Larry Cherubino’s 2012 was magnificent, and here’s proof it was no fluke, the first serious competition in the West for Frankland Estate’s iconic Isolation Ridge. Breathtaking fragrance of the most pure and delicate lemon blossom flows undeviating from start to finish, gently supported by desperately pure kaffir lime zest, granny smith apple, fennel and lemon […]
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2012 L’ami Sage is one of the greats from Paradigm Hill and Les Cinq is a step up in fragrant and exotic rose hip aromas and layers of exotic spice. The palate is built around a core of tangy morello cherries of bright, vibrant energy and long-lingering persistence. Tannins are silky, fine and supple, with […]
readA Kevin John of considerable, grand-cru-like intensity, holding impeccable poise in its stride, contrasting accentuated grapefruit zest and succulent, ripe white peach fruit with a taut line of well-honed acidity. This is a vintage of texture, fullness and presence, with fruit and oak uniting seamlessly to propel each other forward with considerable volume. This may […]
readAnother great year in the legendary lineage of Diana Madeline. This is a release of grand persistence and monumental longevity; classic, elegant, graceful and precise. From the outset, it has a more structural and savoury personality, honed, determined, and defined by impeccable, finely textured tannins. It opens into signature hallmarks of blackcurrant, cassis, cedar and […]
readFelton reports that it’s easier to sell a dry than a sweet riesling in New Zealand, though this is little more than one-third the production volume of its sweeter “Bannockburn” label. The ripe generosity of 2013 is expressed in grapefruit and orange notes, contrasting pretty lemon blossom, tight acid profile and finely textured, mineral structure. […]
readThis label represents more than two-thirds of Felton’s riesling production and 2013 is a particularly generous edition. Layers of white peach, mandarin peel and ginger presence are streamlined by pretty lemon blossom aromatics and hints of fennel and granny smith apple. Beautifully fine acidity and mineral structure are intricately balanced by well-gauged sweetness (56g/L). $30 […]
readQuartz Reef has established itself as an impressively crafted and surprisingly refined and classy sparkling style, quite unexpected given the impact for which this region’s wines are renowned. 42% chardonnay goes a long way toward balancing the presence of pinot noir, a low 8g/L of dosage is well balanced, and 24 months on lees has […]
readMichel Tardieu has an ambition to create single varietal whines in the southern Rhône Valley, and his syrah offers great value. A lovely lifted fragrance presents violets amidst exotic spice and deep plum and blackberry aromas. The palate carries impressive depth of black fruits and liquorice, framed in intricately fine tannins that linger with considerable […]
readAn excellent and great value Chablis of deep-set chalk mineral expression. It’s taut and crunchy, accented with lemon zest, red apple and a note of lime. Lively acid line keeps the finish long and focused. $34 at World Wine.
readSt Hallett winemaker Toby Barlow introduced me to Bisol over dinner the night before we judged the Sydney Wine Show this year. I was taken by the pristine purity of the top cuvée of this impressive estate. Very classy prosecco of elegant red apple fruit, citrus blossom and zest, it’s fine, clean, softly textural and […]
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