Little Giant Malbec
This new release from Little Giant is an absolute cracker! Sourced from dry grown vineyards across South Australia, this is a classic looking Malbec with a deep crimson colour in the glass. Dark berry aromas are complemented by floral hints and a subtle sweet tobacco influence that is so typical of this varietal. The palate is bursting with juicy black fruits, a touch of oak and a soft easy-going tannin structure making it a perfect match for any kind of barbecued meats. At 14% abv, this stunning Malbec is terrific to drink now, but will cellar extremely well and soften over the next 2 - 6 years.
Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard
A single vineyard site at 3500 metres in Agrelo Mendoza has produced a vivid 100% malbec displaying intense violet aromas over a core of red fruits with notes of cherries and raspberries . The wine shows excellent balance a fine backbone of fresh acidity and supple and elegant tannins from 14 months maturation in French oak barrels.
Zonte's Footstep Violet Beauregard Malbec
Black garnet color. Bright aromas and flavors of blackberry pie, pistachio nougat, and powdered lime with a satiny, lively, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long blueberry cobbler, minty spices, and chocolate finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak.
Taylor Made Clare Valley Malbec
What happens when you combine notes of spice, black pepper and mocha? These are the aromas of Taylors Made Malbec. This red varietal has a well rounded body and deep flavours of black cherry, plum and raspberry.
Shadowfax Minnow Rose
Very pale salmon, some light red hues. Red fruits, raspberry, cranberry, a touch of liquorice, some light spice and earth. Pinot Noir is apparent on the front palate, with berries, fluffy talc and crystalline texture. The Grenache brings weight through the middle, a riot of red fruits and tarry spice. Mourvèdre fills the rear, with lovely fine extract framing the palate and adding length. A harmonious and very fine Minnow Rosé by Shadowfax: complex, dry and delicious.
Bleasdale Vineyards Generations Malbec
This wine is dark purple with intense aromas of violets, blackberries, plums and clove spice. Drinking well now, but with the potential to be a long term cellaring prospect if desired. Lightly fined and racked before bottling without filtration, it is normal for some sediment to form. Decanting one hour before drinking is recommended. Bleasdale is not only one of the oldest wineries in the Langhorne Creek region, but one of the oldest in Australia. Frank Potts, who founded Bleasdale in 1850, has a fascinating history. Born with sea legs, he joined the British Royal Navy at 9 years old and served on Lord Nelsons famous ship HMS Victory. He sailed around the world before landing in South Australia in 1836. He planted the first vines in 1858 and sold fruit to Thomas Hardy. He then expanded the vineyards in the 1860s. He was an innovator and a pioneer who played his role in establishing Australias wine industry. The Potts family still own Bleasdale and descendants Michael and Ben Potts handle the winemaking duties, along with Paul Hotker. They make wines from fruit grown on their 61 hectares of vineyards from varietals like Verdelho, Shiraz and Malbec in sparkling, table and fortified styles. Each parcel of fruit is carefully selected to produce a range of wines that can be enjoyed immediately, or cellared for that special occasion.
Santa Julia Reserva Malbec
Santa Julia is a clear example of the combination of the quality and diversity of Mendocinian soils, resulting in this modern wine. Aged in French Oak Barrels for 10 months. Ludicrously dark violet in colour, this Malbec has ripe red and black fruits aromas with notes of vanilla, chocolate and tabacco on the nose. It is medium bodied, with the classic soft tannins of a Malbec.
Printhie Shiraz
From Orange in NSW, this Shiraz is a good introduction to the qualities of this emerging area. It shows aromas of plum and spices and the palate is all about the fruit with little intrusive oak.
Zonte's Footstep Violet Beauregard Langhorne Creek Malbec
If you thought that Argentina was the only place to find fine Malbec, think again! Zonte's Footstep have triumphed with this luscious Langhorne Creek example boastinga berryfest of flavour, FIVE Gold medals and 93 points from Halliday: "Violets, boysenberries, redcurrant and leather. Bright and characterful at once. Sweet and vibrant through the mouth, dry and firm through the finish. Mid-weight. In lovely form...93pts" (Halliday).