Such distinctive varietal and regional definition rarely emerges from WA at this price. Juicy, ripe blackcurrant, cassis and blackberry fruits are underlined by fine, supple tannins, with nicely balanced grip on the finish. $13.50 at Discount Wines and direct from Alkoomi.
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New Zealand’s first commercial methode traditionnelle bubbles has struck new levels of finesse this year. From mature Gisborne vineyards, with a full year on lees, this chardonnay pinot noir blend is crisp and fresh with lemon zest and peach fruit, well-gauged dosage sweetness and balanced appeal. It’s simple and commercial, but refreshing, clean and insane […]
readUber-talented Tash Mooney is contract winemaker for the Oakbank vineyard of Sidewood. Stable Hill is its bargain second label, with a single vineyard estate chardonnay of high-tensile grapefruit, lemon, peach and white nectarine fruit. A zippy acid backbone unashamedly tells the story of a cool vintage in the Hills. A crunchy aperitif now, or let […]
readSingle estate vineyard Adelaide Hills shiraz with an impressive fruit profile of black plum, blackberry and dark cherry lingering long amid finely textured tannins and integrated oak. Classic nuances of Adelaide Hills black pepper complete a balanced and poised style. All this for just $10 at Get Wines Direct.
readY Series is one of the most reliable performers in the sub-$15 sauvignon stakes, and the latest rendition is an accurate expression of a cool vintage. Devoted followers of this label will note more asparagus, cut grass, tinned peas and capsicum in this release, while maintaining classic Y Series zesty citrus profile and accurate varietal […]
readAn exciting newcomer to the Y Series family, harvested early from two Renmark vineyards to produce a refreshingly low alcohol style, fermented cold to retain zippy lime zest accents and matured for two months on lees to build a finely textured palate. A perfect match for sushi, sashimi and any Asian seafood canapés. $9.50 at […]
readA grapey moscato with all the right flavours of honey, cane sugar, lemon and ginger. Sure, it’s short, simple and shy on fruit concentration, but will anyone notice? You’re slurping moscato, after all, and you’ve just spent the sum total of $5.40 at Jack’s Wine this week (or as little as $3.75 on a good […]
readA fine, cool vintage acid profile makes this one of the most flattering releases for Notty yet. It’s complemented with an attractive lift of lemon blossom and fresh white peach, an elegant and fruit-focused palate and a light dusting of cashew nut oak. $7.50 at Chamber’s Cellars and Dan’s.
readHolidaying in Provence, Mike and Judy Press were inspired to make, in their words, “serious rosé, not a sickly sweet pink drink.” The cool 2011 vintage delivered just that, a dry, savoury and textural style with notes of roast tomatoes, pink pepper, fresh herbs and pink grapefruit. Taut acidity sets off a tangy and food-ready […]
readA sub-$10 cabernet loaded with another five years of cellaring potential! Vat 9 is an enticing and definitive Limestone Coast cabernet sauvignon, loaded with menthol, mint, red- and blackcurrants. Crunchy acidity and firm, fine tannins will benefit from a few years to integrate. $9.50 at Dan’s.
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