tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58693563408415048412024-03-18T20:15:54.353+11:00Wine of the WeekWDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.comBlogger782125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-32965985347552515402024-03-15T16:00:00.005+11:002024-03-15T16:00:56.042+11:00Dandelion Vineyards 2022 Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbouydtSxQL3dA9l00HUlnA0vrvX1-MVS-aqT0NRyN__gl1LA0heDJd7-2HT1hDj-H6F8EyVvxo5RDB_pJu9_oFPqYp4Azpu0ULVbOxWk439v5fkAKmwsooLH-G33oknnuZFAgsgIaWNrDkNWJmQVj2PP18ZnRGv6gkxXiBMiGu-u_dJesPlXfyHs0Ks/s1024/BNRW9GWuUUOAHUzte65yEQ.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbouydtSxQL3dA9l00HUlnA0vrvX1-MVS-aqT0NRyN__gl1LA0heDJd7-2HT1hDj-H6F8EyVvxo5RDB_pJu9_oFPqYp4Azpu0ULVbOxWk439v5fkAKmwsooLH-G33oknnuZFAgsgIaWNrDkNWJmQVj2PP18ZnRGv6gkxXiBMiGu-u_dJesPlXfyHs0Ks/s320/BNRW9GWuUUOAHUzte65yEQ.png" width="111" /></a></div><p></p><p>Serious Barossa shiraz for $30 is good to find, and this one from Dandelion VIneyards delivers great value for money. This is made using fruit from some gnarly old vines, some over 100 years old. Open fermented, hand plunged twice a day and then basket pressed into mainly older French barriques, this is very approachable in its youth and would pair brilliantly with a gourmet Angus beef burger. It can sometimes be found on special and is certainly well worth keeping your eyes out for. <b>$30. <a href="https://dandelionvineyards.com.au/">https://dandelionvineyards.com.au/</a></b></p><br />WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-39179719184213211072024-03-10T14:33:00.002+11:002024-03-10T14:33:48.537+11:00Tapanappa 2023 Tiers Chardonnay <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3sC38aKLz4ltEdgPRB-9xNKoT4TE_R1XC85autDWEg3RwoRKN1qftxZpjfzpDxoImlDJ_qId2suG_R64Uj4jN0-hjrZYaLOH6ygcrtTmBphtZBdVN5qoYws_k5OpTlYQjniWs4yb0I6QeolttwAR-PMZ2Rq2DwK59X2UrvY3msLTGB3MB6B-JGApt_o/s2560/tapanappa_tiers_vineyard_2023_chardonnay-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3sC38aKLz4ltEdgPRB-9xNKoT4TE_R1XC85autDWEg3RwoRKN1qftxZpjfzpDxoImlDJ_qId2suG_R64Uj4jN0-hjrZYaLOH6ygcrtTmBphtZBdVN5qoYws_k5OpTlYQjniWs4yb0I6QeolttwAR-PMZ2Rq2DwK59X2UrvY3msLTGB3MB6B-JGApt_o/s320/tapanappa_tiers_vineyard_2023_chardonnay-scaled.jpg" width="117" /></a></div><p></p><p>Simply superb. A classic cool-climate chardonnay from an iconic 45-year-old vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, this is a benchmark of excellence from vastly experienced winemaker Brian Croser and his Tapanappa team. From a cool vintage, this is a wine of intensity and panache; a wine that first demands "taste me" and then "think about me". A cerebral blend with apple, stone fruit and nutty flavours in perrfect harmony, it is classically varietal with bright acid on the finish and the structure to suggest cellaring would pay dividends. Pair with roast pork and crackling, or a Mediterranean vegetable tart. Savour its amazing length, This is not cheap at <b>$110, </b>but it would elevate any dinner party<b>. </b>96+ points. <a href="https://tapanappa.com.au/" style="font-weight: bold;">https://tapanappa.com.au/</a> </p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-77154608995395902642024-03-01T10:26:00.002+11:002024-03-01T10:26:00.248+11:00Craggy Range 2023 Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8KemPEMEeZnZ5tvC4aSKMRl_cGRvsdq3dreLfvZrrCFP1XqE_9zy9bXS6YiB5wDmecs5WoJNflYRLG2UChwd69ccvzf1XeCLxFaf6PwlBvo4ivq-SmFplbx6urSUKjpjlpLGO7udksMmwaAklGog6OgNtYn8RmD1dYGfl9ZKfgh_smlNjE8D_7evPVA/s1698/IMG_3427.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1698" data-original-width="482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8KemPEMEeZnZ5tvC4aSKMRl_cGRvsdq3dreLfvZrrCFP1XqE_9zy9bXS6YiB5wDmecs5WoJNflYRLG2UChwd69ccvzf1XeCLxFaf6PwlBvo4ivq-SmFplbx6urSUKjpjlpLGO7udksMmwaAklGog6OgNtYn8RmD1dYGfl9ZKfgh_smlNjE8D_7evPVA/s320/IMG_3427.jpeg" width="91" /></a></div><br />Remember the days when Kiwi sauvignon blanc was all the rage? Seems like an eternity ago doesn't it? But there are still some outstanding savvy blancs from New Zealand on offer if you choose carefully and I really enjoyed the varietal character and palate power of this one from Martinborough. There is some herbaceousness, sure, but this is all about minerality and intensity with plenty of textural elements on the palate (with a small percentage of whole bunch playing a role). The complexity is added to by a combination of use of stainless steel and various formats of French oak. This could be called a fumé blanc. Think summer sipping on the back deck. <b>$36. <a href="https://craggyrange.com/">https://craggyrange.com/</a></b>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-31004854713695205742024-02-23T11:22:00.003+11:002024-02-23T11:22:27.461+11:00Zema Estate 2018 Family Collection Shiraz <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rRYHsRlS_HLXZg-O6YJpWXwk-gRWOv6_gC05yLty5msA1C3LF7FdNX4EOghccgX5RFXE68yVLfU9ttauzpM-E4mnENH5xsW1hTg-lA0_cFDkO0Wm0wZhzmq3ZpH0wkKwsx2Ho7QNQODxAzYxfReViX_KEOY_tcGOltLIkJIbj4Jzss34iclm4mGGfys/s563/c338afb3-8da3-49b5-b480-ca1332538ca3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="127" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rRYHsRlS_HLXZg-O6YJpWXwk-gRWOv6_gC05yLty5msA1C3LF7FdNX4EOghccgX5RFXE68yVLfU9ttauzpM-E4mnENH5xsW1hTg-lA0_cFDkO0Wm0wZhzmq3ZpH0wkKwsx2Ho7QNQODxAzYxfReViX_KEOY_tcGOltLIkJIbj4Jzss34iclm4mGGfys/s320/c338afb3-8da3-49b5-b480-ca1332538ca3.jpg" width="72" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Family-owned Zema Estate is a Coonwarra producer that usually over-delivers on value - and is known for only releasing its Family Selection reds when they are at their peak. Hence this new release - and its Cabernet Sauvignon sibling - are being released at six years of age. With over four decades of experience - the brand was launched in 1982 - the family focuses on hand-pruning, fruit selection, quality oak barrels, and bottle ageing - all of which are reflected here in a shiraz that is rich, smart and sophisticated with a complex but beautifully cohesive palate. Drink now with a beef casserole, or cellar. Your choice. <b>$50</b> - but cheaper from cellar door or online. <a href="https://www.zema.com.au/"><b>https://www.zema.com.au/</b></a>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-44415593604707475572024-02-16T11:40:00.003+11:002024-02-16T11:40:50.281+11:00Paul Mas 2022 Pays d'Oc Marsanne<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zi3LL_dXuM9yG8gF81bwBqhEHgBuI89qv645MdEr2oLLS2R8PZcQ0PR9zdvICYdGjMF9OGhLaSpZ6J1WKI3M9Cf3oKSdQHfwu5vJyKDVPpzLDzMLDz83brJ1BUBBeTdhAS-jT44HhRCJkxbVJ7NFM_9nOh6vEDJGchccTDsKdqISVQ9TWAjj_gJ4qmU/s1707/916020-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zi3LL_dXuM9yG8gF81bwBqhEHgBuI89qv645MdEr2oLLS2R8PZcQ0PR9zdvICYdGjMF9OGhLaSpZ6J1WKI3M9Cf3oKSdQHfwu5vJyKDVPpzLDzMLDz83brJ1BUBBeTdhAS-jT44HhRCJkxbVJ7NFM_9nOh6vEDJGchccTDsKdqISVQ9TWAjj_gJ4qmU/s320/916020-1.png" width="256" /></a></div>Looking for a white wine that is full of palate interest but extremely affordable? You can't go past this Languedoc white from one of the many labels of Arrogant Frog proprietor Jean-Claude Mas. This is a great picnic choice with its honeydew melon, pear, quince paste and fresh white peach notes. It is very well balanced, finishes dry and smooth and is exceptionally well balanced for wine in its price bracket. Marsanne is a grape that originates in the northern Rhone and is often used in blends, but here it is grown in the Languedoc, further south, and shines on its own. Some bright acid on the finish so pair with a vegetable quiche. <b>$12</b> at Dan Murphy's stores - a definite bargain buy. WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-10127524413268578282024-02-09T10:30:00.001+11:002024-02-09T10:30:00.149+11:00Kilikanoon 2018 Attunga 1865 Shiraz <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1C_CdKIBtdUD4z8KGQZFzel7Ctm0c01bY5DAyR8kZ8Vgq8fc75-mA5R8GkuAdkjl-LpXlD0JM_p8neHUwl51DxWydclco3mQAA99kWYlkM3saOootBLN7mdAy9695eINaD9ffvIzUmh4OOBv8ZOywpXICqCpJ01jFZIMck6a1MeuH5gDQfRQm_HZ6aJo/s540/NV-Attunga-1865-Shiraz-1024x1024_c3a269eb-9f98-4acd-b791-647502e18fe5_540x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1C_CdKIBtdUD4z8KGQZFzel7Ctm0c01bY5DAyR8kZ8Vgq8fc75-mA5R8GkuAdkjl-LpXlD0JM_p8neHUwl51DxWydclco3mQAA99kWYlkM3saOootBLN7mdAy9695eINaD9ffvIzUmh4OOBv8ZOywpXICqCpJ01jFZIMck6a1MeuH5gDQfRQm_HZ6aJo/s320/NV-Attunga-1865-Shiraz-1024x1024_c3a269eb-9f98-4acd-b791-647502e18fe5_540x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">If your are looking for a complex, age-worthy shiraz for a special occasion but don't have the budget for a Hill of Grace, Grange or Factor, then this might be a very good alternative. The fruit comes from a Clare Valley vineyard just outside Auburn that was <span style="background-color: white;">planted in 1865. I shared this wine with my tasting group this week and it met with universal acclaim, well merited given it is a concentrated, intense but smooth-finishing red with a lot of deep, brooding flavour elements including smoky, savoury, dark fruit and chocolate. It has a serious structural side but can be enjoyed right now. A fillet steak would be an appropriate match. <b>$250. <a href="http://www.killikanoon.com.au">www.killikanoon.com.au</a> </b> </span></span>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-78659349875911045622024-02-02T12:29:00.002+11:002024-02-02T12:29:11.024+11:00Flametree 2022 Chardonnay <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntRImkrEVLnEDh8LErsOQQRQKCf3c2gman8be6W1A4MqccZ_GkiR8UL3-hj18vvjqsa4FWpl2fCc_oD-aS7JQ-q57OSVle2SdAGIHpR1Tj7p2uz8CYe0wTsEmM7le5tH0zk_4-CE06Gu9sbwSezSfArz7XfkN59Z6G4sWZjudLanPBMBxl1iS8jAVGGU/s600/IMG_3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntRImkrEVLnEDh8LErsOQQRQKCf3c2gman8be6W1A4MqccZ_GkiR8UL3-hj18vvjqsa4FWpl2fCc_oD-aS7JQ-q57OSVle2SdAGIHpR1Tj7p2uz8CYe0wTsEmM7le5tH0zk_4-CE06Gu9sbwSezSfArz7XfkN59Z6G4sWZjudLanPBMBxl1iS8jAVGGU/s320/IMG_3268.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />Here is a very composed - and well priced - Margaret River chardonnay that is in the zone right now, offering a lot of food-friendly drinking pleasure. Flametree winemaker Cliff Royle has all his ducks in a row with a wine that has plenty of power without being overpowering. This is dry and textural with wild ferment adding to the mix in a positive way. There is some bright citrus-accented acidity on the finish while French oak plays an impressive support role. You could pair this with anything from fish and chips to lobster mornay. <b>$35.</b> <a href="https://www.flametreewines.com/"><b>https://www.flametreewines.com/</b></a> </p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-46103538346365240282024-01-26T10:20:00.001+11:002024-01-26T10:20:00.138+11:00Tapanappa 2022 Foggy Hill Pinot Noir <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2cNPRflqPcS0qGWOtjJQNx6Vl95PlzhhUq8aclPuFHWvz9aqOKyRQ92z2r6jbF6lBebyH3YdfNa3RlBpWAgZwDS_GRGhAD7C6Ltm6GV090wanCQ19-clAt8prO_dRjzi-I1KZ8PCTPJPs-Y41CTmsbkNx13ZvQ5px8YiNL0BLJX1i0P-agYVr84NvVg/s1280/786918-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2cNPRflqPcS0qGWOtjJQNx6Vl95PlzhhUq8aclPuFHWvz9aqOKyRQ92z2r6jbF6lBebyH3YdfNa3RlBpWAgZwDS_GRGhAD7C6Ltm6GV090wanCQ19-clAt8prO_dRjzi-I1KZ8PCTPJPs-Y41CTmsbkNx13ZvQ5px8YiNL0BLJX1i0P-agYVr84NvVg/s320/786918-1.png" width="256" /></a><br />The Tapanappa label is the result of a 40+ year mission of veteran winemaker Brian Croser and his family to make world-class wines from the most “distinguished sites” in South Australia. The Foggy Hill vineyard on the Fleurieu Peninsula might not be an obvious contender as a site for world-class pinot, but it delivers big time with this vibrant and spicy example of classic terroir-driven varietal character. There is plenty of length here and aging potential, too, given its serious complexity, but it is a lovely wine right now that I give 95 points. Impressive stuff . <b>$60. <a href="https://tapanappa.com.au/">https://tapanappa.com.au/</a></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-67996546500477072312024-01-19T10:30:00.002+11:002024-01-19T13:25:20.419+11:00Levantine Hill 2020 Melange Botrytis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHF8m-m3mnKiRowkw7reDW4NDCnN8x2hMLfYL9XpeOML3d4ogYdWpVd4NILkiNkHAB5HoZOQgeOV80sX-0ObFoUV_Z9Mbfu6D2Ep9-KmgGVxtSVSkZKhHYUoFP6lRi5nPso2MlVdls2qtwCoxYLeVfpAnDTz7os-CGI0XCuINVqoEwFz-ycBGZ6WMkL4/s700/IMG_3165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHF8m-m3mnKiRowkw7reDW4NDCnN8x2hMLfYL9XpeOML3d4ogYdWpVd4NILkiNkHAB5HoZOQgeOV80sX-0ObFoUV_Z9Mbfu6D2Ep9-KmgGVxtSVSkZKhHYUoFP6lRi5nPso2MlVdls2qtwCoxYLeVfpAnDTz7os-CGI0XCuINVqoEwFz-ycBGZ6WMkL4/s320/IMG_3165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Many wine drinkers make the mistake of thinking that sweet wines must be paired with desserts. <i>Au contraire</i>, the French, who know a little about food and wine matching, tend to pair their classic Sauternes wines with dishes including <i>foie gras</i>, pates, terrines and soft cheeses. This homage to Sauternes is a blend of late-harvested semillon, sauvignon blanc, muscadelle and sauvignon gris with the whole far greater than its parts. Rich and luscious, this has apricot, marmalade, golden honey and Seville orange notes with enough acid on the finish to match the lashings of residual sugar. Well worth checking out. <b>$60 for 375mls</b>. <a href="https://www.levantinehill.com.au/"><b>https://www.levantinehill.com.au/</b></a> <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Concentrated and complexed via infection of the selected berries with the noble <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Botrytis cinerea</em>, this wine is rich and hedonistic, luscious and viscous yet elegant and structured.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Aromas of golden syrup dumplings, barley sugar, crystallised ginger, beeswax andorange marmalade meld with flavours of orange poppy seed cake, cumquat and cardamom panna cotta.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">A smattering of phenolics on the finish helps draw the palate long giving resolution and profundity, keeping the sweetness in check. It will gain further richness and dark allure with careful cellaring over 10+ years.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Discover more about our 2020 Mélange Botrytis and how this unusual wine is made in our <a aria-describedby="a11y-new-window-message" href="https://www.levantinehill.com.au/collections/botrytis-cinerea-otherwise-known-as-noble-rot" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; padding: 0px; touch-action: manipulation;" target="_blank" title="Wine Spotlight: 2018 Mélange Botrytis">Wine Spotlight</a>.</p><p><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Note: </em><span face="Poppins, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">375ml bottle $60. </span> https://www.levantinehill.com.au/</p><p><br /></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-54020794523763729172024-01-12T10:05:00.000+11:002024-01-12T10:05:00.151+11:00Giant Steps 2023 Rosé<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2rsJzN84F-cHBGCEH4fCq_lmak7JEFsM05mCtWdR_Pu7lNMu1DhNRYRd39An52fnO_7mNk5VDg8g_y1h8hN7i82d0yLYp89MDL5jRao2iTRu6k0V_eX0I5qF9RKf8yb6u6VfRIwFwTtg0VvPQBe-rYEwB1DlJmH4FErqS0Y-8v0FS2aSbapHrHvCfWA/s512/3Yl23Aq-iUyeZZGDPQlAKA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="192" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2rsJzN84F-cHBGCEH4fCq_lmak7JEFsM05mCtWdR_Pu7lNMu1DhNRYRd39An52fnO_7mNk5VDg8g_y1h8hN7i82d0yLYp89MDL5jRao2iTRu6k0V_eX0I5qF9RKf8yb6u6VfRIwFwTtg0VvPQBe-rYEwB1DlJmH4FErqS0Y-8v0FS2aSbapHrHvCfWA/s320/3Yl23Aq-iUyeZZGDPQlAKA.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><p></p><p>I could drink more than a few glasses of this impressively slurpable rosé from Yarra Valley standout Giant Steps. Winemaker Melanie Chester - previously from rosé specialist Sutton Grange - has blended syrah (shiraz) and pinot noir grapes to produce a wine that is both fun and stylish - perfect for a summer picnic, or just for sipping on the veranda after work. It is unashamedly based on the pale, savoury rosés of Provence and is clearly designed to be enjoyed well chilled for maximum refreshment. Intense with raspberry and redcurrant flavours, this finishes with impressive bright acidity. Drink now. Right now. <b>$32. <a href="https://www.giantstepswine.com.au/">https://www.giantstepswine.com.au/</a></b></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-49851405548924296102024-01-05T10:45:00.001+11:002024-01-05T10:45:00.256+11:00Longview 2021 Devil's Elbow Cabernet Sauvignon <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOD47auAYJgZFbViJFCCbVq5s5PtjvdK8jzS-4gVpWzgZaFvCnVfyWh6UkbYIHr32NL6teBfTTiUbgfXMvHo7RE5WB8TWFujVN1farIyMy2aupd3bGdH8slccCCUoxoZ6sNAw5ti-ne1_A4-TFUKlcEfz7A3cpkaje0czIe1QAsd6COa_Ie-iYiuZmHY/s600/LongviewDevilsElbowCabernetSauvignon_145x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="145" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOD47auAYJgZFbViJFCCbVq5s5PtjvdK8jzS-4gVpWzgZaFvCnVfyWh6UkbYIHr32NL6teBfTTiUbgfXMvHo7RE5WB8TWFujVN1farIyMy2aupd3bGdH8slccCCUoxoZ6sNAw5ti-ne1_A4-TFUKlcEfz7A3cpkaje0czIe1QAsd6COa_Ie-iYiuZmHY/s320/LongviewDevilsElbowCabernetSauvignon_145x.jpg" width="77" /></a><br /><br /> The cool Adelaide Hills are not the first location you'd think of for sourcing quality cabernet sauvignon, but this one delivers both quality and value to challenge Coonawarra and Margaret River with fruit from a Macclesfield vineyard that gets plenty of midday sun. This has classic blackcurrant and chocolate characters but finishes smooth, supple and stylish. There's plenty of length here with a long ripening period resulting in pleasingly intense but well balanced fruit flavours aided and abetted by malo and 12 months in soft, older oak. Medium-bodied and all the better for it. This won a trophy for the best cabernet at the 2022 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "ITC Avant Garde Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">. </span><b style="text-align: center;">$30. <a href="http://www.longviewvineyard.com.au/">www.longviewvineyard.com.au/</a></b><div><div></div><br /></div>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-28348489569429178282023-12-29T10:39:00.000+11:002023-12-29T10:39:31.401+11:00Oliver's Taranga 2023 Fiano <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRTak6rFsVLGHdgKnsUFo6fGxWXerESeAhdPG1kjb7oyA5G319aKqni9NN21MTGBr0eXgDjfYGGZbHz3a3kY_HTt79wb-9gYx71YLuRMe7XdXQjai6n4X441inB8Y82jLzjZLjBtMedjcm24ydKwcVHZRxXL__wkTp6x_CI-3du24M05ab17uGEfN_Hg/s960/23FianoAH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="271" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRTak6rFsVLGHdgKnsUFo6fGxWXerESeAhdPG1kjb7oyA5G319aKqni9NN21MTGBr0eXgDjfYGGZbHz3a3kY_HTt79wb-9gYx71YLuRMe7XdXQjai6n4X441inB8Y82jLzjZLjBtMedjcm24ydKwcVHZRxXL__wkTp6x_CI-3du24M05ab17uGEfN_Hg/s320/23FianoAH.png" width="90" /></a></div><p>Corrina Wright, the sixth-generation winemaker from Oliver's Taranga in McLaren Vale is Australia's undisputed queen of fiano, a dry white grape variety that originates in Campania in southern Italy, and on the island of Sicily. If you enjoy white wines with textural elements and real personality then this is well worth a look. Fiano is well suited to warmer regions of Australia as it is heat and drought resistant. This is made with minimal intervention, undergoes indigenous ferment and a small portion sees oak, while the majority is made in stainless steel. Thinks freshness, a beguiling blend of citrus, white stone fruit, nuttiness and herbal notes. Pair with with anything from a spicy sausage pizza to Thai or Korean dishes. Lovely stuff and excellent value. <b>$28.</b> <a href="https://www.oliverstaranga.com/"><b>https://www.oliverstaranga.com/</b></a></p><p></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-8709886261839620992023-12-22T09:51:00.001+11:002023-12-22T09:51:14.298+11:00Xanadu 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfhTaFLJnNFRjwfFynlGatHnUfL2k7phyphenhyphencoj3OP9aTlHY0Mkwg6z-rNBQnFoTmOI8bA7a5wwZ32vk1e8kLcQzPovb9Ayp6IPN7GPcXsfPncKsHURCT1_965eHtCkc42QqLlrif7IAWcdforyE456UzeBd5_xF22aBN4SQsGq_iJ3hm3ZtAviRjUu_brk/s800/21_XAN_CAB_800x800.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfhTaFLJnNFRjwfFynlGatHnUfL2k7phyphenhyphencoj3OP9aTlHY0Mkwg6z-rNBQnFoTmOI8bA7a5wwZ32vk1e8kLcQzPovb9Ayp6IPN7GPcXsfPncKsHURCT1_965eHtCkc42QqLlrif7IAWcdforyE456UzeBd5_xF22aBN4SQsGq_iJ3hm3ZtAviRjUu_brk/s320/21_XAN_CAB_800x800.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Looking some affordable luxury over the holiday period? Xanadu winemaker Glenn Goodall is producing excellent wines across several ranges, but this classically stylish Margaret River cabernet is right in the zone where quality meets value. Perfect for pairing with anything from sausage rolls to a beef wellington. It's a blend of cabernet sauvignon (90%), malbec (6%), petit verdot (4%) in a Bordeaux meets Australia style; elegance meets power. This is made largely from grower fruit sourced from the sub regions of Wilyabrup (40%) and Wallcliffe (44%) - with a goodly portion of this from estate fruit. It spent 14 months in French oak, adding palate structure and tension alongside the classic dark currant cabernet flavours. Plenty of length here and lots of pleasure to be had. Drink now or cellar for up to seven years.<b> $45. <a href="https://xanaduwines.com/">https://xanaduwines.com/</a></b></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-80845518291244933422023-12-15T10:00:00.002+11:002023-12-19T20:03:24.253+11:00Serafino 2022 Reserve Grenache <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9LSbc2SJXgUoiyA_MhgJJOnl7Ktakwhwm0wUj5AreoXoLjCm1WsVWK82CBjLEVZvDthjAQQToLEGMq0-YBwaDC3hacxP1xEAgXpC0ZVy_rHqmwP_FBgKjYcxLMPLq6BMje-UzbwmF01V1H0xpZkL8PrqDAkK1OALwJXfPkocnmnb5tTqi_iqsoQQRwo/s654/2022-serafino-reserve-grenache-mclaren-vale.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9LSbc2SJXgUoiyA_MhgJJOnl7Ktakwhwm0wUj5AreoXoLjCm1WsVWK82CBjLEVZvDthjAQQToLEGMq0-YBwaDC3hacxP1xEAgXpC0ZVy_rHqmwP_FBgKjYcxLMPLq6BMje-UzbwmF01V1H0xpZkL8PrqDAkK1OALwJXfPkocnmnb5tTqi_iqsoQQRwo/s320/2022-serafino-reserve-grenache-mclaren-vale.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><p></p><p>This wine has won so many awards that it needs its own trophy room. Medium-bodied, bright and energetic, it is, however, just one of the stars from a formidable range from this family-owned winery in McLaren Vale. Understandably, it has attracted a lot of attention. It's made in an unashamedly fruit-forward style, showcasing the juicy fruit characters of high-quality grenache. Plush but complex. You could pair this with a wide range of Mediterranean flavours, from pizzas and pastas, to charcuterie plates and cheese boards. It may be hard to track down given its many show successes, but it will certainly be worth the effort. <b>$40. <a href="https://serafinowines.com.au/">https://serafinowines.com.au/</a></b></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-31151996314895627632023-12-08T10:11:00.001+11:002023-12-08T10:11:00.142+11:00Clonakilla 2023 Canberra District Riesling <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWJ1ni96GmKHbvvIj_kF9OnulO6fLWk1tzJdXZo-9ZBqm-9stIOMXQ-XlrAh1SASx5PuLTmF5UMbFKOJDbhEpRzgf-aBGc2yoe5ZUl_6IqWfyrPDFcJdcY3OcMY-16453Xc2DYfvMa8IHXcvieP9i9Yjh93zZV65n20vodSCguRIFRZvblbHXPx-ZmUA/s1200/Clonakillaweb_Riesling_2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWJ1ni96GmKHbvvIj_kF9OnulO6fLWk1tzJdXZo-9ZBqm-9stIOMXQ-XlrAh1SASx5PuLTmF5UMbFKOJDbhEpRzgf-aBGc2yoe5ZUl_6IqWfyrPDFcJdcY3OcMY-16453Xc2DYfvMa8IHXcvieP9i9Yjh93zZV65n20vodSCguRIFRZvblbHXPx-ZmUA/s320/Clonakillaweb_Riesling_2023.jpg" width="107" /></a></div><p></p><p>Family-owned Clonakilla is best known for its shiraz-based red wines, with the shiraz-viognier blend an Australian benchmark. There are also several other outstanding wines in the range, however, like this exceptional dry riesling. a variety that shines in Murrumbateman’s cool, continental climate and decomposed granite soils. This would be an excellent wine to have around over the Christmas period given it would pair well with everything from a seafood platter to cold turkey salad. There are some lovely florals here and some delicious lemon and lime citrus notes on the palate, which finishes crisp and clean. Great stuff. <b>$35.</b> <a href="https://clonakilla.com.au/"><b>https://clonakilla.com.au/</b></a> </p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-4101949241884976482023-12-01T14:27:00.000+11:002023-12-01T14:27:14.345+11:00HATCH 2022 Barossa St Johns Shiraz <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz2YEcUtE1IPhwzpAoJcgQM1XaeLK_1rYmzUS48cGB_hsE9qTKfnS-8gr0QLAhUKXrretgGKEv2CuDSVHymQYmx8Xc2Wi1FpMtNLu5ZvRx3MzSfYDyP1v79EIKxBkCsB0OT6uouysPlHT4V8w0kl93CJve-vcpO5eoBIOwcABSJtBhliZZ1Cz4-aAr_8/s720/StJohns_ForWeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz2YEcUtE1IPhwzpAoJcgQM1XaeLK_1rYmzUS48cGB_hsE9qTKfnS-8gr0QLAhUKXrretgGKEv2CuDSVHymQYmx8Xc2Wi1FpMtNLu5ZvRx3MzSfYDyP1v79EIKxBkCsB0OT6uouysPlHT4V8w0kl93CJve-vcpO5eoBIOwcABSJtBhliZZ1Cz4-aAr_8/s320/StJohns_ForWeb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Chris Hatcher, affectionately known as Hatch across the wine industry, spent several decades as a corporate winemaker, mainly as chief winemaker for Wolf Blass, where he worked for 35 years. Now retired, he has started making small batches of "fun and enjoyable" wines under his own label, which features distinctive Art Deco-style, jazz-era art on the neck capsules. St Johns is one of the highest regions in the Barossa Valley and produces wines of intensity and concentration, along with, on this occasion, some subtle soft shoe shuffle. So think dark, plush and flavoursome, but also food friendly. Pair with red meat, or mushroom, dishes.<b> $52. <a href="http://www.hatchwines.com.au/">www.hatchwines.com.au</a></b><p></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-48642520691298837092023-11-23T10:06:00.000+11:002023-11-23T11:53:45.085+11:00Pikes 2023 Traditionale Riesling <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7nGMbubxcIzPAHZZGcqyccYaEA_6wYtIukBnK9a2ySCfXFdSzodnVICYgMLfdFcoWuCOctsIVBxOjcS3uKKWAibYVcZNCbZzL0U3rdnTkYfaWJOWX7N2WiXATaAU54fkDKG1ZsuAOIUVxxrlYLgJUSJylwtW7O53fwu18gOuy6ni0e-C-JJAZTeF7I8/s700/2023%20Traditionale%20Riesling%20website.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7nGMbubxcIzPAHZZGcqyccYaEA_6wYtIukBnK9a2ySCfXFdSzodnVICYgMLfdFcoWuCOctsIVBxOjcS3uKKWAibYVcZNCbZzL0U3rdnTkYfaWJOWX7N2WiXATaAU54fkDKG1ZsuAOIUVxxrlYLgJUSJylwtW7O53fwu18gOuy6ni0e-C-JJAZTeF7I8/s320/2023%20Traditionale%20Riesling%20website.png" width="149" /></a></div><br />Year in, year out, this remains one of Australia's best and most reliable wine bargains - a perfect choice for chilled-out summer enjoyment with or without food. This is the 39th vintage of Pikes Riesling, made by a family-owned and -operated winery in the Clare Valley, home of Australia's finest rieslings. Fruit is sourced from the estate in Polish Hill River, and growers’ vineyards in Watervale, Leasingham, Mintaro and Sevenhill. Think fresh lime notes, impeccable line and length and lashings of crisp minerality. Free-run juice, minimal winemaker input and pristine fruit create a wine that's perfect for enjoying with anything from fresh oysters to fish fingers, or Thai fishcakes. Impressively refreshing and sometimes found on special. Load up. <b>$27. <a href="https://www.pikeswines.com.au/">https://www.pikeswines.com.au/</a></b>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-67315014902267587292023-11-17T09:50:00.003+11:002023-11-17T10:53:32.921+11:00Wallace 2021 By Ben Glaetzer <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiectTy-7sv4HTJtA4Le8VfAMZneXhEKCBy1EMyeZPqq8wsGKkZLOCX_UK9OQiAlIqmhhgKrebbnkhLjjZQjZJN2swawp4T3foXVB3bP2TJm6z5LWZDMcVP6zF34WBKFSXTqTJYmqKyuSQc5TBMn1pcv42A-2vLX8Qe6AS-ovE8Qrk0DAnp5tqwOorrukM/s800/wallace_bottleshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="198" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiectTy-7sv4HTJtA4Le8VfAMZneXhEKCBy1EMyeZPqq8wsGKkZLOCX_UK9OQiAlIqmhhgKrebbnkhLjjZQjZJN2swawp4T3foXVB3bP2TJm6z5LWZDMcVP6zF34WBKFSXTqTJYmqKyuSQc5TBMn1pcv42A-2vLX8Qe6AS-ovE8Qrk0DAnp5tqwOorrukM/s320/wallace_bottleshot.jpg" width="79" /></a></div><p>There are bigger, bolder wines in Ben Glaetzer's Barossa portfolio but I don't think there are any that offer better value. If you are planning a barbecue, or having a few folks round to share a pizza, you won't go wrong with this very smart blend of shiraz and grenache - varieties that are perennial stars in the region. There is fleshiness and juiciness aplenty with an appealing balance between power and immediate drinkability. Wallace is an old family name, by the way. The fruit comes from vines that are between 50-100 years old, so how they do it for the price I have no idea. 94 points for me. <b>$23.</b> <a href="https://glaetzer.com/"><b>https://glaetzer.com/</b></a></p><p></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-3748960862331749412023-11-10T08:44:00.001+11:002023-11-10T08:44:00.145+11:00Wirra Wirra 2022 The 12th Man Chardonnay <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2e11Slgcs6bJbPay1xmm27JXpClpt-mK-gfPg0EBR0iO2G0NeVfOyCZIxw__JqXJPghQsJhcWeopgFkgJZgkDi2Cz5FZL3mfAdxN3h8nPcvaBbJ-Qjp-pgsHGTG0T_b3fHSN6u7TOOyiTiUR8_FYFeL3hD59JFjxRtq7kSbMoFbgQC4GsZ7RUUtFxdc/s493/WIRRAWIRRAThe12thManChardonnay2021NoVintageSHOPIFY_150x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="150" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2e11Slgcs6bJbPay1xmm27JXpClpt-mK-gfPg0EBR0iO2G0NeVfOyCZIxw__JqXJPghQsJhcWeopgFkgJZgkDi2Cz5FZL3mfAdxN3h8nPcvaBbJ-Qjp-pgsHGTG0T_b3fHSN6u7TOOyiTiUR8_FYFeL3hD59JFjxRtq7kSbMoFbgQC4GsZ7RUUtFxdc/s320/WIRRAWIRRAThe12thManChardonnay2021NoVintageSHOPIFY_150x.jpg" width="97" /></a><br /><br />Wirra Wirra has built its reputation on well-crafted red wines from its base in McLaren Vale, but it ventures outside the region - to the cooler Adelaide Hills - for its excellent 12th Man Chardonnay, so-named because of its late founder Greg Trott's love of cricket. This is a very cerebral wine with crisp cool-climate fruit given wild yeast fermentation and subtle but noticeable French oak treatment. There are all the elements you'd want in a classy chardonnay; citrus, stone fruits, nuts and cream and some compelling acid on the finish. Just a hint of sea spray and minerality. This paired beautiful with a veal schnitzel and peppered cabbage. <b>$40. <a href="https://wirrawirra.com/">https://wirrawirra.com/</a></b><br /><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-85833413409810787552023-11-03T14:07:00.003+11:002023-11-03T14:07:46.849+11:00Tokar Estate 2023 Shiraz Rosé<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtJqgCnH2sNtw-RoQdlaANIJpffVZkxML5JuOxjoW10UJEjgDX4JSeWsO3lfbmEdt5ChYelRZ3Yd9y0_cWjjyzH8sgSGN8gs0kMcRz07I0cCbZrS1beiT_LBJRacnBlj1RHmX9bxjL5lh1-V65dUEzI4ppJgvl_7uu8UdNlDBBRiW4JXuy79MJf8Z_KM/s400/Untitleddesign_20_400x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtJqgCnH2sNtw-RoQdlaANIJpffVZkxML5JuOxjoW10UJEjgDX4JSeWsO3lfbmEdt5ChYelRZ3Yd9y0_cWjjyzH8sgSGN8gs0kMcRz07I0cCbZrS1beiT_LBJRacnBlj1RHmX9bxjL5lh1-V65dUEzI4ppJgvl_7uu8UdNlDBBRiW4JXuy79MJf8Z_KM/s320/Untitleddesign_20_400x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I opened a swag of rosé wines the other night looking for a bottle to recommend for pairing with summer picnics. This one was a surprise winner; the Yarra Valley is not generally regarded as a source of great rosés. The 25-year-old shiraz vines at Tokar Estate in Coldstream and winemaker Martin Siebert have created a wine with delightful natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels (12.5%). There is lovely wild strawberry fruit to the fore with blackcurrant hints and a soft, creamy mouthfeel. Fresh and light on its feet, this should be enjoyed lightly chilled on a warm day. <b>$35. <a href="http://www.tokarestate.com.au">www.tokarestate.com.au</a></b><p></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-66418281011475433002023-10-27T10:00:00.005+11:002023-10-31T13:54:36.685+11:00Harewood 2023 Porongurup Riesling <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9ssShLgEWxfv1e55Y3ZOb6avOKBynSM7tduEonA-VWgmEMb1-C27ilGtSQes_jiXYbYatvoJF9wszRhilmxwG2H05ROF8Egfcxe0nXfKEYfHb24jTttrluoZaYltrE97tM_lxs3jZgY7VcAp8GenB-fCzZubOn2ZTajfI9tdAMJ4QodpZ4gK5q0Iw3E/s4468/HERSPO%20NV%20Bottle%20Shot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4468" data-original-width="1787" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9ssShLgEWxfv1e55Y3ZOb6avOKBynSM7tduEonA-VWgmEMb1-C27ilGtSQes_jiXYbYatvoJF9wszRhilmxwG2H05ROF8Egfcxe0nXfKEYfHb24jTttrluoZaYltrE97tM_lxs3jZgY7VcAp8GenB-fCzZubOn2ZTajfI9tdAMJ4QodpZ4gK5q0Iw3E/s320/HERSPO%20NV%20Bottle%20Shot.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>Harewood Estate produces an impressive range of dry rieslings from different sites across the huge Great Southern district of Western Australia, a region that has built a formidable reputation for excellence. Winemaker James Kellie has a suite of excellent 2023 releases - the Mount Barker was my other favourite - and this one shines brightly with its clarity, precision and vibrancy. Made using free-run juice from grapes grown on granite soils, there are classic citrus/sherbet flavours, flinty mineral notes and some tangy acidity on the palate. Chill well and pair with some briney oysters. <b>$35.</b> <a href="https://www.harewood.com.au/"><b>https://www.harewood.com.au/</b></a> <p></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-71461566552942505642023-10-20T10:05:00.000+11:002023-10-20T10:05:00.140+11:00El Toro Macho 2021 Tempranillo Bobal <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitH3HA3CcrUfW24Fdin41TBuxnMMAzlEhXRGIH5ua4J5RxjSDzN7VGWTV7O9f19L5q-89a5FdMf4qiwwjdmKcigameq042y9MKYAX03czPOW4tGnP61MaMGzGSn0lu3oSk1gSMSQXJMrE3H1e4RVq6fbP_u5PjdHAIBaPw9REpM0v8e61bgVK6EWgw56M/s388/csm_1002179-2_Q2_WEB_AUDIT_PD_388x314_14_RET_cb9654ef2d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="388" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitH3HA3CcrUfW24Fdin41TBuxnMMAzlEhXRGIH5ua4J5RxjSDzN7VGWTV7O9f19L5q-89a5FdMf4qiwwjdmKcigameq042y9MKYAX03czPOW4tGnP61MaMGzGSn0lu3oSk1gSMSQXJMrE3H1e4RVq6fbP_u5PjdHAIBaPw9REpM0v8e61bgVK6EWgw56M/s320/csm_1002179-2_Q2_WEB_AUDIT_PD_388x314_14_RET_cb9654ef2d.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />If you paid $25 for a bottle of this I reckon you would be pretty happy with your purchase. That you can buy it for under $6 at Aldi stores makes it perhaps the best wine bargain in Australia today. If you are looking for wine to accompany a spring barbecue, or a "midweek" drink to drink alongside pasta and pizza dishes - or some tapas - you won't go wrong with this juicy, medium-bodied red. How they do it for the price I have no idea. Here's the lowdown: it is a medium-bodied blend of two Spanish varieties from Uteil Requena in Valencia that is packed with savoury, food-friendly flavours but finishes soft and smooth on the palate. <b>$5.99</b>.</p><p> </p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-9464219608688253422023-10-12T18:31:00.000+11:002023-10-12T18:31:12.693+11:00El Desperado 2023 Rosé <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe5hSKHkjs1uSiuL2T6rw-OEWsmI8AdBH_lnfs_HRM2VOLPJZR96vPTV45BuMyK7TPMzyueaiZOJH0CT6qp6_hyphenhyphenJTEBb6PZWljW6LuQOx4tiqahInaD3XJ5qbnjkgVXNLGoTutIte1egUJ66SsGS5C9tGBhHe_BFRaT0tmb7Py2x1pJs571UVTDL-Wc8/s320/El-Desperado-Rose-2023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="90" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe5hSKHkjs1uSiuL2T6rw-OEWsmI8AdBH_lnfs_HRM2VOLPJZR96vPTV45BuMyK7TPMzyueaiZOJH0CT6qp6_hyphenhyphenJTEBb6PZWljW6LuQOx4tiqahInaD3XJ5qbnjkgVXNLGoTutIte1egUJ66SsGS5C9tGBhHe_BFRaT0tmb7Py2x1pJs571UVTDL-Wc8/s1600/El-Desperado-Rose-2023.png" width="90" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe5hSKHkjs1uSiuL2T6rw-OEWsmI8AdBH_lnfs_HRM2VOLPJZR96vPTV45BuMyK7TPMzyueaiZOJH0CT6qp6_hyphenhyphenJTEBb6PZWljW6LuQOx4tiqahInaD3XJ5qbnjkgVXNLGoTutIte1egUJ66SsGS5C9tGBhHe_BFRaT0tmb7Py2x1pJs571UVTDL-Wc8/s320/El-Desperado-Rose-2023.png"></a><br /><br />El Desperado is the budget range from winemaker Tom Keelan at The Pawn - and the 2023 releases represent seriously good value for money, being full of <i>joie de vivre</i> and potential summer refreshment. The labels are made using artificial intelligence, but the wines are very real. A blend of Langhorne Creek tempranillo and sangiovese grapes, this has some lively strawberry and cream notes leading on to fresh, crunchy acid and vibrant apple, Turkish Delight and citrus notes on the finish. Chill, then pair with a picnic, or a Lebanese feast, or just enjoy a glass or two after work. <b>$20. </b></div><p></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-11646248757690864972023-10-06T09:55:00.000+11:002023-10-06T09:55:00.140+11:00Flametree 2022 Shiraz <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMo-eZ18RhK4R8gBkg0COsHVookHW59Muxlpo3Kp3tRXxjGyM0Hj8-YL5IP1KwXZBOsn9H3VpO8Fp3ntlfjDI0KuNKKSEuX-lt4etLrP6Jdk2VHlMR97iJCdJLEe9GbzxqzpD3znwnWZw7a_3mxn7_JXzOEiClpu1NcVLxJ6IxIMUv9N9psrN-DefDoY/s654/2022-flametree-shiraz-margaret-river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMo-eZ18RhK4R8gBkg0COsHVookHW59Muxlpo3Kp3tRXxjGyM0Hj8-YL5IP1KwXZBOsn9H3VpO8Fp3ntlfjDI0KuNKKSEuX-lt4etLrP6Jdk2VHlMR97iJCdJLEe9GbzxqzpD3znwnWZw7a_3mxn7_JXzOEiClpu1NcVLxJ6IxIMUv9N9psrN-DefDoY/s320/2022-flametree-shiraz-margaret-river.jpg" width="245" /></a><br /><br />When you think Margaret River, shiraz is unlikely to be the first grape variety that comes to mind. Which means there is often excellent value to be found when buying shirazes from the region; as evidenced by this beautifully balanced recent release from Flametree. Veteran winemaker Cliff Royle has got this one spot on; with some sun-dried stems, a portion of whole bunch and some whole berries in the ferments; adding palate interest and structure. This is a delightful medium-bodied red with bright fruit characters that makes it immediately accessible. There are myriad flavours here, but they are impressively cohesive. Terrific value at <b>$30. <a href="https://www.flametreewines.com/">https://www.flametreewines.com/</a></b><br /><br /></div><p></p><p><br /> </p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869356340841504841.post-55649242099959044822023-09-29T11:33:00.003+10:002023-09-29T11:33:00.150+10:00Hutton Vale 2019 Shiraz <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvgEKERn_LDfkorRKle1UMQCvvqoNoTCZYTnnWw_mSNplYu8xh2-9mhVdvZBtontGCopDklLgT6p20p2u29OYiCvi5FZ5xaZ230iqEY0eHBADqk4CDtbv1h7aZDzAG00J1lNbncr5KsPiBlY19xemfQuAPI0q72x_7ANH_e6kNym4lmMP29nAoobuFC4/s591/Hutton-Vale-Farm-Shiraz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvgEKERn_LDfkorRKle1UMQCvvqoNoTCZYTnnWw_mSNplYu8xh2-9mhVdvZBtontGCopDklLgT6p20p2u29OYiCvi5FZ5xaZ230iqEY0eHBADqk4CDtbv1h7aZDzAG00J1lNbncr5KsPiBlY19xemfQuAPI0q72x_7ANH_e6kNym4lmMP29nAoobuFC4/s320/Hutton-Vale-Farm-Shiraz.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>The Angas family has been farming at Hutton Vale, in the heights of South Australia's Eden Valley, for seven generations, dating back to 1843. Their vineyard is adjacent to those of the Henschke family and has consistently produced excellent fruit. Made by consultant Kym Teusner, this is bold, but balanced and just edging into its drinking zone. A 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, released at the same time, is equally impressive. The shiraz spent two years in new (30%) and seasoned French oak hogsheads prior to racking and blending. While this is rich and sumptuous right now, careful cellaring will undoubtedly pay dividends. Pair with a lamb casserole or tajine for maximum pleasure. <b>$75.</b> <a href="http://www.huttonvale.com"><b>www.huttonvale.com</b></a><p></p>WDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437107551368066901noreply@blogger.com0