Somebody, somewhere has got to be losing money on this bottle – and it isn’t you. It’s come all the way from Spain and, unlike Australia’s meaningless “reserve”, the Spanish have strict rules to qualify for “reserva” status. At a full five years of age, it’s spent 12 months in oak barrels, and retains an […]
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At a full price of all of $6, this is a surprisingly clean, well made and fruit-focused blend of chardonnay and pinot noir. Its apple and pear flavours culminate in a honeyed finish that’s ultimately short, simple and sweet, but at this price, who’s counting? Give it a stern chill and pour it liberally for […]
readA single vineyard in a high, cool location, will articulate the full swing of its seasons, and this is why Mike Press Shiraz oscillates from tightly-coiled, peppery elegance in vintages like 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, to voluptuous, full-bodied stature in 2008. And 2013 is definitively the latter. Ripe plum and blackberry fruits of supple […]
readWith zesty, cool climate credentials and plenty of refreshing flavour, this is hands-down the best Mike Press Rosé yet. It leaps out of the glass with fragrant rose petals, raspberries, pomegranate and guava. The palate is at once elegant and flavoursome, tangy, fresh, fine and lemon-accented (there’s a touch of chardonnay in the blend), propelled […]
readMike Press is legendary for shiraz and cabernet, and now, too, for pinot noir. I have never before awarded a $15 pinot a gold medal score, but here you have it. This is not only my favourite Mike Press Pinot yet, it’s a solid contender for best sub-$15 wine of the year. And I’ve never […]
readBold new livery represents the fourth iteration of the Mike Press label design in nine years, and his name has become larger on each update. The latest redesign puts it confidently front and centre – and rightly so: his is now a cult name in affordable Australian wine circles, and releases like this will keep […]
readThe ultimate test of a great value wine: I took a bottle to a BBQ and at the end of the night my mates asked me where they could buy a bottle. They were delighted to hear that it’s just $14 at Dan Murphy’s. 2012 is a great vintage for this classic blend, kicking well […]
readA great value McLaren Vale shiraz of impressive colour, definition, character and depth. It’s filled with succulent, vibrant satsuma plums, blackberries and a note of pepper and spice; at once juicy and at the same time crunchy and lively. Subtle use of French oak builds fine and approachable tannins. $15 at Wine Cow and Dan […]
readTim Kirk reports that 2013 was a return to the warm, sun-bathed seasons of the 2000s in Hilltops, with warm days and cool nights furnishing perfect ripeness. His is a refreshingly spice-driven Hilltop Shiraz, layered with violet perfume, pepper, dried herbs and black plum skins. Tannins are finely structured and drying, drawing out a long […]
readIn the finest vintages, the second wines of the great estates of the world make fantastic buys and great value for money. 2012 is an outstanding Cliff Edge of persistence and refinement, impressively exotic and exuberant, yet restrained and focused. There’s great depth here of blackberry and black plum fruit, liquorice straps, pepper and exotic […]
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