We all need a stock of properly crafted reds that don’t demand a lifetime in the cellar before unleashing. This is a shiraz of purity and elegant fruit focus, with vibrant blackberry and black cherry fruit and fragrant violets ever the star. Fine, soft, supple yet confident tannins offer immediate appeal and medium-term potential. It’s […]
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A textbook example of confident yet sensitive use of whole bunch fermentation. Inclusion of two-thirds of grape stalks emphasises fragrant violet aromas, exotic spice, anise, sweet pipesmoke and delightfully alluring texture, without interrupting the flow of alluring blackberries and fresh liquorice straps. A captivatingly savoury and medium-bodied Heathcote shiraz of very fine, mouth-pervading tannin texture. […]
readThe pinnacle of Heytesbury’s ascent over the past six vintages under Virginia Willcocks, the 2012 vintage secures this wine a place among the top half dozen chardonnays in the country. And at $53 this week (Discount Wines), it’s the most affordable in this set. The bouquet is finely poised, gorgeously lifted yet deeply complex, an […]
readIn the context of the grand 39 year history of this label, this is a powerful release, yet consummately balanced in every proportion. Northern Margaret River cabernet is the focus, beautifully expressive of the fragrant violets, deep blackcurrants and graphite-like texture that sets apart this area as one of the finest cabernet zones outside Bordeaux. […]
readThe generous 2010 season instils an immediate appeal in The Tally, yet still upholding the cage of rigid, finely structured tannins that provide Tally its long-enduring potential. Succulent, deep and enticing blackberries and black plums are lifted by fragrant violet perfume, undiminished by long skin maceration and 19 months in new French oak barrels. A […]
readIn the glow of the superlative 2010 season, my high praise for last year’s Penfold’s release (
readA vibrant and fruit-focused blend of fragrant appeal and spicy, peppery interest. Tangy berry compote fruit and firm, fine tannins open up in time to impressively lifted violet top notes, ultimately finishing somewhat short and simple. 89% shiraz and 11% mataro from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway, matured in older American oak hogsheads […]
readAfter purchasing Bin 128 in the late 1990s, I’ve never quite come to terms with the label since it switched to an earlier release style. Way too young, it opens shy, with subtle gamey and charcuterie notes and firm, finely textured tannins. As time passes, it shows reluctant flickers of the potential wrapped in its […]
readA brand new Bin, intended to fill the gap as 407 and 707 ascend into the price stratosphere. It’s an elegant, bright and lively style of pretty rose bud aromas and morello cherry tang. Crunchy redcurrants and leaf define a tightly coiled palate, a little shy on length and depth for the price. A blend […]
readDespite an ever-growing family of Penfold’s Bins under Bin 138, this is where the Bin series first gets serious. 2012 has given birth to a great 138, a wine of even flow, impressive fruit line and length, lively acid poise and firm, finely textured tannins that will mature long and even. It’s at once restrained […]
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