A bargain SSB of balanced appeal, contrasting the freshness of lemon, lime and cut grass with the complexity of lanolin and lemon grass. A portion of wild fermentation in barrel builds well-textured structure and draws out the finish, uniting with zippy acidity to provide a note of sophistication. $17 at Oak Barrel.
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Sensitively handled, pinot grigio can take on a demeanour of elegant refinement in Tasmania’s cool climate. This is a beautifully fragrant style of fresh pear, lemon, apple blossom and nutmeg, with a crunchy and softly textured mouth feel. $17 at First Choice, Aussie Wines, No Frills, Wine List Australia and Chambers Cellars.
readAn elegantly crafted and understated Hunter shiraz of fine-boned texture. Tangy acidity and finely textured tannins provide a medium-bodied frame for black plum and blackberry fruits, with notes of liquorice and black pepper. Impressive value at $20 at The Tasting Room.
readI always get very excited to discover that rare thing: accurate, authentic pinot noir at an everyday price. Here’s one that’s been pre-aged, while maintaining enticing berry fruit compote and tangy morello cherry and plum flavours. A dusting of mixed spice and notes of forest floor reflect its maturity, confidently sustained by soft, fine tannins. […]
readA new blend from the age-old barrels of Chambers, and a good one. A tension between luscious sweetness and well-structured acidity is captivating, and the contrast of freshness and complexity is well played. It retains the lively lift of rosewater, apricot, marmalade and orange liqueur, and simultaneously great depth of mixed spice, cedar wood and […]
readClever name, cool wine. A fragrant, fresh and enticing cabernet blend of lifted rose hip perfume. The crunchy capsicum and tomato bush of cabernet meet the earthy spice of malbec in a soft, finely textured mould, with a long, tangy redcurrants finish. Great value lunchtime claret. $21 direct.
readLarry Cherubino crafts some of the finest shiraz in Frankland River, and his entry blend clearly learns from his top labels. It’s captivatingly textural and fragrant, with pretty violet and dried flower perfume, in a medium-bodied style of finely textured tannin structure. Crunchy, primary black cherry, blackberry, plum and liquorice build on a long finish […]
readAlongside many other large company Barossa shiraz labels at this price (even some from Lehmann), H&V has a mood of authenticity and attention to detail. Small batch winemaking builds accurate fruit definition, layered with lively black cherries, blackberries and black plums, against a backdrop of liquorice and smart toasty, dark chocolate French oak. It will […]
readH&V is Peter Lehmann’s most exciting new label in recent years, a collecting point for special parcels that narrowly miss the cut for the more famous labels of this iconic brand. The exquisite 2012 season meant there was more great old vine Barossa semillon on hand than Margaret required, so this young style was created […]
readTo the tune of just 241 cases, this is a spicy and characterful GSM layered with succulent, dark berry fruits, mixed spice and a touch of bouquet garni. Tangy cool season 2011 acidity keeps things lively and vibrant, while subtle French oak contributes finely textured structure. $23 direct.
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