Tri-Centenary has been promoted to the Yalumba’s Rare and Fine tier for the first time (read: it’s now $15 more expensive). And it’s worth it. This is a grand statement of just what grenache can do in the right hands and the right place. That place is an 1889 planted vineyard in Vine Vale with […]
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Steeple Vineyard is the latest product of Yalumba’s increasing journey into regionality. This company hasn’t traditionally drawn on the northern parts of the Barossa, but has sourced from a 1919 planted plot next to the Light Pass church for some years for Octavius and The Reserve, and purchased the vineyard in 2008. Here it is, […]
readI have been a great admirer of the evolution toward refinement of Leeuwin Estate Art Series Margaret River Cabernet over the past five years, and 2010 is the pinnacle, the greatest red wine I have yet tasted from this revered estate. Sourced from vines 34 years of age and matured in 50% new French oak, […]
readArt Series sits at the bigger end of Margaret River’s chardonnay power set, unashamedly proclaiming grand fruit presence within a robust fram of 100% new French oak. It has done so with an admirable measure of finesse in recent years, though I feared the warmer 2011 vintage might trouble this style. To the contrary, sniper-like […]
readA true grigio, in a pretty, aromatic and zesty style. It’s tangy, lively and immediately engaging. Crunchy pear fruit is accented with zippy acidity and grippy phenolic structure that culminates in a mouth feel akin to grapefruit pith. $18 at Corkscrew Cellars.
readTash Mooney keeps this vigorous Sicilian variety under strict control on the boniest, windiest hilltop she could find in Kersbook at the Barossa end of the Adelaide Hills. The result is a beautifully exotic, spicy and vibrant expression of tangy berry compote, violet perfume and black pastilles. Lively acidity is the signature of nero d’avola […]
readThis is a great value, estate grown cabernet of varietal integrity and elegant sophistication. Beautifully focused violet and red- and blackcurrant fruit make way for tobacco and cedar notes. Eighteen months in one-third new French oak barrels is a bonus at this price. It’s bright, tangy, finely structured and effortlessly persistent, enticing now and offering […]
readOne of the best GHRs yet, capturing impressive black fruit depth with tangy energy. Dense yet pristine black plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit and liquorice are lifted by pretty violet perfume. A finely crafted GHR of fine tannins and impeccably integrated oak, making for a long and linear finish. $24 at Jim Murphy’s.
readA pretty and elegant riesling of fragrant lemon blossom and crunchy granny smith apple fruit, carrying with considerable persistence and laser line. A hint of honeysuckle provides a suggestion of generosity without interrupting its linear precision. Fine, chalk-like mineral mouthfeel defines a beautifully approachable yet eminently age-worthy style. $24 at Cellar d’Or.
readThere is a freshness, vibrancy and definition that set 2012 apart as one of Dutschke’s finest Samis, while retaining impeccable depth and concentration. Exact varietal hallmarks of crunchy redcurrants and bright rose hip fragrance linger long through the palate, structured by very finely ground tannins of excellent grip, supple yet structured. It finishes long, even […]
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