Friday, January 31, 2025
Fuedo Arancio 2020 Hekate Passito Sicilia IGT
Friday, January 24, 2025
Moss Wood 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
There is a symphony of flavour and texture in this superb Margaret River cabernet blend from one of the region's consistently excellent producers. This an impressive result from what was a cool, difficult year in the vineyards resulting in reduced yields. A blend of 95% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot offers some thrills for lovers of classic Bordeaux styles and carries its 14% alcohol with aplomb. French oak barrels (16% new) play their role in a wine with soft, rounded tannins. This can be enjoyed on its release, but for lovers of aged reds it can be cellared for up 20 to years, the Mugford family says. Floral, with red and dark fruits, toasty oak and spice hints. A lovely, composed and balanced wine. Sold out at cellar door but you might find some in retail outlets. $150. https://www.mosswood.com.au/
Friday, January 17, 2025
Howard Park 2023 Flint Rock Chardonnay
This one had been sitting in my tasting stash for a few months - but I think the extra time has done it a favour as it has emerged as a seriously composed and stylish chardonnay at a price that makes it irresistible. From the Burch family's Flint Rock vineyard in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, this has undergone natural ferment and spent nine months on lees in French oak, adding complexity and texture without taking the focus away from the minerality and freshness of the fruit. This is tight, but very pleasurable. Pair with poultry dishes, or spicy seafood. $32. https://howardparkwines.com.au/
Friday, January 10, 2025
Terre à Terre 2020 Crayères Reserve
There is a remarkable consistency of quality to the wines made by Xavier Bizot and Lucy Croser under their Terre à Terre label. This one is just entering its drinking zone and offers impressive balance; a classic Australian blend with some added French style. The Crayères Vineyard Reserve is made using the top parcels of cabernet sauvignon (78%) and shiraz (22% ) from the estate vineyard at Wrattonbully on the Limestone Coast. Think a melange of dark and red berry fruit notes with supple tannins on a smooth, structured palate. Pair this with a lamb en croute for maximum pleasure, or cellar confidently for the next few years. $90. https://terreaterre.com.au/
Friday, January 3, 2025
The Little Wine Company 2024 Pinot Grigio
This is a quintessential summer wine; fresh vibrant and full of the joys of youth. It is also one of an impressive range of 2024 whites from The Little Wine Company that also includes an albarino and a pecorino. While Ian and Suzanne Little are based at Broke in the Hunter Valley, the fruit for this wine has been sourced from Central Western NSW. It has delicious stone fruit flavours and tangy, crisp acidity on the palate. It would be good to have a bottle of this in the fridge for when friends pop around. Picked early for maximum freshness, it is unoaked but full of personality. One for drinking over the next 12 months. A great buy for $24. https://www.thelittlewinecompany.com.au/