovely strawberries & cream character in this Pinot.

A generous 5 year old Victorian Pinot Noir showing well. No funky characters, just intense ripe berry fruit, balanced oak & spice.

M.R & B.C

8/29/2014 - Bethinoz Likes this wine:

Carrick Pinot Noir 2007, Central Otago NZ

First Carrick wine I have tasted. Decanted 1/2 hr.

Wine appears medium bodied, with garnet colour showing no sign of 7 years age.

Sweet aromas of cherries, plums, dark chocolate & coffee spice.
On the palate it is soft & plush, with a graceful offering of black cherries & coffee spice. There are no funky, mushroom, or meaty characters.

Purity & elegance is the focus here. A serious, complex, age-worthy style with layers of flavour and a foundation of firm, ripe, tannins.

Drink till 2018.

Enjoy with dishes such as whole roasted baby Chicken, Quail, or Pork.

8/28/2014 - Bethinoz Likes this wine:

2007 Sori Paitin Barbaresco Vecchie Vigne Riserva

Delicate aromas of roses, fresh blood plums, spice. & thyme.
Really soft on the palate, the 2006 described as a powerful wine, this 2007 vintage is the most light & sophisticated 'dusty' I have experienced, with 1 hr in the decanter fruit is moving to fresh blueberries & raspberries, & aromas have become more complex of soil composition, red licorice & truffle / funghi.

Being quite soft & delicate on palate enjoyed with Piemonte Raviolini, & Confit Duck.
Drink to 2018

8/28/2014 - Bethinoz Likes this wine:

Jasper Hill 'Cornella's Vineyard' Grenache 2012, Heathcote VIC

Very sadly the Cornella's Vineyard burnt to the ground early this year. Ron assured us they would re-graft & so it will be just a few years without this lovely wine.

In comparison to other Jasper Hill wines this wine is very different, fruit is subtle, wine is medium bodied, offering youthful pretty characteristics rather than rich, ripe fruit concentration & weight.

Really enjoyed the moorish tannins & nice acid line, very approachable now & enjoyed with chicken livers, crusty bread & Greek pork sausages w sweet peppers.

Drink 2014-2020

8/26/2014 - Bethinoz Likes this wine:

N.V Laurent Perrier Champagne Cuvée Rosé Brut
Drank at 10-12 degrees in Burgundy glasses (100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir - Saignée method)

Soft inviting nose of strawberries & cream, blood orange & fresh roses.
Elegant fine beading & complexity in the mouth. Shimmering acidity on the palate, through to a lingering creamy finish. There are no sharp notes, or bite to this wine. It is a gorgeous Rosé Champagne to enjoy as an aperitif or could pair well with canapés garnished w salmon pearl, or perhaps w dessert as the residual sugar in the wine appears low.