St Henri is, for me, one of the least consistent wines in the annual Collection. By that I mean, sometimes it absolutely soars above those around it. Other times, it just doesn’t seem to be able to get off the ground to the extent that such a much-loved and famous wine should. This vintage is sourced from the
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The Penfolds winemakers note quite clearly that the 2019 vintage across many of its wines has delivered what they call a “savoury cloak”, and here it is clearly exposed. Note too that this vintage is sourced out of four SA regions, McLaren Vale contributing 41% and Coonawarra 36%, with Barossa Valley and Padthaway adding the rest. In the first instance this cabernet is less exuberantly aromatic in the leaf and cassis fruit department than its Bin 407 sibling, and more to do with blue florals, black olives, with maritime notes of iodine and seaweeds. It’s 100% new American oak immersion
The Penfolds winemakers note quite clearly that the 2019 vintage across many of its wines has delivered what they call a “savoury cloak”, and here it is clearly exposed. Note too that this vintage is sourced out of four SA regions, McLaren Vale contributing 41% and Coonawarra 36%, with Barossa Valley and Padthaway adding the rest. In the first instance this cabernet is less exuberantly aromatic in the leaf and cassis fruit department than its Bin 407 sibling, and more to do with blue florals, black olives, with maritime notes of iodine and seaweeds. It’s 100% new American oak immersion
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I think it’s great when winemakers try to do things a little differently, such as using winemaking methods which are not often associated with a certain grape variety, or trying to emphasise different characteristics. That’s why I was keen to get my hands on the new Méthode range from Patrick of Coonawarra, made by winemaker Luke Tocaciu, which showcases riesling and cabernet sauvignon, but not how we usually see them. 2020 Méthode Cab Nouveau – $32 Cabernet (particularly from Coonawarra) is not usually described with words such as ‘light body’, ‘soft’ and ‘approachable’, but why not? We’re so accustomed to seeing
I think it’s great when winemakers try to do things a little differently, such as using winemaking methods which are not often associated with a certain grape variety, or trying to emphasise different characteristics. That’s why I was keen to get my hands on the new Méthode range from Patrick of Coonawarra, made by winemaker Luke Tocaciu, which showcases riesling and cabernet sauvignon, but not how we usually see them. 2020 Méthode Cab Nouveau – $32 Cabernet (particularly from Coonawarra) is not usually described with words such as ‘light body’, ‘soft’ and ‘approachable’, but why not? We’re so accustomed to seeing
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.
Do you want to know why winemakers are raving about the 2021 vintage in the Eden Valley? Then check out this wine which is a delicious vintage of Peggy’s Hill. Pale in colour, it opens with an array of pretty orchard fruits – pear and apple with touches of spice and earth. Dry, light-weight and refreshing, zesty acidity steals the show which gives great impact to its complex layers of citrus and floral flavours before a long and silky finish. It’s a little tight so while delicious now will probably be at its best over the next two to three
A super impressive take on the classic Margaret River blend that brings together the immaculate oak treatments overseen by Virginia Willcock in the Vasse Felix chardonnay range with lovely purity and brightness of fruit. Mid straw in colour, there is exceptional complexity for a wine at this price. Passionfruit, guava, lanolin and citrus notes with subtle nougat oak. Good intensity follows on a punchy palate driven by crisp acidity which is again nicely offset by a gentle oak touch. Good wine now and will add more layers with a couple more years of aging.
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.
While many Australian winemakers have shied away from oak in recent times, our friends across the ditch plus wine drinkers around the world still like their chardonnays layered with toasty vanilla, and here we have a great example. This chardonnay delivers both intensity and fruit complexity all wound up in a blanket of French Oak. It is light golden in colour with powerful peach skin, florals, butter and grilled nut aromas which are underscored by spicy oak. Dry, full-bodied and creamy in texture, it explodes on the palate with sea spray, buttery, nutty slightly oxidative flavours all kept in check
While many Australian winemakers have shied away from oak in recent times, our friends across the ditch plus wine drinkers around the world still like their chardonnays layered with toasty vanilla, and here we have a great example. This chardonnay delivers both intensity and fruit complexity all wound up in a blanket of French Oak. It is light golden in colour with powerful peach skin, florals, butter and grilled nut aromas which are underscored by spicy oak. Dry, full-bodied and creamy in texture, it explodes on the palate with sea spray, buttery, nutty slightly oxidative flavours all kept in check
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.
I do love the sweetness scale on the back of this Alsatian Gris, and I agree 100% with the scale that indicates it is slightly off dry. The wine is mid gold showing development, consistent with the age of the wine. Ripe yellow pear notes lead onto baking spice with a rich and rounded ripe palate. There are honeyed bottle aged flavours rolling onto a slippery, oily palate that is plush and rounded, tightened up with a pithy savoury texture. This is true to style with juicy acid on the finish balancing out the richness – I like the phenolic
I do love the sweetness scale on the back of this Alsatian Gris, and I agree 100% with the scale that indicates it is slightly off dry. The wine is mid gold showing development, consistent with the age of the wine. Ripe yellow pear notes lead onto baking spice with a rich and rounded ripe palate. There are honeyed bottle aged flavours rolling onto a slippery, oily palate that is plush and rounded, tightened up with a pithy savoury texture. This is true to style with juicy acid on the finish balancing out the richness – I like the phenolic
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