Fletcher The Minion Nebbiolo
The focus here for this wine by Fletcher is on what Nebbiolo as a variety can do in Australian terroir. The philosophy behind these wines is to de-construct tradition and start afresh. Driven with obsession and going against the grain, Ann from Fletcher had the foresight to plant small acreage to mixed clones of Nebbiolo in 1998, which officially makes this some of the oldest Nebbiolo in Australia. Meticulously manicured, this vineyard, after the green harvest, is lucky if it produces 2 tonnes to the acre, and the fruit it produces is floral, rich and backed by Nebbiolo's superior tannins.
Hewitson Mad Hatter Shiraz
Big and beautiful! This Hewitson Mad Hatter Shiraz has dark plums, chocolate and mocha on the nose; it is rich and fills the palate with textured dark fruits with a hints of oak in the background.
Hungerford Hill Tumbarumba Pinot Meunier
A true rarity – Pinot Meunier, known as a constituent of some Champagnes, adding richness and body – is very rarely vinified on its own anywhere in the world. As winemaker Bryan Currie shows, it can be done, and very well. “Light in colour but it has its kicking boots on. Cranberry, red cherry, meaty spice and wood smoke flavours combine beautifully. It kicks quality goals from start to finish; tannin, acid and texture are all in good form too... 93 points” (Halliday).
Deep Woods Redlands Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
Visit the quality obsessed winery of Deep Woods and you'll find winemaker Julian Langworthy working his magic. He's behind their recent 97 point 'Best Cabernet in Show' - which also won the 2016 Jimmy Watson Trophy! The Redlands is the sister wine to the triumphant Reserve – a deliciously deep, intense Cabernet with a dash of rich Shiraz for extra sumptuous drinkability. A Margaret River marvel to savour with rack of lamb, roasted vegetable lasagne or a juicy rib-eye steak.
Bleasdale Frank Potts Langhorne Creek Cabernet Blend
Bleasdale is “one of the most historic wineries in Australia ... in 2015 celebrating 165 years of continuous winemaking by the direct descendants of the founding Potts family.” (James Halliday). Last year, winemaker Paul Hotker, a “master blender” , was named Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year. This “clever” 96pt blend shows his skill and style. “Clever cabernet-dominant blend incorporating malbec, franc, merlot and petit verdot to great effect. Red and black fruited, leafy cabernet, fine savoury tannins, line and length to burn. Gold at the National Wine Show ‘17 speaks volumes ... 96pts” (Halliday).
Monkey Rock Winery Duck Duck Goose Shiraz Tempranillo
Made from a blend of Frankland WA grown Shiraz and handpicked bushvine Tempranillo. Each wine was allowed to ferment naturally on skins using only the wild yeast then they were basket pressed and blended. The Shiraz provides body and complexity to the tannin component of the lighter Tempranillo. The result is a fruit driven, unoaked red with berry and spice elements, great texture, and a bright acidity.
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz
The Jim Barry McCrae Wood is a fine example of the bold Clare Valley Shiraz style. Intense and concentrated, it is well worth putting away for five years at least!
Majella Shiraz
Consistency has been the hallmark of Majella Shiraz for some time now. Ripe fresh raspberry and mulberry fruit is supported by fine tannins and subtle oak.
Zema Estate Shiraz
The Zema family has a proud history of producing great Coonawarra wines with plenty of regional character. This rich inky offering is redolent of ripe berries with a long satisfying finish.
Vasse Felix Shiraz
A great Margaret River Shiraz with temperate ripening conditions promoting fruit intensity, richness and fine tannins. The palate is restrained and balanced with flavours of plum and aniseed spice.