Back once again with another mixed box. They just keep coming! Hahaha. I liked a lot about this one – not often I get to try a Chardonnay from Coonawarra… two rieslings, and three different reds – including one from Argentina, in one sitting.
RedHeads Harmonie Rox Chardonnay 2021
A Chardonnay from Coonawarra – usually home of the big, bold reds, but today brings a single vineyard, Mendoza-clone Chardonnay. A pale green-gold in the glass, with an attractive nose filled with meyer lemon, pear, quince, chestnut, white peach and a yeasty, oatmeal character. Tight and austere on the mid-weight palate, although this loosened its grip after a few minutes opening up in the glass. An excellent, salty acidity pushes the wine on. There’s a lees-influenced texture that is just the right side of creamy, and rounds out a lovely balanced, well-crafted white wine. 93pts
Split Rock Riesling 2021
From the Nelson region in New Zealand. A bright lemon colour, showing a real zing and burst of aromatics. Apricot, fennel, lychee, lime, wet stone and ginger on the nose. Off-dry and medium bodied – the slight sweetness balances the crisp acidity, leaving the palate clean and fresh. The fruit widens into a more tropical spectrum, showing pineapple and melon. A subtle minerality also shows, with hints of wet stone and chalk. The finish is full and refreshing. 89pts
Kilikanoon Mort’s Block Watervale Riesling 2020
A classic Clare Valley Riesling in style – bone dry and mineral-laden with a lean, bracing acidity. The nose is quite restrained, with lemongrass, dried pineapple, green apple, lime sherbert, grapefruit and a light floral note. Light and pithy, the buoyant acidity giving immense drive and energy to this young wine. The finish stays tart and tense, with a quartzy mineral element in the lingering finish. 91pts
16 Little Black Pigs Shiraz 2021
A South Australia wine – made from their signature grape, in the signature style. A dark purple in the glass, with a perfume that’s ripe and plush. Brimming with plum, bramble, black pepper, cherry compote and a distinctive medicinal, eucalypt note on the nose. Rich and plump with great fruit, underlined with toasty oak and the right amount of acidity to keep those flavour flowing through the palate. A bold, full and plush finish. 90pts
Opi Malbec 2021
From Argentina – labelled ‘Opi aka Rodolfo Sadler’. Varietally pure Malbec, with signature notes of liquorice, boysenberry, pepper and plum and cloves on the nose – alongside some blackberry, violets and mocha. Supple tannins, integrated acidity and smoky, spicy oak form the core, with a silky smooth texture rounding the palate out. Some savoury, umami nuances and a little green herbal mint adds to the interest. An easy to like, straightforward ‘quaffable’ bold, dry red with a swagger and style. 90pts
Orange Grove Merlot 2021
From the Valencia region in Spain, in a modern, bright and fruit-forward style. Merlot’s easy-going soft charm in evident on the nose – lush and fruity, with plum, menthol, green capsicum, cherry, white pepper, and cassis. Rounded and balanced, with acidity, oak and fruit in a soft, approachable harmony. The tannin is really supple, slightly spicy and attractive as well. I can see this working for a lighter, succulent red at a summer BBQ. 88pts
