Tash Mooney keeps this vigorous Sicilian variety under strict control on the boniest, windiest hilltop she could find in Kersbook at the Barossa end of the Adelaide Hills. The result is a beautifully exotic, spicy and vibrant expression of tangy berry compote, violet perfume and black pastilles. Lively acidity is the signature of nero d’avola […]

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This is a great value, estate grown cabernet of varietal integrity and elegant sophistication. Beautifully focused violet and red- and blackcurrant fruit make way for tobacco and cedar notes. Eighteen months in one-third new French oak barrels is a bonus at this price. It’s bright, tangy, finely structured and effortlessly persistent, enticing now and offering […]

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One of the best GHRs yet, capturing impressive black fruit depth with tangy energy. Dense yet pristine black plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit and liquorice are lifted by pretty violet perfume. A finely crafted GHR of fine tannins and impeccably integrated oak, making for a long and linear finish. $24 at Jim Murphy’s.

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A pretty and elegant riesling of fragrant lemon blossom and crunchy granny smith apple fruit, carrying with considerable persistence and laser line. A hint of honeysuckle provides a suggestion of generosity without interrupting its linear precision. Fine, chalk-like mineral mouthfeel defines a beautifully approachable yet eminently age-worthy style. $24 at Cellar d’Or.

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There is a freshness, vibrancy and definition that set 2012 apart as one of Dutschke’s finest Samis, while retaining impeccable depth and concentration. Exact varietal hallmarks of crunchy redcurrants and bright rose hip fragrance linger long through the palate, structured by very finely ground tannins of excellent grip, supple yet structured. It finishes long, even […]

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An excellent Jackson of appeal and longevity, melding these two varieties seamlessly and promising an exciting future. Beautiful aromatic presence unites the succulent blueberry fruits of shiraz with the crunchy redcurrants and leaf of cabernet. The palate is very well balanced, with bright acidity and grippy, chewy, finely textured tannins providing great definition and focus […]

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One-third each of Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland, this is a riesling of crystalline restraint, understated fragrance and enduring persistence. Lime zest, granny smith apple and lemon blossom unite in a calm and focused style of seamless flow, driven by impeccably integrated yet unnervingly linear acidity, undeterred on a very long finish, accented by gentle […]

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Shaw + Smith is on a steep trajectory into the wonderful world of pinot noir, and this is a particularly skilfully crafted release with a confident future before it. A perfumed and accurate nose of rose hip, pure morello cherry and brambles glides into a poised, elegant and tangy palate of finely textured structure and […]

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Stephen George is fanatical about pinot noir in his special pocket high in the Adelaide Hills, and he’s spent the past 30 years experimenting with 25 different clones of the variety. Four have stood out as the best, and for the first time, his Estate Pinot Noir is a blend exclusively of these. The lively, […]

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Yalumba winemaker Peter Gambetta got excited about a particular parcel of Wilyabrup cabernet, and the result is the first reserve wine for Ringbolt. Yes, it really was just 21 barriques. Its focused restraint hints at its grand longevity, with coiled potential of shy yet intense blackcurrant fruit, firm, graphite-fine tannins and well-defined acidity. Classy dark […]

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