In steady hands, the 2011 vintage was capable of elegant and fragrant pinots of confident structure. Paradigm Hill released a wine not only worthy of its flagship status but one of the most ethereal under this label yet. Its fragrant allure is enticing, evoking memories of rose hip, bouquet garni, morello cherries and pink pepper. […]

The evolution of LEASCS is complete, and 2009 confirms that the polished refinement of recent vintages was no fluke. Impressive concentration of blackcurrant and black cherry fruit is presented in a style of crunchy vibrancy, lifted violet fragrance and savoury black olive complexity. French oak contributes dark chocolate and well balanced tannins, already well integrated […]

The modern era of Vat 9 is certainly a captivating one, and 2010 represents benchmark Hunter shiraz of enticing allure and understated longevity. A cool, wet February made for long ripening and beautifully elegant, gloriously medium-bodied restraint. Maturation in large 2700L vats kept oak influence and oxidation at bay, giving full voice to deep and […]

A lighter, more savoury and more perfumed Clonakilla that promises exceptional longevity. It’s explosively fragrant, exotically spicy and refreshingly tangy, loaded with potpourri, cardamom, dried flowers, Campari, white pepper and rose hip over an elegant core of morello cherries. Lively acidity meets superfine, impeccably crafted tannins of immense presence. Cellar for a decade and drink […]

The cool 2011 season lends itself well to warm region moscato, accenting its pink pepper and spicy pomegranate notes. This pale crimson style is sweet and honeyed, with lemonade and lemon zest flavours, finishing soft and gentle. Chill it down to ice cold and quaff it in the sun. Great value at $8 at Grays […]

If you’re out to maximise flavour for dollar, this is your wine, packed with succulent black fruit density of powerful blueberries, violets and liquorice. The crunchy tannins of petit verdot keep it lively, finishing long and rich with lingering dark chocolate and cherry liqueur. $10 at Aussie Wines, Jim’s Cellars, Wine List Australia, Amatos and […]

Shiraz and merlot unite in an elegant, savoury and textural rosé of pale crimson pink hue. Red apple and strawberry fruit are drawn out into a long, dry finish accented by cool acidity. $12 at Vintage Blue.

The best of the current Apple Tree Flats, this is a spicy and peppery shiraz of fragrant violet and lively berry fruits, underlined by signature Mudgee earthiness and finely textured tannins. This cool vintage has given birth to a spicy, medium-bodied style that would confidently stand in for a grenache blend at any BBQ occasion. […]

The bottle looks much more sophisticated than its price tag, and the contents match. This is a small price to pay for Côtes du Rhône from 30-year-old bush vines on the banks of the Rhône just north of Avignon. With no oak to speak of, the focus is purely on its fruit, with an almost […]

There’s an enticing mood to this unashamedly medium-bodied Yarra cabernet, proudly displaying accurate cabernet character of redcurrants, capsicums, tobacco and cedar, lifted by rose petal fragrance. Soft, fine tannins provide immediate appeal and promise short-term potential. The ultimate quaffer with anything made from tomatoes. $12 at Dan’s, Grays, OurCellar and Amatos.