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Cowra Estate Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc 2009

The tasting room is not gushing full of Chardonnay SB blends so the intrigue factor kicked in here. The upfront luscious fulsomeness of the Chardonnay reflects its long origins at CE back to 1973. The Chardonnay gives body, the SB its structure and a touch of elegance. Together it is quite a fresh and uplifting white blend that marries well with a range of cuisines, like Malay chicken curry. It cuts through solid flavours well whilst imparting its own robust character as well.

Drink Now. Alc 12.5%. About $18. 87/100 – Good.

Mulyan Block 9 Shiraz Viognier 2007
 
Cold weather means red wine, red wine and almost exclusively red wine around here. A good solid robust red wine here from Cowra in central NSW. I like the smoothness and liqueryness of the fruit, the Viognier has done its work well here. The wine has an intensity to it, though it is not overdone, over-ripe or too fruit driven. Balance is the key here and it delivers well on that front. The oak provides a good backbone. Liquorice, aniseed, star anise and cinnamon make their secondary character appearance adding a savoury dimension to the palate and delicious mouthfeel. Very good with beef ribs.
 
14.2%. About $25. Now to 2015. 90/100 – Very Good.

Swinging Bridge Canowindra Central Ranges Shiraz 2008
 
Decent honest red wine drinking from the Central West region of NSW. Boutique wine making from Tom Ward and Chris Derez, means this is classy cool climate red wine with good spiciness, edgy oak, substance on the palate and smooth robust cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant and coffee mocha characters right to the end. Has some time left in it yet and good with a Winter stew.
 
Drink to 2016. About $20. 14.1%. 87/100 – Good.