This 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, […]
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Tasmanian 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.
readI wrote 244 words of notes when chief winemaker Bernard Hickin poured this new vintage riesling for me. Got to be a record in word to price ratio. Mostly because it took him that long to explain to me how he can grow such an elegant, cool climate lookalike riesling in Langhorne Creek. Yes, two-thirds […]
readAn elegant and well balanced bargain rosé and a credit to its vast inland fruit sources. Supple strawberry and raspberry fruit is neatly upheld by balanced acidity and a touch of well integrated residual sweetness on the finish. $7 at Liquorland Direct (2012).
readBest Mike Press Rosé yet? Yes. A serious rosé at a bargain price, contrasting cherry blossom and ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit with the refreshingly tangy acidity of this cool, high vineyard. Gentle tannin texture supports a long, dry finish. Best price direct.
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