I caught up with Kym Teusner in the Barossa last week and he showed me a sneak preview of some exciting new ventures. More on these soon, but in the meantime, his existing pursuits have never shown finer form and 2010 is a sensational vintage for The Independent, more juicy, vibrant and savoury-edged than ever.
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Cool climate pinot gris from established vineyards is unusual at this price, which is one reason why this wine shines like a beacon in my tastings every vintage. It’s as crunchy and zesty as ever this year, with classic varietal pear fruit and the lemon freshness of the heights of the King Valley.
readA beautifully textured and poised WA shiraz, reflecting the cool and restrained personality of the southerly 2009 season. Crunchy black pepper, plum skin and blackberry fruit are lifted by the aromatic perfume of a touch of viognier. Fine, firm, mineral tannins fill out a persistent finish.
readLarry Cherubino has crafted a finely knit sauvignon that laces precise golden delicious apple, pear and guava fruit together with a fine ribbon of chalky minerality. There are notes of exotic spice along the way, while maintaining a cool, calm disposition and precise line and length.
readI love the pure, unadulterated fruit focus of Tasmania’s finest sparkling wines, and Steve Lubiana captures it with more elegance and restraint than most. Fresh, crunchy pear and apple fruit finishes clean and lively with refreshingly controlled dosage.
readIt is a sad day. Yalumba has made great sparkling reds for fifty years, and this is the last under this label. Don’t miss your last chance to experience this seamless assemblage of Yalumba’s favourite blend of cabernet and shiraz. At a glorious seven years of age, it’s matured into a ravishing concoction of blueberries, […]
readYalumba has honed in on the detail of its Coonawarra vineyards, with every section of each vineyard treated differently according to soil type and depth. The result is the most precise wines ever produced by the estate. This is a Menzies that provides both crunch and concentration, structure and restraint, purity and profound persistence.
readThis is a very enticing price for a wine loaded with the ravishing power of some of Champagne’s greatest grand crus. It’s structured, intense and fleshy, with a linear acid line and chalky mineral texture. An enticing style that confidently manages the precarious balance of arresting concentration and high-tensile structure.
readSome Eden rieslings suffered in the wet this year. Not this lovely aromatic thing with kaffir lime fruit and textural palate. Made in miniscule volumes and priced to match, it’s the perfect quaffer for sunny days as summer approaches.
readTeusner’s signature plush black fruits soften Mataro’s earthy character and fine, dusty tannins. A standout vintage lends a spicy vibrancy and rhubarb-like lift, giving freshness and varietal distinctiveness.
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