There’s an ordinary world and there’s a world of Duran Ghiran. It’s a world of haunting whole bunch perfume, of spice markets and pepper grinders, of cinnamon, sandalwood, star anise and berry compotes; where texture, mouth feel and longevity discover a universe all of their own. Crazy, some’d say.
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No estate in Margaret River has ascended as swiftly as Xanadu. Its reserve chardonnay carries all the power and concentration of Margaret River, in a controlled guise of pure energy and seamless restraint. The dream that came through a million years, that lived on through all the tears, it came to Xanadu.
readListen up. The only way you’ll get your paws on this transcendentally slick mail order wine from Mark Summerfield is if you get on the blower right now and confess your undying love for Mark (or Jo, if you’re that way inclined). Cabernet is a rising star at Summerfield and this immaculately polished wall of […]
readLanson is singularly responsible for delivering high-strung, age-worthy champagne to the masses, thanks to perpetual discounting ($40 at Kemeny’s and Dan’s). No malo makes for a cut of fresh, zesty lemon fruit, while reserve components build toasty, roast nut complexity. The real thing at a refreshing price.
readAndrew Thomas quips that if you say “Kiss Shiraz” fast enough, you’ll discover what he really wanted to name his flagship wine. Taste it and you may feel an urge to kiss anything within reach, such is its gorgeous restraint, lifted pepper and spice, elegant structure and long strands of sinewy tannins.
readSingle vineyard wines are the future of the Hunter, says the charismatic Mike De Iuliis, who has rightfully resurrected the historic Steven Vineyard to front label status. Delightfully medium bodied at 13.0%, this is a wine of great restraint and texture, yet immense concentration of black fruits, coal and violets.
readHappy birthday, Wonderland of the Eden Valley, 100 this year! The vines, that is, not the wine, but every bottle carries the fingerprints of this grand century of heritage because such wonderfully textured minerality and seamless, delicate purity must come from ancient vines. $20 at WineStar.
readThis is not just fancy fizz, it’s a full-on tribute concert to the glorious fruit of one of the country’s most illustrious red vineyards. A spectacle of perfectly polished cherries, blueberries and plums, liquorice, dark choc and black pastilles. A creamy finish, accented with a finale of pepper & finely ground tannins.
readTurn down the volume because you’ll need to assume the mental state of not one monk but three to fully comprehend the mysteries of the universe contained within this wine. Transcendental barrel work enhances texture and minerality, energising gooseberry pie, custard apple & citrus fruit. $21 at Dan’s.
readOn the prowl for a bargain red? Two words for you: cabernet shiraz. The Musician is a regular in the hit parade of quaffing splendour. The 2010 skulled one too many Red Bulls before the show and it’s quite the livewire, with crunchy redcurrants in all directions. Let it chill for six months to shake […]
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