Chatto Semillon 2006

89 points

Hunter Valley. 10%

Fantastic acidity. This is just starting to mellow and develop some of the complexity that comes with age. Enjoyable yet I regret opening now.

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Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin 2004

90+ points

Pinot dominant Champagne, or at least this is the flavour I noticed which reminded me how much blanc de blanc we drink.

Rather fine if a bit disjointed. Needs a few years to settle down. Some wonderful Champage produced in 2004.

Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz 2004

90++ points

Hunter Valley,NSW, Australia. 12.5%

Concentrated wine with youthful acidity and oak. On a frame of only 12.5% alcohol – a long way from being a syrupy blockbuster. Tremendous potential.

Savoury complex shiraz without the floral aspects of cool climate shiraz nor any of the pruney aspects of warm climate shiraz. Like Hermitage in a good year!

Craggy Range Le Sol shiraz 2007

90+ points

Craggy Range, Hawkes Bay, NZ. 14%

Quite a sophisticated show pony. Well judged expensive oak frames silky cool climate shiraz. It’s good.

I just fear that it seems to lack character. Perhaps with age?

And I find the price a bit disconcerting. This is exciting cool climate shiraz but it has a number of Australian competitors now. It stands out for sophistication but some of its competitors have pedigree, distinctiveness, regional character and/or price advantages.