Sunday, December 27, 2009

Brown Brothers NV Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Pinot Meunier


Family-owned Brown Brothers have a huge range of wines with something to suit every palate but you won't find many better than this outstanding bubbly - a blend of the three classic Champagne grapes. This is a superb wine for the price - as good as many domestic sparkling wines costing twice the price. It offers delightful citrus aromas, a refreshing, zesty palate and hints of brioche and yeast characters adding complexity. Clean, crisp and very drinkable. $23.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Howard Park 2009 Riesling


This rates among the very best rieslings I've tasted all year. It has freshness, crispness, pristine fruit and the potential to age. Released a few months later than many of its contemporaries, this wine from the Great Southern of Western Australia straddles the territory between delicacy and intensity with brilliant fresh lime juice flavours and zingy acid on the palate. Due out any day now and worth snapping up to enjoy with summer seafood dishes. $25.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Wyndham Estate George Wyndham 2007 Shiraz Tempranillo


There’s a new zest to the recent Wyndham Estate releases and this is an absolute standout with some lovely savoury elements and nice mouthfeel. Sourced from Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley fruit, it’s full-blooded with intense berry fruit flavours and hints of pepper. A thoroughly modern style of wine that would be great with Spanish dishes, cheeses and Middle Eastern cuisine. $21.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Mr Riggs 2007 Yacca Paddock Tempranillo


I'm seeing an increasing number of impressive tempranillos from a variety of regions, suggesting the Spanish grape has a bright future in Australia. Made by McLaren Vale winemaker Ben Riggs from Adelaide Hills fruit, this is a very appealing wine that demonstrates precisely why tempranillo holds such promise. It has savoury notes, dark cherry flavours and plenty of big tannic oomph. Extremely enjoyable. $25.