Syrah is the unsung hero of Martinborough, and with partners in crime merlot and cabernet sauvignon to pep up its structure, there’s quite some potential here. An expressive bouquet of blackcurrant, mulberry, violets, leaf and mixed spice is funnelled into a tightly honed palate with a rigid chassis of firm tannins. $34 at WineStar.
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The first surprise is that it’s Tasmanian shiraz. The second is that it’s blended with the Bordeaux variety of petit verdot and the Port variety touriga. The third is that it’s absolutely captivating. From Grey Sands’ estate property at Glengarry, this is just the third release in six vintages, an enticing blend that captures the […]
readAn appealing and characterful blend that unites rose hip fragrance with blueberry pie, red cherries, liquorice and lavender. A red cherry core lingers amidst an undercurrent of softly textured tannins. $28 at Hunt For Wine, The Oak Barrel and World Wine.
readSuch are the heights to which Ata Rangi has ascended that even its second wine is as lofty as the first wine of many estates. Impressive cherry berry fruit purity, exotic spice, anise and violet themes are commendable, but it’s a confident, fine tannin profile and great persistence that elevate this release to a new […]
readLavished with tender loving care, this estate Langi fruit has volunteered a world of complexity in an enticing and approachable release. A large proportion of whole bunch fermentation, worked by hand and foot over many days and kept on lees in barrel for 18 months, has built great character of berry fruit definition, black jubes, […]
readA beautifully aromatic shiraz that leaps out of the glass the instant it’s poured, alive with fragrant violets, red cherries and a captivating hit of black pepper. The palate doesn’t miss a beat, a thrilling and impeccably defined, lighter-bodied red of precise fruit profile, finely-ground, elegant texture and impressive persistence. Its black fruit core is […]
readAn impeccable Xanadu Shiraz, showcasing the strength of its vineyard on Stevens Road. The bouquet is elegant and savoury, defined by pepper and black plum skins and an understated violet petal note from a portion of viognier. Finished fermentation in predominantly new FO. A portion co-fermented with viognier for spice and floral lift. 14 months […]
readMorris makes miniscule volumes of vintage port, and it’s worth tracking down for $25 direct, particularly if you have the stamina to leave it in the cellar for 20 or 30 years. Shiraz touriga durif is an unusual blend, and it works remarkably well, providing delightful balance of violet perfume, blackcurrant and cassis fruit and […]
readA bargain Central Otago pinot of silky allure and fragrant violet and rose petal perfume. It projects an engaging personality of elegant fruit presence, mixed spice and forest floor, laced together with softly textured tannins. No exports but will mail globally.
readA sensational vintage for Lake Breeze’s cabernet vines, now averaging more than forty years of age. It’s a deep, full, vibrant purple colour and brimming with impeccable blackcurrants, cassis, capsicum and lifted violets. It captures the signature concentration and menthol notes of Langhorne Creek while upholding refined cabernet varietal distinction. Fine-grained tannins and soft, lively […]
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