After a full decade of maturity, including seven years on lees, Arras Grand Vintage has attained that wonderful place where the exotic, savoury, olive and smoky nuances of tertiary maturity meet the toasty, buttery smoothness of secondary development, while still upholding the primary citrus crunch of youthful chardonnay (a little more than two-thirds of the […]
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This cuvée upholds the elegance and endurance of Tasmanian chardonnay in its subtle yellow stone fruit and white citrus definition, while overlaying it with considerable layers of secondary and tertiary character and silky, buttery mouth feel. Beautifully poised and carefully crafted, this is a magnificent vintage with five years of life before it yet. $57 […]
readThis is a rich and concentrated release for Alkoomi, a wine packed with expressive dark berry/cherry/plum fruit, dark chocolate oak and supportive, fine-grained tannins. It has the structure, density and persistence to improve for the medium-term. $20 at Wine Style.
readThe great Australian blend is relatively rare in Margaret River, but this example demonstrates what is possible at the riper end of the scale. Cabernet blackcurrant fruits take the lead (60%) backed by the blackberry fruit of shiraz and dark chocolate French oak. It holds its brightness and confidence, with finely structured tannins carrying a […]
readIn the cooler temperatures and extended ripening of the southwest of Margaret River, intense flavours are achieved and acidity is retained. In the warm 2012 season, the result is a South by Southwest of a magnitude that lands it much further north than its bargain price might suggest. A vibrant, medium purple wine with a […]
readA Wilyabrup cabernet of drive and definition, with excellent intensity of crunchy, intense blackcurrant and capsicum fruit. Excellent length of long and even fruit persistence, supported by fine-ground tannins that promise medium-term potential. Great value at $20 at Deals Direct, No Frills, ANZ Wines, Wine List Australia and Grays Online.
readIn a generous season, this is a cabernet blend that stands out for its classical restraint, medium-bodied assurance and effortless potential. Crunchy redcurrant and blackcurrant fruit meets notes of capsicum and a subtle suggestion of tomato, beautifully and impeccably ripe at just 13.8% alcohol. Firm, finely textured tannins and a long finish underlined by well […]
readA great value take on the classic Clare blend, uniting fruit brightness with depth of flavour, impeccable varietal definition and outstanding persistence. Depth of signature cabernet black- and redcurrant fruit is impressive, overlaid with violet perfume, leaf and a hint of Clare Valley mint. 35% Malbec adds its savoury complexity and heightened tannin structure; firm […]
readInspired by Margaret River cabernet blends, Paul Hotker has pulled back the volume of Frank Potts and refined it into an elegantly medium-bodied blend of 62% cabernet sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 11% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 3% merlot. Don’t think Langhorne Creek in the classic, full-bodied style. Instead, this is a wine of restraint, […]
readThis is an intense, generous and expressive Prelude, layered with succulent blackberry and plum fruit, crunchy blackcurrants and notes of black pastilles and liquorice. Its dense fruit core lingers long into the finish, neatly honed by bright acidity, firm, fine tannins and confident oak. Persistence and poise are something to behold, promising a great future. […]
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