There’s already sufficient confusion in wine labelling without renaming a well-established and well-loved wine “Semillon Blanc” (what next – “Savagnin Blanc?”) but if that’s the only thing to dislike about this wine, there’s a lot of joy to be had for $9.50 at Dan’s. The wine retains its classic lemon and lanolin flavours, holding its […]
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The sheer statement of class made by the new incarnation of Y Series is monumental for a brand currently discounted to $9.50 at Dan’s. No wine in the line is as masterfully constructed as the cabernet. It sings with the definition of Wrattonbully and the generosity of Langhorne Creek, with fine, textural tannins, varietal violet, […]
readA gorgeous assemblage of cabernet’s violets, capsicum and redcurrants with shiraz’s blueberries, plums and mixed spice. It’s vibrant and fruit-focused, with an undercurrent of finely textured tannins, supportive dark chocolate oak and a note of Clare Valley mint. For $20 ex-winery and at Wellington eu Cellars, you’d better Take Two.
readHonest, primary and authentic – three words rarely heard at this price, particularly in prime red wine territory! Heathcote character is on display here, in fine, savoury tannins, plush blue fruits and dry, savoury persistence. Glorious purity of vibrant plum and rhubarb fruit takes the lead, with milk choc oak appearing on the finish. Let […]
readAs sophisticated and beguiling as the label anticipates, this is a wine of soft, caressing mouthfeel and texture. Nuances of subtle strawberry hull, savoury restraint, pomegranate, custard apple and tomato, finishing with tangy, lingering red berries. $17 at Wine List Australia, No Frills Wine and Aussie Wines.
readAstoundingly stylish chardonnay for this price, marrying the cool, primary, malic acidity of a great vintage on the Mornington Peninsula with the textural complexity of clever lees work. Linear grapefruit and lemon are no more than tickled by the charcuterie complexity of lees aging, finishing with considerable structure and stamina. $22 at Dan’s and Winecave.
readAn outstanding gewürztraminer and one of Australia’s best, not so much by virtue of its characteristic exuberance (brimming with pure lychee, juicy stonefruit, pulpy grapefruit and notes of mixed spice, fig and honey) but by its minerality. The elevation of one of the highest vineyard sites in the Clare blesses it with what gewürztraminer so […]
readRosemount is not a brand from which I expected such trail-blazing endeavours, nor results as compelling as this. The cool 2011 season is on full display here in green pepper, greengage plum and lime zest freshness, while five months on full solids has built textural fullness. With grapefruit pulp, crunchy pear and lime juice, it’s […]
readTim McNeil is a name to watch in Clare and his shiraz is ready to go. From a single, dry-grown vineyard near Auburn in the southern end of the region, it’s loaded with generous, sweet mulberry, blackberry and plum fruit. Surprisingly well integrated, fine tannins give the impression of softness, yet lack nothing in structure. […]
readWhen the previous vintage stunned me in a blind tasting last year, I was eager to meet Tim and learn his secret: his hand-picked, dry grown riesling is sourced from just over the hill from Knappstein’s Ackland vineyard, next door to Jeffrey Grosset’s Springvale vineyard. This is the magic triangle of Watervale, with a signature […]
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