An exotic and enticing tempranillo from 30 year old vines at 600m of altitude in Rioja Alavesa, the finest subregion of Spain’s Rioja. It’s finely structured with firm, tannins of fine high cocoa dark chocolate texture, laced with rose hip, smoked spice, cola, dark chocolate, cherry liqueur, liquorice and berry compote. Great value introduction to […]
This is Wilson’s Watervale riesling, even though the front label also confusingly declares Polish Hill River (the location of the winery in this case, not the fruit). Pedantics aside, it’s true to the season, at once ripe, concentrated and bracingly structured, uniting the exotic generosity of golden delicious apple with a taut lemon zest backbone […]
A value for money SGM from some of the original vines on the ancient Turkey Flat property. This vintage is impressive, with a vibrant purple hue and a core of berry compote, overlaid with mixed spice, pepper and finely textured tannins. It’s immediate, engaging and much more serious than its price lets on. Best price […]
Primarily Eden Valley, this is a riesling of impressive intensity of lime zest and granny smith apple fruit, lingering with great persistence and good acid line. A little phenolic texture builds structure and firmness on the finish. $12 at The Pink Drinks.
A well crafted blend, relying more on tangy acidity than soft, fine tannins for structure, making it both immediately approachable and deceptively long-lived. Cabernet sauvignon, with a dash of merlot and cabernet franc, make for a blend of varietal integrity and bright fruit liveliness, defined by accurate capsicum, leaf and tangy redcurrant character. Cool vintage […]
A great value varietal cabernet of poise, restraint and longevity, defined by crunchy redcurrant and capsicum fruit, violet perfume and cedary oak. Tannins are firm and edgy, calling for some time to soften and settle. $12 at Jim’s Cellars.
At an average age of between 5 and 10 years, Reserve offers a lot more complexity, intensity and persistence than Penfolds’ Club, making this a worthwhile upgrade for an extra $5. Lovely complexity of plum and fig fruit, layers of spice and notes of citrus rind find an even balance with mature, rancio parcels. Excellent […]
Inspired by the bistro wines of the Ardeche, and it captures the style impeccably, uniting whole berry juiciness with whole bunch fragrance. It’s exotic, spicy and textural, laced with sarsaparilla, pipe smoke, dried flowers and incense over a crunchy berry compote core and finely textured, grippy structure. $18 at Cracka.
Elegant lemon and red apple fruit, with the most finesse and persistence of any Jacob’s Creek sparking this year, showcasing finely structured Adelaide Hills acidity and elegant persistence. Great value fizz. $13 at Cracka, $15 at First Choice.
A crunchy, refreshing and uncomplicated SSB of grapefruit zest, green pea and green capsicum character. It’s taut, lively and energetic, driven by well focused acid line and lingering persistence. $17 at Aussie Wines and No Frills Wine.