Masters of chardonnay and riesling from the west, it was only a matter of time before Howard Park nailed sauvignon. Its moment in the sun came in 2011, and the dry, warm season through Mount Barker and Margaret River gave birth to a wine of poise, balance and style. Partial barrel fermentation adds notes of […]
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GrignoWhatto? Never mind, I’d never heard of the variety, either. The point here is that one of the great, five-generation estates of Piedmont has poured its expertise into a fruit-focused, oak-free, summer lunchtime red. From the hills near Rosignano Monferrato, this is a savoury and textural wine of dried thyme, olive and dried rose petal […]
readThe embodiment of the restraint and allure of Tassie pinot, A bouquet of perfumed rose petals, violets, red cherry liqueur, brambles and dark chocolate introduces a precise palate of red cherry definition, finely textured tannins and elegant persistence. $30 at MyCellars and Dan’s. It will only get better in time.
readAn outstanding and long-lived ILR, contrasting the pure freshness of kaffir lime and lemon with the richness of roast nuts and butter. The youthful drive of a linear acid profile holds forth, carrying into a long finish of integration and poise, promising a tremendous future. $38 at Dan’s.
readOne of the hidden Gems of the upper reaches of the Yarra Valley, this is a pinot noir of deceptive longevity and understated beauty. Gentle red cherry fruits, rose petal, forest floor, dried herbs and hints of anise waft through a delicate bouquet. The palate runs on a line of vibrant, natural acidity, drawn out […]
readIt is a testimony to the great Australian blend that this wine bears its 4% touch of Hilltops cabernet on the front label. At its core, it reflects the brilliance, acid brightness and sheer vibrancy of 2009 Hunter shiraz, in all of its primary plum and black cherry glory. Fine, supple tannins and integrated chocolate […]
readI was never going to feature Krug 1998 in Wine Taste. Not that it isn’t superior to the recently launched 2000 but because if you’re going to bang $500 on a bottle of Krug, you must hunt down the 1996. Then, out of nowhere, Vintage Cellars advertised the 1998 for $300 (for the next three […]
readClocking in at medium dry on the official riesling meter, a lick of sweetness tones this pure, fresh and finely crafted style. It reflects its cool season with lively kaffir lime spice and crunchy granny smith apple. A touch of textural, phenolic structure makes this one of the best sub-$10 Asian fusion partners. $9.50 at […]
readOne day, early in the next decade, we will look back on the 2011 vintage and marvel at just how magnificently the Clare Valley managed to pull it off, and it’s rieslings like this that will likely prompt the conversation. This is the finest, most precise and longest-lived Paulett’s entry-level riesling in years. At $15 […]
readThe Strapper is the definition of classic Barossa GSM for just $16 (East End Cellars)! Low oak and low alcohol give its fruit wings to display its rose petal perfume and vibrant berry fruit character. Grenache leads with its greengage plum, rhubarb and red berry fruits, with the pepper and mixed spice of shiraz and […]
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