Chateau Loudenne Medoc Cru Bourgeois

This is my favourite sub-$50 Bordeaux right now, a blend of almost equal parts merlot and cabernet sauvignon, with a touch of cabernet franc and malbec. 16 months in 30% new oak barrels keeps the wood influence subtle, building a tannin presence for medium-term potential. It’s a classically elegant style of varietal fruit character, clean, […]

Mount Horrocks Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Fragrant violet aromas unite with mulberry and blackcurrant fruit of impressive depth and persistence, yet at every moment vibrant, lively and medium-bodied. It’s scaffolded by confident, finely structured, chewy tannins, bright acidity and well-gauged dark chocolate oak. Beautifully balanced and enduring, this is one of the greats from Mount Horrocks. $36 at Mates Crates (2012).

Bleasdale The Iron Duke Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

A very classy and classic cabernet for the long-haul, defined by signature blackcurrant and redcurrant fruit, cedar and a fresh red rose petal lift. An outstanding core of blackcurrant fruit propagates with great line and persistence, depth and expression yet compact and magnificently polished, powered by superfine, beautifully focused tannins. Best price direct.

Chapel Hill The Chosen Gorge Block McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon

Upholding varietal definition and structural endurance in full-flavoured, full-bodied cabernet takes skill and talent, and Michael Fragos has exemplified both in 2013. This is a dense, powerful and polished McLaren Vale cabernet that’s brimming with blackcurrants, cassis and dark chocolate. For all of its exuberance, it pulls confidently into a focused and well-defined finish of […]

Voyager Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Pure, perfumed and elegant while deep, enduring and concentrated, this is an impeccably poised Voyager Estate of alluring magnificence and grand longevity. Few young cabernets display such effortless grace, while charged with a tannin profile that promises an exceptionally long life. This is classic Margaret River Cabernet in all of its allure: fragrant, crunchy and […]

Grosset Gaia

The 23rd release represents one of the smallest vintages of Gaia. A blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon and 25% cabernet franc, it’s at once ethereally fragrant with violet perfume, intensely varietal in its capsicum and leaf, and deep in its blackcurrant core and impeccable frame of dark chocolate oak. Tannins are fine, yet with a […]

Xanadu Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon

The best rows from the oldest blocks on Xanadu’s Wallcliffe property have created a wine that embodies the persona of the most enduring cabernets in exhibiting impeccable balance and alluring refinement even in their extreme youth. This is benchmark Margaret River cabernet sauvignon of textbook character and refined grace, delivering enticing complexity and elegant allure. […]

Knappstein Block 5 Enterprise Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

In the impressive 2012 season, the highest point of the Enterprise Vineyard produced what Knappstein considers to be the purist expression of this historic Clare Valley vineyard. This single block release is a categorical step up from the standard Enterprise, more coiled and more restrained, without the overt mint and eucalypt characters, and with greater […]

Oxford Landing Estates Pinot Grigio

Varietal integrity and texture under $10. Yes, please! Pear and peach fruit expresses the character of grigio in a honeyed style that gains texture from 100% wild fermentation. A touch of residual sweetness sits comfortably on a fruit-focused finish. Great value at $7 at OurCellar.

Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc

If you love sauvignon and only have $10 to spend, this is still the best choice on the shelves. Captured and the exact moment of ripeness when tangy citrus meets cut grass and guava, this is a well balanced bargain sauvignon that expresses the definition and crunch of a cool January. A touch of phenolic […]