Manfredi Patrizi Barolo
Aromas of roses and liquorice bound with firm tannins.
John Duval Eligo Shiraz
John Duval, famously known as the craftsman of the mighty Penfolds Grange, continues to further forge his reputation as a maker of great Shiraz. 'Eligo' from the latin: 'To pick out, select or choose or choose the best' is the flagship wine of the John Duval stable with its main aim to produce a Shiraz with structure and an elegant expression of its terrior. Multi layered with lashes of dark berry fruit, the wine is intense yet still quite restrained. An excellent Barossan Shiraz!
Glaetzer AMON-Ra Shiraz
The Glaetzer family have been part of the Barossa winemaking scene since 1888 and now Ben takes over the reigns and produces Shiraz of the utmost intensity and concentration. Named after the ancient Egyptian god Amon-Ra who was the champion of the poor and troubled and was central to personal piety, the temple of Amon-Ra is believed to be the first to plant a vineyard to produce wine for the citizens of the temple. This incarnation is rich, full-bodied and viscous to the palate, yet with sublime oak integration and a balance on the back palate that is quite lifted allowing it to be paired with many meals and a prime candidate for medium to long term cellaring.
Serafino Sharktooth Shiraz
Sharktooth is an apt name of this wonderfully balanced wine. Razor sharp flavours of dark mulberry and blackcurrant are sliced by a freshness and vibrancy not often seen in full-bodied wines from McLaren Vale. A supreme example of modern Australian red winemaking is on display here and despite the unctuous concentration this wine dances across the palate and leaves you with a delightful length of flavour.
Castagna Genesis Syrah
Beechworth has carved out a reputation as one of Australia's most amazing, yet largely unknown, wine producing regions. Castagna have crafted a Shiraz of incredible poise and complexity from an outstanding vintage.
Lethbridge Mietta Pinot Noir
From vines yielding less than 1 tonne/acre, 100% whole bunch, natural yeast ferment, 100% new oak. A powerful and structural Pinot Noir by Lethbridge. An unusual presentation of the MV6 clone in the Estate vineyard produces fruit of great density of flavour, and very low yield (0.5 tonnes/acre). This wine was fermented with 100% whole bunch inclusion and had pre-fermentation maceration for 7-10 days. Wild yeast fermentation in small open vats proceeded with daily pigéage. Pressing was straight to barrel (100% new French oak) to allow for gross lees contact and natural MLF.
Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir
Felton Road really is a fine winemaker. This is its regular bottling and what a wine, with lush, dark cherry and mysterious foresty aromas. It's very ripe and rich and the palate has intensity and drive, with fresh acidity keeping it all singing.
Wills Domain Cuvée d' Élevage Shiraz
Dense aromas of plum pudding, dried apricots and eastern spice introduce a voluptuous palate, boasting silky tannin, delicate hints of fresh summer berries and earthier tones of toasted oak and freshly cracked allspice. The wine has a clean, persistent acid line, with lingering red berries, white pepper and vanilla pod. Ray Jordans Best Shiraz in his 2016 Wine guide.
William Downie Gippsland Pinot Noir
William Downie is young Australian Pinot Noir royalty. Learning his trade in the vineyards of Burgundy, Bill came back to Australia and set up his own label in Victoria's east, specifically in Gippsland. His wines are extremely limited in nature and Pinot lovers shouldn't waste any time in adding some William Downie to their cellars. The Gippsland Pinot Noir is wonderfully balanced with blackcurrant, blackberry and hints of clove and nutmeg. Beautifully dense and concentrated on the palate, lifted violets and florals shine through along with the inextricably long finish.
