Lindsay McCall is a genius in the stratosphere of shiraz, and with each passing year his expertise filters down all the more decisively to this tantalising price for us mere mortals. Peninsula is a maelstrom of complexity, a vortex of exotic spice, plum blossom, anise, coal dust and a churning current of black pepper. Masterfully […]
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Every trick in the winemaking book was thrown at this wine, and a few besides (including sneaky frozen grape work) but the result transcends all the wizardry with its beautiful restraint, delicate lemon blossom fragrance and pure lemon, grapefruit and pear flavours. Delightful texture, finely structured acidity and outstanding persistence complete an enticingly sophisticated sauvignon. […]
readAvatar is the benchmark for new wave Barossa GSM and 2010 is an outstanding expression. Deep, succulent black plums and juicy black cherries are wrapped in folds of dark chocolate oak. Fine, textural tannins and vibrant acidity keep everything lively and focused. $23 at MyCellars.
readThe record-breaking, early ripening 2011 vintage has given birth to an understated Cullen, making it exceedingly rare among sauvignons as a wine in which texture speaks louder than fruit. A textural grapefruit pith mouthfeel, outstanding presence and a ribbon of long-lingering acidity give form to granny smith apple skin, lime and preserved lemon fruit, with […]
readA sensational vintage for one of Coonawarra’s great cabernets, maintaining pristine fruit vibrancy and crunchy freshness at four years of age, promising an extremely long life indeed. Ticking every box of varietal and regional precision, perfumed fruit carries long into the finish, supported by back-seat, dark chocolate oak, crunchy acidity and textural, firm, finely mineral […]
readMeet one of the most distinguished Alberts yet, with a personality of depth and strength, yet lacking nothing in grace and charm. Deep concentration of black cherries, plums, blackberries and mulberries is offset by dark chocolate oak, finishing honed, vibrant and crunchy. Masterfully defined tannins mesh seamlessly with lingering black fruits, drawing the finish out […]
readWhen Antoine-Roland Billecart presented his full range across Australia last week, he had a new disgorgement of Brut Réserve in tow, based on the 2009 vintage. Unfortunately, the bottle contains no clue to denote the new shipment, which is a particularly pristine and elegant Billecart. With a strong pinot meunier lead, red berry fruits are […]
readThe fruit energy on parade here is captivating. This is a KJ of intricate focus and ravishing stone fruit presence, with a high-tensile core of coiled-spring fruit acidity that will unravel over the coming decade. It’s at once elegant, pure and graceful, yet at the same time slightly richer than 2009, with tremendous presence of […]
readKym Teusner is one of the Barossa’s most talented new generation red winemakers, but it was not until Phil Lehmann joined his team that his white wines ascended to the same repute. This is their first sticky, and – wow – what a start! Pristine and fruit-filled, this is a lively, medium-weight style with allusions […]
readA succulent and deeply-flavoured Margaret River cabernet merlot is difficult to find at this bargain price. It’s juicy and raring to go, with soft, fine tannins sitting under layers of black- and redcurrants, violet perfume and notes of mint. $16 at World Wine.
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