Wine Reviews

Produced by a joint venture between Deutz of Champagne and Montana of NZ from the traditional Champagne varieties of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. The grapes are grown in NZ and the wine is made using traditional French Champagne making practices. Good “Champagne” like flavours and a good value for money sparkling.

Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown in Victoria. A sweeter sparkling as indicated by the term “Richee”. Certainly a sweeter sparkling without great depth or complexity.

From Marlborough in NZ and one of our favourite budget Pinot Gris’s. Flavours of apple, pear and mandarins. A popular and good value for money wine.

Made at one of Margaret River’s leading and most picturesque wineries, Chardonnay being one of the varieties Margaret River is famous for. Flavours of citrus and melon. Quite a lean Chardonnay.

Made from some of the oldest vineyards in the Hunter Valley, planted in 1921 and 1880 respectively. Typical Hunter Valley Shiraz flavours of earth, leather and cherries. Sweeter and lighter than the 2006 Rosehill.

One of the Mount Pleasant Shiraz’s from the Hunter Valley. From one of the newer vineyards planted in 1945. Typical Hunter Valley Shiraz flavours of earth, leather and cherries.

This wine received rave reviews when it was released nearly four years ago and when tasted then lived up to those reviews, and it still does. A typical big old fashioned Barossa Shiraz with plum, blackberry, spice and chocolate. Ready to be drunk.

For those who don’t like Shiraz, a Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre blend with 68% Grenache. A lighter sweeter wine than the straight Shiraz with raspberry, cherry and liquorice. Quite sweet but full bodied.

For those who want something different. These are two of what are commonly known as the Bordeaux varieties. Unusually there is no Cabernet Sauvignon in this blend. It is a lighter, sweeter wine than Cabernet Sauvignon and is quite Grenache like with sweet berry flavours.

Distinct lime juice flavours, but quite mellow. This wine may be in the middle of its development when it is neither young nor old. A pleasant enough drink for the price.