My Top Wine Finds in September 2014 – Liquid Memories!

I feel like I’m ready for October, I have so many different posts on the go whether they’re in the drafting, researching or just brainstorming stage but the main thing is I’m feeling happy and organised (and I’m hoping my bubbly wining is infecting you right this very second!).

Everything from here on out is downhill for 2014. Soon it’ll be Christmas & New Year which as we all know is a crazy time of year. Annnnnddd perhaps one of the booziest times of the year, between all the Christmas parties, family & friend catch ups, public holidays, etc.. How can you not love it! Creating liquid memories as I like to think of it!

Yes, I’m  totally going to encourage you right now to start stocking your wine rack. Keep an eye on the awesome bottle and case deals at your local booze shops and at winery cellar doors. Pick up some bargains and store it for December! As always, I do promote safe and responsible consumption of alcohol at all times.

So let’s get to the point, here are my top wine finds from September 2014, perhaps something to consider for the jolly season…

1. d’Arenberg DADD NV Sparkling Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier NV from the Adelaide Hills, SA

Approximately $35 from Liquor Barons.

I thought this was delicious, so easy to drink and just plain yummy. Plus I couldn’t help put think how cool it would be to give a bottle of this plus a bottle of Mumm Champagne to the parentals as a gift.. haha!

Tasting note: Bright highlighter yellow on the eye. The fizz tickles your nose, aromas of toffee apple, charred citrus and a touch of yeast. Fresh, juicy and pretty tasty on the palate. It’s like biting into an apple, delish!!!

2.  Olive Farm Wines Museum Release 2008 Chenin Blanc from the Swan Valley, WA

$35 a bottle from the cellar door.

I have to admit I haven’t had many aged Chenin Blancs in my time and this was just delightful. Plus who doesn’t love a special edition right?

Tasting note: Brilliant fluorescent gold on the eye. Gorgeous lifted aromas of honeydew melon, peach pie and flax. On the palate it’s OMG unbelievable. Juicy & full bodied yet elegant and oh so sophisticated. The perfect example of how well Chenin Blanc from the SV can age!

3. Marq Wines 2012 Vermentino from the Margaret River, WA

I picked this up for $25 from Chateau Guildford.

I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting wines, I have had a couple of Marq Wines before which were superb and it looks like I got lucky again with this one!

Tasting note: It’s a lemon yellow on the eye. Beautifully aromatic on the nose with floral, sherbet, lemon, mint and sea spray aromas. On the palate it’s oh so pretty and delicate with a lemon candy finish. I could drink this all day and night Love it!

4. Voyager Estate 2009 Chardonnay from the Margaret River, WA

I received this cute 375ml bottle in my Qantas epiQure goodie bag from the 2014 wine fair. I really don’t understand why they make such small bottles of this Chardy as it’s simply not enough, even for one!

Tasting note: Beautiful sunshine yellow on the eye. Aromas of olive oil, butterscotch and spiced melon fruits. On the palate it’s oh so fine – big, juicy and oaky with a lovely fruit and savoury balance. My kind of Chardy. Love!

5. Tyler’s Vineyard 2013 Red Grenache from the Swan Valley, WA

$18 from the cellar door + you can even get your own photo on the bottle!!

I am a total sucker for Tyler’s Vineyard wines, I am just constantly amazed that they can make a still white, rose & red + a sparkling rose and fortified wine all out of the grape variety. Grenache! Super cool if you ask me.

Tasting note: Pretty cherry red on the eye. Aromas of plums, cherries, prunes, milk chocolate and hazelnuts. On the palate it’s juicy and fresh with light tannins and it just goes down a treat if you ask me, another glass please!! The winemaker for this beauty was Tony Cobanov from Windy Creek Estate. The Tyler’s grow and look after the vines and then have local winemakers craft the wines.

6. Plan B! Wines 2014 OD Riesling from the Frankland River, WA

I savoured a glass of this delightful WA wine over lunch at Ria Malay Kitchen last weekend for $9.50 per glass. More details on the lunch to come on the blog soon!

Tasting note: On the eye it was a pretty lemon-lime colour with a lovely floral nose with a touch of honey. This off-dry style Riesling went absolutely beautifully with the Malaysian food. Delicate flavours of candied lemon but the dash of sweetness was a perfect accompaniment to the dishes we ordered!