A gorgeous Peninsula, and one of the finest yet. Co-fermentation with 5% viognier draws out a bouquet of fragrant violets, black plums and black pepper. The palate is gorgeously succulent, with pristine black cherry and juicy black plums, gliding into a finely textural and elegantly structured finish of tangy acidity, impeccable tannins and lingering persistence. […]
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Bress’ first foray into Yarra sauvignon is no trite attempt, wild fermented in 100% new French oak and bottled fairly quickly. Such is the power and fragrant intensity of the fruit that the oak miraculously dissolves into the background, building soft texture and enticing spice. It’s zesty, citrusy, fleshy and softly textured, with vibrant fragrance […]
readA skilfully crafted blend of delightfully mouth-embracing texture and understated complexity. Steve Pannell says the early-ripening tempranillo fared well for weight an intensity in 2011. The result is intricate and articulate in its expression of black cherries, black plum skins, dried herbs, anise, dried flowers, black pepper and bouquet garni. Maturation in large, mostly old […]
readAfter 26 years, Lenton Brae is expert at SSB of engaging appeal, balanced concentration and impressive length. Accurate and focused aromatics of lemon, lime and cut grass introduce a crunchy palate of lemon, grapefruit and subtle asparagus and cut grass. Its lively acidity and softly textural mouth feel make for an immediate and compelling style. […]
read2011 was a season that played into the hands of aromatic varieties in the Yarra, drawing a Sancerre-like restraint from De Bortoli’s sauvignon, and charging it with electric vibrancy and great longevity. Grapefruit and lime are the themes here, underlined by struck flint and nutty lees complexity, thanks to wild fermentation, plenty of lees work […]
readA great Flametree and a benchmark in affordable Margaret River chardonnay. It’s exact in its expression of a generous vintage, the vibrant purity of lemon blossom and grapefruit toning fig, pear and white peach, perfectly underscored by supportive cashew nut FO. The finish lingers with considerable persistence and well balanced acidity. Excellent value. $17 at […]
readA Block 3 to enjoy in its youthful immediacy, a slightly riper vintage for this label, yet retaining its signature definition and texture. White peach, white nectarine, melon, fig, fresh pear, cream and hints of cashew nut oak conspire in a style of impressive concentration. The zesty crunch of grapefruit and soft, integrated acidity keep […]
readYalumba Eden Valley Viognier edges ever closer to Virgilius, with length, texture and balance that make for a versatile style that will effortlessly match all manner of chicken and pork fare. Wonderful aromatics of pure apricot, pepper, lemon, peach and apricot kernel overflow into a palate of impressive concentration, capturing the depth and viscous intensity […]
readIf spicy sauvignon is your thing, you’re going to love this. Holm Oak marries the gooseberry pie, guava, grapefruit and leaf characters of sauvignon with the creamy, textural depth and persistence of partial barrel fermentation. It delivers seamless line and great length, finishing with cool, crunchy Tasmanian acidity. $23 at Flagstaff Cellars.
readEarly signs are that 2013 is a strong season for Hunter semillon. One of the first in bottle, De Iuliis sings with lime blossom and pink grapefruit fragrance. The palate is taut and honed, with a linear acid spine, slatey texture and tightly coiled structure. A semillon of persistence and potential. $23 at ViNE.
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