The Barossa’s hot, low-lying western fringe is the subject of no shortage of controversy, but it can certainly deliver a punch when its vines grow up, as they clearly have here. This brand new Dan Murphy’s exclusive puts on quite a show of generous depth and persistence in its flavours of sweet black plums, spicy […]
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Water Wheel has achieved cult status for producing deep, classical Central Victorian shiraz of outstanding value for money, and this is one of its most balanced releases of the modern era. Black plum and blackberry fruit mesh with dark chocolate and firm, drying tannins, leaving the finish savoury and true to its region. Good value […]
readCliff Royle is one of WA’s most astute and intuitive winemakers, capturing the essence of Margaret River Cabernet even in his easy-drinking quaffer. Its primary, crunchy blackcurrants taste like cabernet straight out of the fermenter, speaking volumes of the juicy appeal of this warm vintage. Fine, rustic fruit tannins provide some structure to the finish, […]
readAuntsfield doesn’t make sauvignon like everyone else in Marlborough. The point here is expressing the mineral texture of this old site, achieved through all manner of clever winemaking tricks including use of a bit of old oak and months of lees ageing and stirring. The result is released later, will live longer and speaks more […]
readThere’s always been an authentic, hand made feel to Troy and Tony Kalleske’s wines, but it seems the lads have refined a sense of polish in recent years, reinforced by the advent of their ultra-slick, retro, embossed bottles. There’s nothing shy about the second release of their foray into single vineyard cabernet, a concentrated and […]
readDomaine Chandon has built its fame on sparking wines, but with Mount Langi Ghiran legend Dan Buckle recently taking the reins, watch this estate transform into a still wine epicentre of Victoria. It already has plenty to show for itself, as this wine exemplifies. An alluring core of black plums, perfectly ripe blackberries, anise and […]
readLove it or loathe it, the moscato revolution is in full swing, and why fork out $25 when you could spend $7 at Winesaver? OK, so it’s short, simple and a little lacking in fruit concentration – but it’s grapey, with all the right flavours of honey, ginger, cane sugar and lemon. And, hey, you’re drinking […]
readD’Arenberg is setting new Olympic records in the number of new super-premium wines to emerge in one year, but it’s at the value end of the league that this grand estate showcases its true prowess. D’Arry’s is an even mix of shiraz and grenache, with a touch of carbonic maceration for bubblegum complexity. Berry compote […]
readWhoever said 2011 was a disastrous red wine vintage? It’s a captivating sport to find the exceptions, and here’s another! I love the touch of the 2011 vintage in this wine, increasing its tangy vibrancy, texture and elegance. The result is an impressively refined and textural fruit focus of rhubarb, plum and blackberries, with notes […]
readThere’s no question that the wizards at Yalumba have mastered this challenging variety more skilfully than anyone in the country, and they have worked their craft with special magic in 2011. A delightfully restrained and texture-focused vintage, with fine nuances of apricot kernel, ginger, white pepper and fennel. The palate is quite sophisticated, honed and […]
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