Hiroyuki Kusuda’s specialty may be pinot noir, but his syrah is equally impressive, a wine of elegant focus and textural structure. An enticing bouquet of black pepper, black plums and hints of charcuterie introduces a finely honed and tightly coiled palate, built around firm, finely structured, gravelly, mineral tannins that promise a confident future.
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The magnificent generosity of fully mature fruit from the village of Cumières is something to behold in the bright and energetic 2008 season, drawing out the inimitable sea-salt mineral personality of the village with breathtaking clarity. Rich layers of brioche, honey, pear and nutmeg of barrel fermentation and maturation open into a wonderland abounding in […]
readGreat value Great Southern cabernet merlot of fruit integrity and varietal definition. It’s crunchy and tangy with redcurrant and blackcurrant fruit, fragrant violet perfume and good persistence. Finely textured tannins are reinforced by a year in new an older French oak barrels, while lively acidity offers well balanced support. $15 at MyCellars, Aussie Wines, Wine […]
readHoddles Creek again tops the value stakes, delivering much more complexity and fruit integrity than its price suggests. This is a great vintage of grand complexity of charcuterie, riding over a focused and well defined backdrop of tangy grapefruit, celebrating its cool climate site. Tight acid, even line and impressive persistence declare a serious chardonnay […]
readTrue to its dry, warm season, this is a powerful riesling that combines intense apple and kaffir lime fruit with tight acidity, textural phenolics and considerable weight, building a dry style of impressive proportions. It has balance in the midst of it all, and persistence, too.
readOne of the best pinots anywhere under $20, this is a beautiful expression of a great vineyard, seamlessly crafted with a lot of love. No expense has been spared, with all the care of pre- and post-fermentation maceration, some natural fermentation and 11 months maturation in one-third new barrels. Hoddles Creek fans will love this […]
read2012 is a standout vintage in the great forty-year lineage of Church Block, promising strong potential in the cellar. This is a release of beautifully focused restraint, varietal confidence and slowly uncoiling depth of black and red fruit integrity. Tannins are very fine and mineral, drawing out a long and well-focused finish. $16 at 1st […]
readThe intensity of Perth Hills fruit (42%) builds a generous and succulent style of juicy dark berry fruits, supported by the tannin structure of Frankland River. There’s admirable black plum and black cherry fruit intensity here, underlined by dark chocolate French oak and finely structured tannins. A moreish bargain to enjoy young. $17 at Discount […]
readVarietal definition, vibrant poise and characterful allure define an exceptionally well priced Great Southern cabernet merlot. Lovely perfume reminiscent of violets and roses introduces a crunchy palate of pristine red- and blackcurrants, underlined by great acid structure. Fine, mineral tannin texture melds seamlessly with enticing dark chocolate oak. $17 at Discount Wines and Nicks.
readFrom a mature, single vineyard, this is a refreshing and engaging chardonnay of excellent length and plenty of potential the cellar. True to this especially cool season, it’s a style of racy acidity, slicing through pristine grapefruit and white peach fruit. Oak is subtle and well balanced, lending texture and line more than flavour. $18 […]
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