From several vineyards on the ancient Cambrian red soils of northern Heathcote, this is a great value introduction to authentic Heathcote shiraz. Lovely density of black plums and vibrant violets are framed by classic Heathcote texture of fine, mineral mouth feel and finely textured tannins of subtle grip and integrated finesse.
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A medium-bodied shiraz of dark berry fruits and suggestions of mixed spice and liquorice, lifted subtly by a small addition of viognier. It’s finely structured, textural and value for money. $15 at Prince Wine Store, The Vine Press and Vintage Blue Wines.
readSidewood sells most of the fruit from this large block high in the Adelaide Hills, and keeps its best grapes for this bargain sauvignon. This cool location presents a pretty, perfumed style, nuanced with blackcurrant bud, fennel, lime, lemon and crunchy granny smith apples. Fine chalk mineral texture defines a long, focused finish. Impressive sauvignon […]
readA great value riesling of impressive persistence and poise, sourced from estate vines up to 40 years of age. Two years after harvest, it retains lime and lemon zest vibrancy, while building the toasty, buttery complexity of bottle age. A wine of fine, mineral structure and excellent persistence. Best price direct.
readBuilt on Barossa Valley grenache, touched up with a dash of shiraz, cabernet and dolcetto, this is an elegant, textural and fruity rosé of watermelon, guava, poached strawberry and raspberry fruit. A subtle lick of sweetness neatly rounds out a refreshing finish. Even, balanced and as impressive as ever. $18 at OurCellar and Discount Wines.
readAn expressive and demonstrative riesling of spicy pear, lemon zest and exotic guava character, with a fine, almost gravelly mineral texture, perhaps a reflection of the ironstone soils of Frankland River. It’s approachable and friendly from day one, with a crisp, tangy finish and seamless balance. $13 at Banks Fine Wine.
readTash Mooney is very particular about pinot gris, treating the fruit from this single vineyard at the northern end of the Adelaide Hills to a long period on juice lees to build texture. Contact with grape skins has infused a pretty pale salmon hue. Enticing nashi pear and grapefruit pith flavours are encased in finely […]
readA tangy and lively pinot of vibrant crimson red hue, tart morello cherry fruit, notes of brambles, spice and finely textured tannins. It’s well balanced, true to variety and region, and great value. $17 at No Frills Wine and Aussie Wines.
readAn exotic and enticing tempranillo from 30 year old vines at 600m of altitude in Rioja Alavesa, the finest subregion of Spain’s Rioja. It’s finely structured with firm, tannins of fine high cocoa dark chocolate texture, laced with rose hip, smoked spice, cola, dark chocolate, cherry liqueur, liquorice and berry compote. Great value introduction to […]
readThis is Wilson’s Watervale riesling, even though the front label also confusingly declares Polish Hill River (the location of the winery in this case, not the fruit). Pedantics aside, it’s true to the season, at once ripe, concentrated and bracingly structured, uniting the exotic generosity of golden delicious apple with a taut lemon zest backbone […]
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