There is a generosity, even an opulence to this vintage of Flametree, making for an intense core of fruit presence, yet intricately controlled and focused at every moment. Blackcurrants, cassis and blackberries are compacted into a tight core and suspended by rigid, tense cords of finely structured tannins and tangy, crunchy acidity. It finishes very […]
readArticles
There is a generosity and a glossy opulence on display in this single vineyard Wallcliffe cabernet that transcend its conservative alcohol level and refreshing price. Deep-set blackcurrant and blackberry fruit are controlled by finely structured French oak tannins and bright acidity, lingering long with notes of dark chocolate. Best price direct.
readThere is intensity and magnitude to this vintage of Hay Shed Hill’s single vineyard Wilyabrup cabernet, yet at every moment maintaining focus and control. Layers of blackcurrant, redcurrant and cassis fruit are intricately framed in firm, fine tannins of impeccable balance. It finishes very long and enticing, presenting a grandeur well beyond its price. $20 […]
readAn affordable Margaret River cabernet merlot in an elegant and light, lunchtime claret style. Gentle berry fruits are underlined by finely textured tannins in a perfumed, crunchy, fruit-focused guise. It’s ready to drink now, or any time in the next few years. $14 at Dan Murphy’s.
readJuicy berry fruits, spice and leaf make for an approachable Margaret River cabernet of finely textured tannin structure and nicely balanced appeal. Crunchy black- and redcurrant fruit and notes of leaf confirm its varietal integrity, backed by subtle dark chocolate oak. Value at $15 at Liquor Barons.
readWith fragrant violet lift, crunchy redcurrant and blackcurrant fruit and notes of capsicum, there is impressive varietal integrity on display for this price. A finely textured, gravelly structure confirms its Margaret River origins, while a slightly more generous, riper and more intense personality reflects the warmer 2012 season. One of the best Margaret River cabernets […]
readHervé Savès maintains an immaculate cellar in the great grand cru of Bouzy. The power of his vineyards, largely in this village and neighbouring Ambonnay, is well controlled by blocking malolactic fermentation, providing tight, focused purity. The current release of his entry cuvée is a three-quarters majority of pinot noir from the 2009 and 2008 […]
readGilles Dumangin’s cuvées are cleaner, fresher, more precise and more focused than ever, reflecting the man’s fanatical attention to detail. As a result, they effortlessly handle lower dosage than they have had in the past. This is the 2010 base vintage incarnation (November 2013 disgorgement) of his bargain Brut 17, showcasing its pinot-led style beautifully […]
readGilles Dumangin’s refined, classy and elegant rosé reflects the precision of his approach to all he does. No surprise this cuvée now represents 50% of his production. The 2009 base is built on almost 50% chardonnay, and a little more pinot meunier red wine than usual (the colour was very light in 2008). Restrained, tight […]
readBased in the thundering Côte des Blancs grand cru of Cramant, Diebolt-Vallois’ grandeur is declared first and foremost in its blanc de blancs cuvées. There is, in fact, no Cramant fruit in this blend. It’s built instead around the elegant premier cru of Cuis, the powerful grand cru of Cramant, and Épernay vineyards very close […]
read