I wrote 244 words of notes when chief winemaker Bernard Hickin poured this new vintage riesling for me. Got to be a record in word to price ratio. Mostly because it took him that long to explain to me how he can grow such an elegant, cool climate lookalike riesling in Langhorne Creek. Yes, two-thirds […]
readAn elegant and well balanced bargain rosé and a credit to its vast inland fruit sources. Supple strawberry and raspberry fruit is neatly upheld by balanced acidity and a touch of well integrated residual sweetness on the finish. $7 at Liquorland Direct (2012).
readBest Mike Press Rosé yet? Yes. A serious rosé at a bargain price, contrasting cherry blossom and ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit with the refreshingly tangy acidity of this cool, high vineyard. Gentle tannin texture supports a long, dry finish. Best price direct.
readAn elegant take on Mike Press Merlot, an attractive amalgam of tangy red cherry and cranberry fruit and mixed spice, supported by dark chocolate oak (French and American) and firm, fine, grippy tannin structure. At 14.8%, the alcohol dominates a little on the finish, leaving it a touch hot, but it gets away with it, […]
readFor the miniscule yields inherent to botrytis, a bargain dessert wine that hasn’t been concocted by freezing or reverse osmosis in the winery is nigh-on unheard of, and this is why Vat 5 is nothing short of remarkable. Baby brother to the iconic Noble One, it’s matured in small portion in oak and spends a […]
readIt’s getting tougher to find decent fizz under $10, and even the Jacob’s Creek Classics, all bottle fermented like champagne in their heyday, are now fermented in tanks like Prosecco. This is a single vintage 2012 blend, though labelled as non vintage. It’s simple, fruit-focused, short and primary, with well-balanced acidity and admirable elegance and […]
readMike’s vines are maturing (now 15 years old) and so, too, is his approach in the winery, progressing toward more refined oak presence. This makes for one of the most elegant and poised Mike Press Cabernets, and one of his best, set to go down among the longest lived yet. It’s bracingly youthful on release, […]
readWindy Peak has long been my yardstick for entry pinot noir. Nothing else at this price is worth poking a stick at, and in the great 2012 vintage this label blew all before it out of the water, offering value for money completely off the scale. Pure red cherries, rose hip and cherry kernel meet […]
readIf $10 is your budget, Windy Peak is your house chardonnay. It’s elegant, textural and remarkably stylish and sophisticated for its price. There are notes of white peach and grapefruit, finishing tangy, textural and beautifully balanced, with subtle grapefruit pith texture. Another great vintage for Windy Peak. $10 at Liquorland Direct.
readEarly picked, fresh, delicate and crunchy, this is a bargain grigio packed with varietal integrity of pear and lemon zest. A blend of Adelaide Hills, Eden Valley and Barossa Valley, it’s lively and zesty, with soft, fine texture and surprising elegance. Gold medals in the Royal Adelaide and National Wine Shows are no surprise, until […]
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