Mount Pleasant’s arsenal of shiraz found a form in 2009 that it hasn’t enjoyed in years, and I can’t remember when Rosehill exuded such beautiful and elegant red cherry and black plum fruit. Fine, mineral tannins complete the picture. Give it time for oak to integrate. $27 at Kemeny’s, $30 at WineStar.
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Mark ‘Mess’ Messenger’s Zin vies with Cape Mentelle for best in the country every year and wins on account of name, let alone price (half!). Well crafted and textural, with layers of mixed spice, rhubarb, plums and fruit cake taming 15% alcohol. $26 at www.mrwines.com
readCape Mentelle Chardonnay has cemented its place among Margaret River’s A-league, but the price remains tantalisingly affordable. More chiselled and crafted than ever, in a restrained style of profound definition, determined linearity and assured longevity. $34 at WineStar, $37 at Dan’s.
readThe notorious heatwave of 2008 has produced a rounder and more drying expression of Arrivo, but it has done nothing to interrupt the beautiful varietal expression of this benchmark nebbiolo. Rose petal, potpourri, liquorice and blueberries are kept in line by firm, fine tannins and vibrant acidity. $48 at www.arrivo.com.au
readA chardonnay of personality and distinction, laced with complexity of grapefruit and white peach and nuanced with charcuterie, flint and wisps of gentle spice. Well-composed fruit length leads into a finely-honed tail of soft minerality and delicately structured acidity. Carefully handled oak contributes mixed spice to the finish.
readReleased too early to be labelled as a vintage, Geoffroy’s gorgeous rosé hails entirely from the outstanding 2008 harvest. Saignée skin contact extracts delightful texture and structure from pinot noir, giving sophistication to its soft raspberry, strawberry, pomegranate and watermelon flavours. $95 at www.champagnegallery.com.au
readThe highest score I have awarded an $8 wine. Ever. Bleasdale makes one of Australia’s most reliable sparkling shirazes for $20 and the big secret is that this is precisely the same wine. The label has changed but not the beautifully expressive rhubarb, plum, red cherry, pepper, mixed spice, dark choc oak or silky tannins.
readA long line of fine, cool, high altitude acidity is the fingerprint of one of my favourite high altitude Adelaide Hills vineyards, painstakingly tended by a talented industry legend. He’s captured exuberant white peach, honeydew, pink grapefruit and guava, making this a multidextrous quaffer on the table. $13 at WineStar.
readThe star of Starlite, a stonking new bargain range from WineStar. Capturing the rich, juicy, succulent generosity of the Barossa while maintaining a poise, freshness and fruit purity – a tough balancing act and it’s taken one of the Barossa’s most talented makers to pull it off. Get on board the Starlite express! $15 at […]
readA consummately refined vintage for this bargain red blend of soft, cuddly tannins, dark choc oak and, yes, buckets of red fruit! More fragrant than ever, with a violet perfume to its dark berry profile. Cabernet contributes structure and a hint of leafy capsicum. $14 at Dan’s.
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