Wynns Black Label is an institution in bargain Australian cabernet, and while it’s jumped from $35 two years ago to $40 last year and now $45, its the street price hasn’t changed – still regularly $25 (Jim Murphy’s, Dan Murphy’s, No Frills, Aussie Wines, Wine List Australia and Chambers Cellars). The latest rendition is a […]
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One of the best Chertsey’s yet, there’s a newfound elegance to this wine in 2010, more fragrant and enticing than ever, laced into a seamless whole of impressively persistent concentration and vibrant poise. It’s a co-fermented blend of almost equal shares of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc, without any suggestion of the slightest separation […]
readReleased at five years of age, Contours is one of the A-league of Eden Valley riesling. Under screw cap for a decade, this late release vintage is a bold proclamation of the magnificence and impeccable balance of this label, and its ability to mature slowly and evenly. It’s attained a gloriously backward point in its […]
readA great Menzies of well-defined fruit and enduring potential, paying tribute to exacting attention to ever finer details of production in the vineyard and winery. It’s not due to land until November, but it needs at least another five years and preferably ten to really show at its best. Right now it takes some time […]
readTreasury Wine Estate’s philosophy of inflating Michael’s price alongside John Riddoch is daring. As distinguished as Michael may be, he’s consistently outclassed by his sibling, making a 67% price rise over two years look like too much to pay. The 2010 is a complex and savoury style, taking quite some time for black plum, dark […]
readThe dry grown, 1985 planted Messenger vineyard at the southern end of Coonawarra’s terra rossa strip performs well in warmer seasons, and this is the second time it’s flown solo at Wynns. An exciting and long-lived release, this is a juxtaposition of glossy, warm succulence and high-tensile structure. Lifted violet aromatics are a prelude to […]
read2010 is one of the great John Riddochs. It’s sustained a significant price rise, from $90 two years ago and $130 last year to $150 this year – and it’s worth every cent. At a refreshing 13.5% alcohol, this is a classic Coonawarra cabernet of understated power, tense definition and impeccable class. It’s breathtakingly pure […]
readThis week Woolworths announced profit rises of 24% off the back of its growing supermarket, liquor store and fuel empire. Estimates suggest that Dan Murphys and BWS stores now sell something approaching 50% of packaged wine in Australia. Yesterday I was privileged to an insight into Woolworths liquor during a day tasting a selection of […]
readThe bargain highlight of my recent visit to Hilltops, two hours north of Canberra. There is an alluring, refreshing elegance to this vibrant shiraz, built around black plum skin and dark cherry fruit laced with exotic savoury spice and pepper. It captures the cool restraint of a wet season high in the Hilltops in its […]
readAn understated rosé of pretty pale salmon-copper hue, alluring restraint, savoury character and lingering persistence. Notes of tomato and watermelon are underlined by finely textured mouth feel and lively high altitude acidity. A well-crafted and food-friendly style. $20 at Oak Barrel and Wine Odyssey.
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