Semi-posh crawl

MM was in town to pick up an attendance award for the police so I said I'd take her out to talk tug and show her a few of the holes…

The usual emphasis on slightly natural, independent wine-making that you'd expect on this list. We just stayed for a couple of glasses

• 2016 Bondar Junto

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  Hmm, there is some generous red berry fruit here but also a slightly sour note that pushes things a little out of balance.

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• 2016 Shobbrook Wines Syrah Tommy Ruff Nouveau

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

  As expected, reasonably well managed whole bunch and berry and earlier harvest before full ripeness lends this black pepper, smoky notes and some blackberry but not much harsh acidity. Nicely done.

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I was a little disappointed to see that there wine by the glass hadn't changed - I must ask E how often she changes it for the G group - but there were still quite a few I hadn't tried so that's where we went…until I fancied a wedgy to finish the night…

• 2014 Les Fils de Charles Trosset Vin de Savoie Arbin Cuvée Confidentiel

  France, Savoie, Vin de Savoie Arbin

  Black pepper and burnt rubber backed by slightly jubey dark hued berry fruit makes me think of a semi-carbonic Pinotage…Not for me.

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• 2015 Jauma Syrah Archies

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  This is a slightly riper and denser version of the Tommy Ruff I had earlier in the evening. Pleasant enough

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• 2015 Paolovino Valpolicella

  Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella

  A perfectly well made if not eminently forgettable Valpol…

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• 2015 Bodega Abel Mendoza Rioja Jarrarte

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  Red berry fruit backed by a little savoury spice. Meh.

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• 2014 Domaine Overnoy-Crinquand Trousseau Arbois Pupillin

  France, Jura, Arbois Pupillin

  This is more fruity than I remember it - brand new bottle but tapped by Coravin so I'm guessing the last one was as well. Still that delicate framework but just a little more generosity with the cherry notes. Pretty and pretty handy. Kind of thing that I really should have more of in the cellar...

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And what a pleasant night it was. The non-wine places we went to were Barrio Cellar (tequila joint), Sushi Yahiyo for beers and Yakitori (thanks KC) & Busshari for sashimi, sushi and sake...