Australia, New South Wales, Central Ranges, Orange
This youthful Riesling surprised me with its vibrant character. Aromas of honey, wet stones, and ripe pears mingled with sweet apple notes and a tangy edge, though there was a slight reduction. Sweetness led the palate, transitioning seamlessly into a tangy, lingering finish. An easy-drinking wine with unexpected charm and my favorite from this lineup.
Australia, New South Wales, Central Ranges, Orange
Muted aromas of apricot and stone fruit pits set the tone for this Viognier. The palate was fresh and zippy, but hints of bitterness and noticeable alcohol heat on the back detracted from the overall experience. It lacked the rich, oily texture typically associated with Viognier, leaving me underwhelmed.
This Arneis opened with rich aromas of marmalade and sweet florals, suggesting complexity. On tasting, the oily texture was balanced by tangy acidity, but the noticeable alcohol heat and underlying bitterness left the wine feeling disjointed. While intriguing, it ultimately lacked balance and came across as overly hot.
Australia, New South Wales, Central Ranges, Orange
A light-bodied Pinot Noir with a pale ruby hue. Red fruit aromas dominated the nose, supported by a touch of oak and vanilla. The palate revealed soft tannins, hints of spice, and a subtle stemmy character that added depth. Though not overly complex, this was an elegant and drinkable Pinot Noir.
Australia, New South Wales, Central Ranges, Orange
This cool-climate Syrah displayed a refined, elegant profile. Aromas of red and dark fruits were complemented by subtle aniseed on the back. Medium-bodied with moderate tannins and bright acidity, the wine showed a touch of restraint, making it soft and approachable. While not a powerhouse, it held its own with balance and grace.
A zesty and vibrant expression of Viognier. Aromas of citrus peel, marmalade, and a touch of spice were framed by a slightly oily texture and tart finish. While pleasant, the wine lacked standout complexity and may benefit from 5+ years to develop.
This Chardonnay presented a nutty character with light oak influence. Subtle flavours of citrus and tropical fruits played on the palate, though the wine leaned towards being a touch watery. Easy and inoffensive, it was enjoyable but not a standout.
A single-vineyard Pinot Noir (2001 vines) with a vibrant red fruit profile and hints of aniseed. The wine’s zingy acidity and vanilla undertones added intrigue, while the soft tannins and elegant mouthfeel reflected its partially shaded vineyard origin. This was quite good and showcased its unique terroir beautifully.
From a sunnier vineyard block (1994 vines), this Pinot Noir showed a more peppery profile with great acidity and balanced tannins. Red fruits and a touch of licorice added to its complexity, creating a beautiful wine with elegance and structure. It was hard to decide between this and the Farrside for the Favorite.
This Shiraz was a delightful mix of red fruits, subtle vanilla, and a hint of stem inclusion. Balanced and medium-bodied, it struck a pleasing balance between modern and traditional styles without being overly heavy. A thoroughly enjoyable wine.
A vibrant sparkling wine with pronounced brioche and yeast notes on the nose. The palate was bright and bubbly, with creamy acidity and fresh citrus flavors. While the bread-like character added depth, it verged on overpowering for my taste. A nice wine, but not one I would revisit often.
Produced without oak and with 10g of residual sugar, this wine showcased strong yeast and citrus aromas. The mousse was robust, almost aggressive, with a bitter edge that softened into a pleasant finish. It was bold but lacked the finesse I seek in a sparkling wine.
This off-dry Champagne revealed aromas of light bread and creamy orange marmalade. The palate was smooth and slightly tannic, with the marmalade character dominating over clean fruit notes. Breadiness faded quickly on the palate, leaving a soft and situationally appealing wine.
20 months on lees, one year old oak. Smells bready and vanilla on nose. Lovely mousse almost perfect, delicate. Tannins but not too much. Interesting, not quite my style though.
Oak and stainless steel, 3 years, 5.5 disgorge. 50% reserve wine and NV rest. Light and delicate, refined, slightly sweet, bready but light. Small mousse, tart, a little bitter, lemon +. An experience, a standout but not my fav for some reason.
50/50, 8 years in bottle, stainless and oak. Yeasty not sweet, slate mineral. High acid tang. Drying and lemon. Surprised that it was not my favourite but I felt it was unbalanced.
With a fruity nose and a touch of sweetness, this Sauvignon was easy to drink and approachable. While not complex, it didn’t need to be. It had surprising richness for a morning wine, making it an enjoyable and uncomplicated choice.
A light and fruity wine with a delightful nose of kiwi and a hint of sweetness. The palate reveals a mix of citrus and sugar, leading to a balanced and enjoyable complexity. This was an easy favorite in its category.
The nose offered a sweet aroma of peach and apricot jam, with a lively acidity on the palate. Hints of brioche added depth, while white fruit like pear completed the finish. Though richer and warmer than expected, it was a compelling example of the vintage.
A bright wine with a small nose, it leaned heavily on acidity, which overshadowed its lighter flavors. While not my favorite, it may improve with some time to settle.
This Riesling offered a delicate mineral nose and a soft, approachable profile. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and just enough sugar to provide intrigue, it was a pleasant and enjoyable wine.
A single-vineyard Riesling with a sweeter nose and a richly fruited palate. The wine remained light despite its richness, with a sweet finish balanced by refreshing acidity. This was a standout and thoroughly enjoyable.
The mouthfeel immediately stood out, with acidity that jumped before fading quickly. Toasty and layered, the wine brought secondary characteristics to the forefront, making it an enjoyable, well-aged Riesling.
This Riesling felt imbalanced, with bitterness detracting from its otherwise interesting character. Unfortunately, it didn’t come together as well as others in the lineup and wasn’t my favorite.
A sweeter Riesling with notable reduction despite its age. It displayed impressive potential, suggesting it could develop into something outstanding with further aging.
This wine was full of fresh berries with light vanilla accents. Medium-bodied with firm tannins that still needed time to settle, it showed great potential. Once the structure softens, it’ll be even more enjoyable.
Delicate and soft, this Chardonnay was well-balanced, with light oak influence that harmonized beautifully with its acidity and fruit. An easy and likable wine.
With a savory nose of ash and cheese, this Pinot Noir was intriguing. The palate leaned heavily towards savory and umami flavors, making it a unique but polarizing wine.
A brighter expression of Pinot Noir with red fruit, vanilla, and spice. The oak influence was more pronounced, adding depth and complexity. This was my preference among the Copain Pinot lineup.
This Syrah opened with a licorice-infused nose and a chewy texture. The tannins felt overly prominent, making the wine a touch unbalanced. While enjoyable, it wasn’t as seamless as others.
red fruit, alot of vanilla, some sweetness, age, reduction in taste but not mouth feel. Not my fav. There isn't enough, it doesn't standout. Some while bunch I think. 20% new oak 500 casks
30% new 300l casks - smells less oak, some aniseed and red fruits, a little bit mineral. Tannins quiet a bit more but flavor better, more balanced but not ideal. More vanilla at back. My pick of reds.
Was told this was the best bang for buck Burgundy in Australia, RRP around $35.40. Fairly soft and rounded, apple and stone fruit, acidity a bit high. This was decent, would try again when my palate isn’t overloaded! Would like to compare with the louis latour which shares the same RRP.
I had this written down as the 2015 Blanc De Blanc so not 100% sure I have the correct wine. Unfortunately in the chaos of the tasting I did not grab a photo.
This Champagne dazzled with notes of lemon, cream, and brioche. A powdery texture on the nose hinted at its elegance. On the palate, a touch of reduction added intrigue, and the subtle sweetness was perfectly balanced by bright acidity. This was a beautiful wine and a standout in the lineup.
2023 Chalou Riesling
Australia, New South Wales, Central Ranges, Orange
This youthful Riesling surprised me with its vibrant character. Aromas of honey, wet stones, and ripe pears mingled with sweet apple notes and a tangy edge, though there was a slight reduction. Sweetness led the palate, transitioning seamlessly into a tangy, lingering finish. An easy-drinking wine with unexpected charm and my favorite from this lineup.
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2022 Chalou Riesling
Australia, New South Wales, Central Ranges, Orange
Muted aromas of apricot and stone fruit pits set the tone for this Viognier. The palate was fresh and zippy, but hints of bitterness and noticeable alcohol heat on the back detracted from the overall experience. It lacked the rich, oily texture typically associated with Viognier, leaving me underwhelmed.
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2023 Vietti Roero Arneis
Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Roero
This Arneis opened with rich aromas of marmalade and sweet florals, suggesting complexity. On tasting, the oily texture was balanced by tangy acidity, but the noticeable alcohol heat and underlying bitterness left the wine feeling disjointed. While intriguing, it ultimately lacked balance and came across as overly hot.
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2023 Chalou Pinot Noir
Australia, New South Wales, Central Ranges, Orange
A light-bodied Pinot Noir with a pale ruby hue. Red fruit aromas dominated the nose, supported by a touch of oak and vanilla. The palate revealed soft tannins, hints of spice, and a subtle stemmy character that added depth. Though not overly complex, this was an elegant and drinkable Pinot Noir.
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2022 Chalou Syrah
Australia, New South Wales, Central Ranges, Orange
This cool-climate Syrah displayed a refined, elegant profile. Aromas of red and dark fruits were complemented by subtle aniseed on the back. Medium-bodied with moderate tannins and bright acidity, the wine showed a touch of restraint, making it soft and approachable. While not a powerhouse, it held its own with balance and grace.
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2023 By Farr Viognier
Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Geelong
A zesty and vibrant expression of Viognier. Aromas of citrus peel, marmalade, and a touch of spice were framed by a slightly oily texture and tart finish. While pleasant, the wine lacked standout complexity and may benefit from 5+ years to develop.
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2023 By Farr Chardonnay
Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Geelong
This Chardonnay presented a nutty character with light oak influence. Subtle flavours of citrus and tropical fruits played on the palate, though the wine leaned towards being a touch watery. Easy and inoffensive, it was enjoyable but not a standout.
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2022 By Farr Pinot Noir "Farrside"
Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Geelong
A single-vineyard Pinot Noir (2001 vines) with a vibrant red fruit profile and hints of aniseed. The wine’s zingy acidity and vanilla undertones added intrigue, while the soft tannins and elegant mouthfeel reflected its partially shaded vineyard origin. This was quite good and showcased its unique terroir beautifully.
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2022 By Farr Pinot Noir Sangreal
Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Geelong
From a sunnier vineyard block (1994 vines), this Pinot Noir showed a more peppery profile with great acidity and balanced tannins. Red fruits and a touch of licorice added to its complexity, creating a beautiful wine with elegance and structure. It was hard to decide between this and the Farrside for the Favorite.
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2022 By Farr Shiraz
Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Geelong
This Shiraz was a delightful mix of red fruits, subtle vanilla, and a hint of stem inclusion. Balanced and medium-bodied, it struck a pleasing balance between modern and traditional styles without being overly heavy. A thoroughly enjoyable wine.
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2021 Albert Mann Crémant d'Alsace
France, Alsace, Crémant d'Alsace
A vibrant sparkling wine with pronounced brioche and yeast notes on the nose. The palate was bright and bubbly, with creamy acidity and fresh citrus flavors. While the bread-like character added depth, it verged on overpowering for my taste. A nice wine, but not one I would revisit often.
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NV Domaine des Aubuisières Vouvray Brut
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
Produced without oak and with 10g of residual sugar, this wine showcased strong yeast and citrus aromas. The mousse was robust, almost aggressive, with a bitter edge that softened into a pleasant finish. It was bold but lacked the finesse I seek in a sparkling wine.
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NV A. Margaine Champagne Premier Cru Demi-Sec
France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
This off-dry Champagne revealed aromas of light bread and creamy orange marmalade. The palate was smooth and slightly tannic, with the marmalade character dominating over clean fruit notes. Breadiness faded quickly on the palate, leaving a soft and situationally appealing wine.
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NV A. Margaine Champagne Premier Cru Brut Rosé
France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
20 months on lees, one year old oak. Smells bready and vanilla on nose. Lovely mousse almost perfect, delicate. Tannins but not too much. Interesting, not quite my style though.
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NV A. Margaine Champagne Premier Cru Le Brut
France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
Oak and stainless steel, 3 years, 5.5 disgorge. 50% reserve wine and NV rest. Light and delicate, refined, slightly sweet, bready but light. Small mousse, tart, a little bitter, lemon +. An experience, a standout but not my fav for some reason.
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2012 A. Margaine Champagne Blanc de Blancs Special Club
France, Champagne
50/50, 8 years in bottle, stainless and oak. Yeasty not sweet, slate mineral. High acid tang. Drying and lemon. Surprised that it was not my favourite but I felt it was unbalanced.
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2022 Eric Louis Sauvignon
France, Vin de France
With a fruity nose and a touch of sweetness, this Sauvignon was easy to drink and approachable. While not complex, it didn’t need to be. It had surprising richness for a morning wine, making it an enjoyable and uncomplicated choice.
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2022 Domaine des Aubuisières Vouvray Cuvée de Silex
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
A light and fruity wine with a delightful nose of kiwi and a hint of sweetness. The palate reveals a mix of citrus and sugar, leading to a balanced and enjoyable complexity. This was an easy favorite in its category.
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2022 Morin Pere & Fils Mâcon Pierre Channau
France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon
The nose offered a sweet aroma of peach and apricot jam, with a lively acidity on the palate. Hints of brioche added depth, while white fruit like pear completed the finish. Though richer and warmer than expected, it was a compelling example of the vintage.
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2023 Domaine Delaporte Sancerre Chavignol
France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre
A bright wine with a small nose, it leaned heavily on acidity, which overshadowed its lighter flavors. While not my favorite, it may improve with some time to settle.
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2022 Immich-Batterieberg Riesling C.A.I. Kabinett Trocken
Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
This Riesling offered a delicate mineral nose and a soft, approachable profile. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and just enough sugar to provide intrigue, it was a pleasant and enjoyable wine.
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2022 Immich-Batterieberg Enkircher Steffensberg Riesling
Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
A single-vineyard Riesling with a sweeter nose and a richly fruited palate. The wine remained light despite its richness, with a sweet finish balanced by refreshing acidity. This was a standout and thoroughly enjoyable.
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2014 Immich-Batterieberg Enkircher Steffensberg Riesling
Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
The mouthfeel immediately stood out, with acidity that jumped before fading quickly. Toasty and layered, the wine brought secondary characteristics to the forefront, making it an enjoyable, well-aged Riesling.
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2018 Immich-Batterieberg Enkircher Zeppwingert Riesling
Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
This Riesling felt imbalanced, with bitterness detracting from its otherwise interesting character. Unfortunately, it didn’t come together as well as others in the lineup and wasn’t my favorite.
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2022 Immich-Batterieberg Enkircher Ellergrub Riesling
Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
A sweeter Riesling with notable reduction despite its age. It displayed impressive potential, suggesting it could develop into something outstanding with further aging.
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2012 Château Massereau Cuvée K
France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur
This wine was full of fresh berries with light vanilla accents. Medium-bodied with firm tannins that still needed time to settle, it showed great potential. Once the structure softens, it’ll be even more enjoyable.
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2017 Copain Chardonnay Les Voisins
USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
Delicate and soft, this Chardonnay was well-balanced, with light oak influence that harmonized beautifully with its acidity and fruit. An easy and likable wine.
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2017 Copain Pinot Noir Tous Ensemble
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
With a savory nose of ash and cheese, this Pinot Noir was intriguing. The palate leaned heavily towards savory and umami flavors, making it a unique but polarizing wine.
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2017 Copain Pinot Noir Les Voisins
USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
A brighter expression of Pinot Noir with red fruit, vanilla, and spice. The oak influence was more pronounced, adding depth and complexity. This was my preference among the Copain Pinot lineup.
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2017 Copain Syrah Les Voisins
USA, California, North Coast, Yorkville Highlands
This Syrah opened with a licorice-infused nose and a chewy texture. The tannins felt overly prominent, making the wine a touch unbalanced. While enjoyable, it wasn’t as seamless as others.
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2019 Glenguin Shiraz Hunter Valley Shiraz
Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley
red fruit, alot of vanilla, some sweetness, age, reduction in taste but not mouth feel. Not my fav. There isn't enough, it doesn't standout. Some while bunch I think. 20% new oak 500 casks
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2018 Glenguin Shiraz Aristea
Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley
30% new 300l casks - smells less oak, some aniseed and red fruits, a little bit mineral. Tannins quiet a bit more but flavor better, more balanced but not ideal. More vanilla at back. My pick of reds.
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2023 Margan Sémillon Botrytis
Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley
almost yeasty champers. Super thick, sweet, still acidic, smooth. Very heavy though.
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2023 Mallory and Benjamin Talmard Mâcon-Chardonnay
France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon-Chardonnay
Was told this was the best bang for buck Burgundy in Australia, RRP around $35.40. Fairly soft and rounded, apple and stone fruit, acidity a bit high. This was decent, would try again when my palate isn’t overloaded! Would like to compare with the louis latour which shares the same RRP.
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2022 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Mâcon-Villages
France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon-Villages
Too much acidity, lovely back palate, a little sweet and fruity, maybe better with age, probably better with food!
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2022 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Saint-Véran
France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Saint-Véran
Quite a lovely nose, fairly well balanced and richer than some of the others. Clean fruits, balanced acid. Enjoyed.
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2022 Domaine Séguinot-Bordet Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume
France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru
Really interesting flavours but the acidity was far too high for me.
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2023 Glenguin Sémillon
Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley
Typical Sem, med mouth, little tart, smooth. Mineral. It's ok, good for a 2023.
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2014 Bruno Paillard Champagne Blanc de Blancs Millésimé
France, Champagne
I had this written down as the 2015 Blanc De Blanc so not 100% sure I have the correct wine. Unfortunately in the chaos of the tasting I did not grab a photo.
This Champagne dazzled with notes of lemon, cream, and brioche. A powdery texture on the nose hinted at its elegance. On the palate, a touch of reduction added intrigue, and the subtle sweetness was perfectly balanced by bright acidity. This was a beautiful wine and a standout in the lineup.
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