Merricks Estate Shiraz 16 - A distinctive style of Shiraz coming from a long established Mornington Peninsula winery. French oak, but this is not heavy handed. Getting into its groove with a bit of age on it. Plum, cherry, spice and obvious earthy character. Soft tannins with a Pinot feel to it, which is pretty typical of their Shiraz. - 20/11/24
Katnook Estate Merlot 21 - A bigger style of Merlot. Usually gets 14 to 16 months in new and used barrels. Lovely purple colour. Blueberry, dark fruits, plum, cedar and spice. Lush fruit is very inviting, but there is also lots of oak influence and tannin. Feels full-bodied and structured rather than seamless. Needs a bit more time to get the best of it. - 21/11/24
Pfeiffer Winemakers Selection Riesling 23 - They have a few wines from other places like this, making up for the low yielding harvests over the last few vintages. This Riesling is sourced from Clare Valley, and has typical regional character. Straw colour. Limes, citrus blossom and florals. Really fresh with clean acidity. - 23/11/24
Pfeiffer Durif 22 - A wet, cooler vintage. Two separate parcels handled differently. Got a mix of French and American oak, with about 15 months maturation. Deep purple colour. Violets, plums, dark cherry and spice. The oak influence is showing of course. Draws you in and much too easy to pour another glass. Rich, robust flavours with typical big tannins. - 24/11/24
Chalmers Fiano 22 - Heathcote. Wild ferment and 10 months in a large Chestnut botte (which is also done with wines in southern Italy) and old French oak barrels. Yellow straw colour. Citrus, pear, almond, wood spice and some waxy texture. A little richer and savoury on the palate as it warms up in the glass and a dry finish. - 25/11/24
Chalmers Nero d’Avola 22 - Heathcote. I chilled this in the fridge for 5 mins. Whole berry, wild ferment, no added acid and unfined. Just 12.4% a/v. A lighter, tank fermented style of red. Ruby colour and perfumed. Loads of fruit character. Forest berries, cherry and herbs. Fresh and vibrant in the glass with some savoury tannin. - 26/11/24
Pfeiffer Cabernet Sauvignon 22 - This turned up in the latest club pack order. A wet, low yield vintage, so it was probably a challenge with the Cab. Rutherglen, King Valley and Great Western fruit. Got a mix of new and older French oak, with batches handled differently. Nice red-purple colour and good fruit intensity. Cassis, dark berries, mint, dried herbs and some dry tannin. - 28/11/24
Pfeiffer Cabernet Sauvignon 21 - I much prefer this to the 22, and ordered more with the changeover of vintages. It is also one to keep. Mostly the Rutherglen blocks and a small amount of King Valley fruit. Got about 15 months in new and older French oak. Lovely purple colour and jumping out of the glass with plush fruit. Sweet dark berries, cassis, cherry, mint and neatly handled oak. Feels robust and full-bodied with smooth tannins. - 29/11/24