Unico Zelo Pastafarian
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.
Pepper Tree Merlot
Soft rounded and fruit-driven this is a good example of the approachable easy drinking Merlot variety. Generous plummy flavour with just a touch of oak and light tannins make this wine enjoyable now.</p>
Penfolds Max's Shiraz
Penfolds Max's Shiraz is a tribute to former Chief Winemaker, Max Schubert, a legend in Penfolds history. His constant pursuit of excellence paved the way for those who followed in his footsteps, growing the brand's status and heritage in the process. Fruit-driven and generous in flavour, this fine red has a contemporary, persistent palate with subtle tannins leading to a soft, oak finish.
Villa Wolf Rosé
The grapes are carefully selected, only perfectly ripe, healthy ones with out botrytis are used to make this Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé. It has deliciously light with bright fruits characters and finishes with lively acidity that cleans the palate refreshingly.
Bowen Estate Shiraz
Bowen Estate Shiraz shared similar firm structure as it's sibling, the Cabernet Sauvignon. It's lifted aromas of ripe black fruits, warming spices and hint of earthy background makes it a welcoming drink with hearty food.
De Iuliis Shiraz
De Iuliis (De - uli - iss) wines are known for their trademark regionality and commitment to showcasing the very best the Hunter Valley has to offer. Their Shiraz is a fine balance between power and subtlety. Spice driven aromas with mild hints of the berry fruit to come on the palate. Blackberry, raspberry and dark cherry come to the fore and are in harmony with the round, soft tannins.
Lingo Adelaide Hills Nebbiolo
Lingo - Say it with confidence.This wine may be hard to pronounce, but the flavour rolls across the tongue. This Nebbiolo ( Neh-Bee-Ow-Low) provides a rustic, savoury palate, with delicious red fruit flavours and firm tannins.
Quarry Hill Shiraz
Occupying some of the more elevated land in the Canberra District, Quarry Hill produces a Shiraz with ripe flavours and excellent natural acids; the hallmarks of great cool-climate Shiraz. Aged in a mix of new and older French oak, the wine is bright purple in the glass, follwed by aromas of raspberry, plum, spice and a little pepper. Through the palate, there are flavours of mulberry and plum, fine tannins and a crisp, dry finish.
Coriole Sangiovese
Coriole has been the pioneer of this variety in Australia - and for good reason! Spicy dark cherry and plum flavours, the palate is perfectly balanced with dusty drying tannins.
Mitolo Jester Shiraz
Intense, textured and showing pure fruit flavours, Jester Shiraz is considered Mitolo's baby G.A.M Shiraz using the same barrels in which the G.A.M was previously aged in. The palate is full of bright, red berry flavours, a subtle herbal character and an overall savoury quality to the finish. Made to be upfront and approachable for early appreciation, the Jester Shiraz delivers excellent quality for the price.