There’s no definitive precedent for riesling longevity of Germanic proportions in Central Otago, but in decades to come we may well look back at wines like this as setting the benchmark. If there’s any left, that is, because with only 760 bottles made, it may not last long! A touch of botrytis adds exotic lift […]
readEdition 53
A savoury and restrained blend, more about texture and mouthfeel than overt flavour, and herein lies its allure. It boasts outstanding length and profile, with finely structured lemon citrus acidity, an inviting touch of old barrel funk and a texture reminiscent of grapefruit pith. A skilfully crafted wine of understated charm. $25 at Wine Emporium.
readKen Bray’s forty-year-old semillon vines tap deep into one of the Hunter’s finest sites. This strip is the source of many great Hunter semillons, of which Andrew Thomas’ Cellar Release is the most sublime expression. At six years of age it has blossomed into lemon butter, lime zest and butterscotch, while holding resolutely to a […]
readThe champagnes of the ladies of Lassalle are enchanting and sophisticated expressions of their pretty village of Chigny-les-Roses. This is a beautifully composed take on the finest vintage of the past decade, holding tremendous energy and fruit concentration of yellow summer fruits, with bottle-derived complexity of roast chestnuts, figs, mixed spice and brioche. A subtle […]
readIn its distinctive, rippled bottle, this is a moscato that finds a balance between its honeyed sweetness, spicy ginger and – crucially – tangy lemon flavours. It’s well made, well priced at $12 (Dan’s) and will respond well to an aggressive chill.
readThis energetic, zippy thing will quicken the pace of any summer seafood fest! It’s classic Margaret River SSB with a dash of chardonnay, ricocheting with all the action of passionfruit, lemon, lime zest and green peas. Impressive acid profile and length. $14 at Chambers Cellars and Jim’s Cellars.
readYesterday I lined up 100 Barossa reds priced from $17 to over $100 and of all the bottles I could have kept aside to drink with dinner, this little $20 beauty scored the gig. I love it because it’s perfumed, fragrant, vibrant and accented by crunchy acidity, virtues too often absent in soupy Barossa reds […]
readHere’s brilliant value in cool climate WA shiraz, particularly for $17 at Winesaver this week. A wine of bright definition and poise, it ripples with black pepper and dried herbs, over a backdrop of black plum fruit and excellent, textural, fine tannins. Give it time.
readTaché is one of the first bottles on my list when I’m chasing bargain sparkling rosé. There’s not a dud vintage in the past five years, and the new season is as finely balanced as ever. A pretty, pale salmon hue and aromas of rose petal and wild strawberries anticipate a crisp and refreshing palate […]
readThe ever-reliable, party-starting JC rosé is much more sophisticated than its vibrant hue and miniscule price might suggest. The cool 2011 vintage has infused more spicy appeal than ever, adding notes of pink pepper to its familiar strawberry ice cream and raspberry flavours, finishing off-dry and refreshingly textural. $7.50 at Dan’s.
read