La Bise Sangiovese
Given the evocative name of 'La Bise', the warm southerly breeze that wanders across the vineyards of Burgundy a few weeks before harvest are said to give the vineyards the 'kiss of life'. Natasha Mooney has hand selected vineyards for the La Bise label which have been given the kiss of life. The case in point is this remarkable Sangiovese that is sourced from two northern vineyards in the Adelaide Hills and two different Sangiovese clones that blend big round berries with cherry driven fruit flavours and the smaller, more concentrated berries that give the wine an aniseed and blackcurrant accent. A wine with great texture and mouthfeel that has density while maintaining its lifted fruit aromas.
Dowie Doole Merlot
Your quest for the best sub-$20 Merlot is over. One of McLaren Vale's most explosive producers of the past 10-15 years is offered here on an silver platter. Everything you love about Merlot in one bottle; luscious black fruits with soft cuddly tannins and hints of spiced coffee.
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir is surprisingly a serious complex Pinot. Intense cherry and gamey, earthy notes are enhanced with quality French oak and the finish is spicy savoury and long. Terrific value.
Pizzini Nonna Gisella
Named after Alfred Pizzini's grandmother, this is a medium bodied Sangiovese - warm and humble just like its namesake. Aromas of lightly spiced plums and cherries lead to hints of chocolate, leather and lovely savoury characters. The palate is generous and full flavoured with good length, soft tannins and flavours of plums and cherries.
Serafino Shiraz
McLaren Vale and Shiraz - the perfect match. Steve Maglieri is the icon behind the Serafino name and his Shiraz is a typically wonderful full-flavoured and full-bodied red with the black and red fruits you can handle. A rich and voluptuous palate with a silken, textured finish that is a perfect match to big, rich beef dishes or a robust lamb ragu.
Coriole Sangiovese
Coriole has been the pioneer of this variety in Australia - and for good reason! Spicy dark cherry and plum flavours, the palate is perfectly balanced with dusty drying tannins.
Argento Classic Malbec
This superb Malbec is deep purple, with powerful aromas of red berries and floral notes. Flavours of plum and sweet blackberry. Finish of ripe, balanced tannins.
Yalumba Paradox Shiraz
Yalumba Paradox Shiraz is an inky, crimson wine full of aromas of mixed spice and crushed black pepper, violets, fennel and hints of blueberries. The palate is like layers of velvet, with great structure showing lush red berries, olives and anise.
Sticks Pinot Noir
Once again this producer provides us with a handy little number showing plenty of varietal and regional characteristics. Sticks Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley, features lovely red cherry flavours with playfull spices and charry oak influence. Lean with subtle tannins and medium finish.
Flight of the Condor Malbec
The fruit for this impressive malbec is picked from young vines grown at altitude in Mendoza. The altitude contributes to the vitality of this generously flavoured red. There is good integration of oak whilst the wine remains focused on a fresh fruit profile on the palate, and is complemented stylishly by violet aromatics.