The discovery and adventures continues with my dive into the Laithwaites catalogue of wines from around the globe. Although, to be fair, I’m staying closer to home with this six-pack. Half of these wines also featured in the Australian class of our Winefolio Top 10 Tasting of ‘Single Varietal reds’ which means they are amongst the ten best that we tasted for that session.
As usual, they offer a money-back guarantee – so although I can offer some opinion and guidance, you should try out a few things that are new to you – just as I’m doing. We start with a couple of whites, then into Aussie reds.
Split Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2022
From Seifried in Nelson – showing that uniquely splashy aromatics of the local Sauvignon Blanc. Grapefruit, gooseberry, green apple and passionfruit, with a dash of blackcurrant cordial. Dry, bold and zesty with lots of citrus in the palate – lemongrass and fennel, with a saline minerality. A great fruit-driven style, carried on a wave of acidity and with a real tang to the finish. 89pts
Benson Hall Mt Benson Pinot Gris 2021
Light, delicate but varietally pure aromatics of nashi pear, ginger, red apple, nectarine and honeysuckle. Light to mid-weight and with a dash of acidity to pump things along. The texture is the best thing on show here – supple, plump and with a creme fraiche edge to it. Good juice and a great texture will see this a winner on the lunch table. 88pts
Richard Hamilton Lot 148 Merlot
You know it is Merlot. That’s good. It is plummy, plush and velveteen, soft and easy-going. Textural and delicious with a swagger and balance. There is some big oak here, but great tannin too. “A red wine-drinkers wine”. As savoury as it is sweet and ripe – venison, bramble, charcuterie, fruit coulis. Easy to like. 91pts
Lake Breeze Chapel Road Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Deep colour and similarly dark, black-fruited aromatics. Tobacco, woody herbs, bitter chocolate and violets florals on the nose. Bright, with a green-edged acidity and big grippy tannins. At first the phenolics are edgy, with the tannin not quite in tune with the cedary oak and the cassis-tinged fruit. Better on day 2, with plenty of air through the wine, and showing a dry, lengthy palate and smoother finish. 91pts
Russell & Suitor ‘Franca’s Vineyard’ Grenache 2021
A needly, sharp, pointed edge to the classily perfumed nose here. Cherry, menthol, orange peel, red liquorice, cranberry and spice. Bloody and tart with a zing of acidity and both parts sweet and savoury, dry and lush to the palate. Fabulous tannin, flexible and fine, wrapping around the fruit and with excellent length and texture. 92pts
Peter Lehmann ‘The Pastors Son’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
A Cabernet sauvignon, another modern-classic Barossa wine. A nose that is packed with super ripe fruit, with blackberry and redcurrant in the lead, then chocolate, smoked chorizo, Christmas cake and pencil shavings. Dry, with lovely, svelte tannins and more of that bright, plush fruit bleeding through the palate. Firmly concentrated and persistant, with a sleek texture and an abundance and intensity to the long finish. 93pts
