Ferngrove Frankland River Shiraz

A shift to entirely estate grown fruit has elevated this label to impressive depth of blueberry, black plum, liquorice and dark chocolate character, while upholding admirable medium-bodied aspirations, fine-grained tannins, lively acidity and enticing mouth feel. $16 at The Pink Drinks.

Bundaleer Sparkling Shiraz

This is my value for money find of the year in the sparkling shiraz world. It captures the fruit character of this family vineyard on the southern edge of the Flinders Ranges. Maturation in older American oak for a year-and-a-half before blending with older shiraz reserves heightens the intensity of black fruits of all kinds, […]

Hoddles Creek Estate Yarra Valley Pinot Noir

Is this the best sub-$20 pinot of the moment? Yes. Just don’t drink it yet. Pristine purity of red berry and red cherry fruit of cool, high, Upper Yarra elegance is charged with an energising line of lively acidity and a finely textured backbone of well-crafted tannins. It has charisma, elegance and coiled potential, promising […]

Tim Adams Clare Valley Pinot Gris

By Tim Adams standards, this is a pale gris, though it’s lacking nothing in complexity. Lovely aromatics of lychees, white peach and wild honey announce a succulent and slippery style, accented with ginger and mixed spice, backed by well poised acidity and a long-lingering finish. Benchmark gris of carefully balanced fruit, sweetness, phenolic texture and […]

Kalleske Clarry’s Barossa Valley GSM

Character and texture in a value-for-money GSM. This is a spicy and savoury assemblage of rhubarb and strawberry fruit overlaid with dried herbs. It’s finely structured and textural, with some dry grip on the finish, though upholding a vibrant focus thanks to well-balanced fruit. $17 at Wine Culture, Nillumbik, No Frills, Aussie Wines and Wine […]

Teusner The Gentleman Eden Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

David Forrest’s vineyard has one of the highest elevations in the Barossa, producing cabernet of density and intensity, layered with cassis, blackcurrants, liquorice and dark chocolate. It declares the depth and glossy succulence of great Eden Valley fruit, yet at the same time it’s tangy, controlled and finely structured, with vibrant, high altitude acidity and […]

Peter Lehmann Wigan Eden Valley Riesling

Immediately after tasting this wine, I dove straight into my cellar and opened a bottle of Peter Lehmann Reserve Riesling 2002, the predecessor of Wigan and one of my favourite Australian rieslings of all time. My hope was that the 2009 might be on the same level. It’s not. But, blimey, it’s not far off. […]

Grosset Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Jeffrey Grosset ranks this among the most appealing releases of this wine in recent times. To me his 22nd release of this blend of 75% Clare Valley semillon and 25% Adelaide Hills sauvignon blanc is a brilliantly engineered SSB for the long-haul. It’s a beautifully floral style of lily blossom and lime fruit, capturing impressive […]