Well it *is* grand final weekend after all!
️ 4.25 / 5 for the Windows Estate SSB: a great example of the classic Margaret River blend, and good value too at $26 pb. The wine has complex aromas of citrus, herbs, grass, vegetable notes like capsicum, minerals and oak. Worth keeping an eye on this winery, run by a lovely and welcoming young family.
️ 4.25 / 5 for the Stonier Windmill Vineyard Pinot Noir. If you love a fragrant wine, this one packs a punch: raspberry, cherry, sweet spice, smoke, and some herbal and floral notes to boot. Delicious. Normally $65 but I managed to score it for $45 and am very happy I got a case.
️ 4 / 5 for the Sicilian Nero d’Avola. This came in a cheap-ish mix pack of Italian wines and is good value, very easy to drink and typical of the style. Endorse.
️ 3.75 / 5 for the Nocturne Cab Merlot. It’s a decent drop at $35, but I admit I was expecting more from this winemaker of Deep Woods Estate fame (this is their “side project”). Aromas of black fruit, eucalyptus and earthy elements, along with juicy red fruit on the palate, but not overly complex or ultimately satisfying. Shame.
️ 4 / 5 for the Chateauneuf-du-Pape. I love a good GSM blend and this was quite enjoyable, but as is typical of so much French wine, the value for money isn’t really there (I paid $60 but Vivino reports an average price of $90). Still, it was nice to drink a GSM from where the blend originates!
All up, a pretty good weekend!