A well crafted blend, relying more on tangy acidity than soft, fine tannins for structure, making it both immediately approachable and deceptively long-lived. Cabernet sauvignon, with a dash of merlot and cabernet franc, make for a blend of varietal integrity and bright fruit liveliness, defined by accurate capsicum, leaf and tangy redcurrant character. Cool vintage […]
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A great value varietal cabernet of poise, restraint and longevity, defined by crunchy redcurrant and capsicum fruit, violet perfume and cedary oak. Tannins are firm and edgy, calling for some time to soften and settle. $12 at Jim’s Cellars.
readAt an average age of between 5 and 10 years, Reserve offers a lot more complexity, intensity and persistence than Penfolds’ Club, making this a worthwhile upgrade for an extra $5. Lovely complexity of plum and fig fruit, layers of spice and notes of citrus rind find an even balance with mature, rancio parcels. Excellent […]
readInspired by the bistro wines of the Ardeche, and it captures the style impeccably, uniting whole berry juiciness with whole bunch fragrance. It’s exotic, spicy and textural, laced with sarsaparilla, pipe smoke, dried flowers and incense over a crunchy berry compote core and finely textured, grippy structure. $18 at Cracka.
readElegant lemon and red apple fruit, with the most finesse and persistence of any Jacob’s Creek sparking this year, showcasing finely structured Adelaide Hills acidity and elegant persistence. Great value fizz. $13 at Cracka, $15 at First Choice.
readA crunchy, refreshing and uncomplicated SSB of grapefruit zest, green pea and green capsicum character. It’s taut, lively and energetic, driven by well focused acid line and lingering persistence. $17 at Aussie Wines and No Frills Wine.
readThere are some impressive fruit sources on parade here, from across the Yarra, with an average vine age of 17 years. The result is beautifully regional and varietal, fragrant, herbal and silky, with crunchy, tangy berry fruits persistence and spicy allure. Even a few notes of pipe smoke and exotic spice along the way. It […]
readA blend of vineyards from across the various Yarra Valley districts that don’t fit into De Bortoli’s estate and single vineyard wines, this is a beautifully textural style that unites the charcuterie complexity of wild yeast cask fermentation with taut citrus zest and stone fruit generosity. Immediate and ready to go. $18 at No Frills […]
readChenin is among Voyager’s original plantings, producing a wine of aromatic notes of kaffir lime, nashi pear and pepper. The palate is fruity, textural, elegant and just a touch sweeter than it needs to be. $15 at Mates Crates.
readWhite clay soils make for generous flavour concentration, framed in refreshingly low alcohol, layered with kaffir lime, nashi pear and a hint of guava. This is a delightfully textured, finely structured riesling of pronounced, mouth-filling chalk mineral texture, lingering with great persistence and finely integrated acidity. Very youthful and backward a year after vintage, this […]
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