Adam Marks is one of the most reflective minds in Australian wine right now, and this is his finest pinot yet. Elegantly poised, silky structured, fragrantly lifted, gorgeously perfumed and hauntingly persistent. It unites rose petals, red cherries, wild strawberries, dried herbs and exotic spice into a seamlessly flowing stream which rolls over a tannin […]
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2010 is an exceptional season for Yeringberg’s cabernet blend, presenting impeccably ripe fruit of immaculate blackcurrant refinement and fragrant violet lift, wrapped intricately in high cocoa dark chocolate and vibrant acidity. Its tannin framework is nothing less than profound, perfectly gauged to provide mouthfilling presence and confident control, yet at every moment integrated, finely textured, […]
readA beautifully poised and graceful Yeringberg of effortless harmony, possessing that elusive trait of truly great pinot noir: seductive approachability with great longevity. Pure, beguiling character of red cherries, rose hip, wild strawberries, brambles and undergrowth, restrained yet pronounced. Tannins are silky and superfine, already seamlessly integrated yet possessing a structural assuredness that will make […]
readIt perplexes me that a wine of average age twenty-five years can sell at a price which, by world standards, is no more than tiny. After a generation in a solera of small barrels, it has concentrated down to an incredibly dark, dense and viscous thing, decadently thick, potently concentrated, lusciously sweet and mind-blowingly persistent. […]
read2000 ranks with 1994 and 2007 as one of the Douro’s greatest vintages in recent decades, and Warre’s boasts a balance, refinement and seamlessness that rank it ahead of 1994 in my tastings. There is tremendous complexity here of exotic spice, dark chocolate, sarsaparilla, even the lingering primary fruits of strawberry and fig. Its persistence […]
readAlways a reliable grab from the bottom chardonnay shelf, Hanwood is built around a core of two-thirds Riverina fruit, with its characteristic fleshy peach and rockmelon flavours. It’s the remaining third that’s really exciting. From eleven regions across four states, including a respectable 10% Tumbarumba, controlling the finish and keeping it crunchy and grapefruit-accented. Softly […]
readLaurent Delaunay visited me from the south of France recently, flying the flag for an exciting new range of wines (more on these in the coming weeks). His entry cabernet took my fancy, reflecting a strong vintage in this part of the world. The result is unashamedly medium-bodied and refreshing, an impressively textural cabernet of […]
readCarefully balanced bubbles at a bargain price, capturing citrus zest and wild honey, finishing crisp, dry and refreshing, with a finely mineral note. An appealing quaffer from cool climate Victoria pinot noir and chardonnay. $12 at Fassina.
readAt three years of age, the Grandstand is ready to perform. An appealingly medium-bodied Western Australian blend showcasing primary black plum and blueberry fruit, notes of black pepper and liquorice, supported by finely textured tannins.
read2012 is a season that captured both refined definition and fruit ripeness, making for sensational value in this entry Clare riesling. Its bouquet is particularly fragrant, singing with lemon and lime blossom and granny smith apple definition. A gloriously fresh palate is particularly tightly focused, carrying Watervale’s signature chalky mineral texture. $17 at Jim’s Cellars […]
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