A value-for-money triumph of 2011, creating an enticing juxtaposition between succulent, ripe dark berry compote and rhubarb fruits and the cool season tension of tangy acidity and finely textured, peppery tannins. Textured mouthfeel and confident persistence give an air of sophistication. $10 at Boccaccio, Jim’s and Nicks.

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The ever-enterprising Bert Werden (WineStar) has sourced a fizz from one of the names that you and I love on the Mornington Peninsula and thrown it up at $10 less than you’d expect to pay for the real thing. The result is a bottle of bubbles with a lot more concentration and fruit persistence than […]

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The Kalleskes reckon the 2012s are up there with the best wines to emerge from their famous little winery, and their first 2012 red to hit the ground is a promising sign indeed. This brilliant rendition of Clarry’s unites the strawberries, raspberries and mixed spice of grenache with the deep-set black fruits, liquorice and pepper […]

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Too many rosés are simply an excuse to bulk-up a pinot, making dedicated examples like this all the more impressive. Low yielding, early picked pinot lends a medium pink hue and sweet, generous aromas of ripe strawberries and juicy red cherries. The palate is a refreshing counterpoint, with tangy and lively red fruits, a well-played […]

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As Kumeu’s vines have gained maturity, there’s been a progressive backing-off of sweetness, to about two-thirds of what it once was, a refreshing trend in a country notorious for producing sweet gris. The focus here is on texture, which maker Michael Brajkovich likens to pinot noir, pointing out that the two are essentially the same […]

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A sensational follow-on to the excellent 2009, here’s proof that bargain NZ pinot is no one-hit-wonder. A beautifully lifted fruit expression of violets, red cherries, pink pepper and blackberries lingers long into the finish. Finely structured, silky tannins provide gentle support, drawing into a tangy berry fruits finish. An enticingly fruit focused and approachable bargain. […]

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Here’s a beautifully approachable riesling that tactfully avoids the searing acidity of Clare and Eden, making for a widely appealing style. Subtle residual sweetness is played tactically to provide gentle fleshiness to a pristine and refreshingly zesty style of long, clean persistence. Kaffir lime spice, pepper, pristine lime zest and granny smith apple peel are […]

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Built around impressively textured structure, this viognier captures the gravels of Gimblett and amplifies them with barrel fermentation, lees texture (ten months lees ageing) and well-handled phenolic grip, drawing the wine out long into the finish. A warm, early harvest has yielded expressive aromas of custard apple, malt, pepper and stewed apricots. It never becomes […]

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The refinement of Margaret River chardonnay is a joy to behold; its finest expressions now relying on texture and restraint more than impact and concentration. To achieve this in a warmer vintage like 2011 is a credible feat indeed. Brookland has crafted a layered and complex chardonnay that flows seamlessly from struck flint and funky […]

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I’ve had the privilege this year of presenting Australian fizz alongside champagne at countless masterclasses for wine professionals and consumers around the country, and these tastings have reinforced my view that Jansz maker Natalie Fryar is one of our most talented masters of sparkling winemaking. Her vintage rosé is an elegantly graceful creation of pure […]

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