Merlot performed well in the cool, wet 2011 season, so Wayne Dutschke took the opportunity to realise a long-term dream to make a straight merlot from the 1980 vines of St Jakobi vineyard. A good decision, too, yielding a surprisingly accurate straight merlot for the Barossa floor. Its balance reflects the restraint of 2011 and […]
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Grenache, mataro and shiraz are skilfully interwoven in Grant Burge’s solera system to create a tawny of excellent persistence, accurate line and lingering complexity. Ten years in barrel has built layers of savoury rancio complexity, roast almonds, caramel, plum pudding, mixed spice and orange rind. Tangy acidity pulls the finish in tight and focused, offset […]
readSuch is the intricate craftsmanship on display here that, even at this infant age, it’s impossible to distinguish where the fruit stops and the oak starts. Two-thirds sauvignon and one-third semillon from the southern and central parts of Margaret River was part-fermented in new and old oak, serving to propel the fruit upward, rather than […]
readAn age-worthy cabernet of textbook precision is a rare find at this price. Straight cabernet fruit from Wilyabrup and northern Margaret River presents accurate aromas of leaf, tomato bush, redcurrants and cedar. The palate is built around fine-grained, graphite, unashamedly firmly-textured tannins that envelop blackcurrant and capsicum fruit of impressive persistence, supported by impeccably gauged […]
readAn exactingly crafted blend that exemplifies the savoury definition and longevity of the understated 2009 vintage, yet with the well-poised and intricately polished fruit profile that defines the modern Peter Lehmann style. Considerable fruit concentration and definition are on show here, capturing the vibrancy of crunchy redcurrant and leaf of cabernet (70% of the blend), […]
readThe very finest Caillard Mataro yet, a fitting tribute to an outstanding season, showcasing what the Barossa can achieve with this variety. At a refreshing 13.6% alcohol, there is an enticing air of elegance and refinement to this release, fragranced with violet perfume and laced with dried flowers, mixed spice, dried herbs, rhubarb, red berry […]
readEncouraged by his long-time friend and contemporary Peter Lehmann, Dudley Ruediger planted cabernet in the Barossa at the height of the vine pull scheme in the late 1980s. More than three decades later, at the age of 83, he still tends those same vines of his low-yielding vineyard on the border of Light Pass and […]
readVarietal credentials are on full parade in this value-for-money lunchtime cabernet. Flavours of crunchy blackcurrants and violet perfume carry long through a refreshingly medium-bodied palate of tangy acidity and fine-boned tannins. Great value at $7 at Wine Bay.
readA beautifully elegant and textural rosé that harmonises cabernet franc, pinot noir and shiraz into tangy pomegranate, tomato leaf and guava flavours, finishing crunchy, dry and refreshing. The tongue-tingling tang of its cool, high altitude acidity makes for a lively and tightly composed summer refreshment. $20 at Cracka.
readAn enticing and impressive 2011 Barossa red, this is a vintage of soft, supple tannins, making for an earlier drinking WillowBend. Layers of spice, black plums and rhubarb and a lifted rose hip perfume define a spicy and vibrant style of lively red fruits, finely textured tannins and lingering fruit persistence. $20 direct.
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