Ruggabellus captures my imagination every time I step foot in the Barossa, and with a miniscule production of just 912 bottles of this wine, you’ll likely never see it anywhere else unless you determine to hunt it down. I suggest you do, because this SMG blend seamlessly harmonises wonderful fragrance and abundant exoticism with detail […]
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Richard Bate’s big boy clocks in at a refreshing 14.2% alcohol, picked four weeks earlier than others who source from the same vineyard. This infuses it with a lively, vibrant acidity and delightfully firm, fine, almost mineral tannins. It’s in no way lacking in ripeness, contrasting its refreshing, calm restraint with deep black fruits, red […]
readCharlie Melton loves pinot but wouldn’t dream of growing it in the Barossa, so he’s inspired to make Nine Popes in a similar way. Or, in his words, “not too boofy or heavy!” While others have been playing with the Burgundian technique of whole bunch fermentation only recently, Charlie has been on to it for […]
readA new age in Barossa shiraz was unleashed some years ago, and it just got very serious indeed. If you want to understand the captivating evolution of the Barossa style, Maline 2010 exemplifies just what is possible. The exoticism and complexity on parade here are nothing less than profound, showcasing carefully gauged whole bunch fermentation. […]
readSwingbridge is the shining star of Yalumba’s single sites from the challenging 2007 season, exemplifying the resilience of these 1920 Eden Valley vines. Unashamedly medium-bodied, it upholds concentration and definition while highlighting savoury detail of black olives, tomatoes and sage. Nuances of tar, pitch and liquorice linger throughout a persistent finish, scaffolded with finely structured […]
readThere is an ever-rising theme of restraint in Stonewell, and the cool January and February of 2008 reinforced this style, picked largely prior to the unforgettable heatwave in early March. The result is one of the great Stonewells of all time, with a tannin structure that is a revelation: superfine, almost mineral in its textural […]
readDoes the shiraz cabernet blend account for the best red wines at the very pinnacle of the Barossa offering? Yes. The good news is you can tap into this delightful duo in the bargain space, too. St Hallett has welded the crunchy blackcurrants, redcurrants and leaf of cabernet to the blackberry fruits of shiraz to […]
readA shiny, razor-sharp spear of pristine, fresh lime juice impales a palate of fruit generosity and concentration, set against soft, chalky minerality and balanced acidity. A powerful fruit entry of kaffir lime spice carries pleasantly through the finish. $19 at Discount Wines.
readOne of the most exciting new Eden Valley riesling releases in years, this is the wine that the Lehmann wizards have dubbed “baby Wigan”. Sourced from a single vineyard, the highest from which Lehmann sources in High Eden, it narrowly missed out on being anointed as this year’s Wigan for release in four year’s time. […]
readI’d never heard of Forbes & Forbes, but it seems Google hasn’t, either, so I don’t feel quite so silly. Colin Forbes has kept his secret well hidden in Bob McLean’s infamous shed atop Mengler Hill, where he makes the wine. Now the word is out, and I unearthed it just days before it was […]
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