Pikes Wilfred's Block Clare Valley Cabernet Shiraz
The Pike brothers established Pikes winery in the Polish Hill sub-region of the Clare Valley in 1984, renovating an old stone shearing shed to house their winery and cellar door. Neil is the veteran winemaker (he’s done 38 vintages in Clare); Andrew the seasoned viticulturist (he spent 22 years working for big names like Wynn’s Coonawarra and Southcorp before establishing Pikes). Together they turn out formidable wines that earn plenty of show medals and critical acclaim. Their richly textured 2017 'Wilfred's Block' really is magnificent. A definitive Australian blend of inky, slatey Cabernet and sumptuous, spicy Shiraz, it’s a contemplative wine – the layers of flavour will reveal themselves slowly – and perfect for winter sipping. It will cellar well until 2032, but is still drinking beautifully now. Decant, pour into big glasses, and savour with good food and good friends.
Nepenthe Elevation Pinot Noir
Nepenthe Elevation Tempranillo
This Tempranillo combines wild blueberry with subtle spice and savoury earthiness complemented by elegant complexity and a lingering finish.
Jim Barry 'Barry & Sons' Shiraz
A pioneer of the Australian wine industry, Jim Barry was responsible for shaping South Australia's Clare Valley as a benchmark producer of world-class shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. Today, two generations of the Barry family ensure his legacy grows and continues on, constantly innovating and producing high-quality wines. GOLD! A true standout and a new addition to the Jim Barry stables, featuring plenty of black fruits and measured spice supported by toasty oak - this medium, tending full-bodied shiraz is a real winner and a must try! GOLD Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2016.
Jim Barry 'Barry & Sons' Grenache Shiraz Malbec
Mr Riggs Mrs Pinot Gris
Tasting Note: Bright and textured with notes of pear and white peach complemented by delicate floral notes.
Chain of Ponds Unchained Tempranillo Barbera
A Spanish/Italian rendezvous with the Adelaide Hills - a unique blend of 50% whole bunch Barbera and destemmed Tempranillo. Intensely aromatic and inviting bouquet of raspberries, blueberries and satsuma plum entwined with fresh thyme and sage with a hint of cured meat. The palate has good fruit intensity and vibrancy with fresh red fruit and a crunch acid structure. Subtle velvety tannins provide a savoury edge.
Aptitude Gamay
Sourced from two characterful sites near Woodside, HSV and Bluestone - situated in the central Adelaide Hills, a commune quietly establishing itself as a natural home for Gamay's bright energy and expressive charm. An elegant and evocative expression, this wine opens with a lifted perfume of red berry compote, wild strawberry, redcurrant, and tart cranberry, all finely laced with whispers of dried sage and crushed herbs. The aromatic profile is delicate yet insistent, drawing you in with its quiet complexity. On the palate, there's a beautiful interplay of light and shade: fine-grained tannins offer gentle structure, while an inherent fleshiness lends mid-palate succulence without ever tipping into excess. There's an almost weightless quality to its movement - graceful, airy and precise carrying flavours in a seamless glide across the tongue. Ethereal, yes, but grounded in detail. A wine that doesn’t shout but speaks with clarity and poise, its beauty revealed slowly like a secret shared between sips.
Deviation Road Pinot Gris
Deviation Road Winery produces exciting cool climate wines and this one is a stunner. Partial barrel fermentation has added texture and depth to the sweet floral and pear characters. Silky body, mouth-filling and balanced.
Golding Single Vineyard Series Ombre Gamay
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.