Riesling fans – back up the truck as this is a gorgeous expression of Watervale and the 2021 vintage which represents superb value. Pale straw in colour with green tinges, it has the classic delicacy and fruit brightness of a serious wine from Watervale. There are piercing aromas of wet stones, citrus peel and white flowers with the
Looking for something special? Here are our picks and favourite drinks to suit every occasion. From midweek wines and casual catchups through to the biggest events, here you will find new favourites at every price that are guaranteed to help you drink better everyday.
A beautiful example of cool climate shiraz here with a touch of cabernet sauvignon, just 3%, which adds another level of complexity. Superb colour before very attractive and enticing aromas – white pepper, charcuterie and fleshy mulberries all wrapped up in a cloak of high quality oak with fantastic detail all round. The palate takes a more serious turn with its excellent fruit precision underpinned by firm acidity and mouthcoating tannins which come together to drive a long but measured finish. Still a little closed, this is a wine that will be at its best over the medium term.
A beautiful example of cool climate shiraz here with a touch of cabernet sauvignon, just 3%, which adds another level of complexity. Superb colour before very attractive and enticing aromas – white pepper, charcuterie and fleshy mulberries all wrapped up in a cloak of high quality oak with fantastic detail all round. The palate takes a more serious turn with its excellent fruit precision underpinned by firm acidity and mouthcoating tannins which come together to drive a long but measured finish. Still a little closed, this is a wine that will be at its best over the medium term.
More than just reviews, get the inside story on our favourite winemakers, brewers, distilleries, wineries and regions, and what makes them special. You’ll never look at wine, beer and spirits the same way again.
The Mitchell family property in the Clare Valley was purchased in 1949 by Peter McNicol Mitchell and was originally a dairy farm and orchard, and included a small vineyard. In 1975 Peter’s son Andrew took over management of the property and Mitchell Wines was established. Since then, Andrew and his wife Jane have grown the area under vine to 80 hectares, with a winery and bottling facility, and now Andrew and Jane’s children Angus, Edwina and Hilary are on board to drive Mitchell wines into the future. Just over ten years ago the Mitchells converted their farming practices back to
The Mitchell family property in the Clare Valley was purchased in 1949 by Peter McNicol Mitchell and was originally a dairy farm and orchard, and included a small vineyard. In 1975 Peter’s son Andrew took over management of the property and Mitchell Wines was established. Since then, Andrew and his wife Jane have grown the area under vine to 80 hectares, with a winery and bottling facility, and now Andrew and Jane’s children Angus, Edwina and Hilary are on board to drive Mitchell wines into the future. Just over ten years ago the Mitchells converted their farming practices back to
Every week there are hundreds of new Australian wines hitting shelves and winelists around the world. Here is our regular update on what’s new from the biggest brands right down to the smallest boutique winemakers.
It’s strange to describe a four-year-old red as a work in progress but that’s how Peppertree Vineyard shiraz feels. Maybe it’s the sinewy tannins that meld so nicely, but continue to hold the wine oh so tight and firm. Maybe it’s the sense of refinement and reserve. It’s not singing full throttle, just yet. But the stage is set. Plum, raspberry, mulberry (more so than bold, blackberries) and gentle spice contribute to a feeling of elegance. A sweet core of fruit joins with earth, briar and a light dusting of toast, vanilla oak: controlled and respectful of the fruit. It’s
Not many winemakers around Australia have got their heads around cabernet franc. But when done right this is a grape variety that can be every bit as good as cabernet sauvignon, if in a more elegant style. This version, with 7% merlot and 5% cabernet sauvignon, is the complete package with its deep colour followed by a beautifully complex and fragrant bouquet – leaf, graphite and violets over a rich bed of blackberries. Dry and only mid weight but it displays a powerful core of dark yet subtle fruits with a surprisingly firm structure before a long and impressive finish.
Kiwi winemakers are now crafting some of the greatest wines on the planet. Our team in Australia and New Zealand hunt down the best new releases from right around the country to share with you.
Super wine this and a great example of how well handed oak treatment can add so much interest to sauvignon blanc. You can see plenty of winemaking effort as it opens up with guava and floral aromatics well supported by powerful oatmeal barrel ferment and vanilla bean oak. There is plenty of oak here but it sits nicely in the wine. The palate is then dry and rich – exotic tropical fruits and oak again giving great impact which is then lifted by touches of leesy gunflint. It’s a serious food wine too for fancy veal or scallops.
Super wine this and a great example of how well handed oak treatment can add so much interest to sauvignon blanc. You can see plenty of winemaking effort as it opens up with guava and floral aromatics well supported by powerful oatmeal barrel ferment and vanilla bean oak. There is plenty of oak here but it sits nicely in the wine. The palate is then dry and rich – exotic tropical fruits and oak again giving great impact which is then lifted by touches of leesy gunflint. It’s a serious food wine too for fancy veal or scallops.
Looking for a change? Then let us guide you through the world of wine with our International new releases. We’ve got reviews and stories on everything from bargain supermarket picks right through to international icons.
A fine and savoury, now nicely mature Nebbiolo in a rather traditional style from Rocche di Castiglione, one of the most exceptional vineyards in Barolo. Classic Barolo aromas of dark cherry, cranberry, desiccated roses, tar, dried blood and leather – almost like a piece of well-preserved antique furniture! The focused, balsamic-driven palate is complete with leathery and tarry red fruit, rose water, river mint, liquorice alongside dense but ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a lingering amaro-like finish. Layered and complex, it just keeps showing and giving. Polished and ethereal!
A fine and savoury, now nicely mature Nebbiolo in a rather traditional style from Rocche di Castiglione, one of the most exceptional vineyards in Barolo. Classic Barolo aromas of dark cherry, cranberry, desiccated roses, tar, dried blood and leather – almost like a piece of well-preserved antique furniture! The focused, balsamic-driven palate is complete with leathery and tarry red fruit, rose water, river mint, liquorice alongside dense but ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a lingering amaro-like finish. Layered and complex, it just keeps showing and giving. Polished and ethereal!
To help you drink better every time, Winepilot is your good times passport – a personal drinks guide to the greatest sips and nips from Australia and around the globe.
Join the Winepilot community
today for your one-way ticket to better drinks.
Sign up now to drink better everyday.
