A fascinating wine – the third and last of the multi-vintage Penfolds Grange releases brings together wines from the 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018 vintages, apparently in equal measure. Grange as a young wine is generally monolithic and far from its best with much of the fruit complexity still hidden behind a cloak of structure and oak.
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This wine is named in honour of Ron Thorn. The big, heavy bottle and grand labelling might bring certain expectations, but this wine has other notions. It’s starting its journey and it’s calling for your interest early on. Frankly, it’s years away from revealing all, but we are granted a small window through which to appreciate its beauty, its potential. I like these kind of wines, they don’t lay everything out on a platter for the drinker, they call out for your interest. It won’t be to everyone’s liking. It will divide opinion and tastebuds. It’s a reminder of Barossa
This wine is named in honour of Ron Thorn. The big, heavy bottle and grand labelling might bring certain expectations, but this wine has other notions. It’s starting its journey and it’s calling for your interest early on. Frankly, it’s years away from revealing all, but we are granted a small window through which to appreciate its beauty, its potential. I like these kind of wines, they don’t lay everything out on a platter for the drinker, they call out for your interest. It won’t be to everyone’s liking. It will divide opinion and tastebuds. It’s a reminder of Barossa
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Ben Ranken is a patient man. He’s also obviously a fan of trying something new. These qualities are needed for taking on a task such as maturing a wine underwater for five years. A Macedon Ranges winemaker based at Wilimee, a small, family-run property north of Melbourne, Ben and wife Sally focus mainly on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are grown at an altitude of around 600m, planted in 1982. In September 2021, Ben released a 2015 Pinot Noir which had been aged underwater for five years – and I was lucky enough to try it. While a little wine
Ben Ranken is a patient man. He’s also obviously a fan of trying something new. These qualities are needed for taking on a task such as maturing a wine underwater for five years. A Macedon Ranges winemaker based at Wilimee, a small, family-run property north of Melbourne, Ben and wife Sally focus mainly on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are grown at an altitude of around 600m, planted in 1982. In September 2021, Ben released a 2015 Pinot Noir which had been aged underwater for five years – and I was lucky enough to try it. While a little wine
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.
I haven’t seen a 100% Merlot for a little while and this was a nice surprise. Bright ruby colour with pretty, ripe plum flavours in a more medium bodied style. Powdery fine tannins offer structure and grip on the palate, whilst the bottle age adds savoury notes with freshness from a herbal lift. I like that this is a lighter, fresher style that is super savoury. This is my pick of the reds – drink with food.
A more restrained cool climate style Chardonnay that is medium bodied with oaky hints and a peaches and cream vibe. Texture can be seen from the 6 month batonnage adding richness to the peachy fruit. There is a mealy texture and a lick of dusty oak adding structure and a smoky finish. Great value for money, and over delivers for the price.
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Another single vineyard Pinot, this one from parcels in the Mason Vineyard in the Parkburn sub-region of Central Otago, which is part of the Cromwell Basin mostly planted with the famous Abel clone. There is a deeper red colour to be found here. Youthful spices, red fruits, raspberries, game notes, an aroma reminiscent of grabbing a handful of warm earth, and dry herbs which all weave together for this lovely, complex wine. This is a little more mainstream in style than a wine such as ‘The Tiger’ – but both will have their fans. There is good acidity and impressive
Another single vineyard Pinot, this one from parcels in the Mason Vineyard in the Parkburn sub-region of Central Otago, which is part of the Cromwell Basin mostly planted with the famous Abel clone. There is a deeper red colour to be found here. Youthful spices, red fruits, raspberries, game notes, an aroma reminiscent of grabbing a handful of warm earth, and dry herbs which all weave together for this lovely, complex wine. This is a little more mainstream in style than a wine such as ‘The Tiger’ – but both will have their fans. There is good acidity and impressive
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.
Cotes du Rhone can be a bit of a minefield sometimes but this wine absolutely overdelivers and is a cracking example which displays all that the Southern Rhone Valley has to offer. It starts with a deeply concentrated colour before launching into a highly complex range of aromas, from blackberry and tar through to smoked meats, white pepper and old oak. The is then great density and richness to the palate – dark fruits wrapped up in a cloak of chewy tannins before a generous and spicy finish. Super now with char-grilled steak but a couple of years would not
Cotes du Rhone can be a bit of a minefield sometimes but this wine absolutely overdelivers and is a cracking example which displays all that the Southern Rhone Valley has to offer. It starts with a deeply concentrated colour before launching into a highly complex range of aromas, from blackberry and tar through to smoked meats, white pepper and old oak. The is then great density and richness to the palate – dark fruits wrapped up in a cloak of chewy tannins before a generous and spicy finish. Super now with char-grilled steak but a couple of years would not
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