The rate at which new labels are emerging from this eponymous stable is nothing short of captivating. The hitherto uncharted territory of sparkling wines has now joined the throng, and landed with quite a splash. I must admit that I didn’t expect a first-attempt Great Southern sparkling pinot noir rosé to emerge from 18 months […]
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Rosé usually sits on its skins or receives a dose of red wine, but the only colour here is the pale salmon-peach hue picked up from whole bunch pressing of Piccadilly Valley pinot noir. The result is a fresh, elegant style with attractive strawberry hull and red cherry fruit. Three years on lees has made […]
readAmong the value-for-money rosés from the hallowed cellars of Champagne’s small producers, I liked this wine last year and I like it even more this year. Its oak is better integrated, its dosage unobtrusive and its clean, dry finish sings with rose petals, white cherries, strawberry hull and a dash of blood orange. $84 at […]
readChardonnay is the champion of Erick de Sousa’s legendary cellar in Avize, and even his rosés contain just ten percent pinot. Freshness and minerality are the goal here, singing with the purest rose petals, strawberries and freshly picked raspberries.
readPeter Logan would have to be the most dynamic winemaker in Mudgee right now, which is clear even from his bargain-basement ATF range. Pale, fresh, restrained and laced with red apples, pink grapefruits, strawberries and a nicely tempered lick of sweetness on the end. $10 at Cracka.
readThere’s no definitive precedent for riesling longevity of Germanic proportions in Central Otago, but in decades to come we may well look back at wines like this as setting the benchmark. If there’s any left, that is, because with only 760 bottles made, it may not last long! A touch of botrytis adds exotic lift […]
readA savoury and restrained blend, more about texture and mouthfeel than overt flavour, and herein lies its allure. It boasts outstanding length and profile, with finely structured lemon citrus acidity, an inviting touch of old barrel funk and a texture reminiscent of grapefruit pith. A skilfully crafted wine of understated charm. $25 at Wine Emporium.
readKen Bray’s forty-year-old semillon vines tap deep into one of the Hunter’s finest sites. This strip is the source of many great Hunter semillons, of which Andrew Thomas’ Cellar Release is the most sublime expression. At six years of age it has blossomed into lemon butter, lime zest and butterscotch, while holding resolutely to a […]
readThe champagnes of the ladies of Lassalle are enchanting and sophisticated expressions of their pretty village of Chigny-les-Roses. This is a beautifully composed take on the finest vintage of the past decade, holding tremendous energy and fruit concentration of yellow summer fruits, with bottle-derived complexity of roast chestnuts, figs, mixed spice and brioche. A subtle […]
readIn its distinctive, rippled bottle, this is a moscato that finds a balance between its honeyed sweetness, spicy ginger and – crucially – tangy lemon flavours. It’s well made, well priced at $12 (Dan’s) and will respond well to an aggressive chill.
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