Block 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 […]
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It 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 […]
readYouthful yet complex, rich yet crisp, caressing yet challenging all at once. A complex and enticing bouquet spans fragrant granny smith apple, lily perfume, lanolin, guava, even a note of wild honey. The palate delivers a spectacular panorama, with dramatic brush strokes of gooseberry pie and burnished tones of hazelnut cream, bathed in gentle white […]
readIntroducing Katnook’s most perfumed, pure and refined cabernet I can remember. The bouquet is elegant, lifted by violet fragrance set against a background of redcurrants, blackcurrants and capsicum. Equally fragrant and refined on the palate, a gorgeous core of pure redcurrants and red cherries is underlined by impeccable, finely textured tannins and lively acid definition, […]
readThis is single site Marlborough sauvignon in disguise. A brand new creation, purposely not varietally labelled, relying on fermentation with high solids and wild yeast in old oak barrels to emphasise texture above fruit, building a layered mouth feel of great line and length. Soft gooseberries and custard apples make for a complex and enticing […]
readA refreshing twist. Wolf Blass is working hard to build detail in Grey Label, accenting crunchy fruit ahead of heavy oak, structure and alcohol. There’s still power here, but it manages pretty good control in the wake of 15% alcohol. Well-focused and inky plums, blueberries and black cherries meet mint and fresh, tangy acidity. Cabernet […]
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