Wine & Spirit Insider May June 2020

insiderthe wine & spiritAUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND May/June 2020 Issue 167 THE WINE & SPIRIT INSIDER IS A In this issue... PROMOTIONAL GUIDE FROM THE LIQUOR TRADE TO THE CONSUMER. Winestate Publishing ABN 56 088 226 411 New Releases & Best Value Buys Under $20 STAY AT HOME & DRINK WINE SUPPORT WINESTATE RECOMMENDED WINERIES, STOP COVID-19 & ENJOY YOUR QUARANTINE.

283 TASTED 210 AWARDED NEW RELEASES A great example of the consistency across the board with these Tomich Woodside SAUVIGNON new release wines, with even the marginal wines not making Vineyard Adelaide BLANC the cut due to small issues rather than major ones. To have Hills Gruner Veltliner 210 wines awarded is a great testimony to the winemakers. 2018 HHHH 15 TASTED Jewel in the crown this time was the 2018 shiraz class where Toasty fruit nose and 9 AWARDED one judge commented “rarely have I seen a class of wines at developing citrus/lime this level - with absolutely no faults.” Also at the highest level flavours on a textured Lots of quaffers here! were the alternative red varietals showing a major shift to mid and balanced palate with The better wines weight wines (along with some nice varietal pinots) and the cleansing acidity. $25 had greater varietal ever reliable cabernet wines. But good wines abound in all Ricca Terra ‘Bronco expression, freshness categories. Buster’ Riverland and varietal intensity. Fiano Greco Arinto “The three styles of Vermentino pungent, vegetal and 2019 HHH1/2 riper tropical ones were Pleasant dried fruit- all represented,” said like aromas and well one judge. balanced “white fruit” palate with a cleansing acid structure. $22.50 SPARKLING Reillys Clare Valley Waybourne Geelong Smith & Sheth Delta Hatters Cuvée Shiraz Sparkling Pinot Gris CRU Hawke’s Bay Hill Marlborough 11 TASTED 2017 HHHH 2019 HHH Albarino 2019 HHH Sauvignon Blanc 7 AWARDED Ripe plum bouquet An aperitif style with Bright fruit nose with an 2019 HHHH1/2 with a savoury edge savoury fruit fragrances herbal edge. A mix of A delightfully savoury A mix class of diverse and good balance and a crisp and clean dry and savoury flavours nose with hints of wines and styles. between the varietal palate. $20 with a crisp finish. $NA nettles and tropical fruit “Dosage (sugar) must fruit and oak tannins. Jones Winery and showing lovely be balanced with acid Drying finish. $25 OTHER WHITE & Vineyard J6 creamy complexity and CO2 structure,” Steels Gate Home VARIETALS & Six Generations to the palate with noted one judge. “As Block Yarra Valley BLENDS Rutherglen Muscat elegant varietal flavour usual the high scorers Blanc de Blanc Sec 2019 HHH expression. $27 NZ here were balanced.” 2017 HHH1/2 7 TASTED Obvious Muscat fruit Howard Park Toasty yeast nose 7 AWARDED characters on both the Miamup Margaret Tomich Woodside with honeyed notes nose and palate. Great River Sauvignon Vineyard Sparkling and similar characters Small but consistent wine for Asian food. Blanc Semillon T Adelaide Hills echoed on the crisp and class of mixed varietals $20 2018 HHHH Chardonnay Pinot dry style palate. $45 and mixed flavours. “A RedHeads Rusty A bright, fresh and Noir NV HHHH Azahara Victoria diverse bracket of well Roof Langhorne attractive blend with Light salmon pink wine Sparkling Rosé made and interesting Creek Fiano a nice mix of cut with good depth of NV HHH wines, many of which 2019 HHH grass and stonefruit bubbles, a fresh fruity Developed jammy would go well with A nose of hay and characters and some nose and a delicate strawberry compote of food,” said one judge. herbs with some very floral notes. $28 flavour profile. Prosecco- a nose with red berry interesting herbal flavours. Yilgarnia Single like in style. $25 flavours. $15 Mitchelton Estate Needs food! $25 Vineyard Denmark, Gapsted Wines High Single Vineyard Robinvale North Great Southern Moorilla Estate Country King Valley Nagambie West Victoria Kerner Sauvignon Blanc Praxis Tasmania Prosecco NV HHH Roussanne 2015 HHH 2019 HHH1/2 Sparkling Riesling Lifted green fruit aromas 2019 HHHH Lifted flinty perfumed An austere grassy 2018 HHHH and a crisp and crunchy Subtle citrus aromas fragrances and good varietal style with a Powerful and lifted palate with light citrus with nutty/oily characters depth of varietal fruit tightly wound nose and yeasty aromas with flavours. $20 and a long, rounded and flavours. $20 good intensity of fruit good depth of varietal nicely balanced palate flavours. $19 fruit flavours and that is rich yet dry. $25 nice yeast autolysis overtones. $29 84 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tasting Smith & Sheth CRU PINOT GRIS/ La Bise ‘Field Blend’ Reillys Museum Leconfield ‘Old Wairau Marlborough GRIGIO Adelaide Hills Pinot Release Clare Valley Vines’ Coonawarra Sauvignon Blanc Gris Arneis Fiano Riesling Riesling 2019 HHH 2019 HHH 12 TASTED 2019 HHH 2016 HHHHH Slight smokiness to the Slightly pungent fresh 8 AWARDED An elegant wine with Nicely aged, golden nose and lime and ripe herbaceous aromas with fragrant floral aromas hued, riesling with very apple flavours with racy tropical nuances to the Two styles here ranging and a creamy and lightly pure varietal fruit aromas acidity. $26 firm palate. $NA from crisp and light tropical palate. $25 and nicely evolving citrus Mike Press Adelaide grigio style to the fuller, based flavours on the SEMILLON Hills Sauvignon more complex, richer, Tomich Woodside long, beautifully textured Blanc 2019 HHH skin contact gris styles. Vineyard Adelaide palate with its crisp acid 6 TASTED Fresh lemony bouquet “Often these styles do Hills Pinot Grigio line. 5+ $40 3 AWARDED and good length of crisp not reflect what is on 2019 HHH passionfruit-like flavours. the label,” noted one A fuller style with a nice Castelli Estate Great The two major areas for $13 judge. mix of tropical fruit and Southern Riesling semillon and SSB blends Due South Single a hint of limestone-like 2019 HHHH dominated here, as is to Vineyard Denmark, Delta Marlborough characters. $25 A pristine clean, be expected. Great Southern Pinot Gris age-worthy style with Sauvignon Blanc 2019 HHHH Kirrihill Piccoli Lotti attractive lightly spiced Due South Single 2019 HHH Fragrant aromas of Adelaide Hills Pinot fruit fragrances and Vineyard Denmark, A slightly reserved nose pears and apples with Grigio 2019 HHH a crisp and lively fruit Great Southern with floral notes and a a long, well balanced, Reserved nose and palate. 5+ $26 Semillon Sauvignon sweet, straightforward creamy palate bright subtle palate with slight Blanc 2019 HHHH palate. $14 with attractive varietal flinty citrus fruit and Kimbarra Grampians Powerful herbaceous Scarpantoni flavours. $20 NZ honeyed nuances. $27 Riesling 2019 HHHH aromas and huge School Block White Fragrant floral lift to crisp fruit impact on McLaren Vale Karrawatta Sophie’s Kilgour Wines Single the nose and excellent the palate. “Spot on,” Sauvignon Blanc Adelaide Hills Pinot Vineyard Geelong varietal palate with said one judge. “Great Semillon Chenin Grigio 2019 HHHH Pinot Gris 2019 HHH flavours of citrus, limes winemaking,” said Blanc 2019 HHH Lovely textured style A sound, attractive and and apples and a crisp another. $14 A pleasant, nicely with understated uncomplicated tropical acid finish. 5+ structured quaffer more savoury characters, firm fruit style offering good $30 Yilgarnia Single in the tropical fruit crisp fruit and attractive drinking. $30 Vineyard Denmark, spectrum. $15 creamy complexity. $30 Chaffey Bros Wine Great Southern Saint Clair Family RIESLING Co Tripelpunkt Eden Semillon Sauvignon Estate Pioneer Richard Hamilton Valley Riesling Blanc 2019 HHH1/2 Block 21 Bell Adelaide Hills Pinot 9 TASTED 2019 HHH1/2 Attractive grassy Block Marlborough Gris 2019 HHH 6 AWARDED Tight youthful green gooseberry bouquet Sauvignon Blanc A full-bodied broad apple style of riesling with a lean and green 2019 HHH toasty style with nice The judges thought this with crisp acidity, palate that’s all nettles A pungent passionfruit weight and richness of was, overall, a strong crunchy phenolics and a and herbs. $17 bouquet with a crunchy fruit. $20 class of age-worthy drying finish. $26 acid driven palate. wines. “These are crisp Saddler’s Creek $26.90 NZ Distant South and lively now but will Chaffey Bros Wine Hunter Valley Saint Clair Family Tasmania Pinot also repay with further Co Dufte Punkt Semillon 2019 HHH Estate Pioneer Grigio 2019 HHH cellaring,” said one Eden Valley Riesling A very young tight Block 18 Snap Simple and elegant with judge. Gewurztraminer Semillon, will open up Block Marlborough tropical fruit characters Kerner 2019 HHH1/2 with age and has good Sauvignon Blanc showing a slightly sweet Broad spicy aromas cellaring potential. 2018 HHH edge. $23 and a slippery textured A wine in the greener palate with juicy, mouth- 3-5 $26 spectrum; all nettles watering, Turkish Delight and gooseberries with flavours $26 grassy notes $26.90 NZ JUDGES - DAY 1 Dave Matthews Eric Semmler Formerly Winemaker Proprietor of 919 Wine Steve Warrick at Rosemount and Company. Formerly Wine marketer with Boar’s Rock and Group winemaker for the Hardy 20 years experience Winemaker for Treasury Wine Company. Previously in McLaren Vale, Wine Estates. Vintages with Brown Brothers Coonawarra, Adelaide in Tuscany and California. and Auldstone Cellars. Hills and Margaret Judged in Australia and Has spent eight years as River. Extensive wine overseas. Currently with fortified winemaker for judging experience at Francois Freres group of Hardys. Associate judge at the Adelaide, Hobart cooperages. Rutherglen, McLaren Vale and McLaren Vale wine and Riverland shows. shows. The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 85

NEW RELEASES CHARDONNAY Beresford Classic Ulupna Due South Single Sandalford Estate McLaren Vale Viviana Ferrari Vineyard Denmark, Reserve Margaret 32 TASTED Chardonnay Collection Great Southern River Chardonnay 24 AWARDED 2019 HHHH ‘Promenade’ Chardonnay 2019 HHH Nose of fine white McLaren Vale & 2019 HHH A savoury style with A consistent class of florals sitting over Goulburn Valley Subtle orchard fruit plenty of creamy oak wines here. “There stonefruit aromas with Chardonnay characters and upfront and nice white stonefruit were the fruity/balanced a full, textured, varietal 2016 HHHH drying tannins on a characters. $35 oak group of styles and palate and oak adding Nicely evolving wine, nicely textured palate. Saddler’s Creek the fruit driven ones complexity. $25 with developed toasty/ $14 Alessandro Reserve showing great purity of Lerida Estate ripe fruit aromas and Distant South Tumbarumba fruit,” noted one judge. Cullerin Canberra graceful ripe peach Tasmania Chardonnay “Some were quite District Chardonnay flavours with an oaky Chardonnay 2019 HHH simple in terms of fruit 2019 HHHH finish. $18 2019 HHH A reserved earthy nose depth but very drinkable Nicely textured and well Tomich Icons of Delicate lifted floral/ and nicely controlled none-the-less but there rounded style with lovely Woodside Q96 citrus bouquet and citrus/melon palate and were also others that balance and intensity Adelaide Hills “alluring” oak on the grippy tannins. $36 suffered from excess of citrus fruit, fig like Chardonnay citrus driven palate. $23 Mount Avoca or poorer quality oak characters and toasty 2016 HHHH Bowen Estate Organic Estate intervention. oak. $38 A drier style with ripe Coonawarra Pyrenees buttery nose showing Chardonnay Chardonnay Howard Park Flint Merricks Estate toasty aged notes 2019 HHH 2019 HHH Rock Great Southern Mornington and controlled, nicely Oak obvious for A fleshy and eminently Chardonnay Peninsula developing, dried fruit/ now with citrus and drinkable chardonnay 2018 HHHH1/2 Chardonnay citrus flavours. $60 stonefruits underneath. with tropical fruit and A lovely nose 2018 HHHH Lake Chalice The Will settle with time. subtle toasty oak. $37.50 reminiscent of whipped Zesty citrus bouquet Raptor Marlborough $24.50 Mortimer’s of cream and citrus. A well- with a tropical lift and Chardonnay Eden Hall Eden Orange Reserve constructed palate with elegantly flavoured 2019 HHH1/2 Valley Chardonnay Orange Chardonnay great intensity of tropical palate with good flavour Dusty toasty bouquet 2019 HHH 2019 HHH and melon fruit and well intensity and gentle use and creamy citrus length Nicely integrated fruit and A generous ripe style handled oak in a support of oak. $40 to the palate with ripe oak aromas with light with reserved, lightly role. $28 melon fruit and attractive citrus notes and a chalky perfumed, tropical fruit oak. $22.99 NZ mineral palate. $30 and sweet toasty oak. $45 Saint Clair RT by Randal Tomich Mortimer’s of Big Aussie Wine Co. Family Estate Adelaide Hills Orange Chestnut Mildura Chardonnay Omaka Reserve Chardonnay Garth Orange (1L) 2018 HHH Marlborough 2018 HHH1/2 Chardonnay Fleshy and well-rounded Chardonnay Elegant aromas 2019 HHH oak/fruit style with some 2018 HHHH1/2 and flavours, lightly Lightly perfumed citrus supporting residual A beautiful amalgam of perfumed, showing bouquet with a whiff of sugar. $15.99 quality chardonnay fruit both intensity and oak and a dry powdery Kosciuszko that is in the grapefruit/ restraint with minimal palate. $30 Tumbarumba citrus spectrum, some use of oak. $26 Cloudbreak Adelaide Chardonnay very classy creamy oak Saint & Scholar Hills Chardonnay 2018 HHH and a good line of upfront Adelaide Hills 2019 HHH Lifted zesty citrus nose tannins. $37.90 NZ Chardonnay A very pleasant drink – with honeyed notes 2017 HHH1/2 simple and understated and muted tropical Zesty honeyed citrus with nice fruit and well flavours. $22 nose with a silky smooth handled $35 palate, fleshy sweet fruit flavours and a seductive finish! $25 JUDGES - DAY 2 Dave Matthews Michael Marcus Formerly Winemaker Winemaker for Majella Peter Simic at Rosemount and Wines. Associate judge Editor/publisher Boar’s Rock and Group at the Limestone Coast Winestate Magazine. Winemaker for Treasury wine show. Previously More than 35 years’ Wine Estates. Vintages winemaker at Wynns experience in the wine in Tuscany and California. winery, and Lindemans industry. Formerly Judged in Australia and Karadoc, then Katnook founding publisher of overseas. Currently with winery. the first US colour wine Francois Freres group of magazine, manager cooperages. of the SA Wine Information Bureau, and wine educator with Regency College, in SA. 86 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tasting Trinity Hill Lost Trinity Hill Lost Akarua Rua Central OTHER RED Garden Hawkes Bay Garden Hawkes Bay Otago Pinot Noir VARIETALS & Chardonnay Rosé 2019 HHH 2019 HHH1/2 BLENDS 2018 HHH Pale pink wine, subtle Attractive pinot fruit Old school style of fruit aromas and flavours overtones to the nose. 25 TASTED chardonnay with ripe and crisp racy acidity. Complex palate that will 24 AWARDED tropical fruit, toasty oak $29.95 evolve to show classic A very strong and and butterscotch notes. pinot flavours. 3-5 consistent class with $29.95 PINOT NOIR $25 NZ a diverse range of varieties and styles. Karrawatta Anth’s 16 TASTED Cloudbreak Adelaide “It is no longer just Garden Adelaide 13 AWARDED Hills Pinot Noir about cabernet and Hills Chardonnay 2019 HHH1/2 shiraz,” noted one judge. 2018 HHH A solid group with the Youthful colour, herbal “There are a lot of Good intensity of best wines showing notes to the nose and winemakers producing tropical and citrus fruit varietal expression and good light varietal fruit interesting wines from characters with some pinot grape tannins flavours with a slight other varieties offering nice pungency. $46 in their structure. tannic finish. $35 contemporary food “However some of matching.” ROSÉ these simply had the Smith & Sheth CRU wrong oak,” noted one Kawarau Hawke’s Castelli Empirica 7 TASTED judge. Bay Pinot Noir ‘BV’ Frankland River 4 AWARDED 2018 HHH1/2 Tempranillo Sweet vanillin oak sits 2018 HHHHH “There were a few Trinity Hill Lost on top of attractive red A good drink, well made wines here that were Garden Hawkes Bay currant-like varietal fruit. with solid aromas of too broad lacking in Pinot Noir Tannins need time to dark red fruits and sweet vibrancy and freshness Mike Press Single 2019 HHHH unwind. 3-5 $NA oak and a medium which is a surprise for Vineyard Adelaide Sweet lifted varietal bodied palate with lovely a young vintage,” said Hills Pinot Noir nose and nicely rounded Buller Wines The integration of youthful one judge. ”However 2018 HHHH1/2 textured palate with Nook Victoria Pinot varietal fruit and oak most colours were good Well-maintained vibrant good depth of herbal Noir 2019 HHH tannins. $44 and the better ones had crimson wine made in fruit flavours and drying Developed aromas and good dry texture.” a savoury style with tannins. $29.95 cherry flavours with a lifted fruit nose and Lerida Estate hints of earthiness and Kirrihill Piccoli rich cherry/berry fruit Cullerin Canberra attractive oak. $20 Lotti Clare Valley flavours. Good palate District Pinot Noir Sangiovese Rosé structure. $18 2019 HHHH Lerida Estate 2019 HHH1/2 Big plum driven nose Josephine Lake Great food wine with Akarua with mid-weight George Single red currant-like fruit Bannockburn Pinot varietal fruit flavours Vineyard Canberra characters showing Noir 2018 HHHH1/2 reminiscent of red District Pinot Noir a floral lift and tannin “A big muscular pinot,” currants with seamless 2019 HHH provide length. $27 according to one judge. oak balance. $38 Fragrant plum bouquet Has a toasty/savoury Saint Clair Family and powerful oak and Saint Clair Family fruit and oak nose and Estate Pioneer fruit tannin driven palate Estate Origin a powerful mouthful Block 22 Barn Block with evolving fruit. $75 Marlborough Pinot of dark roasted oak Marlborough Pinot Gris Rosé 2019 HHH flavours. Needs time to Noir 2018 HHHH Hints of red fruits with settle. 5+ $45 NZ Nicely maturing varietal Mortimer’s of citrus crispness and slight fruit aromas with a rich Orange Chestnut green edge - starting to Delta Marlborough and rounded palate Garth Orange Pinot age. $19.99 NZ Pinot Noir offering flavours of Noir 2016 HHH 2019 HHHH toasty oak and fragrant A well aged savoury Chaffey Bros Vibrant crimson colour fruit. $37.90 NZ style with attractive Wine Co Not Your with perfumed berry Lake Chalice The herbal elements. At its Grandma’s Ros nose and youthful berry Falcon Marlborough peak now! $36 Barossa Valley Rosé flavours with attractive Pinot Noir 2019 HHH herbal notes and crisp 2019 HHH1/2 Attractive fruity nose and acid edge. $20 NZ A youthful bright pleasant red currant-like crimson savoury style flavours with savoury with berry overtones nuances. $22 and fresh crisp acidity. $18.99 NZ The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 87

NEW RELEASES Hand Crafted Buller Wines Smith & Sheth Gapsted Wines Cat Amongst The By Geoff Hardy Balladeer Rutherglen CRU Hawke’s Bay Tobacco Road King Pigeons Fat Cat Adelaide Hills Durif Durif 2018 HHHH Cabernet Franc Valley Sangiovese Barossa Valley 2018 HHHH1/2 A massive full-bodied 2018 HHH1/2 Barbera 2018 HHH Grenache A bright crimson Aussie style; bright Dense cassis aromas Good varietal aromas; 2019 HHHH1/2 baby, unyielding at the crimson hues with with a floral whiff and sweet and herbal. Dark A bright pristine moment but will relax in dense stewed fruit nose blackberry and mulberry fruit palate with oak clean purple varietal time. It has masses of and solid ripe plum palate supported by well adding complexity. $16 showing minimal use tightly coiled spicy fruit palate. $29 handled oak. $NA of oak. It has a volatile characters, plenty of Cat Amongst The Michelini Wines Scarpantoni confectionery nose depth and nice richness. Pigeons Fat Cat Italian Selection McLaren Vale Gamay and an abundance of A keeper. 5+ $30 Barossa Valley Alpine Valleys 2018 HHH lovely fresh varietal fruit Mataro 2018 HHHH Sangiovese A very approachable, flavours. $29 Ricca Terra Riverland Savoury velvety nose 2018 HHH1/2 lighter, contemporary Aglianico and nicely maintained An attractive quaffer style with gentle berry Oxenberry Farm 2019 HHHH sweet varietal fruit with with very good varietal nose and savoury Doringo Valley Nice red berry supporting oak and good fruit characters and light flavours. $25 McLaren Vale fragrances with an tannin definition. $29 and fleshy, yet supple, Grenache herbal lift and medium Hand Crafted tannins. $25 Hare’s Chase Cellar 2018 HHHH1/2 bodied stonefruit palate By Geoff Hardy Hand Crafted Reserve Barossa Velvety berry nose with with stylish tannins. A Limestone Coast By Geoff Hardy Valley Cabernet quince-like notes. Soft delicious food wine. $27 Montepulciano Limestone Coast Franc 2018 HHH and generous in the 2018 HHHH & Adelaide Hills A wine with plenty of mouth with excellent Ricca Terra Riverland An abundance of ripe Lagrein character; interesting depth and freshness Nero D’Avola poached dark cherry-like 2018 HHH1/2 mix of herbal and of varietal fruit flavours 2019 HHHH fruit characters layered A big tannic wine with sweet green fruit with a spicy mineral A fresh, attractive, with fine tannins and loads of dark roasted characters. $38 “tail.” $20 lighter wine with a crunchy acidity. $30 meat and black olive-like Stage Door Wine toasty herbal nose and Hand Crafted elements. A keeper. $30 Ekhidna McLaren Co. ‘Three Piece’ a lovely profile of juicy By Geoff Hardy Jones Winery & Vale Cabernet Franc Barossa Valley sweet mulberry and Adelaide Hills Tannat Vineyard Rutherglen 2017 HHH G.S.M. 2019 HHHH blueberry fruits. $27 2018 HHHH Durif 2017 HHH1/2 Plenty of sweet herbal A berry nose with toasty Dark inky wine with ripe A monster of a wine aromas and flavours aromas. Soft in the Witches Falls Wild red fruit nose and a huge with a tarry fruit bouquet with a chary oak finish. mouth and tasting of Ferment Granite Belt grippy tannic palate with and huge tannic $27.50 spicy berries with a dark Malbec 2019 HHHH well retained vibrant structure to the palate edge and layered with Mellow mulberry fruit and balancing oak. with plenty of flavour. Jones Winery & toasty oak. $25 aromas and quite an Vineyard Rutherglen austere berry driven 5+ $30 5+ $35 Malbec 2017 HHH palate with herbal/cedar Mr Riggs Adelaide RedHeads Rusty Well-aged mellow characters and plenty of Montepulciano Roof Adelaide Hills bouquet and an tannins. 3-5 $40 2018 HHHH Barbera 2019 HHH amalgam of sweet oak Loads of sweet oak A generous crowd and developing fruit GMH By Geoff Hardy sitting on top of a pleaser in the dark flavours. $35 Red Meritage South dark concentration of plum spectrum with Australia Petit berry and stonefruit approachable tannins. GRENACHE Verdot Cabernet characters. Quite firm Sauvignon Merlot and tannic. $30 3-5 $25 14 TASTED Malbec 2018 HHHH Ricca Terra ‘Bullets Hand Crafted 7 AWARDED Deep dark red wine with Before Cannonballs’ By Geoff Hardy lifted, slightly stewed, Riverland McLaren Vale Nero The judges found this fruit nose and a light Tempranillo Lagrein D’Avola 2019 HHH to be a group of good savoury palate. Will Aglianico Nero A nose of blueberries wines and not so reward with more time. d’Avola Durif with austere fruit good ones. “The best 2019 HHH1/2 flavours and drying had obvious varietal 3-5 $15 A very youthful blend tannic finish. $30 characters whilst a with sweet herbal number were either RedHeads Blue Belle notes to the nose and non-varietal or were over Adelaide Graciano a complexity of sweet oaked,” said one judge. 2018 HHHH stonefruit flavours. Soft nicely integrated $22.50 varietal fruit fragrances with some well focussed dark cherry and roasted oak flavours. $25 88 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tasting Richard Hamilton Pure Vision Organic Saint Clair Family ‘Coltons’ GSM Adelaide Plains Estate Pioneer Block McLaren Vale Merlot 2019 HHH1/2 17 Plateau Hawke’s Grenache Shiraz Attractive cassis/ Bay Cabernet Merlot Mourvedre blackberry aromas 2018 HHH 2018 HHHH with tarry notes and an The wine is a powerful A lifted savoury nose elegant complexity of amalgam of savoury oak with some tarry notes berry flavours. $17 and sweet dark berry and a generous and fruit. 3-5 $37.90 softly textured mulberry Saint Clair Family NZ palate. Drinking well Estate Pioneer Block now. $22 17 Plateau Hawke’s Hare’s Chase Bay Merlot Barossa Valley Pertaringa By 2018 HHH Cabernet Shiraz Geoff Hardy Two Lifted evolved nose of 2017 HHH Gentlemen’s GSM smart oak and red fruits Big old-fashioned wine McLaren Vale with similar characters with loads of ripe, Grenache Shiraz on the palate. $37.90 NZ earthy, dark berry fruit Mourvedre and drying tannins. 2019 HHH1/2 CABERNET A youthful and vibrant SAUVIGNON 3-5 $38 red with bright crunchy BLENDS cherry aromas and a CABERNET Scarpantoni Castelli Estate lightweight sweet spicy 8 TASTED SAUVIGNON Brothers Block Frankland River fruit palate. $22 4 AWARDED McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 31 TASTED Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 HHHH1/2 Calcannia Clare 2013 HHHHH A savoury style with a Valley Grenache 25 AWARDED A delicious old-fashioned dry herbal bouquet and Shiraz Mourvedre style of cabernet with excellent depth of plum– 2018 HHH1/2 “The best here had the The judges thought dark savoury characters like flavours sitting in the An attractive medium synergy of varietals this to be a very strong – all earthy and olive like ripe fruit spectrum with bodied wine with a working well together,” class of exciting wines. and layered with sweet warming alcohol and seamless balance agreed the judges. “Across the vintages ripe fruit and fine grain, balancing tannins. $38 between red cherry fruit it shows that cabernet mouth-coating, tannins. Howard Park and vanillin oak. $28 Claymore London can age beautifully,” Miamup Margaret Calling Clare Valley said one judge. “Great 5+ $35 River Cabernet Ekhidna McLaren Cabernet Malbec to see diverse styles Majella Coonawarra Sauvignon Vale Grenache 2018 HHHH1/2 from early release wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 HHHH1/2 Shiraz 2017 HHH1/2 Subtle fragrant cassis which show freshness 2017 HHHH1/2 A perfectly integrated Soft red berry fruit aromas with a perfumed and varietal expression Attractive minty lift to wine - “No edges characters with a lift. Tightly focussed to the classic oak aged the herbal nose. Great here,” noted one judge. spicy lift and oak in palate has good depth complex ones,” said drive and persistence Herbal nuances to the the background. Very of dark currant and ripe another. “However of sweet blackberry and nose and excellent approachable. $30 mulberry fruit flavours it still requires great blueberry fruit flavours depth of flavours with with fine grained winemaking to achieve layered with drying oak tannins across the mid- MERLOT tannins. 3-5 $22 balance where no tannins. $35 palate. $28 particular attributes Koonara Ambriels 5 TASTED Smith & Sheth dominate.” Gift Coonawarra 2 AWARDED CRU Cantera Cabernet Sauvignon Hawke’s Bay 2016 HHHH1/2 “Merlot should highlight Cabernet Sauvignon Mature dusty sweet the plush red fruits Tempranillo aromas with an herbal typical of the variety,” Cabernet Franc lift and nicely aged commented one judge. 2017 HHH1/2 complexity of flavours “Too much oak negates Sweet mature dark berry in both the primary the benefits of the bouquet with a roasted- and secondary range. variety.” like note. Huge tannic Drinking beautifully right palate with solid dry red now. $40 flavours. 5+ $NA The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 89

NEW RELEASES Finniss River Maison Blue Reillys Clare Valley SHIRAZ Vineyard Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon BLENDS ‘Block1’ Currency Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 HHH1/2 Creek Cabernet 2018 HHHH A ripe stewed fruit 7 TASTED Sauvignon Lifted fruit nose layered nose and a well aged, 6 AWARDED 2016 HHHH1/2 with oak and has a long, dark plum, palate with A big beautifully aged well structured palate a soft tannin finish. At A small class but a good cabernet that has both with upfront oak and its peak! $25 one. “From the nice power and balance with mouth coating tannins. commercial styles to seamless integration Pure Vision Organic the aged complex ones of lovely blue fruits, 3-5 $85 Adelaide Plains – with lots of diversity Cabernet Sauvignon in-between,” said one strong tannins and some Ekhidna McLaren 2019 HHH judge. “In most cases alcohol. 5+ $65 Vale Cabernet Still a baby! Bright the blends looked well Sauvignon purple hues, lifted berry integrated.” Mr Riggs Outpost 2017 HHHH fruit nose and soft Coonawarra Lovely lift of plum-like approachable palate. Lerida Estate Cabernet aromas. Slippery and $17 Murrumbateman 2018 HHHH soft in the mouth with Single Vineyard “A rich, stylized and seamless balance Beulah Wines Canberra District well balanced cabernet between the oak and Blackwood Valley Shiraz Viognier that will appeal to the fruit. At its peak! Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 HHHH1/2 many,” said one judge. $27.50 2018 HHH An elegant, medium Plenty of bright dark Savoury meaty aromas bodied blend showing berry fruit, sweet oak Saddler’s Creek Burge Family and lovely retained fruit a lovely concentration and tannins. $25 Alessandro Reserve Winemakers flavours with appropriate of inky plum fruit, lifted Langhorne Creek Limestone Coast use of oak. $18 spiciness a dash of Grounded Cru Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon pepper and some fine, Inc McLaren Vale 2017 HHHH 2016 HHHH Taylors Heritage restrained, tannins. $75 Cabernet Sauvignon Dusty oak nose with a Light mintiness to the Clare Valley 2018 HHHH plummy lift. Plenty of aged fruit aromas. Cabernet Sauvignon Mr Riggs The Chap Lovely varietal definition oak on the velvety soft Palate is big and soft 2018 HHH McLaren Vale & of blackcurrants and palate with flavours of and offers a mouthful of Herbal nose with light Coonawarra Shiraz black olives with the oak stewed fruits and strong lovely sweet varietal fruit licorice notes and a Cabernet kept nicely in check and tannins. $65 flavours. $NA leaner palate in the 2013 HHHH chewy mouth coating greener spectrum. $29 A big, matured, full- tannins. $45 Grandeur Wellington Leconfield bodied, dark chocolaty Cellar Reserve style with burnt fig-like Sandalford Estate McLaren Vale Coonawarra Katnook Estate confectionery characters Reserve Margaret Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon and a big tannic spine. River Cabernet 2017 HHHH 2018 HHH1/2 Coonawarra $100 Sauvignon Savoury fruit laced with Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 HHHH oak sweetness on both Oak driven aromas with 2018 HHH Jones Winery & Good depth of retained the nose and the palate, some mintiness and Vineyard J6 Six sweet varietal fruit with soft tannins and pure varietal fruit flavours Excellent balance, on Generations Jimmy’s characters with plenty warming alcohol. $90 both the nose and Block Rutherglen of strong oak and some with the oak nicely in palate, between the Shiraz and Friends tight gritty tannins. check. 3-5 $35 2019 HHH sweet oak and cassis Vibrant lifted spicy red 3-5 $45 fruit. 5+ $40 fruit nose and palate Tomich Hill Due South Single with hints of roasted Coonawarra Vineyard Denmark Honey Station SEA oak-like characters. $25 Cabernet Sauvignon Great Southern Cabernet Sauvignon Antiquarian Clare 2016 HHHH Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 HHH Claymore To Pimp Valley Cabernet An austere savoury 2017 HHH1/2 Big ripe fruit driven A Butterfly Clare Sauvignon wine, holding up well, Oak dominates the nose cabernet layered with Valley Shiraz Mataro 2018 HHHH has dense stewed fruit and is prominent on the lashings of mocha-like 2018 HHH A big traditional Aussie aromas, sweet fruit palate but nice cassis oak. $4.99 A good, solid and well style that has very flavours and plenty of fruit underneath. Good balanced wine with dark ripe fruit, plenty tannins. 3-5 $25 tannin structure. $14 spicy plum fruit, earthy of oak and interesting notes and cigar box characters reminiscent Taylors Jaraman oak. $22 of “prunes and Clare Valley & pudding.” $59 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 HHH1/2 Choc-mint bouquet with licorice overtones and a fresh and powerful palate with silky smooth tannins. $32 90 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tasting Mr Riggs Baxters Lerida Estate Kimbarra Block McLaren Vale Canberra District Grampians Shiraz Shiraz Cabernet Shiraz 2019 HHHH 2018 HHHH1/2 2018 HHH Bright crimson wine. A lovely lifted amalgam Aromas of mulberries Floral fragrances show of dark berries and and mocha with a ripe inky notes and the savoury toasty oak. The confectionery fruit palate lifted jammy fruit driven tannins are plentiful and and sinewy tannins. $30 palate has a whiff of oak. firm. Some time needed $26.50 here to integrate and Mortimer’s of soften. 3-5 $32 Orange Jules Orange Lerida Estate Shiraz Cabernet Cullerin Canberra Krondorf Old 2016 HHH District Syrah Salem Barossa A beautifully evolving 2019 HHHH Valley Shiraz wine – long and A solid style with a nice 2018 HHHH1/2 elegant with inky berry concentration of vibrant Lifted dark berry bouquet characters and toasty varietal red fruit, savoury with licorice elements and oak. $75 oak and long grippy the primary fruit intensity tannins. $38 carrying through to the full SHIRAZ 2019 and flavoursome palate Pure Vision Organic with its approachable 6 TASTED Adelaide Plains tannins. $34.99 6 AWARDED Shiraz 2019 HHH Subtle dark plum fruit Grounded Cru Inc A consistent and strong characters and upfront Hare’s Chase Eisenstone Nitschke McLaren Vale Shiraz group. Looks like there chewy tannins. Needs Ironscraper Barossa Road vd. Greenock 2018 HHHH1/2 is lots of potential for food! 3-5 $17 Valley Shiraz SV901 Barossa A long, well constructed, this vintage in the 2018 HHHHH Valley Shiraz ripe shiraz with a great future. The wines ranged GMH By Geoff Hardy A big rich, somewhat 2018 HHHHH generosity of sweet from those offering good South Australia beefy, style with intense A beautiful shiraz with dark plum-like varietal drinking now to those Shiraz 2019 HHH rich red fruit nicely great purity of varietal fruit, balancing oak and with ageing potential. A light, fresh and matched by the savoury fruit reminiscent of wild a lovely long and soft “cheerful” style of shiraz oak characters. Needs raspberries and dark finish. $50 with vibrant raspberry- more time to come cherries with a whiff like varietal fruit. $20 together. Good cellaring of spices. A wine with potential. $35 great focus and texture. Mount Avoca Dalys Kirrihill EB’s ‘The Cottage Victoria Squire’ Clare Valley 3-5 $100 Shiraz 2019 HHH Shiraz 2018 HHHHH Richard Hamilton A lovely “accessible” This elegant and ‘Little Road’ and well-defined seamlessly balanced McLaren Vale Shiraz medium bodied wine has excellent 2018 HHHH1/2 shiraz showing great generosity of dark A big powerful wine yet freshness. $22 plum varietal fruit it has a certain elegance. characters with sweet Lovely integration SHIRAZ 2018 toasty caramel oak in between the rich sweet a supporting role. Very inky red fruit and some 40 TASTED well made. $45 spicy elements nicely framed by the oak. $22 34 AWARDED Leconfield McLaren Vale Shiraz Mount Avoca A very strong, 2018 HHHH1/2 Eisenstone Headspace Pyrenees consistent and well- Lovely rich concentration Greenock SR801 made group of wines. and volume of inky Barossa Valley “Very rarely have I seen red fruit characters Shiraz a class of wines at this with subtle handling 2018 HHHH1/2 level– with absolutely of the savoury oak and Lovely expression no faults,” enthused showing a big tannin of shiraz fruit here one judge. “Many structure. Needs some that is reminiscent of wines showed excellent age. $26 wild raspberries and quality of fruit with the black cherries and is Shiraz 2019 HHHH appropriate amount seamlessly integrated An elegant cool climate of oak to balance.” with some very classy style of shiraz; youthful A pleasing level of oak. A solid wine. $75 and well made with drinkability across the tannins quite grippy for board. the moment. Needs time. 3-5 $NA The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 91

NEW RELEASES Yilgarnia Single Eisenstone GMH By Geoff Bowen Estate Honey Station SEA Vineyard Denmark, Stockwell SR 805 Hardy Winemaker’s Coonawarra Shiraz Shiraz 2017 HHHH Great Southern Barossa Valley Reserve South 2018 HHH A dense and aromatic Shiraz 2018 HHHH Shiraz 2018 HHHH Australia Shiraz Inviting spicy peppery dark fruit and oak An oak driven style with Reserved red fruit 2018 HHH bouquet and a dark and bouquet and a long, the attractive perfumed nose and a tightly A light commercial style evolved tannic palate. $34 rich and well-balanced berry fruit tending to be coiled palate showing with slightly stewed seamlessly integrated overpowered by the oak, a compote of red fruit varietal fruit. Long, rich Sandalford Estate palate. $4.99 for the moment with flavours. Needs time to and soft in the mouth. Reserve Margaret the tannins somewhat open up. 3-5 $75 $15 River Shiraz Reillys Dry Land upfront and chalky. $24 Heartland 2018 HHH Clare Valley Shiraz Claymore Dark Side Buller Wines The Langhorne Creek Savoury nose with nice 2016 HHHH Of The Moon Clare Nook Heathcote Shiraz 2018 HHH red fruit intensity to A monster of a wine Valley Shiraz Shiraz 2018 HHH1/2 Lovely richness of the acid driven, grippy with evolved characters 2018 HHHH Beefy savoury aromas dark briary fruit, some tannic, palate. $35 of black plums, figs and A big brooding style with dark plum fruit spiciness and good tar. Generous nose and with excellent ageing flavour intensity pushing alcoholic length. $19 Karrawatta Dairy massive palate structure. potential. Has an through the oak on the Bellevue Estate Block Adelaide Hills abundance of lovely palate. $20 McLaren Vale Shiraz Shiraz 2018 HHH 5+ $32 varietal fruit and some 2018 HHH Nicely maturing wine earthy complexity. $25 “One for the lovers with lifted spicy red fruit Finniss River Mr Riggs Piebald Tomich Hill McLaren of oak.” A solid, well characters and plenty of Vineyard Reserve Adelaide Hills Syrah Vale Shiraz made, wine with big rich oak. $38 ‘Block 5’ Currency 2018 HHHH 2018 HHH1/2 flavours. $19.99 Creek Shiraz A very inviting, soft and Red berry compote Gapsted Wines High Tomich Icons of 2016 HHHH elegant wine that is of a nose with good Country King Valley Woodside H888 Sweet and savoury; perfectly integrated and length of ripe juicy fruit Shiraz 2018 HHH Adelaide Hills Shiraz generous and ripe with maturing nicely with a flavours and roasted- A powerful wine with 2018 HHH vibrant ageing fruit. gritty tannin structure. $30 like nuances. $25 vibrant fruit fragrances, a Slightly austere shiraz Has great intensity, Saint & Scholar supple fleshy fruit palate of savoury dark fruit persistence and Adelaide Hills Shiraz Tomich Woodside and persistent tannins. with sweet charry oak in complexity. 3-5 $65 2018 HHHH Vineyard Adelaide $20 support. $60 Rich spicy red berry Hills Shiraz Calcannia Clare Hastwell & Lightfoot aromas and good fleshy 2018 HHH1/2 Valley Shiraz SHIRAZ 2017 & Sands of Time length of plum and berry Pretty lifted berry 2018 HHH OLDER McLaren Vale Shiraz flavours underscored by aromatics with a hint of Ripe plum bouquet 2015 HHHH nice savoury oak. $30 savoury oak and a big and sweet vanillin oak 32 TASTED Showing lovely charry/ Saint & Scholar mouthful of fruit flavours supporting lovely fruit 21 AWARDED chocolaty development Saving Grace with some oak. $30 flavours. $28 with a pretty perfumed Adelaide Hills Shiraz Griffin Adelaide Hills A mixed result here with lift, sweet oak and fine 2018 HHHH Gapsted Wines Shiraz 2018 HHH the judges finding the powdery tannins. $35 A sweet/sour style of Ballerina Canopy An easy drinking, soft, wines from the 2016 shiraz that offers good Heathcote Shiraz red fruited commercial vintage were more Honey Rossa drinking now or has 2018 HHH1/2 style of shiraz. $28 consistent that those Classic SA Shiraz cellaring potential. Lots A seamlessly balanced, Taylors Heritage from 2017. “The 16s had 2017 HHH1/2 of varietal fruit with just well made, wine with Clare Valley Shiraz more expressive fruit, A soft seamlessly a hint of oak. $45 dark earthy characters 2018 HHH whilst the 17s had more balanced wine with McLaren Vale III mixing with plum fruit A pleasant commercial tannin overtones from rich fleshy red fruits Associates Squid and toasty oak. $31 style rich with dark what was a cool vintage and savoury elements. Ink Reserve Single berry fruit, some nice showing both oak and Good length of tannins. Vineyard Estate Mr Riggs Idle Lane spiciness and cola grape tannins,” said one $4.99 Grown McLaren Vale McLaren Vale Shiraz notes. $29 judge. “However many Shiraz 2018 HHHH 2018 HHH1/2 Saddler’s Creek of the 2017 shiraz are Beresford Classic A big oak driven wine A dusty extracted red Hunter Valley Shiraz ready for drinking now.” McLaren Vale Shiraz with nice spiciness and fruit style with fruit-cake 2018 HHH 2017 HHH1/2 plenty of dark plum like complexity, savoury Soft red fruit aromatics Nicely structured style fruit making a complex oak and dominating with dusty oak notes with well-integrated and powerful shiraz. tannins. $35 and a medium bodied berry fruit and savoury palate. $32 oak and laced with soft 3-5 $65 Mortimer’s of supple tannins. $25 Orange Chestnut Garth Orange Shiraz Castelli Estate Great 2018 HHH1/2 Southern Shiraz Rich inky black fruit 2017 HHH1/2 bouquet and generous A bright acid driven dark plum/berry flavours shiraz showing earthy with nicely balanced sweet plum fruit and phenolics. $38 fine-grained powdery tannins. $34 92 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tasting Scarpantoni Saddler’s Creek Hastwell & Lightfoot McLaren Vale Shiraz Alessandro Reserve Sands of Time 2017 HHH Hunter Valley Shiraz McLaren Vale Shiraz Nice richness and 2017 HHH 2016 HHH density of red cherry Fresh red plum fruit, well Dark plum fruit with fruit with sweet oak and integrated and supported mature tarry characters chocolaty elements. by the attractive sweet and fine mouth-coating $15 oak. $65 tannins. 3-5 $35 Tomich Hill Valley Grandeur Wellington Koonara RSV CONNECT ON SOCIAL Barossa Valley Cellar Reserve Coonawarra Shiraz WITH WINESTATE Shiraz 2017 HHH McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016 HHH Reserved raspberry- 2017 HHH Beautifully aged www.facebook.com/Winestate-Magazine like fruit with obvious A savoury oak driven wine with a delicious twitter.com/winestateed spiciness, some savoury wine; beefy and tarry complexity of sweet fruit oak and edgy tannins. $25 with hints of inky red and oak. Drinking well www.instagram.com/winestate/ Mr Riggs Abundance fruit characters. $90 now! $40 McLaren Vale Shiraz Maison Blue Ekhidna ‘Rechner’ Follow us and keep up to date with all our 2017 HHH Nezha Conquers McLaren Vale Shiraz latest wine info, tastings, competitions and Soft, supple and the Dragon King 2016 HHH events on facebook, twitter and instagram. approachable wine with Barossa Valley Big and tannic with lovely creamy texture Shiraz 2017 HHH earthy sweet fruit and seamless fruit/oak A well made shiraz with underscored by savoury integration. $27.99 reserved dark fruit and toasty oak. $85 Majella Coonawarra slightly angular tannins. Shiraz 2017 HHH Needs time. $90 A generous, sweet and Burge Family flavoursome wine with Winemakers Barossa aromatic spicy fruit and Valley Shiraz pleasant aged notes. $30 2016 HHH Heartland Directors’ An oak driven style with Cut Langhorne hints of raspberry fruit. Creek Shiraz Still showing big drying 2017 HHH tannins. $NA Still showing plenty of Buller Wines lifted spicy peppery red Balladeer Rutherglen fruit characters with Shiraz 2016 HHH some sweet oak. $33 Cool climate, spice driven, The Thief? Barossa wine with hints of cola Valley Shiraz and some “interesting” 2017 HHH tannins. $29 An austere fruit nose with a spicy lift and a palate that is dark, dense and concentrated. 3-5 $33 STAR RATINGS  Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs of excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill. All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industry professionals and are compared in peer classes by three judges. CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters, a major mail-order business. CD Cellar door price. CDO Cellar door only. SO Sold out. $N/A Price not available at time of printing.  Contact information pg 97. RECOMMENDED cellaring (years). BEST VALUE for $20 & under. For a complete list of what we tasted please refer to www.winestate.com.au The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 93

BEST VALUE BUYS - All under $20 BEST VALUE WINES OF AUSTRALIA AND Ulupna Viviana Ferrari Windy Creek Estate Swan $20NEW ZEALAND Collection ‘Promenade’ Valley Grenache 2018 McLaren Vale & Goulburn Lifted raspberry confectionery UND&ER Valley Chardonnay 2016 intensity to the nose with Nicely evolving wine, a simple but attractive juicy (NZ $25 & UNDER) with developed toasty/ sweet fruit palate that has a ripe fruit aromas and savoury edge and underscored Is updated in each issue of The Wine & Spirit graceful ripe peach flavours by chewy tannins. $12 Insider. Some wines may - if they are still with an oaky finish. $18 available - remain in the next issue’s Best Windy Creek Estate Value Wines listing. Others will sell out, or be Ulupna Winery Phone: 08 9296 1057 replaced by higher-rated wines. Phone: 03 9533 8831 Email: [email protected] The Wine & Spirit Insider’s Best Value Wines Email: [email protected] Web: www.windycreekestate.com.au listing comprises the best wines currently Web: www.ulupnawinery.com.au available, from big-name brands and the higher volume ‘second labels’ from the smaller producers, as tasted by Winestate Magazine panels. The Best Value Wines listing gives credit to the value wines in the marketplace - wines that would otherwise be overshadowed by their much more expensive cousins. TO QUALIFY 1 Wines must have first been recommended in Winestate Magazine style or new release tastings. Style tastings are defined as varietal tastings - eg, shiraz, chardonnay, etc. - or blended styles such as shiraz/cabernet wines. 2 Wines from designated regional tastings are eligible provided they are widely available. 3 All wines must be currently available from the winery, or be readily available in the marketplace. Cellar door wine is ineligable. the wine & spiritA U S T R A L I A N & N E W Z E A L A N D Issue 167 | May/June 2020 Editor & Publisher Winestate Web Site electronic medium or machine-readable form without E-mail: [email protected] the express permission of the publisher. Every care is Peter Simic E-mail: [email protected] taken in compiling the contents of this publication, but Managing Editor Printing DAI Rubicon the publisher assumes no responsibility for the effects Website: www.distalliance.com arising therefrom. ABN 56 088 226 411 Lara Simic E-mail: [email protected] Administration Lyn Hannam E-mail: [email protected] Graphic Designer WINESTATE is published six times a year by Winestate Publishing Pty Ltd. Naomi Fry E-mail: [email protected] WINESTATE PUBLISHING PTY LTD, Telephone (08) 8357 9277 Marketing & Sales 81 King William Road, Unley SA 5061. Facsimile (08) 8357 9212 Copyright 2020 by WINESTATE PUBLISHING PTY LTD. E-mail [email protected] Debra Silver E-mail: [email protected] This publication may not, in whole or in part, be copied, Website www.winestate.com.au Tasting Coordinator photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any Ashlea Lowke E-mail: [email protected] 94 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

S CS CAARRPAPANNTTOONNI I 4040ESTEASTTEAGTEROGWRNOW- FNA-MFIALMYIMLYADMEADE CeCleeblreabtrinatgin4g04Y0eaYresaorsf oFfamFaimlyiWly iWneimneamkiankgining iMn cMLacrLeanreVnaVleale 191797-92-0210919 CellaCr eDlloaroDr ToaosrtiTnags&tinSga&lesS: aMleos:nMdaoyn-dFaryid-aFyri9daamy 9-a5mpm- ,5wpmee,kweneedk&enpdu&blipcuhbolilcidhaoyslid1a1y:3s01a1m:30-a4m:30-p4m:30pm ScarpSacnatropnani tDorniiveDMrivceLMarecnLaFrleant SFAlat5S1A715, 1P7h1:,0P8h8: 30883803188360e1m86aiel:msaliel:ss@[email protected]

ADELAIDE on the scene KORKED LOUNGE BAR ‘Running on cool climate Syrah’ 3 DIVETT STREET, PORT ADELAIDE SA 2396 State Highway 50 ~ RD5 ~ Hastings 4175 Ph: 0413 044 056 Hawke’s Bay ~ New Zealand. Elegant Sensuous Intimate Phone: 06 879 7778 ~ Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.trinityhill.com Phone: +64 3 4485059 or +64 274279108 Cellar Door Wine Tasting in the heart of the Gimblett Gravels, Address: 36 Hillview road, Alexandra, New Zealand everyone welcome. Open 7 days Website: www.judgerock.co.nz Sidewood Restaurant & Cellar Door Phone: +61 8 8388 1157 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sidewood.com.au Set amongst a stunning mix of eucalyptus, landscaped gardens and lawns, the Sidewood Restaurant & Cellar Door is only a 25 minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD. Sidewood’s wines can be enjoyed with wood-fired pizza in the gardens, sampled with bar snacks in the tasting room or paired with the al la carte restaurant menu. Restaurant & Cellar Door: Open 6 days. Closed Tuesdays. • Street address: 6 River Road, Hahndorf SA 5245 Winesave INNER CITY WINEMAKERS Phone: 03 9028 2763 Email: [email protected] Phone: (02) 4962 3545 Website: www.winesave.com Mobile: 0413 655 441 Address: 28 Church Street, Premium wine preservation Wickham, NSW 2293 and accessories. www.innercitywinemakers.com.au Let us take you away from the everyday to enjoy your private touring experience in the Yarra Valley, with Chauffeurdrive Yarra Valley, Melbourne. Experience fine wine, champagne, cheese, chocolate, food and wine dining experiences, matched cheese and wine, smoked cheese, olives, gourmet food hampers, seasonal local produce only found in the Yarra Valley, tastings all for that special someone or group tasting experience with Chauffeurdrive Yarra Valley, Melbourne. Private Wine Tour Experiences Yarra Valley Ph: 1300 481 188 www.chauffeurdrive.com.au Smith & Sheth Oenothèque The Smith & Sheth Oenothèque has something for all ~ Cellar Door, Wine Lounge, Wine Studio wine lovers. Come in for a tasting of our exceptional CRU wines or peruse our Wine Lounge menu in the www.smithandsheth.com ~ [email protected] evenings offering wines from around New Zealand and #2 The Courtyard, Village Exchange, the world. Check out our Heretaunga Wine Studio for 4 Te Aute Road, Havelock North an exclusive tasting experience! For Tastings and Sales, visit our cellar door at The Winning Post Motor Inn, 101 Church Street, Mudgee. ph: 0417 451 102 email: [email protected] www.charnwoodestate.com.au We have to wash over 32,000 wine glasses each year ... so you don’t have to. Subscribe to Australia’s Leading Wine Buying Guide phone +61 8 8357 9277 or on-line www.winestate.com.au 96 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

contact details MCLAREN VALE, LANGHORNE Plantagenet Wines WINES OF NSW Hare’s Chase CREEK, FLEURIEU & SURROUNDS Phone: 08 9851 3131 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Allandale Winery Web: www.hareschase.com.au EkhidnaWines (McLarenValeWines Pty Ltd) Web: www.plantagenetwines.com Phone: 02 4990 4526 Phone: 0499 002 633 Email: [email protected] Majella Wines Email: [email protected] Sandalford Wines Pty Ltd Web: www.allandalewinery.com.au Phone: 08 8736 3055 Web: www.ekhidnawines.com.au Phone: 08 9755 6213 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Briar Ridge Vineyard Web: www.majellawines.com.au Haselgrove Wines Pty Ltd Web: www.sandalford.com Phone: 02 4990 3670 Phone: 08 8323 8706 Email: [email protected] Merricks Estate Email: [email protected] Silkwood Estate Web: www.briarridge.com.au Phone: 03 9613 4202 Web: www.haselgrove.com.au Phone: 08 9776 1584 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Capital Wines Kyeema Vineyard Web: www.merricksestate.com.au Jericho Wines Web: www.silkwoodestate.com.au Phone: 02 6230 2022 Phone: 0410 519 945 Email: [email protected] Mount Avoca Email: [email protected] Singlefile Wines Pty Ltd Web: www.capitalwines.com.au Phone: 03 5465 3282 Web: www.jerichowines.com.au Phone: 0409 108 166 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Cassegrain Wines Pty Ltd Web: www.mountavoca.com Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ Richard Hamilton Web: www.singlefilewines.com Phone: 02 6582 8347 Phone: 08 8323 8830 Email: [email protected] Scarpantoni Estate Wines Email: [email protected] Talisman Wines Web: www.cassegrainwines.com.au Phone: 08 8383 0186 Web: www.leconfieldwines.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.talismanwines.com.au Colmar Estate Web: www.scarpantoniwines.com Phone: 0419 977 270 Morgan Simpson Wines/Songvaar P/L Thompson Estate Email: [email protected] Trinity Hill NZ Phone: 0417 843 118 Phone: 08 9755 6406 Web: www.colmarestate.com.au Phone: +64 6 879 7778 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.morgansimpson.com.au Web: www.thompsonestate.com Cumulus Vineyards Web: www.trinityhill.com Phone: 1800 233 580 Shingleback Wine Windy Creek Estate Email: [email protected] NZ RECENT RELEASE Phone: 08 8323 9919 Phone: 08 9296 1057 Web: www.cumulusvineyards.com.au Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.shingleback.com.au Web: www.windycreekestate.com.au BEST OF THE WEST Zarephath Wines Highland Heritage Estate Aurum Wines Ltd NZ Phone: 08 9853 1152 Phone: 0409 867 698 Phone: +64 3 445 3620 Calneggia Family Vineyards Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 08 9368 4555 Web: www.zarephathwines.com Web: www.highlandheritageestate.com.au Web: www.aurumwines.co.nz Email: [email protected] Web: www.cfvwine.com.au SOUTHERN VICTORIA & Inner City Winemakers Bald Hills NZ TASMANIA Phone: 02 4962 3545 Phone: +64 3 445 3161 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.innercitywinemakers.com.au Web: www.baldhills.co.nz Castelli Group Bream Creek Vineyard Iron Gate Estate Loveblock Vintners Ltd (NZ) Phone: 08 9364 0400 Phone: 03 6231 4646 Phone: 02 4998 6570 Phone: +64 9 365 1471 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.castelliestate.com.au Web: www.breamcreekvineyard.com.au Web: www.irongateestate.com Web: www.loveblockwine.com Flowstone Brown Brothers Midnight’s Promise Estate Walnut Block Wines NZ Phone: 0487 010 275 (The Brown Family Wine Group) Phone: 02 9235 3947 Phone: +64 3 577 9187 Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 5720 5500 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.flowstonewines.com Email: [email protected] Web: www.midnightspromise.com.au Web: www.walnutblock.co.nz Web: www.brownbrothers.com.au Gilbert Wines Nashdale Lane Wines NORTH ISLAND NZ Phone: 08 9851 4028 Jack Rabbit Vineyard Phone: 02 6365 2463 Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 52512433 Email: [email protected] Batch Winery Partnership Ltd T/As Web: www.gilbertwines.com.au Email: [email protected] Web: www.nashdalelane.com Thomas Estate Web: www.jackrabbitvineyard.com.au Phone: +64 09 372 3223 Happs Wines PepperGreen Estate Email: [email protected] Phone: 08 9755 3300 Kings of Kangaroo Ground Phone: 02 4877 1070 Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 9712 0666 Email: [email protected] The Landing Wines Ltd NZ Web: www.happs.com.au Email: [email protected] Web: www.peppergreenestate.com.au Phone: +64 21 439 200 Web: www.kkg.com.au Email: [email protected] Heydon Estate Margaret River NEW RELEASES Web: www.thelandingvineyard.com Phone: 08 9755 6995 Leura Park Estate Vineyard Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 5253 3180 Burge Family Winemakers BEST BUYS Web: www.heydonestate.com.au Email: [email protected] (Wilsford Group PTY LTD) Web: www.leuraparkestate.com.au Phone: 08 8524 4644 Ulupna Winery Paul Conti Wines Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 9533 8831 Phone: 08 9409 9160 FLEURIEU & KANGAROO ISLAND Web: www.burgefamily.com.au Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.ulupnawinery.com.au Web: www.paulcontiwines.com.au Belvidere Winery Castelli Group Phone: 08 8363 2861 Phone: 08 9364 0400 Windy Creek Estate Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 08 9296 1057 Web: www.belviderewinery.com.au Web: www.castelliestate.com.au Email: [email protected] Web: www.windycreekestate.com.au Eisenstone Wines Phone: 0417 827 851 Email: [email protected] Web: www.eisenstonewines.withwine.com The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 97

aftertaste ELISABETH KING SCHNAPPS TO IT SOMEONE gave me a bottle of butterscotch stood still, of course, and also make whisky, reigns supreme as it has for decades, with schnapps for Christmas. To be honest, it gins and a seasonal cumquat liqueur. more than 500,000 sipping it regularly. Then took me a couple of months to open it as I it’s a long way down to second placegetter, don’t have a sweet tooth. A friend spotted As Dan Murphy’s website points out, the best Kahlua, with about 165,000 regular drinkers. the Wildbrumby label in my drinks collection schnapps in the world comes from Austria, Bracing Jagermeister comes in third. and said – “You know, this is really good”. Switzerland, Germany and France. One of the How right he was. The distillery in the Snowy best places to trial as many as possible within As you would expect there’s a gender divide Mountains has become a standard-bearer a relatively tight driving distance is the Tirol. between liqueur faves even though the total for this sweeter take on hard liquor, which is Craft distillers in the Austrian region have been of 1.5 million regular liqueur drinkers is almost especially popular in the US, Australia and making schnapps since the 18th century and evenly split between men and women. No the Netherlands according to data. 2500 of the local manufacturers boast permits surprises that men are the main drinkers of from the Empress Maria Theresa, mother of Jagermeister - 78.7 per cent compared to Sweet-flavoured schnapps such as peach France’s ill-fated queen, Marie-Antoinette. 21.3 per cent of women. But there’s a much became a bit of a craze in the US and Australia smaller gap when it comes to Baileys - women in the mid-1980s. In a single year from 1984 Schnapps is tailor-made for cold weather at 58.1 per cent and men at 41.9 per cent - and to 1985, De Kuyper Original Peachtree sales and the Tirol’s mountainous landscape was Kahlua - women at 57.7 per cent and men at in the US zoomed from 85,000 to one million fertile ground to develop the art. A few years 42.3 per cent. cases. The Dutch stalwart also had three other ago, I toured the Tirol Schnapps Route which varieties of schnapps in the US top 10 - Original takes you past dozens of artisan distilleries. Older drinkers tend to be loyal to one brand, Apple Barrel, Peppermint and Mountain The locals are very friendly and eager to tell but Gen Z imbibers aged 18 to 24 consume Strawberry. The on-going success of many you details that the area processes 5 million two or more brands in an average four-week of the same varieties is confirmed by a quick kilos of fruit every year to produce hand-crafted period, says Roy Morgan. And together with look at the shelves at Dan Murphy’s, where schnapps. Names to search out include Millennials, they are far more likely to drink peppermint, butterscotch, peach and apple Schnappsbrennerei Rochelt in Fritzen and cocktails, representing the sweet spot for the schnapps still hold sway over 50 bottlings on Feindestillerie Kossler in Stanz. leading liqueur and schnapps brands, notes offer and De Kuyper Peach and Butterscotch the researcher. schnapps routinely garner 5 star reviews. Germany’s Black Forest is another bucket list destination for schnapps lovers. Located Circling back to Wildbrumby, the brand is a Following my late discovery, I have been within its 6000 square kilometre expanse, you’ll fusion of Austrian and Australian expertise. Co- enjoying butterscotch schnapps in different find about 14,000 licensed distilleries making founderBradSpauldingwasrearedintheNSW ways. Sipping over ice, spooned over schnapps from apples, plums, raspberries, and Victorian fruit belt and met his Austrian ice-cream and adding it to coffee and hot pears and many other fruits. Many operate wife, Monika Landegger, while working as a chocolate. Not too much, though, because in the half-timbered houses the region is ski instructor in Kitzbuhel. Her family have most are 15 to 21 per cent alcohol by volume renowned for. To make a day of it without driving distilled schnapps for many generations and or stronger. Martini-like cocktails and shooters too far, head for Oberkirch on the western side Brad beefed up on the Austrian tradition before are also among the most popular ways to of the forest which is home to 800 distilleries. the couple opened Wildbrumby in 2005. enjoy its sweet flavour, notably in layered The Distillery Gruner Baum has been owned shooters where it sinks to the bottom of the by Johannes Muller-Herold’s family for 10 Sourcing their berries, stone fruit, apples glass because of its sugar content. generations. He has lived in Switzerland and and pears from Tumut, Batlow and the Snowy New Zealand and produces traditional and Mountains area, Wildbrumby has built up a Apart from Wildbrumby, Baker Williams contemporary flavours such as elderberry, cult following for their butterscotch schnapps, Distillery in Mudgee has also carved out chocolate and chilli. limoncello, apricot schnapps and Devil’s a strong reputation among Aussie makers Tongue - a silky schnapps made from pink lady of butterscotch schnapps. The company If you are really pushed for time, make a apples and infused with fresh chilli and herbs. was founded and is named after its owners, beeline for Schoellmann’s Bar & Kitchen in As good with fresh oysters as it is lending a husband-and-wife team Nathan Williams and Offenburg. There’s nothing old world about kick to a hot chocolate on a wintry evening. Helen Baker. Following careers in corporate this modern, sleek venue, but the vast terrace jobs in the US and Australia, the couple offers panoramic views of the countryside decided to set up their enterprise in 2011 after and you can choose from a huge lineup of Nathan had honed his distilling skills. locally-made schnapps. Baker Williams first product was butterscotch Australians are also keen liqueur drinkers, schnapps and it was a hit from day one. Many reports Roy Morgan Research. More than fans think it is the best version of the trendy 8 per cent of Australian adults - 1.5 million liquor on the market. Nathan and Helen haven’t people - down at least one liqueur in the average four weeks. Baileys Irish Cream With all the uncertainty that the current situation brings we put forward the following tastings for the next issue. n e x t i s s u e : With the help of the wine industry (and our desire to help them) we hope to bring you the following; Sweet Whites & Fortifieds, Inland Rivers, Organic Wines, Emerging & Alternative Varietals, Adelaide Hills, World’s Greatest Shiraz Challenge, South Island (NZ), Gin, Vodka & Whisky. An amazing line up that we hope you will enjoy. 98 W I N E S TAT E May/June 2020