A 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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A gorgeous sangiovese defined by the bright acid freshness that characterises this grape. It’s young and fruit-focused, singing with gentle cherries, strawberries and raspberries, laced with mouth coating, ultra-fine-grained tannins. $19 at Cracka.
readCaptured at the perfect instant of ripeness to lock in flavours of crunchy granny smith apples, lemons and blackcurrant buds, massaged by a portion of old oak barrel fermentation. It’s pretty, precise, refreshing and persistent, accented with finely textured structure. A sauvignon of admirable line and persistence. $17 at Cracka.
readSerious recipe, serious wine. One of the Upper Yarra’s coolest sites, wild fermented in large oak barrels and small tanks with lots of lees work. The result is an engaging tension between crunchy lime zest, nashi pear and granny smith apple and the layered, textural mouth feel of clever barrel and lees action. An exciting […]
readBlock 1A is actually a blend across eight blocks, but don’t let this hold you back from a surprisingly sophisticated and skilfully crafted chardonnay at a bargain price. Elegant beauty is the theme here, with a vibe of spicy grapefruit, just ripe white peach and high notes of lemon blossom. Partial ferment in big French […]
readIt says rosé on the tin, but consider this wine part way between light rosé and McLaren Vale grenache, with a medium crimson pink hue and a palate of softly structured tannins and well-toned body. It’s got all the ripe and flamboyant strawberries and raspberries you’d hope for, finishing refreshingly off-dry, with crunchy acidity, complexing […]
readWith 3-5 years average age, the freshness of marmalade and tea leaves is beginning to build to the complexity of caramel and soft spice. Impressive persistence, viscosity and balance at a tempting price. $17 at Cracka and Dan’s.
readClassic Margaret River shiraz, with a dash of viognier for floral lift and a touch of graciano for spice. Rose hip and pepper overlay tangy redcurrants and morello cherries, underlined by finely textured tannins. Fresh, crunchy and great value. Give it a year to integrate. $14 at Our Cellar.
readAta Rangi is going from strength to strength, and credits a new vineyard manager with the refinement in its fruit since 2009. 2011 has givn birth to an outstanding Petrie, at once honed and taut and at the same time delightfully complex and textural. Layers of struck flint and charcuterie float over precise grapefruit and […]
readThis is the first release of Gaelic Cemetery’s Premium Riesling, but you’ll have to look hard to identify it, as its premium aspirations are only alluded to in the fine print. This is worth looking for, as it’s a big step up from the standard edition. In its tiny 1300 bottle volume, it’s an exciting […]
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