McPherson Aquarius Sangiovese 2021
Backed by the migrants from Europe, looking for a taste of home, varietals like Sangiovese have found a good following in Victoria. This example comes from the McPherson winery in Nagambie, Central Victoria. A New World take on an Old World classic – this is a medium-bodied dry red with that lovely un-polished rustic edge (and energy) so typical of the grape. A fine balance of acidity and tannin form the core. Flavours of cherry, blackcurrant and plum meet more savoury hints of woody herbs and baked earth, which flow into a dry, lingering finish. 90pts
Angove Bin 273 Pinot Grigio 2024
Angove Family Winemakers is a fifth-generation family owned and operated winery with organic vineyards in McLaren Vale, South Australia. A light straw-coloured wine with bags of crisp lime, satsuma, pear, ginger and freshly cut grass in the perfume. Quite light to taste, with a vibrant energy and juice on the palate. Lively acidity punches those citrus flavours forward. A fuzzy viscosity in the texture adds personality and interest towards the back of the palate.The finish is clean and mouth-watering. A solid lunchtime wine or aperitif option. 88pts
Pikes Wilfred’s Block Clare Valley Cabernet Shiraz 2021
A bright dark ruby colour in the glass. The bouquet shows redcurrant, cherry, blueberry and cassis, with a bon-bon sweetness and jewel-like quality. The palate is medium bodied, driven by a keen line of acidity that brings the lovely, glossy fruit flavours to the fore. A fine balance of toasty oak and ripe tannin also gives a firm spine to the wine. Four years old, it is drinking well now, but you could certainly expect this to develop more complexity if cellared for a few more years. 91pts
Edizione Limitata Numerata Numero 3 Particella 21 Chianti 2022
It has a bouquet filled with raspberry, morello cherry, redcurrant, thyme, clove and a floral lift of dried rose petal and fresh violets. Medium-bodied and with a mouthwatering line of crisp acidity, the flavours in the palate are a reflection of the perfume. Both expressive and elegantly structured, the tannins are supple and chalky, giving the wine a firm spine. The red fruits are ripe and plush, but you’ll also find a little tomato leaf, tart cranberry and toasted spice as accents towards the back of the palate. There is a sneaky length to the dry finish, with pepper and cinnamon also showing. 91pts
Il Papavero Primitivo 2023
The south of Italy is a goldmine of big, bruising reds, with Primitivo (which means ‘early ripening’) as the pin-up poster star. This is an Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) level wine from Puglia, down in the ‘heel’ of Italy. IGT designates a wine produced within a specific geographical area, to specific regulations. A deep, inky ruby colour in the glass. The bouquet has blueberry, blackberry, liquorice, black pepper and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, with smooth tannins and a richness to the palate. Relatively spicy – that pepper is quite obvious – but the texture keeps things in a warm swaddle. Another great winter warmer. 90pts
Thistledown Gorgeous Old Vine Grenache 2022
Grenache is THE on-trend varietal coming out of South Australia at the moment, with producers like Thistledown championing the grape. The wine is a very pale, translucent magenta colour in the glass, but packs a vivid aromatic punch. Raspberry, pomegranete and strawberry fruits shine in a palate that is light and agile, but has supple tannin and juicy acidity. Further in, through layers of toasted spice and a wisp of tannin, you’ll find a smooth, soft texture that coats the tongue. Crisp, dry and with a good length on the finish. 91pts
