Tassie is Australia’s sparkling hotspot, and Steve Lubiana consistently makes one of the most pristine. It’s been properly aged to develop those complex nuances of roast nuts, anise, cinnamon, ginger, wild honey and butterscotch, without for a moment losing sight of a pure fruit focus of white peach, preserved lemon and red apple, finishing linear […]
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Zero dosage is all the rage in the sparkling world, but it wasn’t until I experienced the breathtakingly mineral rendition of Eric Rodez that I really understood what it’s all about. One of the most pure champagnes of the year at this price.
readIs it really worth the hype? You read about it here first (see Edition 11 for my tasting notes) and it hit the streets on Wednesday. Less than 1000 cases, at no less than $1000. Benchmarks of such history-defining calibre are crucial for Australian wine at every level, and alongside recent Bordeaux First Growth indent […]
readShowing up from time to time for $7, this vies with Jacob’s Creek Blanc de Blanc for the cheapest fizz worth popping this festive season. It’s crunchy, fresh, well made and enjoys a decent chill to keep its finish toned. $8.50 at Dan’s.
readO’Leary has pulled a beautifully pure, zippy, fresh and crunchy sauvignon out of the Hills, with lot more poise and persistence that the price tag anticipates. Captured at the perfect moment of ripeness, its pure fruit drive emphasises granny smith apple and lime fruit of great precision.
readThere’s real craftsmanship on display here – not something we often hear about Australian merlot, let alone sparkling merlot. It captures the flattering side of Limestone Coast Merlot in its lifted rose petal and red berry bouquet and creamy palate of crunchy red- and blackcurrants, gliding smoothly into a long, concentrated finish supported by gently […]
readSavagnin, Verdelho and Roussanne unite in a gloriously floral expression of jasmine, frangipane, grapefruit blossom, white nectarine, nashi pear and wild honey. A lively style with a faint touch of phenolic texture on a restrained, crunchy finish, ready to go with sushi and sashimi.
readThe cool 2011 season was a great season for rosé in the spicy, peppery, dry style, and this is one of the best of them. Reflecting the savoury personality of Mornington shiraz, it’s full of cracked pink pepper, tomato and zesty pink grapefruit. A textural, finely mineral style with a bond dry finish of great […]
readSangiovese’s medium-bodied personality and vibrancy of fresh acidity remain the focus here, but what really takes this Chianti to the next level is the density of its rounded black plum, cherry, liquorice and pitch flavours. It’s linear and taut, with finely poised tannins and notes of violet perfume.
readThe highlight of the estate of the godfather of biodynamics in Champagne, this is a refreshing rosé of pink peppercorns, rose petals, pomegranates and red cherries. It’s full and fruity on the front and vibrant, crunchy and dry on the end. Great value springtime champagne. $79 at Randall’s.
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