An outstanding vintage for the flagship of one of Margaret River’s most celebrated estates, this is a cabernet blend of pinpoint varietal definition and delightful fragrance, with themes of dusty capsicum, tobacco and beautiful, lifted violet and rose bud perfume. Tannins are at once firm and chalk fine, seamlessly crafted and beautifully integrated with lively […]
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One of the great Johann’s, the outstanding 2010 season has captured an impressively effortless style, celebrating great concentration and depth of black fruits, yet never heavy or overbearing. A blend of 64% Barossa shiraz and 33% Coonawarra cabernet, seamlessly interlocking to capture character and poise within a frame of great depth and seamless intensity, impeccably […]
readAn impressive Art Series, a showcase of the power and control that defines this Margaret River icon. The bouquet proclaims its depth and richness from the outset, with ripe white peach fruit, grapefruit and even grilled pineapple. The palate is powerful in presence, deep and wide, yet held in impeccable shape thanks to a long […]
readThis single fermenter and 150 dozen bottles is a tiny yet loud proclamation that there’s more to Clonakilla than shiraz viognier. Intense white pepper is a character that earmarks some of the finest cool climate shiraz regions on earth, and it leaps in ethereal, exotic proportions from this Clonakilla. A glorious nose of pepper, fennel, […]
readTasmanian winemakers refer to Domaine A as the only true chateau of the island state, and its the sheer Bordeaux-like longevity of this remarkable cabernet blend that confirms it. Even the earliest vintages of this label from the early 1990s are still but half way through their life. The 2006 has a similar future before […]
readLe Sol is one of the top syrahs of Hawke’s Bay, and 2011 is one of its greatest hits, with an immense future before it. It’s enticingly complex, yet at every moment exactingly controlled and effortlessly calm, gliding with monumental persistence and seamless line of captivating allure. A delightful, vibrant purple red hue, it leaps […]
readFonseca upholds 2011 as its best vintage since 1963. My memory doesn’t go back that far, but there’s no doubting the sheer class of this vintage port of remarkable purity, effortless grace and wonderful balance between acidity, structure and fruit. It’s amazing from the outset, with a full, vibrant purple hue heralding a bouquet of […]
readTastes like shiraz, tastes like Australia, and at this price that’s all you need. It’s vibrant, bright, fruity, spicy and well balanced, with plums, red berries and pepper underlined by finely structured tannins. $8 at Jim’s Cellars and Our Cellar.
readAt this price, hold your breath (and your nose) when approaching a new wine. Not this one! A fresh, clean and fruit-focused quaffer of considerable appeal. It even tastes like pinot grigio: refreshing and tangy, with crunchy pear and lemon zest liveliness, subtle texture and elegant spice notes. $8 at Cracka.
readHailing largely from Langhorne Creek and Big Rivers, this blend of 55% cabernet sauvignon and 42% merlot reflects impressively varietal accents of redcurrants, capsicum and leaf. Tangy acidity and finely structured tannins provide good support, and will benefit from another year in bottle to soften. $8 at Jim’s Cellars.
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