Based on the flavour profile of original London gins of the 1800s, Jensen’s is straightforward, satisfying and bursting with bright juniper on the nose. On the palate, the juniper is still very present but makes way for orange, coriander, liquorice and spice. Try it in classic gin cocktails like the martini, Martinez and the Negroni.
The only Dornfelder rosé in the country yields up-front red fruit before a refreshing, dry palate of rhubarb, strawberry and citrus with some spicy notes in the close.
From a high elevation vineyard (487 m) in Oliver, recently purchased by the winery. Lifted stone fruit and tropical notes, followed by forward peach and pear notes with a mineral streak and juicy acidity, a generous mouthfeel and rounded leesy texture from time in concrete eggs.
Paxton is Australia's leading producer of biodynamically farmed grapes, managing 300 acres of vines across McLaren Vale. Dark plum, cassis, potent anise, leather, black raspberry, twine and mustard seed herbaceousness fill this juicy, generous blend of Shiraz and Grenache. Lifted acidity brightens, while McLaren Vale's classic dark cocoa powdered tannins support. Dark florals linger on the warming finish.
Clear very deep garnet. Aroma of maraschino cherry, milk chocolate and a bit of coconut (quite like a Cherry Blossom chocolate bar — do they still make those?). High acidity and still-prominent tannins, but this is mature, full-bodied and robust, tasting of raisins and cherries. Good value. Drink now.
A Bordeaux Supérieur (80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) that punches well above its weight — or should I say price? Deep ruby in colour with a spicy, cedary nose of cassis and coffee beans with a smoky note. Medium-bodied and dry, it offers sweet black fruit flavours with well-integrated oak.
Big red fruit kicks things off but then the subtlety of the wine kicks in with plum, white pepper and chocolate — this one comes out of the gate quick but then settles in for a long night of drinking pleasure.