St Hugo Signature 2025 Grenache Shiraz Mataro

 

This is a super impressive, quintessentially Barossa red blend from a label that tends to fly a little under the radar these days. Juicy, fruity grenache is the show stopper and comprises 70% of the blend with 21% shiraz and a small amount of savoury mataro in a support role. This is a wine for those who like their red wines with power and depth, but also some style and sophistication. A James Bond wine, maybe. Dark fruits, hints of mocha and herbs and well integrated oak come together impressively in relatively young wine that finishes with smooth tannins. Pair this with just about any red meat dish. $55.

Kooyong 2023 Nord Pinot Noir

 

Kooyong/Port Phillip Estate winemaker TIm Perrin and his team left me in a bit of a bind. I tasted their 2023 Faultline Chardonnay and was keen to review that, then the 2024 Massale Pinot Noir impressed me. Both, however, were outshone - albeit only marginally - by the inaugural release of this stunning special occasion Nord Pinot Noir. Made from a small single vineyard block that is peaking at 15 years of age, this is stellar Mornington Peninsula cool-climate pinot from a label that does not put a foot wrong. The floral, intense 2023 Nord is beautifully balanced with elegance and plush tannins on the finish. A wine of structure and style. Pair with Chinese roast duck. $85. https://www.portphillipestate.com.au/