Spinifex Syrah
Beautifully sculpted, racy, red-and-blackberry-fruit along with a lifted rosehip note as well, and some inky depths on the driven finish. Gets more and more perfumed and lively with air, it's another terrific effort from one of Australia's most gifted wine people. The wine, naturally fermented with a judicious use of whole clusters (on average 30%) in a combination of stainless steel, wood and concrete fermenters, also sees a shorter maturation than the Esprit and Bête Noir, et al. The 2018 was cropped from five high, exposed parcels in the Barossa and Eden Valley, where the soils are generally poor and skeletal - for the most part light, gravelly and silty sands over deeply weathered base rocks of varied origins. Vine age varies from 25 to 115 years old (averaging 50 years old), and all fruit is hand harvested. Spinifex was started in 2001 with the opportunity to source some great old vine Mataro growing in deep white drift-sand on the Barossa Valleys Western Ridge. Owned by husband and wife team, Peter Schell and Magali Gely, their focus is on regional wines from the traditional Mediterranean grape varieties that have been grown successfully in Australia for over 150 years - Shiraz, Mataro, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Gris, Marsanne and Semillon. They aim to make wines that display signatures of vineyard provenance and vintage, show regional typicity and have a consistent thread of 'house style' that reflects their preferences and experiences with wine. The wines they choose to make are predominately blends, the synergies derived from blending wines of differing character enhance the subtle complexities, even textures and profound personalities delivered from great old vine vineyards.
Viña Real Reserva Rioja
Viña Real dates back to 1920, specialising in the smallest and northernmost sub-region of Rioja, Rioja Alavesa. The winery's name was inspired by the proximity of its vineyards to the 16th century Camino Real road. A blend of 90% Tempranillo, and 10% Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano. Warm, ripe notes of red cherries and blackberries are supported by spicy notes of clove, roasted coffee and vanilla from ageing in new and 1 year old barrels. A rich and generous wine, with a great balance of ripe fruit and spice.
Cvne Selection de Fincas Garnacha
A 100% Garnacha from Rioja, with an emphasis on the variety's fresh fruited, floral characters. Deep cherry red in appearance with an abundance of red and blue fruits, rounded off with a subtle dusting of spice from minimal time in oak. A fresh, vibrant, and modern example of Rioja Garnacha (Grenache).
Artelan Rioja CVC
This full-bodied and juicy red wine from the famous Spanish region Rioja is characterised by intense aromas of blackberries, plums and spice. Perfectly paired with red meats or a cheese board.
Domaine A Clape
Domaine Belle Roche Pierre , Crozes-Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage
DOMAINE BELLE Roche Pierre , Crozes-Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage