(2024) Dry, gentle aromatics, becomes quite smoky and nutty, a peppery quality. Fruit is about prunes and fresher glimpses of blackcurrant. It is moving into a faded, slightly rancio character but really enjoyable. Possibly a blend of Shiraz and Touriga Nacional.
(2023) There are quite a few Australian Chardonnays at around the £10 mark in UK supermarkets, often on promotion to nearer £8, and I dare say this new brand from Château Tanunda might be one of their rank. It is, however, one of the better ones I have tasted too: only 12.5% alcohol, not too sweet, with nicely judged oaking. Aromas are of crushed oatmeal and almon, a ripe and nutty Cox's pippen fruit beneath, just hinting at something more tropical. In the mouth medium bodied and fresh thanks to that low alcohol and decent acidity, the fruit staying nicely edgy - more lemon and ripe apple than tropical - through to the finish.
(2023) Like its Chardonnay white wine partner in Waitrose, I really did like this Shiraz on a quality/price ratio, and thought it a little bit better than a whole swathe of big brand Aussie wines that hover around the £10 mark in supermarkets. There's a hint of dry, bloody and iron-filings strictness on the nose, but that merges with copious black berry fruits and the support of some toasty and charry oak. In the mouth that sweet fruit wins through, juicy and blackcurranty, with nicely judged tannins, a brisk line of acid and warming oak to finish.
(2022) A side project from a winemaker at Casella (Yellowtail and other brands), 60% Durif. Big, powerful aromatics, crammed with aromas that are jammy and fruity, high-toned and spicy. The sweet black fruit on the palate is plush, and there's a dollop of residual sugar too, adding to the smooth, crowd-pleasing creaminess and sweetness that this wine is all about. You'll love it or hate it.
(2022) The blend explains the name: even for the Murray River region (home to Andrew Peace wine) where everything is grown, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo with Italian relative obscurity, Sagrantino, is indeed out of the ordinary. There's quite a mature feel to this 2020 already, mellow and autumnal berries and a touch of drying leaves on the nose, then a sweet, smooth, quite silky palate of ripe fruit. Not particularly long and the acid is a touch harsh, but interesting and decent value.
(2022) A basically alcohol-free sparkling wine made mostly from ripe Chardonnay grapes, with the alcohol removed by the 'spinning cone' process. The bubbles are modest and dissipate fairly quickly. The aromas are quite classically Chardonnay, with a slightly buttery citrus character. In the mouth lots of apple flavour, grapey, with some sweetness but a drier citrus finish. A refreshing drink for those avoiding alcohol.
(2020) The label states this is "certified 21 years old", though there's a good chance some of the components in the blend are even older. It's a fabulous fortified wine, mellowed by those two decades plus in barrels, but with a cut and orange zest brightness that is rarely found in similar European styles. There is a depth of cappucino, chocolate and rum-soaked raisins on the nose and palate, and a little volatile lift. That heart-warming fruitcake richness, sweetness and walnutty sheen of age is all there on the palate in a striking and delicious wine. Fabulous stuff, price for a 50cl bottle. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas.
(2015) Partner to the Verdelho also reviewed, this pours a medium to pale, earthy red and has autumnal, rhubarby aromas that are authentically Pinot. In the mouth it is light and spicy, though perhaps a little thin, a little lacking in fruit weight and texture. A reasonable rendition of Pinot, but not a great one. 83/00,
(2010) 13.5%, South-East Australia, Screwcap. Pleasantly buttery and creamy nose, a touch of nutty Cox's pippin fruit. The palate has a touch of sweetness, but flavour drops away quickly into a slightly watery finish.
(2010) 14.0%, Screwcap. Smoky, spicy nose, with a slightly too developed character, but some black fruit is in there. On the palate this has soft fruit and more spice, and offers quite a decent mouthful of wine at the price, with a bit of length too. Don't hang around to drink it though.
