Girolamo Russo San Lorenzo Nerello Mascalese, Etna
Girolamo Russo San Lorenzo 2017 is a bright counterpoint to the broodier reds of the region, this single-vineyard wine is pure volcano, with black fruit and ash on the palate. It is finely perfumed with spice, strawberry and rich cherry. Juicy and elegant. Fruit comes from 100+ year old bush vines grown in relatively young volcanic soil in the San Lorenzo Vineyard. In 2005, Giuseppe Russo was drawn back to his childhood home on Sicilys Mount Etna to make wine. Named after his late father, he creates elegant and expressive wines that speak of the volcanos incredibly varied terroir. The crus (or contrade) in which Russo grows his grapes are among the finest on Etnas north side, and he conducts all of his production organically.
Dandelion Vineyards Menagerie of the Barossa GSM
Intriguing aromas of rose petals and a summer pudding of lifted red fruits, berries and a hit of cinnamon and Asian spice. The palate is opulent, with intense red berries balanced by soft velvety tannins and supple oak with great balance from the acid reknown in Barossa Grenache. 'The cold, wet 2011 vintage hit the Barossa Valley particularly hard, wiping out huge tracts of vineyards. Dandelion's blend, then, came as a delightful surprise a tender, juicy, seductive drop that made the bottle seem too small. It's a blend of grenache (85 per cent), shiraz (10 per cent) and mataro (aka mourvedre or monastrell). The back label hints at how winemaker Elena Brooks and the Dandelion crew saved the day, "handpicking selected bunches" (that is, avoiding the rotten ones) of the three varieties for co-fermentation and ultimate success. What a moreish wine this is'. - Canberra Times, 15 May 2013, by Chris Shanahan.
Jim Barry 'Barry & Sons' Rose
This great Clare Valley Rose opens up with cherry and strawbery succulent red berry fruit flavours. The wine is a great balance with ripe red fruits and a savoury, spicy edge which makes it easy on the palate and perfect for 'al fresco' dining.
Langmeil Three Gardens GSM
Barossa vignerons used to call their vineyards 'gardens', such was the care they were (and still are) given! The Three Gardens a classic Rhone blend that draws on the complementary character of Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Grenache.
Casa Santos Lima Quinta De Bons Ventos
'You will be a star, for little money, if you take this to a dinner party. A blend of four indigenous Portuguese varieties, this has cherries and chocolate flavours that have a savoury edge and a gentle finish.' - Jeff Collerson, Daily Telegraph.
Pietradolce Pietradolce Etna Rosso
Mount Etna is Europes highest volcano and one of the worlds most active. a Muntagna, as the locals call it, is rich in mineral components and the microclimate cool nights, warm days and wide ranging temperature variations endow the wines with extraordinary richness, minerality, fragrance and depth. Pietradolce, meaning sweet stone, was founded in 2005 by Michele Faro and his family. 100% Nerello Mascalese from Solicchiata on the Northern side, albarello grown at 600 metres. 18 days on skins and a brief three months in tonneaux, this is a lighter framed Rosso for drinking over the short to medium term. The red fruits here are crunchy and refreshing with floral, tobacco and minerally notes, the palate fine and elegant.
Pietradolce Etna Rosso 'Rampante'
Mount Etna is Europes highest volcano and one of the worlds most active. a Muntagna, as the locals call it, is rich in mineral components and the microclimate cool nights, warm days and wide ranging temperature variations endow the wines with extraordinary richness, minerality, fragrance and depth. Rampante is one of Etnas grand cru vineyards and this comes from a different parcel to the Rampante that goes into Archineri Rosso. Notes of dried strawberry, tea and spice with a backbone of pronounced acidity and minerality.
Pietradolce Etna Rosso 'Archineri'
Mount Etna is Europes highest volcano and one of the worlds most active. a Muntagna, as the locals call it, is rich in mineral components and the microclimate cool nights, warm days and wide ranging temperature variations endow the wines with extraordinary richness, minerality, fragrance and depth. From two contrade in Solicchiata, Rampante and Zottorinoto, Archineri is the most muscular and robust of these three wines. Intense and complex aromas of strawberry and cherry fruit with balsam, tea and spice, the palate rich and full bodied with fine tannins and a long finish.
Pietradolce Etna Rosso 'Santo Spirito'
Mount Etna is Europes highest volcano and one of the worlds most active. a Muntagna, as the locals call it, is rich in mineral components and the microclimate cool nights, warm days and wide ranging temperature variations endow the wines with extraordinary richness, minerality, fragrance and depth. The newest wine in the line up (2016 was the debut vintage) following a recent purchase, Santo Spirito produces a fine and elegant rosso with Pinot Noir like purity and finesse. This is more red fruited and perfumed with silky tannins that finish long and fine.
Wirra Wirra Mrs Wigley Rose
With strawberry, melon and flower petal flavours this Mrs. Wigley fits the bill of a real racy Rose. It's made from Grenache, has a touch of sweetness, a zesty kick and finishes squeaky clean, leaving a refreshing zing in the mouth.