There is plenty of black fruit intensity and toasty oak wrapped into the folds of this estate-grown shiraz, yet it upholds its cool climate credentials in vibrant acidity and finely textured tannin structure. A real bargain at $13 at Wine Cow and Dan Murphy’s (2010).

read

From two vineyards in deep loam on sunny, east facing slopes, this affordable blend contrasts the fine, tight lime and lemon definition of Watervale with the generous baked apple and spice character of 2013. A riesling of approachable immediacy and crowd-pleasing softness, finishing with gentle notes of honey. $20 direct.

read

A bargain Frankland River cabernet blend that captures the vibrant tang of this cool region, uniting it seamlessly with crunchy blackcurrants and sweet mulberries. Tannins are fine and firm, providing focus to an engaging and fruit-driven style. $11 at Wine Cow.

read

Here’s proof that Tash Mooney is truly multi-talented (though we knew this already). Her first ever fizz is gently elegant, softly savoury and beautifully textured. Pinot noir’s red berries and chardonnay’s lemons are underlined by delightful chalk minerality of this exciting site between Woodside and Oakbank. Stylish packaging, sophisticated contents and great value at $20 […]

read

Notes of mandarin blossom and red apple hover amidst youthful lime and pink grapefruit definition, softly integrated acidity and understated structure. A young semillon of finesse, purity and lingering acid line. $18 direct (2011).

read

This is hands-down the best cabernet from Mount Horrocks yet. It sings with exacting varietal distinction of cassis, crunchy blackcurrants, red capsicum and tobacco leaf, at once ripe and sumptuous and at the same time well structured with firm, fine, chewy tannins and taut acid. It’s long and intense yet eminently medium-bodied. Outstanding. $30 at […]

read

Late last year I sat down with a Barossa and an Adelaide Hills grower and we assembled between the three of us the most interesting alternative variety reds that we could lay our hands on. This was my pick of them. Winemaking gun Toby Barlow’s craftsmanship is on show here, though he gives all the […]

read

To achieve delicate perfume and bright, crunchy fruit vibrancy while upholding depth and determination is a red winemaking dream rarely realised as emphatically as this. Radiant elegance of crunchy red and dark berry/cherry/plum fruit meets layers of spice, pepper and pretty, lifted rose petal fragrance. The mouth feel is finely textured and impeccably poised, infused […]

read

My respect for the Jansz vineyard derives purely from years of tasting its wines, but my understanding of this site only came when I had the chance to join the pickers for a day during harvest this year. I was little help – I probably ate more than I picked. Every nuance of magnificence in […]

read

This is no simple apéritif tipple, the cool, dry, low-cropping 2005 season has yielded a full-bodied, full-throttle sparkling white wine of sumptuous generosity, enduring persistence and creamy, silky mouth feel. There is real power and generosity on display here – think fig, grilled pineapple, honey on toast, even notes of truffle. Its true pedigree is […]

read