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Vine age has been a key driver of the rise of Marlborough pinot noir in recent years. Spy Valley ranks among the best producers in the region, having first planted the variety more than twenty years ago, and even its youngest vines were ten years of age in 2011. This infuses an elegant, mineral tannin […]

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In extreme youth, lime blossom and pink grapefruit highlight a pretty bouquet. The palate is taut, honed and persistent, with a linear acid spine, tightly coiled structure and slaty texture. Great now, and short-term potential. $20 at Our Cellar and Jim’s Cellars.

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The understated restraint of the cool 2011 season has coaxed out the tangy, savoury personality of sangiovese. Tomato bush and pink pepper create a herbal style, with dark berry fruits amidst finely textured and impressively mineral tannins. $20 at Discount Wines and Cracka.

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There’s real confidence here, both on the fruit and structural fronts. This single vineyard unashamedly delivers classic Clare mint, eucalypt and deep plum and black cherry fruits in full measure. Solidly structured tannins provide a fine and firm scaffold, supporting integrity and longevity. $20 at My Cellars.

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If Tassie pinot on full throttle is too much for you, you’ll be captivated by this pretty and light-bodied style, and all the more delighted when you pick it up for $19 (Cracka and Wine Style). Lifted rose hip and pink pepper aromatics accent red cherries and finely textured tannins.

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A fragrant grenache from 60-80 year old Barossa vines, assembled to the tune of just 300 dozen by master craftsman Kym Teusner. It sings with the classic notes of grenache: perfumed cherry, raspberry jam and soft, finely textured tannins. $16 at Jim’s Cellars.

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ACTC has cemented its position among the most sophisticated bargain chardonnays in the country, with a harmonious accord of lingering lemon, grapefruit and white peach, contrasting with the struck flint complexity and texture of fermentation and lees aging. Doubling production to 1000 cases this vintage has done nothing to diminish its style, making this rare […]

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The best rosé declares its style more in texture and tang than overt fruit. This is an enticing and understated rendition, light, zesty and refreshing in its fresh, lifted rose petal, redcurrant, pomegranate and guava characters. $17 at Bellevue Hill.

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An elegant and delicate style of fragrant rose petal and rose water with pomegranate, watermelon and guava. It’s gently textural and faintly off-dry, retaining balance by maintaining a focus on elegant and restrained fruit. $17 at Corkscrew cellars.

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A value for money introduction to Clare shiraz, set with the region’s classic deep, black plum fruits and liquorice, underlined by firm, finely textured tannins and supported by dark chocolate French and American oak. Best price direct.

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