Mr Barval 2019 Vino Rosso

 

I have been working my through several Mr Barval releases over the past few weeks - and have been extremely impressed by a range with which I was not previously familiar. Mr Barval is the brand of much-travelled Robert Gherardi (who has worked at Moss Wood and Cullen) with Mr standing for Margaret River and Barval for Barolo (his wine love) and Valtellina (his ancestral home in Italy). This is a blend of merlot, petit verdot and malbec (how very right bank) that was wild fermented and basket pressed to produce a soft, smooth, easy-drinking style of considerable substance made in small quantities. Move quickly if you want to snap some up. 93 points. $30. www.mrbarval.com   

Leeuwin Estate 2018 Art Series Chardonnay

 

World-class chardonnay from one of the benchmark producers in Margaret River. This is the best high-end chardonnay of the year so far with intensity and drive. Aromas, flavours and textures are as tightly-knit as early Led Zeppelin and the end result is a white to rival the best of Burgundy; a wine of immense style and balance. The new oak is complemented by powerful citrus and white stone fruit resulting a wine of serious finesse. Happy to give this 97/100. $126. https://leeuwinestate.com.au/

Elderton 2019 Barossa Merlot

 

Merlot has never enjoyed the same popularity with Australian wine drinkers as it has with their American counterparts, but this is a very impressive wine - soft and powerful - from the Barossa Valley. It has all the plushness you'd expect on the palate, but also structure that hints at medium-term staying power. Dark in colour, this would pair well with everything from a gourmet burger to roast beef and all the trimmings. $35. https://eldertonwines.com.au/product/barossa-merlot/