Kalleske Moppa Shiraz
Another great success story of grape grower turned grower/winemaker. Troy Kalleske is the latest custodian of a family heritage that dates back to 1853 when the Kalleske family first planted vineyards in the Moppa sub-discrict of Greenock, in the north-west of the Barossa Valley. This Shiraz (with a touch of Viognier and Petit Verdot) is 100% biodynamic and has concentrated aromas of blueberry, cloves, violets and dried fig. The silken palate that follows has dark fruit and lifted notes of floral with a sublime length of flavour.
Spring Vale Pinot Noir
Tasmania's east coast is Pinot territory and Spring Vale one of its best exponents; plum, bramble and lavender aromas, plush palate and silky tannins make this a standout.
Cullen Cabernet Merlot
Cullen, world famous for their Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot, have introduced another Cab Merlot, a distinguished offshoot of the Langton's classified Diana Madeline. Majority Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot and touch of Petit Verdot gives the wine a luscious, bright cherry flavour with red berries playing their part. Aged in French oak, 40% of which was new, for one year. Delicious to serve with veal, lamb or beef today, but will also reward up to 10 years in the cellar.
Mount Majura Tempranillo
Mount Majura, from the emerging wine region of the Canberra District, considers Tempranillo as their flagship variety. With a dense core of dry savoury tannin, interwoven with fleshy cherry and blueberry fruit, and embroidered with a host of aromas, from sweet spices and pomegranate, to malt and leather.
Schild Pramie Shiraz
Every so often there are parcels of wine that generate tremendous excitement amongst the winemakers at Schild Estate. They set this aside to make Prämie, the wine that defines the best of the vintage and the land on which it was grown. Intense primary fresh plum flavours show again on the palate, where they hold their presence all the way through to roll out soft and pillowy at the finish. A firmly present, but fine tannin framework provides just enough focus and lift for the fruit to ensure added complexity, but retaining vibrancy to the mouth flavours of this Shiraz.
Guigal Côtes du Rhône
Guigal Côtes du Rhône has always been the beacon for quality in the southern Rhône. This is one Grenache blend you must get your hands on. An attractive nose of cinnamon, liquorice and wild herbs, the palate is medium-bodied and balanced with a spicy savoury mid-palate and clean finish.
Spinifex Bete Noir Shiraz
Spinifex Bete Noir Shiraz has a potent herb infused fruit on attack. Spiced red plum, cherry and sage flavours with a saline edge are carried on mid-weight frame of strong black tea-like tannin. Barossa Shiraz with even temper - displays fleshy, dark and generous fruit measured by ripe acids and drying tannin.
Katnook Estate Merlot
When it comes to Australian Merlot, Katnook is among the very best. Lovely plum dark berry and cedary cigar box characters slip seamlessly into a finish that seems everlasting. Aged for 22 months in French oak, the swathes of blackcurrant are a delight to the senses.
Fromm Pinot Noir
A classic Fromm Vineyard Pinot Noir, a multi-layered wine, very concentrated without appearing big or heavy, with positive tannin support. At its best it shows a masculine charm with a distinct terroir-related identity, aging superbly.
Vasse Felix Shiraz
A great Margaret River Shiraz with temperate ripening conditions promoting fruit intensity, richness and fine tannins. The palate is restrained and balanced with flavours of plum and aniseed spice.