Closure Type: Crown Cap

(2019) A fair example of the new approach to Australian Chardonnay this, from Coonawarra, yet 12.5% abv suggests early picking (though it is possible some alcohol reducing technology was used too - who know?). The nose is about citrus and rosy red apple, a little touch creamy richness, but fairly brisk and straightforward. In the mouth there is a dollop of sweetness: it's a dry wine because of the acid balance, but there's no missing the hit of residual sugar. Fruit verges on the tropical but always stays lemony and firm.

(2018) A low alcohol blend of Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, St Laurent and Blaufränkisch, I guess this would count as a 'Pet Nat', a trendy new term for gently sparkling 'natural' wines and this has the credentials: biodynamic, closed with a beer bottle crown-cap and with only 10.5% alcohol. It is only gently effervescent, the colour lovely ruby/pomegranate red, with delicate strawberries and cream aromas. In the mouth the frizzante style gives a lively edge to crisp and flavourful red berry fruit, a hint of sweetness swept up in lovely, clear apple core dry acidity. Delightful.

(2018) From the Thistledown Wines team, a Grenache (well, with around 10% Mourvèdre) that marches to a different beat from it beer-bottle style 50cl container to its crown cap. Inside is a heart-warming an gluggable red, perfumed with violet, raspberry and blackcurrant, and filling the mouth with sweet and easy-going fruit. The perfect barbecue companion.  Watch the video for more information.

(2016) From a blend of all of the McLaren Vale vineyards used by Jauma, if the name conjures up delicacy and transparency, well that's not quite the case, but the wine, aged in neutral barrels, is a bright and more easily approachable in style, with a supple, velvet texture and big mouthful of crushed berries and fine herbs, the talcumy tannins adding to the seduction.

(2016) A natural wine with minimal sulphur, long skin contact and closed with a beer bottle-style crown cap. Clear, yellow colour, fresh orchard fruits, clean but not hugely aromatic, still a pleasing orange and sprightly Cox's pippin fruitiness. Long and tangy, this has plenty of crunch and zipping acidity, and is a fine alternative Sav Blanc from New Zealand.