Grey Sands’ first blend of equal parts of merlot and malbec, with a touch of cabernet franc. This may seem an unusual blend for Tasmania, but the estate achieves admirable ripeness at low alcohol a couple of weeks after pinot noir and a couple of weeks before cabernet sauvignon. The result is fragrant and engaging, […]
A feisty apéritif, clean, crisp and impressively balanced, with lemon and granny smith apple freshness, celebrating its chardonnay lead (almost two-thirds). The bead is fine and the dosage well integrated, with impressive acid line that draws the finish out long and honed. 2010 base with 24 months on lees in bottle, a blend of 60% […]
There is every reason to think that it should not be possible to make this wine at this price. A Tasmanian blend of Pipers River, Derwent Valley and Tamar Valley (expensive places to grow grapes), aged for a minimum of three years on lees (almost double the minimum requirement in Champagne) plus at least another […]
It’s that time of the year when I receive a stream of requests for recommendations for the best wines to buy for Christmas and New Year. Here it is, my list of the top 25 buys precisely a month before Christmas. There’s something here for everyone, from $13 rosé to $70 shiraz – and, of course, […]
Australian champagne consumption is buoyant, but take a closer look at what we’re drinking and you might get a surprise. We love champagne, but we’re not nearly as adventurous in our tastes as most other champagne markets around the world. Recent patterns of Australian champagne drinking reveal some disturbing trends, and considerable potential for tastes […]
An elegant, spicy and refreshing Mudgee shiraz of pepper, greengage plum and watermelon fruit profile, underlined by fine, peppery tannins that carry a long, even finish. An enticing BBQ quaffer, that captures a refreshingly cool style for this warm region. $10 at Cracka and Kent Street.
Alluring, succulent, spicy and exotic, this is a skilfully crafted quaffer of glossy berry compote fruit, rose bud and finely structured, powdery, textural tannins. It’s enticing, eminently versatile with all manner of cuisines, and a worthy house red for the budget conscious. $11 at Jim’s (2012).
A gentle, spicy and fruit-focused Barossa bargain of finely textured tannin structure and much more expressive dark plum and black cherry fruit than you’d expect at this bargain price. $11 at Kemeny’s and Dan’s.
The clever crew at St Hallett clearly appreciate that if you want to release a new label in a saturated market, you need to over deliver. It’s a shame to see Gamekeeper’s Cabernet Shiraz go, but in its place, such a pronounced varietal statement is quite unexpected at this bargain price. Crunchy, tangy blackcurrants, capsicum, […]
Value for money gris of red apple and grapefruit zest crunch and a chewy mouth feel of gentle phenolic texture. A clean, fresh and dry style of zesty appeal. $11 at Cracka.