Soumah 2022 Mezzaluna

 

If you are a lover of simple fresh and fruity red wines then this is not one for you. If, however, you favour food-friendly, sophisticated reds then this might be right up your dinner party alley. This is the reserve nebbiolo offering from Yarra Valley Italian specialist Soumah, made from grapes grown in a Hexham vineyard that produces intense fruit and taut tannins. The wine spent 100 days on skins after fermentation, adding texture, before three years maturing in oak puncheons. It is seriously sturdy, savoury, structured and  cellar worthy; earthy and spicy with hints of dried herbs. pair with winter casseroles. The name Mezzaluna means half-moon in Italian, indicating this is only made in the best vintages. Let it breathe before pouring. $92. https://soumah.com.au/

Bishop by Ben Glaetzer 2023

Ben Glaetzer makes several top-notch red wines that reward long-term cellaring, including the Amon-Ra and Anaperenna. This is similarly well crafted shiraz but offers more immediate drinking pleasure with its classic Barossa combo of power and elegance. From a dry, sunny but late vintage, this offers a lot of length and style for a very fair price. It spent 16 months in mainly older French hogshead barrels for structure but finishes beguilingly soft on the palate. The wine is named in honour of Ben's mother Judith [Bishop] - who has the unique distinction of having two wines named after her by her sons. The other is the Glaetzer-Dixon La Judith. This one offers very good buying for $40. www.glaetzer.com. 

Hoddles Creek 2025 Pinot Noir

For several years this was consistently Australia's best sub-$25 pinot noir. But times have changed, the price has gone up and it is now Australia's best sub-$26 pinot noir. Extremely gulpable, but good enough to pair with fine cuisine, we have another winner from the d'Anna family's Upper Yarra Valley property. From an early and warm vintage the winemaking team has managed to still make a very pretty wine. Red berries and dark cherry aromas lead the nose, and there are firm but supple tannins on the palate. This spent time in 30% new, 30% one year old and the balance in two and three year old oak and spent 11 months in barrel before being bottled without filtration or fining. A serious bargain this one. Pair with poultry or mushroom dishes. $26. https://www.hoddlescreekestate.com.au/