To obtain such complexity and richness and yet uphold fresh, tangy, energetic acidity is the key to the greatest sweet wines, and Stephanie has nailed it this vintage. In aroma, flavour, intensity, structure and vitality this release is a step up even from the magnificence that we have come to expect from this label. It […]
Delicacy without bracing acidity is a fine line in cool climate chardonnay, and PHI strikes an impeccable balance in 2012. With intricate purity, magnificent tension and detailed focus, this is an exceptional release for one of the Yarra’s great chardonnays. Struck flint and delicate lemon zest define a well honed yet impeccably seamless palate of […]
The extreme heat early in the 2014 vintage proved to disrupt the purity and longevity of many Clare rieslings, yet Jeffrey Grosset manages to uphold refined purity within the impressively spicy intensity of the season in this wine. Exacting definition of lime, lemon and granny smith apple fruit is nuanced with kaffir lime spice. There […]
Rob Mann suggest that the dry, early and warmer than average 2011 vintage produced a fuller in flavour and more concentrated sauvignon blanc semillon blend, though to me the finished result is testimony to the resilience of these old vines on the Cape Mentelle estate in riding out the subtle variations of the seasons. It’s […]
There has always been another dimension to Plantagenet Cabernet, a spice vector that adds another layer to the profile. The 2012 presents a suggestion of cinnamon and clove, within a pristine style that captures exacting varietal definition of violet fragrance, black and redcurrants, capsicum, tobacco and cedar. It is distinguished, effortless, medium bodied and impeccably […]
The backbone of Black Label are Wynns’ magnificent single vineyards on the terra rossa strip. The 2012 is classic Coonawarra cabernet, back in the admirably restrained mould of 2009. It’s an excellent release, classic, fine-boned, taut and drawn, built around a fine scaffold of rigid, fine and textural tannins. There’s a core of coiled blackcurrant […]
In fragrance, purity, energy and slatey mineral texture, Polish Hill is the riesling of the year to date. Nothing in Clare or Eden Valley comes close in this warm season, so I lined up the best of Western Australia and Tasmania, and Grosset Polish Hill came out on top. A gloriously fragrant bouquet of lily […]
Single vineyard, southern Margaret River. Medium purple-red. There is an understated elegance and an effortless grace to this single vineyard wine, backward and coiled at four years of age, capturing the restraint of southern Margaret River. It’s impeccably polished, with super finely textured tannins supporting pure blackcurrant fruit, capably swallowing 45% new French oak. 89% […]
Stevens Road Chardonnay is a selection of the best barrels of mature, low yielding vines on the Boodjidup Brook, on a ridge behind Leeuwin’s Block 20, the core of its magnificent Art Series Chardonnay. This is grand cru chardonnay turf in Margaret River, yet Stevens projects an entirely different personality to Art Series. It’s remarkable, […]
Vasse Felix has poured tremendous energy into its vineyards since 2006 and this is the first vintage that fruit from its newly acquired Karridale site hit Heytesbury heights and was incorporated into the blend for the first time. The focus and purity on show here are nothing short of breathtaking, capturing exquisite fruit and presenting […]