Cool Fish

Dog Point Vineyard

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023

A nose of fresh, cool melon without too much sugar or underripe tanginess in either direction. On the tongue is fairly thick with a bit of honeysuckle and light ginger, very smooth and viscous with a bit of Black beech honey on the tongue.  — 6 months ago

Denise Espinoza
with Denise
Tom liked this

Clonakilla

Canberra District Shiraz Viognier 2004

Spicy and peppery on the nose with a hint of apricot from the Viognier whose influence has diminished over the years. Red cherry and pepper on the palate. Generally regarded as one of the finest Shiraz blends in Australia. Cool climate - Intensity without weight. I love this style and this 2004 was a treat for the senses. Soft resolved fine savoury tannins. Sadly my last 2004 in 750ml although I did find a magnum after making this note. — 3 years ago

Paul, Eric and 20 others liked this

Anthill Farms

Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2017

Fruit comes from the coolest coastal parts of this appellation, linked by the influence of the Pacific’s cool marine air, which delays ripening. Ruby with rich berry fruit, citrus and floral spice. On the palate, strawberry and cherry, tangy, with cedar notes and earthy tones. Bright acidity, soft expressive tannins, long finish ending with mineral and cedar spice. Very nice, drink now & over next 5 years. — 4 years ago

Daniel P., Juan and 10 others liked this

Domaine François Raveneau

Butteaux Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay 2015

Very polished and restrained. Grippy with chalk and cool lemon. Limestone. Poised and quiet but quite fleshy. — 7 months ago

Tony GarciaJean-Francois PelletierChris Thalken
with Tony, Jean-Francois and 2 others
Lyle, Tom and 7 others liked this

Craiglee

Sunbury Shiraz 2012

See previous note in June 2023 where I questioned the ripeness of the fruit. This has the trademark spice and pepper. Very little fruit, more savoury characters. From one of Australia’s leading cool climate wineries. As Jancis said, “a real sense of place “ - in this case the Macedon Ranges just north of Tullamarine Airport. Very different to SA Shiraz. Just medium bodied - a leathery note with balanced tannins. As in previous note a touch of astringency at the finish. — 7 months ago

Douglas, Johnno and 17 others liked this

Shaw and Smith

Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2009

A museum release from the winery - I bought this at a Shaw and Smith tasting in Brisbane a few years ago. An asparagus note initially which blew off. Asian spices, raspberry, earthy mineral notes on nose, carrying through to the medium to full bodied palate. A nice balance between cool climate and warm climate characteristics. Finishes with a little astringency. — 4 years ago

Eric, Clive and 19 others liked this

Chateau Montelena

Napa Valley Chardonnay 2019

Cool, fresh, very elegant. Nicely reductive.
This is quite complex and really lovely!
Restrained, very taught & focused. Precise. So elegant! Amazing depth and energy. I really like this. The 14.5% alc unnoticeable. Fresh, racy and really, really elegant. This is a complete wine. A stunner!
— 7 months ago

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2008

The yin to 2005’s yang, the 2008 is ethereal and elegant, very Burgundian like. The fruit is more red to dark red, slightly more high toned and fresher - red cherry, currants, and pomegranate, with elegant spice and savory notes. The pepper here is a little more perceptible but is also very well integrated with the style the vintage has borne. The palate has med/med+ concentration, with more perceptible acidity, but in a mouthwatering, refreshing way. The tannin are med/med+ and fine, and this finishes long, cool and fresh. Another example of a great vintage/terroir wine. — a year ago

Ira, Lyle and 5 others liked this

Peay Vineyards

La Bruma Sonoma Coast Estate Syrah 2011

Aged cool climate Syrah from a consummate family. The tertiary flavors are stellar. — 4 years ago