When Brokenwood legend Iain Riggs came to visit recently, his bag was loaded with new release sneak previews, and none impressed me more than this brand new semillon. The purity and energy of focused lime and lemon zest on show here are really something, and even after five years it’s barely beginning to show the […]

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Larry McKenna is at the cutting edge of the new Martinborough, and in 2010 his estate vines reached that magical transition age of twelve years. The texture and flavour of whole bunch are a key priority here, captured in wonderful complexity of lifted exotic spice and anise over a blanket of violets, black cherries and […]

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Exuberant, fragrant perfume captured within a shell of exacting control is a contradiction aspired to by many a young pinot noir, yet rarely attained. Kooyong’s Estate 2010 is captivating as much for its gorgeous, graceful and expressive bouquet of rose petals and pristine red cherries as it is for its immaculately silky yet consummately structured […]

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Celebrating their thirtieth birthday in time for the release of this wine next month, Lenton Brae’s estate grown Wilyabrup cabernet sauvignon vines have enjoyed a new pruning regime, making for richer, riper and less angular and austere character. The result is a wine that encapsulates the poise and definition of this outstanding vintage, in classic […]

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“There’s a balancing act to when you pick semillon,” Bruce Tyrrell said when he visited to introduce this wine recently. “Everyone said we were mad to pick this one so early!” Bruce had the last laugh, with a wine that captures a wonderfully ripe and brilliantly pure fruit profile, within a palate of searing acidity […]

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From the day the very last bottle of legendary 1996 Pol disappeared from the shelves, we have long awaited the dawning of another grand vintage. 1998, 1999 and 2000 came and went, and in October the much-anticipated 2002 will land. The odd sneak preview bottle has arrived to taunt us, and – my goodness – […]

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Looking for something to slot into the void between delicate rosé and red-blooded pinot? This enticingly elegant and light-bodied pinot noir fits the bill. It’s spicy, crunchy and loaded with red cherry and raspberry fruit, rose petal aromas and notes of pink pepper. Fine tannins, crunchy Tassie acidity and a long finish complete an enticing […]

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2011 has made for a spicy and structured Devil’s Corner, with restrained pink pepper, rhubarb, brambles and grippy tannins accented by taut acidity. It’s savoury and structural, yet accurate and appealing, with good persistence and medium-term potential. Great value at $12.50 at 1st Choice and Dan’s.

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An enticing cool vintage style pinot noir, at a great price. It delivers impressive poise of red cherry fruit layered with pink pepper, making for a vibrant, fresh and tangy style of finely textured tannins and lingering persistence. $15 at 1st Choice and Dan’s.

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Here’s great value in a pre-aged Tassie pinot noir from three estate vineyards. After three years, primary cherry/berry fruits are upheld, becoming savoury, with nuances of spice and brambles. Firm, fine tannins ensure plenty of life yet. $22 at Wine Cave and Dan’s.

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