A commanding and distinguished Bin 407 that will go down among the greats and longest lived. Exacting varietal precision of blackcurrants, redcurrants, tobacco and cedar coasts under a rising, lifted violet perfume, over a backdrop of finely structured dark chocolate oak. It’s assembled with molecular precision, bolting textbook varietal definition to grainy, firm, crafted tannins, […]
readArticles
Every year I have the opportunity to judge Bin 389 pre-release in The Great Australian Red competition, and it never shows at its best at this young age. It’s predictably closed up like a trap on the eve of its new, early release date of mid-October 2014. Vigorous decanting and hours and even days of […]
readClassic Marananga of brilliant colour, packed with milk chocolate, all manner of succulent dark berry fruits, liquorice and a hint of soy. It’s soft, supple and simultaneously confident in its finely structured tannin presence and lingering persistence. A signature vintage for this style, perfectly reflecting the generosity and approachable warmth of this district, though it […]
readIn the style of the stonking 2010 Bin 28, though without the same gloss and polish, this is a wine layered with black fruits of all kinds, mixed spice and liquorice, even a note of pot pourri. It has density and presence, yet agility and poise, thanks to layers of firm, powdery tannins, well balanced […]
readPrecise, racy and eminently slatey in fine mineral texture, this is a riesling of tightly cut acid line, with impressive concentration and a subtle generosity on the finish that makes it endearing from the outset. Its fragrance is enticing and pristine, led by lemon blossom, lime and granny smith apple, spiced up with a gentle […]
readIf you’re looking for an elegant, savoury, acid-driven, Italianate sangiovese, don’t look this way, but if you’re after a deeply coloured, plush, black-fruited and dense quaffer of elusive varietal designation, step right up! It’s a great drink, and that’s ultimately the most important thing. Best price direct.
readClare shiraz is not inherently lacking, so as to call for a blending partner, but the combination has always seemed to work for O’Leary Walker. A blend of a little more than two-thirds Clare defines a succulent, voluptuous, exuberant and fruit-infused shiraz, layered with sweet, ripe mulberries, spicy mixed berry compote, anise and black pastilles. […]
readThe latest incarnation of Rococo represents great value Yarra Valley fizz of impressive finesse and tension, with well balanced dosage and nuances of fine, mineral mouth feel. Sourced from several Yarra Valley vineyards, base wines are fermented mainly in older casks and given lees contact for texture and softness. For all this activity, it retains […]
readDense, crunchy black- and redcurrants and cassis define a style at once impeccably varietal and at the same time succulent and generous. This is classic Clare cabernet, with hints of eucalypt and mint, but the focus remains resolutely on deep and well-structured black fruit definition, underlined by firm, fine, chewy tannins. Value and potential. $17 […]
readCapturing elegant fruit focus and savoury texture in a rosé can be a precarious balance. The talented De Bortoli crew have upheld the integrity of a flattering season for pinot noir, while injecting the lingering, dry sophistication of full oak barrel fermentation and lees work. Its pale salmon hue heralds pretty watermelon and rose petal […]
read