Thorne-Clarke not only took the top trophy in The Great Australian Red last year, it also secured the trophy for The Best Wine Under $20 with its great value Terra Barossa blend. It sings of the great 2010 vintage in succulent blackcurrants, mulberries, plums and black cherries, with subtle complexity of game, supported by firm, […]
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An intense, fruity and exotic riesling of pungent frangipane, luscious stone fruit and rich baked apple character, tempered by the acid backbone and citrus zest crunch of the cool King Valley. A wine of considerable persistence and immediate appeal. $13 at Boccaccio.
readThis is what verdelho is about. The exotics of guava, the crunch of nashi pear and the tang of grapefruit, with a fine-grained texture gained from yeast lees. No oak in sight, which is just as it should be. Best price direct.
readA gentle, authentic, immediate and fruit-focused pinot at a great price for weekday drinking. A pretty bouquet of rose hip and brambles leads into an elegantly bodied palate of red cherry and strawberry fruit. Old oak allows fruit to take the lead, supported by soft, supple tannins. $16 direct.
readThere’s quite some sophistication on show here. The primary focus is on grapefruit, white peach and fig fruit of purity drive and definition, but there’s a lot more going on here than you’d expect for $17. A fine, textural mouth feel reflects intricately managed wild fermentation on full solids and eight months in 15% new […]
readThis impeccable, uncomplicated and versatile blend is just the thing to tackle sushi and sashimi. Riesling takes the lead with its citrus and apple fruits, touched with gewurztraminer spice and pinot gris pear. Its’ soft texture and alluring fruit are well matched to its gentle sweetness (15g/L). $18 at Cracka.
readA 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.
readSensitively 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. […]
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