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Unico Zelo is the project of winemaking couple Brendan and Laura Carter. In their words, their aim is to create “Italian-inspired, textural and site-expressive wines” and “Australian examples of Mediterranean varieties in an approachable and jovial fashion.” There is a bit of a shift this year for Pastafarian, with the inclusion of Sangiovese! The ultimate pasta variety, it must be said. Ask Brendan, Unico Zelo has long been critical of Sangiovese’s future in Australia, but after some recent encounters with other producers' expressions of the variety, they’ve jumped on the bandwagon. Lucky for the winery, it wasn’t far from home, as the fruit is from the lovely Polish Hill River Vineyard. Still, this wine is Nebbiolo through and through, and it’s the perfect marriage with Slovenian Oak for a perfumed, blue fruited and savoury structured Langhe-style Nebb. A touch of Merlot and Nero to add somebody (and a nice little spice too!). Top shelf here, finding an identity all of its own. Great wine.

Birthday Wine Cylinder “Hip Hip Hooray It’s Your Birthday”. Bleasdale's Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris grapes are grown by specialist Adelaide Hills growers. The fruit is handpicked directly into a refrigerated container where it is cooled all day, then delivered to the historic Bleasdale cellars at dusk for whole bunch pressing in the cool of the evening. This delicate wine shows all the spice and perfume we expect from cool climate Pinot Gris. Nashi, ginger and rosewater perfume leads to a generous and textured palate with nutty complexity from the barrel ferment component. A satisfying yet moreish wine, textured and complex middle palate, with a hint of sweetness to complement spicy foods.

The Adelaide Hills, particularly Woodside, is perfectly situated to produce quality Pinot Noir Rose. Carefully nurtured by the winemaking team, this wine is fresh and lively with lifted strawberry aromas. Serve chilled.

A delicate Sparkling Rosé with lifted strawberry and cherry aromas on the nose. This Bird In Hand Sparkling is an elegant wine with a delightful creamy texture. It is made in a crisp, refreshing style, great for entertaining specially in hot summer days.

Out of the shadow and into the light steps our Ombre Gamay; ready and poised to take centre stage. Historically cast in the shadow of its varietal neighbour Pinot Noir, Gamay is enjoying a timely moment in the sun. Vibrant in hue and exuberant in youthful personality, this wine delivers juicy red berry fruits on the nose with subtle spice and fine tannins on the palate.

Alluring aromas of wild strawberry, cherry, toffee and leafy notes. Medium bodied and lingering flavours of cherry and plum superbly integrated with fine tannins and spice on the finish. Will accompany many styles of fine food and game dishes also well suited to cheese.

Tucked away nicely in the Adelaide Hills, Sidewood Estate have made an art form out of crafting some of the very best single vineyard cool-climate wines available in Australia. Owen and Cassandra Inglis purchased the boutique property in 2004 and immediately set about making their vision become a reality. Their Sidewood Shiraz displays that vision to perfection. Attention to detail is the key here which enables flavours of red cherry, currants and dark plum to shine through along with hints of cinnamon and spice. The texture is beguiling and gives promise to a wine that will age for up to a decade.