Varietal 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.
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From 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 […]
readThere has been great excitement in the hallowed halls of Yalumba over the acquisition of the mature Frogmore Creek vineyard in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, and if the first release is any indication, it’s worth the hype. This is a delightful riesling of grand potential, intensity and texture, built on layers of kaffir lime and […]
readCoriole has spent almost 30 years pioneering sangiovese in Australia, and 2012 captures the varietal signature of this Italian variety as well as any I can remember. Its savoury and textural personality is epitomised in tangy red cherry and strawberry fruits, olive and tomato flavours, underlined by confident structure of firm, fine tannins, completed with […]
readA brand new Mitolo of 56% grenache, predominantly from 75 year-old Blewitt Springs bush vines. It’s a wine of voluptuous, juicy, impeccable black cherry and black plum fruit, layered with liquorice, mixed spice and finely textured tannin structure. Bright, fruity and dripping with appeal, this blend showcases grand old vine fruit, framed sensitively in aged […]
readIf any evidence was required that this historic estate holds a lofty position among the Yarra greats, this magnificent release is certainly it. Wonderfully focused purity of pristine lemon, white peach and vanilla meet eminently honed and lively malic acidity. Wild fermentation in 30% new French oak barrels supports and propels its fruit without distracting […]
readOne of the great vintages for Main Ridge Estate, this is a pinot noir of great character and allure, with impressive detail and concentration of flavour, layered with spicy, wild strawberries, red cherries, mixed spice, pepper and rose hip. A seamless assemblage of crunchy berry fruits, grand spice and finely textured tannins carry long and […]
readMarking the 50th anniversary of R.D. (‘recently disgorged’), R.D. 2002 is a rerelease of Bollinger’s magnificent and enduring La Grande Année 2002, a detail that the house is keen to downplay. An extra few years on lees and half the dosage offer even greater focus and precision on the finish. The streamlined energy, shimmering minerality […]
readThe scorching heatwave of January and early February played out differently for Hill of Grace than it did for much of South Australia, as this vineyard had not yet gone through veraison. The character of the vintage thus reflects more of the cool conditions of the remainder of the season, and Stephen Henschke compares the […]
readDelusional back label aspirations of sourcing “from a selection of the region’s best vineyards” aside, this is a great value introduction to Coonawarra. Accurate varietal and regional markers of crunchy, tangy black- and redcurrant fruit of concentration and persistence are supported by notes of leaf, subtle dark chocolate oak and finely integrated tannins. $14 at […]
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