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. 

Longview 2023 Yakka Shiraz

Sometimes a wine comes as a nice surprise. You have a sip; then another sip. not thinking too much about it it. Then you notice the bottle has suffered from an evaporation issue. This is just such a wine. It's not flashy, it's just a darn good drink. Well priced, too. From Macclesfield on the edge of the Adelaide Hills, made from fruit grown on a proven vineyard that gets plenty of sun. The end result is a mix of berry and dark plum flavours, subtle hints of herbs and oak with a palate that finishes soft, long and smooth with just hint of spice/earthiness to elevate the experience. Lovely stuff. Ideal midweek drinking. $32.  https://www.longviewvineyard.com.au/  

Moss Wood 2025 Amy's Cuvée Blanc

 

Here's a classic regional blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc from one of the founding wine producers in Margaret River; albeit with a difference. The Moss Wood 2025 Amy’s Cuvée Blanc is a new addition to the range. It is semillon-driven and barrel fermented to add texture and complexity. That sets its apart from its regional rivals with its palate weight and interest. There are vivacious tropical and herbaceous notes on the palate, savoury elements, oaky hints and impressive balance. One for short-term enjoyment. Pair with blackened fish for a fun food and wine match. $41. https://www.mosswood.com.au/

Wirra Wirra 2022 RWS Shiraz

Some McLaren Vale shirazes can be big, brutal drinks; the vinous versions of a rugby front row forward. This very clever composition is, however, somewhere between an agile back rower and a nifty half. Impressively balanced, in other words. It is named in tribute to Robert Strangways Wigley, a noted South Australian eccentric and state cricketer who established Wirra Wirra back in 1894. This is plush and poised as well as possessing power and presence. Think dark berry/currant flavours, spice notes and dark chocolate before a fleshy finish. The 2022 release is from four blocks, three of them biodynamic. It has been matured in French oak barriques (33% new) for 18 months. Drink now with a meaty casserole, or cellar for a decade or more. $80. https://wirrawirra.com/