Winter (if you can really call it that) is almost upon us. And it is time to start looking at digging out a few reds from the cellar, or popping down to Corker Cellars to grab a bargain or three.
We are well and truly spoiled for choice in Australia, with high quality winemaking across all our regions. Competition is high, and that means the consumer (you), have never had it so good. Listed below, you will find some lovely soft textured and easy drinking wines, some medium-bodied offerings, and also fuller bodied beauties, perfect for the winter months ahead. Most of these wines have been blind-tasted in respected wine shows around the country, and are guaranteed to deliver on quality and value.
- RockBare McLaren Vale Shiraz 20 $19.99
Superb sweet perfumed black fruit bouquet – delicate and fresh. Palate is jam-packed with soft ripe flavours and has a lovely mouth-filling texture. A very classy number.
- John’s Blend Individual Selection 2013 Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon $34.99
John Glaetzer was Wolf Blass’ right-hand man for many years. This is his personal venture.
35 months maturation in French hogheads, the wine is full of cassis fruit and big tannins. Will cellar for decades, but who can wait? Hard to find on the Goldie… but available at Corker Cellars.
- West Cape Howe Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2014 94 pts J/H $16.99
Excellent colour and stacks of red currant flavours, and nicely wrapped in French oak. How do they do it for the price? This producer had 5 wines listed in James Halliday’s TOP 100 wines recently. All available now at Corker Cellars.
- Wirra Wirra Catapult McLaren Vale Shiraz 2015 95 pts J/H $25
Another Halliday TOP 100 wine. This Shiraz is from the big boy’s school, armed to the teeth with black fruits, bitter chocolate and tannins, all lined up in military precision. 10 years in the cellar would only see it improve.
- Yangarra McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014 95 pts J/H $24.99
The 2013 was one of my picks from last year, and the 2014 is even better! Unmistakably McLaren Vale with its black fruits and dark chocolate notes. Gorgeous texture, with perfect natural acidity, has me coming back for more. Biodynamic producer adds to the charm.
- JJ Hahn ‘Reginald’ Barossa Valley 2013 Shiraz Cabernet $19.99
The blend that defines Australia, this is the epitome of the Great Australia Red. Soft and fleshy, but firm, with an explosion of fruit and flavour by blending the two varieties. My go-to BBQ red.
- Jack Estate Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $19.99
Generous and full-bodied wine, rich in dark berry fruits. The smooth, velvety tannins are complemented by balanced French oak, which leads to a long and harmonious finish. Classic Coonawarra.
- Catalina Sounds Pinot Noir 2015 $22.99
Silken and elegant, with lovely raspberry and cherry flavours, with dried herbs in the background. Medium-bodied, the palate is finely structured and velvety in texture before soft lingering tannins carry the flavours to a sustained finish with supportive fresh acidity.
- Villa Maria Hawkes Bay Organic Merlot 2014 $16.99
BioGro certified. Bright berry fruit, plum and spicy cedar notes dominate the nose, and lead into a smooth and generous palate, featuring supple tannins and harmonious oak integration.
10. Kaesler Barossa Valley ‘The Bogan’ Shiraz 2013 $49.99
The Kaesler family were pioneers who settled in the Barossa Valley in the 1840’s. They planted their first vines in 1893. Today, from these ancient, dry grown vines, they produce this iconic wine. Dark garnet in colour, with full ripe plums, black cherries and savoury spice on the nose. This wine will have a long future.
By Alfie Pardoe
(May-Aug2017)
