Tasmania is Australia’s sparkling capital, and despite Chandon’s extensive sourcing across south-eastern Australia and its grand headquarters in the epicentre of the Yarra Valley, this single vineyard in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley has again out-performed all else in its portfolio. This is a fizz of precision and sophistication, with taut lemon zest, white peach and […]
readLaurent Bénard crafts terroir-driven champagnes from old vines that encapsulate the power and definition of the majestic pinot noir of the great village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. There is a zesty edge of lemon offset by the complexity of brioche, ginger and white pepper. A concentrated, poised style with a clean, dry, long finish and chalky, salty […]
readThis is a wine that must be experienced to be believed. Ageing at the pace of a giant sea turtle, it’s still a vibrant straw-green at almost seven years of age. The freshness on the palate follows unerringly, singing with kaffir lime and lemon, pepper, cut grass and anise. With scintillating acidity, brilliant citrus cut, […]
readI have only been alive for a small chapter of Vat 9s illustrious history (spanning fifty years this year), but I have not tasted a young vintage as flattering as 2009. From the oldest and finest blocks of the Ashman’s vineyard, matured in large French oak casks (building texture rather than overt structure or oak […]
readThere is a definition to the 2009 vintage, enhanced with 30% new oak and massaged with 20% whole bunch, providing a firm, fine, textural tannin structure. Savoury nuances of dried thyme, earth and notes of iron almost reflect the structural shape of Côte de Beaune, though its long tail of black cherry fruit lands it […]
readThere’s already sufficient confusion in wine labelling without renaming a well-established and well-loved wine “Semillon Blanc” (what next – “Savagnin Blanc?”) but if that’s the only thing to dislike about this wine, there’s a lot of joy to be had for $9.50 at Dan’s. The wine retains its classic lemon and lanolin flavours, holding its […]
readThe sheer statement of class made by the new incarnation of Y Series is monumental for a brand currently discounted to $9.50 at Dan’s. No wine in the line is as masterfully constructed as the cabernet. It sings with the definition of Wrattonbully and the generosity of Langhorne Creek, with fine, textural tannins, varietal violet, […]
readA gorgeous assemblage of cabernet’s violets, capsicum and redcurrants with shiraz’s blueberries, plums and mixed spice. It’s vibrant and fruit-focused, with an undercurrent of finely textured tannins, supportive dark chocolate oak and a note of Clare Valley mint. For $20 ex-winery and at Wellington eu Cellars, you’d better Take Two.
readHonest, primary and authentic – three words rarely heard at this price, particularly in prime red wine territory! Heathcote character is on display here, in fine, savoury tannins, plush blue fruits and dry, savoury persistence. Glorious purity of vibrant plum and rhubarb fruit takes the lead, with milk choc oak appearing on the finish. Let […]
readAs sophisticated and beguiling as the label anticipates, this is a wine of soft, caressing mouthfeel and texture. Nuances of subtle strawberry hull, savoury restraint, pomegranate, custard apple and tomato, finishing with tangy, lingering red berries. $17 at Wine List Australia, No Frills Wine and Aussie Wines.
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