Cape Mentelle Shiraz
Margaret River is an under appreciated region for Australian Shiraz, and it's hard to see why with Cape Mentelle's Shiraz showing a vibrant core of blueberry, mulberry and hints of raspberry. It is well balanced with cocoa and savoury oak. The palate yet, is fine, elegant and focussed, finishing with chalky and structural tannins.
Paringa Estate Shiraz
This cool-climate Shiraz shows white pepper on the nose with dark fruit and blackberry characters. The palate is full and ripe with berry fruit flavour, tight acidity and fine grained tannins.
Tamar Ridge Pinot Noir
There is no doubting the quality of Northern Tassie Pinot. This is a fine example from the Tamar Valley has elegance, length and varietal flavours of plum and cherry balanced by a touch of oak and light astringency.
Babo Langhe Nebbiolo
Back in 2009, Justin Bubb had spent almost a decade in Italy leading the transformation of the winemaking at famed winery, Castello Di Gabbiano. He had been sent there to help improve the winemaking and also be a conduit for the Australian owners at the time. Originally only planning to stay for a short period, Justin was instrumental in growing the winery. He also was able to spend time working vintage in some of the most famed wine regions of Italy including Piedmonte, Veneto and Sicilia. His time in Europe had also helped him see there was an opportunity to bring great quality Italian wines back to Australia. Having decided to return to Australia with Anna Pooley his new wife, he sketched out very briefly wanted to do. He wanted to produce great value Italian wines, to shake any stuffy stereotypes of Italian wines, by offering contemporary styles that suited the wine savvy palates of Australians. He also wanted to continue working with the amazing growers and connections he had with his adopted country of Italy. Taking an Italian nickname for a tool that measures ‘baume’ in fruit, Babo was born. The vineyards it Piedmonte where this fruit is sourced are layered clay and limestone soils near the famed town of Castiglione Falletto. The fruit was selected from vineyards 300-400 m above sea level - mostly Southwest facing, with fantastic quality fruit. 100% Nebbiolo, handpicked fruit was destemmed with 6-8 day maceration at a controlled temperature, pumped over twice a day. Short aging in large concrete tanks completes this wine making journey. Bright purple and garnet highlights. On the nose delightful floral bouquet. Medium body, classic bright red berries, a little tar, roses and spice. Lovely weighted tannin gives a the perfect persistent finish. Delicious.
Woodlands Cabernet Merlot
Woodlands Cabernet Merlot is one of the regions best examples. The Watson brothers are the custodians of a family heritage in Margaret River that continues to this day. The Cabernet Merlot has attractive and complex aromas of dark berry and plum supported by well integrated vanillin oak. The palate shows similar characters with outstanding length of flavour and perfect balance. Drink now or cellar short term.
Rivetto Langhe Nebbiolo
An extremely pleasing and drinkable wine, and although it has a high alcohol grade this never overpowers its fruity character. Its red colour has Bordeaux reflections and the slow trickle from the edge of the glass confirms its optimal concentration and good body. The palate is caressed by a smooth tannin content typical of the Nebbiolo grape and by a warm and enveloping flavour.
Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon
Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon has a generous and beautifully structured palate, layered with dense fruits of the forest, ripe tannins and a persistent fruit finish. Taking all before it at the recent Dan Murphy's National Wine Show of Australia, this Xanadu Cabernet will be snapped up quickly!
Gibson The Dirtman Shiraz
The Dirtman Shiraz by Gibson Wines is named after Rob Gibson, owner and winemaker. With love of viticulture and the soil, Rob has always been referred to as The Dirtman. This attractive Shiraz has wonderful rich, dark cherry notes with plums and a touch of apricot thrown in. The texture on the palate is vibrant with a length that is simply perfect.
Frogmore Creek Pinot Noir
Organically grown grapes from Tasmania have yielded a complex Pinot Noir with dried strawberry fruit characters and a satisfying savoury palate. Elegant and enjoyable Pinot from an up and coming producer!
Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo
When young, Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo features a fragrance which is wonderfully spontaneous and full of surprise. In its bouquet, colour, and generous, velvety body this wine brings out all the typical qualities of the grape it is made from. Later in life, its colour becomes garnet-red with strong orange shades, and its nose deepens, with traces of withered flowers, such as rose and above-all geraniums. It's warm, soft, well-bodied flavour is velvety and well-balanced, lingering in the mouth.