Church Block has built a legendary reputation for epic longevity and enticing appeal in the sub-$20 red wine stakes, and 2013 confidently maintains the record, one of the finest reds at its price that I’ve tasted this year. The signature capsicum, tomato and leaf of cabernet take a confident lead (50%), seamlessly supported by the […]
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The depth and character of Langhorne Creek shiraz is interpreted in a style of bright, refined definition. Black and red berry fruits meet the dark chocolate and faintly gamey nuances of well-gauged oak, uniting with fruit structure to build a confident tannin frame, promising medium-term potential. $16 at Nicks.
readA varietal style of red- and blackcurrants, capsicum and tomato, supported gently by dark chocolate oak and supple, finely structured tannins. Pleasant persistence and character for its price. $15 at Winemakers Choice.
readHigh altitude vineyards in the Aude Valley in the south of France make for a refreshing and elegantly savoury rosé, driven by cool, tangy acidity. Pomegranate and watermelon flavours linger on a softly approachable palate. $15 at Dan Murphy’s, The Liquor Shack and Liquor Mart.
readImpressive value as ever from this delicious little Spanish quaffer, packed with surprising depth of accurate, succulent black plum and black cherry fruit, underlined by hints of liquorice, dark chocolate and finely textured tannins. A wonderfully supple style of persistence and appeal. $13 at Auscellardoor and Jim’s Cellars.
readSpice Trader is a fantastic value Langhorne Creek blend that captures the black plum, black cherry and savoury spice of shiraz and matches it evenly with the blackcurrant, leaf and firm, fine tannin structure of cabernet. There are notes of Langhorne Creek eucalypt tucked into its folds, well framed in dark chocolate oak. Stonking quaffer […]
readA well crafted and enticing quaffer of excellent purity and freshness of red and black fruit and spice, with a finely textured palate and soft, supple tannin support. The sweet raspberry and strawberry fruits of grenache and the structure of shiraz are lifted by the spicy floral notes of touriga. Great value at $10 at […]
readAn elegant, spicy and refreshing Mudgee shiraz of pepper, greengage plum and watermelon fruit, underlined by fine, peppery tannins that carry a long, even finish. An enticing BBQ quaffer, that captures a refreshingly cool style for this warm region. $12 direct.
readGreat value Spanish tempranillo that captures the black and red fruits and savoury, earthy spice of this variety, set off with fine, dusty tannins, making for an affordable quaffer. $10 at United Cellars.
readAustralian wines have challenged the views of leading wine experts at Italy’s biggest annual wine fair, Vinitaly in Verona this week, who say screw capped wines are inferior. Australian wine writer and presenter Tyson Stelzer, who was named International Wine & Spirit Communicator of the Year 2015 at a gala dinner to open the fair, […]
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