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Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2010, Hawkes Bay

This wine offers the complexity and finesse of an old world pinot and the body and structure more akin to what I would expect from hotter climate syrahs. I concure on the notes of currant, black cherries, smoke, green pepper and a hint of sweet pine.

A stand out for the price, with some short term aging potential.

Tasted Sept. 2012.

Warwick Wine Estate Trilogy 2008, Stellenbosch

Jacob's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009, Coonawarra, South Australia

A berry drive wine with some spice, but lacking in complexity and is both slightly acidic and sweet - almost immature. A but a decent wine, but overpriced.

Tasted April, 2012.

Cave De Roquebrun La Grange Des Combes Saint Chinian Roquebrun 2010, Ac

A smooth, complex wine for the price. In agreement with the smokey, savoury, floral expression described above. Rich, creamy, with plum, bacon fat, pepper and sweet herbs.

A recommend choice for those who enjoy the French GSM blends.

Tasted April 2013.

The Old Third Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011, Prince Edward County

The Old Third Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010, Prince Edward County

Segal's Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Galilee Heights, Israel

Medium bodied with intense notes of leather, wet tobacco, cassis, liquorice and anise. There is a currious note of curry as well.

Very nice finish with well integrated tannins. An interesting and complex wine with bold flavours that is in the old world style.

Decanting is a must.

Tasted April, 2012.

Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley

An excellent, complex wine that is harmoniously balanced and delicious. While the wine has a lot of larger flavours notes, it is elegant and doesn't overpower. While it is a little more expensive, this wine delivers.

Raspberry jam, dark plum, chocolate, cassis, molasses, with hints of oak, bay leaf and smoke.

Silky tannins and a smooth, lengthy finish.

Tasted May 2012.

Palmina Larner Vineyard Malvasia Bianca 2010, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara

Lots of lychee, white peach, tangerine, white flowers and other sweet orchard fruit.

An obviously well made wine, and the overwhelming fruit is moderated on the palate, with a smooth finish.

Tasted October 2013.

Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley

Straw yellow, slightly cloudy colour. A harmonious, smooth and lovely wine. The flavours are very subtle and come together nicely. Apple and citrus with vanilla/caramel and slight baking spice along side the oak on the end.

An excellent wine, but at a hefty price.

Tasted October 2012.