David Hohnen was among Western Australia’s pioneers of Zinfandel in the 1970s, planting the vineyard that now supplies Cape Mentelle. He planted Rocky Road in the 1990s, and his pioneering work continues in the introduction of new clones. The 2011 is a Zinfandel of outstanding balance – an extremely difficult feat with this variety at […]
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There’s no mistaking the origins of Epoch, an equal blend of grenache and cinsaut vines of 70-90 years of age, just 300m from the southern coast of France. The subtle complexity of garrigue and an understated note of sea salt proclaim the ever-present influence of the Mediterranean, amidst elegant strawberries, red apples and guava. An […]
readWith more complexity and depth than the youthful simplicity of the “Rutherglen” classification, yet without the potent intensity of more senior blends, I love Campbells’ Classic for its exacting balance, wonderful persistence and sheer drinkability. With an average age between five and ten years, the freshness of sweet marmalade and cold tea are retained, within […]
readVine age has been a key driver of the rise of Marlborough pinot noir in recent years. Spy Valley ranks among the best producers in the region, having first planted the variety more than twenty years ago, and even its youngest vines were ten years of age in 2011. This infuses an elegant, mineral tannin […]
readIn extreme youth, lime blossom and pink grapefruit highlight a pretty bouquet. The palate is taut, honed and persistent, with a linear acid spine, tightly coiled structure and slaty texture. Great now, and short-term potential. $20 at Our Cellar and Jim’s Cellars.
readThe understated restraint of the cool 2011 season has coaxed out the tangy, savoury personality of sangiovese. Tomato bush and pink pepper create a herbal style, with dark berry fruits amidst finely textured and impressively mineral tannins. $20 at Discount Wines and Cracka.
readThere’s real confidence here, both on the fruit and structural fronts. This single vineyard unashamedly delivers classic Clare mint, eucalypt and deep plum and black cherry fruits in full measure. Solidly structured tannins provide a fine and firm scaffold, supporting integrity and longevity. $20 at My Cellars.
readIf Tassie pinot on full throttle is too much for you, you’ll be captivated by this pretty and light-bodied style, and all the more delighted when you pick it up for $19 (Cracka and Wine Style). Lifted rose hip and pink pepper aromatics accent red cherries and finely textured tannins.
readA fragrant grenache from 60-80 year old Barossa vines, assembled to the tune of just 300 dozen by master craftsman Kym Teusner. It sings with the classic notes of grenache: perfumed cherry, raspberry jam and soft, finely textured tannins. $16 at Jim’s Cellars.
readACTC has cemented its position among the most sophisticated bargain chardonnays in the country, with a harmonious accord of lingering lemon, grapefruit and white peach, contrasting with the struck flint complexity and texture of fermentation and lees aging. Doubling production to 1000 cases this vintage has done nothing to diminish its style, making this rare […]
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