389 is parading its deep black fruits and firm, prominent oak right now, screaming out for another decade to show its true form in the cellar. Infused with poise, structure and perseverance. $48 at Vintage Cellars.
readArticles
A blend led by long-ageing chardonnay, Taittinger’s non-vintage spends a minimum of three years in its cellar prior to release. It retains accurate precision of citrus and stone fruits, with age contributing complex nuances of nutmeg and mixed spice. $55 at Kemeny’s.
readA joint venture of a number of well known Clare wine heroes, this tiny volume cult sensation has never been more poised and refined than in 2008. It’s a pure, inky expression of Clare shiraz, with all the classic hallmarks of the region: liquorice, dense black plums, even a touch of bitumen. Dense and structured, […]
readBlack Label is monolithic, powerful and bulletproof – there is not a single molecule of space within its perfectly polished fuselage. Cabernet, shiraz, malbec and oak are integrated seamlessly. Crucially, it’s still vibrant at five years of age and will live for decades yet. $98 at Kemeny’s.
readYour hotlist of the best deals on the finest wines this Christmas.
readHigh in the Adelaide Hills, The Lane is home to one of South Australia’s finest chardonnay vineyards, expressing itself with the same purity and fruit-focused precision in sparkling guise as it does in still. A refreshing aperitif style of pear, apple and lemon.
readAnother glorious Majella Sparkling Shiraz greets the world just in time for Christmas. There’s no better time to pop this pepper-, cinnamon- and nutmeg-infused thing. Like every Majella red, it’s a tribute to the finely manicured estate vines of one of Australia’s most celebrated vineyards, layered with plum and dark berry fruit and just the […]
readHervé Savès calls Bouzy “the Chambertin of Champagne,” and to temper its strength and dominance he adds a touch of chardonnay to this blend. Such is the presence and precision of pinot noir that if you close your eyes you could be drinking a pretty rosé. Open them and there’s no hint of blush to […]
readWith new contracts in place in the outstanding 2008 vintage and thirty percent declassified premier cru fruit in the blend, this is as cracking as I have ever seen Brut 17. A pristine bouquet of vibrant lemons and strawberry hull opens out into a palate of fantastic, linear freshness with great persistence, a fine, creamy […]
readA well crafted wine from noble fruit sources, showcasing the strength of its terroirs and the excellent 2008 season. It’s rich with white peach, yellow plums, lemon zest, red apples, wild honey and notes of mixed spice. The finish is fine and honed, with the structure of the grand cru village of Chouilly taking control […]
read