Such 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 […]
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Lavished 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 […]
readA 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 […]
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