Epic complexity of hazelnut cream, raw coffee beans, grapefruit and lime zest but the real magic begins when this vast maelstrom pulls into a vortex of whipcracking lime juice, boring deep into the finish and lingering straight and powerful. Length and concentration are off the charts but the calm in the midst of the storm […]
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Strong representations of merlot and cabernet franc emphasise the fragrance of violets and red berries and a velvety, finely textured tannin structure. A primary, refined and backward style with merlot’s roundness to the finish. $40 at Nick’s and Wine House.
readHow do they do this for $10 (Vintage Cellars and Dan’s)? “Old McLaren Vale bush vines, basket pressed and matured in barrels for twelve months” reads like a recipe for a much more expensive proposition. Tastes like it, too, brimming with juicy berry fruits, red liquorice, mixed spice and even rose petal perfume.
readMore honed and linear than ever, a highwire act of lemons and limes over a linear backbone of taut acidity and fine, chalky, textural structure. Lees-derived complexity and white nectarine and white peach flesh provide weight to the finish. Well crafted and textural – faultless Faultline! $50 at WineStar and Dan’s.
readChampagne of craftsmanship and definition. Chardonnay with a touch of pinot, fully vinified in small barrels, gaining nuances of vanilla and ginger, but at every moment remaining focused on honed, restrained lemon and apple fruit. It lingers with a fine bead, taut acidity and minerality that tosses and swirls on the finish. $75 at www.champagnegallery.com.au.
readThe third in WineStar’s trilogy of stardom is no shrinking violet – this is the teenage Avril Lavigne of Marlborough savvy! She’s unashamedly overt an uninhibited, throwing fleshy stonefruits, asparagus, cut grass and tropical fruits in all directions. She’s a little sweet, and more than a little wild. Enjoy the spectacle for $15 at WineStar.
readAn immense amount of engineering has gone into the chassis of this streamlined Margaret River cabernet, drawing it out exceedingly long and poised, propelled forward with tremendous energy and honed determination. Very firm, fine, gravelly tannins and fine-tuned oak drive savoury complexity of tomato bush, capsicum, pepper, thyme, rosemary, violets and redcurrants. Stand back and […]
readA wine label established to give 50% of profits to charities is admirable, but this wine is here not for its benevolence but because it’s a delightfully subtle, restrained, focused, fresh and textural style made using every wild yeast and old barrel trick by one of my favourite Yarra geniuses. Figure it out, stock up.
readThere’s a feeling of single vineyard personality and hand-crafted individuality here – and rightfully so. Hand-tended vines, small volume production, open fermentation and French oak barrels express vibrant red- and blackcurrant, menthol and mint flavours and the kind of structure to go the distance. The price looks completely wrong.
readWhen we awarded this wine Best Wine of Show as I chaired the Geographe Wine Show last week, we had no idea it was $13 at Dan Murphy’s. When the announcement was made, I could hear the collective cheer from wine drinkers across the world, all the way from WA! Yes, it is every bit […]
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