Dense, crunchy black- and redcurrants and cassis define a style at once impeccably varietal and at the same time succulent and generous. This is classic Clare cabernet, with hints of eucalypt and mint, but the focus remains resolutely on deep and well-structured black fruit definition, underlined by firm, fine, chewy tannins. Value and potential. $17 […]

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Capturing elegant fruit focus and savoury texture in a rosé can be a precarious balance. The talented De Bortoli crew have upheld the integrity of a flattering season for pinot noir, while injecting the lingering, dry sophistication of full oak barrel fermentation and lees work. Its pale salmon hue heralds pretty watermelon and rose petal […]

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Sourced from the middle hill of the K1 by Geoff Hardy vineyard at Kuitpo in the Adelaide Hills, this is an impressively spicy, savoury, gamey and complex cool climate shiraz, layered with deep, dark berry/cherry/plum fruit and impeccably fine, textural tannins. It’s finely crafted and enticingly priced. $24 at Zeeman Wines and Wines Warehouse.

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Rose Kentish’s experience in McLaren Vale and southern France shines in this beautifully varietal, characteristically regional and downright delicious blend. It’s an elegant, succulent expression of the raspberries, strawberries and red cherries of grenache, with subtle savoury spice and olive nuances characteristic of McLaren Vale. Tannins are finely textured, providing an air of sophistication to […]

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From the cool heights of Skillogalee’s fantastic site in the Clare, this is a gewürztraminer of texture and complexity, refreshingly reserved and contemplative. Lovely lychee and rosewater purity culminates in a long finish of subtle grapefruit and white nectarine character. The texture is fine and well gauged, with carefully placed, soft phenolic character and fine, […]

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Geoff Hardy is playing with all kinds of Italian, French and Spanish varieties across South Australia and this is one of the best. The heat and drought resistance of Graciano make sense in Langhorne Creek, particularly when it can make wines of such lifted fragrance, luminescent purple hue and fresh black plum, black cherry and […]

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In the right hands, tempranillo has a wonderful hallmark of retaining acid drive and fresh restraint, even in warm regions, and this is why we are going to see a lot more of this variety in Australia in years to come. With alluring character of black cherry and violet perfume, Manners has conjured a beautifully […]

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Steve Webber foresees that the warm and aromatic 2013 season may ultimately be more highly regarded than 2012 at the pointy end of Yarra Valley pinot. His Estate blend of five mature vineyards is a compelling start. Twenty percent whole bunches in the blend emphasise alluring complexity of violet fragrance, while a core of deep […]

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The tangy elegance of Great Southern makes its graceful mark, even in the generous Gin Gin clone in the warm, early 2013 season. The result is a beautifully balanced chardonnay, expressing the intensity of this clone, while upholding a fragrant delicacy of almond blossom and a refreshing tang of tightly defined acidity. Cashew nut French […]

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There is an understated elegance, a subtle perfume and an effortless persistence to this vintage, yet wrapped into its folds are beautifully defined blackberry, blueberry and black plum fruits. Tannins are finely textured, drawing out a long and even finish. A great vintage for Skillogalee Shiraz, gentle, comfortably poised and ready to drink. $26 at […]

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