Barossa Valley is not the only region that produces great Shiraz in Australia. Coonawarra, perhaps better known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, also makes some very tasty Shiraz. Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2016 is dense purple in colour with a savoury-herbal blackberry nose lifted with vanilla oak note. It’s medium to full-bodied and dry with savoury, blackberry flavours and herbal notes that fill the palate, finishing on a minty note.
A rare single varietal take on this lesser-known grape by the ever-idiosyncratic Australians. Opaquely dark crimson with a robust nose of cherry, milk chocolate and violets against a cedar background. Full-bodied with ripe fruit and high alcohol, but fine-grained tannins and adequate acidity provide structure and avoid fruit-bomb territory. Delicious. Gives insight into why the Bordelaise still add this grape to their blends. Will last another year or two.
Loads of lime and petrol but still crisp and lively, a great example of well-aged Aussie Riesling that possesses a tart and focused waxy mouthful of smoky peach, apricot and lime flavours that keep zinging on the long dry finish. The perfect wine with nachos.
Classic McLaren Vale GSM, but very modern-hued. Generous leather, dusky plum and black liquorice, seasoned with a salt wash and dark chocolate cherry and kept fresh with a stream of acidity. This year's is a blend of 45/40/15 GSM, sourced from Dry Creek, Pappas and Redwind vineyards, all in the Sellicks foothills. Crushed and destemmed, this went into old oak hogsheads, with the Mataro on skins for an extra 10 days after primary fermentation. Grippy, fine, firm tannins work to hold the ample, juicy fruit in check. Drinking well now and for short term. Fire up the barbie.
Dense purple-ruby in colour; spicy, oaky, blackberry bouquet with herbal notes; medium to full-bodied, dry, fruity but firm blackberry flavour carried on fresh acidity.
Shows good complexity on the nose with generously scented blackberry, raspberry, clove, a pinch of cinnamon and a piquant minty herbal note. Ripe blackberry fruit flavours come wrapped in smooth tannins with bright acidity and a light splash of chocolate. Fine value.
I’m a great fan of Pinot Noir from Australia’s Yarra Valley in the state of Victoria. Deep purple in colour, it has an intriguing bouquet of cherries, tomato leaf and rust. Medium-bodied and dry, expect a rich flavour of sun-warmed cherries with well-integrated oak carried on lively acidity